The Blenheim Sun 20 July 2018 issue

Sun The

July 20, 2018

Sun Weather

Today 4-16

Blenheim Marlborough

Saturday 6-14

Sunday 0-14

Monday -1-11

Outlook for Today Mainly fine. Northwesterlies strengthening.

WE’LL GET YOU HOME

Phone us : 03 5777 868

Young farmer

By Celeste Alexander What do 10-year old boys ask for as a birthday gift?

For Ben Robbins it wasn’t a computer game or the latest gadget, instead he asked for fencing equipment and some Highland cows.

Ben is very much an animal lover and has around 30 different pets at his Okaramio home including goats, cows and lambs.

But his most prized pets are three Highland cows and two calves he got from his nana and grandad for his birthday which arrived last Friday.

Continued on page 2 Budding young farmer, Ben Robbins with two of his Highland cows he got for his 10th birthday.

Bathroom Bathroom Solutions Solutions

3n1Commode Commode 3n1 3n1and Commode OverOver toilettoilet aid chair combo aidsafety and safety Over toilet aid Lid andand safety chairGuard combo Incl Bucket, Splash chair combo.

Incl Bucket, Lid Incl Bucket, Guard Removable backLid forand useSplash as a toilet frame and Splash Guard.

Removable back for useRemovable as a toilet frame

back for use as a toilet frame

Cnr McGlashen Ave & Croucher St, Richmond Cnr McGlashen Ave & Croucher St, Richmond

Toilet Risers Toilet Risers Toilet Allowing the userRisers to lower and rise Allowing the user lower Allowing the user toto lower andand rise from the toilet with ease from ease rise from the toilet toilets with Heights start with from 2” ease.

Heights start from 2” Height start from 2”.

Also available with handles Also availablewith with handles. handles Also available

Ph: 03 544 7717 Ph: 03 544 7717

Cosy Seat Cosy CosySeat Seat Warm, soft, hygienic toilet cover seat Warm, soft, hygienic toiletseat Warm, soft, hygienic toilet cover Will not absorb moisture Will notseat. absorb moisture cover Washable.

Washable Washable Will not Will absorb fit most moisture. toilets Willfitfitmost most toilets. toilets Will

Grab Rails Rails Grab Railsof sizes and Ranging inGrab a variety Ranging in ayour variety ofand Ranging variety ofneeds sizes stylesintoa suit sizes styles suit stylesand to suit yourto needs

your needs.

www.accessmobility.co.nz www.accessmobility.co.nz

Cnr Stuart & Main Sts, Blenheim | www.accessmobility.co.nz | ph: 03 578 8002

2

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

How to reach us

Les Whiteside

Katrina Whiteside

Publisher

Publisher

Telephone (03) 5777 868 The Sun 18,885 copies.

The largest circulating newspaper in Marlborough.

TWICE WEEKLY

Delivering to: Blenheim, Picton, Renwick, Havelock & Seddon.

PICTON Missed deliveries

PH (03) 573-6196 www.blenheimsun.co.nz E-mail: news@blenheimsun.co.nz ads@blenheimsun.co.nz Address: 72 High St, Blenheim P.O. Box 634 Blenheim Fax: (03) 577-7863

The Sun

quote of the week

It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson brought to you by:

Fresh sausages, salami and smallgoods available at Blenheim New World, PAK’n’SAVE and Renwick SuperValue

www.blackballsalami.co.nz

Okaramio boy’s love for animals Continued from page 1 “It was a surprise and I nearly jumped through the roof when I found out,” Ben says.

“I’ve been wanting some for so long... they are my favourite breed.”

He and his grandfather Doug Robbins share the responsibility for the cows but Ben is in charge of feeding them, and with the amount of research Ben has done on the breed over the years he’s pretty clued up on what they need.

As part of Ben’s birthday gift he also received a brush to tend to their long coats and with his fencing equipment he plans to soon start break-feeding them.

He has also used $50 of his birthday money to order a baby goat from Arapawa Island, a female which is three quarter Nubian and one quarter Saanen.

“She’s going to be a milking goat in a couple of years,” Ben says excitedly.

Ben with his Highland cow, Portia.

Brothers George (13) and Charlie (5) with Chocky the pet goat.

Ben’s 30 odd pets are in addition to those of his brothers, George and Charlie.

Thirteen-year-old George estimates he has around 20 of his own and five-year-old Charlie will have around 10 once he gets the lambs and goat he’s expecting.

“We seem to keep adding to the collection,” mum Selena Robbins laughs. “It keeps them pretty busy every day.”

With so many mouths to feed and being serious about their responsibility to care for the animals, the three brothers started their own possum trapping operation.

They started with 11 traps and sold 10.5kg of possum fur, and with the money they bought 100 new traps.

Now they regularly trap, pluck the possums and sell the fur to fund the feed for their

animals.

Asked what they want to do for a job when older, all three replied “logging like our dad”.

But for Ben he’s going to be extra busy as he also wants a stud bull farm.

“Me and my mate from school have plans for a stud bull farm, plus I want lots of different animals there too,” he grins.

Join the Air Force, see the world!

By Bill McElhinney Nathan Hodges enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force nearly 30 years ago with two clear goals: to escape small-town comfort and to see the world.

Raised in Renwick, Nathan says he has achieved his dreams, having been to all but one of the world’s seven continents as an air loadmaster with No. 40 Squadron.

He also travelled exten-

Nathan Hodges.

sively when he represented the Air Force and the New Zealand Defence Force in international football and cricket tournaments.

“I’ve worked in extreme environments – in Antarctica, where we braved minus 74 degree temperatures and whiteout conditions, and in the Middle East, where high temperatures can be stifling,” Nathan says.

“The only continent I have yet to visit is South America.”

Nathan is currently posted in the Middle East as part of a 32-member defence force detach-

ment helping to transport supplies and military personnel for coalition operations in the region.

“It’s been great to work once again with our partners, particularly the Australian Defence Force,” Nathan says.

As a loadmaster, he helps ensure the aircraft’s cargo is properly consigned, checked and packed, with its weight and balance computed correctly. He also helps

look after all passengers on the flight and liaises with external agencies such as air movements personnel on behalf of the aircraft captain.

Nathan joined the RNZAF in January 1991, a year after graduating from Marlborough Boys’ College.

Both his parents also served in the Air Force and he was born in Singapore when they were posted there.

WINTER SERVICE SPECIALS Book in that Winter Service and get 10% OFF ALL Service Costs!!

PLUS be in the draw for a $200 Marine & Watercraft voucher!!

Check out our latest mailer in your letterbox and available in-store!

Promo runs May 1st until August 31st 701 SH1 Koromiko, Blenheim

PH 03 573 7736

72 Grove Road, Blenheim

PH 03 578 0569

MOBILE SERVICING AVAILABLE!

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

River sewage leak tracked to lane

By Bill McElhinney A good piece of detective work by Marlborough District Council engineering officer Kerry Walsh has uncovered the source of sewage leaking into the Taylor River.

Kerry has found serious damage to a sewer main under Third Lane, between the Westpac and Bank of New Zealand branches on Arthur St. “I tested water samples from the stormwater pipes running into the river, and worked backwards,” Kerry says.

“When we a ran a dye test on this main we could see that it wasn’t holding water at all.”

The sewage from the damaged main is leaking into the groundwater and flowing underground into the Taylor River.

Weekly samples were taken at the river last summer and more than half of them showed an unsafe bacteria concentration.

As a result the council put up sign warning people against coming into contact with the Taylor River, which is a popular swimming spot in the summer.

Kerry says the sewer main is one of many old earthenware pipes laid from the 1930s to the 1950s. The pipes were badly damaged in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in November 2016.

Council operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney says the sewer main under Third Lane is in such bad condition a large section will have to be replaced.

Other quake-damaged pipes have been repaired by being re-lined, without the pipes having to be dug up.

“But if we’re going to dig it up for the sewer line, we might as well take the opportunity to do everything - water, wastewater and stormwater - making it neat and tidy at the same time,” Stephen says.

Replacing the Third Lane sewer main will be a disruption for the businesses that use the lane, which runs behind shops and cafes such as Spokesman Cycles, Brumby’s, Chantilly Cafe, Langwood’s Photo Centre, Scotch Wine Bar and Ritual Cafe.

Third Lane is narrow and digging it up will be challenging as the surrounding businesses needed to continue to have access to the rear of their premises, Stephen says.

“But it won’t take long,” Kerry says.

“Once the contractors are in here, they’ll probably have it done in a week.”

No timeframe has been set for the work yet, as design issues have yet to be resolved, Stephen says. Council operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney and council engineering officer Kerry Walsh at the site of the sewage leak in Third Lane, central Blenheim.

3

inbrief

The Sun

Bach burned to the ground On Wednesday night firefighters were called to a bach fire in the Port Underwood area.

The Flagg Bay bach was engulfed in flames when crews arrived, leaving very little behind.

Potluck tea celebration Marlborough Multicultural Centre is hosting a potluck tea celebration at the Star of the Sea Parish Centre from 4pm to 7pm this Sunday, July 22.

There will be guest speakers and cultural performances.

Bring a plate of food to share.

A gold coin donation will go towards the hall hire.

Open to all.

We’re waterlogged Marlborough is waterlogged, with soils holding more water than is usual for this time of year, making ponding and surface flooding slow to disappear.

Marlborough District Council hydrologist Val Wadsworth says soils are struggling to cope because they are already saturated from heavy rains in February, and regular rainfall since then.

“After a dry October, November and December, we had above-average rainfall in January, and then 180 millimetres in February.

