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• H O L I D AY I S S U E •

Ready to rock Happy New Year

By Celeste Lodewyk Are you ready to ignite your senses?

Prepare yourself for tonight’s spectacular New Years Eve celebrations.

Celebrate the passing of 2014 and welcome in 2015 with one event being held simultaneously in Blenheim’s Liz Davidson Place and on Picton’s Foreshore.

Continued page 2

The Sun’s management and staff wish all our readers and advertisers a happy New Year.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

The Sun office reopens January 5.

Our first issue for 2015 will be January 7.

We hope the Sun shines on you all!

First National’s Top Selling Real Estate Agent for 2013 – 2014 Buying or Selling your home over the holidays?

Call me, I’d be pleased to help Lorraine Barrett Licensed Salesperson REAA 2008

Grey Power

Mark Stevenson Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Lorraine Barrett • 027 2949226 • lorraine.barrett@markstevenson.co.nz

“Keeping it REAL in Real Estate” P 03 578 8059 M 027 294 9226 e. lorraine.barrett@markstevenson.co.nz

2

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

How to reach us

Les Whiteside

Rock in the New Year Continued from page 1 The party kicks off at 9pm with live music and entertainment before the official countdown and the much anticipated fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Entertaining the Blenheim crowd will be The Hummingbirds, A Minor Thing and some great pipers.

People are encouraged to take along a picnic and enjoy what is on offer.

In Picton there will be plenty of family fun with a bouncy castle for

the kids from 7:30pm - 11pm, while from 9pm-10pm Midge McCleary presents his well polished style of music.

At 10pm popular high energy rock/ pop band the Chilli Dogs will hit the stage in the lead up to the fireworks.

For both events there is no charge and strictly no alcohol.

Right: Popular band the Chilli Dogs will be playing at Picton’s New Years party tonight.

Kidney transplant gives new zest for life Katrina Whiteside

Telephone

(03) 5777-868 E-mail

news@blenheimsun.co.nz sales@blenheimsun.co.nz ads@blenheimsun.co.nz

Address 72 High St, Blenheim P.O.Box 634 Blenheim

Fax (03) 5777-863 www.blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun 18,535 copies.

The largest circulating newspaper in Marlborough.

TWICE WEEKLY

Hugh Cole-Baker has a new lease on life after his wife, Ros, gave him one of her kidney’s in a succesful transplant that now sees the couple walking New Zealand to raise awareness of the issue.

By Jacob Page For Hugh and Ros Cole-Baker, one kidney transplant has changed both their lives.

Hugh struggled with kidney failure for more than a decade until October last year when Ros gave him one of her healthy kidneys.

“The operation was a success and it’s given Hugh a new lease on life.

The couple are walking New Zealand to raise awareness of the issue and plan to spend some time walking Marlborough’s well known tracks as they make their way down the South Island.

The couple are loosely following The Te Araroa Trail which leads walkers from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Ros says it’s important people realise giving a kidney would greatly affect someone’s life for the better while having little impact

on your own life.

“It’s about changing the stereotype…

People think that if they’ve said they’ll be an organ donor if they died suddenly that the job is done.”

About 600 people nationally are waiting for a kidney transplant with only half likely to receive them.

The Whangarei couple set off in September and while they said they had no set timeframe, they had been stopped by many people on their travels who were keen to find out more or tell them of their own story.

Hugh says doing a length of New Zealand walk was something completely out of the question for him prior to the transplant as he relied on dialysis.

Their progress can be followed on Facebook at walkingnzforkidneys.

Police urge patience, common sense

By Jacob Page Marlborough Police are urging patience on the roads and common sense while consuming alcohol.

Senior Sergeant Peter Payne, of Blenheim, says people need to make smart choices over the New Year holiday period.

“We’ve seen a rise in the number of complaints about people’s driving on the roads.

“People need to be patient.

“We will be out in force and will be clearly visible over the holiday period.”

Payne said there would be zero tolerance on speeding and anyone caught one kilometre per hour over the speed limit will be stopped.

He also urged people to be aware of the new lower drink-driving limits that they could be over the limit without knowing.

“There is no set formula for how much people can

drink and still drive safely,” Payne says.

“There will be check points and we will be breath-testing people.”

Payne said a lot of people were driving over the limit the morning after and responsibility had to be taken by individuals.

Payne says police will be out in force at party hot spots around Marlborough as people celebrate the arrival of 2015.

Your Trusted Local Glass Company Double Glaze your existing windows with ThermoTech® Retro-Fit Double Glazing Retro-fit double glazing, lets you enjoy the warmth and comfort of a new homes insulation by replacing your single glass with double glazing. If you have aluminium windows, Viridian Glass replaces the existing single glazing bead and sashes with new manufacturers double glazing profiles.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

King takes step back

By Adam Poulopoulos As his daughter’s political career gathers pace, former Kaikoura electorate MP Colin King is contemplating his next career move.

After nine years in the position King lost his seat after current MP Stuart Smith ousted him as the National Party candidate for this year’s election.

Since he stopped seeing constituents in mid-September, he has been to Brisbane to visit his new great-great-grandson, and helped out with odd jobs his family needed doing.

“When you’re in office you don’t get to see family,” he says.

“So much happens and often you can’t get leave.”

A farmer for many years before entering office, a change of career is on the cards.

