05 April Blenheim Sun by The Blenheim Sun

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April 5, 2019

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Today 10-25

Saturday 12-27

Blenheim Marlborough

Sunday 13-28

for Today Monday 13-27 Outlook Fine. Afternoon easterlies.

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Kmart opens!

By Bill McElhinney Johnny and Jasmine Hogeboom were determined to be the first customers in the new Blenheim Kmart store, so they arrived outside the doors at 9pm Wednesday. When Kmart opened at 8am yesterday, the pair raced through to make the first purchases in the new Blenheim store. Eager customers waited outside in the chilly dark yesterday morning, some of them having been there since 3am. Most of the others arrived between 6am and 7am, and were greeted with a rousing haka from Queen Charlotte College students as they streamed through the doors at 8am. Continued on page 2.

Johnny Hogeboom was determined to be the first through the door when Blenheim Kmart opened at 8am yesterday. A crowd of eager customers, some of who had been queuing for hours, was right behind him.

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

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Crowd lines up early for new store opening Continued from page 1. “We’re looking to get some bargains, clothes and Easter eggs for the kids,” Johnny said. Kim Evans and Shanae Yates were right behind Johnny and Jasmine, having arrived at 6am. “We’ve waited a long time for this,” Kim said. “Kmart has

cheaper goods and a different range to choose from.” Cushla Apperley’s son, Justyn Armstrong, arrived at 3am to save a spot for his Mum. “I need a thermal mug to put my tea in,” Cushla said. “I start work at 5am. And Justyn needs some new clothes!”

There were more than 500 job applications for the new Blenheim store, which will have over 70 team members in full time, part time and casual roles. The Blenheim Kmart was expected to open at the end of last year, but that was pushed

back to April this year. Australian-owned retailers Bunnings and Kmart are both planning to open more stores in New Zealand in the next couple of years. The two chains are both owned by Australian retail conglomerate Wesfarmers.

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Blenheim Kmart store manager Steven Bezuidenhout cuts Kim Evans and Shanae Yates were outside Kmart at 6am the ribbon watched by Kerralee Marshai, left, Caz Laramy and yesterday,looking forward to snapping up a bargain. Georgine Raj.

100% LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED IN MARLBOROUGH Jasmine and Johnny Hogeboom were the first customers in the Pupils from Queen Charlotte College perform a wiata at the new Kmart store. The pair had waited outside the doors since opening of the Blenheim Kmart store yesterday. 9pm Wednesday.

Respirator Fit Testing Respiratory Protective Equipment protects workers from breathing in substances hazardous to health. The fit testing of respirators for asbestos removal work is now mandatory for all workers removing asbestos and Contaminates as per nz regulations As required to comply to AS/NZS 1715 • Faster fit testing, real-time feedback • Enhanced training with real-time fit factor • Objective fit testing, eliminating the guess work This report is valid for one year. All wearers of respirators must be tested annually or when they have gained an amount of weight or lost an amount of weight.

WILL BE IN BLENHEIM TUESDAY 9TH APRIL,

CALL DAVE 0279 771 994 OR MARK ATKINSON FIBRESAFE NZ ON 027 724 8279 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

inbrief

The Sun

Impersonated an officer

Grovetown Lagoon wetland warriors on the new boardwalk, which wil be oficially opened tomorrow. Rear, from left: Dave Roxburgh and Lois Heddell. Front: Joanna Hepburn, Miryam Gerson, Ian Smith and Roseanne Anderson with little Eveline Tucker.

Last step in Lagoon track

By Bill McElhinney A major step in the Grovetown Lagoon restoration project has been completed and will be opened tomorrow. At 11:00am, Mayor John Leggett will officially open the final section of boardwalk over Kellys Creek, which completes the loop track around the outside of the Lagoon. In 2016 a new 20-metre long and 1.5m-wide laminated timber bridge was erected on each side of the Steam Wharf Stream to give walkers access to the loop track. Building the board walk over the creek was the last step to complete the community project. The Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon Society is inviting people

to join them for the opening, and then for the first time you can walk a complete loop around the outside of the Lagoon. Grovetown School will have a barbecue and a coffee cart. The loop track is about 3.8km and takes about 50 minutes to walk, says Lagoon Project helper Rosanne Anderson. “It’s a beautiful area to explore, and it’s only 5km from central Blenheim.” Restoration of the Lagoon began in 2002 in what was then little but weeds, polluted water and piles of rubbish. The Lagoon is an oxbow loop of the Wairau River and one of the few natural wetlands remaining

on the Wairau Plain. The lagoon and adjoining wetlands were once a highly valued food resource for iwi, but over time willows and invasive climbing plants and silt and effluent from farming and from the Grovetown settlement polluted the loop. A large forest of kahikatea trees on the Wairau Plains at Grovetown, called Big Bush, was also wiped out as it was felled for timber to build houses in Blenheim. However a mixed podocarp tribute forest has been planted in the area in recognition of what once was. Iwi initiated the idea of restoration and approached to Marlborough District Council, the Depart-

ment of Conservation and Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game Council in 2001. These groups set the recovery process in motion and today other groups and individuals have joined in to keep the project going. Willows have been killed off weeds eradicated to allow the establishment plants suitable for riparian and wetland habitat such as kowhai, cabbage trees, kahikatea, swamp maire, flax and sedges. Plants are grown from locally sourced seeds. Now visitors to the Lagoon can enjoy a shady rest, walk, picnic, kayak and relish the serenity of this sanctuary, and the hundreds of birds that live there.

A Kaikoura man has been fined for pretending to be a Ministry for Primary Industries fishery officer and extorting money from tourists who he told had caught undersized fish. Forty-two-year-old Daniel James pleaded guilty to one charge of falsely claiming to be a fishery officer and was fined $600 and ordered to pay $130 court costs when he appeared in the Kaikoura District Court last week. James approached three French tourists who had been free diving in South Bay at the end of November last year and told them he was a fishery officer and was there to inspect their catch. He advised the tourists, after measuring the fish with his hands, that two of the fish were undersized and that the third was not fit to eat. He added that they would need to pay a $1600 fine for the first fish and a $700 fine for the second, then told them that instead of going to court, they could give him a $200 cash donation. One of the tourists then drove to an ATM, withdrew $200 and gave the money to Mr James in the belief that it was a payment of a fine.

Fewer teens smoking New research shows a record low in smok ing among New Zealand students and a decrease in the uptake of vaping. Action for Smokefree 2025 (ASH) surveyed almost 29,000 Year 10 students on their smoking behaviours and attitudes. The data shows just 1.9 per cent of Year 10 students smoke on a daily basis. According to the ASH survey, Year 10 vaping in New Zealand remains low, and largely among students who smoke. There is still no evidence to suggest vaping is a gateway to cigarette smoking.

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The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

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Semi-automatic firearms must be handed in By Community Constable Russell Smith As of 3pm on March 21, changes have been made by an Order in Council to ensure the immediate safety and peace of mind of New Zealand communities. The Order in Council will bring two additional groups of semiautomatic firearms within the definition of a Military Style Semi-automatic (MSSA) firearm: • a semi-automatic firearm that is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine (other than one designed to hold 0.22-inch or less rimfire cartridges) that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges; and • a semi-automatic firearm that is a shotgun and is capable of being used in combination with a detachable magazine that is capable of holding more than 5 cartridges. What do I do if I have a firearm that will now be defined as a MSSA? The Police encourage any person now in unlawful possession of a firearm, as it is now classified as a MSSA, to notify Police to arrange to hand over the firearm to our custody. The transitional period allows for people to do so without facing any penalties (amnesty expires at the end of

September 2019). How do I hand in my firearm to Police? Please fill out the online form at https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/firearms-and-safety/changes-firearms. Once this form has been filled out and submitted to Police online, we will be in touch with you to make arrangements for you to bring your firearm(s) to Police at an allocated time, or for Police to come to you to collect the firearm. You can call 0800 311 311 for help with filling out the form. Please ensure if the Police arrange for you to bring your firearm to us that you transport it using a firearm carry case or a nondescript bag. Next steps The Government has signalled there will be further changes made over the coming weeks to ban all military style semi-automatics and assault rifles permanently. As the police continue to develop processes, we will continue to update information on this web page. Indicated buyback The Government have signalled that their intention is to buy back impacted firearms. The details of this are being worked through, and will be made available as soon as possible.

