Michael Rea firmly believes you don’t realise what one needs until you need it. “When it’s there in your time of need, it really resonates with you,” he says. This month the Ray White Blenheim Real Estate agent is running, swimming and cycling 210 kilometres for Ronald McDonald House. With families/whanau travelling on average 210km’s the House to House challenge helps raise vital funds and care for families when their child is receiving hospital care. Continued on page 2.
GIVING BACK: Jessica and Michael Rea with Evie, 5, and Hugo, 3.
Editorial : Chris Valli 021 0206 6999 chris@blenheimsun.co.nz
Challenged to do the challenge - “I’m up for it”
“We’re (in Blenheim) 133kms away, I was thinking maybe I could cut it short,” he laughs. “I’ve done 29kms so I need to ramp it up,” Michael said last Thursday afternoon.
In 2021 and at 32 weeks pregnant, wife Jess’ waters broke one morning. After ringing the midwife, she was rushed down to Wairau Hospital for monitoring which resulted in Life Flight (air ambulance plane) transferring her to Nelson.
The couple was informed if Jess did give birth Hugo was ‘too premature’ for them to take care of. Another Life Flight was arranged to Wellington in the early hours of the morning.
“I remember sitting down in the birthing suite and the nurse said to me, where are you staying?” says Michael. “It wasn’t until the next morning when they said tomorrow we can admit you to Ronald McDonald House (in Newtown) who were right across the road.”
“It was real touch and go as he was so small. It was quite scary, once he went into the birth canal and she was having contractions she was squeezing so much that his heart would stop,” says Michael.
Phone: 5777 868 72 High Street. Blenheim www.blenheimsun.co.nz
Once a woman’s water breaks at that time of pregnancy, the mother is at higher risk of infection. Jess went into labour about three days later.
“It was real touch and go as he was so small. It was quite concerning, once he went into the birth canal, each contraction would stop his heart from the pressure.”
The 37-year-old says four years on the couple are one of the lucky ones.
“They did some monitoring of Hugo early on, as he was two months younger. The sad thing is you are staying with other families who are going through crisis as well. There was a family who I bonded with, their son didn’t make it,” he says.
stay or how to pay for it. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you’re in the thick of it.”
Michael says he used to be active as a youngster having played hockey and basketball at Marlborough Boys’ College, also completed the Ronald McDonald House Challenge in 2024, winning the top individual fundraiser across the country. “It was the generous people making the donations that made the difference, I just had to do the running and cycling,” he says.
This year’s challenge has been a positive motivation away from the world of Real Estate.
amount to him and Jess.
“If anyone wants to put me up to an extra challenge for a decent donation, I’m up for it! Get in touch,” he says.
Local businesses Cinnamon House, Cancun Eats, Motor World, Bamboo Garden and Health 2000 are giving prizes to those that donate to the cause.
Michael hopes to raise $4914 which will help four people stay in a Ronald McDonald House for one month. At the time of writing $3401 was raised (AS OF Tuesday morning). Blenheim Sun readers can go to www. michaelrea.co.nz to make a donation.
“If someone ever said you’re going to be in NICU and hospital for two weeks, you don’t think about where you are going to
“It’s been a good excuse to get off the couch when I get home,” he says.
He believes having gone through it and knowing what it was like, it means a huge
Ray White is a Premier Partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand (RMHC). Ray White offices across New Zealand raise funds for RMHC through events, collections, and other activities.
Team McLeod –honouring Matt
The Cancer Society Marlborough’s Relay for Life takes place this month on Saturday and Sunday March 22/23. The community event raises money for cancer research and honours those affected by cancer. In the lead up to the event Chris Valli talks to locals about their own purpose for fundraising. This week it’s Team McLeod who tragically lost their husband and father Matt McLeod to oesophagus cancer in November 2024.
Team McLeod is running in memory of Matt McLeod who lost his cancer battle on November 25, 2024.
Matt was a fit healthy 50 year old and was diagnosed very suddenly with oesophagus cancer, on October 22, 2023 with palliative care his only option. Matt fought hard for 13 months. Matt’s own mother died from cancer, at 52.
Esophageal cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The most common symptoms are weight loss and difficulty swallowing.
Wife Karen says the support services in Marlborough were crucial in helping Matt and his family get through the difficult time. Matt leaves behind a wife and four boys, Ryan, Toby, Izac and Josh, and was much loved by his family and friends.
“We never thought for a minute this would happen to our family,
HONOURING MATT: Team McLeod member Kaleigh Dempster says Matt was an all-round Kiwi bloke who always put family first. “I think he’d be surprised that we are walking for that long (referring to the Relay) and hanging out in a tent all night,” she smiles. “He’d be like what the hell are you girls’ doing?”
From left – right; Josh, Izac, Karen, Matt, Ryan and Toby McLeod.
but we are very grateful for the support we have had and we are proud to be part of this awesome event, giving something back, as unfortunately cancer is a reality that so many people will have to face,” says Karen.
Team McLeod member Kaleigh Dempster says Matt was a good all-round Kiwi bloke who always put family first.
“He was a father figure to everyone. One of the boys who worked with him on the boats said he was a great teacher and seemed to know everything and had a great
way of teaching and sharing his knowledge.
“He hunted, fished, you name it. All four of his sons looked up to him and are identical in so many ways,” says Kaleigh. “Ryan was very close to him (her partner) and they (Matt and Karen) were always very welcoming. If you were a friend of their kids, you were part of their family.”
The couple Kaleigh says had also fostered children before.
“They opened their doors to kids that weren’t even their own,” she says.
“I think he’d be surprised that we are walking for that long (referring to the Relay) and hanging out in a tent all night,” she smiles. “He’d be like what the hell are you girls doing?”
“It’s about honouring him, making him proud but also trying to make someone else’s journey easier, hopefully the fundraising will go some way towards that.
Team McLeod will also be thinking about an additional 10 close family members also touched by cancer too in the lead up to the Relay for Life.
An upgrade to Picton’s much loved waterfront strip, London Quay, will go ahead this winter. Work is planned to start at the end of May and is expected to take around six months.
Mayor Nadine Taylor says the upgrade of London Quay was an “investment of confidence” in Picton as Marlborough’s premier tourist town.
“This waterfront space is such an important part of Picton’s identity with its linkages to the foreshore and CBD. It is a high use area with a view loved by everyone who lives in or visits Picton. This development will ensure it is accessible and an attractive hospitality and visitor space for all users,” she says. The upgrade is expected to cost about $2M. Funding for it comes from the Council’s forestry, land and port income and has no impact on rates.
New bylaw to sort Marlborough’s waste
A proposed waste bylaw for Marlborough is an important next step in getting the region’s waste sorted. The Council has approved a special consultative process to progress the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2025. This will replace the Waste Bylaw 2017 which has been superseded by legislative changes and the new kerbside collection service.
Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas says the new draft bylaw provides a mechanism for managing and minimising waste now and into the future. Consultation on the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2025 started on 10 March and closes on 17 April.
Hearings will be held on 14 May if they are required.
inbrief Sun The
Supporting newcomers in Marlborough
The Marlborough Welcoming Communities Advisory Group is seeking expressions of interest from representatives of community organisations, iwi, newcomers’ groups and business groups who can support newcomers in Marlborough.
In July 2022, Marlborough District Council was accepted into Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori programme, which aims to encourage and support councils to take a greater leadership role in welcoming newcomers.
Expressions of interest should be sent to Heather Barnes, Welcoming Communities Coordinator at heather. barnes@marlborough.govt.nz by March 17.
The term for the group is until December 2025 and the group meets every six weeks, during the day.
670 children read over summer
More than 670 children took part in the Marlborough District Libraries summer reading programme.
The fun pirate-themed adventure was for children between five and 12 years old and designed to support and encourage children’s love of reading during the holidays.
Children had reading challenges to complete and library activities to attend, and the programme culminated in a Pirate Day celebration at the Edwin Fox Museum.
Blenheim Sun
A story which resonates with everyone
Anne Vawter (nee McKendry) sees her maiden name everywhere in Marlborough, but local musical theatre enthusiasts will be seeing a great deal more than just a surname in May 2025.
Anne has been cast as Vi Moore, the loving and resilient wife of husband Reverend Shaw Moore and mother of Ariel in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s upcoming production of Footloose.
“I definitely connected with Vi. We have a few characteristics in common - although she seems quite serious, she approaches things with humour and has a strong loving faith. Vi really loves her husband and understands that he is going through a grieving process,” she says. “Vi gently tries to guide him, encouraging him to open up to the world and to his family again.”
Anne studied theatre in high school and university including a theatre scholarship no less. However, after her second year of university she decided to pursue other interests. “I knew I didn’t want to do it as a career, but I didn’t realise I was going to take 25 years away from the stage,” she says.
An opportunity to be involved backstage with Les Miserables in 2022 left an impression. She was ‘so impressed with the quality’ of the production. “I knew I wanted to do another show but I didn’t want to do it on the big stage just yet.”
Anne re-found her niche and voice in BMT’s Addams Family in October 2024 where she was cast as Alice Beineke, the sunny and cheerful housewife.
“I had to see if the instrument (voice) was still working. I had so much fun and I felt so much
STOCKTAKE
freer playing a part in my 40’s! Having life experience made it way easier to connect with the character. After Addams I was really excited to try out for Footloose, I thought it would be fun to be involved in any capacity.”
Speaking of herself – what has Anne learnt throughout the Footloose rehearsal process?
“There are so many learnings. Really tuning in and listening to the collective group is a big one. One example or exercise we’ve done is ‘the blob’. As one tight little group, close together we move around but there can’t be an obvious leader. If one person moves, one has to tune in spatially and respond, acting as a collective, as one.”
The 46-year-old hails from California and has been living in Blenheim with husband Cameron and their two daughters for three years.
The couple initially had no intention of staying in New Zealand, let alone Marlborough, after sailing to the land of the long white cloud in their sail boat in 2018. After returning back home for one year, they returned in January 2020 to the Bay of Islands and ‘got stuck’ because of Covid.
“We spent the first year sailing around the north island, then I convinced my husband to sail around the south island which took a bit of convincing, but he’s really happy he did. We got to Abel Tasman and the Sounds and fell in love with the region. I really wanted the girls to be involved in a community and I was hungry for that too.”
Anne and Cameron were winemakers in the Napa Valley, north of San Francisco for almost 20 years before they left the States. Cameron
found a job as Vineyard Manager at Seresin Estate in Hawkesbury.
Anne’s favorite thing about theatre is “the joy of coming together as a group with all these people from all different walks of life and personalities to create something special – a collective community striving toward a goal together. It’s become a second family. That’s what I love about it.”
As for why punters should come see Footloose?