Next year, he says he plans to complete his double major in accounting and business management he started extramurally in

2010, and work as an accountant for a local firm.

At some stage he hopes to begin a masters based around helping people complete their education.

He says he is happy with his time in office.

“I’m very proud of representing the region for three terms, and one looks back at that responsibility with a lot of satisfaction.

“We’ve got three new hospitals, the Kaikoura Environmental Management Plan, SH1 between Blenheim and Ward has been greatly improved and the Wairau River replacement bridges are set for 2016.

“These sorts of things are the legacy of the term and the kinds of things the government and the MP have a role in, and I think Marlborough got its fair share.”

As King exits politics his daughter, Laressa Shenfield, has just completed her first full year as a Marlborough District Councillor.

The Sun

Pe o pl e f r o m Nel s o n a n d Marlborough are being encouraged to include Healthline and the Healthline symptom checker in their holiday plans.

‘There are few things worse than being sick away from home, when things are closed and you’re not sure what to do next,’ says General Manager Andrea Pettett.

‘Thankfully, Healthline is available 24/7 on 0800 611 116 – all you need is a phone.

‘From the start of January to the end of March 2014, nearly 2500 people from the NelsonMarlborough DHB region called Healthline, and demand is expected to be similar this holiday period.’

Laressa Shenfield and Colin King.

He says he is proud of Shenfield’s continued contribution.

“When she applied it was without any prompting. If I’d thought a daughter of mine would get into

A multi-coloured sky shows itself over the Wairau Bar.

that others haven’t seen that are on their doorstep,” MacDonald says.

“It is relaxing but some of the rock climbing and hiking to get

inbrief

HEALTHLINE AN OPTION

politics it wouldn’t have been Laressa but she makes an amazing contribution.

“The impact she has had on the community has been huge.”

A picture is worth 1200 likes

By Jacob Page A man who set up a Facebook page documenting photos he took of some of the most spectacular parts of Marlborough says he never thought it would become so popular.

Andrew MacDonald established Kiwiplaces in 2011 and slowly but surely it has grown to more than 1200 likes on the social network.

Essentially the site illustrates the beauty of the Marlborough region as MacDonald and his girlfriend Tamzin Goldsworthy track their way round the province driving, walking, tramping and swimming to some of the most picturesque destinations on offer.

“It’s great to get photos of places

3

the shots can be quite demanding.

“I’m not a raging greenie but I think if people are aware that there is something beautiful close by that

they are more likely to protect it.

“I was quite happy just circulating my photos to my friends but to now have more than 1200 likes is quite something,” MacDonald says.

Goldsworthy says she often went to places after work in search of a top shot.

“Often it’s just a case of looking at how much time we have and then I’ll look on the DOC (Department of Conservation) website and see where I can go in that time.

“Andy knows a lot of really great places so he’s better at just getting up going.

“I’m a lot more cautious about the stuff I post to the page because I want it to be of the best quality.”

MALES TEACHER NUMBERS CONTINUE TO SLIDE The number of male teachers in New Zealand schools continues to decrease.

In the past 10 years the number of male teachers in both primary and secondary schools has seen a steady decline.

Last year men made up only 16.5 per cent of primary school teachers and 41.2 per cent at high schools.

SNAPSHOTS OF A MARLBOROUGH HOLIDAY Here at The Sun we want to see what you’ve been up to this holiday season.

If you have any photos from your time relaxing around the Marlborough region that you’d like to share, send them to news@ blenheimsun.co.nz and they will feature in our first issue of 2015.

& CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY The team at Geoffrey T Sowman are local family people who take pride in providing a caring and supportive service for families throughout Marlborough.

• 150 seat Mayfield Chapel • Marlborough’s only cremation facility • FDANZ pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral options

Every Monday, any of our gourmet burgers, fries and a pint of moa beer for just $20

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM EVERYONE AT

SCOTCH BAR (03) 579 1176 26 maxwell road mon-sat 4pm - late

4

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

Back to Top Town

Don’t sweat it this summer!

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Loan and Insurance Specialist

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By Adam Poulopoulos Fifteen years ago Ryan Alexander Lloyd was handing out flyers for Top Town Cinemas, but last week, he returned for the first local screening of his new feature film, Ryan was the primary cinematographer on the film ‘Sunday,’ which screened earlier this month at Top Town.

The movie was his first featurelength project as the primary cinematographer.

His wife, Michelle Joy Lloyd, directed the film, a romantic drama set a year after the major Christchurch earthquake.

Ryan has always had a passion for film, and the screening marked a return to his roots.

He bought his first camcorder at age 11, and started at Top Town at 15 on work experience.

“I was nicknamed ‘movie boy’ because my first job was delivering flyers to local businesses advertising the current movies,” he says.

He moved up the ranks, first becoming an usher and then a projectionist, and then hosting film challenges, along the lines of the 48 Hour Film Festival, at the old Belmont Suave Café and Bar. For the last four years, he has been freelancing, mostly on music videos, commercials and short films, but hopes to continue on more feature films in the future.

Ryan and Michelle have been touring the country promoting the movie.

The film is based around Eve and Charlie, who are about to have a baby but are no longer together.

The film is self-financed, and 10 percent of the proceeds will go to Gap Filler, a trust helping with the Christchurch rebuild.

