1 December 2021 The Blenheim Sun

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Blenheim Marlborough

December 1, 2021

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By Jacob Page A Blenheim-based father and son duo believe they have a game they can take to the masses.

Neil Charles-Jones and son Iain have created Steal - a word-building game, in the Scrabble genre but much faster.

The game starts with 150 tiles face down on a table, leaving a playing area where words can be assembled.

Anyone can start by flipping over one tile.

Play moves clockwise and each player quickly flips one letter.

Continued on page 2.

Neil Charles-Jones and son Iain have created Steal - a word-building game in the Scrabble genre.

NEWSLETTER INSIDE

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

How to reach us

Steal game set to take on the world

Publishers

Continued from Page 1.

The game really starts when at least three letters have been flipped, for the aim is to form words of three letters or more.

Players continue to flip quickly, every three seconds until someone shouts out a word which can be formed from the available letters.

That player picks up the letters, assembles the word in front of them, and is the next player to flip.

The target is to steal the words already formed by adding one or more letters to an existing word.

Neil says the game has seen the family through many a holiday at Abel Tasman National Park. I was slowly refined over many years, until we fixed on the ultimate word-building game.

“I would be lying if I said I hadn’t SoverP E N D flipped a camp table from time-to-

Les Whiteside

les@blenheimsun.co.nz

Katrina Whiteside katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

Telephone

time,” Iain says. “We are all competitive.”

Neil, an architect by trade and Iain, a primary school teacher, say the idea to produce the game came during the first covid-19 lockdown and provided them both with a creative outlet.

“I’ve been involved in all sorts of projects over the years “I believe this is an ace game.

“If we can get it out there that it can go well.

“It was an itch that needed to be scratched,” Neil says.

“Covid provided us with time and energy to get this together.

“It was always something that was a nice idea and we wanted more people to play it, but until we had the time, it was challenging to get the business going.”

The duo want to take the game global $ 4 especially as the 0 world 0 looks * to open up

Neil Charles-Jones and son Iain with their new game STEAL a fast game that will test your mind and probably make you angry at the end.

after the pandemic. tunities in the education sector and “We know the games space is are aiming to create a Te Reo Maori a challenging one but weSTIHL feel we version. with have a game which is well-suited “We feel the opportunities are to the modern times because it’s endless,” Iain says. fast-paced,” Neil says.

The game can be purchased at They also are looking at oppor- www.steal.co.nz.

SA VE $ 50 Night closures for Weld Pass SAVE $100 SAVE $150

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(03) 5777-868 E-mail

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S P N 7pm D 7Weld 0 0 to plan for the opening times if Waka Kotahi NZE Transport to 6am the$ next day.

Agency crews will be working Pass is a winding section of they can. Traffic will be queued www.blenheimsun.co.nz on improving the road surface SH1, halfway between Blen- at each end between opening times. in the Weld Pass, on SH1 in heim and Seddon.

Drivers will be allowed “We encourage people who Marlborough, for five nights 100% at the beginning of December. through every two hours, with have ferries booked to ensure locally “Drivers will be allowed a ten to 15-minute window for they factor in these delays owned and * single lane$ traffic1 each,way. operated south of Picton if they are through every two over-D SP Ehours N 0 0 0 night and emergency vehicles After the 7pm closure, the leaving in the evening,” says will be accommodated at all first opening will be at 9pm, Ms Forrester.

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Electronic signs will advertise Monday - Thursday ney manager Tresca Forrester. Full opening at 6am. the closures at each end ie near 9am - 4.30pm The work will run from Sun“Waka Kotahi thanks all Blenheim at the Roadhouse The Sun 18,535 copies. day, December 5 through to drivers who may be inconven- entry and in Seddon as well as The largest circulating participating retailers for details. Spend and Save only applicable on selected STIHL products. Minimum of one machine per transaction night,Save December 9, ienced and encourage everyone fixed signs in other places.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

National win for young photographer

By Glenise Dreaver

Giulietta Doig, a year seven student at Fairhall School, has been judged one of New Zealand’s top young photographers, having won the Junior section of Stills, a nationwide photography competition sponsored

by Canon.

The contest came about as a reaction to changing alert levels and social distancing restrictions earlier in the year, offering an accessible creative outlet for students, who were encouraged to get creative with what they had available to them.

That means they weren’t judged “I still want to be a zoologist,” by the number of megapixels in she says. their camera so much as the style Of Giulietta’s image, judge and creativity they used to complete Amanda Ratcliffe said: their image.

“This image is of excellent Guiletta’s winning image, of her cat Fluffy, sitting on and reflected in the deck at home after it had been hosed down, was taken in the middle of last year on her Iphone 12 pro.

However, within a couple of weeks her prize for this win, an EOS 1500D Canon camera that her dad priced out on the website at $820, will arrive.

Her win hasn’t altered her aim for life though.

quality, and you can tell that there has been a lot of time and attention to detail that has gone into the making of this one.”

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inbrief

The Sun

Vaccine Passports Age Concern will be at Vines Village Cafe tomorrow, Thursday, December 2, 10am to 2pm assisting our senior community with accessing their Covid 19 Vaccine Passports. Please bring identification.

Dog found Lani a 16-month-old Shih Tzu-Bichon cross was found on Sunday afternoon, after eighteen days on the run.

She was spotted on the Blenheim highway about 2km from where she was lost.

A lady called Nicola and her partner managed to catch her.

Lani was lost in transit while being moved by a pet transport service earlier in November, from Kaitaia to Queenstown.

Aleisha Blackley bought the 16-month-old Shih Tzu-Bichon cross from a Kaitaia seller.

Crash SH1 - Kaikoura State Highway 1 near Kekerengu, north of Kaikoura, has reopened after a ute and a tanker collided.

The crash happened on Monday at 11:10am on the Ellerton Railway Overbridge.

New device on show

Giulietta Doig of Fairhall School: first prizewinner in the junior section of Canon's Stills nationwide photography competition.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Surfing for farmers Christmas lights list Blenheim 115 Alfred St - cul de sac end It’s that time of year again where the Sun publishes a list of addresses displaying Christmas lights displays for public viewing.

If you have a display you would like added please phone the Sun or email office@blenheimsun.co.nz.

Left to right: Jack Devlin, Skye Macdonald, Henry Ryan, Mairi Mackenzie.

By Glenise Dreaver

Dean Marshall places the star on top of the Forum Christmas tree with Tony Gardiner from Downer assisting.

Henry Ryan isn’t a farmer, and he’s not a professional surfer either. But he’s the organiser of Marlborough’s Surfing for Farmers scheme.

The rural banking employee, who only started in the sport he loves two years ago, does have a farming background though, and he well understands the stresses that brings.

He also loves the water.

Henry says he grew up in and around it, so having been introduced to surfing a couple

of years ago by family and friends, he’s now passing that on to Marlborough farmers in a special programme designed for them.

The idea of the programme, which is delivered under the “umbrella” of Marlborough’s Rural Support Trust, is to help relieve the stresses of what has become a high stress occupation.

“It’s a 24/7 job,” says Henry, “and even if you’re not out on the farm, you’re thinking about it all the time.

“Surfing allows farmers to

get away, to think about something else, to learn a new skill.

And switching off supports mental health.”

He says he’s heard first-hand from those who have been suffering, who tell him about the mental health benefits they have gained from the work he and the team of willing volunteers are doing.

He says the main surfing beaches they use are at Ward, the Kekerengu Store or Okiwi Bay. “It all depends on the wind or the swell on the day.”

Participants find out where

their Thursday sessions will be by using their Facebook page.

The group is inclusive. “Male and female. Young and old.” As well as the volunteers in the water, it’s free, because there are a number of generous sponsors, and while participants can bring their wet suit and board, there’s enough support to provide one if they don’t have any gear.

There’s a good social aspect too. “We’ll have food, or run a barbie afterwards,” says Henry.

To register your interest contact Henry Ryan 027 8682 862.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Blenheim Toyota

Local actor and journalist Chris Valli is part of the barricade and ensemble for Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Les Misérables in May 2022.

Chris is writing a weekly column for The Blenheim Sun newspaper about the rehearsal process, the backstory and context of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and insight’s into the theatrical phenomenon.

There is a line from the Shakespeare pastoral comedy, As You Like It, which manifests, All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players’.

I suggest Shakespeare draws attention to this soliloquy towards the drama everyone lives throughout their lives #covid#passports#highlanderswinning.

It’s not timely to write a Level 3 NCEA thesis on potential interpretations of the line.

However, the metaphor is appropriate in a Les Misérables context as Sunday’s (28.11) rehearsal provided an observation into the players.

From the prologue of Toulon and the Chain Gang in 1815 to the Factory at Montreuil (Northern France) to the Streets of Paris, the vocals yesterday were beginning to tell the story of our characterisation(s).

Oh and the song Castle in a Cloud where young Cosette (played by the remarkable talent(s) of Emilie McKay and Sage Johnson) dreams of a better life where all children are free to play and she is loved unconditionally.

Yeh, bring your Kleenex for that scene.

Local Marlburians are part of the biggest theatre production of our lifetimes. Indeed, we are all merely players and the commitment is huge; respective daytime jobs, mums, dads, students, vineyard workers, doctors,

policemen - we wouldn’t have it any other way. THIS IS Les Misérables.

Les Misérables began its life on the page as a novel written in 1845, before the story was transferred into a musical theatre libretto and the story told through its music, lyrics, staging, lighting, sound, special effects, costumes and wigs, creating Paris on stage during the French Revolution.

Production manager Mike Wentworth - the croissant and red wine to the Les Misérables menu - says they will use every inch of the ASB Theatre stage including extending the revolve/stage over the orchestra pit.

Mike says the high number of scene changes will see a flying (space used to store scenery) team of five people (with all the flying elements), 10 crew, eight props people and two people on the winch / grinder controlling the revolve.

“We have 12 tonnes of scenery being brought in in two 40 foot containers – the revolve and scenery elements will transform into the streets of Paris, to the prison, pubs, docks and the barricade.”

Next week - The Costumes - what to expect.

Les Misérables will be performed at the ASB Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 May 28, 2022. Tickets can be purchased at the ASB Theatre.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Seamless service for Subway at Stadium

By Glenise Dreaver

Jeanette Anderson, operations manager at Subway in Stadium 2000 and her boss, owner Marie Price make a good team – and they’re both up for a challenge.

So when the news about the Covid “traffic light” system broke, they thought what it would mean for their staff and customers, and how they could manage the complications it would bring.

It’s a legal given that, just like the Stadium 2000 staff where they share space, all staff have to be double vaccinated, and that’s already happened. “Our delivery guys are all double vaxxed too,” says Jeanette She adds that some customers are already showing their vaccine passes, which they appreciate, even though the law requiring that doesn’t kick in until Friday December 3.

Jeanette and Marie had to sit down and think through how they would continue to serve their loyal customers, who may have a

variety of reasons for being unvaxxed, with the added complication that some may not understand the new law.

“But they don’t have to be denied service,” says Marie, adding that for children under 12, it’s not an issue anyway – they will still be served.

Jeanette says there are several solutions for the unvaxxed.

“There’s our existing on line ordering service , www.subwayexpress.co.nz where they can order and pay for their meal, with a contactless pickup point at the rear door of Subway ( entrance off Redwood St ) There’s also the popular DeliverEasy www.delivereasy.co.nz option that customers can use when they pay on line. “That’s a very popular service and their staff are in here several times a day” says Jeanette.

