Wednesday 7 May 2025
Creative future for town centre?
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Business leaders say the future of Blenheim’s central business district is up to locals, as two more national big box retailers move to Westwood Business Park.
With Bed Bath and Beyond and Number One Shoes/Hannah’s shifting from central Blenheim to Westwood, plus rumblings the shopping centre is attracting residents new to Marlborough being positive signs for the shopping centre, central Blenheim will lose two high-profile shop fronts.
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Kylie Cornelius and Harcourts’ Sales & Marketing Consultant David Searle say they see positives and negatives to the continued moves of chain stores out to Westwood but agree that it is down to Marlburians to make the CBD what they want it to be. “It’s good to see the big box retailers can see value in committing to our region by moving to these new stores but on the flip side of that, we don’t need it at the effective expense of our CBD”, says Kylie.
Tickled pink by high tea support
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Two champions of the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast went bigger and better than ever before on Sunday to raise funds for the on-going fight against breast cancer.
Jenny Fyfe and Cathy Wheeler hosted over 50 local wom
en at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club for Jenny’s traditionally-hosted Pink Ribbon Breakfast, with a splash of High Tea flair.
While Pink Ribbon Day itself is on May 22, Jenny’s famed kitchen and hosting skills, encouraged by Cathy to go bigger and better this year,
resulted in a fabulously pink Sunday morning to start the traditional month of breast cancer support, raising $6200.
“My first one was 12 years ago, after my [breast cancer] diagnosis, run from my kitchen with a few helpers in support”, says Jenny.
“It’s been little more than just
a lovely little breakfast with friends but last year Cathy said we should try do something bigger and better. We’ve had to ask for staff and sponsorship which we’ve never done before, but people have been amazingly generous -
CONTINUES PAGE 2
At the Pink Ribbon Breakfast on Sunday is from left; Wendy Vining, Shirley Timms, Helen Boudier, Carol Morris, Greta Black, Katie Van Berlo, Sue Altoft and Joyce Allen. Photo: William Woodworth.
‘Ingenuity’ required to shape future of CBD
FROM PAGE 1
“There are murmurs of more big box retailers and national chains coming into the region, and while we welcome them for consumers whether in town or Westwood, Blenheim has some amazing local independent businesses to support.
“Our CBD should be a vibrant and bustling place for locals and visitors alike to visit so consideration needs to be made around making sure that our CBD stays relevant for the likes of big stores like Farmers, so that their foot traffic benefits our independent retailers like Thomas’s and Mitchell Sports just steps away.”
David says that seeing shops move out of the region is negative, but not many are with the reason behind many moves being the ability to upsize. However, it has left opportunities in “some very cool spaces that have the potential to be really influential”.
“Those big box retailers are obviously seeing the value in remaining in Marlborough and
space, so they’re successful locally and Westwood is allowing for upsizing and/or the building of custom spaces as we’ll see with Springlands Vet. However, those spaces leave opportunities for the community to help shape the future of central Blenheim and shape it in what we want it to be. “It starts with supporting those shops now, giving travellers reasons to stop in central Blenheim and filling those spaces for the benefit that comes down the track.”
While working in commercial real estate, David says that residential redevelopments could help solidify Blenheim’s CBD.
nowned as a home of world-class wine, food, and restaurants, so living above a bustling CBD would give a real feeling of big city living, while using existing building stock and providing more foot traffic. It does take investment to turn those commercial to residential developments and it’s not easy to do with a range of different standards necessary, but I’d love to see more inner city second level apartment-living and be personally open to it myself.”
Kylie agrees, saying that having more occupants of all sorts in town “adds to foot traffic, has more people eating at bars and
that all adds to the vibrancy of the town centre.
“If we can maximise office space use in town that’s great but we understand more small businesses can work from home.
