August 13 2025 The Blenheim Sun

We’re here to

Advertising:

Sales Manager

Simon Byrne 021 706 936 simon@blenheimsun.co.nz

Sales Executive

Katrina Whiteside 0274 304 460

Fashion designer’s national win a scrolling surprise

By Paula Hulburt

It was only by chance that a young fashion designer discovered she had won a prestigious national award.

Marlborough Girls’ student

Emily Pitcon, 16, won the Otago Polytechnic ID Dunedin Sustainability Excellence Award 2025.

But the talented designer initially thought she had missed out after coming second in her chosen category, From the Earth.

gories.

The self-taught designer said her winning dress, which features a hand-woven flax bodice, was inspired by a simple flax bracelet she had made last year.

“I thought why not go bigger and bolder,” she explained.

The senior technology student said her original design was of a dress made entirely of flax.

She changed the design to feature a colourful square draped skirt. “It uses the same weaving technique but with fabric.”

ecutive a Sampson 021 201 8590 rebecca@blenheimsun.co.nz

Editor: Paula Hulburt 027 280 1885

katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz paula@blenheimsun.co.nz

classifieds@blenheimsun.co.nz accounts@alliedpress.co.nz

Phone: 5777 868

72 High Street. Blenheim ww.blenheimsun.co.nz

Follow the Blenheim Sun on

Marlborough’s favourite read.

Scrolling through results later, Emily said she was stunned to see her name published as the winner of another section.

“I thought that was it and went back to watching TV with mum. It was only later that I went back to have a look who’d won the Sustainability Award that I saw my name.

“I started to cry; I was quite emotional.”

The Hokonui fashion showcase was established in 1988 and is the longest-running fashion design awards of its kind in NZ

Emily was the first student from MGC to win an award in this competition. Eighteen colleges across the country were entered into the student section of the fashion show.

Marlborough Girls’ College had 15 garments selected to show across a variety of cate-

The finished dress, which Emily will keep once it’s returned from Dunedin where it is on display, took her five months to finish. She used flax growing around the school.

But there were times when she didn’t think she could do it, she explained.

“The day before it was due to be sent I sewed for 12 hours straight, taking only half an hour break and then I did another six hours at school.

“I kept telling myself if I got it done then good things would come.”

Emily, who moved to Marlborough in 2019 from Golden Bay, taught herself to sew by hand when she was 7-years old.

When she got a sewing machine for her 10th birthday she discovered how much she liked to make her own clothes. Both her mum and grandmother sew

too, she said.

“I want to thank all the people who helped me along the way. I wouldn’t have learned to do it properly otherwise and I will always be grateful.

“I want to give credit to the

people who taught me and inspired me. My goal was to learn about Māori culture and weave it into my design without trying to claim it as my own.” Emily won $1,000 for her combined awards.

Marlborough Girls’ College student and winning fashion designer Emily Pitcon with the prototype of her winning design.

Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Police praised for success in aging station

By Paula Hulburt

Blenheim Police have been praised for their achievements as they grapple with the difficulties of working from an aging station.

New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Casey Costello was given a whirlwind tour of Blenheim on Thursday.

She joined New Zealand First List MP Jamie Arbuckle, speaking with Grey Power members, staff at Wairau Hospital’s birthing unit and with senior police bosses.

The former Detective Sergeant and Vice-President of the Police Association said she was impressed with all officers were achieving in Marlborough.

“What they are achieving is just incredible. A very effective team having positive interactions and that’s good to see.

“Consistently, as I’ve been around the country, people would of course like brighter, larger, new police stations.

“But there are challenges across the board with government properties being worn down and that’s a lot of challenges.”

In 2018, remedial works to remove part of Blenheim Police Station identified as having potential seismic issues got underway.

Staff housed in that part of the

Police Station were relocated to nearby Rangitane House.

But cramped conditions at the station saw staff stay in what were initially supposed to be temporary offices.

Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said the two-storey structure added to the rear of the original building in 1996 was demolished in 2018.

Staff were working in other buildings close by, he confirmed.

“Blenheim Police staff currently work out of the existing Police station at 8 Main Street, as well as offices at Rangitane House and at 12 Main Street.”

In 2024, the Police Association said many buildings, including Blenheim Police Station, were a health and safety risk.

Police had briefed Police Minister Mark Mitchell about the “significant financial and infrastructure challenges”.

A budget investment strategy has been proposed.

Jamie said the site visit was valuable to see the situation

Police are currently working in and understand the issues Police are facing.

“Since the meeting I have discussed this with Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and there will be a future meeting in Wellington that I’m helping to organise.”

Sun The

July’s soggy start

Weather data summary for July 2025 from the Blenheim Meteorological station shows July 2025 was very wet and overcast, with nine days recording less than 1 hour of sunshine. Temperatures were above average particularly in the first half of the month. There were 10 ground frosts and Blenheim recorded 137 hours of sunshine which was 84 per cent of July’s Long-Term Average. 105.8mm of rain were recorded, 158 per cent of July’s long-term average (LTA).

July 2022 recorded the highest ever monthly rainfall for Blenheim (220.6mm).

New bylaw

Marlborough is taking steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future with the introduction of Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2025 from 1 September 2025. Council’s Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said it was an important step to diverting reuseable products away from landfill.

The bylaw also gives Council better tools to deal with litter and nuisance relating to waste.

Award winners

Picton-based Beachcomber Cruises have been named Best Small Operator of the Year by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand.

The family-owned business was nominated by industry peers. Destination Marlborough General Manager Tracey Green said it was a fantastic achievement and great to see the calibre of Marlborough operators recognise nationally.

PETER RAY BLENHEIM DOES IT AGAIN!

New Zealand First List MP Jamie Arbuckle with Cabinet Minister Casey Costello in Blenheim. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

inbrief Sun

The

Havelock treatment plant

Council has signed a contract with Apex Water Ltd to build a temporary ultraviolet (UV) treatment plant in Havelock. Once installed and running, the town’s boil water advisory will be able to be lifted.

Richard Coningham, Infrastructure and Services Manager, said it was a great step forward.  “If all goes to plan, we’ll be able to lift the boil water advisory by mid to late September.”

Purrfect outcome

Annie the Marlborough Four Paws cat who was featured in last week’s Blenheim Sun has been adopted. The friendly tuxedo cat was adopted on International Cat Day on Friday. Enjoy your new home Annie.

Double recognition for art inspired by family

By Paula Hulburt

Capturing those who mean the most to him on canvas has been a winner in more ways than one for a Marlborough artist.

Ben Tolmie has received both local and national recognition for two recent works of art - one of his daughter the other of his best friend.

Both works of art were special to him, Ben said.

“Watching my daughter play in the water in such an amazing scene just really touched my heart and inspired me to take that feeling and create something amazing from it.”

Dancing with Nature is a portrait of his daughter Zohar playing in the water at Moetapu Bay beach one winter’s morning. It won a merit award at the Academy Art Prize for Visual Art in Wellington.

“We both feel excited that this painting got an award and she [Zohar] loved that I did a big painting of her!”

Days later, Ben’s painting, Aaron and Ruru, saw him chosen for another merit award at the opening night of the Marlborough Art Society’s Annu-

al Members Exhibition last week.

“I picked Aaron for that painting as he is my best friend and my inspiration for being a full-time artist,” he said.

“This painting was done solely with an airbrush and took about seven weeks to complete.

“Aaron was part of the process to take the reference images and pick out the one that he liked the most and he was amazed at the result.”

Ben said it was a winter’s walk with his daughter which had inspired Dancing with Nature.

“The painting is painted with an airbrush and paint brushes in acrylic.

“I am also an oil painter but absolutely love my airbrush which I used for most of the painting. Most of the background and water, with my brushes for the details on Zohar and to help get the texture and detail on the beach in the foreground.”

“I just happened to be with my daughter a month before she started school. The water was absolutely stunning like glass and she ran down to

play in it and ended up dancing through the water, despite it being freezing!

“The ripples were epic and I snapped a picture of it and was the inspiration for this painting.”

Dancing with Nature is on display at the Taikina Exhibition Centre in Wellington and Aaron and Ruru can be seen at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery and Studio until 24 August.

Two more of Ben’s paintings can also be seen at the 8 Go to Town exhibition on at 5-Tapped.

Artist Ben Tolmie with his work Dancing with Nature. Photo: Supplied.

Ben Tolmie with his work Aaron and Ruru. Photo: Supplied.

Vintage Car Club rallies to support Daffodil Day

By Paula Hulburt

When it comes to raising money for a good cause, Vintage Car Club Marlborough members are again ready to go full throttle.

The Blenheim based club are getting set for their popular annual display of new, classic and vintage cars to support Cancer Society NZ’s Daffodil Day.

The club’s 280 members have been polishing fenders and making sure their vintage cars shine in time for the show at the end of the month.

Organiser Chris Bird says the display at Bradshaw Park is open to all car owners who can enter their car for just $5.

There’s been a lot of interest, he said.

“It’s hard to say for sure until people show up on the day but in the past we’ve had about 200 cars on display.

“It’s always a great day with a huge range of cars to see.”

Chris joined the club at 17 years old. He’s passed his love of classic cars onto his two sons.

He hopes younger people will take the chance to join the club too.

“It would be brilliant to get younger members involved. Our

average age is 70 and the problem is that as members get older they find it difficult to drive and don’t bring their cars out as much.

“Our youngest member is 14 years old, the granddaughter of one of our current members. This fascination often gets passed down through the generations.”

Chris said members of the club

were unanimous when they were deciding which organisation to support.

“It’s great to help a cause where all the money stays locally. We all know someone who’s been affected with cancer in some way.”