“We know it seems like a lot of trial and tribulation,” says Marie. “But what’s important for us is to let people know they don’t have to be denied their Subway.”

Jeanette Anderson at left is operations manager at Subway in Stadium 2000, with owner Marie Price and Olivia Liddicoat, centre, “senior sandwich artist.”

Road access to Sounds With Christmas fast approaching, the MRRT has advised that roading repair work in the Marlborough Sounds will stop over the Christmas period, from December 23, 2021 to January 16, 2022, to give crews a well-

earned break and allow them to spend time with their families.

The Marlborough Roads office is closed for two weeks over Christmas.

If you need an access pass, you can apply for it before Monday,

December 20, 2021, or after Monday, January 10.

Resident and essential service passes with an expiry date of December 31, 2021 will automatically roll over without the need to renew them.

MRRT are expecting an increase in permitted resident traffic into controlled access areas over this period, so traffic will be able to flow more freely if work is stopped during this time.

There will be no access into controlled access areas without a resident or essential service pass and no public access into these areas.

Please refer to MRRT’s access definitions for more information.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

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

No place like home - housing preference study The Council has commissioned a survey to investigate what is important to Blenheim households when choosing a place to live.

The results will help plan for the kinds of houses the town needs in the future.

Participants are recruited by phone and taken to an online survey. Each respondent is asked about what is important to them in a house, including location, the number of bedrooms, purchase or rental price, and more.

Strategic Planner Emma Toy says Blenheim’s population could increase to over 34,000 by 2048, according to Statistics New Zealand projections.

Mites released to tame old man’s beard Council biosecurity staff have introduced the leaf-galling mite (Aceria vitalbae) in two locations as part of a New Zealand-first bid to control the highly invasive pest plant old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba).

Early this month a small number of plants were infected with the gall mite before being planted at sites just out of Havelock and in Northbank.

Senior Biosecurity Officer Brent Holms says old man’s beard is a serious problem throughout the region.

“Old man’s beard is one of New Zealand’s worst and most widespread pest plants.

It’s a deciduous, climbing, layering vine that can grow up to 20 metres high and in suitable habitats it rapidly dominates and smothers all types of vegetation,” Mr Holms said.

“This project could help dramatically slow the spread and reduce the impact of this highly invasive weed - an exciting prospect,” he said.

The Aceria vitalbae mite is only 1mm long and disperses passively with the help of the wind to find new old man’s beard plants. The

gall mite works by forming galls in the host plant, forcing the host to redirect resources to the galls, which in turn reduces the host’s growth rate and can cause shoots to die back.

The mite was approved for release in New Zealand by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2018 after a very thorough process.

They are reared by Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research to numbers that can be released into the wild.

Mr Holms said old man’s beard requires intensive, manual effort to control.

“The use of a biological control like the gall mite is a game changer and allows nature to regain some sort of equilibrium.”

While it is early days, we are hopeful that it will perform in a similar way to the broom gall mite that was introduced in 2008 and is now having a significant impact on broom.

“It would be great to see similar results with the old man’s beard mite in coming years. If successful the mites will form part of the arsenal in the fight against old man’s beard in Marlborough,” he said.

“To meet this level of growth, Blenheim will need more new homes over the next 30 years, and Council wants to hear directly from the community about their housing preferences.”

“What type of home do you want to live in? Would you prefer a unit, an apartment or a stand-alone home? How many bedrooms do you need? What amenities do you need close by? And what can you afford?”

She says under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD), released in 2020, councils are tasked with providing enough land for

growth for both housing and business activity in their urban environments, and Blenheim meets that definition.

“The NPS-UD directs local authorities to provide enough zoned land and infrastructure, and ensure that planning is responsive to changes in demand.”

“New development capacity should be of a form and in locations that meet the diverse needs of communities and encourage well-functioning, liveable urban environments.” The survey will recruit 400 respondents from the Blenheim and Renwick areas.

White Ribbon Day 2021 Last Thursday Mayor John Leggett, Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor and Councillor Cynthia Brooks stopped off in The Forum in Blenheim to support White Ribbon Day - an international day when people wear a white ribbon to show they do not condone violence towards women.

Marlborough’s White Ribbon Day, supported by Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust, Marlborough Women’s Refuge and the Marlborough Violence Intervention Project, saw a free sausage sizzle, live music and resources on offer to help spread the message and encourage locals to talk about this important issue.

Councillor Taylor said as well as shining a light on violence prevention, White Ribbon Day also celebrates the many men willing to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families to help build a safer community for everybody.

(Left to right) Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor and Maataa Waka Social Worker/Whanau Tautoko Tukino, Cath Walker with Mayor Leggett at this year’s White Ribbon event last Thursday

Check your swimming pool’s safe for summer If you have a swimming pool on your property now’s a good time to check it is safe and secure.

With summer nearly here, Council’s Pool Compliance Officer will continue visiting properties with pools to check they meet the required standards.

These inspections also include temporary pools.

Some of the standards include ensuring: • Your pool has a physical barrier that restricts access to children under five years. The barrier must be at least 1200mm high and must not have a deck or garden beside it that will reduce the height. You also need to ensure you don’t have anything outside the barrier that could be used to climb inside the barrier. The barrier must not have any openings bigger than 100mm

• Your pool gates open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch • A backflow preventer is installed on the tap used to fill the pool, even if you only use the tap occasionally • You only have pool-related activities in the pool area - for example you don’t have a vegetable garden, clothes line or kids playground equipment inside the barrier Remember that ‘temporary’ pools with a water depth of over 400mm must meet the requirements of the legislation and be fenced accordingly. A building consent is needed if you want to make changes to an existing pool barrier.

Pool owners can expect an audit visit every three years from Council. It is the shared responsibility of the homeowner

or occupier and the pool owner to ensure that barriers are installed and maintained to the required standard.

For more information email the Pool Compliance Officer at: pools@marlborough.govt.nz or Ph: 03 520 7400.

Wither Hills Farm Park aerial spraying

Senior Biosecurity Officer Brent Holms releases the old man’s beard mite, Aceria vitalbae, in Marlborough earlier this month

www.marlborough.govt.nz

The annual aerial spraying programme targeting woody weeds was scheduled to begin on Monday 22 November and, depending on suitable weather conditions, could run until Thursday 23 December 2021. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Agrichemical Users Code of Practice NZS 8409:2004.

We do not expect to close off any areas to the public but high use areas may be temporarily restricted while work is being carried out to ensure the health and safety of members of the public. Please comply with all authorised instructions. Signage will be erected at main farm park entrances to alert users to the work

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

and will remain in place until the work has been completed.

Contractor: Marlborough Helicopters, contact office/AH, Ph: 03 578 9684.

For further information please contact David Aires at Council on Ph: 03 520 7400.

To view a map of the aerial spraying area visit: bit.ly/AerialSpray2021

7

8

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

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

Q: What are you hoping Santa might bring you this year?

Indie 5 years A poppit. And a little book like Ella chapter ones. And a toy kitten and a doll.

Thomas 11 years I love Christmas. This year I am hoping for dive gear and vouchers so I can go to town and spend them! We have lots of people at ours for Christmas so I am excited for the food.

Letters Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

Read us online!

Keep up with the news at: www.blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday

Stella 8 years I’m hoping Santa might bring me a poppit and an Ella Diary book… and a cookbook.

to the editor abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St. Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Zac 2 years My birthday is Christmas day. Santa please give me a boat and a poppit. And a Spiderman cake.

Paige 5 years I hope Santa brings me a fun onesie because my hunting and zebra onesies are too hot. I want a cool, cool onesie. I want to say Merry Christmas to the people reading the newspaper and I hope he brings me a robot and a pet dog too.

NZ or World Post

3 Waters

Dear Ed I too have sent cards to my nephews in Gore.

One was sent three months ago and another 18 months ago, and they have never been received.

I have been to NZ Post in Blenheim but they can’t help so I have phoned the 0800 number but I can’t get them to answer the phone, waiting up to 25 minutes each time I try.

Where is our mail going to, NZ Post?

Missing mail

Dear Ed With a combination of bribery, cunny and bloody mindedness Minister for Social Government Nanaia Mahuta is set to ram the 3 Waters bill through Parliament.

Councils seem to have been ostracised by the detail and lack of detail in this bill and the provision that they could opt out since removed.

This legislation is unnecessary, unworkable and unfair, but more importantly it is undemocratic and theft of ratepayers property.

Councils should record this as theft and not a gift to government.

Ratepayers and their descendants might spend the next hundred years trying to get justice, just as Maori have had to do because of government theft in the 19th century. Is this some kind of payback for Maori?

The obvious comparison is with the Nazi party in Germany. They were elected with a huge majority in their parliament and thought this was a mandate to do anything.

High on the list was the theft of Jewish property, possessions and citizenship, and finally their lives. Thank goodness we have a PM who is kin and will wash her hands of 3 Waters.

All voices need to be heard Dear Ed The already top-heavy Marlborough District Council wants to increase the number of councillors to 14 in order to accommodate a Maori ward (with absolutely no mandate from ratepayers to do so).

If this waste of money goes ahead we will have more councillors than Nelson (12), Tasman (13), Timaru (9), Invercargill (12).

Even Christchurch, with ten times our population has only 16 which is one for each ward.

Blenheim ward alone has 7! To object is clearly a waste of time.

An overwhelming majority has already voted against a Maori

ward but this Mayor and council continues to disregard the wishes of the local population.

I note that when the council voted on this that one councillor didn’t even bother to turn up!

This would suggest we already have more councillors than we need. Can the Mayor tell us what percentage of council meetings are actually attended by all councillors?

And how much will this extra racially selected member cost the already overburdened ratepayers?

Ripped off ratepayer (name supplied)

Adjustable able!

Afford Podiatrist designed and recommended.

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A council spokesperson replies: There is minimal extra cost to ratepayers because the Remuneration Authority allocates a pool of funding to govern Marlborough, which will now be split 14 ways rather than 13.

Marlborough’s eight iwi firmly supported the creation of a Māori ward, as did the majority of councillors.

Marlborough’s iwi are close partners of council and it’s important that the voice of Māori is represented directly at the council table.

Wet your whistle

W H E N O N LY T H E B E S T W I L L D O !

Arch comfort!

Charli 5 years A unicorn and my sister might want a baby bubba.

• Free adolescent treatment

Phone 03 578 4203 62 Seymour St, Blenheim

Dear Ed I cannot come to grips to see Kevin Moseley going around encouraging people to “Wet their whistle for Westport!”

So crazy, yet Blenheim suffered just as much plus the Sounds who are in dire straits.

One would think he would be helping to look after his own town first and giving the businesses in town support first before jumping over to the West Coast.

Best to look after the locals first.

Gobsmacked Name and address supplied REPLY from Kevin Moseley: This event is a Top of The South Rotary fundraiser where Rotary clubs from the West Coast, Nelson, Motueka and Marlborough are involved. To date they have raised $90K for the Westport residents.

Blenheim South Rotary President Kevin Moseley

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

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Offers valid dates vary, see individual product pages online for details. Available, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free. Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details.# Discount is off our full retail price and not available in conjunction with any other offer. *2 Weekly equal instalments are based on a 52 week finance period commencing 7 days from the date charged. We recommend setting up an Automatic Payment authority to avoid missed payments and additional interest charges. Available in-store and online.

