20 December Blenheim Sun by The Blenheim Sun

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Blenheim Marlborough

December 20, 2013

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‘Best principal ever’ Students say farewell

Story and photo by Celeste Lodewyk The words “best principal ever” were screamed out in the playground of Spring Creek School as principal Andrew McFarlane was farewelled by senior students. Affectionately known to his students as ‘Mr Mac’, Andrew finished at the school yesterday after 10 years to take up the position of deputy principal at Kelburn Normal School in Wellington. Continued page 2 Spring Creek School principal Andrew McFarlane was farewelled by students yesterday as he leaves for Wellington.

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Friday December 20, 2013

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Students farewell ‘best principal ever’ Continued from page 1 “There were a few sad faces and some tears amongst the students. “Spring Creek School will always be a part of my life. I spent a decade here and it’s imprinted on me. “Once a Creeky, always a Creeky,” he laughed.

When Andrew was first offered the position at Spring Creek School, he only planned to stay two years. Ten years on he leaves with nothing but fond memories of his friends, colleagues and students. “There is something really special about country schools and what I have enjoyed

most is seeing kids enrolled and then seeing them off as they left for intermediate school. “I have mixed emotions. “I am sad to say goodbye but I am also excited to move forward. “Marlborough has been extremely good to me and I only hope I have been as good back,” Andrew said.

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Renwick resident Val Alcorn has put up her Christmas lights display for the final time after 18 years.

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Story and photo by Celeste Lodewyk After 18 years, Renwick resident Val Alcorn has put up her famous Christmas lights display for the last time. Val’s home at 6 Kowhai Drive has long been a popular stop for families who can wander about her front garden admiring her many thousands of Christmas lights. In fact, Val has over 40,000 lights in her display. “I started with four strands of lights and now I have a whole yard full of them,” she

laughed. This year Val and her friends from the ‘Fun Seekers’ leisure marching team spent 360 hours putting up the lights, and donations made at the gate go towards the team as well as the extra power used in the display. When asked what her favourite Christmas light feature was she immediately pointed to a lit up wreath hung on her garage door. “A friend made a wreath from grapevine canes and I added colour-changing bulbs. That one will be staying with me,” she grinned.

Val said many of her lights will be sold and come next Christmas she will be “spending more time with my family”. “I have loved having my lights up and loved sharing them with families. “I have kids who have visited every year from a young age and now they are bringing their partners and children. “It’s been very special,” she said. Val’s Christmas lights will be turned on each evening from 8.45pm till late up until January 1, 2014 when they will come down for the last time.

“the pick of the bunch”

Attention: All Marlborough Grape Growers Mechanical thinning and yield reduction. Research in NZ and overseas has shown that modified machine harvesters used between fruit set and veraison can successfully reduce potential crop, whilst promoting trash removal and reduced incidence of Botrytis at harvest. This NZ research, conducted by Plant and Food, is funded by NZ Winegrowers and SSF (MPI).

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The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

King ousted, Smith new National Party candidate By Glenise Dreaver The sitting MP for Kaikoura Colin King makes no secret about his disappointment at losing the selection for the National Party line-up in the 2014 election. And he also said yesterday that in politics, people’s passions ran high. “But the selection process was robust and I am accepting the outcome in a positive way. “I will be there to support the new candidate.” He is also urging members and supporters here to get in behind new candidate Stuart Smith and National in 2014. “We know he will be our MP.” Stuart Smith had, on Tuesday night, successfully ousted Mr King, an unusual situation. The last time a National Party sitting MP lost a nomination was when John Key challenged Brian Neeson in 2002 and won. Mr Smith said his challenge came as the National Party was going through a cycle of renewal and reinvigoration “and I wanted to be part of that”. This focus has seen a number of sitting National MP’s standing down in 2014 but Mr King, elected in 2005 and 50th on the party’s ranking list, decided not to be one of those. Mr Smith said Colin was an effective MP and he did a good job “but I’ll do a different one. I’ve got a new take and new energy.” The Kaikoura branch chose a

Xmas lights 6 Purkiss Street, Blenheim 30 Westhaven Place, Blenheim 19 Fulton Street, Blenheim 19 & 21 Kim Crescent, Blenheim 6 & 9 Page Street, Blenheim 12 Avery Place (and conservatory), Blenheim 6 Kowhai Drive, Renwick Renwick Pioneer Church, cnr Havelock and Nicholson streets 34 Leefield St.

A Sounds Air plane that departed from Wellington had to make an emergency landing at Woodbourne Airport on Wednesday. The Cessna Caravan had six passengers onboard, plus the pilot, and was heading to Koromiko Airport when a heat shield for the engine came loose about 12.50pm. The aircraft reportedly landed heavily, but came to a safe stop and no one was injured. The pilot has been praised for his actions.

Take care

New National Party candidate Stuart Smith. Inset: Outgoing MP Colin King.

‘delegate voting method’ with just under 100 voting delegates selected on a ratio determined by the approximately 1000 branch members. Part owner and winegrower at Fairhall Downs Estate Mr Smith was, until last year, the president of the New Zealand Wine Grow-

By Glenise Dreaver The Labour Party has moved to field a strong candidate in the Kaikoura electorate for the 2014 general election. Janette Walker from Feilding has a high national profile, especially in the rural sector, for her work in exposing issues with rural interest

ers Association. That saw him working with government ministers, MPs and other national officials, he said. As well as his leadership role in the wine industry, he believed his previous background in farming was a factor in his success. So too was his role as founding

member and current chairman of the community-owned Southern Valley’s Irrigation Scheme and his involvement in last year’s Save our Services campaign in defence of Wairau Hospital. Mr Smith and his wife Julie have three teenage children.

rates. She is planning to shift to Blenheim now that she has won selection. Her background includes 20 years of farming, work as a vineyard contractor and an earlier career as a senior nurse. Labour Party Kaikoura chair Liz

Collyns said Kaikoura was a seat that had been taken for granted for too long. “Labour has sole-nominated Janette as someone who understands the primary production sector and rural/provincial people.” A formal confirmation meeting is to be held before the end of January.

New lungs best birthday gift for Martin By Celeste Lodewyk Eighteen months ago Blenheim man Martin Kenny was placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant, and just when his status became ‘critical’ he got the phone call he had been long waiting for. Martin flew to Auckland on November 17 where he received his new lungs and to make that day even more momentous, it was his birthday. Speaking to his mother Sharon Knight who has been at Martin’s side since his surgery, she shares the ups and downs throughout his first month of recovery. “Today (Tuesday) the doctor has given us the best news since Martin’s surgery. He has now turned a corner and is doing extremely well,” she said with relief in her

inbrief The Sun

Emergency landing

Strong Labour candidate New Labour candidate, Janette Walker.

Martin Kenny.

voice. “The first three weeks were hard, we had a lot of setbacks. Martin had to return to surgery the same day he came out and while he was

in there they found a hole in his heart which they repaired. “He was then in an induced coma for 17 days,” she said When Martin’s recovery took a turn for the worse, specialists prepared the family for what could come. “We were told we could lose him, it was very emotional,” Sharon said. Fortunately Martin improved and has, from this week, been out of bed. He is not yet walking or breathing alone but according to his surgeon “everything is looking good”. “He can’t speak yet, he has a tracheotomy helping him breathe which we hope will be out in the next 10 days. “He did however mouth the

words; ‘Mum, I can breathe!’ “That was a beautiful moment. We have been through a few boxes of tissues,” Sharon laughed. Martin could be facing another three months in hospital while he recovers, which means Sharon, who will stay on in Auckland to be with him, is facing additional costs on top of what she has to pay for in Blenheim. A number of appeals have been run for Martin and his family, but if anyone would like to make a donation help the family they can do so to the following account. The Martin Kenny Appeal: 03- 0599-0659353-000 “We would be so grateful for any help and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us this far,” Sharon said.

ACC Minister Judith Collins is encouraging Marlburians to take extra care during the holiday season. Between December 25 and January 2, ACC received around 36,500 Christmas-related injury claims, costing levy payers around $24 million to date. “Seemingly harmless activities such as setting up and taking down Christmas trees and lights can prove risky,”she said. Last year, ACC received 154 Christmas tree-related claims, 39 Christmas light-related claims and 29 Christmas present-related claims.

Salmon progress Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman has welcomed this week’s announcement of significant progress in the dispute over increased salmon farming in the Marlborough Sounds. The work on drafting best management practices for salmon farming here came after an intensive week of meetings and workshops hosted by the MDC and NZ King Salmon. They brought together key figures from the industry, the environmental lobby and those with responsibility for aquaculture regulation. Scottish aquaculture expert Professor Kenneth Black of the Scottish Marine Institute and Australian academic Dr Catriona McLeod of the University of Tasmania provided external input. Professor Black said the last week had opened the way for a much closer working relationship and he believed greater dialogue and greater trust would provide the path forward. Marlborough District Council’s environment committee chairman Peter Jerram said that, until this week, some of these people had never been in the same room together. “I think it’s now well understood that environmental concerns are legitimately held and also that the industry needs to optimise production, within the safeguards.”

