Marlborough Weekly 12 April 2022

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022 HAPPY

Revitalising te ao

Page 5

James jumps to it

Page 21

Jumping for joy A Marlborough teenager’s hard work pays off, with a touch of luck.

Read about Neve McKenzie’s windfall on page 6.

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022 YOUR WEEKLY

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Fun and games: festival to provide tech pathways for students MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

100% locally owned and operated

A coding and esport festival is coming to Blenheim in a bid to entice young people into a career in technology.

Lead by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Empower: Te Rangapikikōtuku Coding and Esport Festival will showcase coding and esport, highlighting pathways into employment through coding, robotics, art and sport.

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce membership and events manager Zoe Gray says the August event has been in the pipeline since October last year.

“We need kids who know how to code and be digitally savvy,” she

says.

“It’s the fourth industrial revolution. “[People are] good at consuming technology, but being creators of it is important for the future.”

The festival will feature workshops across a variety of industries; Digital design, robotics, augmented and virtual reality app design, Minecraft Education, esports and gaming.

“It’s going to be fun,” Zoe says.

The free event is aimed at secondary school students, but Zoe says it’s for parents and teachers, too.

“There’s this stigma it’s kids just playing on computers,” she says.

“But skills such as teamwork, coaching and communication with the technical ability are de-

sirable, real-world skills.”

Backed by councils, a bevy of government departments and in partnership with Iwi, schools and businesses from across the top of the south and further afield are

booked to attend what is hoped to be a regular, annual event alternating between Blenheim and Nelson.

Esport titles, run by national esport provider Victory Up and Rotorua-based Digital Natives Academy, include Rocket League, League of Legend and Valorant.

The event has a long list of goals: developing tech and creative skills, providing employment opportunities, addressing digital poverty and establishing a network of engaged technology teachers.

“It’s massive – a lot of work for us pulling it all together,” Zoe says.

“My family and friends are all really excited – it’s different and unique.”

News

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

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Shock Ovato closure strikes a blow to paper deliveries MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Auckland-based printer and letterbox delivery business Ovato announced its shock closure last week.

About 100 deliverers in the Marlborough region are affected; Ovato delivers the Marlborough Weekly and the Marlborough Express newspapers, as well as brochures, pamphlets and mailers.

Ovato area supervisor Jade Davies says learning of the closure was a shock – but it comes with a silver lining.

“It was a shock,” Jade says. “There was no indication. I never saw it [the closure] coming.”

She says she is going out on her own starting a local distribution business retaining the deliverers that have been let go by Ovato.

Jade and Marlborough Weekly publisher TSM Marlborough have since struck up a deal to keep the paper being delivered, pay the deliverers more and keep it all owned here in Marlborough.

“My pamphlet deliverers were

immediately unemployed [following the closure]. They were pretty gutted,” says Jade.

“A lot of them have moved over to delivering the Marlborough Weekly.”

TSM Marlborough general manager Leigh Somerville says she’s delighted with the move.

“Jade has worked really closely with our team for a number of years and she’s a great operator,” Leigh says.

“We’re delighted that her team will continue to deliver the paper and that we’ll be able to get more money into the pockets of the people who do the hard work each week.”

Jade says a lot of people wouldn’t realise the local impact the closure of Auckland-based Ovato had.

“They don’t realise it [Ovato] is New Zealand wide. It’s huge – north to south.”

“I don’t think it will have sunk in for the deliverers yet.

“We’ve had tears, confusion, but I’m going to take care of them best I can making sure they have

Ovato area supervisor Jade Davies. File photo. delivery jobs with the Marlborough Weekly and any other clients I pick up.”

About 100 staff have lost their jobs at the heatset printing plant in Auckland, and in September last year, about 60 staff were let go when Ovato closed their Christchurch plant.

But as deliverers are employed as independent contractors, it’s

unknown how many people are affected by the closure.

Ovato says price increases on imported paper and the ongoing Covid pandemic means it can no longer operate profitably.

Following the closure of the Kawerau paper mill last year, New Zealand’s print industry has relied entirely on imported paper.

Ovato chief executive James

Hannan says due to supply issues Ovato NZ was forecast to run critically low of paper in May. “It is impossible to run a print business without a robust supply chain, and in the absence of one we have had to make the decision to close,” he says.

Ovato’s New Zealand business saw its revenue fall by $6.1m to $83.9m in the 12 months to June.

Ovato NZ says it is now working with the industry to ensure they continue to have their products printed at other print businesses.