Current interest rate of 23.95% applies. There are no set-up, annual, or account maintenance fees – a $19 notification fee may apply in circumstances of default. Terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/ easycard for more details or to apply for your EasyCard. ~AirpointsTM terms and conditions apply. Visit smithscity.co.nz/airpoints for more detail. + Price Promise terms and conditions apply. Visit smithscity.co.nz/price-promise for more details. ^Valid 1 - 7 December 2021. Applies to qualifying products purchased at the same time within a single transaction. Subject to availability. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Limits and other exclusions may apply. Personal shoppers only, trade not supplied.

9

10

Wednesday December 1, 2021

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

Les Mis role a dream come true Les Misérables has been haunting Blenheim actor Daniel Rayner for years.

The 30-year-old has been cast in the principal role of Enjolras, a radical student revolutionary and the charismatic leader of the Friends of the ABC. “It’s very exciting. This show has been haunting me for years. Con O’Brien, our choirmaster and fellow BMT (Blenheim Musical Theatre) actor would tell us stories about being in the show which started my interest in it.

“I remember being stuck in the hospital and Mum asking if there was anything I wanted to watch. I asked if she could get Les Mis and the only version available was the Liam Neeson, Geoffry Rush and Uma Thurman version which we watched together. It was a comfort and such an engaging story that it was the perfect distraction for both Mum and I. I am looking forward to having Willam and Dad involved in it this time around as well.”

It certainly is a family affair for the May 2022 production, with younger brother Billy, Mum Tina and Dad Phil all involved in the show. Phil is the Blenheim Musical Theatre president while Billy and Tina have been cast in various character roles in the ensemble.

“Bill and Mum have done a bunch of shows together but this is my first time on stage with them. All other family singing has been happy birthdays which is always sung with more gusto than tune, as is tradition.”

Mum Tina Rayner has always loved singing and is grateful for the opportunity that performing has given her and her boys.

“When Daniel got involved in BMT’s Beyond Rawhide in 2006 he said.

“You’d love this Mum you should join.

I didn’t have the confidence until 2008 and my best friend at the time, Barbara Shaw pushed me into it. Unfortunately she died before she could see it but she gave me that final kick up the bum which I’m grateful for. I love how it pushes me out of my comfort zone

and yet gives an excellent return for the initial terror.”

Tina is insanely proud of both boys being in the show with her and blown away by how amazing Dan’s tenor voice is as Enjolras.

“I took Dan to audition for a part in Oliver when he was seven but he got cold feet. He played the part of a Grandad in a school production soon after and was hooked. He did school plays very happily until he joined BMT in 2006.

“Bill followed in Dan’s wake and secured lead roles for lots of school plays and we acted together in Eurobeat in 2009. He has since eclipsed us all being in many major shows and in Jeannie Marks ballet shows.”

“The applause is a rush and you’re so pleased that they enjoyed it” Dan says the return to stage is a bit like a drug after 10 years away from the local theatre scene. “ I think after school and university and all the life that follows you forget how much of a rush it can be to be on stage. After going to so many shows that itch just needs to be scratched.”

He has recently finished reading the (Victor Hugo) book to give greater understanding to the role of Enjolras.

Dan’s interpretation of the character is a singularly focused man believing with all his heart and soul in his cause with enough passion to have others follow him.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Phil, Dan, Billy and Tina Rayner.

“I am looking forward to working with (director) Peter Meikle to truly bring this French firecracker to life.”

Tina admits the incentive for auditioning for Les Misérables is ultimately the addictive nature of theatre.

“You do one and you get a buzz from meeting new people, making

a fabulous sound with them and being able to share that sound with an audience. The applause is a rush and you’re so pleased that they enjoyed it, you want to do it again.”

There are eight families represented in Les Misérables. Local surnames such as Ham, Dight, Kingi and Wentworth feature

in the ensemble and production teams. Indeed, it’s a reflection on the society’s proactive family orientated culture and environment.

Les Misérables will be performed at the ASB Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 - May 28, 2022. Tickets can be purchased at the ASB Theatre.

WE’VE MOVED! We are now at 2 Warwick Street, Mayfield.

Entrance off Grove Road thru Wino’s or off Warwick Street.

We have more room, more stock, more brands, more of everything!

THE ON-ROAD, OFF-ROAD SPECIALISTS 2 Warwick Street, Mayfield Ph 579 2500

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Top heritage award for Opaoa River bridges The Ōpaoa River Bridge project has won the 2021 Engineering NZ Heritage Award.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has been recognised for its efforts to celebrate local heritage with this project.

The award celebrates innovative heritage projects that have delivered value to a community, iwi, organisation, environment, education, or wider New Zealand society.

Engineering NZ said the project delivered on all three of the award’s criteria - clear vision, engagement with all the right people, and a great impact on the local community.

Opened at the end of 2020, the Ōpaoa River Bridge project has provided a safer, stronger State Highway 1 bridge across the river, called the Opawa River until 2014, when the name was officially corrected as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

The project also repurposed the original Opawa Bridge for walking and cycling and a community gathering space.

Cindy Jemmett, Engineering New Zealand heritage advisor says: “Thought, care, research and collaboration has gone into not just retaining the historic bridge, but in making sure it has wide use and relevance for communities today and in the future. The lasting relationships built during this project also made it stand out.”

“It’s a top honour for a top project,” says Waka Kotahi senior project manager Andrew Adams. “It is fitting recognition for a special project that called on expertise from across the organisation.

He adds that the bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for State Highway 1 and the top of the South Island/ Te Wai Pounamu.

“While we had to deliver a safe new piece of infrastructure, it was also important to give the heritage bridge a renewed life, recognise the history and influence of mana whenua, and create a place for people to relax, remember and reflect.

“I’m very proud of the work of our wider team to create a fantastic new bridge, repurpose the existing heritage bridge, and create a beautiful place that the community can be proud of.”

The project team worked closely with mana whenua iwi Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne O Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and Ngāti Rārua to incorporate cultural and spiritual aspects into the project and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Marlborough District Council to ensure the designs were sympathetic and suitable.

As well as walking and cycling facilities, the repurposed Opawa Bridge offers community space to hold local events, complete with a courtyard, interpretative panels, gateway signage, and Pou Whenua.

The award-winning gateway to Blenheim.

The old banana bridge panels lit up.

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11

The Sun

12 Wednesday December 1, 2021

International Volunteer Day

Thank you to all our volunteers for their support for our organisation.

You really do make a difference for people affected by dementia.

Alzheimers Marlborough | 8 Wither Road, Blenheim | 577-6172

To all our valued volunteers Thank you for everything you do If you would like to join St John and make a difference in your community go to

December 5th 2021

Selmes Garden Centre pays tribute to volunteer

By Glenise Dreaver

Peter McRae will be sorely missed at the Selmes Garden Centre.

He recently retired after volunteering at the Battys Road Nursery for some eight or nine years. (Pete’s not sure how long it was.)

The trust provides employment to enrich the lives of people who live with disabilities.

A lifelong keen gardener himself, staff say Pete was willing to put his hand to any task, whether menial or not. One such task was, for example, the regular transporting of Selmes workers to gather horse manure, a vital component of their popular compost mix.

His daughter Roz Davenport says his interest in gardening was sparked as an 11-year-old working at a Tua Marina market garden.

“I believe dad is in his happy zone when gardening,” she says.

She adds that he is a very positive person.

“Always the glass is half full,” and she attributes his many friendships to that attitude. It is certainly how he is remembered at the trust, and Roz says he is always the guy that says ‘yes’ to helping everyone. ”No is not in his vocabulary.”

Pete looks back at his time with the trust as really enjoyable. “Good fun!” he says emphatically. “You’re helping other people and helping the community.”

Selmes Garden Trust manager Gaye Williamson says volunteers are their lifeblood and she is hoping they will have more of them in 2022.

She adds that everyone at Selmes says a big thank you to Pete. “He is a gem.”

Volunteers are their lifeblood and she is hoping they will have more of them in 2022.

If you are interested in volunteering at Selmes in 2022, please phone 578 1511 to find out more.

https://join.stjohn.org.nz/volunteer-jobs

CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS

Selmes Garden Trust volunteer Peter McRae in his own immaculate garden, ready for Tuesday's mystery day out with his old mates.

Supporting People with Disabilities garden centre

Marlborough’s Community Nursery We would like to say thanks to all our volunteers for their time and commitment. They are our stars.

We celebrate and thank our volunteers who play a vital role in assisting the Cancer Society in so many ways.

For more information about volunteering please contact: Hilary Gill ph 579 4379 or hilaryg@cancersoc.org.nz

International Volunteer Day 5th December 2021

We have a wonderful group of volunteers who enjoy the friendship, laughter, and working alongside people with disabilities.

If you feel you have a spare few hours to help with weeding or potting up, we would love to hear from you.

Phone 578 1511

Open 7 days - 141 Battys Road - www.selmesgardencentre.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

International Volunteer Day

13

December 5th 2021

Compelling reasons to volunteer Have you ever considered volunteering to work with older persons? It is thoroughly rewarding and here are some of the reasons why: You are making a difference – what you find when you work with people who are vulnerable and rely on you, is that you are genuinely making a difference in their daily lives. You will feel as though you are having a positive impact on your community There is the potential to learn daily lessons about your own health - working with those nearing the end of their lives is quite likely to make you take stock of your own health – both mental and physical. This may make you more aware of what you are eating, how much you are exercising and what you are doing to keep your mind sharp and your outlook positive.

You develop a deep respect for resilience - it is easy to get bogged down in the daily struggles of your own life. Resilience in life is key and when you see in the elderly the way resilience builds over the course of a lifetime you start to really “get it” for yourself.

A deeper understanding of social connectedness – when you work with older persons you see how much any small interaction or visit means to them, how much they brighten when you sit down and have a chat with them.

Considering volunteering for Age Concern?

Contact Sandy at the office, 579 3457, to find out more.

THANK YOU to all our wonderful volunteers The recent flooding event caused disruption in our workplace but thanks to our volunteers we were able to continue to support older persons in our community.

Want to make a difference?

Understanding this can hopefully make you work harder on your own relationships with family and friends.

You witness miracles! – whether it be a dementia patient reacting to animal therapy or music, or a stroke patient learning to talk again. When you work in aged care you see things that people thought were impossible.

At Age Concern we are constantly on the lookout for kind, caring people willing to give up a bit of time to brighten someone else’s day. Please call Sandy at the office 5793457 to find out more.

Contact Age Concern to see how you can get involved ph 03 579 3457

Room 1, 25 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201

“ It’s about our team and doing the right thing”

Emergency Management in Marlborough is mostly made up of volunteers. People who give their time and energy to respond to an emergency event. While their work goes mostly unnoticed, their dedication and training means we are more able to respond to that event So thank you to all the emergency volunteers that give their time and energy to help our Community

“ It feels good to know we’re doing something to help others. But it’s also great working with a team, learning stuff and having fun doing it” Shelley- NZ Response Team member for Marlborough

Want to know more about getting involved ?

Call or text 021 220 4612

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers. The gift of your time and skills is invaluable.

We provide support, advocacy, education and information for women, children and families in our community.

For more information on how you can volunteer phone (03) 577 9939 admin@marlbrefuge.com

Visit us online at

blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun

14 Wednesday December 1, 2021

Not Strictly Jazz... a seasonal treat

By Glenise Dreaver

Tony and Coral Thiel are running a special series of three concerts at the ASB Theatre on December 10-12.

Called Not Strictly Jazz, they’ve gathered together a group of 12 top local musicians ranging in age from 16 to 94.