It is being shown in 20 cinemas around New Zealand, and has been released online, on DVD, and as in-flight entertainment.

The film will be shown at Top Town until at least February next Michelle Joy Lloyd and Ryan Alexander Lloyd before the year. screening of their film.

Twix $174.95

Boaties warned show us your name Marlborough Harbour Master Captain Alex Van Wijngaarden is reminding all boaties that their vessels must clearly display a name so they can be easily identified this holiday season Like most other parts of the country Marlborough has a bylaw that requires vessels to display a name that can be seen from 50 metres away. Lettering should be 90mm high to comply with the rule.

That was about the same size as a stand-

ard road sign, Captain Van Wijngaarden says.

“Given the number of boats that are white with a blue stripe that are out on the water over summer it becomes fairly obvious why names need to be legible.”

Boat names should be visible on both sides of the hull, above the waterline. The vessel’s radio call sign is an acceptable alternative although most boat owners seem to prefer a name, he said.

The bylaw has been in place in Marlborough since 2010 but Captain Van Wijngaarden says his harbour team is, for the meantime, taking an educational approach to non-complying boaties.

The visible name requirement applies to powerboats and yachts although the bylaw also says that vessels solely powered by oars or paddles should also be marked somewhere with the name and address of the owner or operator.

Wishing all our mates a happy, safe, and prosperous neW year.

CeleBrate With us!

Try our new full flavoured 2.5% beer And let us get you home after dinner

OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 8AM TIL LATE FOR BREKKY, LUNCH, AND DINNER INCLUDINg NEW YEARS DAY

10 Different Speight’S beerS on tap Middle Renwick Road, Springlands, Blenheim • www.alehouseblenheim.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

G N I S S E C C A S E C I V R E S L A C I MED H G U O R O B L R A M IN 4HR FOR 2 VICE D A H T HEAL CALL 6 626 3 3 0 0 08

AFTER HOURS & DUTY DOCTOR DUTY DOCTOR Blenheim CBD ell Rd

AFTER 6PM, AND ON WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Phone 111 for an ambulance or attend Wairau Hospital Emergency Department. Access to the Emergency Department is on Hospital Road.

Please do not come to the Emergency Department for general healthcare needs.

Pass R d Taylor

FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY

Maxw

Marlborough Afterhours GP Services Ltd (03) 520 6377 Hospital Road (Hospital Grounds), Wairau Hospital, Blenheim Open 6-10 pm weeknights and 8am to 10pm weekends and public holidays

Scott St

(03) 520 6200 for the General Practice on duty for visitors to Marlborough

Hospital Rd

Marlborough After Hours GP

www. marlboroughpho.org.nz

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The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street.

Q: How are you going to see in the New Year?

Daniel Mitchell Canada

Emmah Hall Blenheim

Faye Partridge Blenheim

Jack Fekkes Waikawa

Liv King Blenheim

Don’t know. We don’t do anything on New Year’s Eve. We’ll probably go to bed around nine.

Probably have a party with my neighbours.

Probably with family in Blenheim. That’s the best way to do it.

I’m going to spend it with my grandkids in Picton

I’m off to Queenstown.

Most of my mates are going there.

Maggie Russell Melbourne We’ll be back home in Melbourne.

WHAT’S ON IN MARLBOROUGH

- WEEKEND EVENT GUIDE 31st December Tirimoana & Anakiwa Residents Association New Years Eve Fete, 10am - 2pm on Anakiwa foreshore, books, cakes, preserves, plants, raffle, bbq/sausage sizzle. All funds go towards maintaining and enhancing the Tirimoana and Anakiwa area.

Craft Fair, Havelock Town Hall 10am - 4pm, Dec 31st, Jan 1 & 2nd, Free entry, Supporting Simply The Breast Dragon Boat Team. Come and enjoy a day in Havelock.

Ignite Marlborough Picton Foreshore, London Quay, Picton, Marlborough Sounds, 9pm. Family fun to welcome in the New Year. 7.30 - 11.00pm bouncy castle for the kids, 9 - 10pm Midge McCleary presents his well polished style of music then 10 - Midnight the Chilli Dogs dance your feet off before we present Fireworks over the water. Family Fun, bring a picnic, no charge, no alcohol.

Ignite Blenheim Liz Davidson Place, Cnr Queen and Charles Street, 9pm. Music 9-midnight including The Hummingbirds, A Minor Thing and some great Pipers. Midnight Fireworks to welcome in the New Year, bring the family and a picnic, no alcohol and no charge.

Thursday 1st January Erin & Co The South Island Summer Tour, The Yard Bar, 30 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim, 3pm – 6.30pm. For the first time, travelling kiwi Singer/Songwriter Erin hits the road with musical accompaniment, in an extensive South Island Summer Tour.

Saturday 3rd Jan Marlborough Artisan Market Wynen Street Carpark Wynen Street, Blenheim, 9am – 1pm. Highlighting the best of Marlborough art, crafts, food and produce.

Come along and browse our stalls, salmon, cheese, strawberries, tomatoes, veggies, blueberries, cherries, bread, ibiccis, your jam and preserves.