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Business

Locals spending up a storm

Business inbrief

e you ust like you Late night shopping

Late-night shopping will hit Picton tonight and tomorrow night, with shops open until 8pm, street entertainment in town and live evening music at local cafes, restaurants and bars. Tomorrow night there will be twilight mini golf from 5pm, so take the family, make a day of it and enjoy the festivities. The Vines Village on Rapaura Road will also have late-night shopping on Monday December 23. Shops open late will be Lilac Wine Art & Gifts, The Fudge Factory and The Gourmet Collection.

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$1000 gift for vital service Havelock business Johnson’s Barge Service

givenbusiness the Nelson Marlborough Rescue for all has your Helicopter Trust an unexpected Christmas ness ds gift of $1000. Owners Peter and Jennie Johnson say they value the important service the ations at your premises, athelicopter a timeprovides to people who are sick and injured, parof the Marlborough Sounds you ticularly emises, at ain areas time and d’Urville Island that are too isolated to be by vehicle boat. ndline,accessed mobile andoronline data “We have hundreds of clients who live, work or play in this area and it is reassuring to us that

help is there when they really need it.” nd online data

Paula Muddle, marketing manager mmunication health checks tofor the helicopter trust, thanked the couple for their generosity. ways on the right plan

“We really appreciate Johnson’s Barge Seralth checks to the work we do in their region vice recognising and will put this generous donation towards our t planongoing operations,” she said.

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By Kristy Martin Marlburians are not holding back when it comes to Christmas shopping, having spent $25 million in the first two weeks of December. This spending was up 9.5 per cent on last year. National Paymark figures showed that Marlborough and Palmerston North were the regions with the equal highest increase in spending over that fortnight since 2012.

Paymark, which processes about three quarters of all electronic transactions in New Zealand, said Marlburians spent $25.4 million between December 1-14, compared with $23.2m last year. Nationally, spending had increased throughout the country, with over $2.2 billion spent in the first half of December alone. Friday the 13th was the busiest shopping day of the month and second busiest day of the year so far, with $187 million spent

Christmas window display a winner By Kristy Martin A ‘too cute’ display featuring teddy bears wearing Santa hats and sunglasses has taken the top prize in the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Christmas window competition. This year’s competition attracted nine entries, but the winners were Barry Gainford Eyecare with their fun, summer-themed display put together by practice manager Kathy Milam. Ms Milam said she worked in collaboration with local woman Betty Willams who handmade all the teddy bears, Santa hats and elves’ costumes. It took about one and half

days, she said, as she kept having to stop when customers entered the Market Street store. “I love doing our windows. “It’s a great way to get the creativity flowing,” Ms Milam said. “I wanted a summer theme with kids and toys. “It’s fun to watch people walking past and see them look.” The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce said the display was a deserving winner based on it being so ‘cute’. Barry Gainford will receive a $50 morning tea voucher from Marlborough Community College plus six bottles of wine.

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Kathy Milam, practice manager at Barry Gainford Eyecare, with their award-winning Christmas window display.

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nationwide. Hardware and building supplies was the sector with the strongest growth, up 12 per cent, proving that Kiwis are keen DIY fans. This was followed by accommodation at 11.7 per cent, liquor retailing, 10.6 per cent, and restaurants, cafes and bars at 9.9 per cent. Electronic goods also recorded strong growth at 9.1 per cent, which was believed to be a product of the recent launch of gaming consoles and also the strong Kiwi dollar.

New Zealand Retail Association Central and Southern Regional Manager Brian Finlayson.

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By Celeste Lodewyk “Don’t let shoplifters spoil your Christmas”. That’s the message from New Zealand Retail Association Central and Southern Regional Manager Brian Finlayson. According to Brian Christmas is one of the busiest times for shoplifters who take advantage of the increased foot traffic and “distracted staff”. “A busy shop floor with distracted staff provides the ideal opportunity for shoplifters to help themselves. “Recently I visited a chemist (not in Marlborough) which had been hit hard by a shoplifter. Two women walked in together when there was only one staff member present and while they were distracted by one of the shoplifters, the other put $2000 worth of perfume in their bag. “They then walked out of the chemist together undetected. This serves as a reminder how important it is to have enough staff watching at all times,” Brian said. There are a number of things business owners and staff can do to deter thieves. • De-clutter the shop floor. Don’t overcrowd it with excess stock, particularly around the counter area • Make sure staff have a clear sight line throughout the shop where possible. • Don’t have stock on or around the counter. • Make staff aware that shoplifters are

highly active this time of year and talk them through what they should do if they do suspect someone. • If you do think someone will shoplift, have a staff member follow them about the store. The constant staff presence will make them think twice about shoplifting. • Have plenty of staff throughout the day, especially during busy lunch hours. In his role, Brian has seen and heard of many different tactics used by shoplifters “One that many retailers are having a hassle with at the moment is people coming in with prams and push chairs and putting items under blankets. “Shoplifters are putting items under jackets which are slung over their shoulders, some have pretended to be courier drivers and taken boxes of stock and often shoplifters will grab items on display by entrance ways and walk out of the shop,” he said. Another strategy which is being seen more is shoplifters switching price tickets, or purchasing something the day before, returning to the shop and picking up the same item and asking for a refund. “Shoplifters will try every trick in the book “It’s the ones you don’t suspect who could be ripping you off left right and centre so be alert and protect your business from theft this Christmas,” Brian said.

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

January school holiday fun at Blenheim library Join us for some great stories and craft during the holidays! 10.30am on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s through January - no registration required! Enquiries please call Tracey or Emily, Ph: 03 520 7470.

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I would really love to take my niece to the Dr who concert in Wellington on 22nd Feb next year! I wonder if there are any tickets available? JJ

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Drivers plz look carefully at roundabouts - I was cycling and nearly got collected by car at redwood/Alabama roundabout this morning - I was wearing hi viz vest and doing all the right things. Very scary.

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Paying it forward this xmas I would just like to let you know there are some good sorts out there and I saw this first hand thursday 12 dec 2013 at Farmers Blenheim had a lovely lady who made xmas that much more special for one family by paying for their items when they were having trouble with their card at the register Farmers was lucky enough to have this happen twice in one day

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New owners are kool they work hard and are polite and talk 2 their customers. Blenheim people resist change learn the serenity prayer...grant me the serenity to accept the things we cannot changes, courage to change the things we can, wisdom to know the diffrence. Come on people roll with change its not hard. Gr8ful customer

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letters

Letters to the editor Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even if a nom de plume is provided for publication. The editor reserves the right to

abridge letters or withhold unsuitable letters from publication. Send or fax them to the address on page two, or e mail them to news@ blenheimsun.co.nz. Please note that your name and street address must also be provided in emails.

MISS YOU, TREE Still miss the big Xmas tree downtown that used to be awesome and gave us all the Xmas spirit

bEWARE THE WRATH OF M4F Agree with BW re lack of planning take last weekend so many event’s on ridiculous. No one wants to share, the folk who are entrenched think only of themselves. Come on Marlborough stop patting yourself on the back for mediocrity work together instead of talking about it. Marlborough and its visitors deserves better. Maggie M

sYMPATHIES Sympathies and wishes to Nadine on your front page. She sounds like a lovely lady. My Mum never smoked a day in her life. Neither did my Dad. They were both absolutely against the idea of polluting your body. I grew up listening to how you would get lung cancer if you smoke. Mum passed away 3 years ago. Lung cancer. Pete.

mANY THANKS Thankyou so much to the post office worker who delivered a christmas card, from uganda. our ugandan friends failed to add our street name and house number, but some postie managed to track us down just by our name and suburb.thanks for going the extra mile at christmas nz post! Be blessed.

Brilliant

Summer solstice is here Dear Ed, The Summer Solstice, Litha, and for Maori, Te Maruaroa o te Raumati, the first day of summer occurs this Sunday, December 22nd during the time of the shortest night(s) and longest day(s); the brightest time on Nature’s Calendar, especially in sunny Blenheim. It’s a time to celebrate completion and fulfilment, acknowledge accomplishments, appreciate successes and... each other. Because ‘the sun stands still’ is what ‘solstice’ means, conveniently for the Christian church, with only one letter to differentiate them, the word ‘sun’ was, and is, easily mistaken for ‘son’ when spoken.