March and April were above average as well, May was 15 per cent above average, June was below, but we’ve already had 48mm in July,” Val says.

Usually, evapotranspiration reduces moisture levels but that hasn’t happened so much this year because of the regular rain.

A Z N A N O B R E W O P RE REPOWER BONANZA DON’T WAIT FOR SPRING Take advantage of great savings & repower now, enjoy the benefits today

Repower from 50hp -100hp Save $1000 Repower from 100hp - 200hp Save $1500 repower now, enjoy the benefits today of great savings & age ant Take adv Repower from 225hp & Up - Save $1000 up to 50hp -100hp ower$2000 Rep Save hp - Save $1500

DON’T WAIT FOR SPRING

Repower up to 100hp - 200 hp & Up - Save $2000 GREAT FINANCE RATES AVAILABLE er 225 Repow

CALL US TODAY - GRAB YOUR SAVINGS AY - GRAB YOUR SAVINGS GREAT FINANCE RATES AVAILABLE CALL US TOD

701 SH1 Koromiko, Blenheim 03 573 7736 72 Grove Road, Blenheim 03 578 0569

4

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

Historical photos of cinemas wanted

Teens and alcohol By community constable Russ Smith If you have a teenager, chances are that they will encounter alcohol either through their own drinking or that of someone else.

Teens drink for similar reasons to adults, to relax, for confidence when socialising, or for the buzz.

Adolescence is also a time for risk-taking and experimentation.

Helping them keep safe is your job as a parent.

Your advice and support is critical even if it is not always welcomed.

Alcohol can severely damage a teen’s developing brain and teens have less physical tolerance to the effects of alcohol.

The things you can do to

help reduce the impact of alcohol on your teen aren’t always easy for everyone, but these are the things that are proven to make the most difference in young people’s drinking: • Delay your teenager’s introduction to alcohol as long as possible • If you do supply alcohol, give only small amounts • Ensure you, or someone you trust, are watching your teenagers when they consume alcohol • Be a good role model around your kids – either don’t drink alcohol in their presence or drink only small amounts • Have a good relationship with your teen and keep communication open.

By Megan Connolly New Zealand Film Buff Association Blenheim member Bruce Dale is on the hunt for old historic photographs that show both the interior and exterior of the Westend Cinema, the Palace Cinema and the Base Woodbourne cinemas.

The photographs are part of a rich history of cinema in Blenheim and would be a nice addition to the other archived photos, Bruce says.

Since the New Zealand Film Buff Association was founded in 1984, this is the first time its bi-annual meeting is to be held in Blenheim. Association members will gather here in November.

The association involves film enthusiasts of all ages with varieties of interests from film equipment, film restoration, film production, theatres, new and old films and actors.

Over the November weekend, members will have the opportunity to visit the Argosy Aircraft for a virtual flight and get to explore areas of Blenheim that were used in New Zealand films.

On Saturday night there will be a private screening of the Marlborough

Member of the New Zealand Film Buff Association Bruce Dale behind a small Eumig silent 8mm film projector.

film ‘Carry me back’ that was produced by Graeme Cowley.

On Sunday members will be a treated to a visit of the old Kerridge Odeon Westend Cinema (Marlborough

Movies) and a tour of Event Cinemas.

If anyone has any of the historical photos of the Westend from around 1970 to 1979 that would be helpful, Bruce says.

If you’re interested in becoming a member email nzfilmbuffs@gmail.com or have any of the photographs contact the Sun Newspaper reporter@blenheimsun. co.nz

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND OUR

“LOCALS WINTER RETREAT”

2 nights luxury accommodation • 3 Course Dinner with glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (night 1).

• 5 Course Degustation Dinner (night 2) • Fully Cooked Breakfast both mornings.

• Return Transfers • A bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on arrival.

• $720.00 per person - 1 bed apartment, share twin (Minimum 2 guests).

• $617.50 per person - 2 bed apartment, share twin (Minimum 4 guests).

Other packages available!

Contact us today and ask to book the Locals Winter Retreat and then leave the rest to us. We look forward to welcoming our local community to the Bay of Many Coves Resort. Offer ends 31st October 2018 Purchase the Locals Winter Retreat package to go in the draw to have a return weekend (2 nights) with our compliments!

The Bay of Many Coves Queen Charlotte Sound Picton

(03) 579-9771 enquiries@bayofmanycoves.co.nz

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

5

He korero no te Kaunihera o Wairau NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Civil Defence keeps up training

Finance Minister drops in for a chat

Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson was here last week on a whistle stop tour of the regions, meeting with Mayor John Leggett and a number of other Marlborough organisations.

The Mayor says the Minister was well-informed on our issues, such as the colleges’ co-location and labour shortages.

“We had a good discussion about opportunities for Marlborough – he encouraged us to apply to the Provincial Growth Fund and ensure we work in close partnership with the other Top of the South councils, the private sector and iwi in making pitches for project funding. We also talked about our rural broadband initiative and the importance to

Marlborough of getting funding to get that project off the ground, and how our Council’s innovative approach to it could be a model for the rest of the country,” said Mr Leggett.

“We explained how broadband would deliver benefits right across our economy – to industries such as aquaculture, Council functions like environmental monitoring and marine safety, residents’ connectivity and the emergency services ability to respond in remote areas.”

The Mayor says the Finance Minister spoke positively of the colleges’ co-location project, indicating some progress on it can be expected it quite soon.

Upcoming Council meetings The following meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. Copies of the agenda will be available online and at Council’s Office, 15 Seymour Street.

• Planning, Finance & Community Committee: Thursday, 26 July

2018 at 9.00 am • Council: Thursday, 9 August 2018 at 9.00 am The time and date may be subject to change, please contact Nicole Chauval, Committee Secretary, Ph: 03 520 7400 for confirmation.

Positive Ageing - look after your eyesight The risk of getting eye-related problems and vision loss increases with age. Cataracts, for example, become more common, even without other vision problems. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss after age 50 but, if diagnosed early, treatment may help minimise further loss. There are known risk factors, such as smoking, poor diet or family history, but the cause is unclear so regular eye checks are suggested.

Family and carers should be aware

that an older person with poor sight may not notice bruising, sores, rashes or changing moles. Loss of vision may also spark depression when it means a loss of independence – if, for example, a person can no longer read or drive.

If you’re over 60, its worth having your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Depending on what they find, they can recommend how often you should have an eye examination.

Community News The Blue Door resells donated second-hand goods at reasonable prices to those in the community in need. Any profits are donated back to the community. Open Monday

to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and Saturdays 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.

For further information Ph: (03) 579 4353.

Boil water notice - Awatere and Seddon Water from Council’s reticulation system in Seddon and the Awatere should be boiled. It does not currently meet the NZ Drinking Water Standard and may contain bacteria or protozoa that are harmful to human health.

Treated water is available at the public tap on the corner of Marama Road

and Foster Street.

A new Seddon water treatment plant is under construction and will supply treated water to the NZ Drinking Water Standard.

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

www.marlborough.govt.nz

Mayor John Leggett recently spent the evening with the Marlborough Civil Defence response team at a training exercise in Renwick.

The training was based on an earthquake scenario that involved setting up the community hall as a Civil Defence Centre, as well as having the team out door knocking, doing welfare assessment checks

with local residents.

The Mayor said he was impressed with the calibre of the volunteers taking part, especially getting out there on a cold winter’s night.

“Marlborough is very fortunate to have committed people who care deeply about their community.”

District waterlogged Marlborough is waterlogged with soils holding more water than is usual for this time of year, making ponding and surface flooding slower to disappear.

Council hydrologist Val Wadsworth says soils are struggling to cope with further rain because the soils are already saturated from heavy rains in February, and regular rainfall since then.

“After a dry October, November, and December, we had an above-average rainfall in January, and then 180 millimetres in February. March and April were above average rainfall as well, May was 15 per cent above average, June was below, and we’ve already had 48mm in July.”

Usually, evapotranspiration reduces those moisture levels but that hasn’t happened so much this year because of the regular rainfall.

Soil moisture levels are quite full and it “doesn’t take

much” to cause large amounts of runoff, he says.

Anecdotally, there are some changes caused by the earthquake, which can be expected to come back to previous levels eventually, but Val says the biggest cause of the runoff experienced around Marlborough is the high soil moisture levels.

Hi Ho Silver! Garden Marlborough celebrates 25 years Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough is embracing a silver theme this year as the garden show hits its 25th year.

The public is encouraged to take part in Garden Marlborough by entering the "Best Garden" Awards – a competition aimed at promoting camaraderie and collaboration between neighbours and encouraging the beautification of our Marlborough region. The event is proudly sponsored by Sotheby’s International Realty.

Best Garden categories include commercial frontages, rest homes and private residences.

You can nominate yourself, your neighbour, your street or your retirement village's garden.

Celebrate the gardens you see every day, reward yourself for your hard work and give yourself or your neighbour a pat on the back!

New Zealand’s premier garden event runs 8 – 11 November. Tickets for Garden Tours, educational workshops and the Garden Party go on sale on Monday 23 July. More information at http:// www.gardenmarlborough.co.nz/

Seddon water treatment plant close to completion Construction of Seddon’s new water treatment plant is almost complete, with only minor finishing works required to tidy up the site.

Testing of the pipelines, reservoir and treatment components has started and will take another couple of weeks.

