Lucrezia’s ‘a winner at heart’
Modelling practise, personal growth and “getting over the fear of being seen” has prepared Marlburian Lucrezia Bradley to tackle the world’s premier beauty pageant. After stepping into beauty pageants and finding success through winning Miss National NZ 2024 and in a ‘glam ambassador’ role for Wellness Revive, Lucrezia will next grace the SkyCity Theatre stage in Auckland on June 22 to 24 for the 2025 Miss Universe NZ Grand Finals.
Despite last year’s successes, the Rangitāne o Wairau descendant and early childhood educator based in Auckland still considers herself a “bit of an amateur” as she steps onto the internationally recognised and increasingly competitive pageant stage.
“It has been an amazing experience getting to know myself and my purpose in life, which stepped up a huge level as Miss Universe is more well established, and so as a result there’s more sponsors and more on the line,” said Lucrezia.
“Everyone’s on that stage for a reason and there’s only ever been one New Zealand winner of the Miss Universe international
pageant which we’ll hopefully change, but for me to be up there really standing proud with my advocacies, I’m al ready a winner at heart.”
The final weeks ahead of the pageant will keep Lucrezia on her toes, with catwalk and fitness practises fitted in be tween work, leading a Breast Cancer foundation bath soak fundraiser and “quality sleep”, something she says is crucial to her routine.
She credits her pageant ef forts for helping her gain confidence every day.
“The fear of being on cam era is the fear of being seen for your true self and being authentic, which is such a silly thing to be afraid of.
“Miss National was very much internal beauty and I’m bringing that with me as part of this Miss Universe journey as you can’t just put a mask on,
Lucrezia Bradley is getting ready to take to the Miss Universe stage in June. Photo: Jeff Huang.
you must be who you are all the time, and people will love you
“The most powerful women in my life have determination behind themselves and a really strong foundation, and I chose to represent the Breast Cancer Foundation this year because of my memories of my neighbour Chloe Rarity who was a beacon of warmth and kindness, and a true inspiration in my childhood.
“I’m being me and taking my family, friends and hometown with me wherever I go, and you’d be surprised what happens when you put your best foot forward in everything you do.”
Follow Lucrezia’s Miss Universe journey on her Facebook or Instagram page @Lucreziabradley
Barking up the right tree
Our four-footed friends had a weekend in the limelight when the Marlborough Kennel Club hosted their annual third weekend of May Championship Show.
CONTINUES PAGE 3
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Handler Harper gives an English Pointer a cuddle before going into the ring.
This baby Rhodesian Ridgeback was a winner.
Wild times in Waikawa for enviro students
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Many hands made light work as Queen Charlotte College students brought “great gusto” to a working bee designed to assist an award-winning ecological project.
Forty Queen Charlotte College year eight students spent Thursday at Wild Waikawa, in Boons Valley near Picton, with the Marlborough Environmental Award category-winning organisation giving students hands-on experiences behind the scenes of their ecological project.
The day saw 150 metres of trapline trail built, 200 plants potted, 200 plants planted and 3km of trail walked with 20 pests caught.
“It’s only ten minutes from their school, but you get the feeling of isolation like you’re in a National Park, it’s as close to the mountain as you get and the impact we have here flows on down to the entire community,” said Wild Waikawa’s Mish Clark.
“All of the teams headed off to their tasks and just came back looking so alive from their purposes, and so it was a process for them to see not just the practical skills, but the community effort that it takes to complete these projects.
native bush, and the levels of interest and eagerness to get stuck into what can be hard, technical and monotonous jobs was excellent.
“We were really impressed by both the students’ work ethic and our connections with the new principal Brendon Carroll, who’s just as eager as us to build collaborations with a local mountain to sea learning approach.”
and respectful of the dead animals we found in the traps”, said Sophie.
“The kaupapa behind their mission is awesome, with a community-based team making a huge difference in the environment up there.
“Nobody necessarily likes killing things, we were able to switch them on to understand it’s all for the greater good and by the end they were showing great teamwork in clearing and reloading the traps which is a pretty technical task.
“Getting hands-on helps people connect more with the environmental mission, because people see the outcomes of more native birdlife but not the behind-thescenes work, so for me it was empowering to see students catch on so quickly in becoming kaitiaki of their homes.
“It’s much easier to care about something you understand, and easier to understand something when you experience it”, added Nigel.
“Having the next generation learn about their environment and the steps it takes to look after what we have here at Wild Waikawa.
“Having students get hands-on is great to build a sense of community morals and show the process by which we can have thriving
TE MATATINI NO MORE
Trapping team volunteer Sophie Whittall and trail building team lead Nigel Muir were equally as impressed by the efforts of the students.
Te Matatini, the national kapa haka festival, will not be hosted in Te Tauihu (Top of the South Island) in 2027, despite plans since 2013 . The decision, driven by concerns over infrastructure and accommodation, has disappointed local leaders and communities who argue that the region is well-prepared and capable of hosting the event.
“I had ten girls alongside Di Huntley, and found them all to be amazing learners, great listeners
ROYAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Pam Logan, pictured on the left, has been awarded a King’s Service Medal for her services to theatre after being invited to meet with the Governor General last month. Pam was recognised for her tenure as a member of the Marlborough Repertory Society since 1975, and her variety of roles in nationwide organisations including being president of Theatre New Zealand, chair of the Speech New Zealand board, as well as positions within the Shakespeare Theatre Education Company and Kempe’s Jig.
“The students had great gusto and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts, and we’re looking forward to the next crop we have.”
To learn more go to www. wildwaikawa.co.nz
Queen Charlotte College year eight students impressed Wild Waikawa volunteers with their work ethic on Thursday.
Photo: Wild Waikawa.
Dogs’ big day out ‘goes perfectly’
Around 330 pure-bred dogs, with entries stretching from Auckland to Gore, strutted their stuff in front of international judges over two days of breed-based confirmation trials running through Saturday and Sunday at Omaka.
Marlborough Kennel Club president and life member Michelle Turner was thrilled by the weekend’s events, despite having to manage a busy schedule.
“We’ve had three different shows with three different winners and reserve winners, and it’s been great with the numbers of entries, diversity of dogs and for people to explore our region”, says Michelle.
“It’s about making sure people are aware of what dogs do, as so much of dog showing is looking for a dog that’s bred to do the job it was intended for.”
Michelle says the care trainers have
casting a keen eye across the whole animal.
“They’re basically athletes, with food, training, exercise, and grooming all involved, with the competition focused on the dogs.
“We have local parades where people can come up and do confirmation trials and get their dogs assessed by people who are trained to judge dogs, but there’s a lot about socializing.
“The weekend also hosted a junior dog
handling competition, and that winner will go to the final ten at the National Dog Show in September, with the ability to qualify for [world-renowned United Kingdom dog show] Cruft’s.
“We’ve been lucky that for the last few years we’ve been sponsored by Royal Canin and their amazing support ... everybody’s left chuffed to meet their transport, so logistically it has gone perfectly,” added Michelle. FROM PAGE 1
Picton’s Pekingese dog ‘Master of Legends’ with judges and handler Robbie Gray, second from left, and owner Keith Brown, centre. Photos: Dreamweavers Photography.
Winter heart warmers
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Foster children throughout Marlborough will be able to go to bed each night wrapped in clothes made from community care as the Foster Hope Pyjama Drive returns.
Each year, the Foster Hope charity aims to supply each foster child in Marlborough with a new, warm set of pyjamas to help stave off the cold of winter nights and bring comfort sourced from the community.
Foster Hope Marlborough coordinator Leonie McLauchlan says new cotton or flannelette pyjamas of all sizes and styles will be welcomed and well-loved by their local recipients. “Some people supply slippers or singlets, and as much as they’re appreciated, we can’t give every child one so it’s just an easier ask for cotton or flannelette pyjama sets.
