10 July 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Master jeweller

By Chris Valli

Marlborough Sounds - Picton - Koromiko - Tuamarina - Rarangi - Spring Creek - Rapaura - Grovetown - Woodbourne - Renwick -

How to reach us

Simon Byrne

simon@blenheimsun.co.nz Sales Manager

Katrina Whiteside

Sales Consultant

katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

Rebecca Sampson

Sales Consultant

rebecca@blenheimsun.co.nz

Chris Valli

news@blenheimsun.co.nz Journalist

Want to earn money and get fit, become a Sun deliverer!

Ph: (03) 5777-868

72 High St, Blenheim Mon-Thu 9am-4.30pm www.blenheimsun.co.nz

No.1 for readership in Marlborough.

‘Proud of the people I’ve taught, my way’

Continued from page 1.

The honour is bestowed upon those within the trade who have taken apprentice jewellers through to trade certification. The masters also reflect on those who have upheld the tradition and integrity of the jewellery industry.

“I was blown away,” he says. “I didn’t think I would ever get something like that. When I started in the trade and asked to be an apprentice, they said, we can’t do that and the only place to do that was going to Wellington. When I went out on my own, I was told I was a journeyman and was allowed to take on apprentices.”

When asked how many apprentices he has ‘shown the ropes to’ over the years, he believes there are nine – ten, who have not only benefitted from his knowledge, but old school values of hard work and ethic. One was Corey Broughton, who has been a jeweller for over 25 years and started out under Noel’s tutelage with a range of gems and materials from paua to diamonds.

The well-known Blenheim jeweller, at 85 years young, specialised in handmade pieces made with precious metals, started learning the trade at 15 and has been honing his skills for 70 years.

He ‘teaches’ jewellery and the required skillset twice a week and has done so since retiring, running workshops from his Witherlea home, teaching some of the tricks from his longevity.

“The tools last a lifetime if you look

after them,” he says. “The jewellery trade has progressed from getting a piece of metal and turning it into a round shank and making up the settings. Nowadays you can print it out on computer in wax form and printers doing metal. There is something to be said though, about a hand-made ring because we put the materials through a rolling mill which squashes the material up making it more durable and allowing a quality finish that a cast piece will not always have. It’s the attention to detail.”

Noel grew up in Grovetown and concedes school wasn’t exactly the stimuli he sought. His late father encouraged him to leave school at 15, working ‘on trial’ as an upholsterer, for no more than a week.

“They gave me a 15 x 25 carpet length and asked how much it would take to cover an item. I couldn’t answer that, I didn’t have a clue and that was the end of that. My father then said there was a job going up at Beatson’s Jeweller Shop in Middle Renwick Road. They took me on straight away.”

A piece of jewellery which evokes satisfaction and pride was the mayoral badge for former Marlborough mayor Leo McKendry (1986 – 1989, two terms) which he says was ‘quite interesting’. “He came to me and says will you make me a mayoral badge? That’s memorable isn’t it?”

Gina’s own love affair with jewellery began as a 17-year-old teenager

ON KNOWLEDGE: Noel doing what he does best, working on a ring at his Witherlea home. Insert: Amelia Pask, Noel and Gina. Amelia also started her initial training with Noel. where she worked for Noel. She says Noel’s legacy in the industry comes back to ‘always wanting to share his knowledge’.

“He’ll always tell you what you need to know and always help,” she says. “Passing on his gifts. He’s always treated and looked after his customers well. It’s more than just learning the skills on the bench, it’s teaching how to be just a genuinely decent human being.”

As for defining what ‘upholding the tradition and integrity of the jewellery industry’ meant to him, he is unequivocal.

“Being honest with your customer, never tell a lie because it will come back to bite you,” he says. “I’m proud of the people I’ve taught, my way. Once they were taught, it was about making jewellery their way and invent, do their own thing.”

PASSING

‘Wheelie’ good start to kerbside collection

By Chris Valli

Last Monday July 1, may have caused some initial confusion for rate payers with new kerbside collection information but according to the Marlborough District Council ‘most people are getting it right’.

The switch from rubbish bags to wheelie bins for recycling and waste had some posting their experiences to social media from ‘when is my day’ to ‘what colour bin?’ Other comments varied from ‘the driver doing a great job’ to ‘impressive’ to ‘epic fail….have now downloaded the Antenno app’. The Antenno app sends notifications and alerts to Marlborough ratepayers such as recycling times and dates.

Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas says overall it had been a very good start with 98% of bins collected in the first week of operation.

“There were no significant logistical issues for Council or our contractor WM New Zealand,” says Mark. “Most people are getting it right but it’s a work in progress and we expect it will improve further.”

Mark says the ‘biggest issues’ last week were some residents placing all their recycling in the maroon crate while others put glass in the yellow top wheelie bin. He says others put out their

rubbish bag with some putting out both the red top and yellow top bins.

“A key issue is getting the recycling right: please put glass only in the maroon crate and not in the yellow top bin,” says Mark.

Currently Council is unable to offer a recycling service to CBD business owners. Blenheim’s

Christian Patrick, who lives in the CBD says his place was missed where ‘they all had their red top bins out and not a rubbish truck in sight.’

“I got an email back about what time I had to put them out which was Tuesday night ready for pickup Wednesday morning,” he says. “It was still there waiting to be done so not happy over this way,” he says.

Meanwhile Janice Marshall says the Council had done ‘a great job’ advertising over the last few weeks via social media and in the community newspaper.

“I downloaded and printed the appropriate information for Week 1 in Riversdale, no problem at all. But so many overflowing, red top bins, black bags and mixed crates out,” she says.

Plastics, metal cans and tins (steel and aluminium cans rinsed), newspaper, other paper and ‘glossies’ go in the yellow bin. Plastic material displaying recycling symbols 1, 2 and 5 are

YELLOW OR RED? MDC Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas says overall it had been a very good start with 98% of bins collected in the first week of operation. “Most people are getting it right but it’s a work in progress and we expect it will improve further.”

accepted. Everything should be rinsed. Meanwhile, cardboard also includes egg trays and pizza boxes and cleaned of all food scraps.

The other main issue was the respective collection week. Ratepayers can enter their address at www.marlborough.govt.nz/ services/recycling-and-waste/ kerbside-collections/4-what-ismy-collection-day

“You can also print off a calendar from the website. Your bins have a white label on them saying

whether you are in week (group) 1 or week (group) 2.

Mark says they did not see an increase in people using the Resource Recovery Centre in the first week.

If a Blenheim Sun reader’s bin hasn’t been collected, contact Council on 520 7400 or mdc@ marlborough.govt.nz. Bins must be put out by 7am with lids closed flat. Any bins that are over filled or overweight (max 70kg) will not be collected. All collections are CCTV recorded.

Sun The

Anna Kelland wins Young Viticulturist

Anna Kelland from Constellation Brands is the 2024 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year after a challenging competition held last Thursday at Whitehaven in Rapaura.  Liv Bishop from Delegats came second and Laura Hammond from Babich came third.

“Seeing three bright, young women take out the top places, highlights that viticulture is very much an exciting career option for both women and men” says Nicky Grandorge, as part of her role at New Zealand Winegrowers.

Missing tractor and stolen gate

Between June 21 – 26 an early 1960’s 35X Massey Fergusson tractor was removed from a Wairau Valley address, near the township. The tractor was not running, and police believe that it was likely transported on a trailer from the area.

If anyone has any information in relation to this matter, could Sun readers contact Senior Constable Tim Goodyer at tgh946@police. govt.nz

Meanwhile, a 14-foot, heavy pipe, cyclone gate was removed from a vineyard entrance on the Dashwood strait on State Highway One near Seddon.

The gate, which is made of heavier than usual pipe, also has a bend at the latch end.

If anyone has information relating to this matter, please contact Senior Constable Russ Smith at RS7768@ police.govt.nz

inbrief

Sun The

Friday Night Feast hibernating

There will be no Friday Night Feast event this year.

The popular event was a street food market, held in the central business district of Blenheim, most recently at Riverside Park alongside the new Te Kahu o Waipuna building in High Street.

Feast Marlborough chair Cathie Bell said the group was unable to offer the event this year, citing timing and resourcing constraints.

The Feast Marlborough board would look at having smaller events, and seeing what help it could provide other groups and event organisers with potential events.

Feast Marlborough hopes to bring the Friday Night Feast back in 2025, Cathie says.

The group is working with potential sponsors and others to make this achievable.

The power of community

The Mental Health Foundation (the MHF) has revealed the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, September 23 – 29, ‘Community is what we create together.’

“Coming together as one and staying connected to one another are powerful ways to protect our mental health and wellbeing,” MHF chief executive Shaun Robinson says.

She shops - pre loved

By Chris Valli

Bags of clothing bargains are on offer for locals at this year’s ‘SHE Shops Pre-Loved’ fundraiser next month.

SHE Shops has been run by SHE Connects since 2016 and this year will be their seventh event.

Suzanne Hatch, a Senior Pastor from Elim Christian Centre Blenheim, says although the SHE Connects Trust ceased to function this year, the team were all keen to keep the SHE Shops event running as it is well supported and gives back to the community.

“We love to support local charities, with Women’s Refuge, Pink Packets, Migrant Centre and Foodbank being a few of the recipients benefitting in previous years,” she says. “On our team are women from Elim, Oasis, Connect, Nativity and C3 churches and we often have others churches jumping on board to help out. The community love it, says Suzanne.

“I love their smiles as they walk out with their bags, they are almost skipping out the door.”

All proceeds from the event go straight to HopeWalk Blenheim for suicide awareness and prevention. The walk this year is on Saturday, September 14 from 11am starting at Seymour Square.

HopeWalk Blenheim was held for the first time in 2017, organised by Bary Neal whose son Matt Neal died in October 2016. The community action group gave individuals, families and communities affected by suicide a place to connect with others who had also lost loved ones.

Bary says his journey has ‘reaffirmed his own faith in the Lord’ as a strong believer saying his faith has never waned and will

always stay strong.

The team will be accepting donations of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories (good condition) and these can be dropped in to the Elim Church foyer from Tuesday 30 July to Thursday 1 August, from 8.30am-5pm.