Commissioning of the plant as a whole can then commence, which will ensure the treatment process meets the NZ Drinking Water Standards and the requirements of the Drinking Water Assessor and Council. During commissioning the technicians will send the water to waste until the treatment

Street Address: Phone: 03 520 7400 15 Seymour Street Fax: 03 520 7496 Email: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz Blenheim 7201 New Zealand

process is proven to be operating reliably. After this, treated water will be directed into the Seddon water supply. The entire commissioning process is expected to be completed in September.

Qualified water treatment plant operators will run the plant during the commissioning period. After commissioning is complete, Seddon’s water mains will be flushed to remove any contaminants.

Council will monitor the water quality and the Drinking Water Assessor will audit and review the results against the NZ Drinking Water Standards.

6

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

txt

Eltham Road

talk

I’m generally a very good driver and have only hit two cyclists in 40 odd years of driving.

The first had very few injuries and second is doing just fine in his wheelchair.

Shame on on the council for ruining Eltham Rd with the pointless cycleway!

The Sun

Re: Anti plastic campaigner You might have got mad but your text was nasty.

Racist, bullying and preachy.

Did you whip out your (plastic) card and buy a handful of reusable bags to share around and show what the enlightened Kiwi would do?

Not everyone has spare cash or a sewing machine and old sheets to convert into bags.

Dear anti-plastic campaigner instead of stirring up ill will against seasonal workers how about contacting the recruitment agencies and setting up an information evening with the opportunity to obtain reusable bags.

Campaigning should be about educating, not vilifying.

Cruelty to animals If they get caught slap on the hand with a wet bus ticket. l know someone that did that.

After court case he was put on another farm to work under supervision. l think the people in high powered positions should get out into the real world sometimes and see what is really happening.

Think about it Why do the paper and pamphlet delivery people keep trying to put stuff in letter boxes when they can see that they are full?

Tax

Far better to modify Howick Road, as it almost immediately connects to Eltham and town lanes and goes all the way to the hills, then along Wither Road with plenty of frontage space, and much less traffic.

Can someone please educate cyclists what the cycle lane on Eltham Road is for, it’s for cycling in not beside!

Three times in past 2 weeks I have passed people cycling on the road, it is so narrow now you can’t go around them.

Huge waste of money.

Plastic bags Isn’t it hilarious, I chatted to a person two weeks ago who distinctly remembers when paper bags were used in shops.

It was discovered paper bags were not good for ENVIRONMENT, so plastic bags became it.

We now believe the propoganda telling us plastic is no good....and we move back? Hilarious.

New cultural heart Yep you read it in this very paper, $16 million budget, but, I guarantee, only if the town contractor can get his other Westwood project finished before 2019, otherwise there will be the usual theatre/bridge $240+K a month overruns.

Why do we never learn, it’s - 30% materials, 30% wages, 30% profit; easy, but politicians are forever telling us inflation is under control.

Try telling ratepaying pensioners.

Most appreciated

I would like to thank the kind person who Why is it that the govt is not going to put a tax handed in my cell phone to the police station. on sugar.

It fell out of my pocket, on the Taylor river The goverment said they don’t care about walkway. peoples health if that is the case they should be putting the price of smokes down not up.

Feeling ripped off Why do certain supermarkets in Blenheim Cleaning trucks advertise specials then not have enough certain What’s with cleaning trucks on Lakings Road and items in stock for 2 or 3 wks. the detergent and mud flowing into the gutter Poor service. which no doubt flows into the Taylor River.

txt talk

1080 There is a march walking from Bluff to Parliament at moment.

Alan Gurdon was at Hawera on the 9th July walking up West Coast, Nelson through Ruapara Rd to Ferry.

Its been frustrating to follow where he is due to his cell phone coverage but I will txt paper when near Blenheim.

Paint your banners up, offer food, drink or toot your support as they pass.

of the week

Love local A BIG thank you to the Sun newspaper to know what’s going on in town.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

Name supplied please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Ban 1080 protest to be held in Blenheim on the 6th Oct has not been arranged as yet.

If you are interested in helping in anyway please txt 0278655769.

No voice messages please.

Make the world a better place

Re: Bad example

Hearthfelt thanks

Does anyone remember Jason Dunn singing the song Reach out and touch, Grateful A huge thank you to the person who found and somebody’s hand, handed in my small diamond ring which I lost in Make this world a better place if we can.

Pak n Save last week.

If the world was like that - yes we would be in a better place.

Think of all the positive things in life and try not to dwell on the negatives - believe me l try and Rate increases try l do.

Before our MDC jumps into an inflation budget- Keep smiling and the world will smile at you. ary spending spree, would they please be ‘open Give it a go as it doesn’t cost anything. and transparent’, as election promised, and tell us how much rates is now owed by non payers, and trusts that they cannot find enough trustees down the sounds, before tipee toeing into a Look after our own huge new debt which could be paid easily by Goverment should stop dishing out money landowning debtors. overseas and start looking after NZ .

Now that’s an honest query!

Nurses police teachers etc etc.

Jacinda Ardern discovered she was pregnant just six days before being sworn in as our prime minister.

I would think being pregnant and trying to form a government was enough on her plate, without planning a wedding also.

All in good time, their time, our prime minister and her partner Clarke will join in matrimony, if they choose to do!

I wish this young family much happiness, without being judged.

I find this text rather shallow minded and rather offensive, just because people have children before they are married does not mean they are setting a bad example at all regardless of it is our prime minister or not , just because people are not married does not mean that the child is loved any less.

Times have changed and clearly this person is still living in the historic days !

To the lovely people who stopped to help me and my husband when I collapsed when out walking down Waikawa Road.

I don’t remember a thing.

I wish I did to thank you personally.

State Highway Koromiko It’s been there for years, and is now a known landmark.

No way is Vince’s statement being covered up.

Your paint isn’t required!

School Holidays I am always looking out for kids activities here in Blenheim.

Took my visiting daughter and 6yr old grandson to Marlborough Children’s and Youths production of Cats on Tuesday.

Awesome. Fantastic. Well done.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

NMA NelsoN MArlborough Audit ltd SpecialiSt independent audit ServiceS

ph Simon 021 295 6043 or email simon@nma-audit.co.nz

www.nma-audit.co.nz

NMA Nelson Marlborough Audit Ltd specialise in the provision of independent audit and audit related services across Nelson and Marlborough. Both the company, and the Director Simon Danson are recognised as qualified auditors in accordance with CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand). Simon has provided audit services for over 25 years, with the last 11 being spent in a Simon Danson senior role at the largest provider of audit services in the Nelson/Marlborough region. Simon’s vision is to provide high quality, comprehensive, independent audit services at a cost-effective price, he understands the importance of a local auditor with local knowledge and experience.

The company uses modern audit specific software enabling the delivery of efficient and cost-effective audit services. The recent changes to the Financial Reporting Act have meant new reporting obligations for both for-profit and not-for-profit entities - with some significant impacts. NMA can help ensure you meet these new requirements. What may have been acceptable before may no longer be the case. Ultimately, clients of NMA can rest assured their business and statutory audit or review requirements are fully met.

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

7

Beekeepers heading to Blenheim

By Bill McElhinney Hundreds of apiarists will be making a beeline for Blenheim this weekend for the Apiculture New Zealand national conference.

“We’re expecting more than 800 people to attend the conference, which starts on Sunday and runs until Tuesday,” Marlborough Beekeepers Association secretary Silke Powell says.

The Marlborough Association supports the commercial operators and hobbyists who keep bees in Marlborough. It is run by volunteers who have an interest in sharing knowledge and skills or learning about bees.

Silke and Renee De Luca, from Putake Honey, have been busy helping organise the event, to be held in the Conference Centre and ASB Theatre.

“It’s the first time the conference has been held in the South Island,” Silke says, “and we’re so pleased that it’s coming to Blenheim.

“There are dozens of commercial beekeepers and honey producers in Marlborough as well many hobby beekeepers.

“There’s been a massive growth in the number of hobby beekeepers in recent years.

It’s really taken off.”

The conference will feature international speakers and will address issues honey producers face, such as combating pests like the woolly aphid and the varroa mite.

Another major issue affecting New Zealand honey producers is the production and definition of the valuable manuka honey brand.

Earlier this year the Ministry for Primary Industries has performed a last minute u-turn on its definition of manuka honey, amid warnings it was set to cause major damage to New Zealand honey exports.

The new standards, which were due to come into force in February, would have meant more than $100 million a year in export products could no longer be called

Marlborough apiarists Renee De Luca and Silke Powell have been working to help organise the national conference, which starts in Blenheim on Sunday.

manuka honey.

The industry has also been fighting attempts

by Australian honey producers to grab the manuka honey trademark.

The New Zealand apiculture industry is a $5 billion industry and its value is not just in

honey and bee products.

Honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating pastoral clover, seed crops, berry, stone fruit and pip fruit orchards.

Along with seminars, interactive workshops and trade exhibitions, the conference will also

PLANNED THREE DAY, DAYTIME CLOSURE FOR STATE HIGHWAY 1 NORTH OF KAIKŌURA In order to stabilise a rock face north of Kaikōura at Ōhau Point, the NZ Transport Agency has scheduled a three day, daytime closure from Monday, 6 August to Wednesday, 8 August. State Highway 1 between Clarence and Mangamaunu will be closed each day from 8am to 4pm.

During this time any people travelling between Picton and Christchurch will need to take the Lewis Pass/Murchison route.

The daytime closures are essential to carry out work that can’t be completed safely with vehicles on the highway beneath the rock face, says Tresca Forrester, Network Operations Manager for the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) alliance.

‘The work involves drilling rock anchors into a 1000 tonne rock (400 cubic metres) above the road to stabilise it, followed by grouting,’ she says.