“What Liz (director) is getting from all of us is going to be something quite special. The story is universal really, it resonates with everyone. It’s an exploration of loss, vulnerability, connection and celebration. Liz is really helping us dig down into our characters and getting us all immersed in the story. The audience will be totally transported.”
journalist Chris Valli will be writing a weekly column and a behind the scenes snapshot on Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Footloose which is on at the ASB Theatre from Wednesday, May 14 - Saturday, May 24.
This week Chris talks to Anne Vawter who is playing the part of Vi Moore
Anne Vawter has been cast as Vi Moore, the loving and resilient wife of Reverend Shaw Moore. Photo: Chris Valli.
Marlborough Vineyard Trail open
By Chris Valli
The finishing loop of the Marlborough Vineyard Trail was officially opened at Jackson’s Road last Wednesday afternoon.
Funding for the 20 kilometre loop trail came from the Marlborough District Council who invested significantly in the trail.
The ‘community focused trail’ was complex and only possible due to the backing of landowners, including corporates, who gave easements through their properties to allow cyclists to get off the busy roads and cycle through vineyards.
Part of the trail goes along the Ōpaoa River stopbank and joins up with the Omaka River near the Old Renwick Road ford, following that to the SH63 road bridge then along road reserve to Havelock Street.
Steve Hill, chairman of the Renwick Walk Bike group says the greatest feeling was having the trail complete after initial plans and discussion started in 2014.
“Getting everyone through and off Rapaura and Old Renwick Road is the key, the roads are not safe for cycling and walking on. With this part of the trail we can avoid those main thoroughfare roads.”
Steve acknowledged the help of the Council and former Councillor Cynthia Brooks who he says was a big advocate of the trail.
Cyclist John Kershaw says the opening of the trail was of a huge benefit for tourists allowing cyclists to see more of Marlborough.
“They like to have flat terrain and a reason to get out and about,” he says. “The landscape sells
itself which is fantastic. It opens up great possibilities and to keep tourists here and hanging about a bit longer.”
There are 20 cellar doors within an eight-kilometre radius of Renwick and 10,000 bike visitors each year. Visiting the cellar doors by bike – either self-guided or on an organised trip – is popular in the area.
Contractors for the completed trail included Newman Excavations in Renwick, Findlater Construction Limited and Renner Fencing.
Pernod Ricard donated 250 natives on the trail while Tasman Crop Protection donated plant guards and Fruitfed came up with fertilizer.
Ensuring state highway bridges are safe and fit for purpose will see bridge inspections completed on state highways across the top of the South this month.
The Auckland based Bridge Inspection Unit will be in the region from mid to late March to assess bridges on State Highways 1, 6, 60 and 63.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Top of the South says the technical inspections are essential and have to be carried out every six years.
“In the same way people get a Warrant of Fitness inspection for their cars, we do the same with our state highway bridges.
Mark recommends people travelling in the top of the South Island during March to keep an eye on the work schedule and the NZTA/Waka Kotahi journey planner to make sure they are not caught out by the work.
New Zealand’s biggest KiwiSaver balance is probably just under $3m. Radio New Zealand conducted a survey of KiwiSaver providers and found that most were cagey about giving details about member balances. Many had balances of more than $2 million. Fisher Funds and KiwiWrap says they had members with balances above $2.6m.
The country’s largest KiwiSaver provider ANZ said it had members with balances over $1 million but the average balance was about $33,000.
Mayor Nadine Taylor and Steve Hill, chairman of the Renwick Walk Bike officially opened the Marlborough Vineyard Trail last Wednesday on Jackson’s Road, Rapaura.
Council has invested significantly in the trail and it’s only possible thanks to the backing of the landowners.
Cynthia Brooks Blenheim
A fantastic example of a grassroots up, community generated, led and executed project in partnership with MDC which will now benefit the whole region as the network of off road trails grows.
Debbie Webster
Letters
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.
The editor reserves the right to
John Kershaw Blenheim
It opens up great possibilities and will keep tourists here in the region longer. The loop creates a continual ride among wonderful scenery.
Steve Hill Blenheim
Getting everyone through and off Rapaura and Old Renwick Road is the key - with this part of the trail we can avoid those main thoroughfare roads.
Kevin Wilson Blenheim
A great asset for the region and a huge credit to Steve Hill and his team. But like Oliver Twist, we need many more kilometres of trails.
Kat Walker Blenheim
“I see the new vineyard cycle trail as a fantastic addition, enhancing the experience for our visitors who explore our wineries by bike each year and strengthening Marlborough’s growing reputation as a top wine and cycling destination.”
abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun.
co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.
Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.
Dear Ed
When I was young I spent many holidays with my Grandparents in Picton.
On one occasion I remember walking some streets in Picton with my Grandfather who was part of a group who had researched the harmful effects of adding fluoride to the water.
This would have been around the 1960’s. I remember handing out brochures and people signing them.
My grandfather said some European countries had removed it from their water as many people were dying from organ failure and it had been thoroughly
researched before they made the decision to remove it.
I remember him telling me that many people had kidney failure and were dying in the hundreds.
P.S I wish I could remember more about it and also have the exact year.
However, I have become very concerned after hearing that fluoridation was back on the agenda and would urge the people of Blenheim to start a petition ASAP.
Yours faithfully
Martin Reid Richmond
Road completion Dec 2027
Good news has been delivered to the Kenepuru Sound community with the completion date for repairs to the flood-damaged road now December 2027, almost three years ahead of the original schedule.
Representatives from Marlborough Roads recently gathered with Mayor Nadine Taylor, councillors and Coun-
cil Chief Executive John Boswell to deliver the update at a drop-in meeting at Portage Hotel.
Mayor Taylor says it was pleasing to let the community know the revised repair time frame which reflected the commitment of Council and Marlborough Roads to complete the work as soon as was practically possible.
Nadine Taylor Blenheim
Jo Lorraine Debby
Iconic GODZONE adventure race coming to Marlborough
GODZONE, New Zealand’s largest multi-day adventure race, is coming to Marlborough later this year.
Considered one of the world’s most challenging team races, One NZ Godzone Chapter 12 will run from November 27 to December 5, 2025, through Marlborough’s spectacular and rugged landscapes.
Mayor Nadine Taylor is delighted Marlborough will host the prestigious race, which brings huge economic and promotional benefits to the region.
“We’re super excited the race is coming here and look forward to hosting competitors and their supporters,” she said. “I’m sure everyone will have an amazing time in our region.”
Council’s Events and Community Partnerships Manager Samantha Young said being the hosting partner for the unique adventure race is an exciting opportunity for the region.
“Marlborough offers something for everyone, including participants, crew, volunteers and media,” she said.
“We’ve breathtaking landscapes, the stunning Marlborough
Sounds, wonderful arts, heritage and culture, award-winning wines and delicious fresh produce.”
Acting General Manager of Destination Marlborough, Tracey Green said Marlborough was an ideal destination for adventure activity seekers.
“We are excited to highlight the incredible diversity of Marlborough and showcase our landscapes,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming participants to the region and hope they take the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings and everything the region offers visitors.”
The race was scheduled to be held here early last year but was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Chapter 12 is the first under the direction of the newly formed PACT organisation, and chair Rob Nichol said organisers were incredibly grateful to Council and Destination Marlborough for their continued support in hosting the event.
The 550km plus course route remains a secret until the event starts.
race will take in Marlborough’s spectacular landscapes
New citizens welcomed
Twenty-six people from 12 countries have been officially welcomed to Marlborough.
The province’s newest citizens, from Nauru, Tuvalu, Fiji, USA, United Kingdom, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Chile, Latvia and Kiribati, were welcomed at a ceremony at Council chambers recently.
Mayor Nadine Taylor told the group the day was an important milestone in their new lives as citizens of this province and country. In future, they will all enjoy the rights and freedoms of native-born New Zealanders.
Following the Mayor’s opening address and the presentation of certificates, Council’s waiata group performed for the new citizens and their friends and families.
Marlborough Matariki Event Fund now open for applications
Are you part of an organisation planning to hold an event to recognise Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki? Council is seeking applications for the Mānawatia te Kahui o Matariki/Marlborough Matariki Event Fund, which celebrates and supports the regeneration and sustainability of mātauranga Māori associated with Te Kāhui o Matariki.
The contestable fund aims to support events that recognise not only Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, the public holiday, but also the wider kaupapa and principles of Matariki. The event must take place within Marlborough and be free or low-cost, family-friendly,
and accessible to all.
Priority will be given to events that can demonstrate documented support from iwi and must demonstrate how funding would advance and promote one or more of the three major principles of Matariki.
Applications for the 2025 funding round are now open and close 5pm 14 April. To apply, go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/ recreation/events/manawatiate-kahui-o-matariki-fundmarlborough-matariki-communityevent-fund
If you have any enquiries about the fund, please contact Arts,
Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson on Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: nicola.neilson@ marlborough.govt.nz
Council progresses Local Water Done Well proposals
Work is progressing towards achieving the Government’s water reform programme, Local Water Done Well.
The reforms aim to address New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges and emphasise financial sustainability, appropriate regulation of water services and ensuring flexibility for communities and councils in determining how their services - water supply, wastewater, and stormwater - are delivered.
A report presented at last Thursday’s full Council meeting summarised the analysis of a potential Marlborough standalone water utility. Analysis of a multicouncil option - with Tasman and Buller district councils - will be presented to Council on 3 April.
Chief Financial Officer Geoff Blake said consultants Beca and Martin Jenkins had provided
extensive analysis of the Council’s current projected water services’ financial information, based on its 2024-34 Long Term Plan.
“Currently, debt repayments for our water infrastructure investment are supported by income received each year from Port Marlborough and river land rental income. However using this type of income does not meet the Government’s new ‘ringfencing’ rules, whereby our new water utility must be financially separate from Council’s other functions and activities.”
Mr Blake said the Government had originally provided councils with five water service delivery options, including a modified status quo (in-house council department), a single councilcontrolled organisation (CCO), a joint CCO with other councils,
and two types of trusts.
“Work is continuing to identify and understand the benefits of a multi-council CCO as well as a standalone Marlborough CCO for the decision-making process on a preferred option to take to public consultation in April,” he said.
Marlborough District Council provides 16,789 properties with drinking water; 14,229 have a wastewater connection, and 9,591 have a stormwater connection.
Further information, including a Viability and Sustainability Assessment by consultants Beca and Martin Jenkins, is available at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/ services/utilities/local-waterdone-well
For further information, go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/ services/utilities/local-waterdone-well
The iconic GODZONE
Mayor Nadine Taylor with Marlborough’s newest citizens
Last year’s Rangitāne o Wairau event to celebrate Matariki at the Wairau Bar
Marlborough landscapes –looking at the whole picture
Blenheim’s Brian Badock has painted the region’s landscape for many decades. The well-known New Zealand painter has earned national and international recognition. Brian spoke with Chris Valli about ‘the whole picture’ behind his art.
In visual art, the expressionist approach is a style that conveys subjective emotions and experiences through distortion, exaggeration, and intense colours. In effect, it’s an emotional reaction to naturalism and the bourgeois social values of the time.