“Kids of all ages and genders are in need in our foster home systems, and cotton pyjamas are more user-friendly and health conscious than something like polar fleece.”
Leonie says that having pyjama sorting piles take over her lounge each autumn is a little act of service that brings her such immense joy.
“As an organisation supplying social services, we’re grateful to have a generous population here in Marlborough willing to provide these little gifts that help so much.
“We haven’t counted how many we receive as they come to us in dribs and drabs, so we just sort them and celebrate the size of the piles at the end.”
Donations for the Foster Hope Marlborough Pyjama Appeal can be dropped into the Marlborough Weekly office at 52 Scott Street, Blenheim.
Breaking language barriers in even more schools
The return of a community project encouraging children to engage with their mother languages has been welcomed into two new schools.
The second book from the “My Voice, My Culture” project, a collaboration between REAP Marlborough and the Marlborough
District Council’s Welcoming Communities team, will include Renwick and St Mary’s School while returning to Bohally Intermediate.
Students have been given a new task – to write about their favourite person, place or thing – alongside their language assistants who
will help them either translate their writing into English, or from English into their mother language. “It’s really pleasing for us to see more kids and new languages come forward to be a part of our second book”, said Welcoming Communities’ Heather Barnes.
“We found it’s a wonderful chance for both students who are learning English as a second language, as well as students eager to learn their mother language and connect with their parents and families back home.”
The project uses volunteers and community connections with
the Marlborough Multicultural Centre to pair up students with language mentors with the same mother tongue, especially those keen to work on their English. The stories are collated and made into a book with copies going to each contributor and to libraries across the region.
Foster Hope Marlborough coordinator Leonie McLauchlan. Photo: William Woodworth.
Helping hands for Hospice
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
The sale of items such as barbecued burgers, cans of Coke and raffle tickets will help care for Marlburians in need of palliative care through 2025.
Hospice Marlborough opened their doors on Wednesday to curious community members and supporters, keen to show off their facility.
Hospice Marlborough’s Katie Wilson said, “Wednesday tied in nicely with Hospice Awareness Week, as part of the big push for hospice nationwide to get more funding – we’re only half funded by the Government which means just for Marlborough we need to raise $850,000 to cover our costs of providing free palliative care.
“Today deserves a massive thank you to Rapid Relief Team - they do all of this off their own back, from providing the food, staff and donate all their funds back to us.”
Rapid Relief Team regional manager Patrick Fisher was blown away by the amount of support that Hospice has behind it, which Wednesday’s open day vividly illustrated.
“I was amazed – it’s been crazy that we had to refill our burger stocks four times from super
markets and we’ve had preorders from businesses keen to support Hospice as well.
“There’s absolutely no cost to Hospice for anything we’re doing today so 100% of the earnings come back to a really worthwhile cause.”
The extra $850,000 required locally must be sourced from community and business supporters as well as the Hospice’s shops.
Katie says that Open Days mean more to many in the community than just helping fund their work.
“Open Day is a way to get people down here and see that hospice isn’t a scary place – people can meet nurses, doctors, fam-
ily support team, and the administration team, which helps attendees feel at ease about loved ones.
“We want to get past the idea Hospice is a place that people come to die, because that’s not everything - people come to get the care and support they and their families need when someone is unwell.
“You don’t walk in here and feel like you’re at a hospitalour facilities are beautiful here with nice gardens and a recent Nurses Station renovation as well.
“Everything here is for people to die with dignity and get the support after someone passes as well.”
Katie Wilson, Patrick Fisher and Rachael Meiklejohn were thrilled by the community response to Hospice Marlborough’s annual Open Day. Photo: William Woodworth.
Powerful young voices
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough’s new Youth Council is keen to see young people following Youth Week 2025’s theme, ‘Take our Place’, at collaborative, creative events during this Youth Week.
As Cat Forsyth and Oscar Mason take taken their places as Marlborough Youth Councillors, they are hoping to see fellow young people engage with community-focused events this week
“We’ve got quite a few things, we fund a quarter of the cost of the MySpace garage mural painting through the week, as well as our Leaders for Readers
event at the Library on Thursday”, said Oscar.
“As Youth Council, you’re treated as proper councillors and put into this environment where you can get a feel for how real Council works, with your other counsellors and being able to represent young Marlburians with any causes they have.
“It’s really nice to just have that responsibility and feel part of a team.”
And with the Youth Council’s increased focus on multi-year legacy projects, Cat and Oscar are in prime position to set the tone they would like to see future students take up.
“For me I’d like to help lay a platform for more school-toworkforce transition help, because everyone wants experienced hires, but it can be very hard to make that move for students,” says Cat. “I’d like to work on making youth aware of how our environment is, which isn’t great, and like Cat getting youth connected with people and building relationships so their talents can be fostered,” says Oscar. “Change starts with us and it’s our generation that’s going to have to do the work, so I want to foster those relationships between council, experts and young people.”
Marlborough Youth Councillors Oscar Mason and Cat Forsyth are keen to see young locals out engaging with community events this Youth Week and beyond. Photo: William Woodworth.
Prouder than ever
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Increased local and national interest after last year’s inaugural Pride Wairau has prompted organisers to “turn it up a notch” for their second year.
The eight-day schedule, from June 6-14, includes more educational workshops and community-focused events, as well as drawing in high-profile acts and artists from across New Zealand.
Committee members George Waterhouse and Gabe Bertogg say last year’s feedback and the excitement from both within Marlborough and further afield has them excited for this event, and beyond.
“Last year showed us people are up for coming out in winter when you bring excitement to them, so we decided to try and turn it up another notch and see how that goes”, says George. “We all want Pride Wairau giving people the opportunity to engage with what we’re doing on their own wavelength in ways they’re comfortable with – as much as I’d love to see older folks close out parties in the early hours of the morning.
“Our closing party was such a success that logically we decided to use both weekends and do two big parties for fit around people’s schedules ... for me as someone who loves music and dancing,
seeing the closing party footage of happy, smiley people having a great time here in Blenheim was the visual proof of success.”
George and Gabe say that while the build-up and eight-day celebration will be hectic for them, the privilege of being able to put together the busy schedule is motivational.
“The first opening ceremony taught us a beautiful lesson, we had no idea who was going to come and it was just such a beautiful, uplifting way to start be-
cause I grew up here.
“I went to Marlborough Girls, and we didn’t have any visible representation of being unique, but it’s also for people who have chosen Wairau to be their home”, says Gabe.
“We feel very privileged to have our town actually and how we’re building stronger bonds and stronger relationships which make it feel more stable every day but also having someone like Jesse (North) pushing for this all year, applying for the funding and
Off to a flying start!
After several decades in aviation and property it seems natural that Pip has landed at Bayleys Marlborough. Operating as a Salesperson specialising in residential and lifestyle, she is able to put her extensive property knowledge to good use and loves being a part of the Bayleys Marlborough team.
“Every day that I come to work, the place is a buzz with great energy, great people and great results. We sell more property than any other company in Marlborough and being a part of the high energy atmosphere is a perfect fit for me”
The skills that come from working in
air traffic control, being a licensed pilot, running her own business, combined with Pip’s property knowledge are proving to be the right mix and the results are showing.
Pip operated her own property company buying and selling over twenty properties in various locations throughout the South Island, including Blenheim.
She was a Deputy Sales Manager for one of New Zealand’s largest building firms selling new build townhouses and was also the local Sales Manager for one of New Zealand’s largest retirement villages. She operated her own e-commerce store selling homeware and furnish-
Marlborough for the community market to make it zero-waste –but also a need to professionalise and diversify.
“Diversifying was key for us, as people don’t just want to just go to the big party so we’re hosting events like stand-up comedy with Eli Matthewson, the renowned FAFSWAG collective’s ‘ALTERATION’ art exhibition, and hosting higher capacity for educational and community events.