Running for eight years, the display has raised about $10,000 each time.

has helped organise the club’s annual display to raise money for Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day.

Music to their ears

Congratulations to MBC Jazz Band Funkasaurus Rex winning Gold and taking out the title of best Jazz Ensemble at the 2025 Southern Jam South Island Secondary Schools jazz band competition. Asher Gotty also took the award for Best Overall Soloist. Well done to Ariel Rofe who was selected as trumpet player and also Hugo Edsall on the saxophone for the All Stars Band.

Ferry farewell

This year, Ford NZ have joined as national sponsors, with McKendry Ford on board for Marlborough’s show.

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Daffodil Day Rally for Cancer takes place on August 24 between 10am and 3pm at Brayshaw Park. A gold coin is needed for entry.

Interislander ferry Kaiārahi is expected to return to service on Monday 18 August following scheduled dry-dock maintenance in Singapore. Freshly painted and with its hull cleaned, and a comprehensive maintenance schedule achieved, its return will mean Aratere can be retired.

Aratere’s final scheduled Cook Strait sailing will depart Picton at 11am on 18 August.

Vintage Car Club New Zealand Marlborough’s Chris Bird

Photo: Paula Hulburt.

All your community news now also on the Blenheim Sun Facebook page

Sister inspires author’s first published book

By Paula Hulburt

Since she was four-years-old Christabelle Grant dreamt of becoming a published author.

Growing up in a household surrounded by books, the now Rarangi-based writer always imagined seeing her name on the cover of a book.

And inspired by the sister she always looked up to, a book she started years ago has finally come to fruition.

Illustrated by Blenheim artist Debbie Godsiff, Orchestra Class is a 29-page story about a young girl called Genevieve.

“I always wanted to be Genevieve; she was and always will be the sunflower of my life,” Christabelle said.

“It [the book] literally took 15 minutes but then years to get to the point where I was happy to send it away”.

Now working for the Ministry of Education as an occupational therapist, Christabelle said her home is stacked with books, a testament to her creative childhood.

“When I was a kid, I was surrounded by books. Books in my bedroom, books down the hallways and books in my hands.

Every good thing - it came from a book.”

The illustrations include plenty of personal touches inspired by both Christabelle and Debbie’s lives. The black and white cat is a rendition of Debbie’s cat, a girl playing the violin is based on Freja, Debbie’s daughter.

As a pupil at Springlands School. Christabelle came fourth in a Joy Cowley writing competition when she was 10 years old. One of her teachers, Donas Ferrier-Ferguson was at the official launch of the book at Rarangi Community Hall on Saturday. Christabelle paid tribute to her for her encouragement.

“I was obsessed with words,” she laughed.

“I knew then I was going to be a published author one day – and the day has finally come.”

A chance conversation with a friend put her in touch with Debbie, Christabelle said. In a twist of fate, the pair discovered they had played together as young girls in the Marlborough Sounds.

“Fast forward several years, with Debbie pouring her talents onto the page and bringing the story to life - she is finally here, Orchestra Class, where two people’s dreams finally become a reality - one a published author, the other a published illustrator.”

Orchestra Class is available to buy at The Picton Bookshop, on Amazon and Ebay UK.

Christabelle and Debbie have kindly given the Blenheim Sun a copy of their book to giveaway to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance to win send your name and contact number to paula@ blenheimsun.co.nz to go into the draws. Closing date is 20 August.

Virtual After-hours Primary Health Care 24/7

Marlborough Primary Health is partnering with Practice Plus to provide virtual afterhours health care in Marlborough 24/7.

To access primary health care after 5pm on weekdays, all day at weekends and public holidays, simply phone your General Practice and you will be connected with a health professional who will talk to you about your symptoms and help book an appropriate appointment.

Virtual appointments are safe and effective for many health concerns and have been successfully treating thousands of people every year all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Prescriptions can be emailed directly to your nearest pharmacy for collection.

From 01 April 2025 Marlborough General Practices will have virtual appointment options through Practice Plus for after-hours care.

Tūhonotia te Hapori: Connecting Communities to Wellbeing

Author Christabelle Grant with sister Genevive Grant celebrate the launch of the children’s book inspired by Genevieve. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Charity begins at home for Stars performer

By Paula Hulburt

When Janice Thompsett takes to the stage, it will be her grandson Edison she thinks of and the charity which helped him thrive.

Set to perform as American music singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn in the upcoming Stars in Your Eyes show, Janice chose to support a charity close to heart.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Marlborough helped her much-loved grandson find his inner strength, she explained.

“I chose Riding for the Disabled Association Marlborough, because my grandchild Edison was born at 23 weeks and four days old.

“He was only 510 grams and because he was born so premature he had no core strength, even after coming home from Wellington after five months of NICU.

“To get that core strength he enrolled with Marlborough’s RDA, and it’s been so lovely to see him come from this fragile little thing and watch his progress – and they were so thrilled when I told them they were my choice.

“RDA was such an easy choice.”

One of nine performers to make the shortlist for the October show, Janice said she’s been involved in performing arts for many years.

“I’ve been involved in the performing arts a long time through highland dance originally, competing at 25 years of Country Music Awards across the country and at the Gold

Guitar awards, as well and being a sewing mother for my daughters’ productions.”

As a volunteer usher at the ASB Theatre in Blenheim, Janice said she had watched others perform in Stars in Your Eyes.

She added while she is looking forward to performing as the iconic country singer, performing in her hometown would be nerve wracking.

“…it’s always more nerve-wracking to perform in your hometown because you know the people in the crowd but I’m just aiming to have fun with the whole process.”

Being community-minded herself, Janice said naming the RDA as her chosen charity set to benefit if she won was a great way to help an amazing organisation.

“This is a lovely way to give back to something that’s given so much to my family and just tick off another way of helping.”

The prize money of first place - $1,000, second - $500 and third$250 will be donated to the winners’ selected charities.

The Fulton Foundation’s Stars in Your Eyes 2025 is on Saturday 11 October 2025 at 6pm. Buy tickets at the theatre or through eventfinder.co.nz

All profits will go directly back to the Arts in Marlborough via the Fulton Foundation.

Relaxing, dining or working...

Lean back for a new level of comfort with Stressless.

Janice Thompsett was inspired to support Riding for the Disabled Association Marlborough by her grandson Edison.

Photo: William Woodworth/Marlborough Weekly.

It is such a family friendly and accessible town, we can easily walk from home to school, to town and enjoy amazing community assets like our state-ofthe-art library, gallery, and theatre. Just a short car ride takes us from beaches to the rivers, to vines and beyond. It is a privilege to raise our children here and call this stunning region home.

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

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.

Barbaric actions

Dear Ed

Where are the outpourings of shock and horror at the plight of the hostages being starved to death and made to dig their own graves by these sadistic Islamist monsters?

All the suffering in Gaza lies at the feet of Hamas. Their actions are pure evil. In the words of U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, “if an ember survives it will spark into a fire”.

The Islamists have stated publicly that they will repeat their barbaric actions until Israel is eliminated. This runs contrary to our Government’s shameful stance. How can there be a “proportionate” response to the horrors of October 7th? Israel is fighting for its very survival. If Churchill had taken a similar stance during WWII Britain would have lost the war and our forefathers’ sacrifices would have been for nought.

June Auret Blenheim

It’s always the people for me. This is where strangers became friends, and friends became family. It’s where my roots took hold and grew. Now, I want to help others grow here too.

Dear Ed

I felt I had to write in support of Sounds Air.

A few weeks ago, I was booked to fly Blenheim - Wellington - Sydney. First leg on Air NZ and interline with Qantas to Sydney.

It was the day that the first storm hit. I left Picton early to ensure I got through on marginal State Highway 1.

Check in proceeded normally, and flight showed on time departure.

The flight from Wellington landed around 1:30pm but did not come to the terminal. It returned to Wellington for some reason.

A while later, Air NZ announced the flight had been cancelled.

I was not going to make my connection in Wellington. Air NZ staff were very casual about options - it was school holidays.

We were told that as it was a weather event, Air NZ was not responsible.

All expenses would have to be claimed on insurance if we had any.

A lady switched me to a Qantas flight out of Christchurch the following morning, at 06:00. I was told I was on my own to get to Christchurch.

Sounds Air had a flight leaving later that day and I secured the last seat. The flight proceeded without problem and we had a smooth flight.

I got talking with a couple of other passengers on the plane; they had also been in the cancelled Air NZ flight to Wellington, and were travelling on to Sydney with Air NZ.

Their Sounds Air flight and overnight accommodation was all paid for by Air NZ.

So why was I told that Air NZ wouldn’t assist me?

As a former Gold Elite and Gold member, I find this bizarre.

I had to book my own accommodation too.

The Qantas flight the following day went very well.

My return six days later was equally fraught.

The Qantas flight from Sydney to Wellington landed okay (in rain) and I transferred to domestic for the hop to Blenheim on Air NZ.

We boarded the late afternoon flight, and came within 100 feet of the runway which we could see out of the windows. But the flight was aborted and we returned to Wellington.

We were told while taxiing back to the terminal that there were also problems in Auckland, and Wellington airport was very busy.

I promptly checked online and booked a flight that evening to Christchurch (again last seat).

A night at the airport hotel, then taxi to the city centre to catch the 07:00 Intercity bus back to Blenheim the following day. All at my expense.

Sounds Air were still able to operate when Air NZ wouldn’t.

I would happily fly Sounds Air any time over Air NZ.

Please support our wonderful local airline. Note: My travel insurance paid out for the extra expenses.

