Marlborough Weekly Wednesday 26 February 2025 by TSM Marlborough

Wednesday 26 February 2025

A gem of a reunion

PAULA HULBURT

A couple marking a milestone wedding anniversary have celebrated with their bridesmaid after being reunited by chance.

Jim and Shirley Mears from Blenheim marked their blue sapphire wedding anniversary on 20 February, celebrating 65 years. And long-lost friend Lorraine joined them for a special lunch after the trio, who had lost con-

tact 60 years ago, discovered they were neighbours.

Shirley says her and Jim had moved into a retirement villa when they were welcomed by a neighbour a few doors down.

“There was this lady in a wheelchair racing up from the gate, going flat out,” Shirley smiles.

“She asked did I know her and as soon as she said her name, Lorraine, I knew immediately.

‘I was amazed. We often thought

of her over the years, but life just got in the way, and we lost touch.”

“I had seen the updated phone list and saw their names,” Lorraine says.

“I hoped it might be them, and it was. It was meant to be.”

The room is filled with laughter and warm smiles as the friends remember the first time Jim and Shirley met.

Shirley and Lorraine, originally from Christchurch, were on their

first holiday together in Nelson at 17 years old.

After being turned away from one hotel because it was full, Jim, then 21-years-old, found himself staying at the same bed and breakfast.

Smiling at her husband as she recollects their first meeting, Shirley says she was delighted when Jim asked her to the movies.

“Lorraine and I had been the night before, so I chose the pic

ture I hadn’t seen. Jim had already seen it and spent more time gazing at me,” she laughs. Jim, who was living in Blenheim at the time, says it was fate the hotel he had hoped to stay in was full.

“Shirley had beautiful hair, and I thought ‘that’s a nice girl.’ I was a little bit nervous asking her out.”

More from the day on page 22. Photo: Peter Jones.

A gem of a reunion

FROM PAGE 1

‘Before we left,” Lorraine says, “Jim told me that Shirley was the girl he was going to marry.”

The couple started officially dating, with both making the trip between Blenheim and Christchurch regularly.

“Every second weekend, I caught the overnight cabbage train to see Jim. I thought he was nice, and he was very gentlemanly,” Shirley says.

The pair became engaged a year after they met, on Shirley’s 18th birthday and Jim told her to find a ring she liked.

She found one in a jewellery shop near to where she worked as an accounting machinist.

‘I went every lunchtime to see it,”

Shirley says. “I didn’t want some other blighter to get it.”

The day after Jim bought the ring, the jewellery store was robbed, with the thief taking all the engagement rings.

“I was so lucky to get it,” she says.

Jim and Shirley married at St George’s Presbyterian Church on Gloucester St in Christchurch.

Jim’s work as a dairy farmer

and truck driver meant the pair moved semi-regularly and gradually they lost touch with Lorraine. “I did wonder how they were,” Lorraine says. ‘I thought about them from time to time. “They are so filled with love and care for each other. Sixty-five years is a big achievement.” Jim, a Justice of the Peace for 38

years, and Shirley have four children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. They moved into their villa after Jim fell and broke his hip.

The pair had tried living apart while Jim was cared for at another rest home and Shirley travelled to Blenheim from Linkwater to see him every day.

“It was just too much,” Shirley says.“We missed each other, and I thought ‘sod this,’ and sold our home. I knew I could care for him.

“I don’t regret a day we’ve been together. Communication is key and we tell each other everything. “We’re best friends and that counts for a lot.”

Excitement builds for Environment Awards

After a summer of judging, exceptional environmental development efforts at Marlborough businesses are almost ready to be acknowledged and celebrated. Final evaluations are underway for entrants in the Port Marlborough Marlborough Environment Awards, with 30 businesses across the eight different categories having been examined by local judges.

The biennial awards celebrate businesses, community groups, and individuals working to protect and enhance the environment, promote sustainability, and use resources and energy efficiently.

Judging coordinator Wendy Sullivan is praising the

calibre of this year’s entries adding there was an encouraging growth in entries.

“The judges will need to look beyond the obvious environmental impacts and identify the smaller, yet significant, incremental changes that can make a difference.

Judges have visited each project throughout the summer months with awards announcements set for Wednesday 16 April.

The eight categories allow for plenty of variety, with farming category entries coming from across the region’s farms this yearstretching from Rai Valley to Ward and including a range of dairy, deer, sheep

and beef farms.

The new Electrification & Energy Efficiency category, sponsored by Marlborough Lines, has also seen impressive entries.

Entries include the world’s first fully electric trailed sprayers for vineyards and orchards, energy-efficient heat recovery ventilation systems for RSE worker accommodation and hybrid diesel-hydrogen trucks. Category winners receive a cash prize and public recognition, including a professionally produced video of their project courtesy of St Cam Video Production and funding from Pub Charity and Craigmore Sustainables.For more information visit www.mea-nz.com

Jim and Shirley Mears have celebrated 65 years of marriage. Photo Paula Hulburt.