Jade says while it is sad people have lost their job, she’s glad she is able to provide an alternative for the many deliverers in the region.

“Hearing the sad news was hard, but sharing it with the deliverers was even harder,” Jade says.

“It was horrible – they’re my team. I do have the fortunate position where I can offer them other positions.

“I really value my relationship with TSM Marlborough and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to come up with a quick solution.”

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022

News

Government invests to turbocharge medicinal cannabis industry STAFF REPORTER A $13 million government grant for medicinal cannabis grower Puro is hoped to turbocharge New Zealand’s burgeoning industry.

Announced on Friday during Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor’s visit to Puro’s Kēkerengū plantation, the grant goes toward a five-year $32.2 million project aiming to raise the bar for the industry.

Managing director Tim Aldridge says the grant is a gamechanger that will provide New Zealand patients with greater access to locally grown and manufactured medicine and pave the way for international export success.

“Organic medicinal cannabis is a huge and lucrative opportunity for New Zealand, and this grant is a recognition of the potential of Puro and the local industry,” says Tim. Under the agreement, Puro will develop production systems, support skills and training, explore contract growing and identify pathways to market for industry growth.

“Being one of New Zealand’s first

medicinal cannabis companies has meant we’ve had to overcome some major challenges – it hasn’t been easy. This programme will see us create an organic production handbook that will be invaluable for Puro and our industry.

“The grant will also support Puro in developing post-harvesting processing technology and build the IP required to produce premium organic cannabis flower to meet increasing domestic and global demand.”

Tim says the funding will enable Puro to develop unique cultivars and seed stock for the New Zealand industry. Founded in 2018, Puro is Australasia’s largest grower of medicinal cannabis and one of the world’s largest certified organic producers.

“Our cultivation team are researching and developing the strains of medicinal cannabis best suited for New Zealand’s unique climate. The grant will see the acceleration of a large genetic database of cultivars to support the New Zealand industry and differentiate our cannabis products in global markets”.

Over time the programme will create hundreds of jobs, with

Puro managing director Tim Aldridge and cultivation director Tom Forrest with Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor at Kēkerengū on Friday. Photo: Supplied. modelling suggesting that 200 FTE positions will be created over the next 5-10 years. Most of these will be based in the Marlborough and Kaikōura regions and will boost the local economy,

however Tim says the benefits will go way beyond that.

“Overall the programme’s potential economic benefit to New Zealand has been calculated at up to $236 million within the next

10 years.”

Tim says now is the perfect time to accelerate this high-value industry for New Zealand.

“This investment will help us grow an even brighter future.”

News

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

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Māori medium education returns to Bohally Intermediate As she watches the ākonga of Bohally Intermediate’s newly revitalised Māori language class do an activity at Tua Mātene marae, their teacher Pera Wills reflects on the benefits te ao Māori in the classroom has for them – as it once did for her.

Pera, who attended Whitney Street School’s first te reo Māori class as a child in the 1980s, and then Bohally’s bilingual class in 1990, has just started teaching the intermediate’s first Māori bilingual class in 10 years.

With whānau roots in Ōpōtiki where her mother was born but adopted young by Marlborough kuia, Pera (Whakatōhea, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, and Ngāpuhi) grew up in and around Omaka Marae and Wairau Pā, and attended kohanga reo.

When she reached primary school age, faced with mainstream education at Whitney St School, her mum Merehira Wills, Helen Joseph and other prominent local whānau stepped in, establishing what became two total-immersion Māori classes.

“I was fortunate to be part of the

bilingual education system, nurtured by wairua and soul,” says Pera, speaking at the Grovetown marae where she’s spending the night with her 25 ākonga, including tamariki who’ve grown up there.

Merehira – who at 74 still shares her culture at kura across Marlborough – joined the class as kaiarahi, where she brought her ingrained knowledge of te reo and tikanga, but no formal qualification. Travelling to Wellington for training, she took Pera, where being “amongst all these strong wahine Māori” left a lasting impression that she carries with her now.

In 2009, after 25 years and due to falling roll numbers, Whitney St School’s class closed. That same year, Bohally Intermediate’s bilingual class, taught by Nan Kahu Chadwick and Allyson Court, also closed after 17 years.

When Pera reached college, she was plunged into mainstream education where she felt isolated and lost. “I’ve had to fight for where I am now,” she says.