Peter Somerville Picton

Tamsin Cooper

Ben Stace

Anteisha O’Connell

For me it’s the wide range of clever, creative and down-to-earth people we have here. Being able to talk to anyone, from any walk of life on the street is fantastic.

I live in Picton, and my favourite part of living here is definitely our caring community and beautiful backyard. I love that I live in a place where we are surrounded by a safe and close-knit community and have the ability to easily go out and adventure into the Sounds - especially if it’s for a dive.

Picton’s London Quay project favours reuse

If you’re planning a landscaping job at home keep an eye on Blenheim’s Dump Shop for recycled pavers from the London Quay project.

Work has begun to revitalise Picton’s much-loved waterfront strip to deliver a landscape refresh alongside essential infrastructure upgrades including streetlights, water main renewals and road resurfacing.

Project and Contract Manager Maighan Watson said Council was following a ‘dig once’ approach combining works under a single contract to minimise disruption to the CBD and local businesses.

As part of the project many of the elements are being either reused or recycled including the pavers which are being lifted and taken to the dump shop to be resold.

Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said reusing and recycling from such projects was a great initiative.

“It is about Council leading by

Contractors on London Quay removing the pavers for reuse example and helping reduce landfill, as we expect the community to do,” he said.

Ms Watson said recycling or repurposing materials is standard practice across projects.

“It’s important to minimise waste wherever we can and ensure responsible use of project funds,” she said.

Other recycled items from the site include concrete blocks, timber logs and plinths which have been delivered to Port Marlborough for safety

Short-term airport car park to reopen

Thirty-minute free parking will continue at Marlborough Airport, but charges for the short-term car park are changing.

Marlborough Airport’s short-term car park (pictured) has reopened with improvements to traffic flow, paving and the addition of an outdoor seating area. Contractors will continue works this month at the front of the terminal to widen the pedestrian footpaths.

Airport visitors should use the reopened short-term car park for pick-ups and drop offs. The two-minute drop off area is not for parking or leaving your vehicle unattended, said Marlborough Airport Chief Executive Dean Heiford.

“Half an hour of free parking allows ample time for passenger pick-up and drop off, and grabbing a coffee inside the terminal. There will be a new designated area inside the reopened car park for picking up and dropping off passengers that’s close to the entrance,” he said.

While both long and short-term car parks will continue to offer 30 minutes of free parking for airport users, the short-term car park will reopen with new tariffs (see table). Long-term parking rates remain unchanged, Mr Heiford said, except that the second hour’s charges begin after 90 minutes

improvements in the town basin.

The blue balustrades and street furniture, rubbish bins, seats and bollards have been removed for refurbishment and will be reinstalled either on site or at other locations in Marlborough. Asphalt millings will be recycled by contractor Fulton Hogan for use in future road resurfacing projects.

Any salvageable plants will be replanted in the Picton CBD while signage will be refurbished and reinstated.

instead of 60 minutes.

“Previously, if you stayed for 61 minutes, you’d be charged for two full hours. Now, you’re only charged for one hour, until the 90-minute mark.”

The change in fees for the shortterm car park is to ensure that

traffic keeps moving for pick-ups and drop offs, as well as provide more choices for airport users, Mr Heiford said.

The new car parking tariffs reflect market rates at other domestic airports in New Zealand and help to fund the airport’s infrastructure.

Candidates confirmed for elections

Sixteen candidates are standing for seven seats in the Blenheim Ward in Marlborough District Council elections in October.

But with only three people nominated for the WairauAwatere Ward and one for the Marlborough Māori Ward, there will be no councillor election in those wards.

Incumbent councillors

Scott Adams, Sally Arbuckle and Gerald Hope are elected unopposed in the Wairau-Awatere Ward while Allanah Burgess is elected unopposed in the Marlborough Māori Ward.

If you live in the WairauAwatere Ward, you still can vote for mayor and this year there are three candidates, Shaun Brown, Ni Fruean and the incumbent Nadine Taylor.

This year, we are required to run a binding poll to decide whether we retain our Māori ward beyond 2028, so all registered voters have the opportunity to vote on this matter.

Six people have put their names forward for the Marlborough Sounds Ward where three councillors are needed.

The candidates standing for Marlborough District Council in the October local elections are:

Mayor

Shaun BROWN (Money Free Party New Zealand)

Ni FRUEAN

Nadine TAYLOR

Blenheim Ward (7 councillors)

Cathie BELL

Tamsin COOPER

David CROAD

Deborah DALLIESSI

Brian DAWSON

Cyril DAWSON

Ni FRUEAN

Dominique GREENSLADE (Independent)

John HYNDMAN (ACT Local: Real Change. Lower Rates.)

Buks LUNDT

Nyara NYAJENA

Aimee PAYNE

Vish PRASAD

Thelma SOWMAN

Benjamin STACE

Bob WATSON

Marlborough Sounds Ward (3 councillors)

Greg BILLINGTON

Barbara FAULLS

Scott FULLER (Independent)

Raylene INNES

Anteisha O’CONNELL

Malcolm TAYLOR (ACT Local: Real Change. Lower Rates.)

Wairau-Awatere Ward (3 councillors/3 candidates so no election)

Scott ADAMS

Sally ARBUCKLE

Gerald HOPE

Marlborough Māori Ward (1 councillor/1 candidate so no election)

Allanah BURGESS

Elections are held by postal vote, beginning Tuesday 9 September and closing at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October and you must be enrolled at the right address to receive your voting papers.

Check your details online at www.vote.nz or phone 0800 36 76 56 for help.

*Previously, this charge was 30 to 60 minutes, with a new full hour charged after 60 minutes.

A life well lived

Picton stalwart Chris Higgs who passed in June proudly helped shape the town’s foreshore. His partner Wendy Lemberg talks to Paula Hulburt about the man whose vision brought happiness to many.

It was a shambling pile of crumbling bricks when Chris Higgs stopped in his tracks. The fenced off section was a mess; weeds wriggled through cracked stone and sun-bleached signs lay arched where they fell.

Instead of the closed-off skate and mini golf park, Chris on holiday with his wife Marie and their son, saw possibility. The co-owner of a successful mini golf park and go-kart business in Whanganui, he was immediately drawn to the site’s potential.

Wendy, his partner of 31 years, smiles as she recounts the story she happily heard many times. “He approached council here in Blenheim. They said it was strange timing as they’d just had a meeting about refurbishing the foreshore.

“He told them he would build the best mini golf they’d ever seen, and he did.”

Originally inspired by a trip to the USA, Chris returned to his them home of Whanganui and “got stuck in” Wendy says. “He was a stubborn man, very generous, kind and loving. Once he set his mind to something he always did it.”

Born in Featherston in 1945, Chris’s father was a Canon in the Anglican Church. The family moved to Whanganui when he was a child and he grew up there. A fencer by trade, he was never afraid of hard work, happy to pitch in and help wherever needed.

His sense of adventure and love of travel inspired him to start his first mini-golf park, Wendy explains.

‘He’s been to the USA on holiday and saw it in action there. He came back determined and just got on with it.”

After selling up and moving to Picton in 1991, Chris immediately started work on his dream attraction. With the help of a team of retired men who called themselves the A Team, the site was quickly cleared. The mini golf course in Picton today

was designed by Chris, Wendy explains. “He’d already designed it before moving down,” she laughs.

“He told them he would build the best mini golf they’d ever seen, and he did”

Chris’s layout is still there today, the clock tower in Seymour Square, Queen Charlotte Sound and the ball-hungry shark at the end of the course, still testament to his vision.

Nearby sits the merry-go-round he moved from its former fore-

shore location and refurbished. Across the decades, countless children have whirled around in delight on its galloping horses and swooping space rockets.

Even when stilled, the echoes of laughter long gone are somehow still heard, whispering memories of fun and freedom in their whirly wake.

‘He absolutely loved it,” Wendy says. “He used to go past and say, ‘there it is, there’s my mini golf’.

“The kids loved it [the merry go round] and for many years he only charged $1.50. We used to play too but not that often as we worked there so much.”

It was at Oxley’s where Wendy and Chris first met. Separated by

then, he asked Wendy to dance.

“He actually asked his friend to ask me,” she smiles. “I said I would, but only if he asked me himself.”

The pair had a lot in common; enjoyed travel, loved family and Chris was a great ukelele player.

Together they played in a group called Uks of Marlborough. They ran the mini-golf venture together until Chris sold up in 2001. They then bought a motor home and travelled around New Zealand.

“We were down in Central Otago and it was so, so cold. When we got home from there he turned to me and said, ‘what about going to Australia?’

“I said, what for two weeks and he said ‘no, how about a year?’ Within

a couple of months, we were gone. He was an adventurous man; he just got stuck in and got on with things.

“He did a parachute jump, he went paragliding. He loved to fish and one of his very favourite places was Elaine Bay, he loved it there.

“He was a young 79 years old.”

Here, Wendy pauses, the pain of losing Chris, of course still raw.

The much-loved dad, stepfather, granddad and great granddad died suddenly at home. Her recollections of happy times with him help, she says.

“I loved him dearly and he loved me. He liked to say that when he did go he’d have lived a good life, and he certainly did.”

Wendy Lemberg and Chris Higgs pictured together when they ran Picton’s Kiwi Golf.

Photo: Supplied.

Chris Higgs playing Mini Golf on the course he designed. Photo: Supplied.

Chris Higgs was a keen fisherman and Elaine Bay in the Marlborough Sounds was one of his favourite places in the world. Photo: Supplied.

Summerset Blenheim

Open Days

Summerset Blenheim is a growing village with a vibrant community. The village centre is underway, and once complete, will offer a range of fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities for you to enjoy.