OUTDOOR CLEARANCE

Volunteers needed for range of roles

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

From chilling with chickens to returning lost property and everything in between, Volunteer Marlborough offers hands on help.

More than 1000 people registered with Volunteer Marlborough over the past four years alongside

But there are still plenty of positions available for people to add meaningful contributions to their community through volunteering, explains general manager Meg Martin.

“Last year, requests to socialise rescued chickens in their coop proved surprisingly popular, and volunteers found it satisfying spending hours cutting and wrapping fragile items for an art installation.

“Another was a call out for volunteers to sort through and catalogue lost property items, then try to reunite the items with their owners, which included crafting a series of creative media posts”.

The organisation helps match volunteers with a not-for-profit

community groups.

With their new Reverse Recruitment scheme, described as “Tinder for volunteers”, Meg says everyone’s skills are valuable to a local group in need.

“We’ve hit the ground running in 2025 supporting volunteer organisations throughout the region, while planning has already begun for the Marlborough Community and Volunteer of the Year Awards in June and there are some exciting initiatives in the pipeline.

“Every person has a unique

blend of skills and experiences, and Volunteer Marlborough wants to help people fulfil their volunteering potential”, she says.

“People can sit down with a staff member who will discuss passions, hobbies, skills and experiences; then prepare a unique profile to send out to organisations to find a match.”

Contact Meg Martin at mgr@ volunteermarlborough.org.nz to find out more about how volunteering in Marlborough is growing and evolving in 2025.

Te Paranui Animal Sanctuary’s Alex Chavez gives two resident chickens a cuddle. Photo: William Woodworth

Alzheimers charity golf match a game changer

PAULA HULBURT

A Marlborough charity which helps people across the community is looking for teams of keen golfers to help raise vital funds.

Alzheimers Marlborough is getting into the swing of things with their upcoming golf tournament on Friday,

February 28. And there is still time for locals to get a team together and help make money for an organisation which helps hundreds of people a year.

With support from Marlborough Golf Club, the team are organising the special fundraiser for both men and women with a golf handicap.

With great prizes and raffles up for grabs, the day promises to be a lot of fun, organisers say.

All money raised from the $40 entry fee will go to Alzheimers Marlborough. Email entries@marlboroughgolf.co.nz or enter on the day at Marlborough Golf Club 74 Paynters Road, Fairhall.

Hundreds dig big day out at Whites Bay

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

From sandcastles to surf lifesavers, Whites Bay was a hive of activity on Sunday as hundreds of people gathered to enjoy its annual Beach Day. People of all ages headed to the beach for the Big and Little Dig, sandcastle competitions, tug-of-war and other competitions. And spectators also got the chance to enjoy Rarangi’s junior surfers’ programme

and IRB Development weekend. Rarangi Surf Lifesaving Club’s Aimee Payne says the 2024/25 season has been exceptional, with gains made across the board for the region’s only surf lifesaving club. “The club has seen a notable increase in participation in our Junior surf programme, made possible with enthusiastic support from parents.

“We’ve also seen four of our dedicated junior surf-

ers make the transition into rookie lifeguards, marking a significant milestone in their development. “Two of our members have gone to Oceans Junior Surf Lifesaving competition to represent Marlborough where both did incredibly well.

“Additionally, there’s been a rise in the number of lifeguards and qualified IRB drivers and this momentum is set to drive continued growth in the years ahead.”

Ben Stace from Design Marlborough has signed up to the upcoming charity tournament.

Rarangi SLSC Club Manager Neil Watts and rookie lifeguard Peyton Walker on one of the busiest days of the year: Photo: Aimee Payne/ Supplied

A flourish of global fun

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marlborough’s pre-harvest cultural collaboration celebration welcomes everyone on Friday, February 28, with the third Popurrí Festival taking over Yard Bar.

Popurrí Festival brings together those who make up Marlborough’s 2025 harvest staff, and everyone is invited to join the celebrations. The organising team say starting preparations for the third festival early promises a bigger and better event.

“We’ve organised more production and excitement for this year to provide for everyone across the community,”

Clo Galvez says.

“I’ve been coming to Marlborough since 2014, and harvest parties are such a global way to meet fellow winery workers, so we help make those connections between people here.

“Popurri as a name speaks for itself, it’s a

beautifully blended mixture.”

While last year’s festival aimed to raise money for Pluto Projects’ bathroom updates to host events, the enthusiasm generated was irresistible. “It’s spread through friendship groups, and people put their hands up as musicians, DJ, artistic performances, photographers, so it’s a real homegrown event,”

Eilin Fernandez adds.

“The team learnt lots from the previous two events, and they have generated so much energy within the community”, says Juan Viggiano.

“We’re expecting mostly winery staff where there’s plenty of Latin-American flair that comes from us wanting to express ourselves, just as we would at home, but we want to build everyone can celebrate in the same way.

“It’s promising to be a great night, and something unusual for the Yard Bar – we’re reinventing the space as we

World underwater robotics competition beckons

MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE

For budding Blenheim engineer Tāna Barron, qualifying for an invitation-only robotics and engineering competition in America has been a dream years in the making.