“We as the Chamber can connect people, assist with business plans and encourage investment of all kinds into the CBD, and those exciting opportunities – whether local or from further afield - are very open to being here. Marlborough has a strong, collaborative start-up culture which I’ve already been astonished by three months into the role, and with risk comes reward. It’s up to our ingenuity to shape the CBD,” she
Number One Shoes and Bed Bath and Beyond are on the move from Blenheim’s CBD to Westwood.
Photos: William Woodworth.
New river Wee-D whacker on the water
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough’s river weed should be afraid and its detractors should be pleased, as the brandnew, custom-built ‘Wee-D’ weed cutting boat was officially launched on Wednesday.
‘Wee-D’, the successor to the retiring 50-year-old ‘River Queen’, has been in the works between Marlborough District Council and Christchurch firm Martin Hydraulics since June 2021. The new boat’s design has combined experiences learned by long-time captain Dave Fowler on Marlborough’s rivers, and Martin Hydraulics experience with the task in Canterbury.
Dave was the first official driver of the cutting boat whose name acknowledges his longtime service, while trainee Codie Paynter watched on.
“’Wee D’ would not have been possible without Dave’s vast experience operating the River Queen on our rivers, nor without his engineering wisdom and pragmatism”, says Mayor Nadine Taylor.
“It is Dave’s legacy, embodying all of this experience, love, and knowledge to be carried on by the new driver Codie, so it is
Photos: William Woodworth.
only right that the name in some way reflects his years of dedication.
“What Dave boasts in dedication, experience, and knowledge, he lacks in physical stature; something past friends and colleagues would never let him forget; earning him the affectionate name of ‘Wee Dave’.
“It didn’t take Dave long to realise that an abbreviation to ‘Wee D’ not only cements his legacy but also offers up a fun
action.
and quirky name that speaks of the vessel’s function and Marlborough’s light-hearted and fun community spirit.”
Upon docking after his first official voyage on the Ōpaoa River, Dave said with a grin that “‘Wee-D’ was “500% better”.
“We need to acknowledge not only Murray Mills, Graham Patchett and Andrew Chandler for their efforts with the ‘River Queen’ and ‘Wee-D’, but also Council’s rivers team and Martin
Hydraulics for not only allowing me to put my 10 cents worth into design and build but also acknowledge the sterling job they have done,” says Dave.
“I will no longer need to stand waist deep in water, leaning over the front of the boat pulling out floating weed, plastic bottles and other obstacles while standing in waders – it’s not been fun in the summer and even worse in the winter,” he added.
Aratere retirement: KiwiRail has announced the retirement of the Aratere, its rail-enabled Interislander ferry, to facilitate redevelopment at its bespoke dock in Picton. This move is essential to prepare for two new, larger ferries set to enter service in 2029. The retirement will cause significant disruptions for commuters, with more sold-out days and less convenient travel times.
Birdsong fundraiser: Kaipupu Trust & Picton Dawn Chorus are holding an exclusive fundraising walk on private land to the top of Gondola Hill in Picton on Sunday May 18 from 10 am with a postponement date on the May 25. This is a unique opportunity to walk the track and get views of Picton usually unavailable to the public. Cost is $15 for members, $20 non-members, kids under 12 free. Dogs on a lead welcome. Bring sturdy footwear, water, lunch/snacks and your camera. Register from 10am at the end of Fantail Heights, Endeavour Park Estate, Picton. Postponement Sun May 25, check the Kaipupu Sancutary or Picton Dawn Chorus Facebook pages for more details.
Solar correction: In last week’s Weekly we called the Rānui Solar Farm the largest in the South Island – it was actually the largest in Marlborough, producing 12.6MW not KW. We apologise for the confusion.
Revolutionizing Your Golf Experience with TruGolf
ADRIENNE MATTHEWS
Get ready to take your golf game to the next level with the TruGolf Simulator, powered by Aotea Electric Marlborough. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the TruGolf Simulator brings the world’s most famous courses straight to your home or business in stunning high-definition.
The simulator runs on E6 CONNECT software which is the highest-quality and most realistic golf
simulator software ever created.