If you have an event email Tash at The Sun frontdesk@blenheimsun.co.nz

Hopai Sports Day Hopai Bay, Pelorus Sounds Hopai Bay, Marlborough Sounds, 10am – 6pm. Come along and join the Annual Family Sports and Picnic Day. This event has been running since 1920 and is still going strong with generations returning to compete. Admission is $5, all children under 12 Free. By road via Kenepuru Road & Crail Bay, or boat Water taxi info - John Humm 027 243 6743; Gary Orchard 03 573 4203; No Dogs, No Camping.

King & Queen of the Withers Business House and Married Couple teams.

All events start at the Rifle Range Place Car park entrance to the Wither Hills Farm Park.

Prize-giving at the venue following the event.

Sausage sizzle & refreshments. Performance & spot prizes. Registration at the venue from 7:00am on the day. For further information contact Peter 921-0077.

Cruise Ship Seabourn Odyssey Arrives in Picton and will be berthed at Waitohi wharf.

Sunday 4th Learn to paint in 1 hour Children Workshop with Tony Roche, 1pm - 3pm, $15. Your children will complete a painting within 1 hour under the guidance of Auckland professional landscape artists Tony Roche and Alethea Tse, new residents of Marlborough. More info Alethea 027 490 3088. Tony Roche Art Gallery, 21 Wellington St, Picton.

Farmers Market Summer Season, Marlborough A&P Showgrounds, Cnr Maxwell and Alabama Roads, 9am – 12pm.

Buy Local - Cook Local Showcasing the best of what Marlborough has to offer Fresh, local and Marlborough grown sold by the producer. Abundant with seasonal fruit, vegetables, baking and much more.

BNT Remembrance Champs Eastern States Speedway, Vintage Lane, Renwick, 6pm. Join us for the TQ Marlborough Champs Round 2, streetstock Open Champs.

Fun for the whole family.

The Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre Open every day from 9am, a great all weather and family friendly activity. Come and explore the decks and the depths of the ship, great photo opportunities. Dunbar wharf, on Picton foreshore. For more information call Karen on 5736868 or check out our Facebook or Tripadvisor pages.

Ulysses Ride Todays ride is heading to Beachwoods Cafe, Murchison for lunch. Meet at the railway station at 9.45am ride departs at 10am.

Riverside Railway From Brayshaw Park Station, Blenheim, 1.45pm & 3pm, $5 Child & $10 Adult (cash only). This 2 foot gauge Railway takes you on a scenic ride in open air, canopy covered carriages along the Taylor Riverside, a return journey takes just under one hour. Timetable, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th Jan.

Get ready for the weekend with our list of what’s on!

Mini Putt & Merry-Go-Round Picton Foreshore, 10am every day during school holidays.

Queen Charlotte College and Community Swimming Pool 12pm - 5pm. Entry to the pool is free, with lifeguards supervising. Located in Hampden Street at the back of QCC.

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

IT’S WIKI-WIKIWINE & BEER WEEK

WINE & BEER

WEEK

Ends Sunday 4 January 2015

7

8

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

CHRISTMAS OFFER:PICTON SPECIAL Starts now delivery in Picton before 3pm and after 8pm

Great deals and offers for Christmas and New Year

0800 83 83 83 • 03 577 9189

17c Maxwell Rd, Blenheim :: www.pizzahut.co.nz/blenheim For more Deals contact Mohabbat Kaluana *Conditions apply.

A world leader in sustainable wine production Award winning wines Interactive Cellar Door experience Complimentary wine tasting Self-drive vineyard White Road Tour including stunning views overlooking the Cook Strait and surrounds Just 20 minutes south of Blenheim in the Awatere Valley

‘When it’s your name on the bottle the quality of the wine inside is a very personal thing’ Jane Hunter

Always look behind you The summer holidays are an exciting time for Kiwi families.

With the cold winter months a fading memory, parents are eager to get the kids out of the house to enjoy the warmer days.

This however brings with it a number of injury risks, one of the most serious is driveway run over injuries.

“Every two weeks a child is hospitalised with serious injuries received from a vehicle driving on a private driveway in New Zealand.

“A further five children are killed annually, on average. Children at risk are aged between one and three-years-old,” Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids Aotearoa says.

Child driveway run overs are preventable. This spring Safekids Aotearoa reminds parents to be aware of the risks by identifying the signs of a risky driveway, and what you can do about them.

Driveway danger signs: • A long driveway • A driveway in a quiet road or cul-de-sac.

• A driveway that also provides pedestrian access to house (no separate pedestrian pathway) • A driveway leading to lots of parking – cars need to be moved around to make room or allow vehicles to leave • No physical barrier (i.e. fence) between driveway and outdoor play area What you can do?

• Check, supervise and separate • It is important to always know where the kids are before getting in the car • Check for children before driving off, supervise children around vehicles and separate play areas from driveways For more prevention tips, visit www.mysafekids. org.nz/drivewayrunover.

Smokers asked to quit before price hike

O p e n f O r ta s t i n g s 7 d ay s 9 . 3 0 a m – 4 . 3 0 p m 603 Rapaura Road • www.hunters.co.nz

Every year, thousands of Kiwis repeat the timehonoured tradition of New Year’s resolutions where giving up smoking is in the top 10 of the list.

The Marlborough Smokefree Coalition, is urging smokers to beat the price increase and consider a quit for a New Years resolution.

From tomorrow, the price of cigarettes and loose tobacco will go up another 10 per cent.