“It’s become even more poignant for us to keep going, but also do this professionally and under the right kaupapa of connection and awareness as safe as possible because of recent political stunts.
having the passion to see change.
“Seeing the flags come up again and knowing that there is space and growing that trust. Pride Wairau is for allies, it’s for anyone of the rainbow community, it’s for people with heart that want to be there, to learn and to celebrate –it’s for everyone.”
Gabe says that year two’s organisation comes with changes – such as moving the community market at MySpace on Saturday, supplying recyclable cups to party venues and working with Envirohub
ings which also involved various home staging projects. Not only does she love a reno but loves building and architecture, so much so that she designed, project managed and partially built her own aviation home at Omaka Aerodrome, a mix of residential and commercial spaces.
Pip is passionate about property, loves people and will go above and beyond to get the job done and achieve a premium result. Her experience in sales and negotiation teamed with her strong work ethic, high standards, communication skills and desire for excellent results make her the perfect choice for your property transactions.
If you are looking for an agent that is professional and dedicated with premi-
“But word is getting out there, as we’ve been able to attract such an incredible range of artists and musicians coming to perform and display – DJ’s Atarangi and Dream Club, or ‘New Zealand drag royalty’ duo Tess Tickle and Buckwheat, are so keen to come celebrate in our beautiful Wairau.
“Having folks setting an example last year like Squealing Pig sponsoring, and having the beautiful Māori Wardens and St John Ambulance and everyone else support us justified this year”, says George. “If in a month’s time I have been seeing more smiley, happy people just like last year and be able to reminisce on it again, it will be just perfect.”
um results, Pip should be your next call. Take advantage of her travel promotion for 2025 as well!
Pride Wairau 2024 organisers and community supporters with Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith, Mayor Nadine Taylor and Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. Photo: William Woodworth.
1.
2.
3. H elen McLean, Brenda Carr and Paula Cochrane
4. J ames Croker and Gabby Mark
5. L ucy Tedstone and Liana Bell
6. J ane and Peter Clark
7. M ya Jayasena, Wendy Ni and Renei Te Pairi
8. J ones Sparrenberger and Cameron Vawter
9. R achael and Sophie Kenyon
10. L iz McKay, Greg Simpson, Rowan and Gracie McKay-Simpson
A mber MacDonald, Kelly Hampton and Lauren Palatchie
C hris Harris, Renee Hubert, Rylah Sumerville and Blake Wilson
Footloose opening night
Photos: William Woodworth
Opinion Community Comments
STREET
TALK Proudly brought to you by
Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlbororough is closing. What connection have you had with them?
Toni Bisset
I think it’s really sad for the district’s kids in the area they’re stopping locally.
Pauline Redfern
My kids didn’t go to school here, so I have no real connection.
Mackie Neame
I think they do a great job, but I have no connection with them.
Hayley Bingham
The only reason why I’d heard about them is my last company did a little bit of sponsorship for them.
GRANT OPINION SPE-
CIAL OLYMPICS WALK
It was an early chilly and energetic 6am start to the day for some of the Marlborough Roads JV team on Wednesday. “Bring on Brilliance” of Blenheim helps young Special Olympic athletes from our community prepare for the National Summer Games which come around every 4 years, recently they’ve been working on their fitness on the local Wither Hills. Starting from a walk at first, its now a pretty competitive weekly uphill run to the Witches Hat!
Our team completed the walk themselves in the darkness ready to be on hand at the top of the Witches Hat track to surprize them with their own finish line and reward them and their Inspirational coach Bob Tate with some prizes for their outstanding efforts!
Come on Marlborough lets get behind these amazing people and support these 32 Athletes achieve their dreams. Bob Tate.
Expanded reach aim for Multicultural Centre: Wonderful team at MMC, a warm welcoming hub for migrants. A homey cuddle nest far away from home. Sometimes it feels like a clinic when
you are home sick. Meeting other migrants brings warmth and sanity. You gotta love MMC. Nyara Nyajena.
Sigrun you and your skills will be amazing in this role- congratulations. Johanna Lane.
Ryleigh jumps to it
Congratulations Ryleigh on your achievements, a lovely article. Barbara Lampe.
Where to for pastoral farming in this country? What happens when the Wine Industry goes Kaput in Marlborough? There will be no pastoral , beef and sheep farming, dairy farming, large stone fruit, apple, pear, cherry, orchards, crop growing wheat, potatoes, peas, garlic, corn etc to fall back on? Like there was when we were growing up on a farm in the 50s , 60s, 70s, 80s…. Ray MacDonald.
I hope we preserve pastoral farms and livestock farms. Christine Hutchison
Replace 50% of the grapes? Peter Chapman.
If you’d like to have your say on any local issue, email william@ topsouthmedia.co.nz
In real estate, timing is everything. But it’s rarely clear in the moment.
Here in Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, we’ve seen property volumes at historical lows over the past couple of years, reminiscent of the slowdown after the Global Financial Crisis. Uncertainty, rising interest rates, and global economic jitters have all played their part in keeping buyers and sellers on the sidelines.
But here’s the thing: low volumes don’t mean bad opportunities. In fact, they often indicate the opposite. When fewer people are buying, sellers become more negotiable.Properties linger on the market. There’s space to think, to negotiate, and to buy well. Locally, the lifestyle appeal of our region hasn’t diminished.
Picton remains the gateway to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal playgrounds, and the Marlborough Sounds continues to attract those seeking beauty, tranquillity, and a slower pace of life.As tourism returns and infrastructure improves, long-term demand is likely to grow.
So, when is the right time to buy? Often, it’s when others aren’t. If you’re in a position to act, today’s market may be your chance to secure a piece of this incredible region before confidence and competition returns in full force.
As history has shown, real estate favours the patient and the bold. Waiting for the market to “feel right” usually means you’ve already missed the best time.
LEARNER LICENCE TESTING in PICTON
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Limited spaces - contact us now - contact us now
Location: Queen Charlotte College - Whare Ako
Heritage Festival explored stories of our people and past
The 2025 Marlborough Heritage Festival, from May 15-18, showcased the stories, people and places that have shaped Marlborough, with events taking place across the region.
The four-day festival was launched at Te Kahu o Waipuna with an opening attended by iwi, dignitaries and members of Marlborough’s heritage community.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua CEO Shane Graham began proceedings, saying heritage is not static, it is living.
Date: Saturday 24 May th
Time: 8.30am - 2.00pm May
Cost: $96.10 EFTPOS will be available on the day
Email ace@reapmarlborough.co.nz to register
*An Original Birth Certificate and Photo ID is Required or Passport*
Phone
Enquiries: ace@reapmarlborough.co.nz www.reapmarlborough.co.nz
“Over the next few days, we will immerse ourselves in the people, places and pūrākau (stories) that have shaped this region we call home – from the ancient to the recent, from the tangata whenua who first walked these lands, to the settlers, migrants, workers, and change-makers who followed,” he said.
part in the many events on offer. Some are playful. Some are profound. All are valuable,” said Shane.
Acting Mayor David Croad said the festival was a tribute - not only to Marlborough’s stories and sites but more importantly to the people who preserve and share them.
this festival is a testament to what a community can achieve together.”
“This is not simply about remembering what was. It is about understanding how the past lives in us now – in our names, in our landmarks, in our kai, in our art, and in our values.
“This festival is an invitation – a wero – to engage. To go beyond surface celebration and truly immerse yourself in the richness of Marlborough’s story. I encourage you to take
“It’s a celebration of the people, the places, and the tales that have shaped our identity as a region – and continue to do so.