Though the sun seems to be stationary it’s rather a moment of balance when the light begins to decline. The date of the newer Mass of Christ was purposely positioned close to that of the very much older Winter Solstice so that the two observances overlapped and would cause the latter and its adherents to be overridden and, in time, superseded. Those of us who’ve dared to deviate from the season-insensitive Gregorian calendar will be observing Yuletide next June both in its proper season and for what it is: the Winter Solstice. The compliments of the season to all! arvensis

Beat the scammers Dear Ed, Re the scams . Most come from offshore (overseas) and we cannot stop them. I get them by phone, usually at around 5 to 6pm. This is what I do. Answer the phone in the usual way. Now wait! Do not say anything at all. You know if the caller is a friend or a relative because they all begin with something like “That you Mavis? Angela here” don’t they.? Don’t make a sound. Do NOT threaten to call the police. They cannot do anything for you as the call is from overseas. Eventually they

will ring off. Relatived, carers, neighbours, friends or folk you think are possibly easliy led please read this letter to them. Do not take notice of threats or encouraging talk like helping you with your computer, giving information about a long-lost legacy, a win on a lottery. It is all lies. Because you would never do such a thing don’t waste time thinking others won’t they will and they do - all the time. Do not be a victim. Completely ignore them! Jan

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The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

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The Sun

5 minutes with: Santa Claus

Q A Q A Q A

Q A

What is your favourite food? Well actually I have developed quite a liking for the traditional Kiwi pavlova, particularly when topped with Marlborough cherries. What makes you smile?

I get a little hot under the collar when Marlborough Lines forgets to put out their beacon lights so my reindeer can navigate safely around Blenheim. Sorry Ken Forrest, it wasn’t possums last year it was Comet’s hoof that clipped the power poles.

I do get Destination Marlborough’s emails but I have to convince Mrs Claus about the Sounds cruises. She hasn’t yet developed her sea legs.

Q A

What’s your favourite music? The elves sing all day long so after 11 straight months of Christmas carols, it’s quite nice to have some peace and quiet.

Q A

What is the one thing Sun readers would be surprised to know about you? Often parents will tell their children that “Santa is watching so behave”, which in fact is true. I can really hear and see any naughty and nice behaviour so I record their names on my list.

I had a giggle when my elves’ Christmas party got out of hand last week. Let’s just say there were shaved eyebrows, spiky hair cuts and candy canes stuck everywhere. What’s your pet hate?

Your favoured holiday destination?

Q A

Who would you invite to dinner? Mrs Claus often talks about Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef but I much prefer my dinner guests to be dressed! I will, however be extending an invitation to my old friend Alistair Sowman as I have a few tips for him.

Q A

What’s next on your wish list? I have my chief elf working on a bottom warmer for my sleigh seat , so I am hoping it’s ready in time for Christmas Eve.

Q A

A saying you like to live by? One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.

Missing man drowned, Celebration coroner rules of success By Kristy Martin A coroner has ruled that missing Blenheim man Craig Alfred Partridge drowned and that his death was “another sad example” of the combination of not wearing a lifejacket and alcohol impairment. Mr Partridge, a 45-year-old grape grower, fell from a boat in the Marlborough Sounds in the early hours of September 3 and his body has not been found. Findings of an inquest at the Blenheim Coroner’s Court by chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean, which were released last week, determined that the matter be finalised. The report states that Mr Partridge, an experienced boatie, was with his daughter Harriet and a friend of hers when he fell from his launch, Kamahi, after drinking and socialising at Furneaux Lodge in Queen Charlotte Sound. Mr Partridge’s intoxication level was described as high, having drunk alcohol between late evening on September 2 through to 2.30am the following day. Mr MacLean’s report said Mr Partridge

was at the helm of his launch, heading back to the family bach, when his daughter became concerned and took the wheel from her father after he had “performed a manoeuvre that seemed inappropriate”. Within about five minutes, Mr Partridge had fallen from the boat without any sound noticed by his companions, and Mr MacLean ruled that the generally calm weather and sea conditions played no part in this. An intensive search of Endeavour Inlet by rescue crews, including the New Zealand Navy, turned up some personal items but Mr Partridge, who was dressed in a long sleeve polo, thermals and gumboots, was not found. Mr MacLean said the level of Mr Partridge’s intoxication will never fully be known, but noted that a similar tragedy had occurred near Kaikoura recently. “…it is something that happens with distressing frequency, and the combination of impairment with alcohol and not wearing a lifejacket sadly is often a common denominator”.

Story and photo supplied Twenty-two year six students celebrated the end of an era at the Picton School annual prizegiving and concert, held in the school hall last week. All children participated in performing favourite songs for the event. Principal Alister McCosh spoke of the positive comments the school had received about the responsible behaviour the students regularly displayed. He said that while taking personal responsibility was a key focus of learning at Picton School, the learning extended way beyond the classroom and into the home. “We are always teaching our children something by our words and actions.” He said that as teachers and parents, they could help the children acquire habits and

Mainfreight Blenheim manager John Cleary, who presented the Mainfreight Duffy Awards for Overall Achievement to Picton School students Callum Nicholson (runner up) and Sophie Overend, (winner).

character traits that they could rely on in their lives. “If we help them to take pleasure in thinking and behaving well, they will have the best chance to lead good lives as individuals and citizens in the community. “Responsible behaviour may manifest itself in a number of small ways. “It may be beginning and

completing an activity, doing homework, returning notices, readers and library books, and picking up rubbish,” he said The school community recognised the achievements of many of those students, including the Mainfreight Duffy Award for Overall Achievement awarded to Sophie Overend, with the runner-up being Callum Nicholson.

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The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

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Marlborough

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FRI & MON OPEN TILL 9PM Available from Friday 20th - Tuesday 24th December 2013, while stocks last. DC1428

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find us

Friday December 20, 2013

Pets for gifts?

The Sun

Think carefully advises SPCA

SPCA Marlborough animal attendant Charlotte Patterson-Green with one of the centre’s kittens ready for adoption, 11 week old ‘Cuddles’.

Story and photo by Celeste Lodewyk To the right people pets make great Christmas gifts, provided owners understand the commitment they are making. This is the message from SPCA regional manager Geoff Sutton to families thinking of buying/ adopting a pet for Christmas. “While animals make fantastic gifts, they should never be given to anyone who is not ready or prepared to receive them. “Pets can be up to a 15-year commitment so please think carefully before you take on the responsibility,” he said. The SPCA Marlborough is focusing its core efforts on the

prevention of cruelty and suffering of animals through neglect and abuse, therefore the centre does not want to be inundated with people offloading their unwanted pets. “It’s our goal to re-home as many animals we can that come our way, but we want our resources to be available to the animals which need us the most. “So please be responsible with your pets,” he said. Geoff also wishes to remind people not to leave their animals in cars during the hot summer months. “If the trip is not for the benefit of the animal, such as taking a dog to the river or veterinarian, then

Make quitting your NY resolution By Kristy Martin Staff at the Cancer Society Marlborough say the sad passing of lung cancer sufferer Nadine Francis should serve as a wake up call to other smokers in the community. Ms Francis, pictured on the Sun newspaper’s front page last Friday, used her final days to warn the public about the dangers of smoking, something she should be commended on, says Cancer Society Marlborough health promoter Teresa Goza. Ms Goza said it was very brave of the former school teacher to come forward and urge others not to take up smoking, a habit the Blenheim woman held for 55 years. “It is very sad that she has passed away but she did a wonderful thing by drawing attention to the issue,” Ms Goza said. “Tobacco is a product that kills 5000 New Zealanders every year. “We know it is hard to give up, and mainly because the stuff is everywhere. “Cigarettes are available in every dairy you visit, every service station and every supermarket. “Your friends and whanau will most likely smoke and you’ll go to numerous places where you will have to walk through a cloud of smoke, which will trigger your brain to want one. “Please make quitting your New Year’s resolution, even if you have tried it before, or have made quitting a goal every single year.

Reformed smoker Eereena Norris, who works at Challenge, quit the habit two years ago and has never felt better.

“Please try again. Try another product, try another cessation service. Keep going.” Reformed smoker Eereena Norris says she quit smoking two years ago and has never felt better. The Challenge service station employee smoked for 24 years before quitting cold turkey. “I had to change some of my habits, such as drinking coffee in the morning, by switching to orange juice instead.

Simply

“Now I don’t even think about it and I really notice how bad people smell when they walk by after having a cigarette.” Ms Goza said changing your environment meant changing your future. Smokers trying to quit should ask their family members and friends not to smoke around them, remove all lighters and ashtrays from their homes and seek support through organisations like Quitline or Cancer Society, she said.

Come and try our NEW Summer Menu!

3355 Baby-G

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The Marlborough District Council will pay for a water tanker to keep the dust down on Waikakaho Valley Road over summer while the district-wide issues with unsealed roads are investigated. Waikakoho Valley residents have lobbied the Council, saying the dust nuisance caused by logging truck movements is affecting their health and quality of life. Public health, roading, forestry, and Council representatives met to consider the issue and Wairau Awatere Councillor Geoff Evans says a water tanker has been brought in to the Waikakaho Valley to dampen down the dust and this will continue over summer at the peak times of logging and gravel truck movements. Cr Evans says seal extensions are very expensive and Council needs to consider a range of dust mitigation options. But he said Council does understand the extent of the dust problem on the Waikakaho Valley Road and the water tanker would be on duty when needed. Forestry trucks would operate until the end of this week, resuming on January 8, 2014. Councillor Evans said it was obviously unaffordable to seal all the 700km of unsealed roads in rural Marlborough and that the roads worst impacted by dust would need to be prioritised.

now $189 3356 Baby-G

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Special Xmas Banquet menu this Friday and Saturday only. For groups of 6 to 10, $40pp

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Council addresses logging truck dust

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don’t take it! “Ten minutes in a hot car can be too long, even with the windows open. Dogs, for example use their tongues to maintain and regulate their body temperature, so if the air in the car is hot they can overheat causing brain damage and death. “My advice is to leave your pets home where they are comfortable and have everything they need. I can’t stress this enough,” he said. The SPCA Marlborough centre will be operating restricted hours between Christmas and January 6, 2014. People can still phone and leave messages which will be responded to each day.