Tāna, 14, came within a few points of qualifying at the national Aquabots competition in 2023.

History repeated itself late last year when, after coming first place in the regional competition, Tāna’s Marlborough Boys’ College ‘Team Orca’ again placed second in the national round.

But then the phone call came: Team Orca had qualified after all. On 31 May and 1 June, Tāna, Sam Molony and Luke Bourgeois will be competing at the invitation-only SeaPerch international competition in Washington DC.

to drive the ROV through the hoops and back.”

Tāna hopes the SeaPerch experience will “lead to new career opportunities and increase my understanding of physics concepts such as buoyancy and hydrodynamics”.

find it suitable having established an ongoing relationship there”, adds George Waterhouse.

“Popurrí aims to bring something a bit different and create a proper festival atmosphere with the musicians, en-

tertainment, food and drink coming from the community and doing it for the communityand that makes it really special.”

Get tickets from https:// events.humanitix.com/ popuri-festival

Now, Team Orca are working hard to modify their self-built remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to compete in timed challenges against the best in the world. They also need to provide a detailed technical report about their ROV for the judges.

Tāna thinks the most challenging part will be the obstacle course.

“This is the famous task that is in every Aquabot event. It is time-trialed and requires skill

Marlborough Boys’ College Aquabots teacher Katharine Davis says Tāna and Team Orca “worked incredibly hard”.

“The International Challenge will be a whole new level of competition on new courses against teams who have been competing for more years.”

Team Orca needs to raise about $40,000 to travel and compete. The boys are selling pinecones, will have raffles, and are holding a quiz night at the Woodbourne Tavern on Friday, 2 May.

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Popurri Festival organising team members Clo Galvez, George Waterhouse, Juan Viggiano, Eilin Fernandez and Diego Escalona are eager to provide a night of fun. Photo: William Woodworth.

Marlborough Boys’ College Team Orca – from left, Year 10 students Sam Molony, Tāna Barron and Luke Bourgeois. Photo supplied.

Marlborough

Lines – Growing Marlborough Together!

In this news update, we’re highlighting three of the many organisations Marlborough Lines collaborates with or sponsors to promote regional growth, reinforcing our commitment to Growing Marlborough Together.

Marlborough Lines was thrilled to present the 2024 Marlborough Colleges Tertiary Study Awards to two students from across the region in December. The recipients of the 2024 awards were Willem

Vineyard Safety

Vineyards often have overhead power lines near or running through them, so there is significant risk of you or your equipment accidentally contacting the line. You don’t even need to touch the line to be in danger – electricity can jump through the air to you and your equipment.

When mobile plant will be operating (tipping, raising or lowering) 4 metres or less from overhead lines, under section 5.2.1 of NZECP 34 you must apply to Marlborough Lines for written consent (Close Approach Authority) that allows the mobile plant to operate at a reduced distance.

If your machine does contact a power line, call Marlborough Lines and do not leave the cab until the power is off. If you must exit the cab due to fire, jump off with your feet together without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, keeping your feet together, jump to safety and stay well clear.

Obeying the rules can help ensure all workers’ safety.

⁃ Every line must be treated as live. Always.

Hayton from Marlborough Boys’ College, and Rachel Sampson from Marlborough Girls’ College.

Each year, up to three students with the desire, commitment, and capability to embark on tertiary study in the fields of science or engineering are selected for the scholarship.

We recognise it’s more of a financial challenge for young adults from Blenheim to travel to the larger centres for university study. Our hope is that these scholarships can help make studying and living away from home a little easier for these promising young people as they embark on their education journeys beyond college.

LiDAR Aerial Scanning of Overhead Lines

Marlborough Lines is always seeking more efficient ways to gather network information to continually improve maintenance practices and keep the network safe and reliable.

LiDAR is a technology that uses laser pulses to scan the lines from above and provide an accurate 3-dimensional map of the network and anything in its vicinity such as trees and buildings.

This work will be undertaken in May using a LiDAR scanner mounted on a helicopter which will fly over our entire network collecting the information. More details about this process will be shared on our website nearer the time, and Marlborough Lines will also publish details in local newspapers.

Upper Wairau Valley Electricity Supply

⁃ Don’t locate dump/load sites under or near power lines.

⁃ When moving tall machinery, choose the route where power lines are high enough for adequate clearance.

⁃ Always have any machine capable of being raised or lowered in the lowered position prior to moving under lines.

⁃ Ensure operators are competent in the operation of their machines, thoroughly briefed and understand the dangers of working near power lines. Stay alert even when auto-guidance systems are being used.

⁃ Ensure a competent safety observer is able to maintain effective communication with the operator and alert them to any perceived hazard.

⁃ Before you harvest, prune, load or move equipment, look up and familiarise yourself with the location of power lines.

⁃ Locate a warning notice as near as practicable to the operator/driver’s position stating “WARNING KEEP CLEAR OF POWER LINES”. These stickers are available from Marlborough Lines.