ABOVE: The Government has signalled there will be further changes made over the coming weeks to ban all military style semi-automatics and assault rifles permanently. RIGHT: Community Constable Russell Smith

Helping young people learn to drive Supporting young people to get their driver’s license is a huge challenge for parents and caregivers. But a bit of planning and a lot of understanding goes a long way when it comes to keeping them safe and ensuring they stick to the rules, says a Blenheim mother who has taught four teenagers to drive. Christine Hutchison says while it was “nerve racking” teaching young people to

drive, it was important they got as much experience behind the wheel as possible while they were on their learner licence, before progressing to the relative independence of a restricted licence. “They’re still learning, they’re either overconfident or lacking in confidence - either way they have a much higher chance of being in a crash,” Christine says. Once they were on their restricted licences, the challenge

was policing the conditions, especially the 10pm-5am curfew and not driving friends without supervision. “They knew the rules, but they always wanted to drive their friends, and quite often the time just got away on them,” Christine says. “I’d send text messages to remind them of the 10pm curfew and more than once I had to walk around the road to sit in the car and supervise my son

while he drove home from his girlfriend’s place.” While it was inconvenient at the time, Christine says supporting them was key to keeping lines of communication open. “I always knew where they were, they would text when they arrived some place and they would never, ever drink and drive, they always knew they could call me for a ride home no matter what.”

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The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

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

Have Your Say on Council's Annual Plan Submissions open today on the Council’s 2019-20 Annual Plan, which explains our work in the coming financial year, how much we expect to spend on our activities and services, and how it will be funded. Mayor John Leggett says the Council is maintaining its focus on capital investment for Marlborough’s core infrastructure. “The proposed expenditure in this year’s annual plan is in line with forecasts in the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan, with Council investing $519M on core services over ten years.” “We have managed to reduce the

proposed rates increase for this year to 3.96%, which is well below the 5.72% forecast in our 2018-28 Long Term Plan, and puts us in the lower third of New Zealand’s councils this year.” “We would like our increase to be lower but, like everyone, councils are subject to inflation. The other major impact is from capital expenditure.” “We have many significant projects coming up, including upgrading Renwick’s water supply, building a new water treatment plant in Havelock, and building new water and sewerage infrastructure in Picton.”

“In Blenheim, we’re building a new stormwater and wastewater network in the town’s north-west to support residential section development, which helps ensure that our level of housing supply improves.” “Planning work is continuing on the new Blenheim Library and Art Gallery, the Lansdowne Park Sports Hub and the Flaxbourne Irrigation Scheme, which are all exciting major new developments for Marlborough.” “I’m looking forward to hearing what the public thinks of our plan, and what areas or projects they think should be priorities,” the Mayor says.

The Annual Plan 2019-20 Update will be available on Council’s website today. Hard copies will be available from tomorrow at Council’s Blenheim office, Picton Library and Service Centre, Marlborough District Library, Blenheim, or your local community library. The deadline for submissions is 5.00 pm on Monday 6 May 2019. You can fill out an online submission form at: www.marlborough.govt.nz under Have Your Say. Or write to Annual Plan Feedback, Marlborough District Council, 15 Seymour St, PO Box 443,

Blenheim, or email: annualplan@marlborough.govt.nz If you would like to speak to Councillors at the hearing, let us know, along with your submission, by 6 May 2019.

do so. You should use your right to vote and your access to local and central government representatives, who make the laws and regulations, which we all must accept. If you participate fully, I’m sure you

will never regret the step you are taking,” Mayor Leggett said. This ceremony takes the number of new local citizens to 50 so far this year. A further seven ceremonies are scheduled in 2019.

Local residents become New Zealand citizens People from all corners of the globe came together in the Council Chambers last Friday with a common goal – to become New Zealand citizens. Twenty six individuals were granted citizenship during the

special ceremony, including Australian, Brazilian, British, French, Indian, Italian, Samoan, South African and Thai nationalities. Mayor John Leggett, who presided over the ceremony, the

second one in 2019, said the decision to apply for citizenship is a commitment to the future. “Citizenship of New Zealand gives you the opportunity to participate fully in our community and I urge you to

New bus services update

Picton Dawn Chorus recognised

Late last year Council approved an 18-month trial for three new bus services in Marlborough, including a new Renwick to Blenheim return service, expanded Blenheim commuter routes and Blenheim to Picton return service options. Since then Council has been working with bus service providers to confirm pricing and the final routes. Council’s Finance Officer David Craig says the Blenheim commuter and Renwick services will be carried out as a variation to the existing service contract with bus company Ritchies. The Picton service however will be tendered separately later this month, he says. “We anticipate the new service routes will be up and running in the next four to five months and will be operational until the trial concludes 18 months later. At that stage a decision on the future of each of the services will be made.” The trial service routes are: Renwick service (peak and off peak) - four weekday return trips, plus a Saturday

Picton Dawn Chorus represented Marlborough as a regional finalist on the national stage last weekend when 26 voluntary groups from around New Zealand gathered in Tauranga for the Trustpower National Community Awards. Councillor Nadine Taylor (left) was there to support the group’s project coordinator Siobain Browning and chairman James Wilson. Marlborough District Council is a foundation partner of Picton Dawn Chorus.

service New Blenheim commuter services (peak) half-hourly between 7.30 am and 8.30 am, and 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm. Picton service (two days per week, off peak). The bus service trial has funding of $300,000. Costs will be offset by fare revenue and financial assistance from NZTA.

Community News – Marlborough Sounds Community Vehicle Trust The Marlborough Sounds Community Vehicle Trust carries Marlborough people to medical appointments in Nelson. The Trust has cars based in Picton and Blenheim with volunteer drivers and operates an on demand, door to door service.

To be eligible you must be a member of the Trust, which costs $15, a one off subscription. The return fare to Nelson is $40 per person. You can support this worthy cause by donating or joining the Trust; Ph: 03 574 1311 or email soundsvehicle@gmail.com

www.marlborough.govt.nz

Positive Ageing – Be seen to stay safe Keeping active, even if that’s just a daily walk down your street, is important for good health. But statistics show that at least half a dozen pedestrians are injured on local streets each year. With age, reactions tend to slow so it’s important to be aware if you have any limitations to your sight, hearing and general alertness. It’s also important to make sure you can be seen at all times. During the day wear bright or light coloured clothing. If you are walking in poor light or darkness it’s a good idea to carry a torch or use reflector tape on your jacket. When it comes to crossing the road legally, you must use a pedestrian crossing if you

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

are within 20 metres of it. Remember that the courtesy crossings in town are just that - you are reliant on the courtesy of a driver to stop and make eye contact before you step out. Never assume that a driver has seen you. If you lack confidence when it comes to crossing the road you can wait for others (or ask someone to accompany you). Don’t step out into the road from between parked cars and be wary of people reversing out of driveways. Lastly, remember that mobility scooter riders must observe the rules for pedestrians too. Adjusting your scooter speed to a walking pace will increase not only your safety, but of those around you.

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

txt

talk

The Sun Sticky roads We now again have grape juice all along Hunters and Pembles road thanks to wine companies. Really nice of you. Slippery and sticky roads. Where is the council road inspectors to make them clean it up.

Crazy logic Land transport, where is your logic.!!!!. Sealing Weld Pass in our busiest time on the roads, with the yearly grape harvest of only a few weeks. Where is the Logic ????. Budget, NZ Tax, Closing Road, Road Surface Harding, etc. Our Harvesting was later starting which effectively causes a chain reaction to every other section of the harvest process, at a very demanding proficient, financial time. Similar last year. Crazy, crazy logic.

Rocket science? Why is it that every grape vintage, when there’s up too 100 extra trucks on local roads, Marlborough Roads finds it convenient to do all the work that should have been done months earlier. Surely its not rocket science to do it before vintage.

Not a great example To the people who think it’s OK to change their baby’s nappy and leave it in a carpark or on the riverbank, what a great example you’re setting for your kids from the word go. At least when they’re adults and NZ is covered in rubbish, they’ll know why.

A Hager event In light of recent terrible events, I wonder how Nicky what’s-his-face (Hager) and his ilk feel, following what I would call their rants on privacy, ‘spying’ and other such matters. Sometimes the necessary outweighs so called PC or privacy issues. A man with nothing to hide is a man with nothing to fear.