$189

now $139

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Gift Vouchers Available

75 Market Street, Blenheim | Ph 578 7897 We also accept these cards: CRT, Gilrose Finance & Q-Card

Soup: Khmer chicken hot/sour soup Entrée: 1. Khmer chicken/ SHRIMP summer rolls Main: 1. BANH Hoi 2. SIZZLING spicy king PRAWN cutlets on hot iron casts plate 3. Khmer AMOK (Steam fish curry) 4. SAMLOR KAKOR chicken/pork belly 5. Khmer Curry Beef SARAMOM with ROTI 6. Spicy Mongolian (Chicken) Desserts: Khmer PINEAPPLE custard pudding served with fresh fruit, fresh whipped cream Tea/ coffee Daily lunch special/Takeaway Tues-Sun 11.30am-2-30pm Dinner: Mon-5pm-9.30pm, Tues-Thurs 5- 10pm Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun-5-9pm

We wish our loyal and new customers a happy Christmas and prosperous new year

14 Scott Street • 578 8833

txt talk

The Sun

Text your thoughts to:

027 242 5266

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Have fun but be fire safe By Kristy Martin After almost 400 callouts this year, Blenheim firefighters are urging Marlburians to have a safe Christmas and New Year. Chief fire officer Rob Dalton said the Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade had responded to 393 calls since January and he didn’t want to see the festive season spoiled for anyone by having to respond to incidents like house fires or car crashes. Volunteer support officer Lewis Jones also urged people to take extra care when it came to Christmas trees and lights.

Lewis Jones from the Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“It can take just seconds for a dried out Christmas tree to ignite and spread into an inferno,” Mr

Jones said. “Heat travels across the room, releasing vapours and this can ignite other combustibles such as paper or furnishings.” While natural trees were not able to spontaneously combust, it was important to keep them hydrated through regular watering in order to reduce the potential for fire. They should also be kept in a cool place and away from heat sources such as candles. When it came to Christmas lights, these should be thoroughly checked for any breaks,

kinks or exposed wires, Mr Jones said. “It’s like having a bend in a hose, it causes friction and creates heat,” he said. “Turn all Christmas lights off at night and when you go out. “Ensure they are turned off at the wall to remove any potential for danger.” In the event of a fire, people should immediately shut the power off and call 111. “On behalf of the team, we wish everybody a happy, safe and firefree Christmas and New Year,” Mr Jones said.

This Christmas our chapel will be open for a time of quiet reflection to remember loved ones who have passed away. ALL ARE WELCOME

SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 1.00 - 3.00 PM The Mayfield Chapel

Spreading Christmas cheer

Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors Cnr Hutcheson & Parker Streets

To advertise your business, call Simon (03) 5777 868 been busy Santa, aka Kevin Hart, has ds (an d car de liveri ng Ch ris tm as cheer!) all across town.

The Robinson siblings - Kaiya, 7, Jiziah, 5, and Xalia ,6 ted getting into the Christmas spirit at Manhattan - from Blenheim were spotCafe on High Street yesterday.

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The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Police target driver Police inbrief behaviour this Christmas Cannabis cultivation

Marlborough police and officers across the country have teamed up with a number of road safety groups as part of a summer campaign to reduce the human, social and economic cost of speeding and other risky behaviour on the road. This is because statistics show that summer is a particularly risky season on the roads, with holiday destinations like the Tasman District - which includes Marlborough and Nelson - experienceing a higher crash risk. There are a number of factors that that make this time of year more dangerous, including there being more traffic on the roads with people driving longer distances and on unfamilar roads; stressful driving

conditions as a result of having children and family members in the vehicle; and drivers suffering from fatigue as a result of driving at abnormal times and greater distances. This risk increases further when people drive too fast for the conditions, drink too much or take other unnecessary risks on the road. Up to the end of January, police will be strictly enforcing a reduced speed threshold of 4kmh, meaning anyone found driving at more than 4kmh over the speed limit will be penalised. Police say they will have no tolerance for those flouting the law. This will be accompanied by a continued focus on

drink-driving, seatbelts and other unsafe driving behaviour. Marlborough police will be maintaining a highly visible presence on the roads over Christmas and the New Year and are reminding all drivers they can be randomly roadside tested for alcohol and drugs anywhere, anytime.

Protect your home from thieves Police are warning the New Zealand public to be vigilant on Christmas Day despite the fact that many criminals appear to take a holiday on 25 December. National Manager Prevention Bruce Bird said on average the level of criminal offending drops about 27% on Christmas Day. “Over the last five years there has been an average of 436 criminal apprehensions in New Zealand on the 25th of December,” Mr Bird said. “The most important prevention measure home owners can take is to

let their neighbours know when they are going away,” Mr Bird said. “It is also a great idea to swap holiday addresses and let each other know if you are expecting visitors or trades people while you are away.” “We will have a high public presence during the holiday season,” Mr Bird said. “However the public also need to play their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. “If you are going to consume alcohol please drink responsibly and whatever you do don’t get behind the wheel or in a boat if you are over

the limit. “Domestic violence is also an area of concern for Police at holiday times and Police urge victims to seek help before situations escalate out of control.” Historically assault and disorderly behaviour are the two most common criminal offences committed on Christmas Day. Over the last five years there have been a total of 570 apprehensions for acts intending to cause injury and 429 apprehensions for public order offences recorded on December 25.

On Tuesday a 32-year-old female truck driver and a 33-year-old male mechanic were arrested at Wairau Bar Road after Police executed a search warrant at the property. The male has been charged with cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis for supply. Located in the search were 17 cannabis plants in an indoor growing operation and five one-ounce bags of cannabis heads packaged for sale. The female has been charged with permitting her premises to be used for growing cannabis. She was bailed to appear in the Blenheim District Court on the 21/01/14, while the male was held in custody to appear in the Blenheim District Court on Wednesday.

Theft of NZ and Aussie dollars

Picton trespass At 12.45am a 44-year-old male seasonal worker was arrested in Picton after he trespassed on a property he had previously been trespassed from. He will appear in the Blenheim District Court on January 7.

Tools pinched Between the November 23 and December 6, a garage at a bach in Okiwi Bay was broken into a quantity of tools taken.

Laptop stolen A vehicle was broken into on Alabama Road overnight on wednesday. Sony stereo speakers were taken along with a laptop. Police are reminding people not to leave valuables in their cars.

Tyres screwed

A teenager who stole about $3000 from a Picton home has been arrested. The unemployed 18-year-old man was arrested at 8.10pm on Wednesday and charged for the historic theft of the cash. He’d taken a $1000 New Zealand and $2000 Australian. The man has been bailed to appear to appear in the Blenheim District Court on January 13.

Two tyres of a Kiwi Experience bus parked on Beach Road, Kaikoura had two tyres wilfully damaged on Tuesday. Screws were screwed into the two tyres.

Seeds found Around 30 cannabis seedlings were located in the Kaituna area, it appeared the seedlings had been placed out ready for planting.

Ph: 0800 500 123

o H Ho Homes!

h g u o r o b l r a M s a m t s i r h C Merry

Have a safe and happy holiday, a prosperous New Year and a huge THaNk You to all my clients See you in 2014! Debbie Webster

03 578 3760 • 021 797 454 debbie.webster@mikepero.com

www.mikepero.com Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Shopping for Christmas AWeSome

bes l tu er p 10m 5 x $19.50 for pack

Summer Christmas gifts

Your locally owned and operated Supermarket

These great gift packs give you the option to choose which cream you would like to have.

4 Freswick Street, Blenheim Open 7 days 7am to 10pm Ph: (03) 520 9030 Fax: (03) 520 9080 Shop & Get Rewards

With a choice from eight of The Honey Collection creams, you can select five to enjoy in this attractive handy pack. They are great as a gift, travel pack or if you just wanted to try our wonderful range of Active UMF Manuka Honey based products.

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NZ/Maori Inspired Giftware Hampers

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Pillows & Throws

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Sunday markets, 22nd and Sunday 29th December, 9-00am to noon as always footloose.co.nz

Ph 578 2595, Cleghorn St Redwood Village

A&P Showgrounds Tuesday, 24th December, 2-00pm to 5.00pm • Freshest produce, and tasty delicacies • Recipes, ingredients and present ideas • Buy your seasonal fruit and veg the day before Christmas • Relax while you shop • Treasure hunt for kids • Heaps of Christmas cheer • Ho ho ho - see you there!