“On Saturday August 3, we open the doors at 2pm, collect $2 entry fee on your way in to cover costs, including refreshments, then people make their way to the

Blenheim Indoor Sports has been operating for 39 years. Our passion is sport and its our mission to make it as simple as possible to take part catering to people of all ages and abilities all while providing the latest and most up to date equipment and playing surfaces. Casual Pickleball, Badminton and Table Tennis are available by phone booking. We also offer Ten Pin Bowling and we are your go to venue for your next birthday or party event, plus don’t forget Fitz’s Gym.

hall where everything is priced at $1,” says Suzanne.

EFTPOS or cash sales will be available (no credit sorry) and this year they’ll have an express lane for those with five or less items and cash. There will be changing rooms and mirrors available.

SHE Shops Pre-Loved Clothing Pop-Up is on Saturday, August 3, 2-4pm at Elim Christian Centre, 26 Burleigh Road.

We are taking bookings for All sports leagues. Indoor Netball, Cricket & Ten Pin Bowling. Also available

Fitzgym open from 7am Monday to Thursday. Friday 8am Sat/Sun 9.30am.

Ten Pin Bowling open 7 days.

Pickleball Wednesday 1pm to 3pm and Friday

blenheim indoor sports.

PRE LOVED 2024: Suzanne Hatch from Elim Church, Bary Neal from HopeWalk Blenheim and Laura Maharey from Oasis Church are asking locals to clean out their wardrobes for this years ‘She Shops’ fundraiser.

Natalie finding her avenue

By Chris Valli

Sometimes in life, one has to find themselves on and off stage, metaphorically and literally.

Cue 35-years-young Natalie Joubert.

The mother of four children is in her third year at Richmond View School as an LAT (limited authority to teach allows a school to employ someone with specialist skills) teaching hospitality and a junior science class no less.

Natalie concedes it had been a ‘long time’ since she was on stage. After high school in Ashburton she did a gap year where she was involved in a music/ministry course and part of a band.

“I was way out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I was very under skilled but it was a great challenge.”

In November last year, Natalie was part of Blenheim Musical Theatre’s Restaurant show Downtown - The Mod Musical, where she made her performing debut as

‘The Yellow Girl’. A conversation with a friend led to ‘what is Mum doing for Mum?’, prompting that Natalie should pursue her creative streak while he looked after the kids during the rehearsal process. It seems the advice and support has planted the seed where next month, she will be performing in Stars in Their Eyes as Welsh singer Duffy (Aimee Anne Duffy) singing the 2008 hit, Warwick Avenue.

“I was playing the piano one night with my partner and he suggested, why don’t you sing this song? It was Warwick Avenue and he said, that’s your song,” she says. “It came down to my vocals and similarities and not having to wrangle a dance crew and choreography. I love the song and have since I was 12.”

The story goes that Duffy descended from the London underground at Warwick Avenue station, on the Bakerloo line, by accident. The following day she was writing songs for a projected album and, as

Duffy recalls ‘the song just sort of came out’. Lyrically, “Warwick Avenue” is a heart-on-sleeve number, in the tradition of great break-up songs.

“My students say to me, miss are you sad, you’re always listening to sad music,” she quips. “The song is about the final closure at the end of a relationship where it’s goodbye. It’s the sound of the song and the way it makes me feel when I sing it. I get the song and what it means to be a grown up.”

“A lot of this musical artistry stuff comes a lot closer to home with some life experience. I’m enjoying that.”

Natalie says it would be remiss of her not to mention Duffy ‘disappearing from the musical scene’ the past 10 years where she was ‘drugged, abducted and held captive’ over a four week period.

Duffy has a twin sister Kate and an older sister Kelly-Ann with her own parents divorcing when she was 10.

“It’s quite different to my own, almost the polar opposite. A life that was, is seems foreign to me,” she says. “It’s tragic and deserves some acknowledgment.”

As for her own expectations for the charity fundraiser?

“A good outcome would be if people enjoy what I sing. The talent in this town is ridiculous,

it’s so cool. To get on stage and the opportunity, it’s a privilege to perform and give the audience a show which is really enjoyable and a song which touches them and they connect with,” she says.

“The fact that people enjoy and will enjoy my singing is a blessing to me. To put myself out there is a success for me.”

4

Richmond View School hospitality teacher Natalie Joubert with her Year 11 students. Natalie will be performing in Stars in Their Eyes as Welsh singer Duffy (Aimee Anne Duffy) singing the 2008 hit, Warwick Avenue.

Last week saw Marlborough’s

Louise Baker Mayfield

Total fail at our place. Got stuck in Wellington overnight because ferries couldn’t sail and forgot to tell the teenagers to put bin out.

Lucy Walter Renwick

Easy and simple. Great to have recycling in Renwick.

Linda Murrin Witherlea

Very good. Looked up the online recommendation and put out waste like it said and it was picked up. Though some people down our way put out their recycling – still some mishaps.

Letters

to the editor

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.

DROP-IN DAY

SeniorNet Marlborough Sounds will be resuming its Drop-in session to sort any technology problems you may be having. Bring your device along, or come with a question to ask, and we’ll sort them out.

Thursday 18th July from 1pm LINKWATER HALL

We are proposing to have these sessions each month on the 3rd Thursday at this time. ALL WELCOME

Christian Patrick Blenheim CBD

I’m in the CBD and had to email them (Council) on Thursday asking why Fourth Lane was missed? We all had our red top bins out and not a rubbish truck in site. It’s still waiting there.

Rachel Zucchetto Grovetown

No problems with us in Grovetown.

Catering for locals? Masquerade Ball

Dear Chris/Blenheim Sun

Thanks for supporting us in putting on the Masquerade Ball for Cure Kids last month.

It was a fantastic night, with over 100 people in attendance.

We understand that times are tough at the moment, and running a charity event in such a year was always going to be a challenge.

Despite the economic headwinds, we are delighted to say we raised over $14,000 for Cure Kids from the event.

Dear Editor

The old clubs of Marlborough. Since the COM folded and the new owners now have ideas for a big Wine and Hotel complex with a cafe, I wonder whether it will still cater for the local Joe Blogs as far as price goes?

It used to be wonderful to go up in the middle of the day, (particularly if it was raining) and pass the time away having light lunches

No complaints, surprisingly we were first on the run, which used to be late afternoon.

and coffee or muffin etc.

Even the local bus would drop one off and pick you up.

So will the meals still cater for the locals or will it be more like the big flash hotels that cater for the tourist?

It was also a great meeting place for groups to go to lunch etc.

Would be interesting to know.

Former Customer

Following the recent debacle with the resignation of the General Manager of Destination Marlborough and a large payout, causing a large blowout, the question the council should now be asking is has ‘Destination Marlborough passed its use by date?’

Where is the value?

From its annual budget of $1.1billion plus, most of which goes in high end executives’

Through this process we have hopefully found two new Cure Kids child ambassadors in the ‘top of the south’, in Emily and Sophia. Both young girls live with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), and they spoke on the night (along with their mothers) of the daily struggles they live with.

Understand that through your support, we were able to raise funds for Cure Kids to further enable research to help save, extend and improve the lives of children such as

salaries, past overseas jaunts and operating costs, there’s less than 10% left for local shows.

I have to say, Katrina Lange does wonders on the pittance she gets to run them.

Over the 15 years I have lived in Marlborough, I have not seen one new idea put out there.

In fact, it’s the private sector that has helped

Emily and Sophia, who have been diagnosed with serious life-impacting and life-limiting health conditions.

You have helped support Big Research for Little Lives.

Many thanks.

Co-organisers, Simon Popham and Kaycee Polkinghorne Blenheim

put Marlborough on the local and world map.

Visitors are going to visit NZ and our wine industry is world known, as are our flower ladies.

Let’s brainstorm a different and lessor cost marketing model, because the current one simply isn’t working.

Chris Davies Waikawa

Amanda Noble Blenheim CBD

Long Term Plan decisions move Sounds roading recovery forward

Mayor Nadine Taylor and councillors have now considered the 365 public submissions received on Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024 to 2034.

The Council agreed to progress the Marlborough Sounds roading recovery with a number of changes made to the proposals in the Consultation Document, which was released for public submission in April. The recommendations include adopting Option 2(d) from the Consultation Document for the recovery funding, with the following amendments:

• All marine costs are excluded except $500k for a targeted study, thereby reducing the current uncertainty on the scope and viability of future marine works;

• Tranches 1 and 2 road repairs expenditure was included in the calculation of the cost share allocation between the Sounds zones;

• The weighting for non-Sounds properties has increased to 30 from the 25 originally proposed. A funding application has now been submitted to NZTA.

Mayor Taylor said councillors agreed not to pursue a uniform annual charging concept for Sounds properties and there would be an opportunity for the next Council to consider the Sounds roading recovery rating decision in three years’ time, at the next LTP round.

“Council has listened carefully to the concerns of residents, particularly those from the Sounds, who have been living with broken roads and uncertainty for three years now.”

“We now await NZTA’s decisions on our funding application including the financial assistance rate. I am hopeful that Sounds resident’s and ratepayers’ patience will be rewarded.”

“Submitters provided Council with some very useful information which has helped significantly in our decision making,” she said.

“The agreed way forward means there is a lower financial impact on almost all ratepayers and our budget decisions are fairer for everyone in Marlborough.”

The overall rates increase for the 2024/25 year is 12.96 per cent, just 0.01 per cent higher than the 12.95 per cent proposed in the LTP Consultation Document.

The recommendations mean that by 2034 the average non-Sounds ratepayer will pay $187.60 towards the Sounds’ roading repairs, rather than the $247.37 a year proposed in the Consultation Document. NonSounds ratepayers will contribute 74.5 per cent of Marlborough’s contribution to the repairs.

• Kenepuru ratepayers will pay on average $705.55 per year by 2034, rather than the $1,224.15 originally proposed.

• Te Aumiti/French Pass ratepayers will pay on average $247.94 per year by 2034, rather than the $505.12 originally proposed.

• Totaranui/Queen Charlotte Drive ratepayers will pay on average $344.75 per year by 2034, rather than the $333.05 originally proposed.

• Te Hoiere/Pelorus ratepayers will pay on average $272.84 per year by 2034, rather than the $323.06 originally proposed.

More repairs like this one at Moenui, Queen Charlotte Drive are signalled with Council’s decision to fund the Sounds roads repairs

• Te Whanganui/Port Underwood ratepayers will pay on average $376.11 per year by 2034, rather than the $498.58 originally proposed.