“While Council is proud to stand behind this festival and offer our support, we know that it’s the passion, time, and dedication of our iwi, volunteers, museums, historical societies, and host organisations that truly bring our heritage to life. To all of you – thank you. Your work is invaluable, and
From guided walks and cemetery tours to museum exhibitions and thought-provoking talks, there was something in the festival for everyone. It finished on Sunday, International Museum Day, a perfect reason to visit one of Marlborough’s many local museums.
Marlborough Art Gallery has also developed the Heritage Hunt in partnership with the Marlborough Heritage Festival team for children and adults to learn and discover heritage sites of interest around Blenheim. The hunt will continue to June 19 and a printed guide can be picked up from the Marlborough Art Gallery in Te Kahu o Waipuna.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua CEO Shane Graham speaks at the opening of the 2025 Marlborough Heritage Festival. Photo: Richard Briggs Photography.
Taimate genes sire international demand
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Taimate Angus are celebrating being able to navigate American cattle quality protocols and introduce New Zealand genetics into American ranches in an ‘unprecedented’ deal.
As their annual bull sale approaches this June, the Ward Angus stud has been supplying bull semen to Musgrave Angus’s catalogue during the past 12 months in an unprecedented deal across the Australasian cattle industry in the American market.
Taimate principal Paul Hickman says that he and the entire Taimate Angus operation were very humbled to be considered on the international scene, with recognition of selling semen from Taimate Roy R38 at US $400 average per straw and up to US$675 via
the Musgrave genetic auction.
“Musgrave Angus is running a world-renowned breeding operation with huge success in Illinois, and have been keeping tabs on this end of the world for a long time to find bloodlines that suit their needs, but it is credit to the late Lindsay Jones for putting us in contact with Musgrave in the first place,” says Paul.
“The scale of our work with Musgrave is unprecedented for this part of the world and having them advocate for the quality of bulls we’re able to produce is a huge step for us into the massive American market.
“It’s been really motivating for us to see what our breeding operations continue to produce not just on site with us but around the country and now the world,” he says.
As the cattle breeding season comes around, Paul is eager to see how the second year of Roy R38’s bloodlines are met by the local market after a successful 2024
season, ahead of the first progeny making it to American markets, being born later this year and the first progeny selling in March 2027.
“Having Roy R38 as a nationally recognised animal and a very special specimen with many sons across the country this sale season helps the Taimate name as people stand up and take notice,” says Paul.
“From our discussions Musgrave is looking beyond the individual animal as it’s a product of the programme and history we’re running, so while he’s our prize animal now there’s interest throughout our bloodlines to match attributes they’re looking for.
“I’m excited to see both the quality of Angus cattle that our deal will produce these coming winters here across New Zealand, coming out of the US later in the years to come and how that plays out in the future for the Angus industry and especially Taimate”.
rt.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz
Taimate staff at the Musgrave Angus auction in Illinois, USA.
Photo: Supplied.
Submerged snapper farm breaks new ground
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A world-first ‘soft’ fish farm off D’Urville Island is being hailed as a success after a month of trial operations.
Plant & Food Research’s new open ocean aquaculture system, out of Nelson, consisting of a 10-15 metre-deep pen, a feeder buoy plus mooring and monitoring equipment, has been operating since April after first being investigated in 2016.
The first trial of 2000 snapperdrawn from local wild fish populations and raised at Plant & Food Research’s finfish facility - is also the first time commercial offshore snapper farming has been undertaken.
The prototype will see the original snapper population replaced with Chinook salmon in winter as a control examination of an already-farmed species in the same net for the benefit of the marine farming research.
Lead scientist Dr Suzy Black has been delighted by the current results their fish and the prototype farm are showing after nine years of development and six weeks in live operation under the ‘Whakapōhewa ki ahumoana – Reimagining Aquaculture’ programme. “We have done a lot of modelling and physical testing
of different pen types to get to this point, and of course our fish biology experts know a lot about snapper and salmon, so we have been able to combine this knowledge and experience to get to this exciting stage of the programme –field trials in open water.
“This really is ‘reimagining aquaculture’ – it’s blue-skies thinking for the blue economy where fin-fish aquaculture is designed around the needs of the fish and has a low impact on the environment in the open ocean, while being very scalable and designed to be built using available components, making it low-cost.
“The young snapper are doing
very well after their first month in the pen, including the big weather events in early May as being submerged below the waves and surges protected the fish from the storm.”
The ‘soft engineered’ structures of the fish pens, made of mesh, can be submerged beneath the sea to get away from waves and surges compared to the rigid ‘oil rig-like’ structures on the ocean surface that are used in commercial aquaculture overseas.
Due to having the snapper coming from the local population, any escaped fish will be familiar to the region and have minimal impact on other fish.
“Fish in those pens are as close to the wild type as possible so in the unlikely event of accidental escape, those fish will be ‘at home’ in Marlborough with little impact on other fish, and iwi representatives were appreciative of our focus on the animal’s physiology and preferences.
“We need to know that they are content, healthy, that they are being fed and are growing well, and that the water flowing through the pen is at a comfortable flowrate for them.
“This generation may see a few interesting sights for the first time with potential visits from fur seals, sharks and other new
friends expected.”
A mobile system has the potential to increase the sector’s resilience to warming sea temperatures, address the growing demand for sustainably produced seafood and expand finfish aquaculture production capacity in New Zealand while reducing pressure on inshore, coastal areas.
While this first trial focuses on fish health within the pen, this prototype trial hopes to become a mobile system which is under development that can move around the ocean. Hopes are that moving aquaculture production offshore and into the open ocean presents an exciting opportunity to create an even more sustainable system for the seafood industry with a lighter environmental footprint.
“These are proof of concept trials and knowing that yes, we can successfully raise a new aquaculture finfish species like snapper as well as a valuable species like Chinook salmon in the open ocean is very exciting, we’re looking at many ways the pens could be made mobile. “This research is of huge interest to the wider aquaculture industry, conservation in boosting populations with onshore raised fish, and to the government who continue to invest in the economic and environmental potential of open ocean aquaculture.”
Russ Tree Services : Marlborough’s Trusted Team for Trees, Tracks, and Tough Jobs
Ricky Russ, the experienced, certified arborist behind Russ Tree Services, has been in the business for over 20 years, going back to his early days in forestry and silviculture.
What started as a career in forest management evolved into a specialised operation focused on vegetation and land management services for residential and commercial customers across the Marlborough region.
As an approved vegetation contractor for Marlborough Lines, Ricky and his team do more than simply fell trees. “We do everything, really,” he explains.
“From planting and pruning to removing storm-damaged or overgrown trees, we handle a wide variety of jobs including making tracks.”
Ricky particularly enjoys the challenge of removing large, hazardous trees—often the ones traditional logging crews won’t touch. “They are unfeasible for big operators,” he says. That’s where his four-person crew, plus a part-time digger oper-
ator, steps in. Their versatility sets Russ Tree Services apart. Equipped with root rakes, grapple picks and other machines, including several excavators, they also clear tracks, do drain maintenance and even grapevine planting. “We hand plant a lot, especially where machines can’t go—on smaller blocks or where posts are already in,” Ricky explains.
thing clean, ensuring we leave every site spick and span.”
Among the most memorable projects was removing a massive Redwood tree with a base circumference of 16 metres and a height of 50m from the John Deere yard in central Blenheim—no small feat.
Safety and cleanup are top. The team can chip/mulch the debris, leave it for firewood or rake it into burn piles, whichever the landowner prefers.
“Our rake machine can clean up slopes efficiently and scrape every-
Despite years of experience, Ricky says he is constantly learning and keeping his skills up to date. “There’s always something new in this job,” he says. He encourages property owners to take tree health seriously. Ignoring dangerous trees can lead to costly consequences, as he’s seen firsthand when trees fell on homes after previous warnings were unheeded. From pruning around power lines to travelling as far as Kaikōura and into the Marlborough Sounds for the right job, Russ Tree Services is built on experience, adaptability, and a love for the outdoors. “I enjoy a challenge,” says Ricky. “I also enjoy working with my team—they’re a good bunch of guys.”