A range of two-bedroom cottages are available with flexible pricing starting from $530,000*.

“Moving into Summerset Blenheim while I could, not when I had to, was the best decision. I feel secure, supported, and still independent, with a welcoming community and plenty to do. My family sees how much I’m thriving. If you’re considering a move, don’t wait!” ALLISON, RESIDENT AT SUMMERSET BLENHEIM

We know that moving to a retirement village is a big decision. So why not come along to our upcoming Open Days and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose.

Open Days

Every Thursday in August, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim

03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim

Marlborough memories recollected

By Paula Hulburt

From being tricked into trying a dry cow turd to witnessing an historic try, memories of a Marlborough childhood are being shared with the world.

John Mullinder shares his childhood recollections in his memoir Kiwi Roots: The Making of a New Zealander

Just released on Amazon, the book traces John’s formative years, mentioning many names and places Marlburians will be familiar with.

But the book began as a work of fiction, John explained.

“It gives you a bit more freedom or licence to say things you maybe wouldn’t say otherwise, and to give some privacy to people who are still living, family, for example.

“But I was persuaded to do a memoir instead. I had to do a lot of fact-checking to back up my memories and to set the scene historically.

“I am getting on in years and wanted to put my experiences down in writing.”

John’s father was an officer with the

Royal New Zealand Air Force based at Woodbourne during the 1950s.

Now living in Canada, memories of those early days, including his first crush, flooded back while writing, John explained.

“I developed my first crush on a girl at Renwick Primary.

“I scraped together my pittance of pocket money (three pennies) and placed them inside a matchbox and after school shyly handed it over.

“She opened it, glanced inside, murmured ‘thank you,’ and promptly walked away.

“I am not quite sure what I expected of her. At least she said, ‘thank you,’ but that was it. She probably ended up in the banking industry!”

Other memories he recounts include being knocked out by the largest kid in school (a girl) and being tricked into biting into a dried cow turd.

“My brother conned me into thinking it would taste just like apple pie,” he laughed. “He still teases me about it now.”

He describes the excitement of Louis Green’s try against the visiting British Lions at Landsdowne Park. He also recounts how he and his brother put spuds in the exhaust pipe of a scout master’s car one night.

“I am sure we were a real handful at times. But we were good kids. Mostly,” he said.

John was a journalist and researcher with Television New Zealand’s Eyewitness show. He also worked as a foreign correspondent for several international publications.

After leaving New Zealand in 1986, he has returned frequently, last visiting in 2023, spending a night in Blenheim on his way to Picton from Nelson.

Now he is planning a sequel to cover his Canadian experiences. “No more boots and bonnets. It’s hoods and trunks now,” he said.

Kiwi Roots: The Making of a New Zealander is available through Amazon on paperback and e-book and will shortly be available through other retailers.

Broadway comes to Blenheim

Broadway is coming to Blenheim thanks to the talents of a choir set to bring a touch of magic to town.

Members of Blenheim Choral are bringing Broadway Soiree to Church of the Nativity for two nights only.

The audience will enjoy music, song and food at a smaller, more bespoke venue.

From Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein to memorable moments from Les Miserables, enjoy an array of well known music and songs.

And for a special sparkle some of Blenheim’s most popular soloists will be performing- among them, Spencer Kingi, Iona Panoho and Gemma Amsler, overseen by renowned director Robert Tucker. The night promises to be a memorable one

and with limited seating and just two performances, book now to avoid missing out. Broadway Soiree is on Friday 29 at 7.30pm and Saturday 30 August at 2pm at Nativity Church Hall. Book your tickets through Eventfinda.

John Mullinder shares his childhood memories in his memoir Kiwi Roots: The Making of a New Zealander. Photo: Supplied.

Members of Blenheim Choral have been rehearsing for their upcoming Broadway-style performances. Photo: Supplied.

To dry inside or out, that’s the question

Do you hang your washing outside or dry them inside?

That’s the big question as many people lead busier lives and find it more convenient to put up clothes airer in front of the fireplace, or turn the drier on.

But where does the moisture from these freshly washed clothes actually go? And does it impact on our health?

A June 2017 Canstar Blue survey showed that 75% of New Zealanders have a clothes line, yet 20% of those admit to using a drier even when it was sunny outside.

EECA Energywise, the Government authority that promotes energy effiency, has stated on its website that the average drier load costs around $1, compared to free outside drying.

Unless the dryer vents to the outside, some of the moisture ends up in the house which in turn leads to humidity and mould.

Drying clothes outside keeps all that moisture out.

There are also health benefits to outside

drying; the ultraviolet in the sun’s solar radiation helps to kill bacteria and dust mites.

When should you hang out the washing?

Sunshine is the next most important factor. It takes energy to evaporate water, and the best source is direct solar radiation. Some energy will come from the long-wave radiation emitted from the ground, especially if the ground has been already warmed by the sun. Other energy is also conducted across from the ambient air temperature. However, the most significant source of energy is radiative energy direct from the sun.

Humidity is also important. The moisture in your clothes has to evaporate into the air, requiring it to be less than 100% relative humidity (saturated). The lower the relative humidity, the faster clothes will dry. Relative humidity is simply the amount of water vapour in the air, relative to how much vapour the air holds at saturation.

Wind is also very useful. On a still day, the air around your clothes can saturate, slowing down or even stopping evaporation. On a

windy day, the humid air is transported away, and fresh air below saturation brought in. Temperature is important, but not as important as humidity. A warmer day enables the air to hold more moisture, but if it is already saturated it won’t help. A cold, dry day will dry clothes faster than a warm humid day, especially if the clothes are in direct sunlight.

Tips for faster drying

Maximise the exposure to the sun and wind.

Consider where the sun will be during the day as well, as you want the clothes to be in full sun for as long as possible.

Try to maximise the surface area exposed to the wind and sun – for example try to avoid folding towels over, which halves their surface area.

Hang clothes so the thickest parts are at the top (e.g. the top of a pair of jeans), so water doesn’t collect at the bottom.

If you can open the zips and fastening you can increase the surface area, and also possibly channel the wind through the clothes better.

WITH THESE HEATING AND COST SAVING TIPS

Is your heat loss ‘through the roof’? Cover exposed windows

No matter how good your home’s fire or heatpump works, all of that much needed heat during winter can still be lost if you don’t have good quality insulation to keep the heat in during winter, and out during summer.

This makes your house easier and cheaper to heat properly, and more comfortable and healthy to live in.

The priority for insulating your home should be ceiling and underfloor, followed by walls, according to New Zealand website, energywise.govt.nz

How does ceiling insulation work? Hot air rises, so making most homes easier and cheaper to heat properly starts with good ceiling insulation.

If your home already has ceiling insulation, check that it hasn’t been damaged or moved during house repairs and that it is up to today’s standard.

It’s worth checking your insulation occasionally to ensure it is still working

effectively. It may never have been up to today’s standard, or may have been damaged by people working in the ceiling. If you can do it safely, get a step-ladder and peek through the hatch of your ceiling into your roof space to see if you have insulation.

You will need to add a top-up layer of insulation if your existing insulation:

• Is less than 12cm thick (it should be thicker than the height of the ceiling joists)

• Doesn’t cover the whole ceiling

• Has gaps in it, or places where it is squashed or tucked in.

You need to remove the old insulation and start again with a new layer, if:

• It is wet or damp in areas

• Has been damaged by rodents or birds. If you have any concerns about your ceiling insulation, call on the professionals who can give you the best advice and carry out any work to a high standard.

Exposed glass makes retaining heat more difficult, so make sure your curtains and blinds form a good seal around your windows.

Curtains and blinds: When warm air hits cold glass, two things happen and neither of them are good; the warm air escapes outside, and the newly cooled air forms condensation on the windowpane.

There are two ways to deal with this – keeping the warm air away from the window (with curtains and blinds) and insulating the windowpane (using double glazing or putting insulation film on

existing windows).

Curtains create a pocket of air between themselves and the window. Properly installed curtains are just as important as their material or thickness.

Ensure your curtains and blinds form a good seal against all sides of your window frame. Old-fashioned net curtains are OK at keeping heat in, as they generally sit quite close to the window and disrupt the downward movement of cool air.

Floor-length curtains are more effective than windowsill-length curtains.

Young Marlborough council candidates offer different perspective

By Kira Carrington LDR Reporter

As signs go up and campaigns kick off, five of Marlborough’s younger council hopefuls are offering a different perspective on the region’s future.

Anteisha O’Connell

At 29, the Marlborough Sounds candidate is the youngest candidate running.

Seeing the impact council policies had in her community motivated her to run.

“[I’m] really personally passionate about conservation, and community, and people’s wellbeing,” she said.

“[I also] want to see long-term sustainable projects here, that continue providing employment opportunities ... that encourage people to stay in our region.”

Anteisha said her job as operations manager at Te Ātiawa Trust meant she had experience with the “weird and wonderful” nature of governance structures.

Being the youngest candidate gave her a better idea of how young people experienced the region, she said.

“I [have] a really different perspective on today’s society and how it impacts not just our young, but our early working families,” she said.

Tamsin Cooper

After recently turning 50, the Blenheim candidate said having young children gave her a different perspective on the value of council services and facilities.

“I’m in there using all the community services that the council ... puts money into,” Tamsin said.

She wanted to bring a collaborative

approach to council with a focus on community and economic development, something she did working with Dunedin City Council.

“I was involved in creating cluster groups, industry groups, to bring people together, to work on projects that were innovative and took the city forward,”

Tamsin said.

“We already have that happening in Marlborough, and I think there’s room for growth in that.”