The experiences inspired the the-

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Whaea Pera Wills teaches Bohally Intermediate’s first Māori bilingual class to have opened in 10 years. Photo: Richard Briggs. sis for her recently completed master’s degree in Māori and indigenous leadership: ‘The transition of how we support kaupapa Māori into mainstream education’.

“We had fantastic lecturers that raised, or elevated, the importance of a bicultural education system.”

While working as a relief teacher at Bohally Intermediate following her studies, Pera began to see

a need for Māori tamariki to be taught in a way that incorporated the familiar tikanga they’d been raised in all their lives, as she once had.

“There is that idea of, ‘someone cares about me being Māori’. And I get that because I was part of the system. That’s where my heart sits, there’s no other way for kids to be educated.”

She approached principal Nicky Cameron-Dunn, who whole-

heartedly supported the proposal.

“We all have a responsibility to revitalise te reo in schools and this provides an entry point for many of our tamariki and whānau who are looking for an education that truly embeds tikanga practices.”

With many of Whaea Pera’s ākonga coming from whānau she grew up with, including Helen’s mokopuna, the class has drawn in the wider community and iwi.

“I’ve had massive support... the people I’m surrounded by at the moment are a force to be reckoned with. We’re very strong and competent in our view that tikanga, te ao and the Māori view need to be here. I’m all about revitalising, elevating, indigenous education.”

A few months in, Pera is already seeing positive changes in ākonga, but adds one to two years to “plant seeds” are not enough, and that this must be an intergenerational process.

“As a hapu, as an iwi, you look not at today, not at tomorrow, but where we’re going to be in 100 years.”

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News

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

Young athlete’s car win MATT BROWN

Matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

The harder you work, the luckier you get, and one young athlete’s hard work has just paid dividends.

Triathlete Neve McKenzie won a brandnew Suzuki Swift after being randomly selected from a pool of triathlon competitors.

And despite not having her license, she says the new car is a perfect trophy for a successful season.

“I’m really happy, it’s not often you win a car,” Neve says.

Her new car was revealed in a Facebook livestream where Triathlon New Zealand bosses asked the seven finalists, each of whom were randomly selected during a triathlon over the past season, to check their letterboxes for what was thought to be a toy car.

Following a short run down her rural driveway, Neve was blown away to see a new 2022 Suzuki Swift provided by Triathlon New Zealand’s major sponsor, worth more than $20,000.

“I was yelling last night the whole time,” Neve says.

Competing at the Tri Taranaki Festival, Neve beat a pack of about 40 young women in her under-14 triathlon event at the end of March.

The 13-year-old Marlborough Girls’ College student blitzed the competition by more than a minute in the 300m swim,

Triathlete Neve McKenzie got lucky twice, first being nominated for a Suzuki Swift, then winning it. Photo: Matt Brown.

10km bike ride and 3km run.

While not legally allowed to drive the car until she’s 16, Neve says she’s keen to keep the new car.

“I’ve had a really good season. Lots of events have been cancelled so I’m really happy to have had the opportunity to compete – it’s [the car] really topped off

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my season,” says Neve.

Her Swift, which is blue, is yet to arrive.

But Neve’s mum, Rebecca Scherp, says the Motorworld team were kind enough to bring out their demo Swift.

“The car is just topping off the triathlon win – it’s my new trophy,” says Neve.

“It was really cool to be able to win it.”

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SUPPORT INCREASES FOR TE TAUIHU SHORT STORY AWARDS The Rātā Foundation has backed the NZ Society of Authors Top of the South branch’s inaugural Te Tauihu Short Story Awards. The sponsorship supports payment for the team of judges, which has doubled in number with the introduction of a second New Zealand language category. The awards are open to writers across Aotearoa who are writing in either English or te reo Māori. The sponsorship also covers the costs of translating marketing and entry materials into te reo Māori. This makes the short story competition more inclusive for writers who produce work in this language. With a prize pool worth more than $4,000, shared equally by the finalists in the two language categories, 2022 Te Tauihu Short Story Awards committee aims to provide incentive for all writers in New Zealand’s official languages to share their stories. Entries close 31 May 2022, with shortlist released in mid-June and winners announced 30 June 2022.

COMMISSION ANNOUNCES DECISION ON REPRESENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The Local Government Commission last week announced its decision on the Marlborough District Council’s membership and ward arrangements for the 2022 local authority elections. After considering an appeal from David Dew, the Commission has decided to confirm the Council’s proposal. The Council will comprise a mayor and 14 councillors elected from 3 wards as follows: Area/Ward Councillors Marlborough Māori Ward 1 Marlborough Sounds General Ward 3 Wairau-Awatere General Ward 3 Blenheim General Ward 7

Gardening

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

WALNUTS Juglans regia – European or Persian nut She has two green thumbs and soil in her blood.