Lord knows, we all live in unusual times in 2025 yet when it comes to what is on Marlborough’s back door step it seems creation and beauty is the real expression. The ability to connect, emote and be grateful. Just ask Brian Badcock.
When this writer arrives to the Brian Badcock Gallery in Redwoodtown’s Leitrim Street (built 15 years ago) the artist in question is vacuuming. In many ways it’s a snapshot into every definition of art from attention to detail to fine tuning.
“Chris, come in,” he enthuses.
“Come and take a seat.” The thing is one doesn’t feel the need to sit when one is confronted by a kaleidoscope of landscape paintings and a delve into ‘creation’ and the various images of the Marlborough region from the Wairau Diversion to Tapuae-o-Uenuku, which translates from Māori as “footprint of the rainbow”, though is usually regarded as being named after Chief Tapuaenuku.
Brian 76 was born in Dunedin and educated at Otago Boys’ High School. He continues the Badcock tradition of ‘plein air’ painting. Artworks painted ‘on site’ enable him to marry nature and art in a very pure and organic way. Brian learnt the painting method from his late father Douglas.
“For me, the joy of painting comes from the delight in the creation and a connection with the creator,” he says.
“I was bought up in Queenstown and central Otago where Dad had a lifestyle block. My two brothers and I went with Dad and we learnt a lot how to paint and work outdoors.”
“Dad used to say, I’m off to work, all he wanted to do was paint. He’d paint the Remarkables. His own expression was fluid and his passion was the subject and the landscape….a greenie on overdrive. He was gifted a job and he used that to support a family.”
Douglas Badcock (1922 – 2009) had a highly successful professional art career. Preferring to paint en pleinair, in oil and watercolour, Douglas earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading landscape painters and Queenstown’s first full-time artist.
“It becomes a process of synthesising and how I understand my subject”
He was described as a realist artist, who captured fresh inspirations; experimented with new techniques to express his innermost feelings in relation to the beauty he saw. Douglas was a Kelliher art award winner coming second in both 1957 and 1959, third in the 1962 and then first place in 1965 with his painting ‘Head of Lake Wakatipu’.
A recent exhibition at the Marlborough Art Gallery featured a selection of historical and contemporary
landscape paintings from the Badcock Family Collection.
One location which he says he has painted from about 10 times is in Welds Hill in the Awatere Valley.
“I get to a stage where it becomes a process of synthesising what I see and what I learn and how I understand my subject, looking at how things might work with tone and space (he points to the skyline),” he infers.
Brain has been based in Marlborough and painted the region’s landscape for many decades. He is a well-known New Zealand painter who has earned national and international recognition. He has painted for more than 50 years in various locations throughout New Zealand and Asia.
When asked what makes an ‘effective painter’ he pauses momentarily.
“That they are able to produce an artwork which works as an artwork and even sometimes separate from what it is painted off, understanding the principles of what makes the painting work such as using the elements and understanding – all the parts contribute to the whole.”
“I try to organise the space… ..I’m borrowing from the subject I’m not just standing there copying. I know if it works – as a whole. The challenge is to not copy,” he says. “It’s about bringing life to the painting with contrasting warm and cold colours – all the time you are juxtaposing.”
When asked if he has a favourite
painting he laughs. “It’s the next painiting I’m going to do,” he chuckles. “The little gems are sold, they are gone.”
The painting he directs me to is one at the Wairau Diversion and part of a ‘Cloudy Bay, Dry Bone series’.
“This is a good painting,” he says. “It’s taken me years and years to know exactly to get my paint like butter and it just goes on without touching and pulling, all with wet paint. If I’m still fiddling around after three hours forget it, I might as well let it go.” The wet look he talks about stems from the use of oil on the painting with a retouch varnish which allows the paint to breathe and dry.
Marrying Marlborough’s nature in an organic way - making every part the whole.
Brian’s depiction and painting of Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku (left) in what he says was on the other side of Welds Hill going up the Awatere Valley. “It was late afternoon about 4:30pm, 5pm as the light was starting to set,” he says.
Photo: Chris Valli
Generosity to the fore
Jake and Elsje Jacobs were fundraising for the Cancer Society Marlborough at Blenheim’s New World recently. An unknown RSE worker contributed $120 through Instant Kiwi scratchies cards.
Hospice Vehicle Display
The annual Hospice Vehicle Display was held at Waterlea Racecourse on Sunday in conjunction with Classic Cars Marlborough. Pictured is Pat Pascoe from CCM. The popular car enthusiast and fundraising event for Hospice Marlborough raised $9,243 in 2024. At the time of writing, Hospice Marlborough says the total raised was yet to be confirmed as they were waiting on some last minute donations.
By Chris Valli
Blenheim’s Harvey ‘Jake’ Jacobs is grateful for a local RSE worker who gave generously to the Cancer Society Marlborough recently – he just wishes he got his name or had a contact to get hold of him.
On Saturday, March 1, between the hours of 9am – 12noon, Jake and wife Elsje were fundraising for the Cancer Society Marlborough’s upcoming Relay for Life. They raised $330 at Blenheim’s New World.
The thing is, just over one third of that money came from a generous offer from an RSE worker.
Jake says four RSE workers approached them. One had a Ngaru t-shirt on (mythological hero from the Cook Islands and a Māori word meaning wave or surfing) and said ‘I
have four ($5) scratchies here, you me, we go halves’.
“I said thank you, scratched the ticket and it was $20. I went to the counter and asked for two $10 notes, gave him the $10 and said put it in your pocket. The other RSE worker goes into the donation bucket and said no and put $10 in.
“We scratched another couple and the last ticket was $100. So I went up to the counter and got two $50 notes and I said look, this is yours, I put my $50 in the bucket and he said no and put his in. That guy donated $120, he could have had half of that for himself,” he says.
Jake says the offer was unbelievable. “I wish I knew or got his name. My wife got up and gave him a big hug and he grinned. He was very humble and so nice. He got in the van with the other guys when he was leaving and waved.”
Dredging funding – ‘more good news for industry’
Marine farming leaders say nearly $10m in announced Government funding to help dredge the Havelock channel and improve its marina continues good news and supportive policies for the sector.
Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones unveiled the funding at Saturday’s Mussel and Seafood Festival in Havelock while releasing an Aquaculture Development Plan to quadruple production to $3 billion by 2035.
That refreshes an existing strategy which industry leaders say Mr Jones is now delivering.
Ned Wells, Marine Farming Association General Manager, says his organisation has been pushing for the dredging of the Havelock channel for more than six years.
“It’s great news that it’s finally going to be done.” He says major floods in 2021 and 2022 had added silt to an already shallow channel. Mussel boats were sometimes forced to wait up to three hours for sufficient tide to exit or enter the Havelock Marina.
Aquaculture NZ chair Bruce Hearn says he was overjoyed
with the announcement by the Minister. “He continues to amaze us with his enthusiasm and the practical efforts he’s making to put aquaculture where it should be. We have been waiting 40-50 years for this.”
Mike Holland, Clearwater Mussels Operations Manager, says the dredging will remove delays waiting for tidal changes that add costs and impact productivity from the vessels through to grading sheds and processing factories.
“It’ll mean we can come and go up the channel without any restraints.”
Ngati Kuia’s Waihaere Mason says dredging Havelock channel will help the Te Hoiere project being supported by the iwi and others to improve the waterways in the Pelorus area from the mountains to the sea. “It ties in beautifully with the project.”
Shane Jones announced the Government will provide a $9.9m loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the dredging and construct three replacement jetties to enable better vessel movements and minimise flooding and climate change impacts.
Co-funding of $9.9m will come
from Port Marlborough which is owned by the Marlborough District Council. Mayor Nadine Taylor says marine farming is a crucial industry for the region and acknowledged Mr Jones’ support.
“Minister, I don’t think we can thank you enough for what you’ve done for this industry.”
She says that includes the 20-year
extension given last August to consents for marine farmers in Marlborough Sounds and elsewhere.
Shane Jones also this week announced funding of up to $11.7m across five years in a $29m partnership with NZ King Salmon to provide a blueprint for salmon farming growth in New Zealand, especially within new open ocean environments.
He told the Mussel and Seafood Festival that the aquaculture sector has all the building blocks to grow significantly.
“We want to see growth,” he says and the top of the South was particularly well-placed. “Not every region has the opportunities you have here for this industry.”
Sanford’s Anna Kleinmans (left) and Andrew Stanley (right) with Minister Shane Jones and Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor at the company’s stand at the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival.
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Something rather unique is happening at Stadium 2000 every Tuesday morning.
Older gents donned in their collective blue shirts with a new-found purpose and mission. The statement on their shirts infers a bigger picture and reads ‘Giving Up is not an option’.
They should know, they’ve walked the walk and talked the talk along their own cancer journeys and the ‘why’ behind their narrative. There is a new-found direction, a sense of mateship, camaraderie, and shared experiences.
Blue Brothers was established to promote group exercise and movement opportunities for men living with cancer. Blue Brothers Marlborough started October 17, 2023. The brainchild of the group was the late Dave Cattermole (June 23, 2024) who laid the foundation culminating in the legacy that is now the Blue Brothers.
One of the gents who attends the Blue Brothers group, which has been running in Marlborough for just over two years, is Gary Cooke. Gary says a cancer diagnosis has made him care more about other people and not just himself. He concedes he used to be chauvinistic when he was younger but this brings him back to reality and in a hurry.
“It makes you think when other people get sick and how they cope. I look in the mirror now and see every morning that joker I’m looking at is going to be with me until my last days to see if I’m doing alright by him. I’m waiting for him to wink back at me. We’re put on this earth for a reason.”
Originally from Canterbury, the lure of quality time with his grandchildren brought him to Marlborough
while coaching with Harlequins Rugby Club.
The builder was diagnosed with prostate cancer over three years ago with what doctors described at the time as an ‘aggressive’ PSA reading - the level of protein produced by the prostate gland. 20 shots of radiation and two years - every three months - of hormone jabs resulted in his cancer being undetectable.
“They (medical team) didn’t take it out, they were too scared to as it got outside of my prostate. I wanted it gone and I’ve been off the hormone treatment for nearly two years and it’s gone up a wee bit. I was told that’s understandable as I was making testosterone again. I’m out to six monthly injections now…it was some dark times.”
Gary had ‘a call’ (spiritually) with a four-way bypass in October 2006. Then he had another massive call with cancer.
“Why me? Do other people get that? I looked at myself after a few days and thought, have a go mate, surround yourself with positive people. It’s better to be positive and I’ve lived by that.”
Two months after finishing up at Scott Construction Gary was asked by his old boss to mentor apprenticeships, saying he didn’t care what hours he did, it was up to Gary to work out the job description and they paid him accordingly.