Its stunning graphics and customisable conditions, allow you to play on iconic courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Every swing, putt, and chip is captured with precision, offering an unparalleled level of realism. With a wide variety of golf courses available, you can experience the thrill of playing on some of the world’s most famous fairways without leaving your home.
The TruGolf Simulator is equipped with advanced shot
tracking technology that measures your swing, ball speed, and trajectory in real time. This allows for a detailed analysis of your game, helping you improve faster and more efficiently. Whether you’re practicing or competing, the simulator offers instant feedback to track your progress and perfect your technique.
This isn’t just for golfers, you can add 13 interactive sports games, mini-games, and multi-sport arcade options, making it perfect for family and friends. Whether
you’re looking to practice or just have fun, the simulator offers something for everyone.
You don’t need to worry about the weather either. It lets you play anytime, rain or shine, in the comfort of your own dedicated space. Say goodbye to weather delays and enjoy golf year-round.
TruGolf offers a variety of simulator options to suit every space and budget from luxury custom builds to portable setups, whatever you choose.
For a limited time only, take ad-
vantage of the presale discount on launch monitors and simulator kits. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer!
Visit Aotea Electric Marlborough’s showroom or call (03) 577 6428 to schedule a demo. Join us for an Open Day on May 10th-11th from 10am to 2pm to try it out for yourself and enjoy a hit and BBQ.
For more information, visit trugolfsimulators.nz.
Mayor Nadine Taylor holding some of Wee-D’s first official cutting, alongside Geoff Dick, Codie Paynter, Dave Fowler, Andy White, Mark Biddington and Shane Martin. Insert: ‘Wee D’ in
Doctors, home carers share health system concerns
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Both specialised doctors and home support workers took strike action on Thursday, due to their shared concern about the state of New Zealand’s health system.
Senior doctors under the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and E Tū unionised support workers at Access Community Health took to the picket lines on May 1 with aligned requests of safe staffing levels, work conditions and pay negotiation issues. Local doctors picketed outside Wairau Hospital, while Access Community Health staff joined the larger Nationwide Day of Action union protest in Nelson.
“We’re here because our health systems in crisis, our contact negotiations have fallen down and we have no recruitment and retention of our doctors ... so many leave for better pay and conditions [which is] just perpetuating the problem,” said Dr Nikki Rolton, from the Emergency Department at Wairau Hospital.
“All medical professionals want
to provide the health care that people deserve - we can’t do that being a quarter of the workforce short every day and especially in a smaller regional hospital like Wairau, where there are less staff to cover those gaps.
“We’re training doctors for export because young doctors see hiring freezes despite positions being vacant, cuts to Health New Zealand’s IT staff, and that New South Wales, which is the worstpaid state for doctors in Australia, has their specialists start on similar to the top rate of our pay scale.
“It’s not only uncompetitive for doctors to move to New Zealand, it’s uncompetitive for the doctors New Zealand trains to stay.”
Doctors say their want to care and do their duty comes at personal cost, but this strike is a reminder their efforts shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“We’re very low on staff, we’re doing a lot of extra cover, and it’s hard when you miss your family, you miss being home, and you never know what you’re doing
week to week because there’s always shifts to cover”, said fellow ED team member, Dr Kay Hall “Our department has got seven doctors, but many here have three or four senior doctors so there’s situations where it’s you or it’s nobody involved in direct patient care.”
Dr Stefan Schulze, in Wairau’s paediatrics ward, says the inability to recruit has him worried for parents that need their expertise.
“We are already the smallest paediatric department in the country with difficulties recruiting more staff, so we’re in average every
third night on call because there’s nobody there who would do our work. It’s only for so many years you can sustain that ... the workforce is getting older and older and if you can’t recruit because we’re not competitive in the market, then it’s got lots of knock-on effects.”