In recent years, extensive vineyards (with water storage and irrigation) have been developed in the upper Wairau Valley. This has resulted in electricity connections to the Marlborough Line’s distribution network, utilising the available network capacity. Marlborough Lines has commenced a project to provide additional network capacity for the upper Wairau Valley. If you are wanting a new (or upgrade to an existing) network connection in the upper Wairau Valley, we encourage you to complete an application form on Marlborough Lines’ website.

Additional capacity will be limited, so capacity would be allocated to new connections on a “first come, first served” basis. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Connections team at Marlborough Lines.

Marlborough Lines, Marlborough Colleges Tertiary Study Awards, Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival, and Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters – Growing Marlborough Together.

Toasting Cloudy Bay

PAULA HULBURT

A well-known Marlborough winery is toasting 40 years in the business. Cloudy Bay turns 40 at the end of the month and the team are set to celebrate with a party and the launch of a special new vintage.

The day also marks a time for reflection on a “remarkable journey” says Wine Communications Manager Kat Mason. “To reach 40 years is a significant milestone for Cloudy Bay, and we are incredibly proud of everything our team has achieved over the years. “So, it is only fitting for the release of a Cloudy Bay 40th vintage Sauvignon Blanc to commemorate the occasion.”

Founded on 28 February 1985, Cloudy Bay has helped Marlborough become a worldwide destination for wines.

Among the first five vineyards to be established in the region, staff are proud to consider themselves a pioneer of the wine industry.

Kat says the company also prides itself on setting high standards.

“A deep commitment to sustainability drives every step, ensuring that the land, local communities, and seasonal workers are cared for as the winery continues to evolve,” she says.

Over the years, the winery has expanded its portfolio to include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pelorus méthode traditionnelle.

Estate Director at Cloudy Bay Yang Chen says they are set to welcome 40 international trade guests to Marlborough as part of the birthday celebrations. A 40th birthday party will be held on site too, he says.

“Celebrating 40 years of Cloudy Bay

is an incredibly special milestone, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to mark this momentous occasion.

“We look forward to welcoming our guests from around the world to our Marlborough home for three unforgettable days, immersed in exceptional wine, world-class cuisine, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

“It will truly be a birthday celebration like no other.”

Wine Director Nikolai St George says reaching the 40th vintage is a truly remarkable achievement.

“This wine has been instrumental in shaping both Cloudy Bay and the Marlborough region’s global reputation. “It’s a celebration of four decades of passion, innovation, and commitment, and we’re thrilled to share this exceptional vintage with our guests as we look toward the future.”

Applications open for teens to join youth parliament

An opportunity for aspiring politicians to network with fellow students and experience New Zealand’s Government system is now open. Every three years, 120 students from across the country are chosen to be youth Members of Parliament by each sitting MP.

An additional 20 spaces are up for grabs in the Youth Parliament Press Gallery for interested

Summer Market Day

16 to 18-year-olds.

Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith says the scheme is insightful for both candidates and sitting MPs. “From expressing themselves in the debate chamber to mixing with young people from across the country … seeing the growth in confidence throughout and after the programme is wonderful.”

Chosen applicants enter a programme starting 28 April to engage with Kaikōura voters and other Youth MPs.

To apply, submit a short video or 300 words about yourself to Stuart.SmithMP@parliament.govt. nz by 12pm, 28 February on why you would like to be a Youth MP as well as a key issue or opportunity that matters to you and the

Kaikōura electorate.

To apply to be one of 20 Youth Press Gallery members, fill in an online application form, which will ask you to provide a current CV, two examples of your work, an opinion piece on one of two topics provided, and two references. The form can be found here: https://myd.smartygrants. com.au/YP25YPGmember

Now’s your chance to tour our community at our Summer Market Day

Friday 28 February, 9am – 12pm, Arvida Oakwoods, 357 Lower Queen Street, Richmond.

Come along to our Arvida Oakwoods Summer Market Day and discover a fantastic selection of locally made crafts, gifts, and fresh produce. Stroll through stalls featuring plants, jewellry, and toys, and indulge in delicious cakes and baked treats from the Oakwoods kitchen.

This is the perfect opportunity to take a tour of our friendly community. Our range of one, two and three-bedroom villas are waiting for you to make them your own.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Call Gareth on 027 553 4797 or visit arvida.co.nz

Cloudy Bay winemaker Kelly Stuart. Photo: Supplied

From left, Julie Smith, 2022 Kaikōura Youth MP Tamara Livingstone and Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith. Photo: Supplied

MCG Athletics Day

Wine & Food Winddown

10.