Expert gardener Nicola shares her tips for a successful walnut harvest.

There is no room left in this inn for harvested nuts as I have five walnut trees.

These nuts have been falling steadily for about a month and it is a chore I now do twice daily.

In the past it has been a back breaking exercise, until I got my hands on a walnut roller/ harvester from www.lourdangrove.co.nz Check it out, as it is like vacuum cleaning, without any effort.

Walnuts are described as a deciduous tree with a height of 10-25 metres and a spread of 10-20 metres. They can live to the grand old age of 100.

Nuts fall in autumn. Store in a dry sunny vermin proof area.

Walnuts have male and female flowers on the same tree, so are

A walnut roller/harvester. self-pollinating to a degree.

They do benefit from other trees around to assist and increase pollination.

They are hardy to cold, wind and can withstand high summer temperatures, but need winter chill.

BLACK WALNUT juglans nigra

Grown mainly for its quality hardwood and to a lesser extent, its rich highly flavoured/high protein nuts.

Problem – 1. They are difficult to open and

They like good drainage and will benefit from a complete NPK fertiliser applied during the spring and summer period.

When planting never never put inorganic fertiliser in the hole, as it will burn the roots.

Walnut seedlings will take 10 years to produce nuts.

Grafted trees will fruit in 4-5 years.

Grafted trees are very hard to source and when you do find them they are well over $100 each. I am told they are notoriously hard to graft.

Diseases are Bacterial Blight – Xanthomonas juglandis. This can be brought on by high rainfall.

Walnuts are also susceptible to root rot, if placed in poor draining soils.

books suggest putting down a tarp and driving over them repeatedly with a truck.

2. Beware their husks stain everything black.

3. All parts contain a chemical called ‘juglone’ which is toxic. Watch the placement of plantings.

Walnut season is upon us.

Store your walnuts in a sunny, dry, vermin-proof area.

This week’s GARDENING page is proudly supported by Centaland

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022

News

Boosters are the best way to keep Omicron out of your whare.

If your kura aged tamariki are yet to be vaccinated, bring them along so you can all get protected together.

Business

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce general manager Pete Coldwell. File photo.

Orange light now PETE COLDWELL

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce general manager

We’re all waiting on two announcements this week, firstly on the Reserve Bank taking its decision on the official cash rate on Wednesday.

Will it be 25 basis points or will they go the whole hog and move it 50 basis points?

Then, on Thursday, the PM will announce the governments decision on the traffic light settings going forward.

Both of these decisions will affect us all, but whether we stay at Red or move to Orange is likely to affect our local businesses the most.

Last week I interviewed Paul Conway the Chief Economist of BNZ, just before he moves to his new role of the Chief Economist/Director of Economics for the Reserve Bank in early May. We discussed the impact of

Covid on the economy and how we are set regionally for the coming months and years, Paul was really keen to focus on one point, that of change. He said that the scale and pace of economic change is breathtaking at the moment, and he’s convinced that it is here to stay. Governments around the world, including ours, have tried to spend their way out of the situation to keep their economies growing.

That and a number of other factors have fuelled inflation which is now running way outside the Reserve Banks target band (of 1-3 per cent) and at 5.9 per cent and still projected to go higher, it’s at the highest level in the last 20 years.

We should remember though that in both 2011 and also in 2008, it was over 5 per cent, so we have seen this before.

This level of inflation affects

us all, day to day as we shop, or fill the car up, and it’s that which is putting pressure on the Reserve Bank to go for a 50 basis point rise this week.

To try and start to bring inflation under control. Economists are split on how far the Reserve Bank should go and how far they are likely to go, it’s anyone’s guess.

Then onto the announcement on the traffic light setting.

Despite almost universal business community recommendations across the country (including from the Marlborough Chamber) to government, that moving to Orange, would at least be a step in the right direction, the comments coming out of the government don’t seem to be that positive.

A couple of the comments from the Prime Minister seem to suggest that it’s more likely we’ll remain at Red as a region, “Adern said we want

to move carefully.”

Then another worrying comment for Marlborough, “It is possible that Auckland could be moved to Orange in the future, while other parts of the country remain in red.”