As the mother of two neurodivergent kids, Tamsin also advocated for inclusivity and accessibility for those with special needs.

LEFT: Tamsin Cooper’s focus is on community and economic development. Photo: Supplied.

Anteisha O’Connell wants to advocate for rural and coastal communities. Photo: Supplied.

The 34-year-old Blenheim candidate said his campaign came from a deep-seated childhood dream to help people.

“I promised myself when I was a kid I’d help the world, and I’m still committed to that goal,” he said.

Vish said if he was elected, he would stay for as long as he was needed.

“I want to get into council, help the community for at least two or three terms ... and fix everything I can for the community.”

He said problem solving and out-of-thebox thinking were his strengths.

“I’m very curious to find better ways of doing things,” he said.

He wanted to encourage housing development in the region, making it

“cheaper to subdivide, [make] more land available, more land developed for people to go into”.

The Blenheim candidate is a 39-year-old architect and business owner, who said a vote for him was a vote for a community voice.

“I love soaking in what other people are telling me about Marlborough and thinking about how we can solve the issues that we have and make the place better for the future,” he said.

Aimee Payne Vish Prasad Benjamin Stace

The 43-year-old Blenheim candidate said she had never hesitated to get involved in the community.

She had become a lifeguard, helped organise her homeschooling group, and was part of Skate Marlborough.

“I’m deeply embedded in our community, so I want to see community voices at the [council] table,” Aimee said.

“Community is like the heart of everything, so that collaboration is key.”

Payne had been part of the Green Party for the last two years but was running as an independent.

“We know what’s best for our community and we can reach out to central government and have those conversations.”

Aimee said she wanted to bring life to

He wants to approach the council with a long-term lens, not just what could be achieved within one term.

“Everything we’re doing with housing [design], we’re always trying to look at 50 or 100 years down the track, is this still going to function for people?

“I think you need that kind of view

central Blenheim by encouraging arts and music, supporting small businesses, advocating for free parking, and working with youth.

“Working with rangatahi and tamariki, [it] sounds so cheesy, but they are the future.”

in council.”

Bejamin said his key focuses were on infrastructure, parking, town planning, and improving council processes.

RIGHT: Aimee Payne is one of the younger candidates running for a seat at the Marlborough District Council. Photo: Supplied.

Vish Prasad wants to help all the people he can, starting with the people of Marlborough. Photo: Supplied.

Benjamin Stace wants to bring a community voice and long-term thinking to council. Photo: Supplied.

Of poor quality (5-4) 16. Drunkard (9)

Histrionics (9) 18. Schoolbag (7)

Unusual (7)

Detection instrument (5)

Damp (5)

Tests (5)

Across : 1. Shot put, 5. Devoted, 9. Cuffs, 10. Scoundrel, 11. Exonerate, 12. Zebra, 13. Shout, 15. Epidermis, 18. Serviette, 19. Atlas, 21. Tired, 23. Surrender, 25. Hydrangea, 26. Again, 27. Largely, 28. Enslave.

Down : 1. Success, 2. Off-colour, 3. Paste, 4. Testament, 5. Drove, 6. Venezuela, 7. Throb, 8. Dollars, 14. Third-rate, 16. Inebriate, 17. Melodrama, 18. Satchel, 20. Strange, 22. Radar, 23. Soggy, 24. Exams. Eft, cent, cite, feint, fen, fie, fin, fine, fit, ice, INFECT, net, nice, nit, tec, ten, tic, tie, tin, tine.

DECODER

Quentin and Mariette Knudsen.

Neville and Yvonne Grant.

Elsie Douglas, Kat Pickford and Lewis Douglas.

Dona Ferrier-Ferguson and Katherine Dunphy. Geoff Childs and Sarah Dalton.

Kate Markman and Kathryn Sheldrack.

Lisa Barnett and Francoise Barriball.

Christabelle and Dona Ferrier-Ferguson.

Christabelle and Genevieve Grant.

gardening this week

It’s August, and it’s all happening: By Wally Richards

Last week I popped into a local garden centre and was taken aback on all the new season’s stocks of things that we should be getting organised to do. Spring vegetables and flower seedlings, seed potatoes, asparagus crowns, liliums, strawberry plants, fruit trees and ornamentals to name some of the main lines.

The weather has been not too bad (except for the cold or wet blasts that have passed through) and more importantly the daylight hours are increasing very quickly. The growth is happening so it’s time to get gardening.

Let’s look at a few of the jobs we should be doing.

Seed potatoes can be purchased now to sprout and green up for planting out in a few weeks.

The first thing to do once you get your new seed potatoes home is to lay them out in wooden trays, not quite touching.

To break dormancy they need to be in a warm situation and if you have a hot water cupboard that is an ideal place to put them, to get the ‘eyes’ moving.

Otherwise just have them in the kitchen and they will soon start to sprout, like the ones you buy to eat.

As soon as this happens, take them outside and place in a protective spot such as under a carport or shrubs. They need good light to ‘green up’ and harden the new shoots.

The area where you are going to plant them should be forked over to loosen the soil, a trench dug about a spade depth and the sub soil forked to loosen.

Place a few sheep manure pellets and a table spoon of gypsum under each seed potato with a little BioPhos.

The new sprouts should be facing upwards and then covered with a little soil. As the new growth comes through cover with more soil.

This protects the foliage from late frosts and on days that a frost is likely that evening, you need to ensure that the foliage is protected with a layer of soil.

The continual covering with soil forces the stems to grow tall and it is along these stems that the new potatoes will form. The longer the stem, the more new potatoes.

Early types will be ready in 60 to 90 days and late types taking 120 days.

Protection against blight can be obtained with a monthly spray of Perkfection and if blights appear then a two weekly spray of Wallys Copper Nutrient should also be applied.

Those of us with deciduous fruit trees can lose the crop if a late frost strikes when in bud or flower destroying the flowers.

To prevent this spray the flowering branches

with Wallys Spray on Frost Protection when ‘In Pink’ or just before which will be very soon. Use at the 50ml rate and that will help prevent loses due to flower frost damage.

Asparagus crowns are planted at this time of the year also and the secret of a successful bed that will produce ample asparagus for many years starts with forming a deep, rich bed.

A sunny situation is needed but choose one where the tall summer foliage will not shade other vegetables. In other words at the back of a sunny garden.

Dig out the soil to a depth of 30 cm for the size of the bed required and fill the bed with a mix of mostly animal manure and a little soil.

Then cover with a couple of centimetres of compost. The crowns are laid out on the compost with their roots spread out like a star fish. Then cover with another 75mm of compost.

The first year you just allow the plants to grow their ferns and when mature in the autumn they are cut down, being careful not to drop seeds into the bed. In early winter apply 100mm of rotten manure over the bed and if available a layer of seaweed.

If you do not have access to seaweed then apply Ocean Solids at the rate of 35g per square metre and water in Wallys Fish Fertiliser.

The frosts of winter will do the breaking

down of the manure and spring will herald the appearance of new shoots. A light harvesting of some shoots maybe made in year two and this is done by cutting through the shoot 1cm under the soil.

A longer harvest period in year 3 and by year 4 the bed will give you a full harvest for about a month.

Peas can be sown this month if you like to grow a few for those really freshly shelled peas.

The only problem is to get the peas to germinate in cold soil.

To overcome this make a shallow trench and place fresh grass clippings in the trench with animal manure and Wallys Calcium & Health, cover with a layer of compost and lay the pea seeds on the compost at the right spacing.

Cover the seed with more compost and then water in with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL).

The grass clippings, manure and Mycorrcin heat the soil and your peas germinate quickly and grow fast with all that goodness.

Peas are not frost tender but can be damaged by powdery mildew. If the mildew appears spray immediately with a solution of one heaped tablespoon of baking soda to 1L of warm water with 1ml of Raingard added.

A two weekly spray program using Liquid Copper and Raingard should be commenced

over fruit trees and roses to protect the new growths from a range of diseases.

The advantage of the Liquid Copper over the powdered forms is there is little chance of blocked jets which is the curse of any powder type sprays.

I have a plum tree that each year has two problems, bladder plum and brown rot.

Now that Ocean Solids and Wallys Unlocking Your Soil are available I gave the tree a dose of these two mineral rich products last August, before the tree started moving for the new season.

I decided not to spray the tree at all except for an occasional spray of Magic Botanic Liquid. The result was interesting as I only found a couple of fruit that had the bladder plum disease and about 5 with brown rot later in the summer.

A very good result and so again I have applied these two mineral products to not only the plum but all my fruit trees and roses.

These two products are only applied once a year for the likes of fruit trees and roses and the theory behind this is if a plant has every possible mineral available then it builds a strong immune system making it difficult for disease to establish.

Then it is only a matter of keeping the soil moisture level up and avoid the use of chemical fertilisers and sprays, applying animal manures and compost instead.

Lookin good

I’d have to say The Sun is looking great. Still my favourite read after all these years. So pleased it came to town. Despite new tech online a good hands on paper to get each week is wonderful.

Dinosaurs

Good on you Jamie Arbuckle for looking after us dinosaurs, love it.

No state

There was no Palestinian state before 1948, nor has there ever been one. If you think that after the atrocities of October 7, the Palestinians deserve a state of their own for the first time, then your logic and morals are twisted. Until Palestinian children are no longer brain washed to hate Jews, a Palestinian state would be a hotbed of hate and terror.

Frosty starts

Some frosty starts, but spring is on the way, and the days are getting longer!

Rates rise doesn’t match pension rise

I just got my latest MDC rates bill. Looking back I see it has increased 48.5% from what I was paying back in 2020. In the same time NZ Super has only increased 27%. Local body elections are just around the corner, are any candidates standing on a platform to decrease this out of control Council spending?