Molly Hoban, Pippa Sowman, Rylie Horncastle, Ameila Dougall and Tess Tate

Izzy Brick, Grace McKendry, Lilly McMillan, Sophia Saggers and Elizabeth Bowron

Shonali Esau, Jordan Sampson and Anna Hurren

Maddie Hampton and Ahlia Couper

5. Sophie Kole, Amelia Storey, Freya Grage, Meg Archie

6. Stephanie McIntyre, Sigrun Steinhagen, Jay McIntyre

7. Patrick Oyston, Keith Osborne, Mandy Oyston and Denise Osborne

Delyth James-Sitters, Dylan Locke, Helen James, Nicki Morgan, Jason James-Eyers

Daz Simpson and Jayne Stoyles

Caroline and Robbie Watterson

Opinion

Community Comments

A league of their drone

What a great and informative write up!! Well done you guys!!! The skies the limit as they say! -Sally Aitchison Awesome! - Connie Smith Super cool - Jimmy Jones

Council plans ‘refresh’ for Blenheim’s ‘tired’ main street

Wouldn’t it be great if Market Street was pedestrian only. That street is a total nightmare - Peggy Carmichael

Do something about the bricks they are bloody dangerous when they are wet - Raymond Barr

Nothing will change, they’ll just talk about it for ages - Aidan Treston

Please no, not again !!!!!! Forever upgrading but never changing, this is how it has been my whole lifetime. I’m sick of ratepayers money getting thrown at so-called face lifts of the town centre, I’ve lost count of how often it has happened and it certainly hasn’t improved it for the store owners or the customers! – Evelyn-Gavin McLean

Turn it into a mall, aka Cuba Mall, awesome place to shop and just hang out - Lloyd Steffert

You need to move the dump out of the middle of Blenheim. That might help get rid of the seagulls. The dump is located at the end of Wither Rd and beside Taylor Pass. Might have been out of town decades ago but now it is not. Until you move the dump trying to get rid of the seagulls will probably be a total waste of money - Pip Hally Cheaper rents for businesses and two hours free parking is no1 priority, then safety/access issues because of uneven & slippery bricks - Adria Boyce

Need more shops opening - Picton is vibrant and busy, if you don’t have the choice for shoppers they going to go elsewhere - Adminz Marlborough Group

Make it a walk way, delivery vehicles only – Peter Meihana

The problem is parking. Seagulls aren’t the issue, either. It’s largely competition from Westwood Ave

and the parking situation killing CBD businesses. Well, in terms of local issues. The bigger picture is retailers are now in competition with the likes of Temu, Amazon, etc, etc. Can even order your prescription drugs online now, and get groceries right to your door. The need to actually go into town is fading fast. Brick and mortar stores are an endangered speciesAaron Goodwin

Braden’s books tell a cricketing tale Paper scoring in pen, nerve wracking! - Michelle Lavender

Always love your work Byrnesy. Well deserved. - Mike Croad

Colombian family proud to call Marlborough home

What a strong mama! I hope you love it here in Marlborough - Anna Henderson

What an inspiring Mum you are to your boys. I hope you do really well and the community embraces youLouise Hide

What’s a personal favourite song or musician?

Dan Moran Gotta Be Starting Something by Michael Jackson.

Claire Acton Happy by Pharrell – the whole family has a boogie to it.

Bethne Gardner 500 Miles by The Proclaimers.

Cleo Hocquard-Dalliessi Personally, I’m a Machine Gun Kelly fan.

SeniorS’ Expo SeniorS’ Expo

More Stable More Able

Have you felt a bit wobbly on your feet? Concerned about your balance?

Learn about the do’s and don’ts, the why and why not’s associated with “Falls Prevention”

• Ear Health Assessment • Wax removal by micro-suction • Removal of foreign bodies • Assistance with irritated and itchy ears

Learn about Nymbl - A FREE ACC app to keep you on your feet so you can keep doing the things you love!

Learn about Nymbl - A FREE ACC app. Book into a FREE Falls Prevention session

Thurs 13 March, 10.30am - 12.30pm STADIUM 2000, Kinross Street, Blenheim

Contact Angela.Baker@nbph.org.nz or call 021 790415

Tues 18th March, 10am - 12pm

Marina Cove Retirement Village, Picton

Contact Amanda Inkster 021 247 8879

MARLBOROUGH’S PREMIUM EVENT CENTRE

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Contact our team today to discuss your wedding venue requirements.

Viewings: Call our office on (03) 578 6180

Bookings: Email bookings@ukaipo.nz

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Marlborough Lines Limited Delivery Price Schedule from 1 April 2025

Marlborough Lines Limited (MLL) operates and maintains the network which distributes electricity to approximately 27,000 consumers across Marlborough.

This schedule sets out MLL’s line delivery prices to apply from 1 April 2025.

Every five years, New Zealand’s Commerce Commission (ComCom) sets limits on how much price-quality regulated lines companies can earn. The period for 2025-2030 (DPP4) has recently been set by the ComCom and the earnings limits will be reflected in the prices that customers are charged by lines companies.

The ComCom has estimated that, on average, across New Zealand, household electricity bills will increase by about $10 per month ($120 annually) for the first year of the 2025 to 2030 period. After the first year of the regulatory period, household electricity bills will increase on average by about $5 per month. The increase in allowable earnings for DPP4 reflect the higher costs lines companies are facing, including from increased inflation and interest rates since the last review in 2019 for DPP3 (2020 to 2025), and recognition that considerable investment is needed to renew assets built last century. Additionally, electricity demand is forecast to increase 68% by 2050, and climate related events and other natural hazards require investment in network capacity and resilience to maintain a reliable electricity supply.