Most enjoyable Most enjoyable Charley Pride concert in Christchurch Saturday night. Pity he couldn’t “grace” our Theatre.

txt talk

A true leader

Spot on

Respect for our mayor who showed genuine care at the vigil for Christchurch victims, alongside speaking te reo. A true leader!

Jacob Page, spot on commentary Friday March 22.

Concerned

Poor drivers My wife and I have lived in Blenheim for 12 years. Is it me or is the standard of driving declining? Last night while cycling down Scott Street I was almost taken out twice in 200M by car drivers. The first time was at the junction of Cleghorn Street and then at the Alabama roundabout. Seriously bad driving due to negligence. Come on look out for cyclists!!

In my opinion, only someone trying to defend the terrorist would use whataboutism in this txt to the paper on the anniversary of the attack in Christchurch. ‘Whataboutism’ is a rhetorical device that involves accusing others of offenses as a way of deflecting attention from one’s own deeds. The atrocities in Europe and Christchurch are equally deplorable. Why bring up the Europe attacks at all?

Disappointed

Immigrants All persons living in New Zealand are immigrants starting way back when. That makes us ALL Kiwis regardless of where we came from.

Poor condition Why are our roads in such poor condition? New roads, resealed roads, they are all very poor and rough. I suspect that most of the money for roading is sponged up by lecherous ‘professionals’, compliance and H&S. The actual roading work is done with the scraps left over. What other reason could explain such a poor standard of work?

Compassion I am bursting with pride for the compassion of New Zealanders.

Water problems For the second time since purchasing a property in Picton I’ve had to call council regarding water problems. The first was a blocked sewer, the second a leaking water supply. We were told that the onus was on us to prove the sewer was blocked outside our property, which it was when Spark contractors had punched through our drain. We dug it up and even reinstated our driveway without any form of compensation. I know we are not alone on that one. The second being a leaking fitting on our side of the water Toby. Some goon had used yards of thread tape to seal the fitting and then overtightened it, expanding the fitting, probably at the same time the new Toby was put in as thread tape has been used on that also. I fixed the later issue in under 15 minutes and for under 20 bucks. I also used hemp, as should have been done in the first place.

So disappointed in Wool expo. Had expected an exciting event with lots of lovely wool products but sadly there were very few exhibitors and all in all not worth going to.

Superannuation savings It’s amazing that when one big company on the market falls, all our savings drop as if all and only our portfolio are in that company. Yet ask, and we are told no it’s spread. Appears to us there is not too much honesty and transparency there! I think it is called ‘Bear Claw’. Shift the blame for diverted gain! Query your portfolio and watch the market-surprise awaits.

Confused Why do you need a 30 shot, semi-automatic rifle to shoot a deer? Are you that poor of a shot? Outside of hunting, I cannot see why any law abiding citizen needs a gun, let alone an assault rifle!

Waihopai spy base In the wake of the Christchurch massacre, we should be grateful we have the Waihopai spy base listening for these sick terrorists. What response will Stefan Browning and his fellow protestors get when they do their annual protest? At end of the day if you are not breaking the law why worry about being watched?

of the week

Sad to see it go Sad to read of Jones Berry Fruits making way for a retirement village. We found joy in picking our own fruits. It was also a good place for children to learn that food is not grown in a supermarket.

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.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Important role The oak trees serve an important role to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Save the planet leave them there. Beautiful and functional!

Didn’t tell you that Thank heavens Cn Peters is asking for a review of the Totaranui Trust budgets. Last time Council took a “hands off” approach to an independent trusts affairs we ended up owning a theatre and paying off its debts! They didn’t tell you that did they!!!

Mockery I’ve got to laugh, all we have heard about is racism, have to love, we hear about hate speech.. I saw a comic in the express newspaper aimed DIRECTLY at BRIAN TAMAKI, I guess Christians are not included in the love, in the mockery?

Do as I do Re: Half baked. Do as I do - freeze the loaf and get 1 days supply out - wrap it and let it thaw. I do this and always have fresh bread and don’t have to throw any out.

High five

Half baked

High fives to the community at Crossroads. Practical, non-judgemental support and company to folk who drop in.

Save a plastic bread bag. Buy a loaf and freeze half of it. Simple! Most have a freezer or do we want more plastic bags?

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

Baseline Group Marlborough, helping with land development

Subdivisions and Boundary Adjustments Civil Engineering Drawings Resource Consents for District Councils Anna Bensemann P 03 578 7299 E anna@blg.nz 30 Maxwell Road, Blenheim | www.blg.nz

Developing you property can be a daunting task and may include many steps. Subdividing your property to create another title, building your dream home, or setting up the ultimate commercial endeavour. Specialist advice on your land development project is essential to ensure that you get the best end product and the best value for your money. Anna the Planner and the team at Baseline Group offers this specialist advice to help you get ahead. We deal with the details around seeking resource consent from Council to enable you to progress your projects no matter how large

or small. Because we deal with the Council every day, we are familiar with the rules, restrictions and processes that are required to be met during any land development project. We aim to help navigate our clients through these processes in a way that gets the best results for them. Baseline Group offers no obligation free quotes for all land development projects and we keep our clients informed every step of the way through the resource consents process. So come and see Anna at Baseline Group Marlborough for your next land development project.

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

Vicki brings Vera’s songs back to Blenheim again By Bill McElhinney A nostalgic musical trip down memory lane was such a hit in Blenheim last year that the organisers are bringing it back again. Vera Lynn: Hits of the Blitz, starring Vicki Lee and featuring the Marlborough District Brass Band, will be on in the ASB Theatre on Monday, April 15, with two shows: a special 1.30pm performance for rest home residents and another concert at 7pm.

“It’s a fundraiser for Alzheimers Marlborough, the Marlborough RSA and the brass band,” Thelma Sowman from concert sponsores Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors, says. Vicki, who has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years, tours the country performing the songs Vera Lynn made famous during World War II. But although it’s her doing the singing, she says that when she’s

on stage she becomes the least important person in the room. “I think I’ve got the ability to convey the feeling of the songs reasonably well,” Vicki says. “But I look out there at the audience sometimes and they’re not really looking at me, they’re looking at this huge backdrop of Vera. “They’re just not even in that theatre, they’re in another place in their lives.” Vicki first encountered Vera’s

music as a child when her parents, big fans, played it in the house. But it wasn’t until 2015 that Vicki, a professional singer and musician, performed Vera’s work for the first time. She was worried that there weren’t enough commemorative events for Anzac Day in her hometown, Palmerston North, so she decided to put on a concert featuring Vera Lynn’s songs. It was so well-attended that another was called for, and another.

After five concerts people were still coming along. Vera became known as the “forces’ sweetheart” for her performances at military bases and camps during World War II. She toured Egypt, India and Burma performing the likes of We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover for the troops, and along with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was one of the few women to remain in London through the Blitz.

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ABOVE: Vicki Lee with Dame Vera Lynn at her home in Sussex in 2015. RIGHT: Thelma Sowman from concert sponsors Geoffrey T Sowman says the Vicki Lee Vera Lynn concert tickets were snapped up quickly when Vicki was last here.

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The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

Tour Company buys Picton Cougar Line Marlborough Tour Company has purchased well-known Picton water transport company Cougar Line. It comes after the locally-owned company, which has operated popular tours throughout Marlborough for more than 20 years, also bought Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound in late 2018. General marketing manager Scott McKenzie says Marlborough Tour Company’s combination of accommodation, water transport and tours is designed to make the most of all Marlborough has to offer to its growing visitor market. “Our purchase of Cougar Line brings us a step closer to creating seamless packages for our visitors across wine touring, road transport, water taxi, and cruising into the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds.” It will be business as usual for its operations and staff, says Scott. “We are thrilled to welcome the Cougar Line staff to the Marlborough Tour Company family. They are a great team of people and will fit very well with Marlborough Tour Company.” Marlborough Tour Company was established by the Godsiff family in the 1990s and last year expanded when Marlborough brothers Dennis and Trevor Burkhart came on board as 50 per cent owners. “The new ownership of Cougar Line continues the growth of Marlborough Tour Company as a whole, including our people.

Celebrating the deal. From left, Mark Evans, Jill Evans, Sue Godsiff and Chris Godsiff.