‘Reality’ TV

Time for a name change. If that rubbish is meant to be a reality, then we’re in a sad state.

True life stories

Have I lived in Blenheim too long or do I need new material?

During my life I’ve heard some great stories, mostly funny, which I like to relate to people over a beer, that was until recently being informed the locals we’re becoming restless. So I’ve decided to have a No Story September, similar to Dry July. My first story back will be on the 1st October at the Good Home, seats still available.

Cook Islands

So the prime minister of the Cook Islands has broken the obligation to consult NZ and signed documents to align with China. So maybe all the Cook Islanders living in New Zealand should shift to China. Be interesting to see if they get the same free privileges they get here. I’m sure our health and welfare systems would benefit.

Re: Snapper limit

Haven’t you heard of “limit your kill, don’t kill your limit”? Besides why do commercial get a big increase in their quota and recreational public are ignored? Good on Recreational Fishers Marlborough.

Still flooded

Flooding on new Renwick Road since 27/06/25 till now 06/08/25 Brancott, what’s the plan to fix this?

Cyril Dawson

Pleased to see Cyril Dawson running for council again after his odd narrow squeak of missing out last election. Good on him.

Poor service

I too had big problems with 2degrees! I also switched providers. All I wanted to do was change my plan. I won’t go right into what happened , but they sent me a bill for $15.50. I went to pay it and they refused to accept it because they won’t accept anything less than $20. Well, after all the hassle they put me through I refused to pay any more than the amount owing which my daughter then paid on line. Be warned people, the ads give false impressions of good service.

Simcox award

Congratulations to Simcox Construction (Isaac’s) on winning the Supreme Contractors Award recently for the I-rex project Picton. Interestingly how many of the management accepting and celebrating the award hadn’t even set foot on site or had anything to do with it, and how many staff that did the job are no longer employed through their redundancy cull or choice?

Misinformed

Reading people complaining about rates hikes, probably the same people who collapsed Three Waters funding from central government. If that programme had been allowed to go ahead we wouldn’t have rates rises. I don’t want our town cutting the things that make it great to live here to satisfy the complaints of misinformed residents who amplify ideological talking points.

Sounds Air

So proud of our little airline who go the extra mile to get there on time and in good form. Sad to see them making cuts, many people will miss those Christchurch flights. MP Stuart Smith has the usual excuses for not supporting, same thing with the ferry issue and the colleges. Time for a new active and involved MP, one who values our community and not just for its photo opportunities. Please please people vote next election, it’s important.

Serious question

Is it true the Spring Creek stop bank job has gone to a Nelson company? Marlborough is hurting with recent redundancies - surely we need to look after our local workforce who pay rates, purchase food, etc, locally. If this is fact, please explain why it did not got to a local firm.

Road conditions

I am a truck driver who works in and around Blenheim (Picton, Kaikoura, Rai Valley) I have noticed the deterioration of the main road between Blenheim and Picton, starting from the mangled guard rail at the entrance to Cloudy Bay business park to the collapsing seal at the intersection of Kent Street and SH1 in Picton. Some of the seal and guard railing on this stretch of road is in poor condition, yet it is supposed to be the gate way to the South Island!

Talk of the week

Peaceful oasis

What a beautiful asset we have with the Grovetown Lagoon. It’s a peaceful oasis with amazing views not far from suburbia. Thanks to all the volunteers who control pests and enhance this treasure.

Bad look

Roadside litter on SH1 is shocking. It’s terrible between Picton and Tua Marina. A bad look for people getting off the ferry. We don’t want littering normalised.

Thank you

I would like to say a huge thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at the hospital for helping me on Friday. Plus the ambulance people - they were all so amazing.

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.

Re: PayWave surcharges

If the merchant can’t pass on the charges incurred by the provider then they have no choice but to increase prices which will then penalise those who use cash or swipe their eftpos cards. The only way to get around this is to increase prices and then offer a discount to those who choose not to use payWave or smart phones etc. The charges imposed by the banks and providers can add up to a considerable sum over a year’s trading and many smaller businesses are already seeing their profits impacted by the downturn in consumer spending

Modern wheat - it’s not what it used to be

By George Elder

Looking at ancient Egyptian carvings of grain harvesting, you might be surprised to see their wheat growing at about head height. This is in total contrast to modern wheat which will only come up to your knees. What happened to the long thin stalks?

A major success claim from the “Green Revolution” was the plant cross-breeding work done by Dr Norman Borlaug, an American working in Mexico in the 1960’s. He developed modern wheat varieties, which led to massive yield increases and a resulting drop in famine in Asia and Latin America. In 1970 he received a Nobel Prize for his work. The modern wheat has a much bigger head, and to support this, a much shorter, stronger stalk.

As these changes were bred into modern wheat plants, some other changes occurred in the plant simultaneously, which scientists

Golf Results

Sat 2 Aug Nett-Jerome January 70, Alistair Holt 74, Jeff Pascoe 74, Lin Stone 75, Mark Ivamy 76, Aaron Wilson 77, Jelle Keizer 77, Jock Mannington 77, Anita McCaffrey 78, Phil Hawke 79, Trevor Gullery 79. Tues 5 Aug S/F-Overall Winner Judy

were probably unaware of. The protein Gliadin became much stronger and more damaging to the gut and the glycemic index (GI) increased.

Gliadin along with another protein, glutenin, form gluten, a magic protein complex in wheat flour dough which traps gas creating amazing sticky stretchy properties so that dough can be shaped, stretched and expand during fermentation. The result is bread and baking with fantastic texture and structure.

But Gliadin has a dark side, this protein is the toxic part of gluten for people with celiac disease. This can give rise to inflammation, diarrhea, fatigue, digestive symptoms and lead to irritable bowel disease, crones disease, neurological symptoms and other serious bowel problems, sometimes requiring colon surgery.

Many people react to gluten without becoming celiac and have what is termed “non-celiac gluten sensitivity” (NCGS). This can lead to bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, joint pain and skin rashes

Jones 36, Vicki Eastgate 33, Maria McConway33, Mary Butler 33, Lin Stone 31. Thurs 7 Aug S/F-Mike Ashworth 37, Alistair Holt 36, Trevor Gullery 35, David Bunt 35, Graham Couldrey 35, Gary Aldridge 34.

which can be difficult to attribute back to the cause. The lack of a direct bio-marker can result in years of difficult investigation before the cause is eventually found. A gluten free diet can help.

When we eat bread, the starch is converted to glucose and this must be managed by the release of insulin into the blood. A steady, slow release of insulin is the ideal way for the body to manage incoming glucose. Unfortunately, modern diets often cause a massive surge in glucose which forces an urgent response by the pancreas to get sufficient insulin into the blood and, if this happens frequently, the result can become insulin resistance and lead to Type-2 diabetes.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the rate at which different foods trigger an insulin response. Glucose is 100, Jasmine rice 70-89, white bread 70-75, wholemeal bread 60-69, table sugar 65, orange juice 50-55, raw carrots 16, cauliflower 15, ribeye steak 0. The modern cross-breeds of wheat, create bread, even wholemeal, which triggers insulin faster than table sugar.

Get free nutrition guidance or my book at www.takebackyrhealth.com. Seek professional medical advice before dietary changes, particularly if on medication. George Elder, Author, Health Coach, Diploma in Nutrition. ‘The best thing you can do for your health is eat better’.

NAvy blue padded jacket with fur collar, MacJays label. Reward. Please phone 0212487630

AsiAN sexy busty good service professional massage ph.021-2398399.

7”, 45s, singles, eps records wanted, any amount, top prices paid. Pennylane Records, 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Ring Dave 021 222 6144, 7 days.

All jazz records wanted, Kiwi and overseas artists. Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside, ECM, Verve, Impulse, CTI, Milestone etc. Top prices paid for good titles. Please phone Dave 021 222 6144, Pennylane Records, Chch. 7 days.

Pe NN yl AN e Records always buying records. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham 366 3278 Open 7 days

sCouts & Boys Brigade Memorabilia wanted. Patches, Blankets & Uniform all items considered Ph 0800 559922.

b ottles Wanted old ginger beer, marble codd type and others considered 0800 559922.

ruG by PROGRAMMES & BADGES Wanted small to large lots any rugby memorabilia considered ph 0800 559922.

tA xi D ermy wanted NZ - Exotic skins, heads, birds & mounted animals any considered ph 0800 559922.

Costume jewellery wanted, Glass beads, old brooches and pendants. All considered ph 0800 559922.

WAtCH es wanted. Wrist and pocket style, going or not. Any considered 0800 559922. mAsoNiC Freemason & Buffaloe Lodge items wanted. Badges, aprons, regalia & cases. Any considered ph Benjamin 0800 559922. CAmer As wanted. Film type. Single cameras to whole collections modern and old Any considered ph Benjamin 0800 559922.

C oi N s & Banknotes wanted. Pennies, Threepences NZ & foreign. All types. ph Ben 0800 559922.

Fou NtAi N pens wanted. Conway Stewart & Parker style. Any considered ph 0800 559922. me DA ls wanted. Military medals, Sports badges, Fire & Police items. Any medals & badges considered ph 0800 559922. militAry items wanted. Uniforms, Buttons, books, badges and photos any items considered ph 0800 559922.

NZ r New Zealand Railways items wanted. Badges, signs, uniforms & documents ph 0800 559922.

bAyoN ets swords and pocket knives wanted. Modern and old. Any considered ph 0800 559922.

stA m P s first day covers and post cards wanted. Modern and old. Any considered ph 0800 559922.

reCorDs wanted. 33s, 12s, 45s. Modern and old. Any considered ph 0800 559922.