The issues within the healthcare system are not isolated to the region’s hospitals, as in-home care workers for Access Community Health went on strike in protest of work conditions they consider unreasonable with consequences for the heavily elderly population
they assist.
After a 2022 post-Covid pay rise was repealed, the Ministry of Health recommended a 3 percent raise after Access gained 7 percent in funding, but nothing has changed for workers.
“We supply hospital-grade care - dealing with health checks, administer medications - at people’s homes with no equipment, while it takes 30 minutes to get support from Access Community Care on the phone.”, said a local worker, wishing to remain anonymous.
“Visit times per patient have been cut, we’ve lost sick days and pay steps, they don’t live up to contract agreements around breaks, and don’t contribute towards vital things like phones, car insurance or maintenance when we’re using our own to do these care visits.
“Those entrusted to look after the elderly shouldn’t be accepting these conditions as society is measured by how they treat their elderly, and I’m really worried for the people we support with the dire consequences already happening”.
Wairau Hospital senior doctors get their message across on Thursday outside the hospital. Photo: William Woodworth.
Constructing success
Forty attendees celebrated the graduation of nine of Marlborough’s newest qualified tradespeople at the inaugural BCITO Apprenticeship graduation evening at Scenic Hotel Marlborough on May 1.
Local employers and families gathered to recognise the hard work and dedication of those graduating with Mayor Nadine Taylor passing on her admiration for the ceremony.
“Marlborough is a region poised for growth and construction makes up the fourth-largest in-
dustry here. There are a number of exciting projects on the way that all need workers and we’re delighted that you’ve chosen Marlborough in which to pursue your trades.”
Andrew Donohue, GM, education & diversity group at BCITO made the trip down from Wellington to acknowledge the graduates.
“It was an enjoyable time celebrating those who have achieved their qualifications in the construction industry, and great to see the Blenheim community get behind it.”
Wheel keeps on turning
Marlborough played host to many community pillar figures from around the world as the Inner Wheel Conference came to town over the weekend.
The New Zealand Conference ran from May 2-4, with Inner Wheel members from around the country and as far away as Australia, New Caledonia and India gathering to set the local goals for the New Zealand
branch of the world’s largest women’s volunteering service organisations. Guests were invited to set next year’s agenda of Inner Wheel actions across New Zealand and hear from keynote speakers, GirlBossNZ’s Alexia Hilbertidou, Digital Waitaha Charitable Trust’s Neysa Koizumi, Jane Hunter, International Inner Wheel President
Gupta, and Mayor Nadine Taylor.
Alongside hearing from speakers and taking the opportunity to travel around and enjoy the region’s vineyards, restaurants and museums, members spent Saturday in business mentoring and upskilling courses to take back to the thousands of fellow members throughout the organisation.
Mamta
The BCITO team with graduates, from left, Scott Glendinning, Daniel McLean, Ella Gerrard, Adriaan Rijk, Kieran Bowden, Gerard Van Angeren, Alfredo Reyes and Jeffery Parker, holding certificates. Photo: Supplied.
Young gymnasts from Blenheim Gymnastics Club at the Mosey Grayson Memorial Competition in Nelson on Sunday. Mackenzie Manu took out the overall win in the Step 2 class. Pictured from back left are Keyti Andrade-Quintero, Alyssa Haslam, Ella Newson-Young and Elsie Douglas, with Mackenzie Manu, bottom left, and Indie Greenwood. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
Marlborough Inner Wheel member Dot Anderson-Lee, centre, with the Australian contingent. Photo: William Woodworth.
4. Pete Edwards, Sarah Slatter and Lee Bennett 5. R obin and Saelyn Jones
6. Top In The South (TITS) winner Max George with Marlborough captain Chris Lippy 7. R ina Maxwell-Hesp, Mamta Gupta and Dot Anderson-Lee
Dear diary, laughter really is the best medicine
Love the care around you.