‘A closure is necessary as it’s dangerous work happening right above the road so strict safety precautions must be put in place. The highway will be open outside these hours – 4pm to 8am each evening and overnight - unless there are further weather events or other reasons for overnight closures, which we will keep road users informed on.’

State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura and the Inland Road via Waiau and Mt Lyford (Route 70) will remain open.

‘If bad weather is predicted before the planned closure, this work will be postponed to the following week. We will not have SH1 and the Lewis Pass closed at the same time,’ Ms Forrester says.

‘We understand that these day closures will have an impact on the community, the freight industry and all road users. We are all committed to getting this highway safely rebuilt and making the coastline as safe and resilient as possible.’

feature a honey competition where producers will submit honey samples to be judged by a team of experts.

“The programme covers a full three days and is suitable for all beekeepers, non-commercial and commercial,” Silke says.

Ōhau Point rock face with the highway directly below. The lighter-coloured area of rock face on the point will soon be getting rock anchors to make it more stable.

KEY INFORMATION • Closure dates Monday 6 August to Wednesday 8 August • Closure between Clarence and Mangamaunu • Closure times between 8am – 4pm daily • SH1 south of Kaikōura and Inland Road (Route 70) will remain open • Closure is subject to favourable weather HOW TO STAY UP TO DATE: • Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) • Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/p2c

8

Weddings

Friday July 20, 2018

ley White Charlene Mora and Dud re.

Barn Function Cent Married at The Old r . ylo Celebrant Carol Ta l Robinson of Nelson. ae ich M er ph Photogra

a Bents Matt Zachary & Georgin im on February 9, 2018. in Blenhe Celebrated at home and friends.

Witnessed by family .

Married by registrar Dowling. ea Photographer Chels

The Sun

Lynda Giles & Dudley Lerwill

Married March 13, 20 Celebrant Carol Ta 18 in their garden. ylor.

Carol Robertson &Jason Pearce

Married March 3, 20 Celebrant Carol Ta 18 in Wellington. ylor.

Planning a special event or occasion?

Here to help make your wedding day special Carol Taylor Marriage Celebrant mobile: 021 399 649 e : carol@nzweddingvows.co.nz www.nzweddingvows.co.nz

Our function and event centre is the perfect location you are looking for.

Come in and see for yourself.

Now offering two unique venue options for your wedding reception.

Full catering, theming & accommodation options available.

Contact us today to find out more.

T. +64 3 520 8558 E. venuehire@mcyy.co.nz W. asbtheatre.com

Weddings - Parties - Conferences in a venue with atmosphere & style.

Giesen Sports and Events Centre 8 Uxbridge St, Renwick 03 572 9688 • 027 572 9688 info@renwicksportscentre.co.nz www.renwicksportscentre.co.nz

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

Zero waste for the Matariki festival

By Megan Connolly It’s been months of planning for Linda Thompson and her team to make last Saturday’s Matariki festival a successful zero waste event.

“I was just gobsmacked with how it turned out,” Linda says.

For the estimated 900 people attending, the event ended up with only 650 grams of rubbish and 500 grams of recycling.

Two hours into the event, they didn’t have one piece of rubbish.

“And we left the Picton foreshore immaculate,” Linda says.

The team even covered up the public rubbish bins so that they would get the most accurate reading.

So how did they manage to achieve zero waste at such a large event?

It came down to the organisation and forward thinking.

“I went around to second-hand stores in Marlborough to buy crockery, mugs and utensils for months prior but many were donated.

“Many of the community food stalls served hand-held food so we supplied them with eco-friendly compostable serviettes with no carbon footprint.

$5

WEEK

Linda Thompson from Plastic Bag Free Picton and Nicci Neilson from the Picton Resource Centre enjoying a warm drink over the weekend.

“We encouraged the public to bring their picnic sets; stalls were responsible for having buckets for food scraps and taking away their own rubbish,” she says.

There was a team of volunteers wandering around with rubbish and recycling bags while a wash station meant all of the crockery and utensils could be washed and returned to the stalls for the next person to use.

“Everyone who attended was so positive. There wasn’t a negative bone on that shore,” Linda says.

Linda can even see more zero waste events in the future.

“Events create such huge amounts of rubbish, we need to take responsibility for our waste and reduce it like we did.

“We know we can do it now.”

ON NOW!

MAKE YOUR CASH WORK HARDER

Ends Sunday 22 July

9

Friday July 20, 2018

SAFE Winter Driving

NHEI

OR

TYR

E

Get your Winter tyres today

Equip yourself

03 5784512 Email: itsmarlborough@gmail.com 48A Main Street, Blenheim

Have an automotive technician check over your car before setting out this winter.

See us for your next WOF, Motor Registration, Road User Charges, Pre Purchase Inspections You’re good to go

pre HoLiDay Winter safety safety inspections inspections for extrapeace peaceof ofmind mind between between Wof for extra Wofchecks checks tHe essentiaLs safety inspection

Covers the most common causes of accidents Items covered: Brakes Tyres Lights Steering Vision Exhaust

29.00

tHe coMpLete safety inspection

Basically a full WOF inspection without the sticker Items covered: Brakes Tyres Suspension Steering Lights Interior Vision Exhaust Exterior

45.00

$

Key things to remember when driving in winter: • Snow chains • A working torch (and spare batteries) • A radio and mobile phone • Drive with your headlights on, day or night • Update yourself on weather and road conditions regularly

Vehicle checklist

you’re good to go.

$

The Sun

INDEPENDENT TYRE SPECIALISTS

S

F

LE

M

B

10

NO BOOKING REQUIRED: Just drop in any time that suits you

Locally owned & operated

26 HERBERT STREET, BLENHEIM 7201 Phone: 03 577 9942

Driving in winter weather - snow, ice, wet and cold creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers.

Keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances for any mishap or disaster while driving particularly in winter weather. To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete checkup.

Look for the following: Electrical system • Battery, recharge or replace if the battery is weak. Also have the charging system checked.

• Ignition, check for damaged ignition wires and cracks in the distributor cap.

• Lights, check all lights (headlights, side lights, emergency flashers, directional lights, taillights, brake lights and parking lights) for proper functioning.

Brakes • Check brakes and adjust to ensure equal braking.

Tyres • The traction between tyres and roadway determines how well a vehicle rides, turns and stops, and is crucial for safe driving

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL GLASS COMPANY WINDSCREENS - STONE CHIPS Keep your windscreen in top condition with our while-youwait stone chip repair service.

in winter. Proper tyre selection is very important.

• Check tyre pressure and if necessary restore it to levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Check the tyre wear, balance and wheel alignment, correct where necessary.

Heating/cooling system • Check the radiator and hoses for leaks.

• Ensure that your vehicle always has a sufficient amount of antifreeze.

• Check the defrosters (front and back) to make sure they are working efficiently.

Windshield wipers • Ensure that windshield wipers function efficiently. Replace them if they are old or worn.

Fuel • Fill up the fuel tank before you leave on your trip.

• Do not let the fuel level get too low. The driving time to the next gas station may take much longer than you ever expected, and if you get stuck, the car engine will be your only source of heat.

Black ice is difficult to see so be careful when driving this winter.

Black ice

Black Ice is a thin sheet of ice on the road that is dark in appearance, making it extremely hard for drivers to see.

It is commonly found around waterways and lakes, more often in shady or cooler areas. Black ice can cause drivers to lose control, so it’s important to drive carefully.

• Avoid sudden braking • Drive slowly • Avoid sudden direction changes • Leave large following distances • Look for shiny, wet patches on the road • Winter driving checklist

Let us worry about what’s under the hood Specialists in all aspects of:

Aluminium Cooling Components

- On site windscreen help - Safety glass laminated & toughened

• Radiators • Oil coolers • Heat exchangers • Inter coolers

- Glass tinting - All insurance work - Warranty service

Keeping Marlborough safe on the road for over 33 years

Formerly Norm Fowke Glass

47 Grove Rd, Blenheim E: office@nfglass.co.nz

T: 578 0850 | F: 578 0977 www.viridianglass.co.nz

44 Main St, Blenheim • Phone 578 8176 anytime

The Sun

5 minutes with:

Friday July 20, 2018

11

James Wilson Chairman of the Picton Dawn Chorus

Q A Q A Q A

My ideal day is spent...

Relaxing with members of my family.

One of my best holidays was...

The last one, celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with all our family.

One thing on my bucket list is...

To revisit Barcelona.

Q A Q A Q A

If I could, I would...

Get the world to go vegan.

What’s your favourite meal?

Breakfast.

My guilty TV pleasure is ...

I avoid TV.

Q A Q A Q A

My parents used to say...

You can’t change a plan till you have one.

The keys to happiness are...

Vegan food shared with family.

Who would you love to share a meal with and why?

James Cameron as we share the same food philosophy - meat and milk production and consumption is destroying the planet and causing ill health in humans.

gardening

this week with Wally Richards

Starting the new season off right The daylight hours are slowly extending and soon dormant plants are going to wake up.

I have already been receiving phone calls from gardeners starting seeds on their heat pads to have young plants to plant out in a month or so.

One gardener told me that seed raising mixes she has tried were expensive and not much good, and I totally agree. She preferred to sieve potting mix and obtain the fines to use as a seed raising medium. I told her to go a step better and buy a good compost and sieve that for the fines.

I use either Daltons Compost or Oderings, as neither of them uses green waste in their compost so there is no herbicide residue to harm baby plants.