This will be the 3rd consecutive New Year tax increase with another on its way for 2016.

The Marlborough Smokefree Coalition will continue to support and promote the Government’s official target that New Zealand will be Smokefree by 2025.

An eight-week supply of Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges redeemed by prescription or a Quit Card costs as little as $5 per item.

By using the patches, gum or lozenges you will double the chance of quitting for good.

Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are a safe and clean attempt to kick the habit, without any of the 4,000 chemicals (many of which are harmful) found in cigarettes.

Chances will improve when giving up is attempted alongside a smoking cessation support.

To seek help to stop smoking you can contact your local GP.

Waterfall Bay: Fine Dining in the Marlborough Sounds The perfect Christmas gift.

We would like to invite you to join Seresin Estate in our celebration of wine and local produce at our occasional restaurant in Waterfall Bay.

To advertise your business, call Simon 03 5777 868

Arriving by boat, guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, a menu prepared by Nic Poelaert, head chef at Melbourne’s Brooks Restaurant and of course Seresin’s biodynamic wines.

Our cellar door is OPEN for Summer!

Taste award winning wines and enjoy the best views over Marlborough from the Highfield tower. ‘Build your own picnic’ from our range of cheeses and meats and enjoy with a glass of wine.

Open daily 10am – 5pm Highfield Estate 27 Brookby Rd • 03 572 9244 • www.highfield.co.nz

DATES: Thursday 12 February Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm Friday 13 February Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm Saturday 14 February Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm **limited availability** Sunday 15 February Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm PRICE: $300 includes return boat ride from Picton and 5 course degustation meal with wine.

AVAILABLE THROUGH: Email: wfbdinners@seresin.co.nz Phone +64 3 572 9408 Online: seresin.co.nz

Total market coverage in Marlborough

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

9

Don’t let the fun stop this summer Summer is finally here, and it’s time to head to the playground and park.

Safekids Aotearoa and Starship Foundation want every child to be active this season and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital.

Every day 11 children are hospitalised because of a serious fall injury, Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids Aotearoa says.

“These are not small scrapes, sprains or bruises, but injuries involving children falling and not getting up, such as serious breaks, spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries,” Serious fall injury is also a major economic burden. ACC claims costs from child falls amount to $45 million per year.

Don’t let a serious fall injury ruin the fun for your child and the whole family this summer. Below are playground and park safety tips to help children stay active and injury free.

Put the phone down: Remember that it’s social time with the kids, NOT social media or Facebook time in the park. Active supervision won’t be hard – The kids will be calling you to watch them play, climb, jump and swing, so join in the fun!

Soft surfacing: Check that playgrounds have well maintained shock absorbing surfacing. When your children fall, they are less likely to be seriously injured landing on rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch.

Keep it age appropriate: Many playground injuries involve preschool children falling off playground equipment that is too big for them. Big kids can also get injured when they play with equipment for preschool kids. Watch out for age appropriate signs and use good sense to determine if the play equipment is suitable for your child.

Look for hazards: Keep an eye out for rusted, broken or vandalised equipment, sharp and pointed objects (such as glass and exposed nails) and dangerous surfaces. Report these to your local council immediately.

Dress appropriately: Necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings can get caught on equipment and strangle children. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for their bikes.

For more falls injury prevention tips, visit www.safekids.org.nz.

Marlborough musos urged to be tidy Marlborough music lovers are being encouraged to lessen their level of abandoned outdoor equipment when attending music festivals this summer.

One of the major South Island events, Rhythm and Alps has joined forces with GreenShoot Pacific to curb the issue.

GreenShoot Director Amanda Wright says the availability of very cheap, bad quality camping gear that is so readily accessible through the big retail outlets.

“When a 3 man tent is available for between $20 and $40, there is no perceived value in what is their temporary home for the 2-3 days of the festival. They party hard and then think that they have the right to walk away and leave the mess for festival organisers to clean up.”

Unfortunately most of the abandoned camping gear can’t be

Choose from 4 flavours and 18 toppings!

Gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Open 11am to 8pm all summer long

Right next door to Red Salt Cafe, Bar & Restaurant Mariners Mall, Picton.

recycled and ends up in landfill which is costly to the environment and festival organisers.

Chief executive, Kieran Spillane says the popularity of the event meant it warranted serious consideration on its environmental impact.

“We wanted to lessen the im-

pact on the Wanaka environment and show we are committed to a sustainable pathway.”

Rhythm and Alps is the only two-day music festival in the South Island and is currently in day two of its 2014 event.

Thousands flock to the Cardrona Valley for the event every year.

Treat yourself to a lunch out in Picton.

You deserve it.

• A la carte menu

Bamboo Garden Restaurant Open NEW YEAR’S DAY and Jan 2nd from 4:30pm onwards Lunch: Weds - Sun 11am - 2pm Dinner: Everyday 4:30pm onwards Ph: 0-3-579 1118 • 31 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim www.bamboogarden.co.nz

• Deliciously heathy cabinet food to go • Extensive gluten-free options available • Specialty flavoured coffee and drinks

573 8222 • Mariners Mall, Picton

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Wednesday December 31, 2014

one on one with the Sun

The Sun

Out with a bang Duncan McKenzie is the stage manager behind tonight's New Year's Eve celebrations in Blenheim and Picton, and while he loves putting together this event it will be his last.