“I didn’t need the money, I had finished and had worked since I was 16 and then it was gone, But then it was bloody cancer, it was an emotional time. The ProstFIT group that I joined was a God send, I really look forward to it. I’ve lost 15 kilograms and I blame the hormone
“A
lot of the chaps want to know about our experiences and the journey we have been on. They are prepared to listen –we’ve all got a different story to tell,” says Blenheim’s Kelvin Watson.
treatment,” he quips. “I’m feeling better after a few injuries in rugby,” he says. “The best part of this is the coffee afterwards.”
Meanwhile, Kelvin Watson, a born in bred Marlburian used to work as a carpenter. His last job was a meter reader for a local power company where he worked until he was 72. The 76-year-old was diagnosed with a tumour in his esophagus in February 2024, the muscular tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach.
“When you get something like this, action happens and within a matter of weeks I had scans with four rounds of chemo, an operation to remove the tumour and came out the other side, a free man, as such.”
He says, he shouldn’t say it but he was one of the lucky ones. “If I hadn’t been picked up early it would have been a different outcome.”
Kelvin had heard about the Blue Brothers group after attending chemotherapy at Wairau Hospital and another good friend who was attending the ProstFIT group (men
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Blue Brothers member Gary Cooke says a cancer diagnosis has made him care more about other people and not just himself. He concedes he used to be chauvinistic when he was younger but this brings him back to reality and in a hurry.
with prostate cancer), and brought Kelvin along to Blue Brothers in late November 2024.
“A lot of the chaps want to know about our experiences and the journey we have been on. They are prepared to listen – we’ve all got a different story to tell.”
Dallace Lilley, Registered Social Worker provides Supportive Care at the Cancer Society Marlborough and joined the Society team last year.
One of her first projects involved the Blue Brothers programme.
“It was a pleasure to meet David Cattermole from the Blue Brothers Charitable Trust and work together to start exercise and wellbeing classes for men living with cancer.
Gill and the team at Blue Brothers are continuing his legacy. The Cancer Society appreciates the commitment to men’s health and wellbeing the Blue Brothers have brought to Marlborough. Providing a successful support programme would not be possible without the collaboration and support received from the Blue Brothers Charitable
Trust, and the generous support of the Care Foundation Top of the South Health Charity,” she says. Trainer Hannes Schoeman says although there are physical changes in the individuals who attend it’s the mental shift which is more noticeable. “When you do something like this you see the changes. It’s about getting together and being there for one another. One of the older guys in the group is one of the strongest, which is phenomenal because of his mindset, I look up to him and so do the other guys.”
If Blenheim Sun readers know someone who is currently living with cancer and seeking to be part of a community to support their recovery and wellbeing, contact the Blue Brothers team for more information. They’d love to hear from you.
https://www.bluebrothers.org.nz or www.facebook.com/bluebrothersmovement or www.cancer.org. nz/about-us/find-a-cancer-society-office-near-you/marlborough/ support-groups-and-services/
Multicultural Festival 2025 bigger and better every year
By Chris Valli
Every year in March, Marlborough puts on the Multicultural Festival to celebrate Race Relations Day.
Across New Zealand, events in March are held around Race Relations Day providing the opportunity for all peoples to come together, learn from each other, share, celebrate and enjoy the richness of shared cultural experiences.
Marcelo Gonzalez, Cultural & Sports Events Manager for the Marlborough Multicultural Festival says the festival has gained strength every year.
The inaugural festival held in 2006 attracted approximately 600 people. In 2024, approximately 5000 people attended Pollard Park throughout the day.
“It also gains positive outcomes in terms of promoting unity in diversity and helps promote the community spirit of Marlborough as an inclusive, connected, and welcoming community,” he says.
Marcelo says the Marlborough Multicultural Festival embraces cultural diversity and provides a platform for their communities to showcase their culture, as well as provide opportunities to share their cultures with their children, many of whom have been born in New Zealand and feel they have a visible and valued place here.
The day will see over 200 traditional performers on the main stage, more than 60 ethnic food stalls, crafts, information and community services.
Children’s entertainment includes face painting, art workshops and interactive traditional arts.
The Marlborough Multicultural Festival is this Saturday March 15 from 11am to 3pm at Pollard Park, Churchill Glade.
At St Andrews Presbyterian Church
“It’s a great opportunity for people to relax in the sun, eat delicious ethnic food and enjoy the performances.
If heavy rain is forecast for Saturday morning, a decision will be made tomorrow, Thursday, March 13 regarding a festival cancellation. Cancellation notices will be broadcast on More FM radio station 92.9FM Blenheim, 94.7FM Picton and the MMC website: www.mmc.nz and Facebook Page @ www.facebook. com/Marlborough.Multicultural.Centre
Drivers urged to take care during grape harvest
Marlborough drivers are being asked to take extra care on the region’s roads with the annual grape harvest underway.
Harvest season sees an increase in heavy machinery moving between vineyards from now until mid-April, with activity peaking in the middle of March.
Drivers can expect to see harvesters and an increase in the number of trucks on the roads across the wider Marlborough region, as vineyards bring their grapes in for pressing and processing. Road users can expect activity on all
of the region’s state highways – SH1, SH6, SH62, and SH63 – and on local roads. Drivers must take extra care on the roads and drive appropriately when they encounter harvesters and trucks. This especially applies when overtaking. Drivers must check their passing distances, look out for oncoming traffic, and for trucks and harvesters entering and leaving vineyard areas.
Truck drivers carrying grapes for processing are also urged to watch their speed and drive with caution through roundabouts as these have been hot spots for spill incidents in the past.
and Sunday 30th of March
The Marlborough Multicultural Festival embraces cultural diversity and provides a platform for their communities to showcase their culture. Pictured here is the EFKS Blenheim Samoan Youth Group performing at the 2024 Festival.
Firefighters & Emergency Services
“There’s no two ways about it, it’s hard”
A Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand fundraiser will involve climbing the Sky Tower in Auckland on May 25 in the quickest time possible while fully kitted up in firefighting gear. Chris Valli spoke with three local volunteer firefighters about the event and their own motivation.
Three chaps from Martella Refrigeration & Air Conditioning are gearing up for a national fundraising challenge. And they’re doing it for personal and financial incentives.
For one of them, Grant Robinson, this year will be his fifth crack at the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland, scheduled for Saturday, May 25. Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Sky Tower Challenge is a fundraising event for firefighters to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Leukaemia is a malignant progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal leucocytes. The leucocytes suppress the production of normal blood cells, leading to anaemia and other symptoms.
THE MOTIVATION
Grant, 53, has a close affiliation for the cause with his wife’s best friend losing her mother to leukaemia.
the Sky Deck, the reality not lost on Troy.
“It’s the whole weekend and you’re all there for the same reason, it’s a cool buzz. The mental and physical challenge of doing it. There’s no two ways about it, it’s hard. Looking at that real tall tower and thinking….I can get up there.”
“The challenge of beating another firefighter is quite rewarding,” he says. “We push each other to strive to get up those stairs a bit quicker. I want to do a 12 minute time. My personal best is 14:37 which placed me 81 out of 1000 firefighters.”
Grant has raised $10,000 personally for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand over the five years. “It’s a very good feeling, especially how generous the community can be. Between us and Renwick, we raised $14,500 at the Wine and Food recently – that’s the community for you, they appreciate what we do.”
A volunteer with the Rarangi Fire Brigade, Grant is in the Grand Masters category which is between 50 – 60. “Yeh, I’m not there yet,” laughs Troy Gambell. “Not event masters.”
THE WHY
Speaking of Troy, 31, it will be his second time with the national fundraiser. Troy is a volunteer firefighter with Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade. The Sky Tower has 1,103 steps, 51 flights from the base to
Preparation for Grant and Troy began back in October 2024. Training has consisted, three, four times a week climbing the 180 steps at Rangitāne House in Main Street resulting in a climb of six attempts, the equivalent of the Sky Tower
Meanwhile, Craig Martella, 48, also with Rarangi Brigade is relatively new to the role as a volunteer firefighter after two years.
“I was reluctant to join but my wife says I should. To be honest I always thought I would be a firefighter because my Dad and my brother were involved and I always looked up to them. I’m pleased I took it on. The camaraderie being involved with a brigade is pretty cool. You realise you are doing some good in the community.” It will be Craig’s first time climbing the Sky Tower. “It’s going to be a short window of being hard, I want to give it a crack. I’ve recently made the connection that my mother’s brother passed away from leukaemia and other related causes as well. It’s more of a focus for me.”
A lovely side story between Grant and Craig is that Grant is an officer at Rarangi and in effect, is Craig’s boss while in the day job Craig is Grant’s boss. “If he gives me the crap jobs here I send him up the hill,” Grant quips.
Firefighters & Emergency Services
When asked what being a volunteer firefighter meant to them, Grant says it was about ‘giving to the community’. His own father and uncles were firefighters and says after nearly 18 years in the role and across three different brigades, it was about living up to a legacy
“I’ve saved a few people which is a big buzz,” he reflects. “There is that self-satisfaction of helping people.”
Troy agrees and has been a volunteer coming up 10 years. “When there is a fire that’s our game day and we train as much as we can - that’s our Saturday game day and we get to shine.”
Martella Refrigeration & Air Conditioning jumped on board with the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge by paying for the Boot Camp at Stadium 2000, six weeks into it with 6:15am starts.
Every day, eight Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer or a related blood condition. It can affect anyone, at any age and any time in life. The cancer journey is overwhelmingly difficult for patients and their families/ whanau.
LBC is New Zealand’s national organisation dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with a blood cancer – leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, or a related blood condition. They are not a government organisation and rely on the generosity of their donors for fundraising.
PROVIDING HEATING AND COOLING SOLUTIONS: Martella Refrigeration & Air Conditioning staff from left Grant Robinson, Troy Gambell and Craig Martella. It will be Craig’s first time climbing the Sky Tower. “I’ve recently made the connection that my mother’s brother passed away from leukaemia and other related causes as well. It’s more of a focus for me,” he says. Grant has raised $10,000 personally for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand over five years. “It’s a very good feeling, especially how generous the community can be.”
EVENT HISTORY
The event is the brainchild of Tony Scott who has been part of both Northland and Auckland Airport Fire Rescue Service since 1988.
It raised $17,500 in 2005, its first year, and it now consistently raises over $1 million annually. By 2024, over $15 million has been raised for blood cancer patients and their families.
Employers also play a vital role
When the fire service calls it’s not just the volunteer firefighters who answer, it’s also their employers.
Every working day businesses across Marlborough support local brigades by allowing their volunteers to respond to incidents.
By employing a volunteer firefighter these businesses become an essential part of the support crew because without their support, it would be difficult for volunteers to attend emergencies during work hours.
Not only do businesses gain a sense of community pride, but their volunteer firefighter employees also offer a number
of transferable skills they’ve developed during their training with Fire and Emergency.
The training, skills and experience gained by emergency services volunteers are transferable to the workplace
Emergency services volunteers are not only trained in technical activities, but develop high levels of personal skill and competencies.