It seems that our Nelson Marlborough DHB has passed it’s peak and so we’ve been advocating hard for a move to Orange, but our comments seem to be falling on deaf ears.

The one thing we all need to remember is no matter what the decisions are, those who can get out safely and spend some money in our local businesses, need to do that so that those businesses survive.

The streets of Havelock, Seddon, Picton and Blenheim are all pretty quiet at the moment with people staying at home and we all need to get out and about and back to normal as soon as we can.

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ECONOMIC RECOVERY GROUP WINDS DOWN An economic recovery group established to support those affected by the July 2021 storm has met for the final time. Economic Development Manager Neil Henry says Council initiated the group as part of regional recovery efforts. “We have collectively decided it’s time to wind down as the group has achieved its aims and things are beginning to return to normal, particularly with Awatere Road access partially restored and the Kenepuru Road now open with restricted public access,” says Neil. Some of the business support initiatives implemented include council’s subsidised water transport service and marina parking for residents and businesses not able to use the road. “These were very well received by the community as they helped maintain visitation over the critical summer period.” Council staff will continue to monitor the situation and remain available to provide support and advice when required, says Neil.

INTERISLAND FERRIES BOOKED OUT FOR WEEKS The Bluebridge and the Interislander are fully booked until at least Anzac Day. While there is room for walk-on passengers, anyone who fancies a road trip will have to keep an eye on the website to see if any cancellations pop up. With Interislander operating only two of its three ferries, bookings are slim pickings. The Interislander has three ships – Aratere, Valentine and Kaitaki. But Aratere is dry-docked in Sydney for maintenance. Aratere was originally sent to Sydney in September 2021 for mechanical issues, but just weeks after it returned a broken part of the engine started causing abnormal vibrations onboard. Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook says he expects Aratere to be back in operation sometime around Anzac weekend. However, no sailings with a vehicle are available currently until midMay. “We are maximising use of capacity on Kaitaki and Valentine to meet demand while the ship is away.” Bluebridge spokesman Will Dady says the ferry has been operating at close to, or at capacity for “quite some time” due to strong freight and passenger demand, but declined to say how long the ferry had been operating like this for, or when it was predicted to ease. - NZ Herald

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022

News

Starry-eyed: crater observatory begins construction MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A new crater observatory is scheduled to open in time for Matariki.

Visitors will be able to explore the night sky from a specially designed crater, 14km from Blenheim, which shelters visitors from the wind as well as light pollution.

Established by the Omaka Observatory Charity Trust, board chair Lee Harper says the new facility will provide free access for school children.

“In today’s world, the children of Marlborough ought to have access to a hands-on facility like this to get them excited about understanding our universe, about STEM and their connection to it all,” Lee says.

A tourism star gazing business, mobile pop-up tours and partnerships with Marlborough restaurants and other venues will ensure the observatory is self-sufficient.

“It seems a waste not to use our amazing, clear Marlborough skies to make that happen. Being able to also showcase our region to visitors, encouraging overnight stays and partnering with local businesses to enhance our

local economy, all whilst funding the education of our future generations is going to be even more of a bonus,” Lee says.

A focus on Tātai Arorangi (early Māori astronomical knowledge), presented by Ken Hipplite, will accompany traditional star gazing tours giving visitors a wider understanding of the night sky than just the traditional European perspective.

“As a descendant of Ngati Koata of Durville Island, and Ngai Tahu – with close connections to Ngati Rarua, Te Atiawa, Rangitane and Ngati Kuia, I look forward to being a part of this venture,” Ken says.

“I have always had an interest in the Planets, Stars and Galaxies since a very young age. I also recall some of the lore I heard from my Grandma and Grandpa about Tātai Aorarangi which I will be proud to pass onto the current generation.”

As well as accessing their facilities school groups will also use a purpose-built classroom which includes full immersion virtual reality equipment so students can have a virtual tour of the International Space Station as well as learning about space phenomena such as black holes, binary stars and comets.

An artist’s rendition of the crater observatory. Supplied.

Extensive research has gone into the location and with Marlborough being one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, having an observatory made sense, Lee says.

The observatory equipment includes a range of 14”, 9” and 6” telescopes which are prefect for observing in detail the planets in our solar system, distant nebula, galaxies and star clusters as well as the craters on the moon.

As well as traditional telescopes the trust will also have equipment available for guests to be able to capture their own photos through some of our telescopes using their smart phones making it a unique astronomy experience.