All the other proposals in the Consultation Document were supported. A number of grants were made to community groups and other submissions were referred to Council committees for further consideration, as well as to Council’s grant schemes and the Commercial Events Fund. Funding of $67k was also approved for increased operating costs to maintain College Park, Rewi Murray Park and Puna Wai hockey stadium.

Community Grants Fund benefits grassroots groups

Awatere Rugby Club is one of hundreds of community groups that have benefitted from the Marlborough District Council Community Grants Fund over the years.

The fund, with up to $280,000 available, is open now for applications.

Awatere Rugby Club Treasurer Bernadette Gilmore said the club received $6,000 from the fund for two heat pumps for the clubrooms in the 2023-2024 funding round.

“Before the new heat pumps, we had a diesel heater which was so noisy people could not hear each other speak and the clubrooms were cold,” Bernadette said.

“The funding we received has

made the space so much more homely for players and supporters and more user-friendly for other groups who use the clubrooms. After standing on the sideline on a cold winter’s day it is great to be able to go into warm clubrooms. A huge thank you to the Community Grants Fund,” she said.

Community Partnerships Advisor

Jodie Griffiths said the Awatere Rugby Club was a great example of the “grassroots” organisations who benefit from the fund. “The clubrooms are a hub for the Seddon community, so the benefit of this funding is wider than the rugby club itself. It shows the positive impact this funding has for organisations and groups in many of our smaller Marlborough communities.”

“Council values the important contribution made by local organisations such as the Awatere Rugby Club and the work that is carried out in the community by so many organisations to provide activities and services to the people of Marlborough,” Mrs Griffiths said.

“If you are part of a Marlborough group with a project, idea or service that benefits the local community, it is time to think about making an application.”

The fund is available for not-forprofit organisations providing services in the community covering a range of sectors including arts and heritage, sports

The following requests from submitters were supported:

• Tōtaranui 250 Trust: $100k for Cook’s Lookout on Arapaoa Island (one-off from reserves, approved on condition that other funds are sourced)

• Warmer Healthier Homes Te Tau Ihu Charitable Trust: $20k each year for three years for home insulation

• Flaxbourne Heritage Trust: increase of $2.5k per year (and $250k that was previously approved for Flaxbourne Museum will be released)

• Rapaura Tennis Club: $2.5k per year for maintenance

• Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough: $2k per year for Career Navigator

• Blenheim Community Patrol: increase of $3k in annual grant

• Link Pathway/Rick Edmonds: $10k one-off for path maintenance

• The Nature Conservancy NZ ($40k per year) from existing budgets

• Marlborough Historical Society: $40k for one year, from existing budgets.

Mayor Taylor thanked all submitters for making the effort to participate in the LTP consultation.

Council’s Community Grants Fund, now open for applications, benefits groups like the Awatere Rugby Club and recreation, community welfare and social services.

Applications close at 8am on Monday 19 August 2024. For more information or to apply visit: https:// bit.ly/MarlCommunityGrant

one on one with the Sun

‘We will keep fighting the fight for seniors’

Gayle Chambers is a familiar face as an advocate and voice for Grey Power Marlborough. Chris Valli spoke with Gayle after recently being elected Grey Power Federation National President.

When you first meet Gayle Chambers there is a feeling of ‘the job is not yet done’. The self-confessed strategist and persona of democratic lobbying if you will.

Last month, the Grey Power Marlborough President became the Grey Power New Zealand Federation President at the Wellington AGM. There were two nominations. Fair to say, the results were ‘overwhelmingly’ in Gayle’s favour.

“I wrote what I felt was a very good speech but I’m sure everyone got sick of hearing it before I went,” she laughs. “I spoke from the heart.”

The national body has 11 on the team with four executives consisting of seven regional zones and representatives.

Grey Power Marlborough currently has 4200 members, the second biggest membership in the country behind Nelson. An aging population in the top of the south for lifestyle reasons is reflected in the membership.

The support is testimony to the likes of Grey Power Electricity, a nationwide initiative, owned by Pulse Energy (new five year contract) with discounts that are benefitting seniors in a cost of living crisis. Other recent news for Marlborough’s seniors is New Zealand Transport Authority (formerly Waka Kotahi) working alongside Grey Power to access driver licensing tests.

Gayle, 66, says when she turned 50, she and her husband decided to join Grey Power Marlborough. She has had various roles from secretary to vice president to member. She is

adamant Marlborough’s seniors join Grey Power because they believe in the organisation and what it can do.

“From 50 you’re then starting to think well, in 15 years I’m going to be looking at retirement, what do I need to do? If they can join an organisation like Grey Power they can get the support at a national level and at the local level with the discount book (discounts from local business) and people they can come and talk to,” she says.

“I don’t think the voice of seniors is being heard as much as it should be but we keep fighting the fight.”

Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn

“I have a real affinity with older people having worked in rest homes and home care”

Cooper, a guest speaker at the recent Grey Power Federation AGM, advocates on behalf of seniors to ‘improve quality of care and their lives’. Current issues seniors are facing are; older people renting more than ever, hearing-aid subsidies being too low, and subsidised oral health care being critical for ongoing well-being.

Gayle’s own ‘pathway’ with Grey Power Marlborough came from an approach from current secretary,

Graeme Faulkner, who was her boss when Gayle worked at Red Cross.

“He asked if I wanted to join the committee and I said, yeah I would. I have a real affinity with older people having worked in rest homes and home care. These people out there have lived such a life, they have so much to share.”

The voluntary organisation was founded in February 1986 by a group of super annuitants protesting against the imposition of a surcharge on superannuation, which was subsequently abolished.

Some notable Grey Power achieve ments over policy actions over the years has included the removal of prescription charges for those aged over 65 or hold a prescription subsidy card, the rate rebate scheme extended to include retirement village residents and the retention of the SuperGold card for off peak travel.

Gayle was born and bred in Palmerston North to what she says she would class now as a ‘relatively poor family’.

“We were very lucky Mum and Dad bought a state advances house (now Housing Corporation New Zealand) and was one of the few that owned their own home,” she recalls.

One of five children, she acknowledges her older parent’s values such as respect were integral to her upbringing, and how seeking

knowledge and wisdom from elders was a ‘privilege’.

“You get brought up realising that they were aging and all the things that go along with aging,” she says. “Like pumicing Mum’s feet because her heels were all hard. It was about accepting their restrictions as older parents, we lost Dad to cancer and Mum died of a heart attack. Relatively young I was parentless at 32.”

A Mum of three daughters, Gayle also has six grandchildren

and one great grandchild. Gayle says she is still dedicated to Grey Power Marlborough and will continue on as President until March 2025 where she will then take on a committee portfolio to support seniors in the Marlborough community.

“I’m doing something I truly believe in,” she says. “I’m out there fighting for seniors’ rights. I take pride in that. We’ve got to find someone in central government who will listen to us.”

Grey Power Marlborough President Gayle Chambers is now Grey Power New Zealand Federation President after last month’s AGM in Wellington. “I have a real affinity with older people…..these people out there have lived such a life, they have so much to share.”

‘A worthy cause’ - wood carver’s third Alzheimers Arts Trail

By Chris Valli

Planning is underway for this year’s Alzheimers Arts, Crafts and Collections Trail on Saturday and Sunday September 21 and 22, and organisers Helen Knapp, Viv Broughton, and Jo McCormick of the Alzheimers Foundation Marlborough are on the hunt for new artists.

“For those artists who have taken part in previous years, we hope you have benefitted and are able to continue to support this growing event”, Helen says.

“For newcomers, we warmly welcome your participation and look forward to having you join us.”

This year there will be an opportunity for Marlborough businesses, who sell art or art-related items, to join our Art Trail by having a promotional advertisement printed in our Tickets and Brochures.

The sizes available will be 86 x45cm or 86 x 92cm. Anyone interested should contact us at MarlboroughAdmin@alzheimers.org. nz to discuss details and costs.

New gallery venues for this year will be confirmed as details fall into place.

One artist is Witherlea wood

carver and sculptor Paul Gunningham.

Paul trained as an electrician back in Bristol, England ‘many years ago’ and emigrated to New Zealand in 1995 with his wife Sarah.

This year will be his third involvement with the fundraiser and he says it is a worthy cause and ‘like all charities they need the money to keep looking after our local community’.

Paul says he has been interested in Woodwork since school where it was his best subject.

“I started actual wood carving and sculpture in 1992 and have been carving ever since, and much more now that I am not working full time, I can easily spend many hours lost in my workshop making a lot of noise and wood chips,” he says.

“Carving is a fascinating art form as you can start with one thing in mind and end up with something different, the wood has so many characteristics that do not appear until you start cutting into it, and can dictate how to proceed.

“The final finish on the wood brings out its beauty and texture so it needs touching and caressing,” he says.

Sarah is also involved with the creative fundraiser with her skillset including coloured crayon drawing, quilting and bag making where she will be exhibiting some of her works.

Paul used to work as a Project Manager designing and building wineries in Marlborough.

Paul and Sarah are members of the Marlborough Art Society, and will be having an exhibition of their work at the Society Gallery early 2025.

The special fundraising event helps Marlborough Alzheimers Foundation meet the increasing demand for the range of services they offer to support local people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

The services include daytime activities for people living with dementia in a safe and friendly environment, support groups and education sessions for people living with dementia and their care partners, and education and resources for health professionals and the wider community.

All funds raised from the Art Trail remain in Marlborough.

For further information contact Helen Knapp 021 126 250 or Email:MarlboroughAdmin@ alzheimers.org.nz

It’s all in the details

Local wood carver Paul Gunningham says carving is a fascinating art form as you can start with one thing in mind and end up with something different.

Willow Chaise Lounge Suite

OMG Legally Blonde outstanding

By Chris Valli

Oh my God you guys! Is that song ever going to get out of one’s prefrontal cortex?

High energy, talent, hard work and the power and the connection of the performing arts. The finale performance of the combined college’s production of Legally Blonde on Saturday night got a standing ovation – with three curtain calls no less. The acknowledgement was well deserved as the production, off the back of School of Rock in 2023, showcased the wonderful medium of performance, notwithstanding the increased confidence of Marlborough students right across the boards.

More funding for the arts curriculum? Yes please.

Legally Blonde was a great fit as a college production and the timing of the performance did wonders to lift the winter blues for locals. A college production yes, polished and seamless – hands down.