Emergency service volunteering requires commitment, the ability to cope with high pressure, and the determination to help others.
Volunteers gain training in areas such as:
• Confidence and teamwork
• Navigation and problem solving
• Emergency management and decision making
• Effective communication (both oral and technical)
• Health and safety
• Technical and mechanical training
• Leadership, delegation and following instructions
• First aid
Thank you to all of the Marlborough businesses who support Fire and Emergency by supporting their volunteer firefighter employees.
LEFT: FIFTH TIME LUCKY: “I want to do a 12 minute time. My personal best is 14:37 which placed me 81 out of 1000 firefighters,” says Grant.
By Chris Valli
WATER MATTERS
MCM - it’s time we said enough
Volunteer group Marlborough Community Matters believe it’s crucial the Marlborough District Council prioritises the needs of their residents rather than adhering to government directives.
The Drinking Water Authority - Taumata Arowai - provided Council a directive in October 2023 to have chlorination implemented. Nine months later, a media release from the MDC dated July 17, 2024 said Blenheim’s water supply was to be chlorinated to ‘ensure it met national regulator Taumata Arowai’s standards’.
Taumata Arowai is the water services regulator for Aotearoa. They are a Crown entity with a Ministerial-appointed board. Taumata refers to a gathering of people coming together around an important area of focus. Their focus is on ‘improving the performance of the water services sector over time’. They took over from the Ministry of Health as the drinking water regulator on 15 November 2021. From 4 October 2023, they took on wider responsibilities for the environmental performance of public wastewater and stormwater networks, extending their role to the ‘full range of water services’.
Chlorination of Blenheim’s drinking water will be implemented by late July 2025. The set up cost to provide a chlorination system - across two treatment plants - is approximately $1.7M, with annual running costs of about $60,000.
Marlborough District Council Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says the amount of chlorine to be used is carefully managed to ‘ensure the smallest amount is ingested while maintaining a high level of effectiveness’.
“We’re wanting to support them to actu-
I support Marlborough Community Matters in their endeavors to stop the addition of Chlorine to our Blenheim water supply.
I urge Councilors to consider carefully the risks to health and the financial burden of spending $1.6 million for the treatment plant plus ongoing chemical costs. Most ratepayers don’t want this. We should have a say in what happens with our water supply.
ally reflect and really think about what is happening here and whether chlorination is absolutely necessary,” says MCM spokesperson Mea Bishop.
Fellow MCM member Tina Connor says when they started MCM in 2024 there were 40 people with a variety of concerns. Water became the main issue after hearing Council were going to chlorinate Blenheim’s water. “Our pristine water is UV treated. No one in MCM wants chlorine added” says Tina. MCM now has 90 people and is growing, with hundreds having signed a petition to have their Blenheim water remain chlorine free.
The law requires a minimum dosage of 0.2 parts per million (ppm) in the water when it reaches each property on the supply which means some parts of the network will have up to 0.6ppm to ensure the level at the extreme edges remains at 0.2ppm.
The passage of the legislation was discussed at Council meetings and this was reported by media at the time, Stephen says. “Council made a submission through Taituarā, the local government representative organisation. The public also had the opportunity to submit on the draft legislation,” he says.
“Most of us weren’t aware of it happening,” says Tina. “MDC are in the mindset that they have to do what they are told by the government, instead of representing us, the locals who elected them in. It’s a directive but what Taumata Arowai stand for and what they are doing here in Marlborough does not make sense,” adds Mea.
On their website Taumata Arowai states that it recognises that it does not work alone when it comes to wai/water, stating that the authority ‘works in partnership’ taking its lead from Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: The Marlborough Community Matters group have signed a petition to have their Blenheim water remain chlorine free.
“Nobody wanted or wants chlorine in our water,” says spokesperson Tina Connor. MCM now has 90 people and is growing.
MCM are adamant they have not been listened to when it comes to such ‘partnership’, let alone a democratic process.
“We are keen on Iwi voice and wonder if they have ever been asked about their thoughts on our water being chlorinated. We spoke to the Maori ward representative, Councillor Allanah Burgess, to see if a meeting could be arranged (or steer us in the right direction) with Iwi leaders so we could korero to find out how people feel about this. Water is a taonga, it is a treasure to us all. Is it right to tamper with it, especially when there is no issue with our water? We need to approach each Iwi to get their opinion and see if we think MDC is doing what is right for us all,” says Tina.
MCM met with Councillors recently and the feedback was ‘they have to do it’, there’s a $200,000 fine from the government if they don’t, plus $10,000 a day until it’s implemented.
“I reckon it’s blatant bullying and it’s
time we said enough. There’s a variety of Councillors with different stances obviously, they listened to the science suggesting it wasn’t healthy for people,” says Mea. “It tastes bad, can give skin irritation, but that’s just the start. There are far more grave side effects linked to chlorine such as birth defects and cancer. Research has caused some countries, like the Netherlands, to ban the use of chlorine in their water. We want our taonga taken very seriously, it’s a source of life.”
The first phase to introduce chlorination, is for a temproary dosing system to be constructed and this is due to be completed in late July 2025. “An upgrade of the pH correction plant will follow the temporary chlorination construction. This will include relocation of the temporary chlorination to a permanent location within the site,” Stephen says.
Published by arrangement.
Angela MacKenzie Concerned resident
Photo: Chris Valli.
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School lunches
What a fuss about school lunches. As a taxpayer I object to providing 143,000 meals a day at a cost of $130 million. When will parents get back to making sandwiches and some fruit each day?
Great service
I would just like to thank the Blue Door for continually providing a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere to shop in. Their staff are always super friendly and helpful and some very funny, always providing a few giggles for us customers, some of who find this their only social outing.
The staff always make the customers feel happy and wanting to come back regularly, sometimes just for the friendly and humorous banter! Keep up the wonderful work you all do, proud to say that The Blue Door is my favourite shop in town!
Stung!
Had to repair broken chair leg.
Needed a flanged insert nut.
Cost including gst $0.69. Service fee added $5.00 plus gst for purchase under $15.00!!!
Yes, my choice to pay or not pay.
Just another example of the little guy getting stung.
Blenheim mall?
The shops in Market street find it hard to make a living already.
Turn it into a mall and take the cars away, and it will be the death knell for some. Shoppers want to park as close to the shop as possible. I have seen the results in other towns. No mall.
Catch phrase
Trump’s catch cry has changed from “you’re fired” - to - “you’re tarriffed”!
Peters and Jones
I worry what will happen when Winston Peters and Shane Jones finally hang up their hats. They seem to be the only ones standing up to the nonsense that is happening in our society and in parliament.
I hope Jamie is being well-mentored.
School lunches
Absolutely love it, Luxon’s comment of “Go make a Marmite sandwich!”
Exactly right. Parents can and should in most cases provide lunch for their own children for school. It’s not that hard or expensive if you do it right.
School lunches conundrum?
Quite an interesting range of comments flying about at the moment about the content of lunches provided to some schools at the expense of ALL Taxpayers.
But, surely the big question that should be addressed is ‘Why are lunches still being provided anyway?’ Especially after all the massive tax concessions that have been provided to those who have school age children!
School lunches
After WWII we were all grateful for our Vegemite sandwiches at lunchtime. I’m a very healthy 85 year old now and cannot see any reason for the government to supply lunches. Don’t the parents still get the family benefit?
Re: water filters
I’ve just read your article with great interest, as a family with 2x children we have been worried about how to afford a water filter, after reading this we now won’t bother, thank you for writing that. We’ve been to many cities in NZ and drank chlorinated water and cannot stand the taste, might as well drink from the stadium pool! I guess it’s ok for families that can afford to buy bottled water, sadly it’s not an option in our household.
Re: school lunches
Let us not quibble over the cost of a decent school lunch, for those that struggle to provide one. For those that can, do. But don’t expect kids to perform on an empty stomach and let us not judge too harshly those that cannot even provide a marmite sandwich. Really!
Disappointed
I’m also disappointed MDC are going ahead with poisoning our water. Where is the evidence that we need to ruin our most precious resource.
Phones in cars
It absolutely amazes me how many drivers I see looking down at their phones. Honestly, some days it feels like every 2nd or 3rd car has a driver who’s eyes are flicking down to their phone.
And this is at roundabouts and courtesy crossings, too. When will we have tougher penalties?
Re power rebate
We are the shareholders! Google says we get another rebate in winter - this one was from Yealands. #grateful they do great things for Marlborough.
Parking meter bothers
A YOUNG man with GOOD eyesight, couldn’t read the parking meter machine this week either, because the SUN was shining on it.
Are hot lunches needed?
Hot school lunches resulting in kids getting burnt, so I ask why is the govt providing hot lunches? They don’t need that. That’s more of a dinner meal that they should have at night with their parents. A school lunch is a sandwich, fruit, a yoghurt or cheese n crackers maybe.
It’s not rocket science.
School lunches
You breed them, you feed them.
Re: school lunches
In my school days, in the 50s, most of the kids, I knew, got up to make our own breakfast, but enjoyed a hot school subsided lunch, which was very necessary, as we mostly only had a sandwich for tea! We were called “latch kids” as both our parents worked either an alternate night and day shift.
Talk of the week
Great roundabout
The new Airport Roundabout is great! Well done to all those who worked hard on it.
Parking meters
Yes the sun is a problem and it is a challenge to have to carry glasses but the main thing is , once you have pressed Okay twice, you MUST make sure that the LAST line on the screen is TRANSACTION COMPLETED THANK YOU. Then you WILL be OKAY.
Re SH1 railway
They are not guard rails, they are 50 year old fences. We have more important things to spend our money on. Remember we are in a recession.
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Low water aquifer
Perhaps the vast acreages of vineyards has something to do with the depletion of the Wairau aquifer? I doubt it’s the home user.
Re: George Elder
I see George Elder spreading yet more outdated info-this time about carbs.
It’s not carbs per se but the fact that people overeat that causes fatty liver. Demonizing fructose as well. Stop giving him a platform please.
It may have got wet with some late afternoon rain but the 21st annual Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival celebrated all things seafood and Sounds on Saturday. Celebrity chef Nadia Lim shared her secrets in the NZ King Salmon Culinary tent while the black Seeds headlined the festival.
Photos: Chris Valli
yourself
Footloose – Grove Road
blenheim Musical theatre cast members took to Grove Road last Wednesday night to promote the upcoming show in May. Production Manager Dale Hayles says the flags which are on the bridge are a key component of the marketing for the show. “the Footloose story evolves from the tragedy of losing four teenage boys in a fatal accident on the Potawney bridge in the small close knit community town of bomont,“ she says. “So the significance of the flags on the bridge is synonymous with the story we are putting on stage to tell Marlborough.”
Photo: Jessica Jones.
Marie Winter and Tasha Knox enjoying the vibe.
Ben Clark, Amelia and Louise Kingi.