Because all our staff will be a vital part of the overall customer experience, it opens up a range of promising development options for them over the coming years,” says Scott. Marlborough Tour Company executive director Chris Godsiff says the purchase “opens up new

and exciting opportunities to provide end-to-end packages to further promote Marlborough as an iconic tourist destination”. “Taking over Cougar Line demonstrates Marlborough Tour Company’s confidence in tourism growth in New Zealand and in Marlborough. Our tours, the

lodges and now Cougar Line are all an integral part of the overall, wonderful, Marlborough experience that we are incredibly proud to market to the world.” Jill Evans, the previous owner of Cougar Line with husband Mark, says she’s proud of all they’ve achieved with the company and

look forward to what it will become under Marlborough Tour Company’s ownership. “We always thought joining tours, water transportation and accommodation together was a brilliant idea, and now it’s a reality. We wish Marlborough Tour Company the very best.”

CAB invites you to discover your rights Do you know what your rights are at work? How about your rights to do with renting or owning a home? If you buy something that’s faulty do you know what your options are? Or what if the neighbour puts up a fence without asking and then sends you a bill for half the costs? During CAB Awareness next week, from April 8 – 14, you are being invited to Discover Your Rights. “Helping people to know what their rights and responsibilities are and how they can act on these is core to what the Citizens Advice Bureau is about” Gordon Strang, co-chair of Citizens Advice Bureau Marlborough, says. “We help people from all walks of life to access the information they need so they are empowered to

take the next steps and to resolve their problems.” A highlight of this year’s Awareness Week is the launch of the CAB’s new public website, www.cab. org.nz . After a year of development and user testing, the resulting website provides an accessible, mobilefriendly, knowledgebase of 2,000 questions and answers about people’s rights that are based on real issues confronted by clients. The information about rights is grounded in the law but is practical and is expressed in a way that’s easy to understand. The website also provides a directory of more than 30,000 community organisations so that the CAB can help connect people with any additional services they need.

GOT NEWS?

“We’re keen to break down any barriers people face in finding out what their rights are” Gordon says. “Our new website is a fantastic resource for the whole community, and complements the amazing face-to-face and phone service provided by our skilled and dedicated volunteers.” Gordon encourages people to check out the new CAB website for themselves. “We invite you to Discover Your Rights with us this Awareness Week by checking out our website www. cab.org.nz or by getting in touch with us directly by phone 5784272 or on 0800 367 222, or by visiting your local CAB at 25, Alfred Street, Blenheim. We’re here to help.”

Contact 5777 868

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

The Sun

FARMING

Friday April 5, 2019

Agricultural recycle and reuse scheme gains funding

The Government funding of tonnes of agrichemical plastic con$381,000 announced late last week tainers and other materials. is a shot in the arm for the agricul“Farmers are highly motivated to tural industry’s ongoing campaign do the right thing for the environto recycle and re-use, Federated ment, and this programme shows Farmers environment spokesperson them that products once considered Chris Allen says. rubbish have a value, can be recycled Agrecovery, a not-for-profit agency and re-purposed for products such as of which Feds is a founding trustee, underground utility coverings and 552 has kingcontracting@xtra.co.nz since 2006 diverted from landfill, building materials,” Chris says. or harmful disposal practices like Farmers are already able to drop-off burning or burying, well over 2000 agrichemical containers at nearly 100

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collection sites around the country under the voluntary product stewardship scheme run by Agrecovery. Agrecovery also collects large quantities of containers and drums from farms, and disposes of unwanted agrichemicals. The manufacturers who participate in the programme fund it by paying a levy on the products they sell into the marketplace. “Building on this, the successful grant application to the Ministry for

the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund will enable Agrecovery to hold a series of one-stop-shop waste recovery events. As well as agrichemicals and their containers, farmers will be able to bring along other farm waste such as fertilizer bags, used oil, scrap metal, silage/ bailage wrap and other soft plastics,” Chris says. “The aim is to see rural waste either recycled, or disposed of, in an

efficient, safe and managed way. We need that national-scale system of recovery, and good access for farmers in every part of the provinces.” Agrecovery general manager Simon Andrew says they trialed two pop-up rural waste recovery events in Matamata and Geraldine last year and close to 20 tonnes of material was collected in just two days. Six more trial events are taking place this year.

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It’s a long way from negotiating with hostage-takers to touring rural New Zealand, but that’s where Lance Burdett’s career path has gone so far. Lance is about to embark on a tour of rural South Island thanks to a series of talks put together by New Zealand’s local Rural Support Trusts and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Founder of WARN International, Lance has moved from working for police and training with the FBI to dedicating himself to spreading tips and techniques for people to handle difficult situations by understanding what goes on in people’s brains – starting with their own. At a recent Rural Support Trust conference, Lance presented to about 80 people who may find themselves handling a crisis in their roles supporting rural New Zealanders. Lance’s messages resonated so well with the Rural Support Trusts that they have worked to get him on a tour to speak to all the regions. Late last year he

covered the central North island and was a resounding success. “He’s especially good with our younger farmers,” says Katrina Knowles, Taranaki Rural Support Trust. “It’s not often you have a group of young tough men and women sitting being told about why they feel how they feel, and the session ran well over time because they just wanted to keep talking with Lance.” The Rural Support Trusts are made up of paid and volunteer rural people who are in each region, helping farming families get through tough times. Challenges such as weather, climate, biosecurity, financial worries and relationship problems can have a particularly strong impact on farmers and their communities. Isolation and an inability to separate work and home life are just two of the factors recognised as causing different stress to that of our urban populations. Farmers have higher suicide rates than city-dwellers and this is something the Rural

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Support Trusts need the skills to navigate as they get people into the professional help they need. “Working with these rural people is especially important, because isolation can really make things worse if our stress is kept inside our heads,” says Lance. “We worry because we are programmed to manage risk. That’s how our ancestors survived – thinking about the worst that can happen and acting on it.“The challenge for rural people is if they talk about their worries it’s often only with their partner or workers who have the same concerns, and it goes round in circles. “It’s all about showing people how to control their busy mind, recognise how to use the drafting race in their heads, and get some tools to help deal with those negative thoughts.” For details on Lance’s events around the South Island beginning in May, go to www.rural-support. org.nz or call 080 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP), and select the relevant Trust for your region.

The Sun

FARMING

Friday April 5, 2019

Farmers feel more positive New Zealand’s farmers have begun the year on a more positive footing, led by an improvement in sentiment among the nation’s dairy producers, the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has shown. However, overall net rural confidence still languishes in negative territory – with farmer concerns about government policy persisting – and following three previous consecutive quarters of decline. The first quarterly Rural Confidence Survey for the year – completed last month – has shown the nation’s net farmer confidence has risen to -nine per cent, up from -15 per cent recorded in the final quarter of 2018. The survey found an increase in the number of

farmers expecting agricultural economic conditions to improve in the coming 12 months (up to 16 per cent from 14 per cent last quarter), while less New Zealand farmers were expecting the performance of the agricultural economy to worsen (25 per cent from 29 per cent last survey). The number of farmers expecting conditions to remain the same stood at 55 per cent, up from 53 per cent previously). Rabobank New Zealand general manager for Country Banking Hayley Gourley says greater optimism among dairy farmers was the major driver of the improved overall confidence reading. “In the last survey of 2018, we saw 34 per cent of dairy farmers expecting conditions

in the agricultural economy to worsen and only 13 per cent expecting an improvement, however, since then we’ve seen a long run of consecutive jumps in the GDT price index,” she says. “This has resulted in a lift in dairy farmer confidence so that in this survey dairy farmers were now more evenly split on the direction of the agricultural economy with 23 per cent expecting conditions to improve and 24 per cent expecting them to worsen. “Horticulturalists and sheep and beef farmers on the other hand were marginally less confident about the broader agricultural economy than in the previous survey, but horticulturalist producers do continue to have the most positive outlook of all the sector groups.”

Rabobank New Zealand general manager for Country Banking Hayley Gourley.

DairyNZ launches new website DairyNZ has launched a new website for teachers, giving them free, curriculum-based learning resources to help children learn about dairy farming. The new website, called DairyNZ Schools, is part of DairyNZ’s in-school education programme. The programme is designed to ensure New Zealand school children get the opportunity to learn about

dairying. The website has learning resources for teachers of children from Year 2 to Year 11. The resources are free to download and teachers can filter resources by year level or subject area. The learning resources have been developed through DairyNZ's education programme over the past six years. They've been created in part-

nership with education specialists to ensure they meet the needs of teachers and provide effective learning, as well as being innovative, interesting and fun. All the resources have a dairy context, meaning children get to find out about the dairy sector while learning about science, maths, geography, economics, problem solving.