Winter is ideal for pruning, removing deadwood, inspecting for disease, and preparing trees for healthy spring growth. Call Ricky today to get your vegetation assessed.
The snapper pen is designed to float below the surface. Photo: Supplied.
Horse power finding under vine solutions
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A throwback in vineyard ploughing technology in Marlborough, with a Clydesdale horse named Duchess, has proven successful for tackling tough viticultural management work.
Terroir & Us hosted an open day for eager staff at Auntsfield Estate on Wednesday, with Duchess and business owner Emma Rossignol
displaying under vine ploughing and vineyard management options to keen guests,
After finding a job at a similar business in France, Emma says that her combination of vineyard ploughing experience and passion for horse riding was something she saw a gap for in the local market.
“There’s plenty of under vine competition here in Marlborough, but
everywhere I’ve been working nobody could really knock the weeds the way they wanted to, because I think the equipment available in New Zealand wasn’t quite right for the task at hand.
“I started ploughing in France a few years ago now, and when I went back to France to work I found a business working in the vineyard with horses and with a riding background it’s two joint
passions combining into one. “Horses can do a job that no machine can, go through every soil type, work when it’s wet, dry, on hills or in areas machines can’t go and the quality and consistency of the ploughing job is better than a machine operation.”
Emma says that while Duchess is “big, beautiful and majestic for many to watch”, she isn’t just a pretty face with many uses for vineyard managers.
“Duchess brings back memories for a lot of people, just as it did for my grandparents, but sometimes industrialising a process doesn’t have the same human touch.
And while Emma says that the process may take a little longer to plough vineyards, the resulting job is able to be more tailored to needs.
“People are wowed by her which does help with marketing – she’s basically a professional athletebut there’s genuine need for the jobs are able to do for our clients that otherwise become unnecessary trouble.
“If vineyards struggle with weeds and resistant grasses, herbicide doesn’t help whereas the physical ploughing does and we’re not having the same impact on soil compaction that running tractors does.”
“It’s not going back in time; it’s working with our knowledge to understand the issue that everybody faces and then work to a solution for the vineyard.
“People are always worried about the speed of jobs, but sometimes with tough jobs the speed isn’t what matters – it’s the result.
“I would love to have many horses, and I hope one day I will have enough time that I can have permanent Kiwis working with me, but for now, it’s maintaining the clientele that I already have, doing a good job for them.”
Emma Rossignol and Dutchess in action. Photos: Gabe Bertogg.
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Falcons see off Shirley
PETER JONES
The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV continued their encouraging start to the season with a 47-8 victory over Shirley Boys’ High School on the college front field on Friday afternoon.
After notching wins in their five pre-season encounters, the Falcons moved into their Miles Toyota Premiership campaign with confidence. The previous weekend they had accounted for the newly-promoted Rangiora High School XV, winning 48-3 away from home.
On Friday, in front of their supporters for the first time, they produced a display of forward power that ultimately ground down the visiting side, who had looked likely in the opening exchanges.
In fact it was Shirley who opened the scoring, turning a lengthy period of pressure into a try from impressive first five Rian Sulu.
Although Shirley added a penalty soon after it did not take the home side long to respond and by halftime they had racked up three tries, two converted by midfielder Anru Erasmus, to lead 19-8. Playing towards the school in the second half and with a moderate nor-wester at their backs, the Falcons quickly upped the ante, pinning Shirley in their 22 for long periods.
Dominating possession and with their set pieces working better, the home side played to their forward strength, potent driving mauls and
bullocking one-off running leading directly to four more tries, all converted by Erasmus.
MBC looked a well-drilled unit. Up front, props Mason Nicklin, Jake Gane and Jordyn Gardiner performed their core roles with urgency and efficiency while locks Ben Campbell and Luke Petrie also made their presence felt, especially at set piece time.
Loosies Rico Nicklin, playing his 20th game, Tom Robinson and Finn Neal were a continual menace at the breakdown, and carried hard, while replacements George Adams, Luke Zillwood, Hawaiki Gerrard and co-captain Ben Gibbons, who was making his long-awaited return from injury and scored just a minute after entering the fray, all brought immediate impetus.
Midfielders Erasmus and Kyan Marcroft were the most dangerous of the back divi-
SPORT
Riding to help: Callum Saunders, Commonwealth medallist and Olympic cyclist, is putting his fitness to the test on the Athletic Park track next Sunday, May 25. As part of the “Ride To Thrive” fundraiser Callum will endeavour to ride 1000 laps (450km) of the cycle track in under 24 hours. He is asking people to come down to the park to offer support or ride with him throughout the day. There will be a kids zone with bouncy castle and bike track, coffee and food carts plus raffles to be won – including two bikes from Bikes and Scooters. Proceeds to School Start First Impressions Marlborough.
sion, while first five Thomas Blackmore coolly directed operations and kicked intelligently when required.
Head coach Tonga Taumoefolau was a happy man afterwards, especially with the way his side had weathered such a strong start from Shirley.
“We got a really good fight in that first half but we stayed in it, we stuck to what we knew we were good at … the fact that once we got those opportunities we took them, that’s the happiest part.
“I wasn’t happy with the last 15 minutes though, we played like we were a tired bunch so we might have to look at our conditioning,” he added.
He admits he is fortunate to have 29 fit players available at this stage of the season, a rare situation for a coach to be in.
On Saturday MBC are once more at home, up against St Andrew’s College at 11am, then, the following Thursday,
they travel to Nelson to take on their arch-rivals.
Tougher challenges lie just around the corner in a competition that requires unrelenting concentration and excellence, but this side is certainly a force to be reckoned with.
Scorers: Marlborough Boys’ College 47 (Rico Nicklin 2, Thomas Blackmore, Tom Robinson, Ben Gibbons, Mason Nicklin, Luke Zillwood, Anru Erasmus 6 con) Shirley Boys’ High School 8 (Rian Sulu try, penalty). HT: 19-8.
The First XV match was just one of several interschool fixtures between the two colleges, the seven match-ups ending 3-3 with one drawn.
MBC won the First XV, the First XI hockey (5-1) and the senior basketball (80-75) while Shirley prevailed in junior basketball (123-61), under-15 rugby (40-33) and junior football (2-1). The First XI football game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Cooper a champ: Former Marlborough Boys’ College First XV stand-out Cooper Roberts was part of the New Zealand under-20 side which recently won the U20 Rugby Championship in South Africa. Cooper was a pivotal member of the side, playing in all three games, a first-up draw with Australia, a big win over Argentina and a nail-biting final round victory over hosts South Africa. Local physiotherapist Richie Marsden was the NZ team’s physio.
Tri-ing hard: Ryan Marfell’s triathlon career continues to flourish. Ryan recently competed in the AUS Triathlon Champs staged in Wollongong, Australia as part of his prep for the world champs in October this year on the same course. Ryan underlined his talent and continued his build-up with a third placing in the standard male 15-19 section.
Kyla chosen: Marlborough Girls’ College head girl Kyla Thorstensen’s burgeoning softball career took another step forward last week when she was named in a Junior White Sox training squad. As part of the JWSX campaign, Softball NZ will be holding two national camps this year as well as playing in local tournaments around New Zealand and looking for a tour to Australia.
Blenheim medal bag: The Blenheim Rowing Club enjoyed plenty of success at the recent SI Masters regatta at Lake Kaniere in late April. Eighteen rowers scooped 10 golds, 10 silvers and three bronze medals, plus three golds in composite crews. Standouts were novices Amy Bryant and Jason Popplewell, at their first regatta. Both won four gold medals.