Cream Teas in the garden

13 Selmes Road, RD3, Rapaura, Blenheim Ph (03) 570 5832 • patakaforkai@gmail.com www.patakathefoodstore.co.nz

4 John Street Blenheim

(03) 578 5398

e:furnishing.centre@xtra.co.nz

Friday December 20, 2013

The Sun

what’s on in marlborough

- weekend event guide Friday 20 December

Saturday 21 December

A Touch of Christmas today and Saturday Christmas - a time of love and music. A musical performance with The Tony Thiel Trio and featuring young guest Artists. The Floor Pride Civic Theatre 7.30pm Tickets $25 - $3 goes to Hospice.

Eastern States Speedway tonight 7pm

PICTON Christmas Shopping Festivities Today and tomorrow Shops open late (8pm) Street Entertainment. Live evening music in local restaurants, cafes & bars. The Edwin Fox Maritime Centre, Picton Open every day from 9am. Great wet weather day activity and child friendly. Come check out the amazing history and facts. Kids under 5 free! Sit and Be Fit with Sue Free general exercise for the not so mobile while sitting down! 1pm Monday and Friday afternoons at 131 Budge Street. Plenty of parking. Phone Sue: 578 0469 Sit and Be Fit with Jeanette Free exercise for all ages at Crossroads, 2 Redwood Street. At 10am Phone 578 5395. Picton EcoWorld Touch a Tuatara see a Penguin, get up close and have fun discovering some amazing animals that live on Middle-earth making New Zealand, “the youngest land in the world”, Unique. Open every day from 9.30am. Quest Intermediate age youth group, 3.30pm-5pm, Picton Baptist Church, 293 Waikawa Rd, Picton. Text Bronwyn 021 046 2434. Pastel Painting Marlborough Art Society, 10am till 3pm. Prue: 578 8888. Tai Chi Today and Mondays. 10am, 11.30am and 1pm. Liz 027 748 6666. Picton Museum 10am till 4pm daily, 9 London Quay. 573 8283. Marlborough Museum 26 Arthur Baker Place, off New Renwick Rd, Brayshaw Heritage Park. Daily 10am till 4pm.

Summer Farmers’ Market 9.00am - noon A&P Showgrounds. Showcasing the best of what Marlborough has to offer. St Lukes Spring Creek Carols & Praise service Today at 9.30am, Midnight Communion starting at 11pm on 24th, “Show and tell your favourite present” informal family service at 10am Christmas Day and resume our normal services after Christmas.

Picton Twilight Mini Golf From 5pm discounted rate $6 pp Mikey’s Bar “THE CHILLI DOGS” from 8pm Marlborough Artisan Market 9.30-1.30pm Wynen Street Carpark includes a range of stalls, including fruit and vegetables, woodwork, handicrafts, pottery, soaps, lavender products, toiletries, oils and wines, nuts and flowers. Blenheim Rotary Car Boot Sale Every Saturday 8am – 2pm at the Railway Station car park, Grove Rd, Phone John 578 3918. Marlborough Embroiderers’ Guild First Saturday of the month at 1.30pm 4.30pm St John Rooms, Seymour St Ph Roz 57824 Blenheim Menz Shed 4 Dillons Point Rd open 9am to 12 noon Saturday. Mon & Thurs 1 - 4pm. Building relationships and sharing skills. Ph Gerry 5781835 Pregnancy Yoga 9.15am-10.15am. For information call Huia: 021 0724 107 Mini Putt & Merry-Go-Round Picton Foreshore, 10am every day during school holidays, today and Sunday, 10am Redwood Market 8am-noon, Redwood Tavern car park. Plants produce and crafts. Vintage Farm Machinery 10am till 3pm, Open every day. Brayshaw Vintage Farm, Guided tours available, Doris 579 4357. Picton Men’s Shed Every Saturday 10am to 1pm and Wednesday 9am-4pm. Plants and garden furniture sold Saturday and Wednesday 10am to 1pm.

Picton Rotary Club Car Boot Sale. Picton RSA carpark from 9am1pm, every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Sheira 578 3909 Pony Club at Grounds New Renwick Rd. 10am every 2nd Sunday of the month. Grant 578 2100 Michelle 572 8984. Model Aero Club ARA Wairau Valley 9am. Murray 578 9199 or Tony 577 9776. Petanque 10am 65A Weld Street – Phone John 577 9789.

Get ready for the weekend with our list of what’s on! UP AND COMING EVENTS Tuesday 24th MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE MARKET. from 2.00pm to 5.00pm Wednesday 25 December You are invited to a Christmas Day 2013 BBQ/ Pot Luck Lunch Wednesday 25 December 12pm (midday) onwards (NB No Regular Christmas Day Church Service at 9:30am, but there may be a service for the Nivan Guys of Renwick) Renwick Presbyterian Church Grounds Phone 572 9809 for more information. Please bring a plate of food and something to drink to share.

Tramping Club Mary 5728762. Buddhism for Modern Life 10am, 573 5379. Blenheim Bonsai 2pm-4pm, 7 Hale Street. Dave 577 8679. Marlborough Guild of Woodworkers Brayshaw Park, open workshop 1-4pm, Every 1st Sunday of the month. Wooden toys for sale. Malcolm: 578 8809. Marlborough Rock and Mineral Club 10am-4pm every Sunday at Brayshaw Park. Come and see our large rock, mineral, crystal and fossil collection, work room and books. Free admission. Associated Modellers Society Minature steam engine rides at Brayshaw Park, 1st and 3rd Sunday each month, 1pm till 4pm $2

ILLI DOGS” Mikey’s Bar - “THE CH from 8pm

Sunday 22 December

The Diversion Gallery Open noon-5pm Wed – Saturdays 10 London Quay, Picton. 573 7376 or 027 440 8121 or www.thediversion.co.nz

Ulysses Ride To Elaine Bay, Tennyson Inlet for lunch. BYO picnic lunch. Meet at Railway Stn at 10.15am departing 10.30am

Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery Open 10.30am till 4.30pm daily, 204 High St. 577 6784 www.marlboroughartsociety.com

Renwick Anglican Community Church 54 High St Renwick. Morning worship 9.30am Rev Steve Allcutt ph 572 8850

If you have an event contact Liz at The Sun on 5777 868

MarLborough’s Light the fuse @ New Year’s PartY blenheim >

JoiN with us iN this excitiNg eveNt heLd siMuLtaNeousLY oN PictoN’s foreshore aNd bLeNheiM’s Liz davidsoN PLace to ceLebrate the PassiNg of 2013 aNd weLcoMe iN 2014 with oNe aLMightY ceLebratioN. • Pasifika Music celebration • country Music featuring tony williaMs

picTon > • Music froM Midge MccLearY

• one false Move • chilli dogs • and see the new year in with fireworks disPLaYs iN both bLeNheiM aNd PictoN

Tuesday, december 31, 2013

the foreshore PictoN | Liz davidsoN PLace bLeNheiM from 8.00pm

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Emergency distress beacon the ideal travel buddy If you’re planning on fleeing your family and friends even for a few hours this Christmas, ensure that one faithful companion goes with you – your emergency distress beacon. When going bush or heading out on the boat, an emergency beacon could turn out to be your best friend, says Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) Operational Support Manager Rodney Bracefield, GPS-equipped beacons can significantly speed up the rescue of people in distress and really take the search out of search and rescue, Mr Bracefield said. “But the numbers show that registering your beacon is a key part of the process. “It’s a legal requirement, and it’s free, and this enables the RCCNZ to call emergency contacts who can provide valuable information about a trip.” Of the 307 beacons activated in New Zealand’s search and rescue region to date this year, only 42% (127) were used in distress situations - the other 58% were attributed to false alerts or inadvertent activations. “If the beacon is registered, the first

A MicroPLB Type GXL handheld device used to transmit distress signals.

call we make is to the emergency contact to find out if the beacon is being used by somebody or it’s an accidental activation. “Where a beacon is not registered all alerts must be followed up, involving emergency response services and personnel that may be diverted from an actual emergency.” There are an estimated 12,000 unregistered 406MHz beacons in New Zealand – about 30 per cent of the total. “Beacons are for anyone venturing

off the beaten track – from farmers to mountain bikers, climbers to 4x4 adventurers and microlight pilots. “They are small and light and they could genuinely be a lifesaver.” Hire beacons are available from many tramping clubs and outdoor equipment suppliers for those who head away from civilisation on a less regular basis. Registration is free, a legal requirement, and can be completed online at www.beacons.org.nz.