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The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

SeniorLiving ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT

Making your home safer for elderly

Install grab bars and hand rails.

A home should be a place for everyone in your family to feel safe and comfortable. That extends to the older members of our families too. If you have someone older living with you, you may need to adjust areas around your house to make it less hazardous and safe for them. Here are some tips to think about when adjusting your home to suit their needs. • Replace Dangerous Flooring If your older family member has balance issues or drags their feet, high-pile carpet and slick surfaces like hardwood or tile can become hazards. • Secure Rugs Secure area rugs with a non-slip pad or grip tape. • Add a Shower Bench A shower bench eliminates slipping risks and gives your older family member the

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independence to shower on their own or with limited assistance. • Upgrade to a Walk-In Tub Another bathroom safety option is to upgrade your current tub to a walk-in bathtub. This gives your older family member the safety and convenience they need to bathe by themselves. • Make Climbing Stairs Easy Adding extra grip to your stairs is another way to avoid stair-related falls. • Install Grab Bars and Handrails One of the easiest ways to increase home safety for seniors is with handrails and grab bars. Staircases, bathrooms, hallways, and even bedrooms can benefit from the addition of safety bars to help keep your loved one stable and secure as they move about the home.

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Free Confident Driving Course for Mature Drivers

Aged care leaders will alleviate the burden on workers were surveyed come together in May to aged care staff. with 73 per cent saying face up to the industry’s A report entitled ‘In Safe staffing levels weren’t high staffing crisis and learn Hands’ is based on 2018 enough to provide quality from international experts research by the New Zea- care for residents. how they can improve the land Nurses Organisation Care (including medicasupport Council level ofWith care elderly New from (NZNO) and E and tū. It the was Transport tions and pain relief) was Zealanders are receiving. released in early being missed or delayed Agency, Age concern would likeMarch to invite mature Those attending the con- and reveals “a broken on most or every shift, drivers to attend safe driver refresher course.themselves ference on May 7 will our system which endangers and residents be urged to adopt global residents and takes a heavy are choosing to lie in pain best practices like single- toll on nurses and caregiv- rather than ‘making a fuss’ handed care and embrace ers”. because they know staff new technologies to help Almost 1200 aged care are too busy to help them.

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Free Confident Driving Course What is involved? Mature You will befor guided through oneDrivers day, 5 hour With support from Council and the aTransport

session using aCouncil workbook which youAgency, can keep at would Agency, Age concern would like invite mature With support from andto the Transport Age concern the end of mature the The course is designed to course. like to invite drivers to attend ourcourse. safe driver refresher drivers to attend our safecourse. driver refresher be informative, informal and enjoyable. There What is involved? are no tests or exams. MorningYou tea, lunch will be guided and through one half day session using refreshments are provided at no cost. a workbook which you 2019 Course

can keep at the end of the course. The course is designed to be informative, dates: 4th March, 1st April, informal and enjoyable. There are no or exams. 6th May,tests 10th JuneMorning tea, lunch and refreshments are provided at no cost.

Spaces Limited. To book your place 2019 course dates: 6th May, 10th June. on the course, please contact10am–2.30pm Age What is involved? Marlborough on You will be guided through a oneConcern day, 5 hour Spaces Limited. To book your place on the course, please contact Age Concern 03keep 579 3457. session using a workbook which you can at on 03 579 3457 Marlborough the end of the course. The course is designed to be informative, informal and enjoyable. There

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

SeniorLiving ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT

Light, bright new rooms ready at Bethsaida By Bill McElhinney Light, bright, roomy and modern – the rooms in the new wings at Bethsaida Retirement Village in Blenheim are finished and ready to be viewed. “We needed more rooms. We a re a lways f u l l,” Bethsaida manager Tracy Holdaway says. “So we are all excited about the new developments.” In 1918 the Marlborough Hospital Board bought the Holmdale Homestead from Thomas Bell. The homestead included 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares) of land. The homestead became Blen hei m’s mater n it y home, and some alterations and a new ward were added together with a home for the staff and nurses who lived on the grounds. In 1971 Blenheim Catholic Parish priest Father John Sloane was concerned about the care of elderly in Blenheim and he and several others managed to lease Holmdale from the Marlborough Hospital Board for a peppercorn rental of $2 per year. I n 1973, a f ter ma ny working bees and fund-

raising efforts, Bethsaida Home for the Aged was opened, offering a home to 15 residents. In 1988 the Holmdale land and buildings was offered to the Bethsaida Trust and the maternity home was converted to a rest home. Over the years the Bethsaida complex has been upgraded and refurbished to provide ensuite rooms for residents. But several years ago the Bethsaida Trust decided the old wing, parts of which were built in the 1920s, needed to be replaced so two new, larger wings have been built, increasing the number of rooms available from 43 to 57. “Some of our residents well remember the old Holmdale home,” Tracy says, “so we have named one wing the Holmdale Wing, and the other is the Youell Wing.” Alf Youell, one of Marlborough’s greatest benefactors, died peacefully at home in Coventry in 2012 in his 99th year. “The rooms in the new wings are modern and spacious with a mixture

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of hospital grade and rest home accommodation,” Tracy says. “There’s lots of natural light, individual ensuites with all the latest mod cons, individually controlled air conditioning and phone and TV connections as well as wi fi. “All the rooms have adjustable hospital grade beds with pressure care mattresses. “The furniture includes wardrobes, dressing tables and bedside cabinets, although people are welcome to bring their own furniture. And most of the rooms open out on to our new private courtyard. “We have our own lovely hair salon and a new lounge and a new activities office.” Tracy welcomes people to come and inspect the new facilities, and those wanting referrals to the rest home can contact their GP or the DHB Needs Assessment Team. Bethsaida also has 33 villas each with either one or two bedrooms, and is the only rest home in Blenheim that provides villas that can be rented.

Bethsaida Retirement Village

Visit your local Library today... Marlborough District Libraries (Blenheim and Picton) have an extensive collection of large print books (fiction and non-fiction), audio books, magazines and jigsaw puzzles. Access to the Libraries catalogue, databases and e-book collection is available at www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz

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R E T IR E M E N T V I L L A G E

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

MINUTES WITH

If you have spider webs around the house and you want to get rid of the makers, then use Wallys Super Pyrethrum at 2.5 mils per litre to spray under the eaves etc.

GARDENING THIS WEEK Things to do in April: By Wally Richards Daylight saving finishes this weekend and jokingly I said to a gardener recently that plants will suffer from not having that extra hour of sunlight. Plants are now relating to the shortening light time and are starting to go into their autumn/winter mode. April is clean up month after a summer of insect pests and plant diseases. Years ago we would normally have great frosts in winter, which would kill the pests and disease spores so that in spring there would only be small populations of the problems that could re-establish. Those days of having frosts still on the ground at lunch time at primary school have gone in most places. So if Nature is not going to clean up for us we will just have to do it ourselves. Wallys Neem Tree Granules should be sprinkled under citrus trees at this time to wipe out any pests feeding on or in the tree. Wallys Neem Tree Powder should be on hand so that when the autumn rains set in and the soil becomes moist again, you sprinkle the powder over lawns where there have been problems with grass grub damage. Container plants that have

root mealy bug should have some of the powder sprinkled onto the top of the growing medium. Not only will it take out the soil pests, but it is a mild natural food for the plants as well. Guava moths are a real problem and after the fruit has finished. They will be under the tree buried in the soil and will likely emerge later on. If you kill them there in the soil, while they are vulnerable, then that can help reduce the damage to the fruit. Wallys 3 in 1 for Lawns is a combination of Eucalyptus oil and Tea Tree oil which, watered down into the soil under a tree that has been infested, will soak into the cocoons and kill them. A good spray programme going into winter is Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Perkfection and Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL). The Neem Oil is to clean up insect pests, the Perkfection to boost the immune system and help your plants survive the wet and cold of winter. The MBL provides minerals and trace elements which also improve plant well being. If you have spider webs around the house and you want to get rid of the makers, then use Wallys Super Pyrethrum at 2.5 mils per litre to

spray under the eaves etc. You may wish to treat the soil in glasshouses for diseases and this is simply done with Terracin soil drench followed a couple of weeks later with Mycorrcin. Strawberry planting time is in May so that is when you can lift your runners to plant out or purchase new plants. Spray them with Mycorrcin to give them a good start. If you have club root problems with brassicas then used the Terracin/Mycorrcin treatment for the area where you plant your cabbages etc. Plants such as roses that have had leaf diseases like black spot, rust and mildews give them a spray of potassium permanganate, mixed at quarter a teaspoon (spoon inside container) per litre of water. Spray the soil under the plant/shrub/tree as well. If you are going to leave a garden fallow for winter (bare) then drench the soil with ammonium sulphamate to compost any weed seeds that are in the top layer of the soil. Tender plants need frost protection, so now is the time to get that Vaporgard out and spray over the foliage, which gives you down to minus three frost protection within three days of application for three months.