Are you keen on space? The trust is keen to hear from any local astronomy enthusiasts who would be interesting in getting involved with the setting up of the observatory or becoming astro-tour

guides.

The observatory is sponsored by Pelorus Trust, Mazda Foundation, Redwood Trust, Pub Charity Trust, Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers, pcMedia and Wallace Diack Chartered Accountants.

Special thanks to Andrea Oldham for use of her early concept design artwork and to TG Excavations for assistance with the earthworks and building the actual crater.

Opinion

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

11

Reader photo: A classic, local Autumn day’s reflection in the Wairau River. Sent in by Janice Love.

Vaccines Your photos of six locals and their comments last week was brilliantly reported.

Mark Carpenter made the remark that it wasn’t good to have a two class society.

Then on the next page you report-

ed in full just how proud we all felt about the NZ nurse looking after Boris in the UK. Mr Carpenter can only blame himself for a two class society.

Well done.

Laurie Johnston

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Out & About

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022

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Faster, higher, stronger…

PETER JONES

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

The tag “multi-talented” is regularly applied to successful sportspeople.

In the case of James Hansen, it could not be more appropriate.

The 16-year-old Marlborough Boys’ College Year 12 student is not content with being talented across a variety of track and field events, he has set out to master them all – and he has found the perfect event to showcase his variety of skills.

James recently claimed back-toback New Zealand under-18 decathlon titles during the NZ combined events champs at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland - creating all sorts of personal milestones along the way.

His overall points total after two days of gruelling competition was 6115, a personal best and a whopping 360 points clear of the second placegetter. He also recorded five personal bests during the 10-event competition and equalled another.

James opened up with a smart time of 11.23sec in the 100m, then a leap of 6.43m in the long jump, followed by a 12.41m throw in the shot put, all three being PBs. He cleared 1.75m in the high jump, just under his recent PB of 1.79m, then ended the first day with a smart time of 51.80sec in the 400m, close to his PB of 51.30sec.

Entering day two James held a healthy lead over his rivals and quickly turned the screw, skimming over the 110m hurdle

course in 15.53sec, another best time.

He followed this with a 33.80m discus throw, equalled his PB in the pole vault by clearing 3.30m, threw the javelin 32.98m then finished the event in emphatic fashion, producing his fastest 1500m in 4 minutes 55 seconds.

James is no stranger to the top of the national podium. Last year he took out the same title, in Christchurch, but with a total score 500 points lower than this season’s effort.

The young Marlburian says he travelled north this year expecting to perform close to his best in each of the 10 disciplines.

“It was pretty awesome,” he said.

“Especially to go up there and get a few PBs. It would have been a bit better if I had got closer to my PBs in discus and javelin but otherwise I was pretty happy.”

James attended the national track and field champs in early March and, despite battling an on-going groin injury, came away with several top 10 finishes and a bronze medal in the 300m hurdles, then set about preparing for the decathlon champs.

He described the decathlon as “a mental event”, with not a lot of room for error.

“It is quite hard on your body over the two days and you can’t afford to have one or two bad events.

“That was the tough thing for me in Auckland, because discus and javelin didn’t go to plan and I lost some points … but you have to just keep going and whatever happens just happens.”

As with any multi-discipline event, athletes have their prefer-

James Hansen in high jump action. Photo: Peter Jones. ences. James lists the 100m and the pole vault among his favourite events while admitting there is plenty of room for improvement in the javelin, hurdles and discus.

Training across so many different disciplines is a challenge, especially when it comes to pole vault, as there is no specific facility in Marlborough. Using traditional Kiwi ingenuity, James and his coach, his father Dave Hansen, set up a makeshift pole vault structure over the long jump pit at Athletic Park, a far cry from the top-level facilities enjoyed by some of his rivals.

James augments a well-planned training routine with gym work and hill running during the off-season. Having his father, an accomplished veteran athlete, as coach and training partner is a big bonus, according to James.

“It is great to have someone close at hand to look up to and to try and beat some of his records.”

Dave says there are still a couple of events in which he feels he has the upper hand on his son but, given James’ rapid progress, that situation may soon change.

James envisages a future for himself in the decathlon and is keen

to compete at a higher level.

The next major date on his radar is the New Zealand secondary school champs in December.

Although that event is some way off, this determined and dedicated young athlete plans to take the time to recover fully from a niggling injury, then build up again in his quest to register even more points in his next competition.