He talks to Celeste Lodewyk about his decision to step aside to spend more time with his family.

While he loves the challenge, he says it's time to hand it on.

"My son is 10 now and wants to hang with his dad.

After this year we might look at spending our New Years camping and enjoying some quiet time, maybe even catch a fish.

"Family time is important to me. I am anxious that I don't end up a dad who is so busy doing things for others that they neglect their own family, so I am excited for the change and I feel it would be a great challenge for someone else to tackle," he smiles.

Duncan set up the not-for-profit company Go Marlborough with Pete Halligan in 2005 which has been responsible for delivering the celebration parties in Blenheim and Picton.

In that time he has made a conscious effort to source everything he could locally, rather than outside the region.

"I believed too much was sourced out of Marlborough.

Why do that when we have so many wonderful resources here?

"There was no need, so I didn't!

"I made the effort to keep everything local from staging, security, traffic management and even rubbish collection so that the only money that does leave Marlborough is to purchase the fireworks," he says.

One thing Duncan is particularly proud of is the fact that the country's best pyrotechnics live locally.

"We have Kelvin Holdaway and Phil Raynor doing the fireworks, and they are also bringing in a whole crew of qualified people to help.

"I have been told they have something quite special lined up for Blenheim, a surprise or two so it will be interesting," he says.

Asked when planning began for the New Year celebrations, Duncan laughs as he gives his answer.

"January 1st.

"We plan well in advance, we have to. We need entertainers, bands, stages and have these booked well in advance.

"Plus we need time to deal with the unexpected.

"I like the challenging parts because they're what makes the adrenaline run. I don't set out to create stressful situations, but it's a buzz to solve them," he grins.

Picton's New Year party celebrations will be held on the Foreshore and the fireworks set off from a barge.

Blenheim's will be held at the Liz Davidson Square while the fireworks are set off from the top of the Alfred Street carpark.

"I love that carparking building," he laughs.

"I am always trying to find uses for it. If I can set off fireworks from it or drop bosses off it I will," he says refering to the recent Foundation for Youth Development Marlborough fundraiser.

He is also busy working with Pete Halligan on a number of sports events coming up in early 2015, one being a family mountain bike day in February, and a family triathalon on Waitangi Day in Picton.

"The triathlon is designed to be suitable for anyone aged five-years and upwards, and there are no first, second or third placings. It's all about mum, dad and the kids doing it together," he says.

He is also excited about a big mountain bike enduro project which involves three hours of riding tough terrain.

"I have biked 90 percent of it myself and it's a tough one," he says.

Of course there is the award winning annual Forrest GrapeRide set for March 28, which will be in its 11th year.

All of this, Duncan says, are just add-ons for him.

"I still have the cinemas to run and when I get a day off I like to get out for bike rides, sailing and a round of golf from time to time," he says.

"I'm trying to keep busy," he jokes.

Come see the Doctors’ at Forrest......

18 Wines available 2014 Forrest Sauvignon Blanc John Forrest Collection Wines And a great selection of our award winning wines available to taste and by the glass also The Burleigh, Gourmet pies Beers 19 Blicks Road, Renwick | Phone 572 9084

CELLAR DOOR

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

13

$

1

$ 99

99 kg

Fresh NZ Beef Rump Steak

punnet

Sweet Juicy Strawberries 250g WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK

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Pepsi/7UP/Mountain Dew 1.5L

Happy New Year

from everyone at your local FreshChoice Prices apply from Wednesday 31st December 2014 to Sunday 4th January 2015, or while stocks last. Trade not supplied. We reserve the right to limit quantities. All limits speciďŹ ed

FreshChoice Picton

apply per customer per day. All prepared meals are serving suggestions only. Props not included. Certain products may not be available in all stores. Proprietary brands not for resale.

Mariners Mall, Picton. Phone 573 6463.

Open 7am-9.00pm, 7 days.

Find us online at FreshChoice.co.nz and Facebook.com/FreshChoiceNZ

See instore for holiday hours.

FCBS3112

each

11

The Sun

12 Wednesday December 31, 2014 public notice

public notice

LLOYD BUSH

PAINTING & DECORATING

Manager & Funeral Director

Need paintingwallpapering-spraying or just some water blasting to tidy things up, call Merv Scott for your free quote.

Merv Scott Decorating Ltd Ph: 0800 DO IT UP

Koromiko Rural Fire volunteers Simon Tripe, Ben Hide and Peter Robertson with their new truck.

New fire chaser The Koromiko Rural Fire Force, between Blenheim and Picton, has been given a grant of more than $70,000 by Pub Charity to buy a new Land Cruiser.

It will replace a 1979 model which deputy controller Peter Robertson says was unreliable, breaking down on its way to jobs.

Koromiko has a volunteer arm of 15 and often can get to hard to reach areas like mountains and hillsides.

(0800364887)

• 150 Seat Mayfield Chapel • Sowman Catering Lounge • Marlborough’s only cremation facility • FDANZ Pre-pay and pre-planning funeral options

24 HOUR SERVICE PHONE 578 4719 Cnr Hutcheson & Parker Sts www.sowmans.co.nz

community services Marlborough After Hours GP Services: Wairau Hospital campus, after 6pm.