Postive outlook for region Economic confidence in the Nelson/Marlborough/ West Coast region is the most optimistic it’s been since December 2009, according to the latest Westpac McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence survey. Findings show households expecting good economic times in the region over the year ahead rose from a net 33% in September to a net 35% in December. The national average was for a net 28% to expect good times ahead for their region. “The continued lift in economic confidence in this diverse region matches other signs that the local economy is on the mend,” said Westpac Chief Economist Dominick Stephens. “Unemployment has fallen this year, Nelson house prices are back above their 2007 peak, and commercial construction has picked up.” Separately, the regional breakdown of the Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index showed Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast consumer confidence rose slightly from 115.0 in September to 116.0 in December, still below the national average of 120.1. “Consumer confidence in the region has also picked up modestly, but it remains lower than six months ago, with people less optimistic about their own finances. “For retailers, this suggests there is still some caution about,” said Mr Stephens. The survey was conducted over the period December 1 – 10, 2013.

Come to Church

this Christmas Enjoy fellowship with family and friends this Christmas. Looking for a Christmas Church service? Find one here. Blenheim Methodist Parish

ANGLICAN CHURCH

‘Where Church & Community Meet’

Our services will be held at St Christopher’s - 92 Weld Street, Redwoodtown

We invite you to join us for these services at the Wesley Centre:

(opposite Redwoodtown Countdown).

11pm Christmas Eve Contemporary Communion Service 9.30am Christmas Day Family Communion

‘Come Celebrate Christmas With Us’

Sunday 22 December - 10am Christmas Day - 9:30am Family Service at Wesley

Sunday 29 December - 10am Combined Service at St. Andrews

All Welcome Rev. Ian Boddy

Ph 578 0139 or 578 4431 for more details.

Ph. 578 5796 3 Henry Street

gardening

Friday December 20, 2013

The Sun

this week

Holiday punch Ingredients 1 pint fresh strawberries 1/2 bunch fresh mint 2 cups orange juice (from about 12 juice oranges) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 litres ginger ale chilled

Lilies under the Christmas tree Two years ago I was given a Christmas lily plant as a secret santa gift, and every year I watch with enjoyment as it grows bigger and more beautiful. I am no gardening expert, far from actually. But what I love most about these lilies is how fabulous they look and smell as well as making the perfect Christmas gift. They can be planted in a full sun to part shade position and with some fertiliser each spring and summer, the flowers will bloom at their best.

Preparation Place all into a large punch bowl and keep in the fridge chilled until your guests are ready to be served. To serve, ladle punch into cups or glasses.

There is no need to lift them each year as they are best left in the ground and as they establish they will produce more and more flowers every year. Talk to your local friendly plant nursery and add Christmas Lilies to your gift shopping list. Right: Properly known as Trumpet or Longiflorum Lilies, the Christmas Lily makes a great gift idea for the festive season

December Gardening Tips - Tomatoes will be growing rapidly and will need regular feeding and watering. Be sure to remove laterals off taller growing tomatoes and make sure they are firmly staked. - Continue successive planting of lettuces, radishes, spring onions, beetroot, etc. - It is very important to keep the vegetable

garden moist now with early morning or late evening watering to minimize water wastage. - leeks, cauliflower, broccoli, silver beet, onions, spinach, celery can all be planted this month. - Your strawberries will be ripening now and will probably require netting over them

to keep the birds from beating you to them. - Fruit Trees: Keep the watering and fertilising fruit trees to ensure bumper crops later. Pip and stone fruit should be sprayed to prevent fungus diseases. - Tie up grape vines and prune back some of the extra foliage to let more light into your crop.

- Going away over the holidays? Arrange for a friend or neighbour to water your gardens and container plants. Place outdoor containers in a group in a sheltered and shaded area. They will not dry out as quickly and will be easier to water.

farming Farming looking good for 2014 More than half of the country’s farmers are looking forward to a ‘happy new year’ in 2014, according to new survey results. The latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, completed earlier this month, showed a slight climb in confidence from the already high levels witnessed last quarter. The most significant improve-

ment was among horticultural producers, encouraged by an increase in prices, which has been underpinned by strong global demand in key export markets. Confidence among dairy producers held steady, while beef and sheep farmer sentiment also remained at similar levels to the previous survey.

BURNLEA GARDENS

Garden Tours • Wedding Ceremonies Gift & Garden Shop OPEN: Sat & Sun 11 am till 4 pm or by appointment. Entry $10 pp. 130 O’Dwyers Road, RD3, Rapaura Ph 03 570 2089 or 021 222 4544 www.burnleagardens.co.nz

For all Vineyard Contracting

KING

CO N

TRACTING LTD

Phone David 0274 356690

Liz Evans retires from rural leadership role Story by Glenise Dreaver Liz Evans (at right), of the upper Waihopai Valley, has just completed her three and a half year term as national president of Rural Women New Zealand. As she looks back, she says she was glad of her background as a journalist, as it helped build the organisation’s national profile through redevelopment of RWNZ’s communications. Rural Women NZ is not just for farmers she says, with half the membership involved in the business or social aspects of country life. Liz’s own background, however, is in agriculture. She and her husband Geoff, for forty years, farmed their high country property producing fine merino wool. She remains a trustee of the New Zealand Landcare Trust with its focus on sustainable land care community projects. As her term ends, she counts herself

“very lucky”, as her role meant travelling nationwide and internationally. “It has given me an overview of rural life and a big picture perspective.” That overview includes not just farming and rural business, but insights into the social, charitable and advocacy aspects of rural life

nationwide. Advocacy, she said, covered such basics as health, education and cellphone coverage. “There’s a lot of focus on broadband but there are still hundreds of us in this area without any cellphone coverage. “People don’t understand that.” 2013 had brought many good things for the rural community, but some not so good, she said. “You have no control over earthquakes and the weather. “What’s important is how we respond, recover and look forward”. Rural wellbeing projects were, therefore, important aspects of the work of Rural Women New Zealand. Liz, as immediate past president of Rural Women New Zealand, will retain a role on the national executive and on the local executive, so her networks and experience will not be lost.

Second agrichemical collection site A second Blenheim container collection site for agricultural chemical waste is to open at Farmlands, at the corner of Kinross and Redwood streets. The Agrecovery collection site opened on Wednesday December 18 and operates Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm. The original site at Blenheim Resource Recovery Park, at the

corner of Taylor Pass and Wither roads, will continue to operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. More than 3000 products from nearly 60 agrichemical, biological, animal health and dairy hygiene manufacturers and distributors are free to recycle through Agrecovery, though containers must be plastic, 0-60 litres, empty and triple-rinsed,

free from chemical residue inside and out, clean from dirt and other organic contamination, product label left on and lids and wire or plastic pail handles removed. All containers will be inspected before being accepted. Containers not belonging to participating brand owners can only be recycled using an Agrecovery User Pays sticker available online.

The Sun

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING PH 03 577 7868

public notice

boating

lost

boating

U15 MARL SOFT- INFLATABLE lifejack- UNBELIEVABLY low BALL RAFFLE RE- ets, Hutchwilco flat style. prices on new outboard SULT 1 B Simmons 2 B Super crazy price $99.00 motors 2.5hp to 90hp, 3 Simmons 3 L Wong 4 M Matangi 5 A Kennedy 6 C Davidison 7 C Sloan 8 L Walters 9 T McCombe 10 Richard G 11 T Bird 12 N Matangi. Thank you for your support.

garage

BLENHEIM INDOOR SPORTS AND TEN PIN BOWLING

TUA MARINA WAIKAKAHO HISTORY "The Calm Beyond" Buy now for Christmas at selected Bookshops Picton and Blenheim.

027 242 5266

Happy 2nd Birthday to our beautiful boy. 25/12/11

Modern Blue Arm Chair 3 Piece Lounge Suite Wood & Fabric Leather 2 Seater & Recliner Bedside Cabinets with Drawer each Carved Wood and Glass Display Cabinet Hutch Wooden Dresser with Drawers Small Wooden Floor Lamp Lovely Dresser with Mirrors Writing Desk with Drawer Retro Six Drawer Dresser

LOts Of LOve from Mum and Dad

An exciting opportunity has become available for a fixed term Winemaker at New Zealand’s largest winery. The role will provide insight and experience into all aspects of winemaking including: daily work planning; blending and grading tastings; wine style development; production trials; and liaising with laboratory and cellar staff. The successful applicant will have the unique opportunity to contribute to 2014 Vintage, and gain invaluable experience at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious and highly awarded wineries. This role requires a dynamic and motivated person with solid time management, strong interpersonal and team skills, and with attention to detail. This role reports directly to the Marlborough Regional Winemaker.

Second Hand On Main

A a r nav R aiza da

It’s now more than 30 years since we introduced the world to the first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - today, our Marlborough wines are still making history. At Pernod Ricard Winemakers, we maintain an exceptional focus on premium products as well as results. Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand is New Zealand’s Premier Wine and Spirits Company, leading the way in everything we do. Since its foundation, Pernod Ricard has always considered its greatest asset to be the people who have built its success.