You call
a chef Mike? That’s how you skin a salmon. CBD co-owner and MC Mike Godsall getting a few tips from Nadia Lim.
Tom Knowles entertained early on with a wide array of covers, remixing old school throwbacks and covers.
COOL ME DOWN: Black Seeds singer Daniel Weetman and Barnaby Weir going back to their reggae roots. The band formed in 1998 and performs with eight members with instruments including saxophone, trumpet, bongos and wood block.
WATERMELON SUGAR: Grant Bryan, Grace Barnett and Emma Reid all dressed up and enjoying the day.
Blenheim locals Linda and Elliot van Kuyk alongside Rachael Van Aalst from Dunedin.
Let’s chat with…
Sarah Clark
Marlborough Wine Group Clark Estate Wines
Are you a dog or cat person? Both.
Favourite global cuisine? Italian.
What would you buy if money was no object? A river cruise in Europe.
Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?
Dame Judi Dench.
Veggies or fruit? Fruit.
The shop you can’t walk past is...? The Body Shop.
If you didn’t live in Marlborough where would you choose? Italy.
Favourite programme or series currently watching?
Just finished Missing You.
What do you do for your own mental health? Walk in the mornings.
What’s your favourite colour? Royal Blue.
If you had to choose another job what would it be?
A professional musician.
What truly matters to you? My family.
The best advice I ever received was? Give as many things as you can a go. We only live once.
My friends would say I am… A procrastinator! (That took a long time to decide on!)
gardening this week
Where it went wrong: By Wally Richards
I find it an intriguing aspect of Nature how plants, soil, insects and bacteria all work in harmony in a natural setting, aiding and abetting one another in perfect balance. They are all interconnected and having similar but different DNA in their make up which is our connection to Nature.
When we interfere through lack of understanding or greed we upset the natural balance of things and create problems.
Given time without interference Nature will quickly restore the balance to how it should be.
An example is modern agriculture where the commercial grower or farmer wants to get more out of their land to increase their ‘bottom line’ which really means making more money by having their crops or grass growing bigger and faster, but in doing so they create problems which actually erode their ‘bottom line’.
By applying superphosphate and man made nitrogen fertilisers they increase the speed and size of growth of vegetables and pasture.
This methodology destroys the soil life and weakens the health of the plants.
Nature has its cleaners which we call insect pests and plant diseases. They are always waiting to do their work which is to remove the sickly plants to make way for the healthy ones.
The commercial grower and the farmer look with dismay as their crops and grasses are attacked and so they apply chemical poisons to control the pests and diseases, further weakening the plants and making them unhealthy to eat.
Forced growth equals lack of nutritional values which means people and animals/ stock that eat these chemically saturated foods become what they eat, unhealthy and sickly though lack of good nutrition. Over time they will eventually require medical intervention.
To make matters even worse when we and the animals are consuming the chemicals in the food chain our health suffers, we gain weight and we shorten our life span as our wallets are drained of our money to pay for man made remedies to relieve the symptoms.
Look at a picture of people at the beach in the 50’s and 60’s, slim and fit. Nowadays that’s changed to fat, sickly looking and unfit. The reason is simple - it is what we eat.
This has taken place in our lifetime and too many people have not woken up to the fact.
It was well known when superphosphate and high nitrogen fertilisers were introduced that animals and people would become unhealthily and the fertiliser companies, the chemical companies and the medical, pharmaceutical companies would profit greatly.
Now we face an additional food problem - the allowing of Genetic Engineering or GMO plants that are grown for food. Or as we have already in our food chain GMO’s that are used in food processing.
But with no labelling to advise us because
if we knew most people would not buy.
A GMO is created when the DNA of a plant is spliced with the DNA of another organism, resulting in an entirely new organism never before seen in Nature.
Scientific studies have shown the GMOs wreak havoc on our bodies and can lead to serious diseases such as infertility, autism, organ failure and cancer.
If you eat genetically modified (GM) food, you are literally taking foreign proteins and DNA into your body, which then start to replace your own DNA.
Thus, as horrible as it sounds, by eating GMO food, you are literally participating in genetically modifying yourself! Remember....we are what we eat!
Biotechnology companies such as Bayer, Dow, DuPont, Pioneer, Syngenta and BASF, are now referred to as Big Biotech.
The major shareholders of all these industries (Big Phama, chemical and fertiliser) are the likes of Black Rock and Vanguard investment companies.
BlackRock and Vanguard are among the largest names in global asset management.
Vanguard has over £8 trillion in assets under management (AUM), while BlackRock has over £9.2 trillion in AUM.
This is a fact and not a conspiracy theory.
They profit while we and all other life forces suffer.
But we can resist them and change things back to the way we and Nature are meant to be. Grow your own food as mush as possible, it’s natural and keeps you healthy.
I think I have mentioned previously how one farmer I know of, turned the tables and turned the farm he had purchased into a wonderful, profitable farm.
He simply refused to follow the previous farmers agricultural practices of applying superphosphate to the pastures and instead used serpentine lime.
What happened was within a season or so the earthworms returned, the soil life responded and multiplied and his grasses grew lush green and healthy, his stock was healthy and was producing more.
Across the road the farmer there, still using super, had lacklustre grasses and poor cattle.
When allowed, Nature will return to how it should be, and will do so quickly when we stop killing the soil life and only use natural products such as animal manures, blood & Bone, Wallys Fish Fertiliser, Wallys BioPhos (reactive rock phosphate broken down naturally by microbes not acid like superphosphate), Wallys Neem Tree Granules, Wallys Unlocking the Soil (minerals from rock dust), Wallys Ocean Solids (minerals from the sea), and Wallys Calcium & Health (serpentine lime with added elements like selenium and boron). Stop destroying the worms and soil life by using chlorinated tap water, instead remove the chlorine which is there to kill microbes/ bacteria by using one of Wallys 10 micron Carbon bonded filters on the outside tap to water the garden.
Your vegetables that you then grow will
be full of natural health and nutrition and you will be healthier, lose excess weight, think clearer, have a better state of mind, current health issues will be relieved and you will stay looking younger and live longer.
Neem Granules
Sprinkle Wallys Neem Tree granules around your vegetables and put a little in the planting hole when you are planting anything.
Wallys Neem Tree Granules is a great soil conditioner and at the same time helps to deter pest insects.
For instance if when planting your winter brassicas, cabbages etc put a few smaller Neem Granules in the planting hole and some larger ones on the soil by the seedling. The oil in the Neem Granules is taken up into the foliage and when white butterfly caterpillars or Soldier worms hatch out and take a bite of the leaf, they get a dose of the Neem properties and stop eating and starve to death quickly.
On your cabbage you will see on the outer leaves little holes where they took one bite. You have citrus trees? Sprinkle some Wallys Neem Tree Granules under the tree and give a light watering to get them started. Within a period of about 6-8 weeks any pests in the tree will be gone like magic, including borer.
Landscapers tell me that when they use Wallys Neem Tree Granules around the gardens, trees and shrubs, the plants are healthier and have far less insect problems. Many gardeners tell me the same and they swear by them for all their gardens. You dont need much just about 50G per m2. Thus 1kg will do 20m2 of gardens and only need to apply it a couple of times of the year.
It will take care of root mealy bugs, root nematodes, grass grubs and other soil pest insects that can ruin our tubers, bulbs and roots of plants.
Hanging little gauze bags with Wallys Neem Granules in them will create a smell on your preferred plants that makes it harder for pests to find their host plants. Use Wallys Neem Granules and garden naturally with the minerals we have written about, and spray your plants with Magic Botanic Liquid once or twice a week and you will be amazed and healthy.
Providing quality care and education for children aged 3 months - 5 years, Omaka is a space for children to grow, explore and flourish as unique individuals, through a child-led, nature play based environment, where children are given the wings to fly.
Thursday
Marlborough Camera Club
- meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month at St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rd at 7pm. Workshops are held on the 4th Thursday of the month. Everybody with an interest in photography welcome. March meeting 13th. Cancer Society Marlborough Support Group: Ladies Support Group
- Coffee and connecting. Peer support for women partners of men living with cancer. Every third Thursday of the Month
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Cancer Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road. March meeting 20th.
Marlborough Museum
- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.
Picton Poets
- 4th Thursday of the month, 10.30-11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone Lyn 021 129 4342. March meeting 27th. Keep U Moving
- Gentle indoor walking exercise for seniors. 11.30am12.30pm $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz
Older Persons Seminar
- Every 4th Thursday of each month. $6.00. March meeting 27th. Contact Donna 027 385 2333 or donna@ stchristophers.co.nz: Table Tennis Summer Season
- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre run a table tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at front desk.
Social Badminton Club: 9am-11.30
- Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults welcome. For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348. Ulysses Retreads Group: 11am
- Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.
Library Book Club: 6.30pm-8pm
- Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks. March meeting 27th.
Picton Library Book Club: 6.30pm-8pm
- Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register please email pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz. Next meeting April 2nd Knit and Natter at the Marlborough Library from 10am. Come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each Thursday morning. Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters. No need to register, just turn up on the day.
Friday
Blenheim Family History Group in PICTON, 1.30-3.30pm
- Need help with your family history research, come to the Picton Library and meet members of the Blenheim Family History Group. Contact Helen 0210390106. Held fortnight. Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery Society
- Brayshaw Heritage Park, open weekdays 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and Saturday mornings. For further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022 039 2460.
Saturday
Free Palestine Demonstration
- Every Sat 11am. Flag waving, music. All welcome. Blenheim Railway station near roundabout.
Crop Swap
- Saturday 15th March, 2:00-4:00pm swapping 2:30pm sharp, Crossroads @ 2 Redwood Street. $2 koha to our hosts - Sharing abundance from our gardens: fruit, vegetables, preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, recipes, eggs, flowers, seeds, seedlings, baking; - Giving generously and mindfully taking. Further details 021 081 98520
Redwoodtown Market
- 8am-12 noon, Cleghorn St. supporting Marlborough Food Bank. Variety of stalls. Something for everyone. For more details contact Alison 0274434062.
Marlborough Quilters meeting
- every 2nd Saturday of the month at Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. 10am - 4pm. Join us to learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomers welcome. Liz 0212067382. March meeting 15th.
Blenheim Chess Club
- Meets at Table Top Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.
Ulysses Club
- Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Café, Woodbourne, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.
The Blenheim Rotary Club Boot Sale Market
- Every Saturday Morning from 8am till 12 Midday, held in the Blenheim Railway Station Car Park.
Marlborough Artesian Craft Market
- Cnr Market Street & High Street, 9:00am - 2:00pm. Stallholders include local artisans both casual and regular attendees as well as visitors from around the country. Entertainment area for kids.
Sunday
Central Junior Rugby Club Muster Day
- 16th March, Lansdowne Park. For age groups under 6 to under 13. Contact Claire 027 427 8804
Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station
- 16th March. Train is being hauled by a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www. riversiderailway.nz and Facebook for other information.