A great fit in director Jeannie Mark, imparting her dance, ballet choreography skill in scenes such as ‘Whipped into Shape’ and ‘Bend and Snap’. The former included the

stage full of dancers doing in-sync choreography with jump ropes. All the characters, from Elle herself to the supporting roles of Vivienne and Paulette were played by actors who know how to sing, and they pulled off the vocals beautifully.

Speaking of great fits. Past college productions such as Hairspray (2015) and Evita (2017) saw outstanding leading roles with Amy Potts and Jessie Sawers showcasing vocal talent that was top-class. In Eden Somerville as Elle Woods, the future looks bright. Eden had a natural disposition as the confident and bubbly quintessential blonde and embodied a character that belied her age – simply sensational.

The dynamic of including Richmond View students to the production is a no brainer and poses the question, why not reach out to students at Queen Charlotte College for future stage opportunities?

Year 10 student and hairdresser

Paulette’s (played by Carolie Joubert) fascination/confusion with Ireland was a personal favourite and added to the comedic narrative with aplomb. Her voice is testimony to her ability.

Fellow Year 10 student James Dight is maturing as a performer and held his own as Emmett Richmond.

Parents, whanau and loved ones were buzzing at the interval and after the performance and why wouldn’t that be? Even standing outside in the theatre post 10pm Saturday night to see their stage stars to get respective selfies and upload the aftermath to their social platforms.

There was no irony lost in an education landscape where the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy provide core foundations

and knowledge, it is the possibility of the arts that creates socially just and equitable worlds. When we all experience the performing arts we interrelate simultaneously at highly cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual levels. And by golly, it felt awesome on Saturday night.

Term 2 holidays have come at a good time for the cast and support crew who should be very proud indeed of their collaborative efforts. You deserve it.

Year 10 Richmond View Student Coralie Joubert as hairdresser Paulette.

Photo: Neil Sinclair

Eden Somerville embodied the character of Elle Woods perfectly.

Cruise season successes celebrated

By Glenise Dreaver

On Thursday June 27, Picton’s Flower Ladies held the annual meeting that always follows the end of the cruise season.

Co convenor Margaret Frisken was in the chair as some 30 volunteers met at the Picton Library and Service Centre.

A celebratory afternoon tea followed after the discussion of the results of their successful season. They were also given a heads up on the number of cruise ships expected in the 2024-25 season.

While the cruise market internationally is reported as being down, they were told the possible outlook for Picton was that in each of the six to seven months of the season, five major

cruise ships, each with thousands of passengers and crew were likely to alternate weekly with five smaller vessels.

That planned approach was greeted with relief by the volunteers. They have been facing the pressures of finding flowers and creating what can be thousands of fresh corsages in a very short time span.

Also put before the group was the work of the local charities to benefit from the annual disbursement of their funds.

The chosen groups, and the projects they requested funding for, were:

Waikawa Bay School, Picton School, Queen Charlotte College, St. Vincent de Paul, Picton Food Bank, Nelson/ Marlborough Helicopter Rescue, Papatuanuku Trust, Picton Cactus, Picton

Open Studios, Picton Kindergarten, and the Medical Centre Pharmacy and Picton Healthcare Pharmacy who use the funds to help support local families who struggle to meet real medical needs.

Altogether, $10,800 was allocated, which included funds left over from previous years.

The team then held a festive afternoon tea, with a special cake provided by Picton Four Square.

As the one hundredth anniversary of the grocery chain is being celebrated over a fortnight nationwide, co-owners Rachel and Pete Seddon brought along one of the fourteen cakes they have distributed to local charities.

The decorated chocolate cake with its three tiered layers added a final festive touch to the afternoon. (None we left!)

The Picton Flower Ladies were presented with a celebratory cake at last week’s end-of-the-cruise-season meeting. It was presented by the co-owners of Picton’s Four Square, Peter and Rachel Seddon, at front. This was one of fourteen cakes they had presented to deserving local charities over the fortnight that marked the chain’s centenary.

Kindling wood for sale

A total of 35 volunteers pitched in last weekend to chop kindling wood for Alzheimers Marlborough to sell. Locals from the Blenheim Lions Clubs rolled up their sleeves and pulled on gloves along with Alzheimers volunteers, carers and clients to chop their way through a trailer load of wood. If you’re

after kindling wood, head down to Alzheimers Marlborough at 8 Wither Road - you’ll see a shed by the gate full of bags of kindling wood for just $5 per bag. All proceeds stay in Marlborough to assist Alzheimers work to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Rural Conversations

Emily Perkins to headline book festival

By Chris Valli

Tickets are on sale to the 10th edition of the Marlborough Book Festival being held in Blenheim from Thursday, July 25, to Sunday, July 28.

A fabulous line-up of guest writers will speak at the event, including Emily Perkins, who won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction for her novel Lioness at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in May.

The award judges described the book as a searing and urgent novel crackling with tension and intelligence. “At first glance, this is a psychological thriller about a privileged, wealthy family and its unravelling. Look closer and it is an incisive exploration of wealth, power, class, female rage, and the search for authenticity.”

Emily will speak three times: at a session about Lioness, a session about her writing career, and, with

fellow writer Sue McCauley, on a panel called Turning Points.

Something new this year will be a poetry evening held at Small Town Winery on Horton St, Blenheim, at 8pm on Saturday, 27 July. New Zealand Poet Laureate Chris Tse and Tayi Tibble, who are at the forefront of a generational and cultural shift in New Zealand poetry, will talk with local librarian Tania Miller about their poetry and their not-so-secret agenda to win people over to poetry.

Also attending is Vitale Lafaele, whose memoir A Canoe Before the Wind, tells the story of his family immigrating from Samoa when he was a boy, facing challenges and then becoming an SAS officer and high ranking police officer before he experienced a career-ending stroke. Lafaele is sure to inspire and motivate those who hear him talk about leadership through strong values. He will be interviewed by Tessa Nicholson.

Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and coach Fletcher McKenzie will discuss his book From the Pilot’s Seat in a session sure to appeal to anyone who loves flying and aviation. Des Ashton will interview Fletcher.

Anna Smaill, Bex Bell, Lauren Keenan, Nic Low, Nici Wicks, Peter Jerram, Rachael King, Sue McCauley, and a panel of Marlborough-based romance writers, Courtney Ieremia writing as Courtney Clark Michaels, Rina Pinker writing as Cleo Browne, Sarah Thornley writing as Shaye Torrel, and Sue Mackay are also set to speak over the weekend. Courtney will also run a writing workshop. A highlight of the festival is the Stories Told Live evening, which will be held on Friday, 26 July. A mix of guest authors will take the stage to share a story, which may be fact, fiction, or a mix of both, linked to a theme. This year’s theme is ka mura, ka muri, a whakatauki that

‘Creating a lasting legacy’

By Chris Valli

When Stephanie* picked up her beloved new kitten from an animal rescue charity, it became one of her happiest memories.

Fast forward several years when she was writing her will and this particular charity was top of mind for Stephanie. She was thinking about ways she could give back in her will, by including a charitable gift.

“This animal rescue charity does such amazing work and helps rehome hundreds of animals every year,” Stephanie explained.

“I wanted to be able to give back to them after I’m gone, as

WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY: Public Trust trustee Kristen Roberts, says making a bequest is a way people can create a lasting legacy.

a way to say thank you for my special pet and to enable them to keep doing their important work in the community.”

Stephanie encourages others to leave a gift in their will to a charity that’s important to them. “My gift isn’t large, but every dollar can help make a difference”.

July 15 – 21 is ‘Wills Week’. Public Trust is encouraging Marlborough residents to create or update their will, and let people know about the option to include charitable gifts, or bequests, in their will.

A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for what you’d like to happen to your assets when you die.

for her novel Lioness at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in May. reminds us to look to the past as we go forward.

The Marlborough Book Festival is run by a charitable trust and aims to celebrate writers and readers with an inspiring, creative event over a winter’s weekend in Marlborough.

Some of the visiting authors will

Your will can not only help whānau and friends, but also a charity or cause you care about.

This might be something like a sports club or community group you’ve been involved in for years, or a medical related charity that has supported you or your family during a health diagnosis.

A lot of people think you need to leave a large amount of money to make a gift in your will. In fact, any amount will make a difference to a cause close to your heart.

Public Trust trustee Kristen Roberts, based in the customer centre in The Forum, says making a bequest is a way people can create a lasting legacy.

“Your will is not only important

speak with school students while in town to inspire local students, providing a chance for local school students to hear from writers in person.

To view the full programme, Sun readers can purchase their tickets here: https://www.marlboroughbookfest.co.nz/

for planning for the future. Leaving a gift in your will can be a wonderful and meaningful way to give back to the community causes that matter most to you.

“A will isn’t just set and forget either. It’s good to review your will every five years to ask yourself if you need to update it or make any changes.”

Some important life events can trigger a potential required update to your will – these can include: the death of a family member or person included in your will, a relationship change – like a separation or entering a new relationship or new additions to the family like the birth of a child or grandchild.

A fabulous line-up of guest writers will speak at the event, including Emily Perkins, who won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction

All about ideas

Looking for new ideas as a Marlborough homeowner? Not sure where to start or who to contact regarding a quote or who that contact is?

The timing is impeccable with the Marlborough Home & Garden Show this weekend, Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14.

Whether you’re building, renovating, landscaping or looking for innovative ideas the 2024 Marlborough Home & Garden Show is the place

to visit.

The show is a must for anyone with a building or renovating project on the horizon. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their plans, ideas and get advice and answer from a wide range of experts all under one roof.

This year will see a wonderful range of exhibitors showcasing spas, landscaping, plants, kitchens, solar solutions and home furnishings to name a few.

Orange is the new green

With the cost-of-living crisis showing no sign of abating any time soon, and winter knocking loudly on the door, now is the time to think about insulating your home.

Insulating your property is one of the best ways of ensuring it is energy efficient, with effective insulation significantly reducing fuel consumption and therefore lowering your heating bills. Insulated homes are warmer, drier, and healthier but historically homeowners and property investors have put wall insulation in the ‘too hard’ basket, believing it to be too difficult or expensive, especially with traditional insulation installation being messy and time-consuming.