Tony says the concert is a programme of music from various cultures around the world.

One thing making it really special is that the Jazz Combo of Marlborough Boys College musicians will be presenting their last public performance as a group. Each year Tony loses some of the combo he’s mentored over the last nine years and 2021 is no exception, with only Sam and Luca staying on for another year.

The concerts will also provide an opportunity for Libby Holdaway, now studying medicine at

Otago University and a grade 8 pianist, to play some jazz with Alistair McLeod on acoustic bass.

Other highlights will be MBC musical director Barbara Song playing some Chinese compositions and accompanying her mother singing in Mandarin, while MGC’s Robin Randall will perform a trumpet solo, with Tony at the keyboard.

Coral, who has threatened before that some events may be her last involvement with the local concerts, says that people laugh when she says that, but this time does point to her age as a reason.

Two dollars of the proceeds from the $24.50 a head concerts will go to Marlborough Hospice, and performances will be held at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday December 10-11 and at 2.30pm on December 12.

Church sale back again

Members of the MBC Jazz Combo feature in this canvas-backed photo on the wall of Tony and Coral Thiel’s home.

On Saturday, December 4, St Christopher’s Church is running a Christmas garage sale in their hall and carpark at the corner of Weld and Cleghorn streets.

As well as the well-chosen second hand bargains they offer, minister Deo Vistar says this is a great opportunity for their church to serve the wider community with sell-

ing hand-crafted Christmas decorations and crafts, jams chutney, fresh produce, cakes and sweet treats created and donated by parishioners.

Let’s not forget the bacon

butties, paua patties and Chinese dumplings.

“And of course there is always the sausage sizzle,” Deo adds.

The market will run from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

BUSINESS FOR SALE MARLBOROUGH EVENTS GUIDE

This iconic Renwick business has been a destination for vintage and classic car enthusiasts for almost three decades, attracting visitors from around New Zealand, and supplying customers around the world.

Much more than a car parts store, Basis stocks a range of kit sets and models, as well as a huge range of tools and

rubberware. Basis is the original specialist outlet for both Teng Tools and Penrite Oils in Marlborough.

Great location on High Street, Renwick, with plenty of traffic from both locals and visitors.

Current owners are planning their next chapter after being the sole owners for almost 30 years.

Pick up your copy from Marlborough District Council For more information contact mike.everest@endvision.co.nz

follow-me.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Christmas gift ideas

15

Give the perfect gift!

Book now for Christmas Holiday reservations ph 03 577 8822 | 6 Symons Street, Blenheim info@raupocafe.co.nz | www.raupocafe.co.nz

GIFT VOUCHERS

a great gift this Christmas!

Purchase these in-store or E gift cards on our website www.alehouseblenheim.co.nz

GIFT VOUCHERS - a great gift this Christmas!

Get sorted this Christmas!

Purchase these in-store or E gift cards on our website www.goodhomebar.co.nz

TWO LOCATIONS!

19 Grove Road, Mayfield. 577 8615 5 Boyce Street, Springlands. 579 5964

Festive, Fabulous and Forever

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KIDS BIKES FOR CHRISTMAS! KIDS 50cc BIKE Gift Baskets and Vouchers available Complimentary gift wrapping OPEN Monday–Friday 9am–5.30pm Saturday 9am–4pm Sunday 10am–3pm

102 Market St • www.cerise.nz

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A firm favourite with kids and parents - Fully automatic 2-stroke engine - Adjustable speed limiter - Low maintenance drive shaft This lightweight and compact mini-bike is the ideal way for your child to have hours of fun while developing their riding skills.

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The Sun

16 Wednesday December 1, 2021

Grey Power Marlborough The Association for people 50+

MARLBOROUGH

Advocating for people 50 +

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

President’s news Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

Welcome to our newsletter now being published in The Sun newspaper.

This is one of the many changes that we are planning for Grey Power Marlborough over the next five years.

I have been reading an article by Diana Clement on ageism and some perceptions the general population have of people 50 years and over.

Some of the areas the article focused on were the difficulty of finding paid work from 50 onwards, Elder Abuse; either physical, financial or neglect, lack of health services and lack of affordable housing for seniors.

Many people see seniors in our community as ‘just old’.

They forget that many of these people have paid tax their whole working life, often did not have the ability to save for their retirement and some of them, through no fault of their own, were unable to find full-time paid employment.

I have had the opportunity to work in rest home care facilities and home care for seniors.

All of these people led interesting lives, some of them in high powered positions and some of them just ordinary bog-standard lives.

They are a generation of givers, not takers.

We encourage people 50+ in age to join Grey Power. Here are the final five of the 25 achievements we are proud to have been effective in obtaining for seniors at the national level. We have been highlighting five per month since August.

1. Hearing aid subsidy increased.

Unique...

Because we understand that everyday life is.

Gayle Chambers President, Grey Power Marlborough.

Grey Power is all about making sure our seniors get a fair deal from all areas of society. We lobby local and national governments on a regular basis and work with other like-minded organisations.

We are a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

If you are 50 or over join Grey Power and fight the fight for our seniors.

Gayle Chambers

and 17.

It’s a great train trip, surprisingly scenic, and you could be supporting local businesses and groups as you go on the outing.

Brian McNamara, Publicity Officer.

Need help to access your vaccine passport?

We will be at Vines Village Café tomorrow 10am - 2pm Thursday December 2nd Please bring identification With the kind help of Vines Village Café

GREY POWER MEMBERS DISCOUNT

On the visit to the Emergency Management Authority, as described in the article on Grey Power advocacy on the following page, we asked them to send us their best advice to pass on to you. The following is a clear information sheet on the vaccine pass.

“My Vaccine Pass is an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status.

It can be used from Friday 3 December when New Zealand moves to a traffic light system.

Under the traffic light system, you may need to show your My Vaccine Pass in a range of places, for example: events, hospitality, close-proximity businesses, such as hairdressers and gyms, sport, and faith-based gatherings.

Businesses cannot accept a purple vaccination appointment card or vaccination confirmation letter as proof of your vaccination status.

You will not need to show proof of vaccination to access: supermarkets, pharmacies, health and disability services, petrol stations, public transport — for example, buses and trains, schools and early learning service providers, housing and housing support services.

Requesting a pass My Vaccine Pass is free.

You can request a My Vaccine Pass if you have had 2 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand.

There are four ways to get your My Vaccine Pass: 1. Via internet / online. If you have an email address and valid identification (passport, birth certificate, drivers’ licence) you can request your pass through the website: MyCovidRecord.health.nz 2. Via phone. If you cannot access My Covid Record, or do not have a unique email address or valid ID, you can call the Ministry of Health on: 0800 222 478 to request a physical copy. It will help to have your NHI number ready — you can find this on a hospital letter, a prescription or prescription receipt.

3. In person. Some pharmacies that are carrying out COVID-19 vaccinations, are also able to assist people with getting your My Vaccine Pass. Visit: www. healthpoint.co.nz to check if a pharmacy near you if offering that service.

4. Via text for disabled people. Text service to support disabled people – 8898.”

Booster vaccines are due from 29th November 2021 for people who had their second covid vaccination six months ago.

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2. Retention of SuperGold Card Waiheke Island Ferry Travel.

3. Increased funding for glaucoma operations.

4. Annual clothing allowance for grandparents raising grandchildren.

5. Security doors on most Council-owned pensioner flats.

NEMA advice on My Vaccine Pass

Blenheim Riverside Railway Are you planning to get away with your family and especially the grandchildren into New Year?

The Blenheim Riverside Railway is one place to take them. See the website www. riversiderailway.nz for details. Afternoon trips occur in December on Sunday 5

Grey Power Achievements

Phone 03 520 6200 22 Queen St, Blenheim www.marlboroughpho.org.nz

GREY POWER to the Blenheim Sun We are delighted to be bringing you the GREY POWER MARLBOROUGH monthly newsletter.

Wednesday Marlborough’s largest circulating newspaper

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Grey Power Marlborough

17

MARLBOROUGH

The Association for people 50+

Advocating for people 50 +

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

Grey Power advocacy Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

Grey Power’s major work is in advocacy with local and central government.

Remember, our focus is upon issues that affect the 50+ age group more than the general population.

On Thursday November 25 three members of one of the Grey Power National Advocacy Groups (NAGs) travelled to Wellington to meet four different government agencies or ministry officials to discuss and press for government action.

Three members of this NAG are based in Marlborough.

Here is a summary of the report that our local secretary and NAG chairman Graeme Faulkner wrote on these visits.

You may read about these advocacy visits in the national Grey Power magazine to be sent to all members in 2021.

Because of length, we can’t print all A visit to Wellington to advocate for Grey Power members. Second from left, the knowledge gained from these four NAG chairman Graeme Faulkner and far right, member Carol Blomquist with visits. Should you want more detailed two ACC officials. information, ring our office (before it along with notes to outline the efficacy Pacifica and women in general, based closes for Xmas on 17 December) on 578 of vaccines for both lowering contraction on ACC’s own research. The Minister 4950 and ask for information. You might rates and coping with symptoms of covid. currently has working groups in this area. also be directed to talk to one of the NAG We then discussed with two ACC man- This is well in hand. committee for information. agers a number of issues such as surgical We raised the question of gradual “We first visited the emergency man- mesh, the threshold for hearing aids being process when this was used to decline agement authority, NEMA. They are lowered from 6% to 5%, the relationship ACC cover for injuries sustained by older planning the pandemic response espe- between ACC and the new health organ- people. ACC have suggested that we talk cially for the future when borders are isation in the offing; also, injuries caused to the Minister about this. opened, and have prepared a very simple by uneven footpaths etc. The suggestion We discussed situations where treatplan about what people should do if was that we should engage with the new ment providers add co-payments, which required to self-isolate. We have asked ministry for the disabled. are not forbidden by ACC. Our members to receive this and distribute it via emails The Minister for ACC is currently need to be aware to ensure treatment and our newsletters to our members, working on a detected bias against Maori, is covered wholly by ACC and attend

Office Snippets

There has been an overwhelming demand for help with downloading Vaccine Passes. REAP Marlborough are unfortunately no longer able to help.

Hearing aid batteries, sizes A10, A13 and A312 are available from the office,

$6 per card of 6. Come and stock up before Christmas!

Please be careful paying your Grey Power Electricity (Pulse Energy!) bills online over Christmas. There will be no-one in the office to refund your money if you pay Grey Power

Savour the Summer Sunshine

the emergency department in the local hospital. Private practitioners do point to a lot of overheads that are not covered by the Schedule. This matter has not been looked at for some time and ACC suggest that we deal with this by approaching the Minister.

Our visit to the Justice Department was an introductory one. We found beyond ACC tribunals, there was not much of particular concern to 50+ people in particular. They advised when people take matters to the ACC tribunal to get proper advocates to work with them, even id they cost more, to get better outcomes.

Use of citizen’s advice or community law to assist was also suggested.

We were counselled to advise our members to keep personal documentation up to date particularly as passports, licences, birth certificates and 18+ ID are used for legal purposes when lodging documents for any court hearing. It seems our more senior members sometimes lack attention to these matters.

Finally, we met with an official of MBIE – again an exploratory visit- because MBIE is responsible for preparing policy and legislation in relation to ACC. They suggested that we comment on various MBIE annual surveys e.g. the age scale for hearing loss. Likewise we discussed the gradual process with them and MBIE strongly suggested that this issue be bought up with the Minister sooner rather than later.”