Phone John 027 500 2501 or Wayne 021 243 1962

Sunday 23rd February 2014 Maxwell Pass and surrounds Three circuits available from 9 to 45k for two-person teams. The terrain is medium to steep hill country in an area most do not get the opportunity to see. Entries www.bike-fit.co.nz and close at 5:00pm Wed 19th February 2014 Marlborough Mountain Bike Club Contact: Kevin Wilson 579-2202

Additionally, applicants will have a self-starting attitude with the energy and drive required to be effective in a challenging and rewarding workplace. During the annual vintage (approximately mid-March to mid-May) there will be a requirement to work weekends, with hours significantly in excess of 40 per week during the peak of this period.

Part-time Retail Assistant

The successful applicant will:

Approx 27 hours per week Sunday – Wednesday

$75 $450 $795 $45 $895 $295 $40 $275 $95 $125

• • • • • •

Do you have…. • A bubbly and friendly personality, with a fantastic smile. • Great customer service skills and fantastic personal presentation. • Honesty, integrity and reliability. • A flexible attitude and enjoy being part of a top-notch team. • An ability to leave a space looking spick and span. Then we want to hear from you!

11 Main Street 579 2502

Be a motivated individual with a passion for making quality wine Be able to communicate well and work in a team environment Hold a relevant tertiary qualification Be fully proficient in all winery operations Have excellent organisational and time management skills Minimum five vintages, with at least two in a Winemaking capacity.

Should you require any further information, please contact Hayden Martelli, HR Advisor Operations on 09 570 8732 or hayden.martelli@pernod-ricard.com How to Apply: Applications are preferred online at www.pernod-ricard-nz.com. Written applications to: PRNZ Marlborough Winery, PO BOX 331, Blenheim, NZ. Closing date: Monday, 6 January 2014.

Please apply online at

Call Sharon on 027 611 9915 or email: seanandsharon@xtra.co.nz

www.pernod-ricard-nz.com

WORD

Blenheim Sun Sea Conditions Friday

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Puzzles

ANSWERS - december 20 Issue

Tides 2

G old J ewel lery, over 120 rings, gold bracelets, charms, pendants etc. Lots of Jeweller y to choose from. Antiques & Collectables,including good quality cutlery sets, cut crystal, china, NZ Books. JUST BROWSING, Battys Rd, (03) 577 5402.

Blenheim Winery Fixed Term

Vineyard Workers required over the holidays.

Mountain Bike Hill Country Team Enduro

for sale

WINEMAKER

situation vacant

Simcox Stadium 50 Battys Rd, Ph 578 4851 www.blenheimindoorsports.co.nz

Ph 579 1495 errolmorrison@ xtra.co.nz

txtThetalk Sun

Text your thoughts to:

Would like to thank everyone who have supported us over the past year. We will be closed Christmas Day/BoxingDay/New Years Day. Open all other days from 10am. Leagues and School Holiday programme restarts Jan 6th. Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to you all Dorothy and Brian Fitzpatrick and Staff

situation vacant

blenheim indoor sports

SATURDAY - Fyffe Street. Sign out 8.00am. Household goods.

for sale

ART New ownership CHRISTMAS PREspecials on original paint- S E NT S ? ? Why not ings etc.30% off most try JUST BROWSING, items before Christmas. Battys Rd, thousands Timeless Trading Co. of small items to choose (formerly Souchebys) 50 from, also Gift Vouchers. Grove Rd ph.579-6046. Open 6 days 10am to 4.30pm. (03) 577 5402. Double Kayak Exc condiiton and 2 paddles $800. Beach Trailer $50. S M A L L B A L E S Sway-a-way swing $50 MEADOW HAY $6.50 Convertible High Chair per bale Ph 578 4999 $80. Ph 579 2260 5pm -9pm

I’m six years old very shy and frightened. Please help find me I’m lost and miss my mum and dad who have my favourite tin of Fancy Feast waiting for me. I could be anywhere in the area of Boathouse theatre up to the silo’s in Dillons Pt Road or anywhere in the vicinity of Grove Rd. Thank you all, any sightings of Harry please Ph 578 4595 or 577 7533 REWARD.

public notice

SALES

for sale

BLACK CAT – HARRY

Limited stock. Powerboat year warranty! PowerCentre 72 Grove Road. boat Centre, 72 Grove W A T E R S P O R T S Road. Equipment - new range now in stock. Powerboat Centre, 72 Grove Road.

Friday December 20, 2013

DOCTOR : 20words - cod, coo, coot, cor, cord, cot, , door, dot, orc, roc, rod, rood, root, rot, tod, too, tor, torc, trod.

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6:40am 7:03pm Rise 12:32am Set 12:57pm

2:12 pm 8:28 pm

Best At

7:25am 7:48pm Rise 1:01am Set 1:58pm

NOTE: Wairau Bar tide times are based on Wellington plus 2hrs 2mins. Wairau Bar tide heights are Wellington heights as no height data is available. Not for navigational purposes.

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd

Maori Fishing Guide by Bill Hohepa www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com

Across: 1 Clock, 4 Pleasant, 9 Behind, 14 Tipsy, 15 Cock and bull story, 17 Cigar, 18 Cut, 19 Massive, 20 Aggressor, 21 Perish, 24 Barcelona, 25 Return, 26 Notify, 29 Beer-making, 31 Elm, 32 School, 33 Gnaw, 35 Eye, 37 Pond, 39 Dislodged, 40 Residents, 41 Yield, 42 Climbers, 47 Arkansas, 51 Cargo, 55 Conductor, 56 Churchill, 58 Game, 59 Set, 60 Eats, 61 Report, 62 Ass, 63 Encumbered, 66 Modern, 67 Centre, 69 Rembrandt, 72 Glazed, 73 Fireproof, 75 Sapling, 77 Awl, 80 Onion, 81 Nasty piece of work, 82 Learn, 83 Attend, 84 Emerging, 85 Erect. Down: 2 Lookalike, 3 Cakes, 5 Lobe, 6 Allegro, 7 As sure as eggs, 8 Tools, 9 Boycott, 10 Hack, 11 Nugget, 12 Epoch, 13 Mystify, 14 Traitor, 16 Never say die, 22 Genius, 23 Orchard, 24 Boredom, 25 Remedy, 27 Innings, 28 Dowser, 30 Good, 32 Sewer, 34 Wasps, 36 Idea, 38 Owl, 42 Cycle, 43 Ignited, 44 Bout, 45 Rotten, 46 Trust, 48 Kilimanjaro, 49 Neglect, 50 Aim, 51 Crooked, 52 Octave, 53 Nursery rhyme, 54 Ache, 57 Incurs, 64 Eccentric, 65 Treason, 66 Manacle, 68 Thinned, 70 Mooring, 71 Resist, 72 Gleam, 74 Ensue, 76 Lower, 78 Once, 79 Icon.

The Sun

Friday December 20, 2013

Puzzles

WORD WordBuilder 6

Bus Service

WRITING SPACE

Christmas and New Year Holiday Period Passengers are advised that during the Christmas holiday period the Blenheim Bus Service will NOT operate on the following statutory public holidays:

286

C R O T O D

Wednesday 25 December 2013 (Christmas Day holiday) Thursday 26 December 2013 (Boxing Day holiday) Wednesday 1 January 2014 (New Year’s Day holiday) Thursday 2 January 2014 (day after New Year’s Day holiday) Normal services will operate on all other days (Monday to Saturday). Copies of the bus timetable can be obtained from the Marlborough District Library or from Council’s website www.marlborough.govt.nz.

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There's at least one six-letter word. TODAY Good 11 Very Good 15 Excellent 18 Solution 285: are, arm, armed, army, aye, dam, dame, dare, day, dear, derma, dram, dray, dream, DREAMY, drey, dry, dye, dyer, ear, era, mad, made, mar, mare, may, mead, ram, ray, rayed, read, ready, ream, red, rye, yam, yard, yea, year.