Upper Wairau Cemetery Guided Tour
-10.30am. Hear about the history of the cemetery. With Sharon Evans, a local genealogist, and member of the Renwick Museum Committee. The Upper Wairau Cemetery is on Waihopai Valley Road, opposite Grove Mill Winery. Sign up for the tour on secretary@renwickmuseum.nz or by ringing Sharon Evans on 03 972 0815. The tour is free, but a gold coin donation to the Renwick Museum would be appreciated.
Marlborough Museum
- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.
Marlborough Farmers’ Market
- 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.
Picton Rail and Sail
- On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!
Blenheim Bonsai Group
- Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm.
Marlborough Tennis Club
- 3pm to 5pm, Parker Street. Every Sunday - Social Tennis. Non Members $2. All welcome. Contact number is 027 578 6436.
Ulysses Social Ride
- Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are weather dependent.
Lego Club:
Picton Library@ 1-4pm. Marlborough Library @10am-4pm, Come along each Sunday afternoon to build a Lego kit in the Library. Each week there is an assortment of kits to choose from to build in a designated area. Everyone is welcome to have a go. This free activity is great fun for the whole family!
Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station
- Train is being hauled by a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www.riversiderailway. nz and Facebook for other information.
Marlborough Vintage Car Club
- 1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome
Monday
Table Tennis Summer Season
- Tua Marina Table Tennis, every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per person. Contact Janice 027 422 9095
Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club
- 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.
Rotary Clubs in Blenheim
- Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women – doing great things in your community. For further details phone Kevin on 0211 738 784.
Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club
- Every Monday at 7.00pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Corner Alfred and Henry Street, Blenheim. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Heather 02102587325.
Blenheim Badminton Club
– Every Monday: Juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike,
KnIt and natter at the Marlborough Library from 10am. Come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each thursday morning. Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters. no need to register, just turn up on the day.
email blenheimshuttlers@gmail.com.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown:
Every Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295.
Beginners Line Dancing:
Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:00-3:00pm & 6.007.00pm. Come along and enjoy the music, making new friends, having fun and learning to dance. You don’t need a partner. All welcome men, women and children over 12. The first lesson is free for new beginner’s then $7 per class after that. For more information Phone Judith 03-5787554 or 0212341095
Tuesday
Pencil Pals
- meets at Connect corner High Street and Beaver Road, every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm. Come and join Sydney and Issie to practice your drawing skills and enjoy the company of like minded people. Sydney 0211568398, Issie 0204668008. Target Rifle Shooting
- at Athletic Park range, Services club 7:30pm, visitors welcome, all gear provided. Cost $10 contact 0276522640
Cancer Society Marlborough Blue Brothers Exercise and Comraderie
- FREE exercise and peer support. Every Tuesday, 10 am at Stadium 2000 Kinross Street.
Cancer Society Marlborough Breast Cancer Support Group
- Every second Tuesday of the Month 7pm - 8pm, at the Cancer Society Rooms - 76 A Maxwell Road. Blenheim. Peer support and connection in a safe welcoming space. Marlborough Museum - 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people. Steady As You Go (SAYGO)
- Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz.
Toastmasters Club
- In Blenheim meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm, Community Centre, St Mary’s, 59 Maxwell Road. Friendly group encourage shy people how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Vivienne 021 0544003. Next meeting March 18th Marlborough Tennis Club
- Parker Street. Every Tuesday 8.30am to 12 Noon, Social Tennis. Morning Tea at 10am. Non Members $5. All Welcome. Contact number is 0275786436. Lions Club of Havelock
- Providing community service in the Pelorus area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock Hotel. Inquiries to Ian Cameron phone 574 2558. Next meeting 18th March.
Knitters and Spinners
- Picton Library and Service Centre from 10.30. Bring your morning tea along and current project to work on. Share your ideas, skills or simply enjoy time with fellow creators. There’s no need to book a spot, simply turn up on the day. Cheeky Monkeys
- Marlborough Library. Join one of our sessions of fun
and creativity for children under five years old. Session 1 - 10am to 10.45am or Session 2 - 11am to 11.45am Each session includes stories, songs and a simple fun craft. No need to register, just come along and join in.
Picton Line Dancing - 10 - 11.30am. Anglican Church Hall $7 per class. Beginners welcome. Phone Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484. Marlborough Community Matters Chlorination Concerns - Meeting March 18th, 6.30pm, Riverlands Hall. All welcome
Wednesday
Target Rifle Shooting
- at Athletic Park range, Riverside club 7:00pm, visitors welcome, all gear provided. Cost $10 contact 021667746 Cancer Society Marlborough Support Group: Live Stronger - Women’s Exercise, peer support and wellbeing - Exercise classes for women living with cancer. Wednesdays 6pm - 6:45 pm - Well & Good - 1 Grove Road. Cost $5 members - $10 casual.
Stretch & Breathe
- Gentle strength/balance class for seniors. 10-11am, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz. Lions’ Club of Blenheim - Like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Meet on the1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 942 5004.
Picton Mahjong
- Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, Picton at 1pm. Phone Adrianne 02102591639 or Kaye 0211312331 for more information.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown
- 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. Summer timetable starts October. Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights - 7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time. Phone Erin 0272341709.
Death Café
- lifting the taboo: share what is on your mind and heart about death and dying in a safe and open environment. Meet every first Wednesday of the month at 7.00 - 8.15pm, at Speights Ale House (separate alcove). For all ages. More info on deathcafe.com or call Joss 035794771.
Picton Scottish Country dance group - 7.30pm at Picton Little Theatre. Beginners welcome. First night free. No partner needed just a pair of soft soled shoes. Phone Lynda on 0212600860 if you need further information.
Marlborough Vintage Car Club
-1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome
Cancer Society Marlborough Support Group. Art For Wellbeing - Expressions of interest open for 2025 classes. FREE therapeutic art sessions. For all enquires or to book contact Dallace - Supportive Care Phone - 03 5794379 email -dallacel@cancersoc.org.nz
Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station - Train is being hauled by a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www.riversiderailway.nz and Facebook for other information. 16th March, 6th & 13th April.
Cancer Society Marlborough Support Group: Ladies Support Group - Coffee and connecting. Peer support for women partners of men living with cancer. Every third Thursday of the Month - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Cancer Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road. March meeting 20th.
Target Rifle Shooting winter season - Athletic Park Range. Beginning last week of March. Blenheim Club 7pm Monday 24th, cost $10, contact 02102464417. Services Club 7.30pm Tuesday 25th, cost $10, contact 0276522640. Riverside Club 7pm Wednesday 25th, cost$10, contact 021667746.
If you have an event email The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz
NZKS signs significant funding partnership
By Chris Valli
New Zealand King Salmon Co. Ltd (NZKS) has entered into a significant funding partnership under the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund.
The programme titled ‘Future Farming: A Blueprint to Accelerate Salmon Farming in Aotearoa’, is across a five year duration and will pilot the technologies that will provide the blueprint for substantive and sustainable salmon.
The programme has an expected value of $29 million, with an investment by the Government of up to $11.7m. It is one of the highest-value investments made by SFF Futures since the fund was established in 2018.
NZKS CEO Carl Carrington says having the world’s first King salmon open ocean aquaculture site at Blue Endeavour is a big responsibility.
The farm will be located 7km off Cape Lambert outside the Marlborough Sounds. It will comprise two blocks of ten circular pens each; the total farm will be less than 12 surface hectares in size. When fully operational, Blue Endeavour will have the capacity to produce ~10,000 metric tonnes
Marlborough
of King salmon.
“While we are confident it will be successful, there will be some significant lessons learned along the way. This funding partnership will enable us to share these learnings and build industry and investor confidence,” says Carl.
“With the NZ salmon sector poised to grow, the learnings from Blue Endeavour, and the associated technologies, should accelerate the pace of development of the sector and support this NZ Inc level blue economy opportunity. While this is a significant partnership for our company, we also realise that to achieve our aspirations, we must prioritise collaboration – with industry, government, iwi, suppliers, customers communities and beyond. The rewards of getting this right are significant,” says Carl.
The programme encompasses three critical workstreams; Blue Endeavour Pilot - in relation to open ocean aquaculture (OOA); Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Pilot - in relation to freshwater hatchery technologies, and Novel Breeding Strategies to improve fish resilience and breeding accuracy.
Blue Endeavour will be New Zealand’s first
open ocean aquaculture farm. It will also be the world’s first farm of its type for the valuable King salmon (Chinook) fish species.
Open ocean salmon aquaculture is the farming of salmon in enclosed fish pens, anchored in place to the seabed, in exposed
throws out nearly double the national average to landfill
By Maia Hart
Marlborough’s waste boss wants to tackle rubbish. Not just because Marlborough throws away too much of it ‒ like the entire boat that someone took to landfill recently ‒ but because a reduction in the amount dumped could save some money.
“We had a full industrial compressor dropped off as well, and when I say an industrial compressor, it would take a tandem trailer to put it on,” Marlborough District Council solid waste manager Mark Lucas said.
“The compressor was full of recyclable products.”
Marlborough chucked out about 1330kg of waste per person per year. Lucas said the national average was 740kg. Government levies that the council pays for waste dumped were going up, and the life expectancy of Blenheim’s Bluegums Landfill was going down. In fact, that life expectancy had decreased even more predicted in a 2022 report which said it would be full by 2050. The Emissions Trading Scheme liability for emissions from Marlborough landfills was also set to increase significantly, from $818,000 last year to about $2.3 million this year and $2.6m from 2026. The Government’s waste disposal levy had also gone up by about $55 a tonne since 2019, Lucas said.
“Everything that we pay like the waste levy, the emissions trading scheme levy, and everything like that is worked on tonnage,” he said.
The council last week approved consultation to progress its Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2025, to replace the Waste Bylaw 2017, to
reflect new legislation and the new kerbside collection service. The draft bylaw introduced ways to manage and minimise how much waste was being sent to landfill.
“For instance, the compressor, we can direct that it won't be able to come to the landfill because it's a recyclable item,” Lucas said.
“The 2017 bylaw doesn't allow us to do that. The draft bylaw gives us the authority to say, ‘no, that's not coming here as a recyclable item, take it away’.
“It just gives us more powers to ensure that what's being taken and accepted at the landfill is the last resort.
“Ultimately, that saves the people money because the recycling in Marlborough is way cheaper than what the landfill is.”
Lucas said a large factor was the space that could be gained by compressing the rubbish, which the industry called airspace.
“So the example that I use is you get a standard waste bin, you can fill it up with plastic bags and the bin’s full. You can then squash all those plastic bags down and you keep filling it up and you keep filling it up and you keep compressing it down.
“Eventually, that bin's full, and you can't compress it any more. That's what we do at the landfill. All waste is compressed down to the best that we can because we've got limited air space.”
At the moment, the landfill had 1.661 million cubic meters of airspace.
“When that is gone, it is gone. It is full. We have to shut the landfill.”