Marlborough by mistake!

The office is closing at 1pm Friday 17 December, and will re-open at 9am on Monday 17 January.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members! We look forward to catching up next year.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Sun Babies

Scollard: Billie McKenna Born October 29, 2021 Weight 2.8kg Hospital Wairau Dean and Stace are excited to announce the arrival of their baby girl Billie.

A massive thank you to Sacha Crockett and all the midwives in the maternity ward.

HAD A BABY? Please email your photo and details to babies@blenheimsun.co.nz

Shelly Beach upgrade explained Marlborough Sounds Ward councillor Nadine Taylor says the need to stop the erosion of green space and to create a safer place for all who visit were the dual motivations behind the council’s $345,000 upgrade of Picton’s Shelly Beach Reserve.

“Shelly Beach is much-loved by locals and visitors but its valuable green space, originally formed by man-made reclamation, was eroding away,” she says.

“It was important that action was taken to stop the loss and protect the remaining reserve,” she added.

She admits, however, that council has acknowledged that the changes could have been more proactively consulted on and communicated.

“The community response to the first design sent a clear message that the narrow access road was totally unacceptable. We have listened to these concerns and responded immediately and accordingly,” Nadine said.

She said that, as a great space for families, with a safe swimming beach, there was also a pressing need to improve pedestrian safety in the area after a number of near misses between small children and

vehicles.

“The council wants to protect and enhance the area for everyone to be able to enjoy safely,” she said.

The location of the public toilet, tucked under the hill to the side of the lane was one of the exacerbating factors leading to road safety concerns.

“We needed to ensure the safety of everyone who visits Shelly Beach. The design that the council has settled on, with feedback from the community, achieves this,” she said.

“The area is also an important link to the Victoria Domain and we were keen to improve this access for users.”

Picnic tables have been installed, log seating positioned and two new park benches are awaiting installation in prime locations on the grassed area in time for the summer holiday season.

Concreting beyond the boat ramp area is also under way.

There will be more parking available at the completion of the upgrade, although it will not be in the same configuration as prior to the enhancement works.

Nadine says it will provide a balance of more parking area overall, plus four roadway

Some good news for MDC Marlborough district councillors heard positive news from a number of organisations this week.

Despite the loss of cruise ships, Port Marlborough earned a record profit of $19.6m in 2020/21, delivering a healthy dividend of $3.4m to council.

Despite Covid, the ferries

brought over one million passengers through Waitohi Picton.

However, both Stadium 2000 and the ASB Theatre had to restructure their operations to survive the Covid storm.

But with support from council, the Government and others, both generated an operating surplus for the last financial year.

Blenheim’s Sunset Photo by Bruno Cyrillo. A selection of Bruno's photographs will feature regularly, showcasing landscapes and happenings from our region.

For your next photography assignment contact Bruno brunocyrillo@hotmail.com • 021 141 4127

Marlborough Airport also did quite well considering the huge impact of Covid on its operations. Landings were down about 25 percent and it posted a loss after tax. However, last week, it seemed that things were on the up with increased freight trade and strong demand for airline tickets as the country looked to reopen.

Stopping the erosion of green space and creating a safer place for all users are the drivers behind the redesign of Picton’s Shelly Beach.

parks, as well as providing the necessary road safety improvements.

The additional parking created by the removal of the old Yacht Club and the storage building has freed up an additional 20 parks for public use and improved access through to Bob’s Bay. Parking at the south end of Shelly Beach has also now been converted to angle parallel parking, providing for 12 parks where previously there were three.

There are also four parks allowed for at the start of the access way to the reserve, for those who have traditionally

liked to park and watch the activity in the harbour.

“The Queen Charlotte Yacht Club is a hive of activity on regatta days so a three-point turning circle has been included at the end of the access for regatta days for vehicles to turn around before they reach the busy club space, she said.

Greater protection of the shoreline with rock work and intertidal zone trial plantings to help limit further erosion in an erosion-prone area has already been completed, with further work programmed to visually soften the revetment by introducing smaller stones and sand to fill the rock.

Community visits and meetings With the Government’s traffic light system in place from December 3, the council and the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team (MRRT) are now able to gather with the Kenepuru Sound community.

Two meetings are planned for Tuesday, December 7 – one at the Portage Resort Hotel and a second at the Waitaria Bay School Hall.

This will be attended by representatives from the Council including councillors and key recovery staff as well as members of the MRRT. “This will be our first opportunity to gather with the community in a formal way since the event due to the Covid alert level restrictions.

We know that has been a source of frustration for those affected and we are looking forward to finally getting the chance to rub elbows with everyone and chat through the progress to date, address any issues and answer questions,” said Dean Heiford.

Details of times will be confirmed with the community soon.

The council’s July storm navigator Charlotte Wood also visited Waitaria Bay last week as part of the Marlborough Primary Health (PHO) pop up clinic enabling

Sounds’ residents to get their Covid vaccination.

Mrs Wood met with residents to talk about the impact of the storm and also delivered a care package from Blenheim Lions to the school.

“It was my absolute privilege to meet locals at Waitaria Bay School last Friday.

“Thank you everyone for the very warm welcome,” she said.

The trip had given her an insight into the situation the residents have been living with since the July storm, she said.

“I have been impressed by people’s positive mental attitude in dealing with the difficulties they continue to face and by the strength of the community spirit.”

“I’d like to remind everyone that it’s ok to reach out to me for advice, assistance or simply for a chat.

“Call or text 027 213 0341 and I give you a call back.

“It’s my job to listen and navigate people in the right direction for support.”

Mrs Wood said she was delighted to be able to deliver a gift to the school on behalf of Blenheim Lions. “People want to help, but often don’t know how to, so it was my pleasure to be able to act as courier,” she said.

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

It’s quick and easy to get vaccinated.

Find your nearest vaccination centre now at covid19.govt.nz

19

20

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

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A Marlborough District Council-funded report investigating wattle infestations around Waitohi/Picton was discussed at last week’s environment committee meeting.

Led by Lincoln University researchers, the report was commissioned to determine the dominant species of wattles in the area, identify the likely long-term structure of the vegetation and assess its fire hazard now and in the future.

The researchers suggested the most effective way to reduce wattle infestations like the local one is to foster the regeneration of existing native vegetation, reduce pressure from browsing feral animals and aim to close the native canopy.

The report concludes with a caution that wattles are notoriously difficult to control and any meaningful control will require substantial funding and a very long commitment.

Jono Underwood, the council’s biosecurity manager, says that due to the widespread nature of wattles and the complexities raised by the investigation, managing wattles at the regional scale does not align with the strategic priorities of the council’s biosecurity function.

He says: “The wattle infestations around Waitohi/Picton have been raised by the community as a concern in recent years, especially a perceived link between wattle flowering and allergy symptoms.

“However, the new report cites several studies from Australia and New Zealand that have found minimal links between wattle pollen and allergies in Australasia’ he adds.

“In terms of fire hazard, researchers found wattle-dominated stands represent a relatively high fire hazard, with moderate to high flammability material.”

He adds that many of the native tree species regenerating under acacia (wattle) species have low flammability, which suggests that fire hazard risks will decline over time as the landscape transitions to native vegetation.

“Acacia is not a banned pest species and no regional council in the South Island manages any acacia species via programmes within their Regional Pest Management Plans,” he says.

The main species found around Waitohi/ Picton, Acacia dealbata, is used for firewood and shelter and can be purchased at plant nurseries.

“The good news is wattle doesn’t spread like wilding pines, which have wind-blown seeds.

“Wattles are generally spread through human activity such as land disturbance or soil movement, as their seeds are long-lived in the soil, waiting for that disturbance for their germination,” he adds, pointing out that wattles are widespread throughout New Zealand and are prevalent across other parts of Marlborough.

“They are usually associated with disturbed areas as they are an aggressive pioneering plant.

“While broad-scale wattle management is not a strategic regional priority, there are opportunities for communities to decide how to manage wattles locally.

“There are some great community programmes already in Waikawa Bay and Havelock targeting wattles and other invasive

species,” Jono said, adding that the best approach for communities is to look at the wider alignment across restoration initiatives “ either existing or new” to find funding and foster the best outcomes for biodiversity.

“However, for council, when our resources are limited, there is a need to balance local community desires with our strategic regional biodiversity and biosecurity priorities.”

The full report - Scientific Investigation into Wattle infestations in the vicinity of Waitohi/Picton by Dr Tim Curran, Dr Jon Sullivan and Dr Azharul Alam - can be found at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/ meetings.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

21

FlipFarm Systems takes top award A New Zealand company has been recognised for being a leader in oyster farm technology, picking up the 2021 Global Aquaculture Innovation Award at the Global Seafood Alliance Awards.

The award, which was handed to FlipFarm Systems at a virtual event earlier this month, recognises individuals and companies finding new solutions to the key challenges facing aquaculture.

FlipFarm Systems, designed and developed by the owners of Marlborough Oysters, sent 39 applicants from 24 countries to secure a place as a finalist, before being voted the overall winner by audience vote.

FlipFarm Systems is a semi-automated oyster growing system that helps provide an ideal environment for oyster growth, conditioning and hardening, while giving complete control over fouling, pests and predators.

FlipFarm managing director Aaron Pannell and owner/operator of Marlborough Oysters is delighted with the win, which further cements the company on the international stage.

“Our FlipFarm technology officially launched two years ago and is used by more than 70 oyster farmers in 12 countries worldwide,” says Aaron, who runs the business with his wife, Debbie.

“While carrying out the day-to-day operations at our oyster farming business, Marlborough Oysters,

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Debbie and Aaron Pannell of FlipFarm Systems.

we identified the need for improved technology. We needed to evolve the growing process from the traditional system of plastic oyster growing bags clipped to growing lines with webbing lanyards.”

The former system proved ineffective and the equipment would wear out and during stormy weather they would lose hundreds of oyster growing bags.

Aaron knew there must be a better way, so he applied his can-do attitude and marine farming experience to design FlipFarm – harvesting equipment which would bring a new level of efficiency to oyster farming.

“We applied a completely new way of thinking about how oyster farmers can grow and harvest oysters, and the result was the world’s first

semi-automated oyster growing system, made right here in Blenheim.”

The system offers a new level of efficiency, equipment resilience and strength, improved oyster quality and shelf life, environmental improvement and biofouling control. It can be adapted to many growing environments and grows very high-quality oysters in an environment (deep water) not normally associated with high quality production.

The recent award follows FlipFarm Systems being named the 2021 Future Development Innovation Award winner by Seafood New Zealand as well as achieving a coveted ‘Good Design’ award from Good Design Australia earlier in the year.

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The Sun

22 Wednesday December 1, 2021

Grahame Daines in his immaculate but now-pared back garden.

Grahame Daines with his never-fail home made seed raising mix.

A garden to dream of

By Glenise Dreaver

Grahame Daines is 92. That’s a great age, though a growing number of people are living longer nowadays.

What is remarkable is Graham’s level of activity with a garden that would be the envy of any gardener half his age.

His Percy Street property boasts outdoor tomatoes that he has been harvesting since October 29 for example. (He still keeps a diary

recording plantings and harvesting, though not, he says, at the level that he used to.)

There’s peas, beans, cauliflowers, cabbages, potatoes, lettuces, silver beet, fruit trees and other crops as well. Everything is grown from seed, raised in his own seedling mix.

That comes from harvesting the leaves from his neighbours’ trees and composting them.