If preparing a seedling tray I first place a layer of straight compost in it to about half full; then a sprinkling of Rok Solid, after which I sieve more compost to create a nice bed of fine particles.

Then I place the seeds which I spray with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) mixed at

20 mls per litre of non-chlorinated water.

Once the seeds and the medium have received a good wetting I then sieve more compost over to cover, or sometimes I use sharp sand as the cover.

The cover is sprayed till nice and moist then onto the heat pad. The seedling tray needs to be sprayed two or three times a day to keep the medium moist.

An easier way is to use peat pots. The meat trays that you get from the supermarket are ideal to sit the peat pots on. Place the trays with the peat pots on your heat pad and once a day pour some non-chlorinated water into the dry tray.

This is best done each morning. The heat pad should be sitting on a thickness of polystyrene sheet so all the heat is driven upwards.

As soon as there is a show of germination, put the trays out into the glasshouse so the seedlings get overhead light and thus do not stretch and die.

Now you need to be very careful not to overwater or to dry out completely.

Once off the heat pad the seedlings need a misting only once a day to keep them happy and the best time to do this is in the morning.

Light is so important to plants because that is what they use to make carbohydrates (sugars) which is their life blood. If there is insufficient sunlight the plants become weak, are attacked by insects and diseases and will likely die.

A little trick that I had forgotten about is Panda Film, a film that is black on one side and white on the other.

The black side is laid on the soil with the white side facing upwards, so it reflects light up into the plants.

The top of the leaf and the underside can both work to create energy for the plant’s growth. Another advantage is that a number of insect pests hate the bright light from below and tend to be less a problem on your plants.

Strawberries are starting to wake up now so it is time to start spraying the foliage with Mycorrcin.

This will get the plants producing fruit earlier, obtain bigger better fruit and keep them fruiting longer.

Curly leaf in stone fruit trees such as nectarines and peaches is always a problem and you need to be diligently spraying about every seven to 10 days as the leaves are emerging in the spring.

Copper is the traditional spray to use with Raingard, which prevents the copper particles washing off.

Garlic should be up and away at this time and one semi-commercial grower told me this week he has been using Wallys Liquid Sulphur with Raingard last season every two weeks to prevent rust.

It is a new season started and there are plenty of things to do when the weather permits.

Problems, ring me at 0800 466464.

REAL CARE  IT’S WHAT WE DO BEST AVAILABLE NOW: Fully decorated large and spacious rooms, with the care and atmosphere of home.

All with ENSUITES, and stunning views over our famous gardens and pathways.

Phone now for ALL LEVELS OF CARE From Rest Home to Hospital to Dementia Level.

And if you need support, or a break, RESPITE care is available now.

Just call for your free personal tour, opposite Springlands Shopping Centre

118 - 130 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands | ph 03 577 9990 | ashwoodpark.co.nz

12

Friday July 20, 2018

what’s on

The Sun

in marlborough

Friday 20

Blenheim Roller Skating Club: College Park, Stephenson Street.

Every Sunday 1-3pm. $5 for hire of skates or $2 if you have your own.

Come along and have a go, all ages and skill levels welcome.

Trading Card Game Night: Don’t miss this chance to have an awesome night playing card games. Including Pokémon, Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh plus any other interesting card games you may want to bring along. $3, suitable for all ages. 7-10pm, St. Ninians Presbyterian Church, 1 Riley Crescent.

Picton Rail & Sail: Open (subject to weather) Sundays, public holidays & everyday during school holidays.

Picton Foreshore.

Return Of The Curve: An exhibition of acrylic paintings by Victoria Hales.

Now showing until July 31. Framers on Queens, 71 Queen Street, Blenheim.

Matariki Public Art Installation Add Your Mark: Come and add a Matariki star, design part of the 7 Sisters korowhai, colour-in part of the billboard display or add a piece of poetry during the Matariki Festival.

Markers supplied for use only, all ages welcome. The Matariki Art Billboard will be available outside the Picton Library, 2 Dublin Street, during opening hours. Led by local artist Caroline della Porta. On until July 22.

Children’s Matariki Art Exhibition: The children of Waikawa Bay School are creating Matariki artworks to display and brighten up the empty stores in Picton. Various locations throughout Picton Central Business District. On until July 22.

The Gallery Havelock: Open 10am4pm, seven days a week. The Gallery Havelock, 60 Main Road, Havelock.

The Diversion Gallery: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5pm. 10 London Quay, Picton.

Marlborough Golf Club: Half price green-fees after 4pm every day. 74 Paynters Road.

Heritage and Whaling Museum: A collection of 2000 items of Maori, whaling, maritime, heritage and textile displays. 10am-4pm daily, 9 London Quay, Picton.

Marlborough Museum: Open 10am–4pm daily. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place.

Saturday 21 Picton Baptist Church Arts & Craft Gallery: A gallery of local art by parishioners, featuring a wide range of arts and crafts. Showcasing many talents from all ages and stages including knitting, colouring, pottery, painting and needlework. Today 10am-4pm and Sunday 9am-1pm with free entry. Tea, coffee and snacks available. Picton Baptist Church, 293 Waikawa Road, Waikawa, Picton.

Marlborough Golf Club – Community Golf: Sunday afternoon play 18 holes $15 or 9 holes $10. Must be a Marlborough resident. 74 Paynters Road.

Model Aero Club: ARA Wairau Valley 9am. Phone Murray 578 9199.

Petanque: 10am Sunday and 1pm Wednesday, 65A Weld Street.

Upcoming Events Picton Rail & Sail, a great way to finish off the school holidays. Picton Foreshore.

Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery: Opening hours 10.30am4.30pm daily. Marlborough Arts Society, 204 High Street, Blenheim.

Pro Bounce Pop Up Fun Park: Top of the South’s unique Mobile Fun Park experience. With a large Climbing Wall, Bungy Trampoline, Laser Tag, Wipeout, Bouncy Castles and games. Today and Sunday, with sessions running at 9am-12.30pm and 1.15pm-4.45pm. From $26, spectators are free. A fun half day out for the whole family. The Vines Village,193 Rapaura Road.

Millennium Public Art Gallery: Exhibition on show Kurahaupo Ki Te Waipounamu. An exhibition with associated public programmes telling the story of the local Kurahaupo tribes’ Treaty of Waitangi Settlement through words, photography, artworks, practical workshops and talks. On until August 5. Corner of Seymour Street and Alfred Street, koha appreciated.

EcoWorld: EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Picton Foreshore. Saturday & Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm.

Redwood Market: 8.30am-12pm, Redwood Tavern car park. Plants, produce, cards, jewellery, flowers and hand crafts.

Vintage Farm Machinery: 10am3pm, open every day. Brayshaw Park guided tours available, on Sunday Thomas Tank Engine rides are available.

Round’A’Mini Golf Picton: Picton Foreshore, 9am Saturday and Sunday.

Road Bunch Ride: Open to all, on every Saturday. 3pm, Bikefit Marlborough, 24 Market Street.

Blenheim Rotary Car Boot Sale: Every Saturday 8am–12.30pm at the Railway Station car park, Grove Road.

Blenheim Menz Shed: 4 Dillons Point Road. Open 9am-12pm Saturday and 1-4pm on Monday and Thursday.

Picton Men’s Shed: “Where men can do what men do best” 9am-12pm and Wednesday 9am-4pm. 2 Market St. Picton.

5km Taylor River Fun Run: Free timed 5km run along the Taylor River, meet at the Amphitheatre, corner of High and Symons Streets, 8am every Saturday.

Brooklyn Croquet Club: Whitehead Park off Brooklyn Drive. Play days are Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm. Come and have a go.

Sunday 22 Sunday’s With The Marlborough Jazz Quartet: Join Tony, Peter and Jonti with their refreshing, down to earth Jazz, Evergreens and great Old School Rhythms. 5-8pm. Dodson Street Beer Garden, 1 Dodson Street.

Chess: Joocy Loocy Café, 4 John Street, 10am-1pm. Please bring your own board and pieces.

Blenheim Country Music Club: All new performers welcome, come along and join in. 2pm, $3. Redwoodtown School Hall. Cleghorn Street.

Marlborough Gliding Club: Sunday’s 10am onwards (weather permitting). Everyone welcome, instructor’s available. Omaka Airfield, Aerodrome Road.

Womans MTB Ride: On every Sunday 10am–12pm. Bikefit Marlborough, 24 Market Street.

Blenheim Croquet Club: Come along and have a go. 1pm every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Parker Street, Pollard Park.

Kapa Haka: 1st & 3rd Sunday, 1pm - 3pm. All welcome. Senior Citizens Hall, High Street, Blenheim.

Dads, Lads And Lasses Evening: Calling all Dads, lads and lasses. Come on down for a fun evening at Mitre 10 Mega. Lots of fun and games, vehicle displays, hands-on demonstrations, competitions, awesome prizes and complimentary drinks and nibbles.

Thursday July 26, 6.30-9pm. Entry by donation. All proceeds going to Life Flight. Mitre 10 Mega 174-186 Alabama Road.

The Life And Music Of Vera Lynn: Musician Vicki Lee will take you on a nostalgic journey filled with the songs and memories of British wartime-era singer Vera Lynn. Friday July 27 at 2pm. Main Hall, Clubs of Marlborough. Tickets $5, available from Clubs of Marlborough, Ken Hams Music Works, All About You Lingerie and Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors. Fundraiser for Alzheimers, Marlborough RSA and the Garrison.