Reception 520 6377. Office 520 9980.

Ambulance: Urgent 111.

Non urgent 579 4870.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy 9am-6pm, 7 days. Ph 578 2271.

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am-8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543 354, 24hr helpline.

Marlborough Women's Refuge, Rape and Sexual Abuse Resource Centre: Crisis line, phone Wairau Hospital 520 9999, for Women's Refuge contact numbers.

Overeaters Anonymous: For more information. Ph 570 5137 Alcoholics Anonymous: Rose 5777651, Harvey 5788125 Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)

Al-Anon: Help for families & friends of alcoholics. Ph Margaret 578 4690 or Ross 578 5896 .

Hospital Visiting Hours: Wairau Hospital: Daily 11.30am-7.30pm, 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.

Marlborough Family Budgeting: - Free confidential budgeting advice. Monday-Friday.

Phone 578 2006.

PICTON Doctor: Phone weekend doctor 573 6092 or Marlborough After Hours GP Service 520 6377. Office 520 9980.

Ambulance: Urgent 111.

Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist:Picton Healthcare Pharmacy.

Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 9-6pm, Sat 9-2pm, Queen Charlotte Pharmacy 573 7927 Sat 9-1pm.

Mob: Merv 021 669 666

Wool

public notice

public notice WHITE CHIP & WHITE ROCKS Ideal for pebble gardens, paths, driveways.

Phone Thomson 575 6885.

HAVELOCK CRAFT FAIR HAVELOCK Town Hall Dec 31, Jan 1 & 2. 10am - 4pm daily. FREE ENTRY Supporting Simply The Breast Dragon Boat team.

LAWNS

GARDENING

CC Express

$30/hour Rowan Parsons 021 0233 8222

(formerly Hebberds)

• Removals • Storage • Marlborough-wide freight

rowanbparsons@gmail.com

situation vacant

FREE packaging with house moves

Phone

577 2080 or 027 510 6770

Valentine Crafts

Experienced tractor driver/loader.

Must be hard working & Flexible.

Jan 12th to Feb 5th, long hours.

Pay negotiable.

Email john@garlic.co.nz or phone 0274584670.

Buttons DMC Threads & craft Items

Just ask we may be able to source items for you. twizelnz@ihug.co.nz 022 1995 100 1 Whitney Street Open Tues - Thurs 10am - 2pm Can open outside these hours for loyal customers.

CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER RN (FULLTIME) MONDAY – FRIDAY Due to an internal promotion we are looking for an experienced Registered nurse to lead the team in our 54 hospital bed unit.

You will receive full support in your role from both the facility and village managers as well as being an important member of the management group.

Authentic Asian cuisine

Happy New Year to all our loyal customers.

We thank you for your support over 2014.

We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

We will be open every day over the New Year holiday period.

Daily lunch special from 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner from 5pm onwards OPEN 7 DAYS

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CROSSWORD

In this role you will be fully involved in the planning and direction of the unit as well as managing the Registered nurse team with responsibility for the professional development, staffing and clinical coordination of service and care delivery.

You will have proven leadership qualities with a passion for coaching, supporting and empowering staff and a commitment to excellent service delivery.

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter to ross@ashwoodpark.co.nz Or phone Ross (0275556135) for a confidential discussion – application’s close 11/1/2015

By Russell McQuarters ACROSS 1. Improvised barrier (9) 6. Female family ruler(9) 11. opposite of ‘Zenith’ (5) 12. Desert(7) 13. Subject of speech (5) 14. Recounted(8) 17. Pertaining to small planets(10) 18. Fuss(3) 20. Friend(4) 22. Makes use of (7) 24. Chaotic din (6) 26. Exploit unfairly (3) 28. Muscle (5) 29. Influences (7) 32. Male singing voice (5) 33. Charged atom (3) 34.& 45 DOWN.Beyond comparison (3,3,4) 35. Snow runner (3) 36. Strong cotton drill (5) 37. Put into office (7) 38. Female egg-producing organ (5) 39. Daughter’s husband, ...-in-law (3) 41. Farmyard(6) 42. Most simple(7) 44. Mother(archaic) (4) 47. Outlawed Irish army(abbr) (3) 49. Not creative(10) 51. Raw(8)

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SOLUTION Last weeks answers For May 4, 2005

SPRINEG CARP T

The Sun

SALE

Wednesday December 31, 2014

13

NEW OWNERS Trades and Services

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KITCHENS

*Offer available September 2013 on purchases $1,000 and over with no deposit, no interest or repayments for 16/15 months. Credit and lending criteria, $45-$55 establishment fee and $45-$55 annual account fee apply. Prevailing interest rate will apply to any outstanding balance on the expiry of the 16/15 months interest free promotional period. **40% off selected carpets only. Stock is limited and may sell out.

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14

The Sun

Friday December 31, 2014

KNOW YOUR LIMIT this holiday season

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P: 03 578 0850 | F: 03 578 0977 15 Bomford St, Blenheim • www.viridianglass.co.nz

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Sun sport

The Sun

Sport

Wednesday December 31, 2014

15

Sports year in review

inbrief CRICKET

The Central Stags began their Ford Trophy one-day cricket campaign last week, and continue it over the New Year period.

They play Canterbury in Timaru on Friday, before meeting Wellington in Nelson on Monday.