James acknowledges the local support he has had as he aspires to reach his goals, especially a recent grant from the Marborough-based Inspire Foundation.

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TUESDAY 12 April 2022

Sport

Blues fire opening salvo PETER JONES

Central left Waitohi singing the blues after the first round of the Marlborough sub union senior rugby competition on Saturday.

The visitors racked up a comprehensive 39-11 victory over the seasiders at Picton’s Endeavour Park, underlining their championship credentials in the process.

The Blues were heavily favoured heading into the season’s first match-up, taking on a rejigged Waitohi outfit, a side including nine players making their premier rugby debuts.

However, it was the home side who began stronger, two Corey Bovey penalties pushing them out to a 6-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Playing into a slight breeze, Central took time to settle but were rewarded in the 16th minute when they finally made their way into the home side’s 22. Right winger Owen Ika was the recipient as the Blues maintained possession close to the goal line and began to break down Waitohi’s defence. Five minutes later they were in again, wily hooker Quentin MacDonald pulling off a slick front-of-the-lineout move with his brother Jesse to dot down unopposed.

Flanker Ollie Lawson scored their third, after some slick inter-passing opened up a hole close to the Waitohi line, then they bagged a bonus point try before halftime, No 8 Peni Fihaki strolling over from a 5m scrum immediately after the home side had lock Mike Tuipolotu sinbinned for repeated infringements.

Although none of their tries were

converted, Central were comfortably ahead 20-6 at the break, controlling set piece ball well and dominating territorially.

Waitohi made changes at the break, Karlos Tautari and Kyren Taumoefolau replacing Ryan McLeod and Corey Bovey in the inside backs. Hooker Taimi Fangatua also entered the fray, replacing Jake Collins.

However, play continued to swing Central’s way and they soon had their fifth try, replacement winger Harry McKenzie dotting down.

This time it was converted, first five Riaihe Jacobs doing the honours and the Blues led 27-6.

Their next try was scored by David Fotu, whose sidestep left his marker clutching at air, while another replacement, loosie Eden Fitzpatrick, bagged their seventh in the final minute.

Sandwiched between those efforts was the home side’s only try, scored in typical fashion by Fangatua from a 5m lineout drive, just reward for a side that never stopped trying but were unable to regularly exert enough pressure on their opponents to make them uncomfortable in possession.

Halfback Ethan Jones showed a cool head and some clever tactical options behind the Blues’ pack, while Fihaki and new loose forward Mataiasi Pangai were explosive ball carriers.

Jesse MacDonald, in the unfamiliar tight head prop role, played a strong hand, as did Lawson, plus lofty lock Jack Powell.

Waitohi were well led by flanker Taine Cragg-Love, while fellow forwards Fangatua, Andre Hebberd and Tuipolotu worked hard

Central No8 Peni Fihaki lines up Waitohi defender Corey Bovey at Endeavour Park on Saturday. Halfback Ethan Jones is in support. Photo: Peter Jones. on both attack and defence.

Midfielder Veuki Taumoefolau showed promise, as did halfbacks McLeod and Tautari in a side which needs more rugby to establish combinations and gain much-needed confidence.

Central player coach Quentin MacDonald was happy with his side’s start to what is likely to be a challenging season, given a plethora of personnel changes and the ever-present threat of COVID disruption.

“Coming out here is always going to be tough,” he said, “we

have managed to get a couple of pre-season games which set us up for a decent start today. There’s obviously lots to work on, fitness being one of the main things, but we can take a lot out of that.”

The vastly experienced hooker praised the efforts of midfielders Ben Filipo and Nigel Satherley, locks Jack Powell and Matt McCormick, plus Fihaki and “secret weapon” Pangai, a former Timaru Boys’ High School First XV player.

With no play over Easter and being involved in a three-team

competition, Central must cool their jets until their next game on April 30, when they meet Renwick. Waitohi take on Renwick in the next game on April 23.

Scorers: Central 39 (Owen Ika, Quentin MacDonald, Dave Fotu, Eden Fitzpatrick, Ollie Lawson, Harry McKenzie, Peni Fihaki tries, Riaihe Jacobs 2 con) Waitohi 11 (Taimi Fangatua try, Corey Bovey 2 pen). HT: 20-6 Nelson sub-union results: Marist 66 Nelson 0, Stoke 37 Waimea Old Boys 19, Kahurangi 29 Wanderers 20.