ACROSS 1 4 9 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 29 31 32 33 35 37 39 40 41 42 47

51 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 66 67 69

Time-teller (5) Enjoyable (8) In arrears (6) Slightly drunk (5) Wildly improbable yarn (4,3,4,5) Smoked roll (5) Slice (3) Exceptionally large (7) Fight initiator (9) Be killed (6) City in Spain (9) Send back (6) Inform (6) Brewer's craft (4-6) Tree (3) Educate (6) Chew on (4) Watch (3) Garden lake (4) Knocked loose (9) Tiredness (anag)(9) Capitulate (5) Mountaineers (8) US state (8) 2

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acknowledgement

986

Freight (5) Baton waver (9) WWII leader (9) Match (4) Go hard (3) Consumes (4) Loud explosive sound (6) Donkey (3) Burdened (10) Up-to-date (6) Middle (6) 15th-century Dutch painter (9) Fitted with glass (6) Flame-resistant (9) Young tree (7) Small piercing tool (3) Vegetable (5) Mean, cruel person (5,5,2,4) Discover (5) Be at (6) Coming into view (8) Upright (5)

DOWN 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 22 23 24 25 27 28 30 32 34 36

38 42 43 44 45 46 48 49

Dead ringer (9) Baked items (5) Ear part (4) Briskly (mus)(7) Absolutely certain (2,4,2,4) Implements (5) Refuse to do business with (7) Chop at (4) Lump of gold (6) Era (5) Baffle (7) Double-crosser (7) Don't ever give up (5,3,3) Mental giant (6) Fruit farm (7) Tedium (7) Cure (6) Batting spell (7) Water-diviner (6) Praiseworthy (4) Waste drain (5) Stinging insects (5) Thought (4)

50 51 52 53 54 57 64 65 66 68 70 71 72 74 76 78 79

Night bird (3) Revolution (5) Set alight (7) Boxing match (4) Decayed (6) Faith (5) Mountain in Tanzania (11) Lack of due care and attention (7) Intention (3) Bent (7) Eight-note interval (6) Childhood verse (7,5) Throb painfully (4) Brings upon oneself (6) Oddball (9) Senator (anag)(7) Handcuff (7) Diluted (7) Anchorage (7) Fight against (6) Shine (5) Happen afterwards (5) Let down (5) Long ago (4) Religious image (4)

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whilst looking after their wee furry four-legged family pets. Your caring and support to Dave and myself was, and is, so much appreciated. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement for all the lovely caring messages and for all the people who attended my dear Dave’s service. A most loving husband and soulmate who was always at my side no matter what. Dave will never be forgotten. God Bless you all. My kindest regards, Beverley Thomson

The Sun

Births This Week

Death Notices

ANDERSON: Luke Daniel November 30, 2013

ELDER, James MacDougall (Dougall) December 12, 2013

BAUCKE: Nathan Christoph (4lb 8oz) November 17, 2013

HAMMOND, Zane: December 14, 2013

HARGEST: Oliver James (9lb 1oz) November 16, 2013

MARFELL, Janet Reyna Patricia: December 13, 2013

McMAHON/HUNNISETT: Ria Katrina (7lb 13oz) December 4, 2013

MARLOW, Amanda Jane: December 10, 2013

MULHERN: Katelyn Margaret (9lb 12oz) December 2, 2013

McMURRAY, Te Iwi Mate Nadine Frances (Francy): December 14, 2013

OXOBY-HALL: Oliver Samuel (6lb 8oz) December 9, 2013

MILLIKEN, Stephen James (Spike): December 14, 2013

SAXON: Xavier Eric Dean (7lb 3oz) and Lilian Elsie Saoirse (5lb 11oz)

PAYTON, Marion Eleanor (Miriam): December 16, 2013 SUTHERLAND, Melva Ellen (nee Larcombe): December 10, 2013 TAYLOR, Ruth Mary: December 17, 2013

82 83

THOMSON, David (Dave) I would like to most sincerely thank everyone for all their kindness and support during Dave’s illness and passing. Thank you all so very much for the baking, cooking, lovely flowers, visits, phone calls, and for the many cards and letters from Blenheim and around the South Island; also the kind donations to Westpac Helicopter and the SPCA. A very special thank you to Rosemary Powell for such a lovely service for my Dave, Ann Gillespie (organist), Barry Hayman from Sowman’s Funeral Directors for being a great tower of strength in my time of need, St. John’s Ambulance and Susie and her team in District Nursing for all Dave’s wonderful care and attention over the last few months, plus all the extra caring and support for myself from Doctor Tom, and Pam Miller, Marietjie Pieterse and her mum Anna, Heather Manners, Cliff Cowan and other close friends who not only have helped now but also in the past months. Thank you to the caterers at Sowman’s for the lovely afternoon tea, also the very many friends Dave and myself have made over the years

The Sun

Sport

inbrief

Ride On Marlborough The Ride On Marlborough programme teaches and encourages children to develop and improve the fundamental skills required for everyday cycling and many other physical activities, such as balance and coordination. It is delivered off road using the BikeNZ Learn to Ride programme. Approximately 400 children have participated in the six hour programme this year. Cost is $5 per person and interested schools and community groups can contact Sport Tasman to learn more.

Harness trials tomorrow The next trials meeting at Waterlea Racecourse will be the pre-Xmas trials held tomorrow, with the first heat starting at 10 am. This will be the final chance for harness racing fans to assess their prospects for the Westport and Reefton grass circuits, as well as the Marlborough Harness Racing Club’s two-day Summer meeting on January 10 and 12. This event will feature the Pelorus Classic for four-year-olds which is again bound to attract some of the stars of harness racing.

Business crews wanted The Waikawa Boating Club is encouraging local businesses to enter teams in a new sailing event, the Oddies Marine South Island Business House Yachting Championship. Businesses are invited to sign up and send a crew to compete in a series of six races aboard yachts provided by the club. Each yacht come with a skipper and crew, so the business crews need no experience - they just need to be ready to have a lot of fun. To enter a crew from your business, email office@waikawaboatingclub. co.nz or call 573 6798.

sport

Friday December 20, 2013

Doubles tournament highlight of season By Adam Poulopoulos As well as celebrating the holiday period, Rapaura Tennis Club members are preparing to host the Drylands Marlborough doubles tournament after Christmas. The open-entry event will be held on the six grass courts at the Rapaura tennis club, 770 Rapaura Road on Saturday, December 28 and Sunday, December 29. Play is scheduled to start at 9am on both days. Pairs can expect at least three games when the schedule is released the day before the tournament, and players without a partner can sign up and be assigned one before the event begins. Club treasurer Barry Doig said players can expect more than just a hit-around. “It’s the highlight of our season. “It covers a wide gambit of abilities because there’s a social aspect to it. “People find it a very friendly tournament and I think what appeals to people is the ability to socialise.” Mr Doig said by the end of the

tournament, players could be serving for victory in one of eight different events within the tournament depending on their results. He said 40 to 44 pairs usually sign up for the tournament, and a similar number was expected this time. Rapaura Tennis Club Committee member Jane Anderson-Bay said numbers for the tournament were low at the moment. “We’re hoping for an influx from locals in the next day or two.” Mrs Anderson-Bay has won the tournament several times since it began in 1979. She said the tournament was often popular with overseas tourists or ex-pats returning to New Zealand for the Christmas period to see family and friends. Entries are restricted to players 14 years and older, and close on Monday December 23. Entry forms are available under ‘Rapaura Tennis Club’ at www. marlboroughtennis.co.nz. Each pair’s entry costs $50.

Karina Greenall (left) and Grace Amaral will be playing in the Rapaura Tennis Club Drylands Marlborough Doubles Tournament. Photo supplied.

78 teams in junior touch rugby finals By Adam Poulopoulos Touch rugby in Marlborough is in good health if participation at the primary school level is anything to go by. The junior touch finals were held at Lansdowne Park last week, with 78 teams from 20 schools taking part. Numbers were similar to last year’s turnout, but three new schools, Blenheim, Grovetown and Waikawa Bay, sent teams this year.

Children ranged in age from year four to year eight, with many parents and friends making the trip from the rural areas to cheer their kids on. Marlborough Touch junior coordinator Anne Taylor said finals day was a great success. “It was lovely and hot and that’s perfect weather for playing touch in.” She said many of the kids were returning to play after positive experiences in past years.

“It’s been great to get to know the children and the parents.” For many kids, the wait begins now for next year’s tournament, with no national recognition given until they play in college. Mrs Taylor said although the aim for primary schools was participation, there was always an effort to identify good players coming through. “Our standard has got higher. “You’re always looking for that player and for us from

Marlborough it’ll be one player from each age group.” At the day’s conclusion Renwick’s Liam Annis and Ward’s Evie McFarlane were awarded the male and female players of the year respectively. The year 7 and 8 section 1 final between Bohally and Fairhall was played this week, as Fairhall’s team was away walking the Abel Tasman National Park last week.

Sailing success at South Island Champs Story provided Four sailors from Queen Charlotte Yacht Club recently competed in this year’s Laser South Island Champs held in Nelson. The regatta was spread over two days with a steady sea breeze building to 15 knots both days. Both the Laser full and 4.7 rig fleets consisted of three sailors apiece. The most popular fleet was the laser radial

class with 11 sailors competing for honours, four of whom were from QCYC. Some hard work and consistent performances saw the top four positions in this class remain unchanged throughout the whole regatta. Alastair Gifford, who represented NZ in the World Optimist Championships earlier in 2013, sat in fourth both days Former QCYC member Josh Edmonds

Our warmest wishes for a happy holiday and may the magic of Christmas stay with you the whole year.

dominated the fleet with a bullet in each race making sure that the trophy was retained at the top of the South Island. The end result was Alastair Gifford coming in fourth, Rachel Clark sixth, Hamish Clark ninth and Lee Stuart eleventh. Congratulations to these sailors, all of whom have moved up to the Laser Radial Class this season.

Merry Christmas!

From the team at

Friday December 20, 2013

* Terms and conditions apply. See instore for details.

CNR GROVE ROAD & FARMAR STREET PH 520 6030 WEEKDAYS 7AM - 5.30PM SAT 8AM - 4PM SUN 9AM - NOON

The Sun