Grease A Combined Colleges ProThe Edwin Fox Ship: Explore the duction: Marlborough Girls’ and decks and depths of the Edwin Fox Marlborough Boys’ Colleges presShip. Visitor Centre open daily from ent a combined senior production 9am. Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore. of Grease. The senior cast of both schools bring this rollicking musical to

Marlborough Farmers’ Market: the stage with real energy and style, Grab yourself a delicious brunch making for an evening full of memoand fresh produce, with lots on rable characters and music. A show offer. Every Sunday, 9am-noon. A&P for all ages. 7.30-10pm.Tuesday July Showgrounds corner of Maxwell and 31-Saturday August 4. ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street.

Alabama Road.

Ulysses Club Ride: Join us for a ride down to Kekerengu for lunch. 11am departure from the south end of the Blenheim Railway Station.

Kapa haka: Every Sunday at Tuamarina Hall. 1-3pm. All welcome.

If you have an event email Susan at The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz

LIVE AT THE WOODY!

Doors open 6am | $25 Buffet Breakfast | Live on the big screens Be early to get a table! No RSVPs - first in best seat!

80 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE 572 8007 woodbournetavern@xtra.co.nz

Comfortable and affordable accommodation Bottle-O Bottle Store - TAB and Pokie Machines Heaps of easy parking - Courtesy Van

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 church notices Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Senior Citizens Hall, 166 High Street. Sundays 10 a.m.

All welcome. 5785030.

PICTON Christian Life Centre - 40 Broadway Pi c to n. A n A s s e m blies of God Church.

All welcome. Sundays 11. 3 0 a m . C o n t a c t 035737426.

Sunday - 8am Traditional Eucharist Service Sunday -10am Family Service Sunday - 5.30pm Canvas Thursday - 10am Communion Service

Handy man for small jobs, heat pump service, free quotes, Cip 0284052863.

DRESS MAKING “A community of lifelong learners who make a difference”

• Add value in this varied role • 3 year fixed term contract • Waikawa, Picton based Waikawa Marae’s vision is, by 2025, to be a strong, vibrant, sustainable marae with developments meeting the growing needs and aspirations of marae whānau that strengthen both our ancestral Te Ātiawa tikanga and our marae whakataukī: Mōu, mōku, mō ngā iwi katoa – for you, for me, for all people.

Based at Waikawa Marae, Picton and reporting to the Marae Trustees, the position is responsible for operations, administration, financial management, staff positions and development opportunities that ensure the highly effective functioning of the marae to give effect to its Strategic Plan.

Enquiries - please who phonecan 578 6250 email: teacher helporour Y2principal@grovetown.school.nz children achieve

great things and have some fun along the way.

Full time, fixed term position starting 2019.

For more details please phone 5786250 or email principal@grovetown.school.nz Applications close 20 August

Japanese Chef, Thai Chef, and Wait Staff Wanted We are looking for a Japanese chef and a Thai chef to work in Picton and Blenheim restaurants (Norimaki and Noodle Corner) You should be able to delegate tasks to kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared in a timely manner. You must also be familiar with sanitation regulations.

By Peter Jones, Sport Tasman The demanding sport of underwater hockey thrived in the province during the early The position requires a motivated self-starter with a proven track Please send your CV and cover 1990s, a string of New Zealand representarecord of project management and delivery success within a Māori letter to nzpolarisgroup@gmail.com context. Strong leadership skills, high level of technology competence, tives learning their craft in the Blenheim pool. effective administration and organisational knowledge, prudent financial However, a combination of factors, includFor any questions management and transparent reporting skills are vital to this role. ing the Aquatic Centre rebuild, conspired call Dom 021 140 8249 to see numbers fall and the sport slide off Substantial communication and relationship skills that foster unity, support working collaboratively with the marae trustees, marae whānau, marae Marlborough’s sporting radar. users and wider community to enable the marae to succeed, are essential.

Now it’s back - the revival driven by a PART TIME ADMINISTRATOR woman who was to the fore as a Marlborough This is an initial 3 year position for the right applicant, with the potential Kiwi Seed are seeking an administrator for player in the previous era, representing New to be renewed. the Production Seed Store.

Zealand at various levels, including elite.

Applicants are to submit a letter of application, a related Curriculum Twenty years on, Rebecca Brosnan, nee Duties include store organisation, stock Vitae and the names and contacts details for two referees who can Bailey, is coach of the national senior womcontrol, inwards/outwards, managing validate recent successful employment. Upon furnishing an application, cleaning sheets and production records, applicants also agree to police vetting. en’s team who left the country on Wednesday maintenance schedules etc. to compete among 20 other nations at the A position description is available at www.intepeople.co.nz world championships in Quebec, Canada.

Maximum 6 hours per week.

Closing date: Friday 27 July 2018.

The 43-year-old, has high hopes for the Computer skills not required.

For further enquiries please contact Tania McCaa 022 088 7903.

“Silver Fins” as they are known, especially Suit retired person. after their second placing at the previous 5 minutes from Blenheim. worlds, but was understandably cautious.

Inquiries to info@kiwiseed.co.nz or When Rebecca and her husband Bruno, also phone 578 0468. a former NZ rep, moved back to Marlborough in 2000 the sport was still “reasonably strong” she recalled, but the closure of the pool for redevelopment saw the local club “die off”.

527 Old Renwick Rd “Bruno and I started it up again about four www.kiwiseed.co.nz YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHTER WITH INTEPEOPLE years ago,” Rebecca says, “knowing that we had our own children that would like to play … so we have been building up from wMARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL intermediate age and we have brought players through.

PIM Information Officer (Part-Time) “We went from having around 15 [players], now we have a club of over 60 members in a The Marlborough District Council (MDC) is offering aClosing talented URL date Rachel Proof read by:_______________________________ With: _______________________________ Date:_______________________________ PIM Information Officer the opportunity tested: to workxfor a dynamic three to four-year period.” checked: x and rewarding organisation.

Her short-term plan was to qualify a MBC WITHERLEA junior team for the nationals this year, with a This role is approx. 20 hours per week.

Wither Road, revisions: non-eligible MGC junior team also playing in Cashmere Grove, The successful applicant will display excellent skills/ 1 2 3 4 5 the qualifying tournament to gain experience. $0 $0 $25 $50 $75 knowledge of: Hope Drive, Next year she hopes to have three eligible Tereice Street The purpose • Working in a digital environment. PLEASE NOTE: teams at nationals - MBC and senior job: junior C61807 [year11-13] teams, plus an MGC junior that we have prepared this of this role • Attention to detail. advertisement proof based on our size: 18 x 3 format: colour combination.

RENWICK is to assist • Building industry knowledge is desirable. understanding of the instructions The first part of the strategy was achieved Inkerman, Alma and received.

In approving the publication run date position sort cost (excl gst) the Building advertisement, it is client’s responsibility last weekend when a Marlborough Boys’ Clyde Streets • A commitment to customer service, teamwork and to check the accuracy of both the Control group Production $25.00 continuous improvement.

College junior [year 9-10] team travelled to advertisement, the media and the by assessing position nominated.

Wellington for a Central Zone qualifying • Excellent communication skills.

Wednesday Cancellation of adverts booked with building consent tournament and finished second, earning media will incur a media cancellation • An ability to read and understand building applications, them a trip to Rotorua in September for the applications fee of $50. check sheets and plans will be beneficial. schools nationals, involving the top 10 teams against the in each grade. you would like to be part of a supportive, progressive team Rachel your contact: requirements of Ifworking Please phone in a modern work environment then please consider Underwater hockey is obviously not one the Resource us as your preferred employer.

5777 868 of the most spectator-friendly sports, with Management Act. Applications close at 5.00 pm on 24 July 2018. supporters struggling to see all that occurs in the depths of the pool, but Rebecca was Applications should be made online via the careers page quick to point out the physical and mental www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/careers/currentprowess needed to make a successful player. vacancies where you will find full information on the vacancy “It’s pretty full-on. You have got to be and how to apply. extremely fit, both in strength and cardiovasFor further information you are welcome to contact cular fitness, to be a good underwater hockey bill.east@marlborough.govt.nz player at the top level.

“Everyone thinks you need a really long The Sun breath hold but it is more about the recovery Text your thoughts to: … shorter breath holds, but being able to have www.marlborough.govt.nz 027 242 5266 one breath and then go and do it all again.”

DELIVERERS WANTED

advertising proof

& AltERAtIoNS

WE PICK UP & DElIVER

Term Teacher 2019 School Fixed commences at 9.00am on Tuesday 30th January Over 30 years experience We seek an enthusiastic and passionate

Drive administration and financial operations across the organisation.

13

public notice

76 Alfred Street, Blenheim.

All welcome to our services

Waikawa Marae Manager

Underwater hockey has resurfaced

situations vacant

Nativity Anglican Church

situations vacant

The Marlborough Boys’ College underwater hockey players wait at the end of the pool, ready for action.

Friday July 20, 2018

2018

Sun Sun

Ph: Robyn 573-7257 or 022-3172948

Hypnosis Helps Worry, Anxiety, Stress Personal Development Hypnotherapy

ph 021 758 648

Alterations & Repairs Nu-Look Clothing

Quality tailoring at competitive prices.

Hems from $15 a pair.

Ph/txt Christine 021 703 020 / 579 5267 Same day service available

Angel & Inner chIld workshop wIth dArlene

saturday 28 July 10.30 to 5.00pm Registration Essential

GABBY: heavens.blenheim@gmail.com Phone 5791032 Flyers available at Heavens Above

for sale 49 Metres of quality carpet. Can be viewed on floor. Phone 5793417.

FLAMING Firewood.

Near dr y Old Man Pine (short dry time) 3m $ 210, 6m $ 400.