It is your last chance this month to sow seeds of hardy vegetables and flower plants while there is still some warmth in the soil. With wet weather comes moss and slimes and algaes, so have your Wallys Moss & Liverwort control on hand to spray those paths and areas where it would be slippery when wet. Where insect populations have been bad on shrubs and trees then you may have black, sooty mould. Safely clean up the problem with Karbyon. Mix with water and spray over the black mould, leave for a couple of days to work into the mould then blast off with a jet of hose water. Thick residue may need additional treatments. Harden up your plants going into winter by sprinkling Fruit and Flower Power over the root zone. Treat your soil and plants with a watering/soil drench of Bio Marinus Fish Fertiliser, which is manufactured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of fish offal, blended with humate, seaweed and bacillus subtilis, trichoderma, mycorrhizae fungi etc, together with gibberellic acid, which promotes growth. Designed to provide a high quality, cost effective fertiliser.

Sue Norrish Self Development & Mindset Coach  If you could donate $1m to any charity who would you choose and why? Cancer Society, because I’ve lost too many people to Cancer.  When you have had a bad day, what do you do to feel better? Listen to music and sing.  What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? My Grandparents backyard at Papamoa with my cousins.  What thing do you really wish you could buy right now? Time with my grandparents.

 What is the best or worst purchase you’ve ever made? Best purchase - my cats.  If you could only eat 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be? Cheese, Seafood chowder & Potato Chips, because Coffees not a food.  Favourite programme currently watching? Ron Iddles - good cop.  Who’s your fave singer/band? Pink, Queen, Icehouse, INXS, Paolo Nutini, the list is endless.

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The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

Kmart opens with a flourish Balloons, cupcakes and goodie bags greeted the first customers through the doors when Kmart opened its new Blenheim store at 8am yesterday.

There was a queue of people waiting in the pre-dawn dusk, eager to be among the early shoppers. The first 250 shoppers to buy something received a

Kmart goodie bag, one of which contained a neck pillow, lollies, gell pens and a water bottle. The store will be open seven days a week, 8am to midnight.

The new Kmart filled quickly with eager shoppers. Photo supplied.

Happy shoppers with their bargains. Photo supplied. Steven Bezuidenhout (Kmart Blenheim store manager), Jason Picard (Kmart New Zealand country manager) and Carissa Laramy (Kmart New Zealand South zone manager).

Marlborough dragon boating team, Simply The Breast, stand tall and proud with their medals and the Julian Yee Memorial Trophy.

Dragon boating season a success for Marlborough women By Aimee O’Hagan Simply The Breast, Marlborough’s dragon boating team that is predominantly made up of breast cancer survivors, are pleased to say they have had an immensely “successful season”. Denise Neal, chairperson of Simply The Breast, says the team started 2019 with a bang, attending the Aoraki Open in January. In February, the women made an appearance at the Akaroa Super 12. Simply The Breast has only just returned from the South Island Champs, after excitingly winning a bronze medal in the Women’s 500m race. “The highlight was being rewarded the Julian Yee Memorial Trophy,” Denise says.

“The trophy is awarded annually to the team that best represents the ideals of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and collegiality throughout the season.” Since kickstarting their season with only seven members, the number has almost doubled. This has enabled Simply The Breast to compete in the aforementioned three regatta, with twelve people in a boat: 10 paddlers, one sweep, and one caller. “We have also had the opportunity to paddle as a crew of 20 by inviting other team’s spare paddlers into our boat for longer distances,” Denise says. Simply The Breast joined with Avonside Girls for the 1km distance at the Aoraki

Open; and with women from Marian College, Otautahi Paddling Club, Amazons, Ridge Riders, and Northern Phoenix for the 2km race at the South Island Champs. She mentions that the team were “absolutely delighted” with their season. It has been difficult work for the ladies, training with no coach to help them out. However, Denise says that the team has pulled together, and worked as hard as they could to achieve the desired results. Simply The Breast will start the new dragon boating season in October. To find out more information or to join the team, contact Denise on 021 131 2213.

ABOVE: Eager shoppers queued up at dawn to be among the first through the doors when Kmart opened yesterday morning. Photo supplied. LEFT: Justyn Armstrong (right) was outside Kmart at 3am yesterday to save a spot for his Mum, Cushla Apperley.

Friday April 5, 2019

WHAT’S ON

The Sun

IN MARLBOROUGH

Friday 5 Zirka Circus: Zirka Circus brings you “La Unica”. With world class performers, deathdefying acrobatics, amazing illusions plus the hilarious clowns, there is bound to be something for the whole family. Today 7pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 1pm and 4.30pm. Various prices. Marlborough A&P Park, corner Maxwell Road and Alabama Road. St Christopher’s Goodwill: Usual bargains, good used clothing, household goods, tools, and books. 9am-noon. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld Street. NBL Basketball Hunter’s Wines Southern Blitz: Enjoy a weekend of high level basketball featuring the Giants, Saints and Rams. Today 7pm, Saturday 10am and 7pm. Adults $20, child $10. Marlborough Lines Stadium, 6 Kinross Street. Pat Farry Rural Health Trust Fundraiser - She Shears Film: Full of passion, purpose and determination She Shears is the story of two legendary female shearers and three in the making, as they head for black-shirt glory at the Golden Shears. An exclusive question and answer session with film director Jack Nicol will follow screening. 7pm. $15-$35. ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street. It’s My Party And I’ll Die If I want To: What would you do if you had just been told that you have a terminal illness and don’t have much time left? This black comedy romps along with skeletons rapidly exiting cupboards, admissions of infidelity and general dishonesty. Tickets from $27.50. R13. Today and Saturday 7.30pm-10pm, Sunday 4-6.30pm. On until April 13. Boathouse Theatre, 12 Horton Street. Blenheim Roller Skating Club: Come and boggie the night away at Friday nights 70’s Disco. 5pm-8pm. Skate hire $5, own skates $2, helmet compulsory. 34 Stephenson Street. The Gallery Havelock: If you’re in the area drop by and check out all the artwork from Marlborough’s amazing artists. Open 10am-4pm, seven days a week. The Gallery Havelock, 60 Main Road, Havelock. The Diversion Gallery: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5pm. 10 London Quay, Picton. 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: Exhibitions on show ‘Parasols’ from the Marlborough Museum’s collection, on until August 1. Also ‘Women Photographers of Marlborough’ showcasing the work of Winnifred Couper, Angela Kennington and Bridgette Knox. On until August 9. Open 10am–4pm daily. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place.

The Riverlands School Easter Gala kicks off at the school at 10am on Sunday.

Saturday 6 Orpheus: The internationally award-winning modern retelling of an ancient myth. A tale of impossible, death-defying love told through hair raising spoken word and soaring soul music. 8pm. Tickets $20-$25. The Plant, 2 Redwood Street. SGCNZ Marlborough Regional UOSWSF: The ‘new takes’ on the works of the Bard performed by school groups and home-schooled students throughout the Marlborough region. 5pm-8pm. Tickets $7-$12, available from Marlborough Boys College and Marlborough Girls College finance offices or via door sales. Queen Charlotte College, 173 Waikawa Road, Picton. Introduction To Essential Oils: Are you curious about what Essential Oils are, how they can be of benefit and how to incorporate them into your everyday life? A fun filled informative afternoon with Naturopath and Medical Herbalist, Huia Crosby. 2.30pm. free event. Karaka Cuisine, 12 Sheffield Street, Riverlands. Chess: Every Saturday at Joocy Loocy Café, 35 Queen Street, 10am-1pm. Also Wednesdays at Clubs of Marlborough, Bridge room, 6.30pm-8pm. Please bring your own board and pieces.