MLL’s costs include recovery of charges from Transpower, the owner and operator of New Zealand’s electricity transmission grid which MLL’s network is connected to. Transpower’s charges for the 1 April 2025 pricing year have increased over 19%.

While MLL is not price-quality regulated by the ComCom (as it is a consumer Trust owned lines company), its returns mirror that of those lines companies that are. MLL is (along with all 29 lines companies), however, subject to the ComCom’s information disclosure requirements. This means that MLL publicly discloses key financial and network information which provides transparency on performance. The ComCom applies close scrutiny to all lines companies’ expenditure, performance and future plans, to ensure they are investing in their networks appropriately.

Electricity retailers pay lines charges, and independently decide how to set their retail pricing for consumers based on their costs, including lines charges.

As a consumer Trust owned EDB, MLL makes a discount payment to eligible consumers. For the 1 April 2025 pricing year, MLL’s non-remote residential consumers on average will see a post-discount increase to their lines charges of approximately $7.70/month or $0.26/day.

Remote areas of MLL’s network cost significantly more to supply. To reduce cross subsidisation from non-remote consumers, consistent with guidance from the Electricity Authority for more efficient and cost reflective distribution pricing, MLL applies a higher daily fixed charge for remote consumers. Higher costs are incurred due to the remoteness of the connections, more challenging operating environments, and the considerable amount of network assets that are required to supply relatively few consumers. By way of example, D’Urville Island and Arapaoa Island combined have 6.2 power poles, 1.3 distribution transformers, and 1.1km of network for every consumer connection. The Blenheim area, by comparison, has 0.3 power poles, 0.03 distribution transformers, and 0.03km of network for every consumer connection.

Consumers and businesses concerned about the cost of electricity should consider options to save money on power. Powerswitch will tell you if you can save money by switching to a different energy retailer. The EnergyMate and EECA websites have information on how to be more energy efficient and how money can be saved.

Price Schedule Notes:

1. The Delivery Price is the price MLL invoices electricity retailers (Traders) trading on MLL’s network and includes both distribution and transmission components. This Price Schedule should be read in conjunction with our Delivery Price Guidelines, Pricing Methodology, published Loss Factors, and Remote Area’s map (available on our website).

2. Discount payments will be made to eligible consumers approximately May 2026, based on prices and consumption between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, providing there is no legislative or regulatory changes that would adversely affect the provision and/or receipt of discount payments.

3. Consumers located in areas designated remote are ineligible for the discount payment. Other eligibility criteria may apply.

Feeling rosy through winter

Roses are always popular as gifts at the start of February for Valentine’s Day, but the end of summer is also key for those who grow them.

February and March are crucial times in preparing planted roses for colder and harsher winter climates and preparations for winter bud planting.

And through the correct preparations and making the most of Selmes’ Garden Centre’s Summer Roses sale, including 25% off all roses and 20% off all rose fertilizers and sprays.

February requires continued watering and feeding of the flowers - ensuring to water the soil instead of foliage and adding a rose-specific fertilizer.

This watering and feeding is done alongside removing spent flowers to promote new flowers blooming and prevent the plant wasting excessive energy growing seeds.

The transition from summer into autumn also brings the seasonal rise in pest and diseases, so rose growers need to keep an eye out for pest and disease danger. A general pest and disease ex-

amination can be done at the same time as seasonal pruning, where gardeners target the removal of dead and diseased wood, encouraging new growth, and doing aesthetic shaping.

As days get shorter through March, gardeners start their final preparations for winter with the last of the summer sun the best time for moving flowers to establish in time for colder weather. Roses generally grow better in areas with lots of sun and cover from the wind.

However, if your roses are already exactly where you want them to be, a layer of mulch can be added to assist retaining moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.

A final feeding for fertilizer will also help the flowers store energy through the winter, in preparation for the next year’s flowering season.

Keeping roses healthy and happy throughout the winter season is a massive contributor to how they flourish in spring, so a few hours of work now can make a major difference to your rose garden in a few months time.

Creating a vibrant lawn

DILLION SENIOR FROM CENTALAND

With Autumn approaching, and cooler temperatures on the horizon, now is a great time to look ahead to create a vibrant, healthy lawn.

Whether you’re levelling uneven ground, touching up patchy spots, or reseeding for a fresh start, the right foundation makes all the difference.

Lawn Mix is a handy medium when it comes to helping with the challenge of lawn touch-ups.

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A healthy, vibrant lawn can become a standout feature all on its own. Photo: Petar Tonchev/Unsplash

The many rose gardens around Marlborough will be getting fed and ready for the winter season before blooming in spring. Photo: File.

SPORT

Young cyclist is ‘chasing a reality’

Lachlan [Lockie] McNabb faces what he describes as “a make-orbreak year” on the roads of Europe.

The 18-year-old Marlborough road cyclist recently flew back to Europe for his second stint among the up-and-coming elite of world cycling.

Last year he rode in Spain for the Cafe Dromedario-Flotamet Junior Team, producing some outstanding results in races and Tours involving approximately 200 competitors.