There are also some magnificent flowers in his front garden, with

Concert adapted, transformed Blenheim Choral has managed to turn disappointment into celebration.

It was a huge disappointment for the choir that with the August lockdown, they had to cancel its performance of Handel’s opera Acis and Galatea in the ASB Theatre.

This was their most ambitious project yet, involving soloists from other centres, and would have been a memorable occasion; but it was not to be.

However, as they had put so much heart and soul into it, it was decided to incorporate it into a Christmas Concert, which will be in the Nativity Church instead.

The story of Acis and Galatea involves the love story of an immortal water nymph (Galatea) and a mortal shepherd (Acis), with their happiness ruined by the jealous one-eyed Titan (Polyphemus), who kills Acis in his fury at being rejected.

The tragedy is transformed into something positive, when

Galatea is able to turn Acis’s lifeless body into a spring - a source of water, and symbol of life, which will flow forever more.

So, the choir is transforming their concert, too: they will still be singing the fabulous choruses from Acis and Galatea; but the continuity of the story will be provided by a narrator, plus some solo singing by Georgia Jamieson Emms.

Though much shor ter, it will still be a fun a nd l ively expe r ie nce.

Then, in the second half, the focus will change towards celebrating Christmas. They will be presenting a Christmas song cycle, The Road the Bethlehem, by New Zealand’s own composer David Hamilton and other carols from around the world.

The Christmas Concert at the Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, will be held at 7pm, Friday, December 10.

Tickets $25; primary age children free.

Vaccination passes required.

sweet peas and other blooms in abundance.

Gardening is a long family tradition, with his grandfather arriving in New Zealand and settling in Koromiko, where he established a store and market garden providing for railway and forestry workers.

Grahame, who was a bricklayer by trade, remembers the New Zealand quarter acre section, and with he and wife Margaret having a family of four, the garden was well used with enough to share and

swap with neighbours.

He kept the garden going when his sons went to university and they would load up with produce to take back at the end of holidays.

That tradition continued when his grandson came to stay, but once those days passed Grahame said he started cutting back on planting – just three plants at a time, and half rows instead of full ones.

In his busy life, he still made time to volunteer with St John for fifty two years and his life membership

reflects his service to that organisation.

He also did volunteer work with hockey and athletics organisations.

Until recently, he has been Margaret’s full time caregiver, though now the couple does get some respite care.

Grahame feels that an important factor in his ongoing good health was that he managed time to go for a long run most days.

Marlborough roads recovery The remote reaches of the Marlborough Sounds are now a wingspan closer for those affected by the July storm.

Pelorus Air is the latest local transport operator to join the cause to reconnect eligible residents, business owners, tradespeople, essential services and visitors by getting on board with the Marlborough District Council’s transport subsidy scheme.

The council is now subsidising air transport with the locally owned and operated Koromiko-based airline at $25 per person, one way, with departures available to and from Picton and Wellington. This is in addition to the water taxi subsidy already available from Havelock and Picton.

“All residents, business owners, tradespeople, essential services and visitors who would normally use the Kenepuru Road are The Council’s July Storm Navigator Charlotte Wood eligible for the subsidy,” with a care package delivered to Waitaria Bay said Marlborough recovery manager Dean Heiford.

School on behalf of Blenheim Lions recently.

“We have worked closely with the team at Destination Marlborough to bring Pelorus Air on board with this initiative and it adds another transport option for those eligible, particularly into some areas that are harder to reach by water taxi,” he said.

The services available include Wellington to Nopera, Elie, Clova Bay, Port Gore; Picton to Nopera, Elie, Clova Bay; and Picton to Port Gore.

Bookings can be made with the Marlborough i-SITE by phoning 0800 777 181 or directly with Pelorus Air. Go to www. pelorusair.co.nz For coordinated bookings for multi-stop, multi-location or multi-companies, and for alignment to some transport services, contact the Marlborough i-SITE: 0800 777 181 or email: bookings@marlboroughnz.com For more details go to: https://marlboroughnz. com/kenepuruwatertaxi/

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

txt talk with The Sun A bit of competition

Covid 19 On Kim Hills Saturday morning program, she often talks to an English university researcher on Covid 19. Last Saturday he said that 60% of UK hospital admissions were of unvaccinated people. Considering that this group is about 10 per cent of the eligible population, it means that those who choose not to be vaccinated are about 18 times more likely to end up in hospital than those vaccinated if they are infected by Covid. May I be bold enough to suggest that those who choose not to be vaccinated, pay their hospital bills if they end up in hospital due to Covid.

Chemist Warehouse has come to town, next door to Target Warehouse. They have a huge stock of whatever you may need at great prices and no charge for filling doctor’s scripts. Will be very interesting to see what the local chemists will do to compete with it?

txt talk of the week

A big thank you I would like to say a very big thank you to the kind lady who handed in my wallet that I left by one of the bins at Real Food on Wednesday, November 17 at 11am. So very much appreciated!

Re: Picton/Waikawa cycle way

Not on How did a gang member get to go to a funeral in Auckland and then brings Covid back to Christchurch. He should be locked up and so should the person who gave him the go ahead.

There is a perfectly good cycle way between the two areas already. Use it. Maybe it could do with some upgrades as money allows but in the meantime it is a lot safer than riding on the road.

Tell the right people

Re: No need to stop

Well said

To all the txt talkers instead of complaining about driving and txting, speeding or doing wheelies in your street, please advise the police of their rego number. Same for dog poo and speeding cyclists, call the council otherwise nothing is going to change

TV reporters and newsreaders pausing in between groups of words is called chunking and is of great help to non english speakers and older people not so quick at understanding what’s being said.

Cultural cringe revisited (The Sun, Wednesday, November 17) ‘Whakamihi’ congratulations Greg, the inconvenient truth simply and eloquently said.

All Blacks need help

Logical choices How many aniti-vax people have tattoos?

EU s banning 4,000 chemicals in tattoo inks because they cause cancer or mutations. Tiny amount of biodegradable vaccine is far lower risk in comparison.

Needs fixing quick Gobsmacked at such a pathetic performance from the NZ men’s rugby 15’s. Sweeping changes must surely be made immediately as too many past their use by dates. Out with the old and unfit (coaches included) and in with the younger, fit and truly talented players if we are to have any chance of regaining the Rugby World Cup in 23.

Anti vac protestors

Well there’s no question now that the Foster/ Plumtree coaching regime is not good enough to take the All Black team to the next World Cup. They have shown in the last two tests that under pressure they simply don’t have any options and struggle to know what to do.

That is the coach’s role. We have the players and they are playing to the game plan which is set by the coaching team. Get rid of Foster & Co pronto and get Razor Robertson and his choice of assistant coach in there real quick. We don’t have long to turn this around!

Not cheap Postage costs are getting silly. I posted 2 baby cardigans $19, another parcel 4 pairs of socks, 3 adult hats and 2 pairs of slippers, all knitted $20 and the last parcel 2 pairs of socks $15.

Really weight?

Hidden danger Do your part It’s disappointing to see a number of people in Picton on Sunday not wearing face masks in the supermarket and so the 4 square. Probably tourists judging by the floral shirts etc but where have they been to not know they are mandatory to wear. More importantly, nobody said anything about it to them.

Phthalates – what are they? They are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable.

Phthalates are in hundreds of our everyday products from shampoos, cosmetics to food packaging. Health risks from phthalates include cancer, respiratory problems and much more. Do some homework on what to watch out for and look for non-fragrant personal care products.

23

Great column Have enjoyed reading the Les Mis column by Chris Valli.

Wonderful to get an insight into the Les Mis process.

Blenheim are in for a treat.

Keep up the great work Chris.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

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

You knew the consequences To the lady splashed all over a local paper re losing her job for not taking the vaccine. Real manipulation. You chose to not be vaxed.

Don’t cry for your choices repercussions.

Pharmacy should have CCTV photographs published and be named and shamed.

Vandals.

Mobility mayhem Do it now Some salient advice to the unenlightened (or badly advised) small number of citizens/NZ residents who have yet to take the essential steps of getting fully vaccinated against Covid 19. Do so without delay, or make sure your wills are up to date and that you have full funeral insurance.

Get a real job What planet are these so called singers think they are on. There is no meaning in their songs, they need to take a leaf out of the singers from the 50s and 60s. Stop this rubbish you are not a singing sensation, get a real job.

Move over For those drivers that aren’t courteous enough to move over when possible to let the stream of traffic get past you safely when you are only comfortable at going 70-80kms hour on the open road, do so at your own peril. I have seen some scary manoeuvres from frustrated drivers between Blenheim and Picton. One even overtaking on the inside!

Wednesday, November 17 in the morning at Pollard Park there were several of us playing Bocce – some of us were waiting in the shade a metre away from the Bocce Quads when a woman in her 70s came suddenly around the corner on her mobility scooter speeding towards us and yelled Get out of the way!

Luckily we all stepped backwards, if any of us had stepped forward she would have collided into us. Not only was she very rude, her driving was way too fast and very dangerous, we literally had a split second to get out of her way. This was not a pathway. I feel it’s about time mobility scooter people were given lessons and have to pass some form of driving test before being eligible to operate these machines. They could be lethal in the hands of the unskilled.

Twice now I have been driving in the CBD and suddenly a mobility scooter has done a sharp left and shot straight onto the crossing and I have had to slam on my brakes. Maybe they should have a speed restriction put on them.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough? Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

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The Sun

24 Wednesday December 1, 2021

5

gardening this week minutes with

Sarah Manning Hair stylist and owner IHair  Are you a dog or cat person?

I’m an animal person full stop - I have three cats which have found our family from the wild or been dumped and a Spoodle puppy Marvin.

 What did you want to be when you grew up?

Always wanted to be Judy Bailey and read the news! She is a female broadcasting icon in NZ.

 Not quite a hidden talent, but I’m very good at?

Well it’s not baking ha! Some say I can sing OK, but I have just picked up golf and am really enjoying it, apparently I’m not too bad either, so I’ll run with that!

 If you could donate $1m to any charity who would it be and why?

One million to Mike King’s Mental Health campaign to get more counselling services readily available for our youth.

 My all-time favourite food is?

I love almonds! Especially that crunch! They spruce up a salad, a great snack on, the go and the Skinny Dipped are a real treat! They’re always in my kids lunchboxes and my handbag.

 The shop you can’t walk past is?

My family say No.4 Boutique. I love a good recycled boutique shop and house plants shop - though I’m about to downsize that collection.

 What song is likely to get you on the dance floor?

Dance floor would be Dancing Queen of course, and the Celtic Riverdance!

 Your dream weekend involves?

Dream weekend involves sun, sand and soulmate - these days I’m happy with early morning golf at Rarangi with hubby then brekkie in town meeting the kids.

 If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?

Love to meet Freddy Mercury! Such high energy! The conversation would be fun and we could have a great singalong.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Gutted - just finished watching Wentworth. Nothing else on the watch list as it’s summer (ish).

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Bucket list is to take my kids overseas for their 21st. Ella has always wanted to go to Greece and Theo to Rome. Let’s hope we can get there eh.

Phosphate: By Wally Richards Phosphorus stimulates budding and blooming.

Plants need phosphorus to produce fruits, flowers, and seeds. It also helps make your plants more resistant to disease. Phosphorus doesn’t dissolve like nitrogen.

The soil will hang onto phosphorus, not releasing it in to water.

Phosphate is needed by all life forms but if taken in too greater quantities it becomes harmful.