WITHERS RUN The King and Queen of the Withers event takes place on Saturday, beginning at the Rifle Range Car Park.

The event starts at 7:45am for walkers, 8am for the hybrid competitors and 8:30 for the runners.

For an entry form, visit the Marlborough Harriers website.

SPEEDWAY The next meeting at Eastern States Speedway is on Saturday, January 3.

The meeting is the last before the New Zealand Saloon Championships, which start on January 23.

What a year it’s been for Marlborough sport.

Earlier this month the Nelson Marlborough Falcons football team capped it by winning the ASB Youth League title, putting both the second-place finish and Nelson-Marlborough’s unsuccessful bid for a full team behind them.

Rowers stole the show. Sophie MacKenzie won gold at under-23 and senior level, and was named the region’s sportsperson of the year. Tom Murray also won gold, while brothers Robbie and Karl Manson also competed internationally.

Squash player Megan Craig became national champ, and represented the country at the Commonwealth Games. Others with Marlborough connections who went to Glasgow included Papua New Guinean squash player Dorothy Boyce, gymnasts Anna Tempero and Matthew Palmer, weightlifter Bailey Rogers, cyclist Simon van Velthooven and sevens

player Bryce Heem.

Heem was one of several Makos players to nab a Super Rugby contract for next season following their remarkable campaign, while his old club team Waitohi, and Central, made it a Marlborough one-two in the Bayleys Tasman Trophy.

SMOG won back-to-back netball titles, and Portia Barcello was named player of the year after her selection in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Maori Team.

Young athletes including Lucy Sheat, Georgia Catterick, Sally McMath, Alastair Gifford, Atu Moli, Bradley Palatchie, Brook Reeve, Amelia Wadsworth, Quinn Udy, Tiana Williams and William Exton continued their development, setting records, winning titles and, in some cases, gaining national selections.

Off the field, Ian Columbus was recognised for years of service with the Marlborough medal and a place on Marlborough’s Roll of

Honour list, while Mel Morris was named the nation’s top sports volunteer.

As some athletes improved out of sight, others pulled the pin.

Olympic rowing gold medallist Joseph Sullivan hung up his oar and began a new career as a firefighter, Blenheim-born footballer Ben Sigmund ended his international career and local cricketing icon Greg Stretch retired from representative cricket after 28 years.

It has not been without its tough moments. Local rugby referee Peter Mills passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game. RIP. This by no means covers the entire region’s sporting year, but it gives an indication of the kind of talent there is here.

Have a happy and safe New Year.

And remember, if the BYC starts up, it’s tipneys, one-hand-onebounce and you can be out off the first ball. Them’s the rules.

SPORTS TALK With ...

Adam Poulopoulos

With 2014 finishing, what’s in store for next year?

The Sun asked some of Marlborough’s athletes about the past year, and their plans for the next one.

1. Do you feel you achieved your sporting goals for the year?

2.

What are your sporting goals for 2015?

1. Our goal was to defend our under-23 eight world title from 2013, which we did in Italy. My personal goal every year is to get better technically as well as stronger physically and mentally. This can be hard to judge, but with the improvements I’ve made this year I can also tick off that goal.

2. The ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics, but before I can focus on that, I have to make a team during March trials. Even before that goal, I must survive the current elite summer squad training I’m in!

Tom Murray rower

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Megan Craig squash player

1. I definitely feel I moved a huge step closer to my goals this year. It has been a pretty amazing year for me representing NZ at the Commonwealth Games, winning NZ nationals and then being selected to play in my first senior NZ women’s team which travelled to Canada recently to compete. Travelling and competing in these huge events gave me more experience and drive than I could ever imagine.

2. 2015 will be a bit quieter without the Commonwealths and World teams event, but my main focus will definitely be trying to keep climbing those world rankings each month.

We have three professional women’s events in NZ next year too, so I hope to try and win those on home soil!

Sophie MacKenzie rower

Robbie Manson rower

1. Yes and some more. Winning at the Under-23 World Champs had always been my number one goal, which I was so thrilled to achieve after three years of being very close. Going on to win and get the world record at the Elite World Champs was pretty unbelievable, but hadn’t been my focus as such for very long, so in a way it came as a big shock.

2. Make the elite lightweight double, and compete in the world cups and world champs to fight for our title. The ultimate goal is to win gold again but qualifying the boat for the Olympics is also a huge part of it.

1. No I didn’t. After winning three world cups in 2013 and being sixth in the ‘A’ final at the world champs, I hoped to be more competitive this year. I finished eighth at the world champs and came fourth and sixth at the world cups, which was disappointing. In saying that I have also had some decent results at national level, winning the double and quad at nationals and just recently winning the single and double at the Christmas regatta.

2. Next year my main goals are to be reselected in double and qualify for the Olympics, along with achieving some decent international results.

1. If you’d said at the start of the year I would be sailing on a small lake in China at the Youth Olympic Games I wouldn’t have believed it, so I guess this year I fulfilled the goals I set.

2. Next year I will be training hard to try and earn a spot at the ISAF Youth Worlds, and I hope to go to the Worlds in Canada in August.

Alastair Gifford sailor

REMEMBRANCE g also featurin

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www.EasternStatesSpeedway.net.nz

16

The Sun

Wednesday December 31, 2014

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