Sport

TUESDAY 12 April 2022

23

Cricket recognition Representative captain Matthew Stretch’s on and off-field efforts saw him scoop the pool at the recent Marlborough Cricket Association senior awards.

Matthew picked up the coveted MCA cricketer of the year accolade as well as the Queen Carnival Cup, presented to someone who makes a big contribution to the sport, both on and off the park.

He was captain of the rep side for the fifth consecutive season, topping the batting aggregates as well as producing a memorable match-winning century against Nelson in the pivotal Hawke Cup qualifying encounter.

Matthew topped the rep batting aggregates, as well as both the club bowling and batting charts, underlining his value as a superb allround cricketer.

He also stood out on the administrative side, tackling the demand-

ing role of tournament manager for the over-50s tournament, as well as serving on several MCA committees. Under-17 player of the year was rising star Tim Petrie who was fourth in the senior grade aggregates with 333 runs and sixth in the bowling with 18 wickets.

The under-21 player of the year award went to fellow MBC student Cooper Roberts. He finished second in the Marlborough senior rep batting aggregates with 202 runs at an average of 33.67 and a top score of 80. Lisa Gregg picked up the most improved female cricketer award while the Marlborough female cricketer of the year was Anna Booker who scored 90 runs over the rep side’s two matches.

The MCA junior awards were also presented on Wednesday evening.

Max Ruffell was named the outstanding junior cricketer of the season.

Senior cricket awards 2021-22 Women’s Social Grade awards Social Grade Competition Winners – Girls on the Green, Seddon Social team of the year – Just a Few Rosés Second grade awards Masonic Cup 40-over competition & T20 trophy – Renwick CricHQ 2nd grade player of the year – Liam Young Senior grade awards Rudd Shield – top club across senior, second and third grades - Celtic 68 percent games won Jack Laird Batting Cup – Matthew Stretch 618 runs @47.54 Mick Jellyman Bowling Cup – Matthew Stretch 24 wkts @14.71 Senior representative awards Stretch Scanlon challenge Cup – Marlborough rep team President’s Cup for leading bowler -Nick Weaver 12 wkts @ 18.67 Chairman’s Cup for leading batsman - Matthew Stretch 256 runs @ 51.20 Major individual awards MCA umpires trophy - Kirk Nicholas Greg Stretch Medal - Matthew Stretch Queen Carnival Cup - Matthew Stretch

Stretch Family Cup (MCA U17 player of the year) – Tim Petrie Knowles Cup (MCA U21 player of the year) - Cooper Roberts Most Improved Female Cricketer – Lisa Gregg Marlborough Female Cricketer of the Year – Anna Booker Cricketer of the Year - Matthew Stretch Junior cricket awards 2021-22 Gregor Cup (for sportsmanship): Springlands Stags Rhodes Fairplay Award: Renwick Royals (4th grade) Third grade T20 and 40-over trophies: Charles Wiffen Wines Celtic Ewan Stevenson Trophy (most promising primary school player outside the Maroon team): Fionn Heagney Morton Cup (sportsperson of the year): Sinclair Hill Gleeson Family Shield (under-15 female cricketer of the year): Jemima Nation State/Castle Insurance Brokers Trophy (under-15 male cricketer of the year): Lachlan MacNeill Eric Shattock Memorial Trophy (outstanding junior cricketer of the season): Max Ruffell.

PTS

34 33 33 33 33 32 32 32 31 31 31 30 30 29 29 29 29 29 Toni Robinson

29 28 28 28

CRUSADERS vs BLUES

MELB REBELS vs QLD REDS

CHIEFS vs MOANA PASIFICA

HIGHLANDERS vs HURRICANES

WESTERN FORCE vs NSW WARATAHS

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As a result of a tragic accident in February 2022, whilst walking in the bush near Rakautara, Kaikoura. Aged 54 years. Much loved husband of Chantal, adored father of Sam, Tim, Emma, and Michael.

Loved son of Geoff and Elaine Taylor, and sonin-law of John and the late Yvonne Best. Loved brother and brotherin-law of Malcolm and Wendy, Julie and Bruce, Conway and Kathy, brother-in-law of Darryl, and loved uncle of his nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to the NZ Police, Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, the Helicopter team, and all others who assisted in the search for Wayne. Messages may be sent to the Taylor Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Land Search and Rescue would be appreciated and may be made to ASB a/c 123167-0182882-00 Ref. TAYLOR. A thanksgiving service for Wayne was held at the Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, Blenheim at 1.00pm on Tuesday April 5.

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