Enter Insulmax… a dry, water repellent, blown mineral fibre which is manufactured from inert materials and composed of 84% post-consumer waste. It is suitable for almost every type of home, is Codemarked for New Zealand conditions and, guaranteed for 50 years. The Insulmax team keeps your existing walls

intact by installing the Insulmax insulation through tiny 16mm holes. This means you can avoid sending perfectly good building materials to the landfill and be safe in the knowledge that it is also the sustainable insulation choice. Most homes can be installed in just one day and the benefit from Insulmax is usually

felt instantly. All branches are locally owned and operated and will provide a no-obligation free home assessment upon request. So why wait? Visit us on Stand 166 at the Marlborough Home Show and find out why Insulmax is taking New Zealand by storm. www.insulmax.co.nz

Mobile solar

mobile solar chargers for power generation and power banks for power storage. These two products combine to provide an easy to use, off-grid solution for charging phones and other USB devices.

Whether you’re traveling, enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing, or facing a power outage at home, SunSaver is your number one companion for staying charged.

For example, in a power cut a charged phone is vital. It helps keep you connected, lets you reassure loved ones, and provides entertainment with books, music, and movies.

SunSaver offers various sizes of charger

and power bank which are all built tough and designed to last, all SunSaver products come with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Founded in 2018, SunSaver is committed to providing quality charging solutions at accessible prices for Kiwis.

Prepare yourself for any situation with SunSaver. Contact us today and experience the freedom of mobile solar power.

Onsite Ensuite

Renovating your bathroom can be a hassle, but with a temporary bathroom hired from Onsite Ensuite, you can stay in your own home and still have access to a fully functional bathroom right at your doorstep.

All 3 of our bathroom trailers include a full-sized shower, flushing toilet, vanity with hot and cold running water, and a mirror for your convenience. Our team simply connects it to your on-site power supply with our extension cord and plugs a hose into your outside tap for cold water. Hot water for the shower and vanity is heated by a gas califont or electricity, depending on the trailer supplied.

Toilet waste and greywater from the handbasin and shower are pumped away to your on-site septic system so no smelly holding tanks.

You can use your Onsite Ensuite just like any other bathroom, and when you’re finished you’ll clean it and our team will come and collect it! Say goodbye to the inconvenience of not having a bathroom during renovations and unexpected repairs.

You’ll find our booking and inquiry forms on the website www.onsiteensuite.co.nz Visit us at the Marlborough Home and Garden Expo to discover how we can make your bathroom renovation stress-free.

Show highlights

Marketing Manager for Jade Promotions and Events Emily Shanley says the show highlights include a huge range of exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, innovations and exclusive show specials.

Other highlights include family fun with Resene Paint a Home (adults) and Paint a Pot (kids) on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 2pm.

Enter to win the Marlborough Home & Garden Show prize thanks to River Rustics Outdoor Furniture and Resene. Simply enter your details at the door to be in to win the

2024 Marlborough Home & Garden Show prize!

Prize includes a Maungaraho park bench from River Rustics valued at $1,600 plus a $250 Resene voucher! A big thank you to this year’s Show prize sponsors - River Rustics and Resene.

River Rustics crafts quality indoor and outdoor furniture. Customers can choose from their standard range of have something custom made.

Adults are $5. Gold Card Friday, $2.50 and Under 16 are free.

Marlborough

Jade Promotions

In 2024 Jade Promotions and Events will deliver 13 events throughout New Zealand from Auckland to Otago.

Owners Josh and Emily Shanley, Hamish McBeth and Tim McBeth lead the team with a hands-on approach to supporting and assisting exhibitors. As a family owned and operated business running the nation’s largest home show

network, they know what works and how to make it happen from the ground up. Home shows are their core business, so they devote all their resources to delivering dynamic events every time. With their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the New Zealand marketplace, they create consistently successful shows for both exhibitors and visitors.

Ask the experts

Plan your visit to the show and check out the free daily ‘Ask an Expert’ schedule below for informative Q and A sessions. Bring along your plans and get the answers you need. The sessions will be located near the show entrance.

• Fri, Sat & Sun10:30am: Homes that are Comfortable, Healthy and Energy Efficient, Jon Iliffe

• Fri, Sat & Sun 11:15am: Confidence with Colour, Hannah Crockett, Resene Colour Specialist

• Fri, Sat & Sun 12:00pm: The Latest

Solar Technology & Maximising the Performance of your System, Lance Double, ESOLAR

• Fri, Sat & Sun 12.45pm: Save Water –Grow More, Steven Illenberger, Your Urban Oasis

• Fri, Sat & Sun 1:30pm: Paws and Capture! How to take better Photos of your Dog, Linda Palmer, Paw Prints Photography

• Fri, Sat & Sun 2:15pm: Summerset –Love the Life you Choose! Summerset Village Specialist

Visit eHaus at the Home & Garden Show

Discover the unparalleled health and comfort benefits, along with significant energy savings, that come with living in an eHaus.

12–14 July, Stand 151a Marlborough Lines Stadium

eHaus.co.nz

Home & Garden Show prize: This Maungaraho park bench from River Rustics valued at $1,600 is up for grabs along with a $250 Resene voucher.

We have seen what speeding can do

NZTA reports that “Too many people are being hurt and killed on Aotearoa New Zealand’s roads, with around 500 people being killed or seriously injured in speed related crashes a year.

While speed is often not the only factor contributing to a crash, it’s a crucial factor in determining the severity of a crash.

A significant portion of the driving and riding population still chooses to travel at speeds that are too fast for the conditions or the posted speed limit, putting themselves and others who share the roads with them, at risk.”

There are those drivers or riders who don’t believe they will be caught or believe they are too skilled to have a crash.

Police want speeding road users to know that they will be out patrolling speeds on the roads these holidays to enforce speed limits.

And while Police will hear the same excuses and all sorts of reasons why drivers and riders justify their speeding behaviour they will not be deterred.

They prefer to have to manage incensed and indignant speedsters than attend crashes.

Police have seen what speeding can do so slow down or expect to get stopped.

Final winners for this years draws

Liz Miller won some divine smelling coffee from Coffee Roastery, Blenheim.

Quantaz Swann picked up a gift voucher from Mitre 10, Marlborough.

Imagine Signs would like to thank all of the people who entered and supported locally owned businesses. Our special thanks to Matt and the team at Blenheim Print for their help, Simon and the team at The Blenheim Sun, and also to the many local businesses who offered products and services for prizes.

Keep a look out for the Locally Owned Sticker when you’re out shopping and lets keep supporting locally owned business Marlborough!

Babich Wines to build vineyard for Craigmore

Craigmore Sustainables has added to its viticulture portfolio with the purchase of a development site in Marlborough.

The 418 hectare property, which will have nearly 200ha of grapes when fully developed, is on the north bank in the Wairau Valley.

It is the first viticulture venture in the South Island for Craigmore, a food and fibre investment company with existing vineyard holdings in Gisborne and Central Hawke’s Bay. Known as Cat Creek, the vineyard will be planted in sauvignon blanc grapes, a variety synonymous with the Marlborough region.

Craigmore’s general manager horticulture, Con Williams, says the move to Marlborough provides diversification for the business and an initial footprint in the region that can be expanded in coming years.

“Marlborough is globally recognised as having regional attributes well suited for viticulture and the Marlborough sauvignon blanc story continues to provide strong long-term fundamentals that make further expansion attractive.”

Craigmore has partnered with Babich Wines, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in New Zealand with a history of producing premium wines that spans over 100 years and three generations.

The Babich Marlborough team will be responsible for the management and development of the vineyard, with the grapes produced by the vineyard helping Babich Wines meet the growing demand for its portfolio of premium New Zealand wines across domestic and international markets.

Babich Wines chief executive

David Babich says they are excited about the partnership and embarking on the next phase of Babich Wines’ growth.

“It’s rare to have access to such a sizeable vineyard development, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner. There is a lot of common ground between our two businesses, most prominently our shared view that environmental stewardship and long-term, sustainable business success go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.”

To support the new initiative, Babich Wines will also be investing additional capital into its Marlborough winery to increase processing capacity to cater for additional grape supply, while continuing to deliver the product quality and consistency the winery is known for.

‘Newbies’ will appeal to all

By Chris Valli

The jewel in the Marlborough region’s theatre crown that is Havelock has another comedy gem to indulge in this month.

Newbies, written by playwright Julia Daniel and directed by Troy Warring sees Aucklanders Jaz (Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart) and Kurt (Troy) find themselves accidentally living in Havelock. Throw some quirky neighbours into the mix, along with some surprise visitors, and things quickly go from bad to worse.

Auditions which were held in early May has resulted in ‘some old familiar faces’ and ‘newbies’ treading the boards for the first time with cast and crew from Havelock, Blenheim, Kaiuma Bay, Pelorus Bridge and Okaramio.

Julia has lived in Havelock for six years. Before moving to the region she worked at The PumpHouse Theatre in Auckland as their Community Engagement Co-ordinator.

“These days I’m a Contract Administrator for a couple of different Havelock-based community groups. I’m also Secretary of Havelock Community Theatre,” she says. “Sometimes I still feel like a Newbie. I can relate to some of Jaz and Kurt’s experiences in the play, but it’s certainly not autobiographical. For a start, we moved here deliberately.”

Julia says Havelock Community Theatre’s long tradition of staging locally-written plays, particularly comedies was appealing. She is following in the footsteps of other local playwrights including Don

Edwards, Rick Edmonds and Bruce Weston.

Director, Troy Warring says when he first read Julia’s script he wasn’t sure what to expect but a few pages in he was hooked.

“It’s a wonderful play, a snapshot in time of rural NZ and its everyday people. Julia’s grasp of comedy in the ordinary things we see and do is exceptional from the subtle innuendo to the laugh out loud characters; it is an unforgettable journey,” he says. I feel very lucky to have been given the task of bringing Newbies to the stage and to have had the privilege to work alongside some of Havelock’s wonderful local characters in bringing it to life.”

The play will also perform at the Boathouse Theatre. Julia says Troy decided they should take the show on the road, so they’re ‘hitting the bright lights of Blenheim’.

“We usually get audiences

Craigmore will invest $40 million in the development over the next two years. Approximately 3000 tonnes will be harvested from the vineyard at maturity, which will be processed into premium quality wines with an export value of more

than $20m.