Millennium Public Art Gallery: Exhibitions on show The ‘Long Way Around’ and ‘Mike O’Kane - Just Playing’. On until May 5. Millennium Public Art Gallery, corner of Alfred and Seymour Streets. 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. Round’A’Mini Golf Picton: Picton Foreshore, 9am Saturday and Sunday. Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery: Exhibition on show Graham Taylor’s “Marlborough High Country” and Phill Dunn’s wildlife paintings. If you’re a lover of nature, this is an exhibition not to be missed. On until April 7. Opening hours 10.30am-4.30pm daily. Marlborough Arts Society, 204 High Street, Blenheim. Gravel Grind 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.

Vintage Farm Machinery: 10am-3pm, open every day. Brayshaw Park guided tours available, on Sunday Thomas the tractor rides are available. 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 7 Riverlands School Easter Gala: All the fun and excitement you would expect at a gala, but with an Easter twist. With so much on offer the whole family will be catered for. 10am-2pm. Riverlands School, School Road. Ulysses Club Ride: Ride to Mapua for lunch. 10.30am departure from the south end of the Blenheim Railway Station. Also Thursday Group rides. Meet at Brayshaw Park carpark, 11am. Members and visitors welcome.

Blenheim Riverside Railway: Train Departs from Brayshaw Park as follows; 1.15pm and 3.00pm to Omaka and return, 1.45pm to Beaver Station, Riverside Park, central Blenheim and return. Adults $12 Child $6 (Omaka $7 & $4). Sorry no Eftpos, cash only. Roadhouse Breakfast: For car enthusiasts of all genres. Cars, people and breakfast, what more could you ask for. Drop by and show your support for those taking part in the “Bangers to Bluff Tour” who are raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 8am-11am. Riverlands Roadhouse, 3535 State Highway 1. Blenheim Croquet Club: Come along and have a go. Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. 1pm. Parker Street, Pollard Park. Marlborough Vintage Car Club Museum: A variety of unique and rare vehicles, motor bikes and paraphernalia on display. Every Sunday, 1pm. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place. Kapa Haka: 1st & 3rd Sunday, 1pm - 3pm. All welcome. Senior Citizens Hall, High Street, Blenheim. The Edwin Fox Ship: Take the opportunity to visit the Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre, and discover this gem of international history. Visitor Centre open daily from 9am. Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore. Marlborough Farmers’ Market: Grab yourself a delicious brunch and fresh produce, with lots on offer. Every Sunday, 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds corner of Maxwell and Alabama Road. 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. Picton Rail & Sail: Open (subject to weather) Sundays, public holidays & everyday during school holidays. Picton Foreshore. Model Aero Club: ARA Wairau Valley 9am. Phone Murray 578 9199. Petanque: 10am Sunday and 1pm Wednesday, 65A Weld Street.

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

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

We want to tell you a story... This story is about you and us and how we’re in this together. Your local Blenheim Sun newspaper since 2002. Our stories inform our community about what matters. Our stories also entertain, enlighten and inspire, forming the fabric of our community. We can tell this story best because our employees are part of the community too. We are your friends and neighbours.

Les and Katrina Whiteside, publishers of The Sun.

The figures below show The Sun is a popular read. For some it’s the Text Talk page, for others it’s the crossword. For most it’s the grassroots 100% local content direct from our community. For us it’s a privilege to bring you a local community newspaper every Wednesday and Friday. Newspapers continue to reign supreme in the delivery of local news. If you want to know what’s going on, there is no substitute for a trusted local newspaper that is doing its job. That’s our recipe - news about our community for our community.

Community newspapers lead the way in survey Marlborough residents source their information from 100% 90%

No1! Source of information

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

SOURCE: Marlborough District Council 2018 RESIDENT SURVEY... Compiled by Sil Research.

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Friday April 5, 2019 Situations Vacant

Public Notices

RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Nativity Anglican Church

REGISTERED NURSE HEALTH CARE Night Duties ASSISTANTS

 House removals  Office relocations  Winz Quotes Available  Furniture removals No job too big or too small

Bethsaida Retirement Village is a medium sized facility offering rest home and hospital level care. Permanent & casual shifts are available We are offering competitive remuneration and the opportunity to work with a friendly caring and forprofessionals. enthusiastic and committed competent team of health care assistants. To maintain our high standardshealth of clinical care we require a person who can: Experience is preferred, but full training • Lead a team of Health Care Assistants • Preferably experience agedoffered care will inbe to suitable applicants. • Great communication skills This is a full time rostered position offering flexibility. We value all our staff and we offer a Please call at reception for an comprehensive orientation and ongoing education. application form or email Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

027 0800558 223 3260 6632

PAINTER Tradesman 30 years experience Free Quotes Ph Gavin 0210 8656 568

manager@bethsaida.co.nz

Please supply your CV with a cover letter to manager@bethsaida.co.nz or call at reception for an application form, or phone manager Tracy Holdaway 03 578 3341. Applications close Thursday 18 April 2019.

Public Notices TEN Pin Bowling open 7 days at Simcox Stadium 50 Battys Road Phone 5784851

BLENHEIM

Support Workers (casual) Physical Disability Support Services Casual positions, covering staff leave, working on an as required basis. Closing date: Wednesday, 24 April 2019 (unless ﬁlled prior). Ref: W19-053. Online application, CV and cover letter are required before your application can be processed. Enquiries can be made to Human Resources Nelson telephone: (03) 546 1274 or email vacancies@nmdhb.govt.nz Register for job alerts and view full details of vacancies

www.nmdhb.govt.nz/careers

CLOTHING ALTERATIONS & DRESSMAKING Ready 3 - 7 days Will pick up and deliver Phone Robyn 573 7257 OR 0223172948

Wanted

Ryan Lawnmowing

WANTED

Blenheim Renwick Picton

Person to Prune & Spray Stonefruit Trees over Winter/Spring Call Keven 0272378327

Phone/Txt 022 322 6515

Wanted

Wednesday Sun The

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Blenheim Marlborough

The

Blenheim Marlborough

Volvo FL10 Tiptruck

Eldercare Worker 15 hrs per week The Eldercare Ministry of St Christopher’s seeks to reduce social isolation and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of older people living in the Redwoodtown area. The role includes the organisation of activities and working alongside volunteers and other agencies involved in Eldercare services. For a copy of the job description, please contact Tineke, ph. 578 0139 or office@stchristophers.co.nz Applications close 24th April 2019.

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The Sun

Death Notices

SUZUKI V6 4 wheel drive Escudo 2006, 2730cc. Very tidy, selling because of a health hitch. Phone 0211636142.

For Sale

Foden Truck & Trailer will seperate

HOPKINS, Pamela Joan (Pam): On Tuesday April 2, 2019, peacefully at home in Picton. Much-loved daughter of Jack and Joan Hopkins (both deceased), much-loved partner of Kate Reihana. Much-loved and cherished sister of Di Copp and Brian Ross. Much-loved aunty of Shelley and Angie, Darren and Kelly, and much-loved great aunty of Casey and Madison. Friend of many and loved by all. Messages to Pam’s family may be sent to 8 Rosewood Place, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Marlborough SPCA would be appreciated and may be made at the service or sent to P O Box 115, Renwick 7243. A farewell service for Pam will be held at her home, 54C Devon Street, Picton at 11.30am on Monday April 8, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

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

TWO Wheelchairs $250 each. One Trieste Bar Fridge 42 litre $100. One Philips Respironics Oxygen Concentrator $500. One Inogen one Portable Oxygen Concentrator $1,500. All in good condition. Phone 5796420.

JEWELLERY – Many 9ct & 18ct gold with diamond, ruby, amethyst & sapphire rings, gold necklaces & bracelets. NZ books, original NZ art and prints, crystal, china etc. Many 1960’s wind up & battery tin toys, collectables, gift vouchers. JUST BROWSING Battys Rd. Monday to Saturday. (03) 5775402.