At Summerset, there’s always a helping hand when you need it. Alongside our neighbourly community, our villages are designed so that as your needs change, we have different levels of care and support across our villages (subject to availability and eligibility criteria). We call it our continuum of care… but really, it’s about always being there.
Summerset Blenheim’s care centre is under construction. We currently have two-bedroom independent homes available now with flexible pricing starting from $656,700.* Plus, we’ll help you every step of the way with $2,000 towards your legal fees, a moving package, and window furnishings from our CurtainStudio range. Simply sign a sales application for a selected villa or cottage between 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 and then settle by 30 September 2025.#
Love the life you choose.
Open Day
Thursday 8 May, 10am - 2pm
Summerset Blenheim 183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands 03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim
MOTHER’S DAY
FREE GIFT WITH MOTHER’S DAY PURCHASE*
Lucina Hoop Earrings valued at $109 when you spend $169 or more on NAJO jewellery in-store *one gift per customer
91 Weld St, Redwoodtown | info@gmwjewellery.co.nz
03 577 9340 | gmwjewellery.co.nz | /GMWJewellery
Virtual After-hours Primary Health Care 24/7
Marlborough Primary Health is partnering with Practice Plus to provide virtual afterhours health care in Marlborough 24/7.
To access primary health care after 5pm on weekdays, all day at weekends and public holidays, simply phone your General Practice and you will be connected with a health professional who will talk to you about your symptoms and help book an appropriate appointment.
Virtual appointments are safe and effective for many health concerns and have been successfully treating thousands of people every year all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Prescriptions can be emailed directly to your nearest pharmacy for collection.
From 01 April 2025 Marlborough General Practices will have virtual appointment options through Practice Plus for after-hours care.
Tūhonotia te Hapori kei to Ora Connecting Communities for Wellbeing
DRUA vs BLUES
WARATAHS vs REDS CRUSADERS vs CHIEFS
vs BRUMBIES
DRUA vs BLUES WARATAHS vs REDS CRUSADERS vs CHIEFS FORCE vs BRUMBIES
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: E: hello@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DEATH NOTICES
CLATWORTHY: Kenneth (Ken)
11/03/1938 - 30/04/2025
Passed away peacefully at Ashwood Park. Dearly loved husband of Betty, loving father to Paul and Derek, Bumpa to Sharnel, Simone and Jarred. Special thanks to the staff at Ashwood Park who took care of Ken over the last few months. Messages to c/PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or cloudybayfunerals.co.nz According to Ken’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
CLAYDON: Adrian Douglas
Adrian passed away on 28th April 2025 (aged 70 Years) peacefully at home. Much loved husband of Heather and father of Michael and Jonathon, son-in-law of Dick and Robin Robb and brotherin-law to David and Kate Robb. Loved brother and uncle to Vivienne and James (Stevenage, UK). Loved and appreciated by his many friends in Marlborough, Auckland and England. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Marlborough Hospice (hospicemarlborough.org.nz) would be appreciated or may be made at the service. Messages to hjclaydon@outlook.com or 3516 State Highway 63, Wairau Valley, RD1 Blenheim or cloudybayfunerals. co.nz. Special thanks to both Wairau and Auckland Hospitals and Marlborough Hospice. At Adrian’s request a cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life has been held. The service was livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
RAE: Stuart Nisbet
2 May 1935 - 28 April 2025
“A man of many talents who lived a full life, had lots of adventures and loved his family dearly” Dearly loved husband of Marie for 62 years. Cherished father and father-in-law of Petrina and Allan Shutkowski; the late Andrea and the late Wayne Eggers; Melissa and Tony Burdon. Loved grandad, great grand master and sprinkles to his 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A special thank you for the care and kindness shown by the staff at Hospice Marlborough. Messages to 7B Mountain View Road, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website would be appreciated. In accordance with Stuart’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
TIDY: Ian Colin reg no. M87664 Cpl. (Airforce)
Passed away at home on the 29th of April 2025. A dearly loved husband of May. A loving father of Denise, Ian and Christine and their respective partners, Darren, Jean and Andy. A loved brother and a much-loved grandad and great grandad to all his grandchildren. Messages to c/-PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. Heartfelt thanks goes to Hospice, St John and Nurse Maude staff and to all who have helped Ian during his time of illness. Donations to the Hospice Marlborough Trust would be appreciated and can be made via their website. As per Ian’s wishes, a private cremation and memorial service have taken place.