MBC co-captain Ben Gibbons celebrated his return to action with a quick-fire touchdown.
Photo Jim Tannock Photography
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A pair of winners
When Eliza Glover and Anna Hurren paired up at the start of the 2025 Marlborough Girls’ College rowing programme, they would not have dreamed where their partnership would lead.
The duo competed together in the college’s four and quad at the 2024 Maadi Cup, with moderate success, prompting the MGC coaches, in something of a master stroke, to put them together in the under-17 coxless pair for the 2025 campaign.
Their partnership clicked from the outset.
Eliza and Anna immediately signalled their intentions with victory in the South Island Secondary School Championships at Lake Ruataniwha, then followed up with a stunning gold medal-winning performance in the Maadi Cup final at Lake Karapiro.
But their stellar season was far from over.
The dynamic duo’s success caught the eye of the national selectors who picked them for the South Island under-18 side which recently competed against their North Island counterparts at Karapiro.
The MGC teens raced three times, once in the pair and twice in the SI eight, winning all their events and helping the Mainland claim victory overall, icing a superb couple of months.
However, despite the thrill of racing in South Island colours, both agreed that crossing the finish line first at Maadi was a season highlight. In a nail-biting medal decider, Eliza and Anna underlined their conditioning by surging past their Westlake Girls’ rivals in the middle stages, then holding on for a narrow victory.
Sixteen-year-old Anna, a year 12 student, said “nothing compares to Maadi”. “It was what we had trained for all year and neither of us had medalled at Maadi before so that was our goal, just to win a medal … so coming first was a real bonus.”
Eliza, who is 17 and year 13, said that despite their success against the South Island crews previously they were unsure of what they would be up against at Karapiro. “The Maadi was a different challenge … the North Island crews had put up some really fast times, but it is always hard to compare times because of the different conditions.”
Although they won their heat, two of the other heat winners produced faster times, leaving the duo in the dark over where they stood.
“Going into the final we didn’t have much idea of what the other top crews were capable of … and in the end we only won by half a second or something from the Westlake pair,” recalled Anna.
“The pressure was on,” said Eliza, “we were coming fourth in the first K so we said ‘we’ve got to go now’.
“Then we moved up on the other crews really quickly and got clear water, but [Westlake] closed in on us at the end and we actually didn’t know whether we had won or not.”
It was actually the Westlake coach who informed the girls that they were Maadi champions.
“I thought we got second,” said Eliza. “We were looking round, all scared,
then we go into the pontoon and the Westlake coach said, ‘do you want me to spoil the surprise’ and we said ‘yes please’, so then he said ‘congratulations’ and we knew we had won,” added Anna. Eliza recalls watching Anna’s mother on the lakeside for a clue to their placing.
“She was on the sidelines waving her arms around and I was thinking, ‘is that a good thing or a bad thing?’
“I asked Anna and she didn’t know … she was busy waving at the camera drone which had focussed on us.”
“That gave me a small inkling,” said Anna, “if [the drone] was pointing at us I thought that must be a good sign.”
The lightly-built MGC teens, who have battled bigger athletes all season, give meaning to the saying, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”.
“Both the South Island and North Island crews were bigger than us,” said Eliza, “but it’s all about power-to-weight though.”
With this being Eliza’s final year at college, Anna is on the lookout for a partner in the pair next season.
“She wants me to fail year 13 and come back,” joked Eliza, who has a “few options” for next season but plans to continue rowing wherever she ends up.
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WHERE: Various locations, Marlborough WHEN: Sunday 25 May, 9:30am
WINNERS: Anna Hurren, left, and Eliza Glover in their South Island row suits. Photo: Supplied.
Anna and Eliza in action for the South Island team. Photo supplied.
Step up no problem for MGC water polo players
The Marlborough Girls’ College senior water polo team stepped up to a higher level of competition with aplomb, finishing sixth overall out of 13 teams at the national schools’ division one champs in Tauranga recently.
After winning division two at the NZSS tournament last year the girls took on the country’s best in the division one tournament from April 23-27. This was the first time an MGC team had competed at this event and they were up against it, not only through the calibre of their rivals but because they travelled north with only nine players, against squads of up to 14. The Marlborough girls excelled, reaching the top eight play-offs.
“A big part of that was due to their overall team game … defensively they worked really well together, ‘switching’ to cover attacking players really well, and then turning great defence into attacking oppor-
tunities”, said team manager Jo McCormick.
MGC came agonisingly close to a top four finish, losing a thrilling quarterfinal to Baradene College 9-8. The southerners led through the first three quarters but Baradene came back in the final stanza to prevail. After a good win against Westlake the girls made it to the play offs for fifth and sixth. They fought hard to lead 3-2 at half time but couldn’t hold on and lost 5-8.
“They played an amazing tournament, never gave up and did Marlborough proud,” added Jo.
MGC player Koko Wong was one of the top five most voted players throughout the tournament.
MGC team: Poppy Clark, Katie Marsh, Gabby Miller, Lizzy Douthett, Koko Wong, Mia Lindfield, India Nathan, Libby Senior, Hayley McCormick. Coach Alistair Keay; Assistant Coach Richard Clark; Manager Jo McCormick.
One up, one down on Blues’ club day
PETER JONES
Nelson’s Marist Club played spoiler during the Central Rugby Club’s club day on Saturday, scoring a resounding Tasman Trophy victory over the Blues’ premier side at Lansdowne Park.
Marist turned on a superb second half performance to blitz the Blues 55-14, after the home side led 14-12 at the break.
Ironically, Marist had first use of a gusty nor’westerly breeze, but were unable to convert field position and possession into points during a first 40 minutes when Central’s staunch defence and breakdown work saw them repeatedly deny the visitors, while scoring a couple of well-executed tries themselves. However, after oranges it all changed, the visitors racking up 43 unanswered points.
With Marist intent on playing a ball-in-hand game, involving multiple off-loads and indepth support play, the Blues had no answer.
They began dropping off tackles all over the park, allowing Marist’s elusive quartet of Nic and Timi Sauira, first five Luke Kilworth and halfback Wil Thornalley to wreak havoc.
Up front, powerhouse No 8 Netani Baleisomosomo, after being subdued in the first 40, came into his own, while skipper Tom Thornalley also had a strong game, carrying hard and leading by example.
Central can have no excuses. Their first and second half
efforts were like chalk and cheese in terms of commitment to defence.
Players such as young loosies
Jack Kelly, Luke Marfell and Peyton Yakas gave it their all, along with halfback Logan Philp and midfielder Ben Filipo, while centre Koloa Fotu proved elusive.
An added disappointment for Central is the loss of the John Goodman Challenge Trophy, which they wrenched off Nelson last weekend.
Marist had lost it to Nelson the previous week so will be relieved to have reclaimed the prize so quickly. But, even they would have been surprised by the second half blow-out after such an evenly-contested first 40.
In other premier matches, Waimea Old Boys edged past Kahurangi 22-19 while Nelson accounted for Stoke 36-17.
Premier table: Marist 26, Waimea 26, Nelson 19, Central 16, Kahurangi 8, Stoke 7.
Senior A wrap
The news was better for Central in the curtain-raiser, with the club’s senior A side scoring a hard-fought 15-10 win over Lansdowne neighbours Harlequins.
Central led 7-5 at halftime, playing into the breeze, and were forced to dig deep as the Quins scored a well-constructed second half try to edge ahead 10-7.
However, a late sin-binning allowed the Blues to build pressure on the Harlequins line, resulting in the match-winning try with 12 minutes to play.
In other senior A clashes, Waitohi flexed their muscles at Seddon to down Awatere 4621 and Renwick got their title defence on track with a 27-14 victory over Moutere at Spring Creek.
Senior A table: Waitohi 10, Renwick 9, Central 8, Awatere 5, Harlequins 5, Havelock 4, Moutere 0.