He raced consistently across a series of six European tours, picking up two stage wins, a second and two third placings against some very hot opposition. He also did well on general classification on the tours, claiming a third and two fourth positions.

This time around he will be based in Marseilles, France, riding for the Martigues SC Payden & Rygel club team. He was noticed by the French outfit after a strong showing on a prestigious tour last year and signed for the whole season.

Previously an under-19 rider, Lockie will join what is essentially an under-23 team, and will take part in what he describes as “the biggest under-23 competition in the world”, with forthcoming races in Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and France. The season stretches from mid-February to October, with two major races or tours a

Those events are seen as stepping stones to fully-professional gigs for young riders, top results leading to lucrative contracts.

His new team have been in regular touch since he has been home, including his new coach who is viewed as one of the top cycling mentors in Europe.

Lockie is confident he is on track.

“I have progressed quicker than I would be expected, but [this

sport is getting to a point now where you either have it or you don’t. It is really numbers-based. There are so many sensors on my bike the pro teams can almost tell at my age whether you have the genes or not … and you can’t really figure that out until you get into the under-23 ranks. You can’t cheat it.

“The numbers I am doing now are in the right direction but it’s

until around June or July how I am really going.”

Most riders on the under-23 circuit have their sights set on a contract with a world tour development team, but Lockie is realistic about his chances.

“I’m not in a false mindset … if I don’t have the genes, I’m not going to keep hacking at it. I wouldn’t necessarily hang up the bike, but I would go and get some security with a uni degree.

“I’ll know by the end of the season … it will be a make-or-break year,” he added.

He has been active since coming home. After returning to NZ last year, Lockie competed in the Tour of Southland in early November, finishing 23rd on general classification and 11th on the testing Bluff Hill stage. After a wellearned three-week break, and “a chance to decompress”, he attended the national road race champs earlier this month, finishing 39th overall in the elite event.

He has relished his time at home, living in a low-stress environment after the pressures associated with finding his way alone in a foreign land.

When Lockie left for his first stint in Europe, having departed Marlborough Boys’ College as dux after year 12, he saw a chance to chase his dream.

Now he takes a slightly different view.

“I said I was chasing a dream last year, but now I feel like I am chasing a reality.

“I didn’t plan to go back to Europe this year, Spain was meant to be a one-year thing before uni.

“I went over last year thinking I would be pretty happy if I could get middle of the field in the first few races but then I won on the second day I was there, which was like a tick in my head.

“I thought, ‘I can actually win races in Europe so don’t waste it, if I have the chance again, I should take it’, so I have.”

PETER JONES

Lockie McNabb celebrates a stage win in Spain last year. Photo: Supplied.

Hi ho silver for Wairau rowers

A brace of silver medals to young Wairau Rowing Club athletes

Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk highlighted the club’s efforts at the recent New Zealand championships on Lake Ruataniwha.

Wairau fielded 21 athletes at the annual champs, which began on Tuesday at the iconic venue, coming away with three silver medals and a string of A final placings.

On Tuesday the men’s under-22 pair of Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk won their heat, progressing directly to Thursday’s A final where they claimed a silver medal, being narrowly shaded by the Avon crew comprising Oliver Welch and Cody Johnston.

On Saturday they repeated the dose, finishing second by around four seconds to Avon in the men’s premier pair decider, this time Welch being joined by Ben Taylor in the winning boat.

Vavasour came through the Marlborough Boys’ college programme, while Kirk recently joined Wairau after competing for Otago Boys’ High School.

Both have represented New Zealand at age group level. They are coached by Mark Stallard. The third medal under Wairau’s name was won in a combined club eight. Wairau rowers Liam Kirkland and James Ripley joined forces with Sam Johnston, Ollie Hawkins, Ryan Flintoft, Ethan Steele and cox Brianna Williams from Nelson, plus Hamish McIntosh and Ashton Corkery from Cure, to finish as the second Kiwi crew. Several other Wairau crews competed in A finals over the five days.

In the men’s under-22 single sculls, Ashley-James Fitzgerald finished eighth, the same position as Lexi Timpson in the women’s under-22 single medal decider.

The men’s club four of Wairau’s Liam Kirkland and Ripley, plus Nelson’s Flintoft and Steele, finished second in their semifinal and fifth in their A final.

In the men’s single double Fitzgerald and Fynn Allison combined for a second place in their heat, also progressing directly to the A final where they finished eighth.

The women’s senior four of Dai-

Sport in brief

GUS GOING WELL

Marlborough triathlete Gus Marfell, pictured left, has impressed during his first World Triathlon Cup outing in Napier on Sunday. The 21-yearold brushed aside the nerves of a debut at World Triathlon’s second tier to be the second Kiwi male home in

sy Vavasour, Mila van Rensburg, plus Nelson’s Naomi Robertson and Millie Treder came home fifth in their A final.

In the under-22 double final Fitzgerald and Allison came fifth with Flynn Mercer and Liam Collins one place further back.

The senior quad, comprising

13th place.

He finished just 53 seconds behind the Spanish winner over the 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run course.