Free delivery to Picton, Blenheim and Seddon.

Phone 035705710.

FORD Transit Hi Top 2003, 2.4 diesel turbo, injection motor reconditioned recently.

248,000kls, serviced from new. Wired for power. Price slashed now $ 8,000. Phone 0272754353.

wanted Would love to hear from descendants of Joseph and Ann Taylor of Blenheim, Joseph and Mary Ann Taylor and John and Winifred Taylor also of Blenheim, I am the great grandson of John and Winifred Taylor, Edward Taylor Email: tayblanche@ bigpond.com.

The

Blenheim Marlborough

The

Blenheim Marlborough

txt talk

garage

SALES HOUSE, Workshop and man cave items.

Saturday 21, 9am.

Faulkland Drive.

ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE HERE

14

The Sun

Friday July 20, 2018

The Sun

Births This Week HORNCASTLE, Mylee Michelle: July 9, 2018

Renwick midfielder Mike Vaeno scored 11 tries and was consistent throughout the season.

NPD season ends The NPD Tasman Trophy will be contested by two Nelson sides, Marist and Nelson Club this weekend, with only one Marlborough side in the semis, Renwick, who were well beaten by a physical Nelson side at Neale Park last weekend.

Here’s how the season went for the Marlborough based sides in this years condensed competition.

Waitohi: finished 1st MRSU and 10th overall. MVP: Fetuli Paea, fullback.

The lads from Picton didn’t have the greatest start to the competition, losing to Renwick in the opening match. However, they did start the first four weeks without their playmaker, first five Tim O’Malley.

They bounced back and secured themselves a semi final against last years champions, Moutere. The Tohi’s got past Moutere through hard running number eight Taimi Fangatua, hooker Ray Nuia and classy outside back Fetuli Paea.

Tohis fullback Fetuli Paea has been their go to out wide and caused headaches for the opposition.

Renwick: Finished 2nd MRSU and 4th Overall. MVP: Mike Vaeno, midfield.

Renwick were the top performers out of the Marlborough sides, but the big prize still eludes them.

They had one slip up during the local rounds, this time at home against East Coast. However, the Green Machine sought redemption when they put the Coast away in the semi-final.

They bounced back superbly after the loss in the final to send a message by knocking over Nelson at Neale Park.

Renwick played an attractive style with their rangy forward pack and lethal back three.

Number 8 Kurt Schollum had a good season with his boot.

However, the pick of the side was new addition Mike Vaeno at Second Five. He scored 11 tries and was consistent right throughout the season.

Central: Finished 5th MRSU and 5th/6th oveall. MVP: Peter Vakaloa, prop.

Central payed the price for a slow start to the season. On paper the Blues looked to have the team that could do it, but bonus point losses

5

$ .00

Combo Deal

Upsize to large chips for 90c

Regular Chips + Fish or Hotdog or Sausage or

or

to all local sides resulted in them missing out on the semis for the first time in many years.

The late arrival of Timoci Tavatavanvai didn’t help their cause. His five try demolition of Kahurangi in his first game back showed he would have been a nightmare for Blenheim sides.

A 43-point win over East Coast has booked them a spot in the championship (plate) final this Saturday. In the backs, veteran Robbie Malneek has been consistent, well supported

by Rookie Nigel Satherley. Their pack has performed well at times, but the pick would have to be the explosive tight head prop in Peter Vakaloa.

East Coast: Finished 4th MRSU and 8th overall. MVP: Nemia Kenatale, halfback.

East Coast had one of their best years since their formation, earning themselves a place in the semis in the Sub Union rounds and keeping the Nelson sides honest.

The Coasters recruited well in the off season, with the addition of first five Nicholas Herros, and hooker Fergus Mitra, but the pick was Fijian international halfback Nemia Kenatale.

The former Southland and Glasgow nine was outstanding for the Coast, a constant threat from the base and cleared the ball with pace.

Moutere: Finished 3rd MRSU and 11th overall. MVP: Mike Curry, loose forward.

Moutere had a year to forget as far as their placing on the table went, but the side should be applauded for the way they scraped a side together week after week after they struggled for numbers from day one.

They turned heads when there was talk of defaulting one week and the next week blowing Central off the park in the opening half in game one.

They came close to booking a spot in the final but Waitohi were too strong and unfortunately that was as good as it got for Moutere.

The Magpies went down to all the Nelson sides, but influential for them were midfielder Aki Kaumavaue, halfback Ben Finau and veteran Vernon Fredericks. The pick of the side was loose forward Mike Curry. He went up another level this year, touching down 10 times.

Death Notices DARLINGTON, Graeme James: July 3, 2018 ERICKSON, Lois Pauline (Lo): July 16, 2018 HOOK, Leonard Harvey: July 12, 2018 SOPER, Noel Raymond (Bill): July 15, 2018

friday fact

BERRY, Gordon Edward: 21/7/946 12/7/2018. Only son of John Edward Berry & Doreen Isobel (née Jackson). Loved, respected husband and best friend of Theresa (née McKenzie). Dad of Gaye, Myles and Bryon, father-in-law of Graeme, Miwa and Laura.

Grandfather, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, workmate, friend. A private service has been held. Thank you for caring. Eat chocolate and have a wine or whiskey in his memory.

MARSDEN HOUSE FUNERAL DIRECTORS N.Z.I.F.H. PERFECT, Allan John (Barney): Passed away suddenly at home, on Tuesday July 17 2018. Loving husband and soulmate of Jewel, and loving dad and father-in-law of Shane, Carl and Heather, Paula, Denise and Troy, and Adam. Loving poppa and grandad of 11 grandchildren. Will be sorely missed and forever loved. Keep on trucking. A farewell service to celebrate Allan’s life will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 10.30am on Saturday July 21, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719

acknowledgement

WILSON, Colleen Mary: Les, Ria, Paula, Beavan, Hamish, Darryl, Charlene, Curtis, Kierah, Ihaia and our extended whanau would like to thank all those who supported us through the loss of our beloved taonga Colleen who was peacefully laid to rest at the Waikawa Urupa on May 22 2018. To all those who attended Colleen’s tangihanga at Waikawa marae and filled the whare with tributes and memories, please accept our sincere thanks and aroha. E kore e warewaretia.

Na Matou Te Whanau Wilson. in memoriam

In Memoriam

Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

Most toilet paper sold for home use in France is pink.

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm.

Please contact the Sun for further details.

OsGOOd, Verla Joy (nee Neal) 10.03.1944 - 20.07.2017 Gone are the days we used to share.

But in our hearts you are always there.

Never more than a thought away, loved and remembered every day.

Charlie and family

72 High Street, Blenheim, email frontdesk@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.

Marlborough District Council is offering a

we’ll take care of it

mr green

Home Clean Heating Funding Scheme.

Fibreguard

Love Gardening?

We do - it’s our business!

We can prune your fruit trees,roses, shrubs, hedges,or dig your garden over.

Give that section of yours a

WINTER TIDY UP!

Call us NOW! For a free no obligation quote

Night ‘n Day Blenheim 60 Main Street Open 7 days

The Sun

death notices

Ph: 579 9333 • Blenheim • Renwick • Picton www.mrgreen.co.nz

Mattress cleaning Carpet Cleaning

Stain Treatments

Greenguard

• Help improve our regions air quality • Home clean heating funding scheme • Available to all Ratepayers • Add the cost of the fire to your rates

Carpet Cleaning & Flood Restoration • Oriental rug cleaning • Insurance company approved

Mention this advertisement and get an extra room steam cleaned for free.

• Add the cost of the fire to your rates Available to all Ratepayers • Help improve our regions air quality

Terms & Conditions apply.

Blenheim

578 1591 0800 225 552 Unit 1, 5 Colemens Rd, Springlands, Blenheim e : marlborough@jae.co.nz | www.jae.co.nz

• Help improve our regions air quality 5950 • Home clean 578 heating funding scheme • Available to all Ratepayers • Add the cost of the fire to your rates

The Sun

sport

Friday July 20, 2018

Sport

sports talk

inbrief

With Jacob Page

Wrestling with the reality of UFC There’s an age old saying that characters create cash.

The more charismatic and captivating someone is, the more people want and will pay to see them. The biggest company in mixed martial arts, the UFC, is finding that out.

Down on big names to engage casual fans, they turn to a guy with a professional wrestling background to get eyeballs on their product.

A fortnight ago, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier knocked out UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic to claim both titles.

It was a big fight but more for the

pure MMA fans, mostly.

Like all good stories, a fight needs a protagonist and antagonist.

Both Cormier and Miocic are nice guys - that draws money but it’s not the blockbuster study in contrast that sells a casual fan.

Enter Brock Lesnar.

A former 2-time NCAA champion, former UFC heavyweight champion and current World Wrestling Entertainment universal champion.

Lesnar has the credentials and most of all that antagonist edge.

Lesnar lives in rural Canada, out of the limelight, speculation is he doesn’t love wrestling or

MMA - he loves money.

Once one fight ends, the promotion starts for the next one.

Once Cormier invited Lesnar into the octagon, Lesnar the money earner began.

He cut a typical bad guy promo reminiscent of the golden days of boxing and then got physical with Cormier.

Clearly the whole thing was staged, but it looked to get a little too real for even Cormier, who seemed visibly shocked as things got physical.

Lesnar draws and here’s why.

He’s bigger than most normal people, he’s an ass-kicker with a pedigree and he doesn’t care what

people think.

All of that is fascinating and it makes people part with their money.

Whether you love him or hate him, Lesnar doesn’t care.