SHARPLIN,Edward Thomas “Ted”:
Late of Kaikoura, Ted passed away on Wednesday April 23, 2025, at Parklane Rest Home, Christchurch in his 90th year. Dearly loved husband and friend of the late Barbara. Cherished father and father-in-law of Debbie and Peter, Heather, Rob and Baz, and Harry and Nellie. Dearly loved grandfather of Celeste, Harley, Chanelle, Slade and Roky. Dearly loved brother of Jill and Patsie. Messages may be sent to the Sharplin family at 174a Beach Rd., Kaikoura 7300. A service for Ted will be held at The Upper Room, 98 West End, Kaikoura at 1.00pm on Friday, May 9. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: www.sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals
RAWSON, David Greville;
We announce the passing of David Greville Rawson, aged 75, at his home in Kaipapa Bay, Picton. Born in Invercargill, raised in Christchurch, he was the son of the late Brian and June Rawson. He is survived by his sister Deb, and his children Nigel, Pip and Mike.Writer, traveller, music lover- he was a man of humour, eloquence and great imagination. A private memorial will be held in Wellington. Special thanks to Dave St John and all those who helped him towards the end. For more details and messages please contact debbie@saxcess.com
Respectfully cared for by Geoffrey T Sowman
(03) 578 4719
OPEN HOMES THIS WEEKEND
Sunday 11th May
10.30am – 11.15am 15 Milton Terrace, PICTON Deadline Sale Summit.co.nz/PR42695
11.30am – 12.30pm 29a Ranui Street, WAIKAWA
Offers over $890,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42528
12.45pm – 1.30pm 14a Huia Street, WAIKAWA
Offers Over $799,000 Summit.co.nz/PR41716
1.00pm – 1.30pm 3 Glenroy Crescent, SPRINGLANDS
$589,000 Summit.co.nz/BR42682
1.45pm – 2.15pm 23 Admiralty Place, WAIKAWA
Offers Over $839,000 Summit.co.nz/PR42341
Exceptional Comfort & Lifestyle
Welcome to 3 Glenroy Crescent, a superbly maintained and well-presented home offering comfort, practicality, and lifestyle in one of the area's most sought-after locations. This inviting property features 2 spacious bedrooms complemented by a large hobbies room, offering flexible options for a home office or creative space. The single internal-access garage provides secure parking along with additional storage, ideal for growing families or those seeking extra room. Designed for effortless living and entertaining, the home boasts excellent outdoor areas, perfect for al fresco dining, relaxed gatherings, or quiet afternoons in the sun. The boxed vegetable garden is an added bonus for those who enjoy sustainable living and homegrown produce. Comfort is assured all year round with a range of thoughtful features. The home is equipped with both a heat pump for efficient heating and cooling and a charming log burner.
Beachfront Paradise Awaits
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an extraordinary 8.86ha bay with sandy beach frontage, lush Punga ferns, and endless potential to create your ultimate Marlborough Sounds retreat. Conveniently accessible by road, the property is located approximately 24km (43 minutes) from Picton and 50km (70 minutes) from Blenheim via Picton. Power is already available to the boundary, and an identified building site from the original subdivision plans provides a great starting point for your dream home or getaway. This stunning property offers a rare combination of natural beauty and practicality. Imagine fishing from the shore, kayaking through pristine waters, and enjoying boating adventures just steps from your future doorstep. With its breathtaking views and unmatched location, this is the perfect canvas for your Marlborough Sounds paradise. Rates are $1,831.26 per annum.