Central senior A player Francis Roebeck takes on the Harlequins defence during their match at Lansdowne Park on Saturday. Photo Peter Jones.
Stirling effort from hockey lads
Two dominant performances saw the Marlborough under-18 boys’ hockey side bring the Stirling Cup back from Greymouth recently.
They followed up a commanding 12-0 win over West Coast on Saturday with a composed 3-1 victory against Nelson on Sunday, the team showcased their depth, intensity, skills, and cohesion.
In a tight match against Nelson, midfielders Logan Flight, Sam Young, plus Mason and Alex Herd, worked tirelessly to shut down Nelson’s momentum and provide quality ball to the front line.
Liam Harcus and Lachlan MacNeill added dynamic attacking pressure, constantly unsettling Nelson’s defence as they tried to get out from the back.
Defensive stalwarts Jock Flanagan and Harry Wilkin held firm at the back, easing pressure and displaying composure and skill to clear the ball out of defence. Young goalkeeper Harrison Fishburn produced an outstanding performance in both matches.
The Marlborough team’s brand of fast-paced, high-energy hockey, involving slick passing, creative play and resulted in some spectacular goals.
Scoring was shared across multiple players in both games, highlighting the depth and balanced talent of this ever-improving squad.
Coach Pip Herd praised the team’s superb game management, particularly in closing out the tight contest against Nelson.
“The entire team played with determination, intensity, and discipline—an exciting sign of things to come. We look forward to watching this talented group continue to excel throughout the season.”
Also in action on the Coast was the Marlborough under-18 girls’ side.
With nine under-18 debutants, the Marlborough side came into the Dodson Cup with the goal of being competitive and gaining experience, and it was mission accomplished.
They faced a strong Nelson side in their opening match on Sat urday and, despite a solid start and multiple shots on goal, lost 4-0 in a game where the score didn’t tell the full story. Greer Sampson showed dominance of the defensive circle, shutting down multiple shots on goal from Nelson’s attacking line.
Determined to bounce back, the team faced West Coast on Sunday morning. The hosts
came out firing, but Marlborough stayed in it and made the most of their time in the attacking circle. While penalty corners went unconverted, Maddie and Millie Large capitalized on key chances in the circle, scoring the three goals that propelled Marlborough to a 3-2 victory.
Senior players such as the Large twins, Amelia Storey, and Jordan Sampson stood out over the weekend, providing composure, support, and valuable leadership for the younger athletes.
Coach Tanya Hawley said while the results were mixed, the experience gained will contribute to their development as they continue to build confidence throughout the season.
Reserves, Buccaneers tied at the top
PETER JONES
Rangers Reserves and Central Buccaneers continue to show the way in the Marlborough division one football race.
Both sides scores victories on Saturday to maintain their strong start to the season.
Buccaneers, who have played a game less, notched a 3-1 win over Trojans Los Andes. An early Ryan Palmer goal saw them lead 1-0 at halftime, then further strikes by Ben Shallcrass and Brendan Jackson moved them into a 3-0 lead midway through the second spell before Alejandro Renzi pulled one back for the South American-flavoured side.
First half goals to Rhys Yockney and Ben Lindfield propelled Reserves to a 2-0 victory over Trojans in the other match.
In division two action, Picton Crow Tavern made it a four-from-four start to their campaign with a 1-0 win over BV Masters, Rangers City downed Trojans Spartans 8-2, Rangers Masters beat Trojans Angels 3-2, Trojans Strikers overcame Central Privateers 4-1 and a Steve McGinnitty hat-trick guided Renwick Lonewolves to a 6-4 triumph over Central Wolves.
Meanwhile, Rangers AFC continued their unbeaten march in the Nelson
Rangers Katipos’ player Alex Smith lines up a shot on goal during his side’s match against Trojans Thunder on Saturday. Photo Peter Jones.
division one competition, disposing of the Nelson Suburbs under-18 side 10-0 at A&P Park on Saturday. The Suburbs side is a very youthful development team and, although their first two games in the league have resulted in 1-0 scorelines, they were no match for a Rangers side close to full strength.
The home side created chances aplenty, striker Keagan Mortimer helping himself to five goals while both Sverre and Tore Waechter notched a brace and Sam Pearson added the 10th. Rangers face two tough away matches. On Saturday they meet closest challengers FC Nelson, also unbeaten, then they have a tough Chatham Cup round two match against Nelson Suburbs top team, who play in the Southern League. Both matches are away.
The Marlborough under-18 boys’ side with their Nelson rivals. Photo: Supplied.
Revved up for motocross event
PETER JONES
Riders flocked to the Marlborough Motorcycle Club’s 61st MTF Blenheim Peter Brown Memorial motocross event staged near Havelock at the weekend. Entry levels were among the highest in some time, with 158 total participants across the two days ranging from age four right up to 60+. Saturday’s racing was staged in excellent conditions, but rain overnight and in the early morning saw Sunday’s racing cancelled.
This was the club’s second successful event of the year, following on from the Trail run held by MMCC at Kaituna Ridges with over 300 participants.
One of the goals for the Peter Brown Memorial was to fundraise for club member Dylan Huddleston who has been selected to represent NZ in the ISDE (International Size Day Enduro) held in Italy this year. Dylan is only 17 years old and making a huge impression in Enduro. Among the riders at the weekend was
Josh Coppins, the former world champion giving many of the top of the south riders some stern opposition in the MX1 class. There were some top results from local riders, including a win to Lokki Godsiff in the 4-7 year intro class.
Chase O’Brien put in a huge effort in the 12-16 125cc class, finishing fourth and missing the podium by three points.
The MMCC ladies, Stacey Emms and Simone Goodyer, finished second and third respectively with a gate of 11 and a total of 22 girls/women competing.
In the Minis Unclutched class Finn Emms finishing second in a gate of 11. The MX3 class is designed for novice riders who aren’t ready to take the plunge into the more advanced classes, this class was taken out by three Marlborough riders - Zac Slade, Chris Goodyer and Logan Robb, the largest class of the day with 27 riders.
There were second placings to Kim Wakelin in the Vets 45+ class, plus Andrew Emms in the Vets 25-44 years section.
big guns set to collide
Pelorus and Harlequins Totalspan are set on a collision course after just three weeks of the Marlborough premier netball competition. Last season’s finalists remain unbeaten through the early stages of round one, racking up some hefty scorelines against the lower-ranked sides. Pelorus have scored consistently, dropping in 72 goals on Tuesday evening against Harlequins Grove Tavern, to go with previous tallies of 67 and 68. Quins were made to battle hard in a torrid late-night showdown with Tokomaru before prevailing by 21 goals, underlining both their quality and depth. The previous week they scored 80 against their stablemates.
This week Pelorus took on the Marlborough Men’s team, who beat Marlborough Girls’ College 67-37 in last week’s early match, while Totalspan met MGC.
Next week the top teams will collide with, if games go to form, first round honours firmly on the line. Tuesday’s tightest encounter was between Totalspan and Tokomaru, with plenty of commitment, plus no shortage of skills and spills on show. Totalspan prevailed 56-35 after dominating possession for most of the match, putting up 73 shots to their opponent’s 47. Shooting percentages were similar, although Jorja Bacchus’s efforts, 47 goals from 56 shots at 83 percent, was again outstanding.
The Harlequins Grove Tavern side were more competitive this week, a few of their combinations beginning to gel, but no match over 60 minutes for the Pelorus crew who were able to rotate their roster, getting 10 players on court, some in a variety of positions.
In the non-competition game, MGC put up a lively effort against the Men’s side, who actually had four women in their ranks this week, shooter Anna Hurren finding her range to make the most of her side’s regular turnovers. Defender Jah’Bree MacDonald continues to impress with her athleticism and anticipation. After a slow start MGC gained in confidence and looked threatening when willing to let the ball flow on attack.