ATHLETES SECOND

Marlborough’s young athletes finished second behind Richmond in the recent Winstone Cup event in Nelson. Leading the way for Marlborough was Mila Scott, who broke the Marlborough Children’s Athletics (MCA) G9 long jump record with a leap of 4.57m, Ryleigh Gale, who broke the MCA G15 100m hurdles record with a time of 17.41 and Alyssa Haronga for equalling the MCA G13 high jump record with a jump of 1.57m. Scores: Richmond 405, Marlborough 349, Nelson 341, Motueka 80, Takaka 78.

Fitzgerald, Allison, Mercer and Collins came fifth in their medal decider. Former Wairau rower Robbie Manson underlined his longevity with some strong performances.

The three-time Olympian, rowing for Waikato, won the premier double with Oscar Ruston and

LEON BACK IN BUSINESS

Leon MacDonald has joined the Western Force in Perth as the club’s coaching consultant. Leon, who began his new role at the Force last week, was in charge of the Blues for five years before joining Scott Robertson’s All Blacks coaching team, quitting in August last year. He will work with Force CEO Niamh O’Connor to build the club to be a world class coaching hub and will also assist the current coaches across all programmes. Leon has signed up for the 2025 Super Rugby season.

STELLA ON SHOW

Marlborough cricketer Stella Cornelius, pictured right, played for the Central Districts women’s A team against Wellington A at the Basin Reserve on Sunday

was second in the men’s premier single.

Major National Club Awards:

Centennial Oar (overall champion club): Waikato Rowing Club

Centennial Scull: Waikato Rowing Club

Hallyburton Johnstone Rose Bowl: Canterbury Rowing.

and Monday. On Sunday she bowled four overs, conceding just eight runs in her side’s eight wicket loss.

PETER JONES

Dual silver medallists Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk. Photo Sharron Bennett Photography

Tough times at cup tournament

College capers

Athletic Park became a blaze of colour on Friday when the annual Marlborough Girls’ College Athletics Day was staged. One of the biggest attendances for many years packed the park, students in their respective house colours doing their best to earn valuable points and support their fellow house competitors.

From left to right: Maddie Large, Cynthia Johns, Fenella Cooney, Birgitta Prescott, Makayla Bothwell, bottom. Photos Peter Jones

The Marlborough men’s cricket side found the going tough at the annual Chapple Cup tournament in Palmerston North.

Marlborough played three matches, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, losing all three.

First up they took on Wairarapa, who would go on to win the Chapple Cup final, losing on the Duckworth Lewis System after rain intervened in all four matches.

Wairarapa batted first scoring a formidable 311-6 in their 50 overs.

Player/coach Andrew McCaa was the pick of the Marlborough bowlers, claiming 3-47 from nine overs, Griffin Carter taking 1-45 from 10.

Marlborough made a poor start with the bat, slipping to 5-56 after 13 overs, before McCaa, who finished with 73 from 61 balls, and Carter, 62 from 47, combined for a 116-run partnership, Carter notching his first rep half century. However, after a lengthy rain break, the new asking rate was

prohibitive, and Marlborough ended on 179-7 after 29 overs.

Other day one winners on DLS were Taranaki (326-7) over Nelson (184-6), Manawatu (114-2) over Horowhenua Kapiti (205) and Hawke’s Bay (145-2) over Whanganui (226).

On Saturday Marlborough took on Horowhenua Kapiti in the Cave Cup section.

Losing wickets in bunches, Marlborough were only able to put 140 runs on the board, being bowled out in the 41st over. Corey Bovey, 24 from 38, loan player AB Jayasinghe, 40 from 58, and Jaden Adams, 18 not out from 35, were the main contributors. Grabbing three wickets for HK was former Marlborough player Prabodha Arthavidu.

HK cruised to victory in just 18 overs, finishing at 144-2. Rep debutant Piers Landon-Lane took both wickets.

In other games, Hawke’s Bay booked a Chapple Cup final berth with a 62-run win over Manawatu while Wairarapa did the same, beating Taranaki by four wickets.

The other match saw Nelson beat

Whanganui by a single wicket. In their final game, Marlborough came up against Whanganui, battling to avoid the wooden spoon. Again, Marlborough’s batting struggled early. After being 3-24, they recovered to put 258 on the board before being dismissed in the 49th over. Sam Young batted positively, notching 73 from 81 balls, his first senior rep half century.

Zariab Karkaria, 45 from 35, Joel Lavender, 33 from 47, Carter, 30 from 30, and Aiden Conroy, 23 from 45, all contributed. However, their hard work at the crease was quickly overshadowed by the Whanganui openers, who took their score through to 222 before being parted. They finished the job in the 37th over, reaching 262-1. Luke Holdaway took the one wicket to fall. In the Chapple Cup final, Wairarapa, 237-2 beat Hawke’s Bay, 233, while Taranaki, 125, beat Manawatu, 114-9, in the third/ fourth play-off, a T20 match. In the Cave Cup final Horowhenua Kapiti, 270-4, beat Nelson, 267.