Death Notices

WOOLLETT, Roy Edmund: On Wednesday April 3, 2019, peacefully at his home. Aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Lorna, loved father and father-in-law of Kim and Alister, Jeff and Julie, Diane, and Rodney. Loved grand and great grandad to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Messages may be sent to 5 Fell Street, Grovetown, Blenheim 7202. A funeral service for Roy will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 2.00pm on Monday April 8, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

For Sale

School students with parental / caregivers support. Also may suit semi-retired or retired persons. If this sounds like you please give us a call

76 Alfred Street, Blenheim. All welcome to our services Thursday - 10am Holy Communion in Barnies Sunday - 8am Traditional Eucharist Service - 10am Family Service

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

WANTED to buy - old NZ postcards & NZ books, fountain pens, military items, scrap gold or damaged jewellery, advertising signs, NZ Maori / whaling & historical items, antiques, collectibles & the UNUSUAL. Free quotes. Please phone Phil on (03) 5775402 (JUST BROWSING).

WANTED PERMANENT DELIVERERS

Church Notices LIGHTHOUSE Christian Fellowship Senior Citizens Hall, 166 High Street. Sundays 10 a.m. All welcome. 5785030.

Bethsaida

For more information phone Susan 5777 868

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

BARNETT, Sally-Anne: March 24, 2019

GARAGE

SALES

BUTLER, Paul Francis: March 31, 2019 HARROP, Keith Anthony: April 1, 2019

2A NELSON Square, Picton. Saturday 6 April, not before 9am. Everything must go.

ORMEROD, Ellen: March 27, 2019

2 HARVEY Place, Renwick. Workshop and household items. Saturday 6 April, 9am1.30pm.

WORTHINGTON, Kathleen Mary (Kathy): March 28, 2019

FRIDAY FACT

The Sun

Births This Week TAUTARI, Mātai Charles Wiremu: March 22, 2019

In good order. Set up for grapes or grain. Call Tony 0272 225 366 or 572 2622 evenings

Yoda, from Star Wars, was modelled after the appearance of Albert Enistein.

AULAKH: March 25, 2019 BEAUMONT, Zoey Maddison: March 7, 2019

The Sun

SPORT

Friday April 5, 2019

SPORTS TALK With Jacob Page

Akira - The All Blacks ace in the hole There should be two Ioane brothers in the All Blacks’ World Cup squad later this year. Winger Reiko is a certainty to make it and after sitting through most of the Blues’ win over the Stormers on Saturday night, Akira must make it too. The talented No 8 has always had potential written all over him. However the wrap on the older brother has always been that he can be all sizzle and no steak at times.

In many ways, he’s personified the frustrations of rugby north of the Bombay Hills for many years. So much talent, so little substance. He can be a damaging ballrunner and try-scorer but when it comes to the not so glitzy grind of the No 8 position, the 23-year-old can often go missing. Having said that, he helped Auckland to a provincial title in 2018 and his ferocity with ball in hand, especially in the close

Harry Edwards and Fergus Lane.

quarters makes him a necessary weapon for the men in black in Japan. Clearly he’s not going to unseat Kieran Read at the back of the scrum but he may be able to force his way onto the bench if the dynamic performances continue. I believe his time has finally arrived. Having Akira come on for the final 25 minutes of a test match against a tiring opposition forward pack might just be a difference

maker. Coach Steve Hansen could demand he play all out, empty the tank for a short, dynamic burst. His impact could be similar to when Beauden Barrett used his pace against an ailing defence when he was the back-up to Dan Carter. Barrett used speed, Akira would use power. Make no mistake, this World Cup will be harder to win than either 2011 or 2015.

Louie Poletti keeps an eye on the competition.

Once-in-a-lifetime players have since retired and while we still have a couple, the gap between us and the rest of the world is getting smaller. Akira Ioane is a gamble in many respects. He’s everything the All Blacks haven’t been during their 10 years of utter dominance. He’s a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, but it’s time to unleash him and see what damage he can do.

Nick Williams and Alexandra Thom showed great form.

Marlborough Colleges take top places at Picton team sailing regatta

The Top of the South Secondary School Team Sailing Regatta was sailed in a sometimes gusty but reasonably steady southerly breezes on the waters of Picton Harbour. Days one and two of the regatta saw over 200 races completed with some great moments of competition and an exceptional sports ethic from competitors. The winds on the final day failed to appear with glassy water, not a breath of breeze and at 11:am racing was abandoned for the day. Such is sailing.

Organised by Marlborough Colleges Sailing Club and hosted at Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, the event was a great success. Fourteen teams from Christchurch, Marlborough and Nelson competed in the ranked mini league competition with three fleets (Gold, Silver and Bronze). This was a new format adopted by colleges sailing, which aimed at having teams sail against teams of a similar skill level throughout the regatta. The dedication of these team sailors, who train all season to attend

All the space you need

a few key regattas, is admirable. Over the course of the three day event the abilities of all were tested and the improvement and learning was clearly evident on the water. Queen Charlotte College (captains – Emily Overend and Harry Edwards), as a late entry into the event and initially ranked in the Silver Fleet, quickly moved up to Gold fleet and established their position as a team to be reckoned with. Their excellent boat handling, boat speed and tactics eventually saw them through to taking the

Garages

first place in the regatta. Marlborough Boys Colleges (combined)– (captained by Nick Williams and Caleb Barnes) maintained a solid footing in the Silver fleet with a position in Gold fleet on the final day if racing had not been abandoned. MBC Combined nabbed the top place in Silver Fleet. MGC Combined team with many new sailors were placed in the Bronze fleet but despite their lack of experience were captained by Ryley Thom to move into the silver fleet as a result of their wins and then back into

Farm Buildings

bronze, finally taking out the first place in the bronze fleet. Top results for Marlborough Teams: Gold Fleet, first – Queen Charlotte College; Silver Fleet – first Marlborough Boys College (Combined); Bronze Fleet- first – Marlborough Girls College (Combined). The Marlborough Colleges Sailing Club encourages all young people attending secondary schools to consider team sailing as a sports choice. It encourages leadership skills, develops decision making, team building and is good fun!

Carports

A solution for every situation. From garages to farm buildings and everything in between, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Call in and see David and Cristina at 11 Boyce Street, Springlands, Blenheim 03 5777 212

0800 VERSATILE versatile.co.nz

Sleepouts

The Sun

Friday April 5, 2019

Two coins can create change By Aimee O’Hagan On Sunday, April 14th, residents of Seddon and the rest of Marborough will gather at the Seddon Railway Station to celebrate it’s re-opening. There will be plenty of festivities taking place at the station, including a sausage sizzle, a chocolate wheel, raffles, and other nibbles and refreshments. Seddon-based community organisation, Awatere Valley Trust, is collaborating with the event coordinators so that all money raised goes towards the cause, Shaking Change For Good. Shaking Change For Good organizer and member of the Awatere Valley Trust, Olivia Doonan, says the purpose of the cause is to build a new learning hub (The Awatere Early Chldhood Education Hub - ECE Hub) for children. Their goal is to raise approximately $1,800,000. “After the 2016 earthquake, all the early childhood education options in Seddon were damaged. We lost the Plunket rooms completely,” she says. “The preschool and playcentre are not structurally sound. It’s things like the plaster has chipped off, and eventually water’s going to get through.” Olivia mentions that the trust has been finding it particularly difficult to raise money. Before the 2016 earthquake, the people of Seddon had just finished raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix damage caused by the 2013 earthquake. After it hit, they were forced to go back to square one.

A graphic illustration of what the Awatere Valley Trust plans for the new Awatere Early Childhood Education Hub (ECE Hub) to look like.

Shaking Change for Good organizer, Olivia Doonan.

“Seddon’s a small community. It’s hard to constantly keep looking for that money,” Olivia says. Instead of repetively needing to raise funds to repair the “old and uninsured” playcentre buildings after each quake, the trust believed it would be a better solution to build an earthquake-proof, fully insured, and upgraded learning hub on the

same site. Olivia mentions that it is right beside Seddon School. “When the big kids come out, all the little kids see their big brothers and sisters... It’s a fantastic pathway to school,” Olivia says excitedly. “The ECE Hub puts all the early childhood care and education in one spot, and gives us opportuni-

ties like afterschool care.” Not just Seddon, but Ward, Kekerengu, and Clarence will also utilize the facilities. According to Olivia, the “Shaking Change story” is that if everyone in New Zealand donated two 20c coins, there would be enough coins to line the 180km faultline that shifted during the

2016 earthquake. All these coins together would make the $1,800,000 needed. “If we consolidate together, we can save money and do things more economically,” Olivia says. To donate money towards the cause, Shaking Change For Good can be found on Givealittle and on their website.