The property was purchased in two separate transactions – the first property was granted approval by the Overseas Investment Office in October 2022 and the second in December 2022.

Workplace productivity due to poor eye health

By Chris Valli

It seems the slogan ‘should have gone to Specsavers’ might be having an impact on productivity in the Marlborough office environment.

Research conducted by Specsavers has found that 1 in 4 people had taken days off work due to poor eye health while 42 percent of respondents saying their eyesight negatively impacted their productivity at work.

coming out to Havelock from Blenheim for our shows, but as this one is a mid-winter production and the long, dark drive out to Havelock may not be so appealing, we decided to bring the show to Blenheim this time,” she says.

Julia believes with recognisable character types, references to local groups and organisations, and a good dose of South Island humour, Newbies will appeal to all Marlburians.

Havelock evening performances are at 7:30pm on Thursday, July 11 – Saturday, July 13. Blenheim shows at The Boathouse Theatre are on Tuesday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30pm. Tickets available at The Gallery Havelock or online at www. trybooking.co.nz. Door sales subject to availability. Adults, $20, Seniors/Students $15, Children $10.

Ninety percent of the Specsavers’ survey participants had visually demanding jobs that required near work, intense visual work or were using screen-based equipment daily and almost half (46%) have had to redo or spend more time on a work-related task due to symptoms related to eye strain, including headaches, blurred vision, fatigue and dry or itchy eyes.

The group surveyed for the research either worked in construction, in an office, at home, on the road, in a classroom, in hospitality or in a hospital, with people in construction the most likely to redo a task due to eyesight issues.

Specsavers Blenheim optometrist Alan Brown says the research reveals locals need to be addressing their eye issues before it impacts their life at work or home.

“All of us should be having their eyes tested every two years, even if they are not ex-

periencing any type of symptoms,” Brown says. “Regular eye tests are the best way to get in front of issues before they become a problem, and impact your daily life.”

Brown says if people experience sudden symptoms like vision loss, floaters or pain, or in fact any change to their eyes, to see a professional immediately.

According to Stats New Zealand, productivity has fallen steadily over the last 30 years, with New Zealanders reportedly working more hours per week than other OECD member countries, but producing less than 70 percent of the work that other OECD nations do.

One likely cause of eye strain is the amount of screen time a person is experiencing each day, with the survey revealing that participants spend an average of five hours using a screen at work and one and a half hours outside of work. Almost 70 percent of the group believe the amount of screen time has a negative impact on their productivity at work.

Other research findings included the group surveyed either worked in construction, in an office, at home, on the road, in a classroom, in hospitality or in a hospital, with people in construction the most likely to redo a task due to eyesight issues.

To book your eye test, head to the Specsavers website.

ACCIDENTALLY IN HAVELOCK: Some of the cast from ‘Newbies’. (L-R) Nancy (Ursula Paul), Jaz (Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart) and Brenda (Gillie Smith).

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

Across: 1. Upbeat, 5. Suffer, 10. Surface, 11. Emanate, 12. Amazed, 15. Series, 16. Devoted, 17. Easy, 18. Dell, 19. Javelin, 20. Duck, 22. Ache, 25. Copious, 27. Tartan, 28. Stance, 31. Sparkle, 32. Warning, 33. Gratis, 34. Sleuth. Down: 2. Perhaps, 3. Elated, 4. Teen, 5. Stem, 6. Flawed, 7. Evasive, 8. Escape, 9. Vessel, 13. Decagon, 14. Coterie, 15. Serious, 20. Detest, 21. Corsair, 23. Consist, 24. Energy, 25. Casket, 26. Starve, 29. Mess, 30. Owns. act, actor, aft, arc, arco, art, car, cart, cat, coat, cor, cot, craft, croft, fact, FACTOR, far, faro, fat, for, fora, fort, frat, fro, oaf, oar, oat, oca, orc, orca, ort, raft, rat, roc, rot, taco, tar, taro, tor, torc.

DECODER

Waikawa Bay School Fair

the Waikawa bay School fair was held last month. the ‘free fair’ was organised by the students as a way of giving back to the community. Deputy Principal Kirsty burgess says they wanted to do something for the community that always supports them so the idea of the free fair was created. It also tied in nicely with the Matariki values they were learning about. “It was lovely to be able to offer a free day out for families where they could grab some useful goods,” says Kirsty.

Havelock Theatre - Newbies

Newbies, written by playwright Julia Daniel and directed by troy Warring. Havelock evening performances, 7:30 pm on thursday, July 11 – Saturday, July 13. blenheim shows at the boathouse theatre are on tuesday July 23 and Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30pm.

Legally Blonde – the Musical

the

Deveesh Gutsell enjoyed the free face painting.

Mila De Lambert gets a free Henna Tattoo from parent volunteer Anesh Gutsell.

Rosie Stechmann working hard in the free sporting good stall.

Elle (Eden Somerville) and Emmett (James Dight) in full voice. The wonderful cast of Legally Blonde.

combined college production finished their season to a standing ovation on Saturday night at the ASb theatre. Photos: Neil Sinclair.

Stan (Gary Marshall), Wayne (Ian Cameron) and Kurt (Troy Warring).

Jaz (Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart) and Kurt (Troy Warring) check out the monthly What’s On in Havelock guide. Major cast members in a party scene.

5 minutes with...

Kirsty Burgess

Deputy Principal of Waikawa Bay School

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I always thought I was a cat person, but since getting my fur baby Bailey I think I am now a dog person!

 My friends would say I am…

Always busy and very clumsy.

 The best advice I ever received was?

My Nana once told me that life is too short not to dance in your kitchen. We do a lot of kitchen dancing in our house.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

A little farm with random little animals that people could come and learn about, feed and pat.

 Local coffee haunt?

Gusto in Picton does an amazing almond milk Mocha.

 Favourite takeaway?

Malaysian.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? Anything with plants in it. I can’t keep them alive but I always buy them with the best intention.

 What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

I once was gifted a beautiful korowai that was made by a student and his whanau. It is hanging proudly in my house.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

I loved Paris, but also camping on a beach somewhere with my friends and family is just as good.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Yellowstone. I am looking forward to the next season.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I would love to take my kids to Lapland for a white Christmas with reindeer, snow and the Northern Lights.

gardening this week

Replacing lost minerals and elements: By Wally Richards

There are 114 natural minerals and elements known to our scientists and these are found in perfect balance in the non polluted blue waters of our oceans.

In the beginning times of our planet the first plants to evolve had an abundance of minerals to aid their growth making for a mass mat of vegetation growing to heights far greater than their modern relations. Plus the atmosphere had very high levels of CO2 which is growth fertiliser for plants.

Much of this massive plant life formed the basis of our fossil coal of today.

Oil is not a fossil fuel, named incorrectly on purpose and it is being created constantly in the Earth’s mantel...If you dont believe me do a little research.

Ice ages in the past added fresh minerals to the earth by the actions of the glaciers grinding rocks to dust.

Over time minerals and elements are used up by plants and erosion taking the rich minerals away from the soil and out to sea.

For plants to be healthy each species requires a range of minerals and elements starting with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus as the main three (NPK), then we add in the other important ones such as calcium, sulphur, magnesium, sodium, boron etc.

The best man made fertilisers have about 16 elements which is far short of the possible 114.

I have read that a tomato plant would like 56 different minerals and elements.

I don’t know which ones but that’s about 40 more than our best man made plant foods.

If we give our plants a large range of minerals and elements into the soil or growing medium then the plant can take up the ones it wants and discards the others it does not need.

One of the fundamental reasons for companion planting is that one plant will use x, y, z elements where its companion uses u, v, w elements while they share the NPK plus other minerals.

When a plant needs a certain element that is not in the soil it will endeavor, in its internal chemical lab, to convert available elements into substitutes for its needs.

Also in a healthy soil life teeming with all parts/members of the Soil Food Web we find microbes also creating minerals and elements which are then made available to the plants.

One of the great benefits of this process is the creation of Humus.

Humus which can store its own weight in moisture plus carbon and minerals.

Plants growing in a humus rich soil will be very healthy and even weeds will be worthy specimens in your garden.

Chemicals and acids from man made fertilisers, sprays, weed killers and

chlorine from tap water kills soil life making it difficult for plants to live healthy.

Unhealthy plants attract diseases and pests which are really natures cleaners removing the weak.

We keep the sick plants and crops alive by spraying them with chemicals to protect and control the problems.

The plants are feed high doses of fertiliser to force growth while a chemical cocktail is soaked over them.

Then the sick plants lacking in nutritional value (only about 20% of what they should have) are eaten by us or our farm animals.

We and the unfortunate animals that have to consume these sick, chemically saturated plants/grasses also become sick through lack of minerals and elements.

Its even worse for humans as we eat the meat and produce of the sick farm animals.

Ever wondered why our general health has deteriorated over the last 50 odd years?

A point to consider also that as far as I am aware none of the existing horticulture chemical sprays existed 50 years ago.

It was only the beginnings of superphosphate back then.

Buying Organic or spray free produce will be of better value to your health than conventional grown food and dairy but there is an even better way - growing as much as you can of your own produce.

By placing the minerals into your soil or growing medium, the food crops you grow will be healthier and far better taste than what you buy.

Just follow the rules, little or no chemical fertilisers, sprays, weed killers or chlorinated water from the tap.

Instead apply the minerals from the ocean called Ocean Solid - the minerals from prehistoric times called Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) and the minerals from rocks called Wallys Unlocking your Soil.

Your food crops will be healthier and your roses/plants will be better than ever.

Ocean Solids is only applied once a year or at planting time. MBL can be applied once or twice a year as a soil drench and once a fortnight as a spray.

Wallys Unlocking your Soil can be applied in the spring and autumn as a general application and also some every time you plant. It contains about 80 minerals and elements and is specially selected for its natural energy (paramagnetism), this energy is what gives the soil it’s vitality assisting in the nutrient uptake of plants.

The high silica content (43%) helps in plant formation.

Wallys Unlocking your Soil is blend-

ed with Organic 100 liquid fertiliser concentrate made from fish and seaweed, which contributes a further array of minerals, together with microbial stimulates.

These organisms being necessary to hold soil balance, regulate nutrient to the plants, build humus and help detoxify the soil.

Wallys Unlocking your Soil is used at 100g per square metre for new plantings. Note: scoop provided is approx 50g when filled level. Alternatively, about a level teaspoon into each planting hole for seedlings or a sprinkling along a row of seeds, with the seeds at planting time.