Double Glazing - Beat the rush with Marlborough Glass. Stay warm, dry, and healthy with Retro-fit Double Glazing for your Timber and Aluminium Windows. DON’T DELAYTALK TO US TODAY FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE! Ph 578-5374.

Picton Golf Club

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 closed. Public Holidays - phone us to be advised Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am6pm. Closed on Public Holidays. 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.

Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau Hospital 5209999.

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

Acknowledgements

DOHERTY, Margaret Florence: Carolyn and Patsy would like to sincerely thank everyone for their love and support following the recent passing of our loved sister, Margaret. Thanks to family who travelled long distance to attend her farewell Mass - it was appreciated. A special thanks to all the staff at Bethsaida Resthome who went the extra mile to ensure Margaret's quality of Life was maintained as she required. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.

In Memoriam

BARCLAY, Malcolm Neville (Kuna): 30.4.1945 - 14.8.2018

In loving memories husband, dad granddad and great granddad, seven years have gone without you saying goodbye honey, Silent thoughts of times together Hold memories that will last forever Missing you been around honey.

Loving wife, Molly, Malcolm (Jn) Cindy, Kerry Bec, Lisa, Yarle (deceased), Grandchildren and great Granddaughter. xxxx

BOON, Daphne Thora:

On 8 August 2025, peacefully at Springlands Lifestyle Village, in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Ellis for 67 years. Much loved mother of Graeme; Heather and Ken; Rachael and David. Treasured Gran of Tim and Liam and great grandmother of Archer, Skylar, Hudson and Rueben. Messages to 227 Old Renwick Road RD2 Blenheim 7272 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Special thanks to the caring staff at Springlands Lifestyle Village. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice via their website would be appreciated or may be made at the service. A Celebration of Daphne’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Saturday 16 August at 10.00am followed by interment at the Fairhall Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

Death notices

FALEAFAGA, Siaki

12/07/1950 – 02/08/2025 (75 years) Beloved partner to Shirley, a cherished companion and devoted carer. Dearly loved father to Rochelle, Owein and Maria. Proud Grandfather to Kyle, Isabella, Olly, Emelie and Jasper. Siaki will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, his love for the family and sport. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. Special thanks to Dr Vicky Samuels from Civic Health and Dr Mary Man at Wairau Hospital – fa’a fetai lava for the care and respect you showed to Siaki. Deep appreciation also to St Johns Ambulance Service, Sowmans Funeral Directors and the Police Victim Support team for their assistance and compassion. A family gathering was held last week to farewell Siaki at Sowmans Funeral Home followed by a private cremation. la manuia lau malaga I le lagi. O le a matou manatua oe I le alofa ma le fa’afetai. May your journey to the heavens be blessed. We will remember you with love and gratitude. Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai lava  Messages to the Browns and Faleafaga family may be sent to 9 Gilbert Street, Blenheim.

O’CONNOR, Tom:

Our beloved Tom O’Connor passed away peacefully at Timaru Hospital on August 06, 2025 aged 81 years. He will be sorely missed by many, especially by his family. Dearly loved husband of 43 years to Joy O’Connor. Dearly loved Dad and father in-law to Peta & Peter Dowle, Paulette (dec) & Craig Venables, Kirsten & Blair Wilson, and James O’Connor & Alice Sawrey-Cookson. Dearly loved Poppa to eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Special thanks to all the staff at Timaru Hospital for their care and compassion of Tom and family. A public service will be held at Caroline Bay Hall and live streamed via www.tomoconnor.co.nz, Sunday August 17 at 2pm. Messages may be sent to 42 Blue Cliffs Road, St Andrews 7988.

CLIFFORD, Wayne Robert Watson (Taff): Sadly passed away on Tuesday 5th August 2025 at Wairau Hospital after a brief illness, aged 87 years. Beloved and deeply missed by his wife Suzanne. Adored father and father-in-law of Robbie and Roya, Rowan and Donna, Lavonne (deceased) and Tim. Stepfather and stepfather-in-law of Debbie and Nigel, Viv and Dave, Jackie and Ian. Grandad “Taff” to many. “You must keep going!” Messages to the Clifford family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A Celebration of Taff’s life has been held. The service was livestreamed and may be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

T:

DAVIES, Richard Paul (Paul):

On 3 August 2025 at Hospice Marlborough, aged 70 years. Dearly loved by his wife Julie and loved by so many of family and friends. Messages to the Davies Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Hospice Marlborough, Wairau Hospital, St John and Picton Medical and Pharmacy for the amazing care shown to Paul. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website would be appreciated. In accordance with Paul’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

HARVEY, Natalie Pearl:

On 9 August 2025, peacefully at Aberleigh Rest Home, in her 89th year. Dearly loved mother of Louise Davidson, Daniel, and the late Maurice. A loved Granny, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and aunty to many. Messages to the Harvey family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Special thanks to the staff at Aberleigh for the wonderful care of Natalie. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Alzheimers Marlborough, via their website would be appreciated, or may be made at the service. A Funeral Service for Natalie will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Friday 15 August at 10.30am followed by private cremation. Please wear bright colours The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

Gloria June (née Huston) 8th November 1937 – 4th August 2025. Passed away peacefully in her 88th year, surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of John for 65 years. Cherished mother of the late Michael & Racquel, and Gail. Adored grandmother of Liz & Scott, Hamish & Kate, and great-grandmother to Abigail and Nikolai. Gloria’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love for family will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all her family. Messages to the family may be sent to 65b Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim. In Gloria’s memory, donations to the Cancer Society Blenheim (ac 06-0601-0044826-00) or Alzheimer’s Society Marlborough (02-0600-011228400) would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A funeral service to celebrate Gloria’s life was held at St Christopher’s Church, Weld Street, Redwoodtown, on Monday 11th August. The service was livestreamed and details may be accessed on https://www.youtube.com/live/uzgNp9JMMAQ

T:

POTAKA, Tenga Shane: Passed away peacefully with whānau by his side on Friday 8th August 2025, aged 55 years. Cherished partner of Katrina, loved and adored Dad of Jade, and loved by his two Mokopuna’s. Tenga will be forever loved and remembered by his siblings. Messages for the Whānau may be sent to C/- Potaka Whānau, PO Box 110 Blenheim 7240. A service was held yesterday in the Sowman’s Chapel.

T: 03 578 4719

SMITH, Carol Jean:

In loving memory of Carol, dearly cherished wife of 60 years to Peter, loved and adored Mum and mother-in-law of Elaine and John, Darren and Sharon and Jamie, treasured Nanna to Keeton and Taylor, loved sister and sister-in-law and devoted friend to many. Carol passed peacefully on Monday 4 August 2025 aged 81 years. A private family service and interment has been held at Upper Wairau Cemetery as Carol wished. The family sincerely thank the support received from all medical staff and carers involved in Carol’s care. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

WATSON, Janice

Margaret

Sadly passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, with her beloved husband Terry holding her hand. He will be without the love of his life. Much loved step mum to Michelle, Natalie and Teresa and Darren. She will be deeply missed by family and friends. At her request a cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held. We wish to thank the staff of Oaks at Ashwood for their kindness and caring support to Janice and Terry. The family request no flowers please. You’re welcome to make a donation to Alzheimer’s NZ if you wish.

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz T:

LEWIS,

Thursday

Marlborough Museum

- Brayshaw Heritage, New exhibition, HOMECOMING - Memories of ‘45. Exhibition open Tues/Thurs/Sundays 11-3pm. Cost of entry $10, children free.

Older Persons Seminar

– Held on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10am-1pm, St Christopher’s Anglican Church. A seminar for people ages 65+, with a guest speaker, entertainment and light-hearted fun. Morning tea and lunch provided for $6. Marlborough Camera Club

- meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month at St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rd at 7pm. Workshops are held on the 4th Thursday of the month.  Everybody with an interest in photography welcome. Cancer Society Marlborough: Women partners of men living with cancer Support Group - Coffee and connecting. Peer support for women partners of men living with cancer. Every third Thursday of the Month 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Cancer Society Rooms, 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim.

Picton Poets

– Held the 4th Thursday of the month, 10.3011.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone Lyn 021 129 4342. Keep U Moving

- Gentle indoor walking exercise for seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 or donna@ stchristophers.co.nz

Older Persons Seminar

– Held 4th Thursday of each month. $6.00. Contact Donna 027 385 2333 or donna@ stchristophers.co.nz

Table Tennis

- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre. Table Tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at front desk.

Social Badminton Club

- 9am-11.30 Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults welcome.  For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348.

Ulysses Retreads Group -11am at Brayshaw Park every Thursday. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Library Book Club

- 6.30pm-8pm Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks.

Picton Library Book Club

- 6.30pm-8pm - Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register email pictonlibrary@ marlborough.govt.nz.

Knit and Natter

- Marlborough Library from 10am. Come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each Thursday morning. Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters. No need to register.

Company Café

– Picton Library 10.30am Thursdays. Pop in and spend a while with us chatting, chilling and relaxing. Tea, coffee and snack provided. Everybody welcome.

Blenheim Nightriders

- Weekly, local, off-road bike rides 10-40kms for fitness, social and safety. Meet at the library, leaving 8pm for approx 2hrs. No fee, super casual. More info on Facebook, Blenheim Nightriders group or contact info@ridethewhale.co.nz

Blenheim Bible Education

- 7:00-8:00pm [TIME CHANGE], Marlborough Library. Free Bible Seminar. Prior contact appreciated, but walk-ins welcome. Contact: info@ blenheimbibleeducation.nz. Website: www. blenheimbibleeducation.nz.