In the distant past phosphorus was obtained from manures, especially bird or bat droppings called guano.

Phosphorus was also obtained from reactive rock phosphate which is a hard phosphatic rock. In most soils it dissolves very slowly.

To make the rock phosphate more readily available to plants man discovered a process of using sulphuric acid, early in the 1900’s and a new agricultural fertilizer was created called super or super phosphate.

It became a boon to agriculture and farming with tons of super being spread to cause fast growth in fields and crops.

Unfortunately like a number of discoveries such as DDT and Asbestos, there was a hidden price to pay.

Super phosphate kills soil life and their demise leads to unhealthy plants.

Not only that, it was also found that super-laden plants and grasses caused health problems in stock including cancers.

I read a very interesting book long ago called ‘Cancer, Cause and Cure’ written by an Australian farmer, Percy Weston.

Percy observed the results of the introduction of super on his farm and the problems that occurred.

The book made me reconsider the use of super in garden fertilizers.

Nowadays I would never use a chemical fertiliser or chemical sprays including any herbicides anywhere on my property.

But I have noticed that even though I obtained good healthy crops and plants, there is some factor that appears to be missing and the crops are not as lush as I feel they could be.

I have often thought that I am not getting sufficient phosphorus in my composts and mulches.

This caused me to do a bit of

research on the Internet and found to my delight a company in New Zealand who make a product called BioPhos.

They take the rock phosphate and break it down naturally with micro organisms making it as readily available to plants as super is.

The company sent me an email booklet and it showed trials that proved that not only did BioPhos work as well as super, but actually better as it did not have a ‘peak’ growth on application and gave a much longer sustained release of phosphorus to plants.

Instead of killing soil life it actually supplies new micro organisms to the soil which carry on breaking the natural phosphorus down, meaning that only one application is needed per year unless you are cropping during the winter as well.

Some rose growers and rose societies recommend using BioPhos for better, healthier roses.

BioPhos contains phosphate, potassium, sulphur and calcium at the rates of P10:K8:S7:Ca28. BioPhos is Bio Certified for organic growing.

It is pH neutral and used at the following rates; new beds work in 100 grams per square metre, the same with lawns but water in to settle.

Side dressing plants; seedlings 8 grams (a teaspoon full) around base of the plant or in the planting hole.

Same for potatoes (which do well with phosphorus).

Sowing beans peas etc sprinkle down row with seeds. Roses and similar sized plants 18 grams or a

tablespoon full around plant or in planting hole.

Established fruit trees etc, spread at the rate of 100 grams per square metre around drip line or where feeder roots are.

Apply to vegetable gardens in spring and a further application in autumn if growing winter crops.

Can be applied to container plants also, and to tomatoes when planting or side dress existing plants.

When you obtain your BioPhos you will notice it consists of fine powder to granules with pellets of sulphur and odd splinters of wood.

These, including the wood, are all part of the product not messy packaging.

The lumps of granules actually contain 4,888,000 fungal colonies to aid the breakdown and enhance your garden soils.

If you have concerns about your health, the health of your family and you want to avoid illnesses such as cancer if possible, then grow as much fruit and vegetables as you can without chemicals.

BioPhos is biologically manufactured using an internationally patented thermophillic composting technology.

Natural products: whole filleted fish nutrient, microbes, inoculum, phosphorous rock and limestone are used to create highly available soil and plant food.

• Plant available phosphate • Biologically activated lime • Essential minerals and trace elements

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

EVENT: Zonta support for preventing violence against women On November 23, Marlborough’s Zonta Club provided an afternoon tea for the members of the MVIP (Marlborough Violence Intervention Project) at their monthly meeting.

make our community a safer place for all of us. It was also a chance to ask members of the group if there was anything that the group could do to help support their work.

This was a thank you from Zonta Club members to the people working “at the coal face” to

November 25 was UN Day for prevention of violence to women, and the local Zonta

Local Police continue the support they showed in 2019.

Club has joined the campaign against violence which runs from November 25 to December 10, the UN day for Human Rights.

The timeline provides for 16 days of activism against gender based violence.

The local club has put on a display in Liz Davidson Place.

Orange is the colour of the campaign and the trees have been wrapped and festooned in orange knitting, installed in an early morning recce on Saturday, November 27.

Out

25

& About

...with The Sun your local paper

Have an event ?

Contact 03 5777 868

At November’s Marlborough Violence Intervention Project meeting, Zonta members Trina Nicholls, vice-president, founding member Bridget Orman and president Liz Evans presented information about their mission and offered help with the group’s work.

Remember the days when ...November 2019 and Zonta Club members Bev Hodgetts, Janine Wardman and Bridget Orman were showing support for the international campaign against violence against women. No masks, no social distancing. The work goes on, but just in a different way.

Any of our “out & about” photos can be purchased at the Sun Newspaper office.

Debby Jensen has joined our team here at Arthur Devine. Debby looks forward to seeing all existing and new clients for the same great service and attention she is known for! txt/call 027 437 0671 email inspire@arthurdevine.co.nz blenheim 16 Wynen Street +64 3 579 5470

26

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

Death notices

URGENT services Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377.

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 579 4870.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Ph 578 2271.

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am 4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 11.30am-7.30pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm.

Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Picton: Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm.

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

news tips Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday 72 High Street, Phone 03 577 7868

TOMPSON: Robert Andrew Denis (Robbie) Robbie’s journey ended on 23 November and he died with Liz by his side, aged 71 years. Dearly loved husband of Liz for 48 years. Loved brother & brother-in-law of Ian & Eve Tompson (Wellington) Kevin & Lindsey Tompson (Wellington) Al & Sue Humphreys (Blenheim) Special thanks to Dr Jo Muir, District Nurses & Nurse Maude for making it possible for Robbie to pass at home as he wished. Also thank you to Alzheimers Marlborough for their continued support. In lieu of flowers a donation to Alzheimers Marlborough would be appreciated or may be made at the service. Messages to c/-P.0 Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A Memorial Service to celebrate Robbie’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Thursday 2 December at 1.30pm followed by interment of ashes at Omaka Cemetery.

FORD, Christopher James Paul (Chris): On Thursday November 25, 2021. Aged 62 years. Cherished husband of Christine.

Loved father and friend of Jason and Jess, and Russell and Jenna. Adored grandpa of Ellie and Lewis. Dearly loved son of Dorothy and Rex. Loved brother and brotherin-law of Jo, Jono and Melanie, Valerie, Alan, and Kevin and Sharon. Loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews, both here and in Australia. Messages may be sent to 21 Admiralty Place, Waikawa, Picton 7220. A farewell for Chris will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 11.00am on Wednesday December 1, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, numbers will be limited to 100 and will be by invitation only. The service may be viewed online at www.oneroomstreaming.com, Event ID: sowmans Password: T2CYXU

Community notices The Blenheim Healing Rooms Open 1st & 3rd Saturdays every month. 11am-12.30pm. NEW VENUE: Connect, corner of High Street and Beaver Road, Blenheim. Sign out. Free & confidential healing prayer available to anyone. Phone 578 9704.

At Nativity Church, 7pm, Friday, December 10. Blenheim Choral performs ‘Classic and Christmas Carols’. $25 cash door sales. Please bring proof of vaccination.

In Memoriam

Share your community events!

Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations!

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words.

EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office at 72 High St.

Bringing you the

0800 546 570 www.shoneandshirley.co.nz 2

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Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

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www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

NEW Asian, pretty, busty, sexy, friendly, good service. ph Jessie 021-110-7034.

Christmas Concert

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Puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Adult

Alastair & Emma Hebberd

1

Across: 7. Tweezers, 9. Intern, 10. Aids, 11. Ameliorate, 12. Aghast, 14. Clincher, 15. System, 16. Spoils, 19. Eclipses, 21. Ninety, 23.

Malevolent, 24. Scum, 25. Pencil, 26. Transfer.

Down: 1. Awning, 2. Mews, 3. Repartee, 4. Bikini, 5. Attraction, 6.

Trotters, 8. Sketch, 13. Abstinence, 15. Socrates, 17. Punctual, 18.

Assent, 20. Slowly, 22. Toupee, 24. So-so.

SELF contained sleepout or similar wanted furnished or unfurnished by professional working female. Phone 0275770195.

Top local musicians will present a programme of music from various cultures around the world. Dec 1011 evenings, December 12 matinee.

Tickets: $24.50. $2 from each ticket goes to Hospice Marlborough.

Bookings at The ASB Theatre.

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

Down 2. Hallway (7) 3. Lots (inf) (6) 4. Freshwater fish (4) 5. Arrears (4) 6. Intelligence (inf) (6) 7. Staying power (7) 8. Counting device (6) 9. Truthful (6) 13. Wed again (7) 14. Minor illness (7) 15. Overcome (7) 20. Morose (6) 21. Mediocre (colloq) (7) 23. Yearning (7) 24. Piercing cry (6) 25. Demanding (6) 26. Angry outburst (6) 29. Gambler’s stake (4) 30. Prejudice (4)

Accommodation Wanted

Not Strictly Jazz

HOCKLEY, John Walter George (‘Boots’): Passed away on Thursday November 25, 2021 at Hospice Marlborough, with family at his side. Aged 85 years. Dad and father-inlaw to Cheryl and Graham, Lynne and Les, Kay and Dave, and Chris and Jill (Australia).

Loved brother and brother-in-law to David and Gladys, Carol and Phil, Avril and Monty (UK), and Simon and Sue (UK). Grandfather to Melissa, Stacey, Nathan, Grace, Paige and Sarah. Great grandfather to Hudson. Special friend of Tina and her boys. A private cremation has been held. A memorial for John will be held where he was most happy, with the card section as he lived for his cards, at the Clubs of Marlborough RSA Rooms, at 2pm on Thursday December 2.

Quick crossword

Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Senior Citizens Hall, 172 High Street. Sundays 10 a.m.

All welcome. 5785030.

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

CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES BLENHEIM F.D.A.N.Z.

Our family caring for yours Across 1. Self-confidence (6) 5. Neglect (6) 10. As well (7) 11. Swagger, boastfulness (7) 12. Follow-up drink (6) 15. Walk with long steps (6) 16. Solemn (7) 17. Leak slowly (4) 18. Foolish (4) 19. Synthetic (3-4) 20. Con trick (4) 22. Good point (4) 25. Cheap piece of jewellery (7) 27. Allowance (6) 28. Main meal (6) 31. Avoidance (7) 32. Envisage (7) 33. Ancient unit of distance (6) 34. Insult (6)

Church Notices

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The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

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Sun The

Blenheim Marlborough

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Wednesday December 1, 2021 Situations Vacant

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 Situations Vacant

Situations Vacant

Situations Vacant

SALESPERSON -

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Strategic Planner We have an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Planner in our Environmental Policy Group. The role involves maintaining, developing and reviewing the Council’s resource management framework. This framework seeks to achieve the sustainable use, development and protection of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources, including land, water, air, indigenous ecosystems and the built environment.

Maintaining a quality environment perspective, while considering community needs, is what our small team of dedicated Planners excel at. As the Council transitions from its operative resource management framework to its second generation Marlborough Environment Plan, and as new issues emerge, there will be ample opportunity to utilise and stretch your skills.

About you Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: • Proven success in finding policy solutions to seemingly conflicting interests.

• Sound judgement in identifying and evaluating policy options.

• A good understanding of the Resource Management Act and its application.

• The ability to work individually as well as being a team player.