He just wants your money.

The other realisation is that whether you love wrestling or MMA, the reality is both are very similar.

Tell a compelling story which leads to a physical altercation that people want to pay to see.

Lesnar and Cormier are likely to fight in early 2019, it will draw more than Miocic and Cormier a fortnight ago.

Take that to the bank.

Local players do well in junior tennis tournament The Clarke Constr uction Marlborough junior winter open tennis tournament, held over the weekend at the Forrest Winery Marlborough Tennis Centre, was well attended by a field of 71 junior players from Canterbury, Wellington, Hutt-Valley and Nelson along with local players.

The Marlborough players fared

very well, winning five of the eight singles titles.

Sid Yank defeated Connor Edmonds of Nelson 4-2 5-4 (5) to win the 10s boys division, Lucca Wiseman overcame Canterbury’s Josh Karathra 7-6 (4) 6-2 to take out the 12s boys and Rhys Blackmore outlasted fellow local Cameron Lyons 5-7 6-3 10-6 to

triumph in the 18s boys.

In the girl’s division unseeded Jemimah O’Donnell defeated fellow Marlborough player Ana Eradus 5-3 4-1 to win the 10s girls while Ella Sowman beat Amelia Cave of Hutt-Valley 6-3 6-3 to take out the 12s girls.

Marlborough age group winners: girl’s 10 singles; Jemimah

O’Donnell; boy’s 10 singles, Sid Yank; girl’s 12 singles, Ella Sowman; boy’s 12 singles, Lucca Wiseman; boy’s 16/18 singles, Rhys Blackmore; girls 10 doubles, Jemimah O’Donnell and Lilly Walkenhorst; girl’s 12 doubles, Ella Sowman and Hazel Glover.

Scott Morgan - Blue Team Sponsors - Motor Trade Finance Blenheim (MTF) The reason I am doing fight for life, my wife Svenja works for MTF Blenheim and last year we attended Fight for Life as Eva, who owns the Blenheim branch, was the sponsor of the trophies.

We enjoyed the evening so much and I may have said that I would put my

hand up to fight if the event continued. It turns out Eva didn’t forget my passing comment and here I am.

This event is obviously about the kids and helping the charity Life Education Trust to continue their amazing work around our community which I am pleased to

be apart of.

This event also gives me a goal to work towards mentally and physically which is something I need to motivate myself.

I wouldn’t be here without the support of Eva at MTF Blenheim and the ongoing encouragement from my wife Svenja and my kids.

DOES YOUR HEEL HURT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING?

Mark Terry Rural, Viticulture and Lifestyle Sales

Whether you are buying or selling lifestyle, residential or rural property, contact me for an honest and fresh approach to all your Real Estate needs.

Simply advertise with the and go into the monthly draw to win a $50 shout - it’s that simple!

No.1

Residential/Lifestyle Sales

* conditions apply.

TASMAN REGION 2017

M 0275 722 559 | H 03 5722 559 E mark.terry@pggwrightson.co.nz

PH 5777868 TODAY TO ADVERTISE

Sun The

Blenheim Marlborough

www.pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

NOW AT MARLBOROUGH PODIATRY, RADIAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY CLINICALLY PROVEN TO RELIEVE HEEL PAIN IN 70-90% OF CASES.

Food kindly sponsored by:

The

The public as well as other jet boaters are welcome to come and watch the jet boat trials this Sunday on the Wairau River.

The event starts at 10:30am and involves a series of tasks marked according to completion and lack of errors, not necessarily on speed.

The Marlborough/Nelson Jet Boat Association invite anybody to come along for a look and join with boaters after the event for a barbecue and a look over some of the boats.

The jet boaters will be operating from the north side of the river.

Follow the signs from Tuamarina, turning left onto Tuamarina/Kaituna Rd and up and over the stop bank.

Pool results and draw Results From Marlborough Pool Association Interclub for games: Pheonix 11 vs Renwick 1 4; Jacks 6 vs Pints 9; Fyrebyrds had a bye; 12 Oz 12 vs Dads Army 3; Hot Tips 13 vs Chalk It Up 2; The Breakers 2 vs Crowsaders 13; Classics Bye vs Bye 2 bye; OKI 10 vs Renwick 2 5; Flamingos 7 vs Armadillos 8.

8 balls this week by Kim ODonnell , Lewis Green (Louie), Paul Day. Next weeks draw: Pheonix vs Pints at Clubs of Marlborough; Jacks vs Fyrebyrds at Clubs of Marlborough; Renwick 1 vs Dads Army at Waterfront; 12 Oz vs Chalk It Up at Clubs of Marlborough; The Breakers vs Classics at Woodbourne; Crowsaders vs Renwick 2 at Renwick Arms; OKI vs Armadillos at Okaramio.

The NPD Tasman Trophy rugby premiership final tomorrow will be played between the two Nelson innercity clubs, Nelson and Marist.

In an exciting innovation, Central will host Wanderers at Lansdowne Park in the first championship final that was contested by the middle four clubs on the ladder.

HEEL PAIN CLINIC

WIN A ACE WORKPL SHOUT!

Blenheim Marlborough

Jet boat trials

Tasman Trophy rugby

The Sun will be profiling each Fight For Life competitor in the lead up to the big event on September 29.

WednesdaySun

15

Helping grow the country

bringing podiatry care to you

Heel pain including Plantar Fasciitis is a common complaint which historically has proven difficult to treat in some cases. Marlborough Podiatry is the first podiatric clinic in Marlborough to offer Radial Shockwave Therapy with our new Intelect RPW device (pictured). This is a noninvasive, non-surgical treatment available at our clinic on a walk-in/walk-out basis with no side effects or time off work.

TALK TO KAYLENE TODAY TO SEE IF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

24 George St • (03) 97 22 927 • 021 0259 2813 • www.marlboroughpodiatry.nz

16

The Sun

sport

Friday July 20, 2018

Nathan Moore and Alan Cottington inspect the Polaris off-road racer that will be competing in Nelson at the weekend.

The Year 9A Marlborough Girls’ Netball team in Christchurch recently for the South Island Secondary school Netball Tournament. Back row: Georgie Rennick, Ataliaya Lambert, Georgia MacDonald, Liv Matthews, Mya Wiapo, Holly Feltham, Georgia Charman and Zoe Scaife.

Front: Olivia Wilson, Miriama Smith, Mele Moli and Stormy Tupara.

Girls’ College netball team made finals

By Megan Connolly The year 9A Marlborough Girls’ College netball team competed in the South Island Secondary School tournament in Christchurch recently and exceeded all their goals.

“They did awesomely,” coach Kate Smith says.

Going into the tournament the girls had the aspiration to place 8th or better, one better than last years team.

The girls not only achieved their goal but completely smashed it out of the park.

To place eighth or better they knew they had to have two good wins on the first day. Instead, they won all three games and went on to play

brilliantly, getting into the semi-finals.

“It was a draw at full time so they had to keep going until there was a two-goal difference.

But they really focused and won,” Kate says.

“The semis was one of the best games I’ve ever watched.”

There were 32 teams in their year group and it was the first time the year nines had made it to a final since 2006.

Even though St Margaret’s beat them in the finals 33-19, the girls couldn’t have been prouder of their achievements, Kate says.

“They played some fantastic teams but in the end the highlight was just that we focused and reached our goals each day.”

Enduro event tests off-roaders

By Bill McElhinney When you’re tearing through a forestry track at 160kmh in a souped-up off-road vehicle “you need to be on your game!”

That’s the word from Polaris RZR driver Nathan Moore, who passed through Blenheim this week on his way to a national event in Nelson.

Nathan drives a Polaris factory race car with a turbocharged 1000cc motor, fourwheel drive, UTV gearbox and off-road suspension.

He called in to the Blenheim branch of Drummond and Etheridge, the local Polaris dealers, to show the off-road racer to manager Alan Cottington and other staff.

The vehicles have a driver and a navigator and race at speeds of up to 180kmh through a testing series of forestry tracks in the Golden Downs forest.

The two day national enduro event tests vehicles and drivers over a rugged 360km course.

“We’re not the biggest vehicles in the event,” Nathan says, “But we’re agile.

We’re point-to-shoot, light and agile and that’s where we’ve got it over the big guys.”

Also driving a Polaris is current off-road race champion Ben Thomasen from Tauranga.

They will go up against a 50-strong field that ranges from tiny single-seater race cars with 1.2-litre VW engines all the way to the massive V8 engined truck and 4WD entries in the 4WD Bits unlimited class.

There is also a strong turnout of offroad racing’s new wave - the UTV or ‘side by side’ race vehicles that are sweeping the sport.

“It’s hard on tyres,” Nathan says.

“There’s lots of sharp stones and the like, but it only takes us four minutes to change a tyre. And we’ve got a good back-up crew to keep the vehicle going.”

Rikstay Auto The one-stop shop for tyres in Blenheim We have over 24 years in the business, come and talk to Mark about your vehicle needs.

When it comes to new tyres you want the peace of mind that you can get the right tyres at the right price. You need to come into the tyre shop that Blenheim has been trusting for over two decades.

At Rikstay Auto, we love to give our customers the best deals on tyres, offering the biggest range in the area. We stock only the top tyre brands and the latest advancements, such as fuel efficient tyres from EECA. Open six days a week for your convenience, we are also exhaust, battery and lube specialists, offering a selection of services for your vehicle. Please call or email us for more information and to book your vehicle in with us today.

Ph 03 578 7074 • 36 Grove Road, Blenheim • www.rikstay.co.nz