Friday

Blenheim Family History Group in Picton

- At Picton Library on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Need help with your family history research? Meet members of the Blenheim Family History Group. Contact Helen 0210390106.

Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery Society - Brayshaw Heritage Park, open weekdays 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and Saturday mornings.   For further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022 039 2460.

Classic Coffee

– Weekly at Connect Marlborough, 3 Beaver Road. 9am-12pm. A group of mainly retirees who enjoy connecting with others in the same stage of life but if you are younger or still in the work force, don’t let that stop you! Link Board games and Puzzles

– 1pm-4pm Nativity Lounge, Church of the Nativity, 76 Alfred Street. A time of board games and afternoon tea. No strangers here, only friends we have not met. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Transport to and from Link can be arranged if needed, phone 5783909

Tunes 4 Tots

– every Friday during term time 9.30am-10.30am. Music, play and morning tea for 0-6 year olds. Donation of $3 per child/$5 per family. Nativity Church, 76A Alfred Street. For more information contact 5783909

Play and Learn

– Blenheim Library 9am-12pm during term time. No cost. Care-giver led play-based learning for children under 5. Books, toys, games, puzzles and activities available for use.

Saturday

Crop Swap

- Saturday 16th August, 2:00-4:00pm swapping 2:30pm sharp, Crossroads @ 2 Redwood Street. $2 koha to our hosts - Sharing abundance from our kitchen and gardens: fruit, vegetables, preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, recipes, eggs, flowers, seeds, seedlings, baking - Giving generously and mindfully taking. Further details, 021 081 98520

Picton Quilters, meeting at Queen Charlotte College Saturday 16 August, 9.30am-4.00pm. This is a workday, new prospective members welcome. For more information please contact Lynne 0274316630.

Redwoodtown Market - 8am-12 noon, Cleghorn St. Supporting Marlborough Food Bank. Variety of stalls. Something for everyone.

Marlborough Quilters meeting

- every 2nd Saturday of the month at Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. 10am - 4pm. Learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomers welcome. Liz 0212067382.

Blenheim Chess Club

- Meets at Table Top Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.

Ulysses Club

- Every Saturday, coffee at The Runway Café, Woodbourne, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.

The Blenheim Rotary Club Boot Sale Market - 8am till midday. Blenheim Railway Station Car Park.

Marlborough Artesian Craft Market - Cnr Market Street & High Street, 9:00am - 2:00pm

Stallholders include local artisans both casual and regular attendees as well as visitors from around the country. Entertainment area for kids.

Sunday

Marlborough Museum

- 11am-3pm every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market

- 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line

up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Picton Rail and Sail

- On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group

- Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm. Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station

– Train is being hauled on Sunday August 17th by a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Omaka Line at 1.15pm and on the Beaver Line along the Taylor River at 1.45pm. Check Details at www.riversiderailway.nz  and Facebook for other information and updates following the flooding

Marlborough Tennis Club

– Social Tennis. 3pm-5pm Parker Street. Non Members $2.  All welcome. Contact 027 578 6436 for information.

Ulysses Social Ride

- Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are weather dependent.

Lego Club

- Picton Library@ 1-4pm. Marlborough Library @10am-4pm, Come along each Sunday afternoon to build a Lego kit in the Library. Each week there is an assortment of kits to choose from to build in a designated area. Everyone is welcome to have a go. This free activity is great fun for the whole family!

Marlborough Vintage Car Club Museum

- 1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Ross 0272122902. Donation appreciated. New members welcome

Monday

Care and Share craft session

- Run at Nativity in conjunction with Green Prescription. Every second Monday until December 9:30-11:30 am. For anyone who loves doing crafts, a place to create, chat with like-minded creatives, share ideas, learn new crafting skills and make friends. For more details contact Nativity office 578 3909 or Green Prescription at the PHO. Free event. Target Rifle Shooting

- Athletic Park Range. Blenheim Club 7pm, cost $10, contact 02102464417.

Table Tennis

- every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per person.  Contact Janice 027 422 9095

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club

- 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information. Rotary Clubs in BlenheimMonday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women, doing great things in your community. For further details phone Kevin on 0211 738 784. Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club

- Every Monday at 7.00pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Corner Alfred and Henry Street, Blenheim. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Heather 02102587325. Whitehead Park Bowling Club Redwoodtown

- Monday afternoons from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295.

Beginners Line Dancing

- Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:00-3:00pm & 6.00-7.00pm. Come along and enjoy the music, make new friends, have fun and learn to dance. You don’t need a partner. All welcome men, women and children over 12. The first lesson is free for new beginner’s then $7 per class. For information phone Judith 5787554 or 0212341095.

Tuesday

Friendship Club Marlborough

- Semi Retired or Retired. Meet 4th Tuesday of the month 10am at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Maxwell Road. Speakers, outings all in Friendship, Fellowship & Fun. Les McKay 5778307 or 021463922

Blenheim Badminton Club

- Tuesdays from 7-8.30pm for adults at Marlborough Boys’ College Gym. Junior Club in Terms

Table Tennis - every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per person.  Contact Janice 027 422 9095

2 & 3 on Tuesdays from 6-7pm, also at MBC Gym. For more information visit: www.sporty.co.nz/ blenheimbadminton

Target Rifle Shooting

- Athletic Park Range. Services Club 7.00pm, cost $10, contact 0276522640.

Cancer Society Marlborough: Blue Brothers – Men’s exercise and comradery - FREE exercise and peer support - Every Tuesday -10 am Stadium 2000, Kinross Street, Blenheim.

Cancer Society Marlborough: Breast Cancer Support Group - Peer support and connection in a safe welcoming space.  Every second Tuesday of the Month 7pm - 8pm at the Cancer Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road, Blenheim.

Marlborough Museum - 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.

Steady As You Go:

St Christopher’s Community Eldercare This class is currently full. Unable to take new members at this time. Enquires: 027 385 2333 donna@stchristophers.

co.nz

Toastmasters Club

- In Blenheim meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm, Community Centre, St Mary’s, 59 Maxwell Road.  Friendly group that encourages people. Learn how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Vivienne 021 0544003.

Marlborough Tennis Club –Social Tennis Parker Street. Every Tuesday 8.30am to midday. Morning Tea at 10am.  Non Members $5.  All Welcome. Contact 0275786436.

Lions Club of Havelock

- Providing community service in the Pelorus area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock Hotel. Inquiries to Ian Cameron phone 574 2558.

Knitters and Spinners

- Picton Library and Service Centre from 10.30am. Bring your morning tea along and current project to work on. Share your ideas, skills or simply enjoy time with fellow creators. There’s no need to book a spot, simply turn up on the day.

Cheeky Monkeys

- Marlborough Library. Join one of our sessions of fun and creativity for children under five years old. Session 1,10am to 10.45am or Session 2, 11am to 11.45am Sessions include stories, songs and simple fun craft. No need to register, just come along.

Picton Line Dancing

- 10-11.30am. Anglican Church Hall $7 per class. Beginners welcome. Phone Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.

Renwick Arms Country Club, Card Section

- 1pm Redwood Tavern, Cleghorn Street. Meet and play EUCHRE. Beginners are welcome to learn and play. $7 Ph Christine 0272077631.

Pencil Pals

- meets at Connect, corner of High Street and Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to 3.00pm. Come and join Sydney and Issie to practice your drawing skills and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Sydney 0211568398; Issie 0204668008.

Wednesday

Marlborough Community Singers

– All welcome whether completely new or an old hand. No audition. New term begins Wednesday July 16th at REAP, 6.30pm8.30pm. $9 casual. Ph Amanda 022 642 4805 Digital Drop-in

– Every Wednesday 10am-12pm Marlborough Library. Bring your device and staff will be happy to help you with questions you may have about using your smartphone or other device.

Blenheim Probus

– First Wednesday of the month, 10am Lansdowne Hub. For retired or semi retirees looking for fun, friendship and fellowship. Ph Anne 5787046, 0226353919.

Indoor Bowls

– Every Wednesday 7pm at The Foundry, John Street, until mid September. Equipment and instruction provided. 0223804730 for more information.

Target Rifle Shooting

- Athletic Park Range. Riverside Club 7pm, cost $10, contact 021667746.

Genealogy Drop–in

– with the Blenheim Family History Group. Marlborough Library, Wednesday afternoons 1pm-3pm. No appointments needed. Cancer Society Marlborough: Live Stronger - Women’s exercise, peer support and wellbeing for women living with cancer. Wednesdays 6pm - 6:45 pm. Well & Good, 1 Grove Road. Blenheim. Cost $5 members, $10 casual. Cancer Society Marlborough Stretch & Breathe - Gentle strength/balance class for seniors. 10-11am, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Ph 0273852333 donna@ stchristophers.co.nz.

Lions’ Club of Blenheim - Like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Meet on the1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 942 5004.

Picton Mahjong - Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, Picton at 1pm. Phone Adrianne 02102591639 or Kaye 0211312331 for more information. Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown - 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. Summer timetable starts October.

Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights - 7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time. Phone Erin 0272341709.

Picton Scottish Country Dance Group - 7.30pm at Picton Little Theatre.  Beginners welcome.  First night free.  No partner needed just a pair of soft soled shoes.  Phone Lynda on 0212600860 for further information. Marlborough Vintage Car Club -1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Ross 0272122902. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome

Marlborough Thermette Society Winter boil ups - Simonsen Reserve down Malthouse Lane off SH 1, Riverlands from 2.00 on August 31. Bring food to share, a camp chair and a thermette if you have one. Kids and dogs welcome. Bill 0277108229