• Excellent report writing and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to work effectively in a political environment.

You will also have a tertiary qualification specialising in planning, resource management or related field. Additionally you should also have experience in working with regional or district plans.

Graduates with less experience will be considered if they have the right aptitude.

We offer • A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing.

• An environment where input, initiative and innovation is encouraged.

• A fantastic learning environment and support for continuing education.

• A competitive remuneration and benefits package.

If you’re ready to progress your career with Marlborough District Council, apply now!

Applications close 5.00 pm on 5 December 2021.

Applications should be made online via the careers page www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/careers/current-vacancies where you will find full information on the vacancy and how to apply.

For further information you are welcome to contact Pere Hawes (Manager Environmental Policy) on pere.hawes@marlborough.govt.nz.

www.marlborough.govt.nz www.marlborough.govt.nz

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Building Control Officer Building Control Officers impact people’s well-being and quality of life. They assist Council in meeting its statutory obligations and policies in matters relating to the Building Act, Resource Management Act and Local Government Act, as well as Building Regulations, Building Consent Authority Accreditation Regulations, and Amusement Device Regulations.

Working in our team you will be able to carry out the full range of duties required of a Building Control Officer. The activities will include processing building consent applications and undertaking inspections out in the field. All duties are rotated on a roster system and will provide you with the opportunity to undertake inspections using 4 wheel drive vehicles, water taxis, even fixed wing and helicopter travel to inspections. These inspections are conducted in town and in remote locations such as in our majestic mountains and various islands in the Marlborough Sounds.

About you We are looking for someone that has: • Excellent interpersonal skills.

• An understanding of the Building Act and the NZ Building Code.

• Experience in the building and/or plumbing and drainage industries.

• Digital literacy and proven experience in Microsoft Office and other computer technologies (all work carried out by the Building Control Group is done digitally).

Preference will be given to applicants who currently hold, or who are working towards, qualifications in the following technical fields (or similar): • Building Control Surveying • Building Surveying or Quantity Surveying • Construction Management • Architectural Studies • Building Science • Engineering We offer • A good mixture of indoor and outdoor work.

• A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing.

• An environment where input, initiative and innovation is encouraged.

• A fantastic learning environment and support for continuing education.

• A competitive remuneration and benefits package.

If you’re ready to progress your career with Marlborough District Council, apply now!

Applications close 5.00 pm on 5 December 2021.

Applications should be made online via the careers page www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/careers/current-vacancies where you will find full information on the vacancy and how to apply.

For further information you are welcome to contact Brendon Robertson (Building Control Group Manager) on brendon.robertson@marlborough.govt.nz.

www.marlborough.govt.nz www.marlborough.govt.nz

We have a position becoming available to join our sales team at The Blenheim Sun. Our weekly community newspaper is the market leader in Blenheim, established in 2002, with our local office based in the CBD We’re looking for a “go-getter or quiet achiever” whatever gets results!

Someone with enthusiasm, a great work ethic and reliability.

If you enjoy talking to people and think you could sell advertising space in our popular publication, then we’d like to hear from you.

Position to commence in the new year with flexibility for part-time or full-time.

Machinery Operators for 2021/22 Trimming Season Valley Harvesting operates a large fleet of harvesters for over-row trimming and plucking throughout the Marlborough District.

We are currently seeking experienced machinery and/or harvester operators for the 2021/22 season. You will need a Full Class 1 driver’s licence or Class 2 to operate a harvester.

We anticipate work will commence mid December with the possibility of work through to the end of grape harvest in late April for the right person. Operators must be available to work extended hours and weekends.

Preference will be given to applicants with previous vineyard experience.

Please email CV with references supporting your application to: Email neville@valleyharvesting.co.nz Neville (027) 249 7665

PART TIME OR FULL TIME

Send your CV and all relevant information to: les@blenheimsun.co.nz Alternatively phone Les for a confidential chat on 021360008

Wednesday

We are a locally owned and operated Company established in 1878 that offer a full range of electrical work including Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Installations. Based in Blenheim our team delivers an unbeatable standard of workmanship alongside outstanding customer service.

We are looking for experienced Electricians that: • Can provide high quality workmanship and level of customer service • Two years electrical experience preferred but not essential • Are NZ Registered with a current EWRB practicing license • Have a positive hands-on attitude and work well in a team • Holds a current clean full New Zealand Drivers Licence • Can adhere to all Health and Safety Practices We offer very competitive hourly rates, flexible work hours, a work vehicle and mobile phone.

The successful applicants will be able to diversify their skill sets in a supportive work environment with a great team.

Contribution towards relocation costs will be considered for successful applicants.

Applicants for this position are required to have New Zealand Residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

All applications will be strictly confidential.

Please email your application with your CV to: info@cresswellelectrical2021.co.nz

Marketing

(Maternity cover 12 months) We are a Marlborough based Methode Traditionelle specialist winery with a history dating back to 1980.

You will be working closely within our small winery team. Ideally at least 2 years marketing experience would be an advantage as this is not a trainee position.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to: • Website, EDM & Social Media management.

• Creation and co-ordination of POS, Merchandise & Dry Goods.

• Events • PR & Advertising.

• Sales support We are looking for someone with the following skills within a marketing framework: • Creativity • Technically savvy • Exceptional attention to detail.

• Organised and effective time management • Comfortable working autonomously • A patient and diligent approach.

Currently a part time position, however hours negotiable to full time for right applicant. Full job description is available on request.

Please forward CV to, The Directors No 1 Family Estate, 169 Rapaura Road, Blenheim. Email: adele@no1wine.nz & sam@no1wine.nz Applications close 16th January 2022.

WANTED JOURNALIST The Blenheim Sun in Marlborough is looking for a new journalist to join our team.

Based in our office in Blenheim this position is full-time or part-time with flexibility for the right applicant.

A great opportunity to make your mark in this field, with a newspaper that is well respected in our community.

You must be accurate, ambitious and hungry for an interesting story. Also capable of taking a good photograph.

Start date in early 2022 to be decided.

Send your CV along with examples of your published work, to: The Publisher - Les Whiteside email les@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 Situations Vacant

Public Notices

Wairau Valley Golf Club

EARN $$$$$

AGM Saturday, December 11, 2021 10am at the club house.

DELIVERY RUNS

Ryan Lawnmowing

Available every Wednesday.

Give us a call today!

Blenheim Renwick Picton

Wednesday

• working in a restaurant and bar role (experience in either would be an advantage) • being part of our team over the summer period (or longer for the right person) • can be part time if you’re looking for some extra money or full time hours if you are after a job change • a variety of day and evening shifts, weekdays and weekends available If you’re keen to join the crew email in confidence TODAY.. hayley@goodhomebar.co.nz

Public Notices

Not Strictly Jazz Top local musicians will present a programme of music from various cultures around the world.

Dec 10-11 evenings, December 12 matinee.

Tickets: $24.50. $2 from each ticket goes to Hospice Marlborough.

Bookings at The ASB Theatre.

Auditions!

6th December 2021, 7.30pm Boathouse Theatre Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ Directed by Pam Logan 7 Tamara Henry Performance dates 30 Mar - 9 Apr 2022 Rehearsals will commence end of January.

Experienced Vineyard Operator Dog Point Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard based in Marlborough. The opportunity has arisen for a Vineyard Operator to join our team.

Main aspects of the job require: • Previous tractor experience, with hillside experience working in 2.2m spacings advantageous • A desire and passion for quality.

• Positive outlook and being able to work on your own and in a team environment.

• The ability to get on and enjoy working with people.

• Confidence & ability with operating machinery adhering to Worksafe requirements.

• Growsafe and Approved Handler Certificates desirable.

The Mousetrap is set in the 1950’s in Monkswell Manor during a snowstorm, where Mollie and Giles Ralston are welcoming guests to their newly opened boarding house. This sets up an intriguing mix of characters, all stranded together by the storm. Needless to say there is a murder, suspects and red herrings galore, and the play has the inevitable twist or two before all is resolved.

Roles and Stage Ages are: • Mollie Ralston – 20-30’s • Giles Ralston – 20-30’s • Christopher Wren 20-30’s • Mrs Boyle – 60’s + • Major Metcalf –50-60’s • Miss Casewell - 20-30’s • Mr Paravicini - 40-60’s • Detective Sergeant Trotter - 30-40’s

The successful applicant will have an eye for detail, be prepared to be involved at all levels, and be able to work extended hours when necessary.

If you would like to become part of this conspiracy and read a script please contact Pam on 027 652 2589.

Remuneration will be in accordance with experience and skill levels. Short term accommodation is available if required.

Please note that all successful auditionees must be double vaccinated prior to the commencement of rehearsals. Vaccination passports are an easy way to verify this.

Please send applications to anna@dogpoint.co.nz

Public Notices

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

29

Public Notices HEATPUMP supply, service, install. Free quotes. Call now 0284052863

For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

GROWERS WANTED

Quality Service Guaranteed

news tips

Mount Riley Wines is an award winning, medium sized, family owned and run wine business looking for additional growers to fulfill growth ambitions. All subregions and varietal mixes considered.

Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Call Matt on 021797681 or matt@mountriley.co.nz

Phone/Txt 022 322 6515

For more information phone Anne on 577 7868 or email: office@blenheimsun.co.nz

Looking for Front of House staff for

Wednesday December 1, 2021

txt talk

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

WINERY RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY 10 December 2021

Want to learn about a career in the wine industry?

We are hosting an open day at our massive, state-of-the-art Marlborough winery, so you can take a tour, meet us and hear more about the roles we have available for the upcoming 2022 harvest.

We are one of New Zealand’s leading producers of high-quality wines, and we deal with large international clients. Our Marlborough winery (at Cloudy Bay Business Park) can crush in excess of 40,000-tonnes and has a whopping 40 million litres of tank capacity – trust us, it’s massive. If you’ve always been a little curious about working with a company like us, then come along, we’d love to chat!

THE DATES Friday 10 December, 5.00pm – 6.30pm WHAT TO EXPECT • Introduction to Indevin and overview of roles • Tour of the winery • Talk directly with our team • Express interest in roles no experience necessary Please register by emailing us your name and contact phone number: work@indevin.com

30

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021 Public Notices

what’s on

in marlborough

Wednesday 1 December Notice of Annual Public Meeting (Pursuant to sections 100-102 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010) The Trustees of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust advise they will be holding the Trust’s Annual Reporting Meeting for beneficiaries on Thursday 16th December 2021 at 7.00 pm, to be held at the Whitehaven Room, ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson St, Blenheim.

The meeting is to: • Report on the operation of the Trust and Marlborough Lines Limited (the Company) during the preceding financial year and on the financial statements of the Trust and the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2021.

• Confirm appointment of auditor and set their remuneration.

• Enable general discussion and information to beneficiaries of the Trust.

Please note that meeting attendees will be required to adhere to the venue’s COVID-19 protocols.

Copies of the Trust’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2021 will be available from Wednesday 1st December 2021 at the offices of Blenheim Accounting Ltd, 36 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim (office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday) and can be viewed on our website www.mept.co.nz.

Brenda Munro Trust Secretary

Th i s Saturday 8am - noon.

Tremorne Ave. ASSORTED household items.

From 8am Saturday, December 4.

10 Jenkins St. Park View Lane. 9am, Saturday, December 4, household lot, all must go. Mitsubishi Fridge/ freezer, Laziboy lounge suite, table and six chairs, F&P washer, tallboy, