‘Overwhelming’ response for handbag appeal
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
An annual appeal in memory of Grace Millane has shown Marlborough’s willingness and generosity to support local women in their most desperate times
The ‘Love Grace’ Handbag Appeal provides support for women by providing handbags full
of essential items that Women’s Refuge’s across New Zealand and the UK give to women fleeing domestic violence to provide a sense of normality.
The experience of organising Marlborough’s donations, cleaning handbags and filling them with essential items has been a bittersweet one for Nicky
Strong, and her children Bella and Louis.
“238 bags for Marlborough are a fantastic response on a nationwide scale, let alone for somewhere with our population”, Nicky says.
“Donations started off slow for the first few days, but the last weeks have seen the donations
just take over our house – it feels a bit empty at home now.
“Whether it’s just bags, just toiletries, or already made bags, we’ve just been the middlemen collecting from drop points
“The Wairau Valley ladies group dropped heaps off, Jane from
Riverlands’ chlorination risks tainting wine industry
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Wine Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council have told central Government that chlorinating Riverlands’ town water supply risks irreparably damaging the wine industry and regional economy. Representatives from both organisations, agree that the unique local water supply issue has national and international repercussions for the region’s economy, due to chlorine activating the fungus that causes ‘cork taint’ – a musty sock smell and taste – in wine.
The Riverlands town supply links to 30 homes and 10 wineries at the Riverlands and Cloudy Bay Business Parks, which see more than half of the country’s wine flow through its tanks.
Wine Marlborough’s Marcus Pickens and Ruth Berry, Marlborough District Council’s operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney say leaving the water supply unchlorinated is the only economically viable option for the wineries at Riverlands and Cloudy Bay Business Parks.
“Cork taint from the corks only impact the odd bottle, and the reaction from the New Zealand wine industry
Ashley Nally, Nicky, Bella and Louis Strong, and Rachel Black holding some of the 238 Love Grace Handbag Appeal donations from across Marlborough. Photo: William Woodworth.
Interislander replacement plan announced
Marlborough leaders say they are pleased by the announcement of two new Interislander ferries, and subsequent Picton marine infrastructure upgrades, announced on Monday Mayor Nadine Taylor says Marlborough is ready to work at pace with Government to support the requirements of new ferries
announced by Minister for Rail Winston Peters.
Winston says the design specifications chosen include vessel lengths of approximately 200 metres, longer and wider than the current fleet. “[It is] capable of serving our people and goods into the future, but shorter than the large ferries ordered in 2021
which created significant infrastructure issues.”
The two new Interislander ferries will include both road and rail decks, capacity for 1500 passengers, would have 2.4km of lanes for cars, trucks, and 40 rail wagons and are to be delivered in 2029. The Government is to sign off on ferry and infrastructure
contracts by the end of the year. Nadine says keeping interisland connection is vital.
“Council and its subsidiary Port Marlborough will work closely with Government and KiwiRail on the portside infrastructure design and associated costings to ensure the commercial viability of the project”.
Opening flourish for Flaxbourne centrepiece
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A “phoenix project” birthed out of the 2016 earthquake is set to celebrate its opening day.
The Flaxbourne Heritage Centre’s official opening will be celebrated on Friday April 11 with a community day on the Ward Village Green and the first public cycle on the newest sections of the Whale Trail.
Flaxbourne Heritage Trust chairman Kevin Loe and the Whale Trail’s Zoe Gray say the joint opening of the centre and new cycle trails in the area is the culmination of years of work building, and decades of recordkeeping, for the entire region to be proud of.
and not many people have seen that side of Lake Elterwater before so it’s going to be awesome, we can get people out riding.
“The Whale Trail has construction teams building trail north and south of Ward, so we’re making great progress.”
Ward’s hall and village green became the hub of the Ward community after the earthquake, so Kevin said it feels proper to host the Heritage Centre – and Friday’s community day – there.
“Jack Taylor left us with many, many years of collecting and writing the histories of the Flaxbourne area, and we’d outgrown our original archive building so were in the plans of what to do when the earthquake hit,” says Kevin.
“It takes time to raise the funds, get everybody on board and prove the case so now we’re nine years since the idea and eight years since the earthquake and people will be quite taken by what we have produced.”
While the Ward Village Green has seen the centre built, the Flaxbourne region has also seen its sections of the Whale Trail ex-
tend both north and south of the township.
“The opening is a collective celebration of two amazing assets in Ward that have connected the community and really invigorated it economically and socially,” says Zoe.
“To open the day we’ve got a 10-kilometer round ride out to Lake Elterwater from the shelter,
“For three weeks many people lived there while we waited for power to come back on, so it became sort of the point of assembly for the community.
“Flaxbourne has a lot of firsts – the first sheep station on the South Island, the first live crayfish shipment, the first wind farm in Marlborough.
“We want the community to celebrate as it’s their history we can all be very proud to share far and wide with much more than just a collection of artifacts”.
‘Overwhelming’ response for handbag appeal
FROM PAGE 1
PAE did 32 bags from Woodbourne – so many groups have contributed.
“But I was saying to my kids, if Marlborough gets through each of these bags by this time next year that means domestic violence is impacting more than one woman a day, which is very so-
bering”
The 238 bags, plus extra bags full of donated toiletries, was an “overwhelming show of love” arriving last Tuesday for Women’s Refuge Marlborough Rachel Black.
“There’s a lot of women in our community that care about victims of domestic abuse and want them to have something for
themselves, and as many donors give bags from their own closet there is a real personal touch of love, care and hope in an awful situation.
“Each of the bags includes a list of essential items plus some special additions like makeup or body lotion. But as much as one handbag and its contents don’t look like much, for many of the
women who receive these bags, they may not normally be able to get them herself as they’re often putting their family and children first.
“Some come to us with just the clothes on their back, so it’s so nice to be able to give bag that directly from our community out to every local woman who comes in”.
Flaxbourne Heritage Centre’s Kevin Loe and Whale Trail’s Zoe Gray.
Photo: William Woodworth.
Riverlands chlorination risks tainting wine industry
was to get rid of corks all together - this is on an industrial scale so one part per trillion of chlorine could ruin not only hundreds of thousands of litres of wine, but the entire reputation of New Zealand wine,” says Marcus.
“We know the fungus is present in circumstances, as wineries still do their best to eliminate it. But if we chlorinate the supply and the fungus is present, it only takes one part of chlorine per trillion to cause the fungus to activate and ‘cork’ the whole container.
Wine Marlborough Advocacy Manager Ruth Berry spoke at the Local Government (Water Services) Bill submissions in Wellington, while the Marlborough District Council and Wine Marlborough continue to work on a collective exemption with national water regulator Taumata Arowai.
The submission requested a 20-to-30-year exemption period for the site with five-yearly compliance checks, as opposed to the standard five-year exemption period.
“Chlorinating the water at Riverlands puts over 50% of New Zealand wine, including grapes from across the country, and the subsequent $1.2 billion dollars of exports at huge risk”, summarises Ruth.
council understand the circumstances.
“Chlorine doses for residual disinfection is 200,000 to 600,000 ppt, and the threshold for TCA to cause cork taint is one ppt – it’s completely impractical to filter it all.
directly risks the quality the industry has built.”
Mary says that wineries understand that the exemption’s costly requirements to manage the un chlorinated water supply will fall on their shoulders and not onto ratepayers, just like current food safety regulatory requirements. When approached for comment, Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith, said “it’s a sensible position to seek the exemption as the wine industry knows chlorine is no good for wine and I think we should be able to accommodate that.”
And while exemptions have only been given to occurrences where chlorination is commercially un viable for installation reasons –such as DoC huts – Marcus says they believe their case is just as commercially unviable for export reasons.
“It’s a situation with industrial water the new Bill hasn’t antic ipated - we’ve looked into fil tration options, but when we’re working with one part per trillion and a billion-dollar risk there’s absolutely no way we can actual ly guarantee the quality of about half of all New Zealand’s wine”. FROM PAGE 1
“Usually, wineries would be able to access unchlorinated water from bores, but the area has no suitable groundwater over-allocated anyway, so we know the
“Wine exports are growing, but the value of them is growing faster than so it means that our product is seen as high-quality – this
Wine Marlborough’s Ruth Berry and Marcus Pickens. Photo: William Woodworth.
Graham Norton rolls up his sleeves for harvest
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough hosted to one of its Sauvignon Blanc’s biggest advocates, as Graham Norton experienced the region’s harvest season and hospitality, last week. While on his An Evening with Graham Norton tour of the country, Graham took his passion for sav a step further this harvest season and joined Invivo Wines’ cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough on to experience the winemaking process firsthand.
Graham rolled up his sleeves in the Awatere Valley, getting handson with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality for the twelfth vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
“I don’t just put my name to the wines – I’m involved in the process, which makes being here in this stunning region for harvest all the more special,” says Graham.
“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion – it’s incredible to think that what began as a small, limited-edition run of GN New
Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has grown into a global brand, and here we are harvesting grapes in Marlborough for our twelfth vintage”.
The long-standing partnership between Graham and Invivo began in 2014 with a Sauvignon Blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio.
“Graham has always been handson – he personally tastes, blends, and signs off on every vintage with us to ensure his favourite wine is made to his exact taste preferences,” says Invivo Cofounder and Winemaker Rob Cameron.
LEARNER LICENCE TESTING in PICTON in
with REAP Marlborugh
Location: Queen Charlotte College Whare Ako
Date: Thursday 17th April
Time: 8.30am - 1.30pm
COST $96.10
EFTPOS will be available on the day
Please make all enquires to REAP Marlborough Office
“To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough firsthand was a real highlight for all of us.”
Mayor Nadine Taylor presented Graham with the first-of-its-kind
‘Grape Ambassador’ Award, recognising his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
“It was my great pleasure to host Graham in Marlborough and award him the title of Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador”, said Nadine.
Prime Minister’s dualling visits
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough played host to two national leaders in one day, with New Zealand’s and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Ministers both in the region last Thursday.
Enquiries: ace@reapmarlborough.co.nz www.reapmarlborough.co.nz
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke with business leaders and visited Marlborough businesses on Thursday alongside Kaikōura MP Stuart
Smith, while Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape visited Hortus Blenheim as part of his three day New Zealand trip. “It was a pleasure to join the Prime Minister for a flying trip around our region while also highlighting the investments in Marlborough driving our local industries forward”, said Stuart.
Papua New Guinea PM James Marape engaged with his
countrymen in the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
“I am pleased to see all my sons who could have been back home … I appreciate you all and thank Hortus for your engagement”, PM Marape said to the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier.
“We are pleased to see our people finding a safe haven in which they can progress in their lives”.
Graham Norton and Invivo Cofounders Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne in the Awatere. Photo: Jim Tannock.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Cuddon on Thursday.
Papua New Guinea PM James Marape in Blenheim last Thursday.
Ex-gang member granted parole for Blenheim manslaughter
TRACY NEAL
A gang member who killed a man and stabbed another during a brawl outside a Blenheim nightclub is set to be released from prison after serving two and a half years of his seven-year sentence.
George Junior Pikaahu was sentenced in the High Court at Blenheim in September 2022 for the manslaughter of Hiko Lynch, who died in June 2021 of a fatal stab wound.
Pikaahu, described at the time as a key figure in the Rebels MC gang, killed the Tongan seasonal worker during a mass brawl in Blenheim.
The court heard at sentencing of the devastating impact of his death on Lynch’s family, colleagues and friends, but notably on his fiancee.
A Parole Board spokesperson confirmed Pikaahu appeared before the board last Friday and parole was approved. He was to be released the week of April 14.
The reasons for the board’s decision will be contained in its report, which will be publicly available around mid-April.
Pikaahu was sentenced not
only for the killing but also on charges related to stabbing another man and the attempted stabbing of a third during the fight between gang members and seasonal workers.
The victims, Lynch, Vaea Tonga and Ofa Fifita, were RSE workers in Marlborough.
Auckland-based Pikaahu was initially charged with murder but later admitted a lesser manslaughter charge.
On the evening of June 20, 2021, a large group of seasonal workers was at a club in central Blenheim.
Pikaahu was among members of the Rebels gang visiting from Auckland, who were also at the club.
As they left, two gang members assaulted an RSE worker, leaving him unconscious.
Once outside the venue, Tonga and Lynch found out about the assault and “aggressively approached” a member of the Rebels as the group was leaving and punched him in the back of the head.
Pikaahu was in front of the man who was punched and quickly ran to help him. As he moved towards him, he drew a large knife concealed in the
waistband of his pants. He lunged at Tonga, thrusting it into his stomach, leaving him with his intestines protruding. After he fell to the ground, Lynch, 23, moved to stand between the two, but he too was stabbed and collapsed seconds later. He died at the scene from injuries caused by the single stab wound, after the blade thrust violently upwards went through his stomach and punctured his heart.
Pikaahu hid the knife and crossed the street, then hid behind another gang member who was having a fistfight with another RSE worker, Ofa Fifita. As the pair exchanged punches, Pikaahu lunged forward with the knife, aiming for the victim’s stomach, but he avoided being stabbed after he saw the knife and stepped back.
Pikaahu’s lawyer, Brad Moyer, told NZME Pikaahu remained remorseful and had never shied away from the fact that he was responsible for taking a loved one from a family. There will be a monitoring hearing in October.
Blast for the past
Marlborough’s finest classical musicians take to the ASB Theatre stage for their first of four shows for 2025 with a night dedicated to veterans.
The Marlborough District Brass Band’s ANZAC Concert on April 12 is the first of four shows this year, with special songs dedicated to a famed liberation of French town Le Quesnoy in 1918 and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Band Executive Officer Brian Nicholas says the show – divided into two campaigns – will bring together music pieces linked to war together
into a night not to be missed. “Le Quesnoy has maintained a strong link with New Zealand since Kiwi soldiers scaled the fortress town walls, and opened a New Zealand Liberation Museum in 2023.
“The ANZAC Concert is a great opportunity to prepare pieces before we perform at the ANZAC Day parade itself. But it also means we can work with guest performers like the Blenheim Choral Society, vocalists Iona Panoho and David Moseley, and the Combined Colleges Drumline, for special made pieces.
Backing the birdsong
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Ongoing efforts to support native birdlife around Picton need your help as colder months see more pests try and crack the fortifications built around Kaipupu Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is the “jewel in the crown” of conservation efforts to eliminate all pests on the peninsula, while Picton Dawn Chorus has been creating protective rings
around the township.
After the two organisations merged last year, community outreach coordinator Anna Polson says the efforts to create more cohesive conservation plan in the Picton area is proving successful and regionally popular.
“We have had to revert to a smaller permanent team and rely more on volunteers after the Jobs for Nature funding finished, but one in 30 people in Picton are involved, which is just an unheard-of ratio of volunteering for a town,”
Anna says.
“Kaipupu is also living evidence that when you give native bush the room to grow, it will naturally regenerate – but we supplement that with our mainland planting efforts.
“We’re coming up 10 years of trapping and have three and a half thousand around town, but autumn always seems to see more rats, stoats, ferrets, and cats they’re getting ready for colder months so go searching for food and find our traps.
“As we see more success, pest populations become trap-shy so we’re also in the process of introducing the new AT220 traps onto lines that only need reloading every six months we’ve been fundraising hard for.”
While trapping takes much of the focus, the organisation is also having a leading hand in local planting efforts by putting plants that native birds can feed on yearround with the Ngahere Planting Group. “I think we’re blessed to have a wealth of volunteers and many retired experts in their field that give what we’re doing proper direction to make our efforts as effective as possible,” says Hazel Ross of the Group
“But it’s also such a social atmosphere with like-minded people who all understand that the little bits we do now combine to make the world a little bit of a better place, and share that with locals and tourists,” adds Dave Johnston.
And whether it’s in the Ngahere Planting Group, trapping or volunteering for fundraisers, Anna says that the community group’s ambitions for local birdlife are only limited by volunteer numbers.
“At this stage, we’re consolidating
our gains but we’re really hoping that with our wider coverage of trapping will contribute our goal of making Picton a real birdlife hub but that starts by trapping in people’s backyards as well as the bush.
“There are volunteer roles for everyone, whether it’s social in taking cruise ship groups for fundraising tours, working bees for planting year-round food source plans, or solitary roles clearing trap lines in the bush.
“When we think big, we look at areas like The Snout and The Wedge on opposite sides of Kaipupu with old growth forest but that need pest management from pigs and goats to help undergrowth plans- but they’re definitely achievable goals.
“There’s real hope and investment in New Zealand around pest trapping, but it takes all of us to help our dawn chorus of birds sing loudly to welcome every morning.”
Kaipupu Sanctuary’s Anna Polson on Victoria Domain overlooking the Sanctuary. Photo: William Woodworth.
Mark Altoft, Jill Evans and Anna Polson with the AT220 traps installed on the Snout walkway. Photo: Supplied.
Collective ready to shine at Food Show
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Seven local businesses are banding together to collectively promote their products, and the Marlborough region, to Cantabrians this weekend.
The 2025 Christchurch Food Show will see Nature Body, Wine + Food Experience Marlborough, Three Cats, Hampshire Vineyards, Jok’n Al, Tupari Wines and Esses Estate under the Marlborough Collective umbrella.
The Marlborough Collective venture proved so successful for its first participants last year that the Marlborough District Council’s Economic Development team felt the need to facilitate its return, but allow brands to take the lead.
in what the businesses bring to the three days show to promote themselves and the region.
“Last year’s event gave us and them guidance and many of the businesses I approached had heard about the Collective, because for a lot of our Collective companies it’s the first time that they go outside of the region, testing the market and consumer feedback.”
“Last year’s Collective members gave us such great feedback, and from that feedback we decided to do it again this year, but dialled back on the council’s direct investment and be more of a coordinator for businesses,” says Economic Development team leader Dorien Vermaas
“They told us they originally joined to access new audienc-
News in brief
COLOURFUL FUN
The most colourful day on the Picton calendar comes to Endeavour Park with the FreshChoice Picton Rainbow Run this Sunday April 6. Join hundreds of runners and for the three kilometre celebration with local organisations tasked with covering everyone with coloured powder from
es, distribution points or partnerships for their products, but unanimously loved the show and its resulting exposure, while also each making a financial profit too. “We were the only region last year at the show who had a collective, but this year Nelson/Tas-
11.30, with a mass colour throw to end the event at 12.15. Light coloured clothing and eye protection are recommended. Entries are $10 each for adults and $5 for kids with family passes of two adults and three kids from $25 - either register from 11am on the day or on Eventfinda.
RIPPING IN
man, West Coast and Canterbury all have one – imitation is the best form of flattery, right?”
Economic Development team member Mya Hopkinson says the crafting the range of local businesses under the region’s umbrella has made her interested
The newest season of the Marlborough Repertory Society’s shows at the Boathouse Theatre run with their rendition of ‘Ripcord’ – a play by David Lindsay-Abaire about a bet between two retired women getting out of hand. The show runs from the 2nd to the 12th of April at 7.30pm, with the exceptions of an April 6 4pm matinee and no show on April 7. Purchase your tickets at www.boathousetheatre.co.nz
The idea behind the Collective is to help smaller family producers more than the big producers, says Mya. “Pinoli Pine Nuts didn’t come along this year, as they saw last year’s Collective as preparation for overseas markets and are now going to international events on their own – so it really is a launchpad.”
The 2025 Christchurch Food Show is on April 4 to 6.
GOING BATTY
The seventh year of Forest and Bird’s Te Hoiere Bat Recovery Project saw a total of 380 bat captures were recorded across two key sites at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and Rai Valley in the 2024-25 summer season. Pelorus Bridge efforts captured 122 individual bats, with 79 newly banded, and 43 recaptured – up from 86 individual bats last year. In Rai Valley, 80 individual bats were identified. Of those, 54 were newly banded and 26 recaptured.
Italian Fashion comes to Queen Street
Marlburians will be thrilled to hear that well-known lover of fashion, Anette Drewery, has just opened her brand-new store, Molto Bella in Queen St, Blenheim.
Anette’s travels throughout Europe and, Italy in particular, have given her a passion and appreciation for beautifully conceived garments made from high quality linens and silks. “I’m very conscious of the need to stop filling landfills with poor quality, easily discarded clothing,” she says. “My travels have shown me how really good quality pieces made in a sustainable way, from
high quality fabrics, will last a lifetime.
‘Molto Bella’ translates to very beautiful in English and Anette has decades of experience in choosing exquisite clothing pieces to suit women at all stages of their lives.
Her very first order to an Italian sewer, Francesco in Positano, was a tremendous success. “His work is of great quality. Despite caring for his elderly parents, I would put in an order in and he would complete it within a week,” she says. “We have developed a wonderful friendship throughout the years and the la-
bel Puralino Italiano is exclusive to Molto Bella in New Zealand.”
The collection includes linen dresses, tunics, skirts, trousers, dusters and shirts.
The new store will also be stocking other stunning Italian ranges including the exclusive La Bottega di Brunella, a brand established in Positano in the 1940s which is very sought after today due to the company’s commitment to ethical practices, sustainability and meticulous quality control.
In addition to other top-quality brands, Molto Bella also has a range of beautiful Italian handbags, accessories and Belgium designer tapestry cushions.
The store is a feast for the eyes thanks to Anette’s interior design experience and love of all things Italian and she looks forward to greeting her existing customers as well as many new ones. On hand to assist with greeting will be her much loved canine assistants, Nelly and Flynn.
The new winter ranges are arriving now so be in quickly so you don’t miss out on the joy and comfort of enjoying these garments that are easy to wear and care for and will have you feeling the best version of yourself.
Business Update. Adv.
Molto Bella owner, Anette Drewery ready for visitors at her new Queen Street store. Photo: Supplied.
Marlborough Collective stallholders saw so much success at last year’s Christchurch Food Show that the region-wide venture returns this weekend. Photo: Supplied.
Clearing the air on hidden silica risks River weed cutting upgrade
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A national debate around engineered stone has caused a local health and safety expert to share her concerns around crystalline silica.
LBT Workplace Safety’s Laraine Brooke-Taylor says that the impact of silicosis has become especially clear to her after a MinEx workshop on its dangers.
“Silica in engineered stone especially, but concrete and brick as well, can pose significant health risks when cut, ground, or sawed by releasing tiny particles that evade and can’t be expelled by the body’s natural airway defences”, she says “Businesses are legally required to inform their workers of both safety and health risks, but when people think health and safety they instantly think of the active safety on workplaces to direct health, and much less about the long-term health
risks like silicosis” Silica dust is particularly dangerous because it is not visible to the naked eye and causes silicosis - a disease that hardens the lungs and causes severe respiratory problems.
New Zealand’s Employers and Manufacturers’ Association, the Council of Trade Unions and MinEx – the extraction sector’s health and safety council - back a ban on engineered stone, following Australia last year.
And while for Laraine the health and safety aspect of silicosis prevention with ventilators and masks is easy to follow, she says a “she’ll be right” mentality cannot apply in the case of crystalline silica. “Proper engineering controls, like ventilators, and personal protective equipment, but workers need to be informed about the risks so they can take personal responsibility for their protection.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Formal welcome from Principal Richard Washington
Meet the team
Enjoy a tour of the school
Explore our historic houses
Hear from families and students
Stay for lunch
Take in the game between Selwyn Combined and NC
9am - 10.45am
Game from 11am
MAIA HART, LDR REPORTER
Big news, Marlborough is getting a new river weed cutter.
The Marlborough District Council has even given it a name.
Weed-E is currently being tested to make sure it meets maritime standards, and is expected to make its debut on Blenheim’s Ōpaoa and Taylor rivers in May.
Aquamarine weeds have for years plagued the Taylor River, which ran through the centre of town and frequently flooded.
Weed-E’s debut is timed for when the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan allows weed cutting in the river to resume.
Council’s assets and services manager Richard Coningham spilled some of the beans about Weed-E at a council committee meeting earlier this month. “Weed and then an e, I didn’t name it,” Coningham said.
The council did not want to answer any further questions about Weed-E until it was 100% signed off and ready. Its debut would be kind of a big deal, and a ribbon could even be cut ahead of Weed-E’s first foray into weed control.
But Coningham, after some after some prompting from deputy mayor David Croad, did say Weed-E had passed its sea trials. “It operates a lot quicker and a lot more efficiently than the old boat,” Coning-
ham said.
The council’s own rules in the environment plan prevented weed cutting from February 1 through to the end of April, to protect the whitebait spawning season.
The weeds sometimes contributed to the river breaching its banks, flooding areas popular with dog walkers and cyclists, who used the river boardwalk.
But that was not the only thing contributing to the flooded footpaths.
The current weed cutter, dubbed River Queen, had ended up out of service in 2022 after it broke and the part needed to replace it had to come from Australia.
Sediment build-up of about 1m also led to the council agreeing at last year’s annual plan to dredge the river. An information package for the report said River Queen’s final cut was was completed at the end of January, complementing the dredging efforts. It said dredging from be-
low the rail bridge in town to Stuart St was nearly complete. “Excavated material has been transported to a registered cleanfill, berms have been reshaped, and the area is once again open to the public,” the report said. “Water levels in town have since dropped significantly.”
Meanwhile, the council had planned to replace rotten wood on the boardwalk of the river, near Raupō cafe. The boardwalk, on both sides of the Taylor River, was built as part of a wider realignment of State Highway 1 in 2001.
The macrocarpa decking was not surviving the damp conditions, so the council planned to replace the boards with a synthetic, recycled plastic after investigating available options in the market.
LDR is co-funded by NZ On Air.
The council’s older weed cutter, dubbed the River Queen, being used in May 2023. Photo: Supplied: Marlborough Express.
1. B rooklyn Clearwater, Lee Flintoff and Jenny Owen
2. Team Purple Ribbons
3. Ni njas being very sneaky
4. B rooklyn Smidt Robinson and Ruby Senior
5. C laudia Johanson and Elsie Welbourn
6. M aataa Waka
7. J azz McClelland, Heath Hurring, Maxine Sweeney, Ale Philcox, Matthew May, Bentley Philcox and Lottie Savage
8. Te am McLeod
Photos: William Woodworth
Out & About
1. Tony Conley and Bridget McNamara
2. Z ane Orchard and Connie van der Geest
3. Yvonne and Neville Grant-Martens
4. R oger McArtney and Monica McKone
5. Z ac Snelling, Angela Bowers and Braden Stanton
6. S haron Cameron and Marie Owens
7. O wen and Eileen Norrish
8. J o Patchett and Ruth Gill
9. Farid Suleiman, Nicky and Bryan Simpson
10. S arah and Clayton Knowles with Brian Musgrove
Photos: Summa Bruning
Opinion
Community Comments
RESPONSE TO STUART
SMITH OPINION
Interesting that our local MP, Stuart Smith should suddenly take an interest in the Cook Strait ferry debacle!
His article in the Marlborough Weekly of 26th March, shoots down his own arguments, because he clearly does not understand the workings of InterIslander.
Of the three ferries operated by InterIslander, only the Aratere is rail-enabled.
When the lower deck (which is fitted with rails) is being used for four rakes of railway wagons, the upper deck leading to the unloading ramp in Picton and Wellington terminals is used by road vehicles. This allows for rapid unloading as there is no conflict be-
ARTIST HEARTBROKEN BY COPYRIGHT BATTLE
Oh no. I know you, I know some of your story sweet lady and I am so devastated by this news. This ruling is so very wrong and makes me incredibly angry.
Laura Liddicoat.
Sirpa, I wish you a peaceful future after all of this heartache. You are an authentic and lovely woman. Go well. Jac Lockington.
I think that is terrible and actually dare I say it morally wrong. This lady is the artist, the painter the copyright holder and I can only
tween the two modes.
In normal rail loading/unloading, the time to extract wagons from the rail deck and replace them with outgoing freight is under 35 mins. Meanwhile the top deck is quickly unloaded and reloaded for the return journey.
Road bridging meanwhile takes a good deal longer, and by employing more workers to do the job
imagine the hours she put towards her art.
What a shame.
Pamela Wisdom Photography.
He may have won the case in the eyes of a judge... Don’t give up or let this get you down because you, sweet lady, are still the artist. Marion Maxwell.
KOBE BURNS UP BLENHEIM COURSE
Nice one Kobe. Great attitude to golf.
Jason Gill.
Great stuff Kobe - we love your dedication!
Congratulations
FOR WINNING OUR “CALM THE FARM” BOOK GIVEAWAY DRAW
as Mr Smith has suggested, adds to the cost of road bridging, and therefore to the cost of the freight being carried, and therefore to the cost of those goods carried, to the consumer.
Observing the Aratere arrival, unloading and reloading is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, sometimes quicker.
Whereas the two other InterIslander ferries, and the two BlueBridge ferries all take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, sometimes longer.
Sharon Fowles.
Kobe you’re such a star! We are so proud of you and love watching how incredibly well you are progressing. Amy Wong.
Great work Kobe and great inspiration for his peers. Sonia Manson.
Nice work Kobe! Sonya Miller.
RELAY FOR LIFE
Such an amazing atmosphere, well done to all those that are sticking it out overnight. Kim Gatchell.
Comparing European ferry operation with our NZ situation, which is quite different, adds nothing to the discussion.
Another important factor is KiwiRail’s ability to move locomotives and other rolling stock between the islands when the need arises.
To sum up this, it is clear Mr Smith’s road bridging suggestion will add to the cost of freight across the Strait. So, rail-enabled it is.
Phil Hunt
As a cancer patient currently having treatment, tonight was pretty special to watch especially seeing my grandson running with his MBC basketball team mates. Jan Boese.
Absolutely amazing. Karleen Eyles.
Beautifully done Cancer Society Marlborough. Anna Straker.
So emotional, good you all. Julie Robinson. Well done to everyone who took part. Jill Thompson.
SPORT
Having a ball
The region’s young basketballers got a chance to demonstrate their skills at Stadium 2000 over the weekend, with two days of fast and furious 3x3 tournament play. On Saturday it was the college-age kids who took centre stage, playing in under-16 and under-17 sections. On Sunday the primary children had their chance, in year 5-6 and year 7-8 divisions.
Junior swimmers shine down south
PETER JONES
The future of competitive swimming in Marlborough is in good hands if the efforts of the younger brigade are anything to go by. Recently a team of nine Blenheim Swimming Club members – five boys and four girls aged 12 and under – travelled to Dunedin to compete in the annual junior Makos swimming festival.
The three-day competition hosted around 250 swimmers from 32 different clubs across the South Island, racing over distances from 50 to 200 metres across all four strokes.
The Blenheim contingent have been putting in the hard yards over the last couple of months with coach Shane Skehan and it
certainly paid off with a remarkable number of personal best times and a record number of podiums.
Ten-year-old Riley Guildford led the way, achieving a record number of podium finishes for a Blenheim SC member at this meet.
Riley came first in seven of his nine entered events and very close seconds in the other two. A highlight came in the 100m fly, where he broke his own Nelson Marlborough record set a month earlier.
Ethan Spencer, 12, placed in the top 10 swimmers in his age group for three out of his nine individual events, reaching PBs in all his events, while cutting more than nine seconds off his 200 IM best.
Charlotte d’Auvergne, 11, recorded a full sheet of PBs in the eight
personal events she swum, knocking more than 12 seconds off her best 200m freestyle time and showing her versatility by eclipsing her PB by nearly four seconds in the gruelling 200m IM.
Annabel Rose, 12, achieved personal best times in all of the eight events swum, her highlight a massive 12.7 seconds off her 100m backstroke time.
Adam Brain, 11, set PBs in all seven of his chosen events, highlighted by an improvement of over 12 seconds in the 200m free.
Herbie Hodson, 12, managed an 18-second PB in the 200 IM, Tia Hickman, 12, knocked over 10 seconds off her 100m backstroke PB and over nine seconds from her 100m breaststroke time.
Eight-year-old Freddy Guildford,
the youngest of the team, in his first representative swimming meet, set PBs in the 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke while
Harriet d’Auvergne, 10, competed in eight events and set a big PB in the 50m free.
From left to right: Charlie MacDonald, Jayden Kolk and Josh Gleeson, Toby Jacobson and Luca Dodds, Dunkin Donuts team with coach Zaraya Wilson. Photos: Peter Jones
The Blenheim Swimming Club team which travelled to Dunedin. Photo supplied.
Golfing volunteer honoured
PETER JONES
Although the exploits of professionals tend to dominate the golfing headlines, occasionally those behind the scenes have their moment.
Recently, Golf New Zealand announced their 2023-24 awards and there was a Marlborough golfing identity among them.
Jo Rainbird, from the Rarangi Golf Club, was named Volunteer of the Year.
The criteria for the award states, “A volunteer who is not only inspirational in their commitment to their organisation, club, or local golfing community, but also contributes tirelessly to the game”
Rep
PETER JONES
Marlborough bowlers made their presence felt at the recent national intercentre championships in Wellington.
The women’s team reached the quarterfinals, claiming a coveted national top eight position.
In section play they lost 2-1 to Dunedin, then claimed 2-1 wins over Wairarapa, Manawatu, Far North and North Harbour. Singles player Jan Gallop was undefeated, the pair of Jane McIntyre and Becky Walker notched three wins while the
- and Jo personifies that description, giving her time freely across a staggering list of tasks.
The seaside club’s citation said,
“Jo is an outstanding example of dedication to a golf club and its cause, going “above and beyond” every week and giving hours of her time despite running her own business as well … a large number of her waking hours are spent at the golf club.
“Her involvement in the club has led to huge benefits for the members and the public alike, by contributing to various committees, running numerous programmes, and implementing initiatives that have made Rarangi the club it is today.
“Jo is an inspiration to all members and visitors alike. The club is
vital triumph that enabled Marlborough to reach the quarters. Three of the four are still junior players. In post-section Marlborough lost to Canterbury 3-0, while Bay of Plenty defeated Nelson in the final.
The Marlborough men finished fifth in their section. They beat Gisborne East Coast 2-1, halved their match with Wellington 1.5-1.5, but lost to Thames Valley, Southland and Taranaki. The singles player had two wins, the pairs one win and the four recorded one win and a draw.
The men’s team was Simon Hitchcock, Sanjhe Prasad, Damin Hitchcock, Josh Boyd, Chase Bishop, Max Brydon, Mark Grenfell and Salve
volunteer. Her remarkable contributions continue at the club and will be noticed immensely when and if she ever decides to hang up her volunteer coat.
“There are many people who have helped at the club over the years – and they are genuinely appreciated by all, but it is widely acknowledged that there has never been anyone who has put in the considerable effort, expertise and time that Jo has.
Dedicated, loyal and passionate –she is one of a kind – the epitome of a volunteer, well liked, spoken of highly, and a tireless worker.”
truly fortunate to have her as one of their members and a valued
The club held a presentation of her award at the course in early March.
Jo Rainbird. Photo: Supplied.
The Marlborough women’s rep team. Photo: Supplied.
Girls just wanna have fun
PETER JONES
Sport Tasman’s annual Ignite Kōhine Maia Girls Sport Festival recently lit up Lansdowne Park.
One hundred and ninety year 8 and 9 kōhine attended, coming from Bohally, St Mary’s, Richmond View, Redwoodtown, Marlborough Girls’ College, Queen Charlotte College and Riverlands schools.
The various groups rotated around nine sporting disciplines – ultimate frisbee, rippa rugby, golf, ki o rahi, hockey, touch, cricket, rugby league and pickleball. Students were able to try their hand at various disciplines, with expert tuition from a facilitator at each station.
Emma Sorenson-Brown, sport development advisor for Sport Tasman, said the aim of the festival was designed “to support the drop off in participation when year 8 kōhine transition into secondary schooling”.
“The Ignite Kōhine Maia Festival is an important opportunity to inspire and encourage more young girls to become involved in organised sport.
“We hope that through the connections made during the event we can ignite a passion for physical activity in those who may have previously been less active. The festival also provides an invaluable chance for the girls to explore different sports codes, gain insight into the variety of opportunities available in our Marlborough community, and find new ways to stay active and engaged.
“It also serves as a great foundation for building lasting relationships between local sports codes and schools.
“By fostering these connections, we can continue to offer our young girls the chance to discover and pursue sports that they might not have otherwise experienced,” added Emma.
Peter Jones.
CHIEFS vs REDS MOANA vs WARATAHS
DRUA vs CRUSADERS BLUES vs HURRICANES FORCE vs HIGHLANDERS
TRADES CLASSIFIEDS
LANG; June Frances
Passed away peacefully on 22 March 2025, aged 97 years, at Bethsaida Retirement Village in Blenheim - formerly of Rangiora. Dearly loved wife of the late Lester James Lang. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Jeanette and William, Robyn and Mark, Tim and Christine, Andrew and Kay. Devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. June was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Balcairn Cemetery. Our family wishes to acknowledge and thank all the staff at Bethsaida, and Dr. Vicki Samuels, for their exceptional care of June. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
LOVELOCK; Simon John
Passed away suddenly on Wednesday 25th of March. Dearly loved husband of Barbara (Barb), and a much-loved father and father-in-law of Steven (deceased), Glen and Teena, Scott and Claire. Loved Poppa to Sam and Shannon, Isaac, Ethan, Anna and Heidi and great grand poppa to Maddy and Penny. His smile will be greatly missed.
VERCOE; Edwin Roland
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Roland on Friday 28 March 2025. Treasured and loved husband of Marion for 61 years, loved father and father-in-law of Greg, Fiona and Alan, Kelvin and Annette, Natasha and Brett. He will be very sadly missed by his grandchildren Misha and Leigh, Soren, Rhea, Nathaniel, Isaac, Sam, Riley, and great granddaughter Lena. A close brother to his four siblings and caring uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a good friend to all his extended family and mates.
“He will be forever loved and always in our hearts.” Messages to PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A celebration of Roland’s life will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 35 George Street, Blenheim on Thursday 10th April at 11am followed by interment at the Fairhall cemetery. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funerals website.
Locally Family Owned
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services
FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
EXCITING CAFÉ LEASE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HEART OF BLENHEIM
An opportunity has arisen to take over the highly regarded Thomas & Sons Café, nestled within the iconic Thomas’s Department Store on Market Street. This thriving café has a loyal customer base and a strong reputation, o ering an ideal opportunity for an experienced operator to build on its success.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE LEASE?
•Premium CBD Location – High foot tra ic in Blenheim’s bustling town centre
•Fully Equipped Café – Existing fixtures and fittings included
•Outdoor Seating Area – Maximize capacity, especially in summer
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT:
•Minimal Setup Costs – Step into a turnkey operation
•Established & Successful Business – Take over a thriving café with a solid foundation
•Smooth Transition – Potential to continue existing supplier contracts
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
•A passionate café operator with at least 2 years of industry experience
•A hands-on owner committed to delivering an outstanding customer experience
•Willingness to operate six days a week, including some public holidays