The council wanted to double recycling output and significantly reduce waste, and get “better control of the minority who are exploiting the system”. The bylaw would also classify remote transfer stations as waste facilities, to help the council to deal with non-compliance, such as the whole
An entire boat was dumped in Marlborough recently. PHOTO SUPPLIED: MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
boat that was dumped.
“We do have some issues with a couple of them, and that's in relation to commercial people using them, and we have issued some warning letters on that, as an education thing,” Lucas said.
“The new [draft] bylaw, we stipulate what can be delivered at the remote transfer station, which is domestic waste ... basically exactly the same as if they had a curbside collection.”
Lucas said the focus would be on education, rather than punitive action. Other amendments made in the bylaw included more flexible rules for council kerbside collection services, new requirements for waste management plans for large events and multi-unit residential dwellings and new rules to address the nuisance from litter. Consultation on the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2025 would start on Monday and close on April 17. Hearings would be held on May 17 if required.
marine environments.
NZKS has farmed salmon for more than 35 years in the Marlborough Sounds, and with nursery, hatchery and processing landbased operations in Nelson, Tākaka and Canterbury.
Golf Results
Picton Golf Club
Sun 2 Mar Dewar Cup Best Nett-James Sutherland 133;Ian Aldridge 136;Zachary Bridgen 138;Paul Howden 144;Barry Slater 144; Blair Bavin 144. Marlborugh Stroke (Best Gross)-Senior Paul Silke 140; Intermediate-James Sutherland 159;-Junior Paul Howden 181;-Junior B-Zachary Bridgen.
Tues 4 Mar S/F-Margaret Frisken 46;Judy Jones 45;Ellie Gillies 44;Lynette Pearce 40,Kaye Keys 40; Anita McCaffrey 39.
Thurs 6 Mar S/F-Paul Howden 38;Jeff Pascoe 37,John Saxon 37,Aaron Wilson 37;Jerome January 36,Ali Baxter 36;Graham Morrell 35,Richard Rolton 35,Mark Cullen 35,Gary Aldridge 35,Len Barlow 35. Fri 7 Mar 9H S/F- Mary Butler 21, Margaret Frisken 21;Lyn Pawson 20, Maria McConway 20, Denis Finch 20,Judy Jones 20
Blenheim Golf Club
March 6th Net Medal Ida Beet- Huchshorn 74 Elaine Brown 75 Jenny Evans 76 9 Holes Medal Odette Roper 32 Margaret Hamilton 37
March 6th Men stableford David Waters 40 Desz Campbell 38 Andrew Stowell 37 Ezra Kahaki 36 Colin Pithkethley 36 Barry Mosley 36 Nigel Smith 36 Murray Ingram 36 9 holes stableford Dave Dyer 18 Brian Brown 17 March 8th Blenheim 1000 Overall best nett winner Mike Guillemot 64 Senior div +5 -12.00 Nett Kobe Hart 66 Jerome January 70 Trent Davies 70 Tere Poa 71 Ezra Kahaki 72 Intermediate12.1-21.00 Ian Bridgen
Blue Endeavour concept pen display, courtesy of Scale AQ – an example of some of the new technologies to be part of the pilot.
urGENt services
Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.
Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am6pm. Closed on Public Holidays. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.
Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.
Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.
Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.
Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm.
Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward. Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau Hospital 5209999.
Picton:
Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.
Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm
Death notices
NORMAN, Alan Thomas
On 7th of March 2025, Alan passed away at home, aged 86 years. Dearly loved partner of Tania Moanaroa. A loved Husband of the late wife Ngarongo (Pat) Norman. Father and father-in-law of Lee, Warren and Nelly. A loved stepdad to Maria, Tama, Brittney and Justin. A loved grandfather of Swan, Regan, Monique and Callum. He was a loved greatgreat grandad. A loved brother to Beverley and the late Gordon. A dearly beloved Uncle of Alan and Marion and many more. Thank you to the Picton Medical Health Centre, Dr B Scrimshaw and Emergency Services for their care of Alan. Thank you to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services. Messages to c- PO Box 9, Blenheim, 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. A funeral service for Alan will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim TODAY, Wednesday 12 March at 2pm followed by a private cremation. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
TABAK, Carl 17/01/62 - 1/03/25 A romantic, funny, outrageous, smart man with intelligence in spades. A man of the sea, gone too soon. Loving husband to Karla Rodgers, father to Nadine Tabak and brother to Karina (KT) Tabak. A service to celebrate the life of Carl has been held. Messages to www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website would be appreciated (Ref: Tabak) “The soul is unfettered and free, I’ll set my sails to a western wind, and beat my course to the sea.”
PRUDEN, Deborah Mary (Deb)
On 3 March 2025, Deborah passed away peacefully after a horse-riding accident - doing what she loved, surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved partner of Andrew, mother and mother-in-law of Ben and Mikaela, Jacob and Shannon, Nic and Kyra, and Rahkia. Treasured nana to Layken and Maddison. Adored daughter of Shirley and the late Alan. Sister of Cheryl, Tony, Veronica, Shona and the late Caroline. A loved aunty to her nieces and nephews. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Westpac Chopper Appeal would be appreciated via their website. A Funeral Service for Deb has been held. The service was livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
WOODFIELD, Geoffrey Keith
On March 6, 2025, Geoff passed away peacefully at the Redwood Retirement Village in his 93rd year, surrounded by family. Loved by his late wife Peggy and daughters Jan, Sally, Robyn, Sue, and Linda, son inlaws Mark and Robert and grandchildren Emma, William, Nicholas, Victoria, Josephine, Ashleigh, Kathleen, Edward, Melanie, Luke, Tyler, Tūī, Ruby and Nieve and his great and great-great grandchildren. Family wishes to thank the Redwood Retirement Village for their care and support especially over the last few days. Messages to be sent to the family c/- 19 Forest Park Drive or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
A private cremation will take place with a memorial service to celebrate Geoff’s life to be held at Springlands chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 28 March at 1.30 pm.
WATSON, Cedric Gary (Garry)
Passed away peacefully on 13 February 2025 at Hospice Marlborough, aged 80. A private cremation has taken place as per Garry’s wishes and a Memorial Service will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Tuesday 18 March at 2pm. Messages to the Watson Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to Account No. 03 1369 0365207 00 Ref: Watson. For the full funeral notice please refer to the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz
Situations Vacant
Te Tauihu musical theatre students recognised
By Chris Valli
Four talented musical theatre students from Te Tauihu Performing Arts studio have been recognised internationally for their APDA Encore Theatre exams in 2024.
Bohally Intermediate students Sage Johnson and Madison Jones achieved the joint highest examination mark internationally for level 4 in encore theatre dance while Witherlea School student Elaine Huang achieved the top tier award internationally for level 3 in encore theatre dance. Meanwhile, Emilie Mackay from Springlands School achieved the top tier award internationally for level 4 in encore theatre dance.
2024 was the first year the musical theatre syllabus was introduced.
“All the kids did incredible to be internationally recognised,” says Director Elly Molloy. “The results are a clear indication that this is a path I want to keep going down. The kids smashed it out of the park for the first time sitting the exams.”
The students spent two terms learning the syllabus content and
performed five pieces for the examiner. The examination marks are based off characterization, musicality, performance, vocals and technicality (dancing).
One of them is a ‘golden age’ performance – a pre-1960’s genre of a musical (Annie, Oliver), followed by post classic performance (1960s – 1989), then a contemporary performance (1990 onwards eg Hairspray, Wicked). This is followed by a student choreography performance, a short piece which enables greater creativity for the students, and the examiner can see what they are capable of. Elly then chooses a teacher piece which is choreographed in the class setting.
“The students have to know the (back story) to the musical and the examiner and why they are doing it, the emotions, who they are and what they should be feeling or conveying. To learn the pieces they have their vocal training with Con O’Brien who is amazing with the kids,” says Elly.
Te Tauihu Performing Arts studio caters for students from ages 2.5
upwards and has classes to cater for all abilities and genres including RAD Ballet, AJDA Jazz, APDA Musical Theatre, Open Contemporary, and Open
“I really feel this syllabus is preparing students who wish to pursue careers in musical theatre. Musical theatre is transforming
Lydia to break new ground
By Chris Valli
Blenheim’s Lydia Hill will be one of three female regional champions making history this week with the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition.
The national competition has run for three decades, but this is the first year in its history that women have qualified for the national finals.
Taking place at Manfield Park in Feilding on March 14 and 15 during the Central Districts Field Days, the event challenges the country’s best operators to complete crowd-pleasing feats like slam dunking a basketball, precisely pouring a cup of tea or digging precision trenches using their excavators. Basic skills are tested too, with health and safety awareness and operators’ ability to scope and plan a job making up a key part of
the judging criteria.
Lydia says it was “mindboggling” that women had never competed at the nationals before.
“I’m super excited – the boys have got to watch out this year,” she says.
The Elite Excavations Marlborough employee learnt how to operate excavators on her family’s farm when she was 14 years old and has been honing her skills ever since, including on large projects in her region
like the new Whale Trail from Picton to Kaikōura.
Lydia qualified by winning the Nelson Marlborough leg of the competition in November, the first time she had tackled it, but brought experience gained from competing in the Northland region event in 2018.
Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard says one of the talking points was the trio of women competing in the final, with Georgia
Lyford from Canterbury Westland and Tanya Claxton from Hawke’s Bay East Coast joining Lydia to break new ground as the first female finalists in the competition’s 31-year history.
“It’s amazing to think our competition has not had a female finalist before. To have three women amongst the 12 regional winners this year is a proud moment and really shows the changing face of the industry.”
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: Elaine Huang (9), Madison Jones, Sage Johnson (12) and Emilie Mackay (11) have been recognised internationally for their APDA (Asia Pacific Dance Association) Encore Theatre exams in 2024.
Jazz Funk.
Te Tauihu into a hub of creative exploration and performance excellence…it’s fantastic, I love it.”
Te Tauihu translates to ‘the top of the South Island’.
CONNECT FOUR: Competitors in action at last year’s national finals.
Nelson Marlborough champion Lydia Hill in action at the regional competition. “I’m super excited – the boys have got to watch out this year,” she says.
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By NZ’s Champion Sire Proisir – the stallion behind Group 1 track stars Legarto, Prowess & Levante – his yearlings sold up to $1.1 million at Karaka!
Elite pedigree packed with Group 1 success – her dam She’s Aloof has already produced the outstanding Group 3 winner Lupo Solitario, who was highly sought-after and sold to Hong Kong after just six starts. This filly comes from a family that produces winners, particularly high-class fillies! Her lineage includes Champion Filly Slight Chance, a six-time Group 1 winner who conquered both the VRC Oaks & Queensland Oaks, showcasing the depth and class in our filly’s bloodlines.
Packed with potential – she is a beautifully balanced, athletic filly with a fluent stride and quality presence. She has all the hallmarks of a filly that means business.
The Te Akau advantage
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