Larger plants about a level tablespoon in the planting hole.

For existing gardens with plants100g per square metre twice a year, spring and autumn for fruit trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens and lawns.

Roses - an application of one to two teaspoons per rose, spring and autumn. I have great success using Wallys Unlocking your Soil and would not plant anything without it.

Many gardeners feel the same way and also use MBL regularly reporting that their gardens have never been so good.

If you are not doing so then try it this season, it makes sense to mineralize your gardens.

Extra... Here is an interesting thing I saw on social media you might like to try:

Place a handful of rice into a litre of water then add a tablespoon of baking soda and then a few drops of white vinegar then stir.

The baking soda and vinegar will cause a chemical reaction which likely sheds some goodness off the rice.

Spray the concoction on plants that are a bit poorly to help revive them.

I don’t know whether you use white or brown rice, but I presume brown rice would be the better of the two.

I haven’t tried it but if you have a play with this home made remedy, let me know how you get on.

OT

Oranga Tamariki another case where you have failed a toddler. This organisation needs a total review. Why put these lowlifes back into homes with vulnerable children. Disgusting.

Wheelie Bins

What a shambles with new wheelie bin collections! Council website said yellow for me 1st week but red were collected! Both my bins say week 2 which was no help! What can we look forward to next week??

Re “Wondering”

I work in aviation, and the texter has little to worry about. The aluminium nanoparticle dispensers are very unreliable, most of the time not dispensing anything. This is the true reason the Air Force 757 jets have not been replaced yet, they are waiting on updated dispensers to hit the market.

Contrails

The phenomenon of contrails, the visible trails left by airplanes in the sky, is a well-understood scientific process.

These streaks are formed when the hot, humid exhaust from jet engines meets the extremely cold temperatures at high altitudes, leading to the condensation and freezing of water vapor into ice crystals.

While the term “chemtrails” has been associated with various conspiracy theories, it’s important to note that extensive research and scientific studies support the understanding that contrails are composed of water vapor and are not harmful to human health.

For those interested in the topic, it’s advisable to seek information from reputable scientific sources to gain an accurate understanding of this atmospheric phenomenon.

Re: $5m mini roundabout

The roundabout on New Renwick Road was not paid for by MDC. I believe it was funded by NZTA.

Not MDC

$5m roundabout cost questioned last week. Questioning the cost is warranted but it is wrong to suggest MDC are responsible or funded the project. This is a state highway and therefore a Waka Kotahi project not MDC.

Tennis on Sky

I rang Sky tv because they advertise that wimbledon tennis will be on Sky Open. I went through all the channels, no tennis. Who is Sky Open? The Sky phone operator told me that they did not have the rights for wimbleton coverage. So what about all the people that love tennis who cannot watch it. Sounds like it’s all about money. We have become a greedy country who cannot give a hoot about the ordinary Sky viewers. Love your feedback.

Re: Muting Ads

I totally agree, it’s a relief to be able to. But hey! That bowel cancer Ad is very successful - YOU NOTICED it!

Poor management

Marlborough Roads, if it takes 6 months to build a roundabout at the airport, what’s the cost to council rate payers and when will your contractors clean up the road chip all over your newist roundabout. Poor management.

‘Wheelie’ good!

I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Anyone who’s been paying attention knew which bin to put out last week, it couldn’t have been any clearer.

I don’t know how many times it was explained that food scraps can go in the red bin, and ‘no organics’ means no garden waste or grass cuttings. But still, Facebook is full of people losing their minds and bashing the council because they haven’t been paying attention. How would you feel if people openly criticised your work on a public forum for things that were not your fault or were beyond your control?

Typically, MDC ignore your rantings, or at least I hope they do. So you’re just yelling into a echo chamber populated by like-minded individuals.

I reckon MDC have a done a great job with this one. Why don’t you give it a few weeks to settle in and then find something else to bleat on about.

Missing W

Here we have our country full of happy and sad news and local Stuff “journalist” devotes almost a full page to minor misplacement of a W on maori name for our hockey stadium. Give me strength.

Delightful

A few weeks ago we decided to eat out and while cruising through town found the Watery Mouth open for dinner till 9.30. What a delightfully friendly owner/chef who gave us perfect steaks and checked on us to make sure we were ok. If we had had room for dessert I’m sure it would have been wonderful too. And not too costly. I say support local, try somewhere new you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Community garden

Waitohi Picton Community Garden great wonderful story and history of land. Massive strawberry field and protected tree. Hopefully the community supports and helps this garden, looking forward to see it progress.

One’s own sake

Not a word about the most important moral revolution and the “greatest political document in human history” [Ayn Rand] - the Declaration of Independence 04July 1776? Does anyone champion and defend individual rights, the right to pursue personal happiness, the right to one’s own life. Are we so far into collectivism that we now don’t recognise the right to live for one’s own sake.

Thank you

A big thank you to the gentleman who handed my handbag into the counter at Springlands Countdown last Wednesday. I left it on the trolley, so grateful for your honesty.

NZ News

What a sad day for tv news in NZ with the American owned Discovery owners pulling the plug on 33 years of giving New Zealanders professional and unbiased news at 6AM and at 6PM, so now we are left with TV1, government owned and with reporters who are like puppets to whoever’s in power.

Just shows how much influence America has on this country to shut down the best news this country has had for 33 years.

A very sad day in New Zealand history.

Live

LoveShop Local

Talk of the week

Thank you

I would like to thank the kind person, that handed in my fathers Gold Card, to W.I.N.Z. The card fell out of his pocket at Shelly Beach, Picton. Most grateful.

Wairau Hospital

My husband just had a week at Wairau Hospital. The Doctors, Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants were marvellous and much appreciated.

Better setup

The InterIslander Terminal has not been ruined. It works better than the old terminal, and is more compact. Plenty of seating, warm in winter. The rental car area similarly is much better than the old set up and has improved the whole area, with new road entry/exit, footpaths and plantings.

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.

Blunt Razor

I was quite disappointed England decided to put out their second fifteen against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday night, I can only assume the England coaching team wanted to give them some game time, giving the first fifteen time to recuperate after their long flight over from Japan, they can now assess how far the current All Blacks are behind England.

lAWns & gArdens

at

Mo tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Picton Library is seeking someone who, not only has a passion for libraries, but is positive, loyal and enthusiastic. As a Library Assistant you will engage with the community, build relationships and assist with everything from issuing and returning books to finding resources and answering basic computer questions. As a Customer Service Officer, you will answer queries and provide information on Council’s services, receive payments and enquires.

This role is crucial to the smooth running of the Library and Service Centre’s operations, and will include a mixture of face to face, phone interaction and digital channels. Therefore, confidence in all these areas is necessary. The working hours for the position are 32 hours per week, working Tuesdays to Fridays and one in five weekends.

You will display a high level of flexibility, excellent customer service skills, work well as part of a team, be confident with technology and enjoy a busy environment.

*penalty rates apply for weekend work

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Full details of the vacancy and how to apply can be located at https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/current-vacancies

Applications close 5.00 pm on 21 July 2024

Wanted to Buy

Pennyl A ne Records always buying

cords. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham 366 3278 Open 7 days

A Flying n un records wanted. Will pay Pin Group Coat $1000, Six Impossible Pine, 3cu/m $230 Macro 3 cu/m $280. No texting, no computers. 0273267416 M A zdA Atenza wagon, 2009. Good condition, registered and warranted. $10,000. Ph 02041074003.

Things $700, Surburban Reptiles Sat Night $1600. Anything by 25 cents, Gordons, Builders, Clean, Mainly Spaniards, Playthings, Toy Love or any other Flying Nun and 80s alternative punk bands. Dave 021 222 6144 Pennylane Records, Sydenham 7 days.

eSTATe AUCTION

- BLENHEIM, 11am Saturday 20th July, 2024 542 Hawkesbury Road, Renwick (viewing Friday 10 - 3pm and from 9am day of auction) SPECIAL: 1904 Fowler Traction Engine, Rare CASE tractor with east-west motor, cars, trucks, motor bikes, header, 1923 Overland car, MF dozer, lots of tractors, and farm machinery etc PHOTOS/INFO: www.jwauctions. co.nz http://www. jwauctions.co.nz

Payment: CashEFTPOS - VISAMastercard John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525 or (03) 545 1866 Absentee and phone bids welcome

Firewood:

2.5m3 old man pine / macrocarpa $250, or pallet wood $200. Pine cones $6/sack. Kindling $5/box. 027 597 0492.

31 July

ARTHUR, Louisa ( nee Tanerau-Love) passed away on Tuesday, 25th June, 2024 at Wairau Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Aged 68 years. Loving daughter of the late Hamarama and Vera Tanerau-Love, loved wife of the late Richard, Mother of Wiremu, Nini and Rosemary, Louise and Alan, Harris and Jinina. Nan to Leighann, Richard, Emma, Stevie, Ngatahi, Mariana, Jorjah, Johnson, Arjay, great nan to Jordan and Oakley. Mum to all her Nephews and Niece’s, sister and sister-in-law to all her siblings. A friend of many. At Louisa’s request she was returned to Wanganui and laid to rest with her husband Richard at Aramoho Cemetery, Wanganui.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

DAY, Karen Jane: On Thursday July 4, 2024 with family at her side at Wairau Hospital. Aged 70 years. Karen leaves behind her husband Alan, daughter Rebecca, son-inlaw Simon, grandson Jack, great-grandson Ahurei, her father Philip, sister Pippa and brother Richard. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at the Havelock Bowling Club, 7 Neil Street, Havelock at 12.30pm on Thursday July 11, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

URGENT services

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

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm. We will be closed on the following days: Anzac Day 25 April, Kings Birthday 3 June, Matariki 28 June Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

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

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

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

Death notices

KNIGHT; Loma Grace born 21 May 1947. Passed away suddenly in her home at Aberleigh Village Rest Home, July 4, 2024. She was a much loved mother of Cheryl, Melissa, Angela and Graham. And a loved sister to Winston, Bruce, Lloyd, Neville and and the late Jocelyn. Huge thanks to the staff at Aberleigh Village for all their efforts in caring for Loma so well for these past years. A memorial service has been held. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