Scores: Marlborough Men 67 beat Marlborough Girls’ College Liquid Action 37. Pelorus Edridge Contracting 72 beat Harlequins Grove Tavern 22. Harlequins Totalspan 56 Tokomaru 35.
A big turnout gathered for the Peter Brown Memorial motocross event over the weekend. Photo: Supplied.
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▪ Assist in body preparation and mortuary work, as required.
▪ Maintain high standards of care, presentation, and professionalism.
You will be the calm and compassionate presence during a challenging time, helping families navigate their choices and ensuring their expectations are not only met but exceeded.
▪ Participate in rostered duties, including nights on-call and weekends.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
▪ Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
▪ Strong organisational ability with attention to detail.
▪ Empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience.
▪ Professional presentation and high integrity.
▪ Proficient computer skills and tech-savviness.
▪ A full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence.
▪ A genuine desire to build a long-term career in the funeral industry.
▪ Willingness to assist in all aspects of funeral service, including mortuary duties.
This is not a standard 9–5 position.The nature of our work demands flexibility, adaptability, and a calm presence under pressure.
If this role feels like your calling, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you believe you are the right fit for this meaningful role to: Chelsea.brown@sowmansfunerals.co.nz
SATURDAY 24TH MAY
1.00pm – 2.00pm 23 Admiralty Place, Waikawa Offers Over $839,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42341
12.45pm – 1.30pm 29a Ranui Street, Waikawa Offers Over $890,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42528
SUNDAY 25TH MAY
11.30am – 12.30pm 15 Milton Terrace, Picton Tender Summit.co.nz/PR42695
1.00pm – 2.00pm 23 Admiralty Place, Waikawa Offers Over $839,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42341
1.45pm – 2.15pm 17 Scotland St, Picton $569,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42297
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: E: hello@topsouthmedia.co.nz
IN MEMORIAM
THOMSON; Noeleen Ann
Passed away one year ago on 23 May 2024. A loving wife of Ernie, mother and mother-in-law of Paul and Samantha and grandma of Ava. “Sadly missed by us all.”
Locally Family Owned
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
DEATH NOTICES
On 16 May 2025, at her home, aged 72 years. Dearly loved partner of Barry and wife of the late Tony. A muchloved mother and mother-in-law of Sheree and Terry Borcovsky and the late Glenn. An adored grandmother (Marzie) of Hazel and a loved sister, sister-in-law and aunty. Messages to 26 Seniors Road, Wairau Valley 7271 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. A Memorial Service to celebrate Raewynn’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 23 May at 2.00pm. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
Locally Family Owned Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
CLARK, Alan Brian
“Clarky” or “Brian”:
Passed away peacefully at Ashwood Park Rest Home, on 14 May 2025, aged 80 years.Treasured partner of Kim Green (Picton), much loved by her boys Cameron, Liam and Oliver Burgess. Loved Grandad and Dad of his children and grandchildren: Brendon, Jodie and Charlotte Clark (Hong Kong), Leanne and Owen Miller (Ashburton), Taylor and Amon, Shannyn and Mickey, Brooke and Alex. Loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many. Special thanks to Ashwood Park, Wairau Hospital and Seaview Rest Home for the superb care. Messages may be sent to Kim, 8 Webster Place, Picton 7220. A private cremation has been held and he can finally come home as he wished. A Celebration of his life will be held at The Crow Tavern in Picton on the 21st of June, 6pm onwards. Supper is provided and Karaoke will begin at 8pm.
(03) 578
IDIENS, Helen Norma (née MacFarlane):
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Hospice Marlborough in her 92nd year. Dearly loved wife and friend of the late Frank. Loved mother and motherin-law of Dale and Jill, Mark and Susan, Glen, Logan and Roz, Bryce and Cathy, the late Ian and the late Bronwyn. Loved Nana to Melissa and Rhys, Kate and James, Samantha and Jade, Brooke and Taylor, and loved great grandmother to Zian. Special thanks to St John and Hospice Marlborough. Also thanks to Picton Lions Club, Mum’s fantastic neighbours and friends who all assisted in enabling Mum to stay in her own home. Messages may be sent to the Idiens family at Sowmans Funerals, PO Box 110, Blenheim, 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref. Idiens. A farewell for Norma will be held at Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 2 pm on Friday, May 30. The service will be livestreamed and details can be accessed on: www.sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals
Respectfully cared for by Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ Phone (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz
BELTMAN, Marinus Christiaan (Morris):
Passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Waterlea Lifecare, Blenheim. Aged 94 years. Loved former husband of Gwendoline. Loved Father of Sandra and Nick. Special thanks to Bob (a good friend and neighbour), Marlene ‘Brownie’ Jackson (also a good friend and neighbour♥), Charlotte and Glen (more good neighbours), Rachel Westenra and Ruth Cameron (Awatere District Health nurses to Dad), and everyone (giving and receiving) at the Foot and Soul clinic in Seddon. Thanks to the 3 dogs that featured in Dads life. Shar (a German Shepherd), Sam (a Spaniel) and Gin (Nick’s little Schnauzer). We also wish to acknowledge extended family of Dad’s in the Netherlands, particularly his close and beloved sister Annie. Also special mention of Yelke Snr and Jenette (youngest sister of Dad), and Jelke Jnr; whose international visits Dad much appreciated. And finally all of the wonderful, generous and loving staff and residents at Waterlea Lifecare. Messages may be sent to Sandra and Nick Beltman, 12 Schwass St, Seddon 7210. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Starship Foundation (supporting Starship Children’s Hospital Auckland) would be appreciated and may be made to a/c number 123011-0820075-00 Ref. Beltman. A private family service for Marinus was held on Tuesday 7th May 2025. A video recording of the service, will be available to access, by request to Sandra Beltman, via the address above.
578 4719
GUARD: Raewynn Eileen
Small Investment, Big Reward
Step into the market with this well-positioned 2-bedroom unit in a tidy 4-flat development. Offering a functional layout with an open-plan lounge and dining area flowing seamlessly into a practical kitchen, this home is ideal for first-home buyers, downsizers, or savvy investors. Enjoy the comfort of a heat pump, a stylish bathroom with a separate toilet, a light-filled interior with immaculate presentation throughout. Outside, a secure private courtyard provides the perfect setting for summer BBQs or a tranquil space to create your own garden oasis. Additional features include a single garage with an extra parking space in front - convenience and security in one. Whether you're looking for a comfortable base in Picton or a smart investment, this property ticks all the boxes. Don't miss out - book your viewing today!
Sadly, It's Time to Sell This Grand Lady
What a rare find - a 1900s villa on a 'quarter acre' section in the popular, central location of Milton Terrace. The home sits proudly above the street on concrete piles and has had some upgrades with the roof and rewiring done in recent times. Insulation has been added to the ceiling and underfloor, plus there is a freestanding log burner and heat pump. This home would suit a buyer with handyman
and a passion for period villas.
closes 12.00pm Wednesday 28 May
60 Kent Street was sold by Vicki Weetman. Exciting new beginnings! My client is delighted to have secured a new owner for this welllocated family home. With its generous section, extra double garage, and close proximity to Picton township, the property offers fantastic potential. Congratulations to all involved!
Picton | 15 Milton Terrace
Picton | 60 Kent Street
Vicki Weetman |
Picton
Exceptional Comfort & Lifestyle
Welcome to 3 Glenroy Crescent, a superbly maintained and well-presented home offering comfort, practicality, and lifestyle in one of the area's most sought-after locations. This inviting property features 2 spacious bedrooms complemented by a large hobbies room, offering flexible options for a home office, second lounge, or creative space. The single internal-access garage provides secure parking along with additional storage, ideal for growing families or those seeking extra room.