MALAQUIN, Linda Elizabeth (née Vis), 4.4.1963 - 5.7.2024: Passed away peacefully in her 62nd year, on Friday July 5, 2024. Dearly loved daughter of Greta and the late Sipke Vis. Much loved Mum and mother-inlaw of Erika and Matt, Anneke and Ryan, and Natasha. Much loved Nana of Rylan, Flynn and Elijah. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Heather and Kevin, Michael and Lisa. Loved by all. A special thanks to the staff at Hospice Marlborough and St. John. Messages may be sent to 17 Lansdowne Street, Blenheim 7201. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim, at 2pm on Friday July 12, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www.sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

RAUMATI: Errol Thomas Tahiwi. Errol died suddenly and peacefully on 27 June 2024. He died as a gentleman should and went to the Matariki stars. He was the loved “Bumble” of Jane, loved father of Simon and the late Scott and father-in-law of Kay. Son of the late Hamiora and Moana Raumati. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to St John (Acc. No. 12 3167 0165142 00 Ref: Raumati) would be appreciated. A private family service has been held and his wish was to be cremated. The recording of the service can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website. Go Well, Big Man

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

RICHAN Ian James “Flange”. Passed away suddenly on his 79th birthday, on Thursday 4 July 2024. Loved husband of Lynette, father of Linda-Jane, Paul and Louise, and Lisa-Marie. Grandfather of Mikayla, James, and Aimee, and Great grandad of Willow. A private family service will be held in Blenheim on Wednesday 10 July 2024. Following this we welcome friends to join us and share stories at 3pm at The Thirsty Pig, 27 High Street, Picton. Special thanks to the Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade and St John’s Ambulance for their care of Ian. In lieu of flowers donations to St John’s Ambulance would be appreciated and made online at: https://lighttheway.stjohn.org.nz/ Please send messages to the Richan Family C/- PO Box 110 Blenheim 7240.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

STUART: Thomas Graham (Graham). Passed away suddenly but peacefully on 6 July 2024, aged 94 years. Much loved husband of the late Daphne Stuart and loved father of Garry Stuart. Messages to 148 B Wither Road, Blenheim 7201 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. At Graham’s request a private cremation has been held.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

WALTER, Marion Elizabeth (Elizabeth): On Wednesday July 3, 2024 peacefully at Hospice Marlborough. Aged 93 years. Loved wife of the late Royce (Wally) and dearly loved mother of Carol and Richard. Grandmother of Matthew, Angus and Rory. Special thanks to the staff of Hospice Marlborough, Wairau Hospital and Bethsaida Retirement Village. A private cremation has taken place.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

YARRALL. Noel Dudley: On Wednesday July 3, 2024 at Maxwell Lifecare. Aged 85 years. Dearly loved son of Cecil and Hazel (both deceased), and loved brother of Owen, Freda, Richard (Dick) and Shirley (all deceased). A loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Messages may be sent to 14A Cleghorn Street, Blenheim 7201. A private cremation has taken place.

T: 03 578 4719

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

YEMM, Owen Frank: Passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Waterlea Lifecare. Aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of Mary and the late Alison. Much loved father and father-in-law of Malcolm, Graham and Pam, Alan and Elizabeth. Cherished grandfather of Robert, and step grandfather of Eve. Missed by his extended family. Messages may be sent to the Yemm family at 11 Glendale Place, Witherlea, Blenheim 7201 In lieu of flowers a donation to St Johns would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 12-3167-0165142-00 Ref. Yemm A private family funeral service for Owen has been held.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

MARSHALL, Lauretta. 11.07.2016 The tears in my eyes I can wipe away. The ache in my heart will always stay. Tenderly we treasure the past with memories that will always last. Allan, Lisa, Steve, Cerys, Josh.

Brenda FOLSTER

09/07/2023

I want to write something beautiful for you Mum... from Dad, (Bill), Geoff, Shayna, Brodie, Mike and I,

To tell you how much we miss you, to tell you how we still cry,

To tell you how much we love you, to let you know we still care,

To let your know how much we miss your presence now you are no longer here.

To let you know how your memories give us comfort but at times keep us awake at night,

To let you know your wings were ready but our hearts don’t feel right,

We thank you for everything you taught us, we think of you now resting,

To let you know that each day you are thought of, with so much love, and that you were our blessing,

Our years of firsts now over, it’s really hard to believe,

To let you know how fast it has gone it’s so hard to perceive,

Our hearts still feel like the first night that you left for a better place,

To let you know we love you so, we miss your love and your beautiful smile, and your never ending grace.

Sharon.

Community

Winter Indoor Craft Market

DIY and affordable funeral workshop Saturday 13th July, 9.30am through till 3pm, Nativity Anglican Church Hall, 76 Alfred Street (across from the Scenic Hotel). All Welcome. A large choice of stalls.

Marlborough Library (Blenheim Thursday 18th July, 10 - 2. Register and info: email deathwithoutdebt@ proton.me www.deathwithoutdebt. org http://www.deathwithoutdebt.org Cost $40 or koha for people in financial difficulties. Family or couple $55. Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations!

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words. EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office at 72 High St.

Visit us online at blenheimsun.co.nz

SaTUR day 13th. 8:45am. Soper Lane, Springlands. Household goods & furniture. Indoor plants, clothes/shoes, and much more. SaTUR day 13th July at The Havelock Lodge Rooms Brayshaw Park 8.30am to 12noon

Picton:

ACC spend $160 million on snow sport injuries

By Chris Valli

Marlburians planning to hit the Rainbow Ski area or Mount Hutt in the next few months might want to follow a few simple tips provided by two of New Zealand’s top snow athletes.

Backed by ACC and the Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ), Nico Porteous and Cool Wakushima are laying down a challenge for all skiers and snowboarders across the country by ‘having a hmmm’ before they hit the slopes.

Porteous claimed his first gold medal in the Half Pipe at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and said his number one tip was to ‘look before you leap’.

"Check out the feature and make sure that it’s within your ability,” says the 22-year-old.

In the past five years, New Zealanders have experienced over 60,000 snow sport related injuries and most of these injuries could have been prevented. Over the same period, ACC has spent more than $160 million helping people recover from snow sport-related injuries.

Across the country there were 13,304 snow-sport related claims accepted in 2023. There

were 7,985 (skiing) and 5,319 (snowboarding) claims accepted – which was slightly down on the 13,614 snow sport injury claims accepted in 2022.

The regions with ski fields had the most injuries in 2023Otago (6,388) and Canterbury (2204). In 2023, the 20-24 age group (838) had the most skiing injuries, while the 25-29 age group (919) had the most snowboarding injuries.

The most common types of injury with both skiing and snowboarding were soft-tissue injuries. Fracture / dislocations and concussions were second and third respectively.

ACC injury prevention programme leader James Whitaker says hitting the slopes with friends and family is one of the most wonderful things you can do.

“We want everyone to embrace that and enjoy this winter season on the slopes safely so they can keep doing what they love,” he says.

Whitaker encouraged people to be considerate of others, especially during busy periods like the school holidays.

“It’s a busy time of year on ski slopes,” he says. “Know your limits and enjoy the mountain in a safe and respectful way so that everyone goes home happy and injury free.”

Bohally students feature at table tennis champs

By Chris Valli

Twenty seven enthusiastic children from seven schools took part in the Mitchell Sports Primary and Intermediate Table Tennis Championships last month at Simcox Stadium.

Some of the children had played throughout the season but for others, this was their first competition and according to Chris Hood from Marlborough Table Tennis Association, they all played well.

The Boys’ Singles Final was won by Finnbar Duncan over Fletcher Phipps by 7-11,6-11, 1311, 13-11, 13-11. The two Bohally students put on a great match, played in a sporting manner.

Fletcher dominated the first two sets, before the left-handed Finnbar found his range, blocking some of Fletcher’s shots and starting his own attacks. Both boys were part of the Marlbor-

ough Under-13 team that took part in the South Island Teams Tournament in Christchurch in early June. The two semi-finalists from Renwick School played for third and fourth with Hugo Coningham beating Ben Power .

The Girls’ Singles Final was won by Cora Wilson (Springlands) in straight sets over Lily Atkinson (Bohally). Cora, who plays in the Thursday Senior competition, managed to hit some strong forehands. Lily did very well to take the spin off the ball and to keep the rallies going. Rapaura’s Mila Scott came third following a win over Renwick’s Katie Power.

The Boys’ Doubles Final was keenly contested, with the title going to Fletcher and Levi van Kuyk (Bohally) when they beat Finnbar and Ben in the final by 15-17, 11-9, 11-7.

Cora added a second title when she combined with Ella Jacob-

27 children from seven Marlborough schools took part in the Mitchell Sports Primary and Intermediate Table Tennis Championships recently.

son (Fairhall) for a win in the Girls’ Doubles final over Claudia Duncan (Riverlands) and Katie Power.

Other Titles decided were:

Boys’ Singles Special Plate: Levi van Kuyk bt Gus Scott 11-7, 11-5

Boys’ Singles Main Draw Plate: Max Campbell bt George Millar 11-7, 11-3

Boys’ Singles Plate: Josh

Gleeson bt Oliver Crawford 11-7, 11-7

Boys’ Consolation Plate:William Davis bt ShengLin Wei 11-8,11-5

Girls’ Plate Final: Ella Jacobson bt Claudia Duncan 11-9, 11-13, 11-4

Boys’ Doubles Plate: Tian Swanepoel/ Max Campbell bt Fraser Jones/Oliver Crawford 11-7,11-6

Another ‘mint day’ at Rainbow Ski Area on Monday afternoon, first day of school holidays. Photo: Rainbow Ski Area

Backed by ACC and the Ski Area Association of New Zealand (SAANZ), Nico Porteous and Cool Wakushima are laying down a challenge for Marlborough snow enthusiasts by ‘having a hmmm’ before they hit the slopes in the coming months.

Photo: Mt Hutt

RETRO-FIT DOUBLE GLAZING

Stay warm, dry, and healthy with Retro-fit Double Glazing for your Timber and Aluminium Windows.

AVAILABLE NOW!

• Reduce heat loss

• Reduce external noise

• Eliminate condensation

• Enhance the value of your home

• Corrosion resistant

• Colour matched to existing joinery

• Custom made and professionally installed

• 5 year warranty

CONTACT US TODAy fOR A fREE ONSITE CONSULTATION, MEASURE AND qUOTE.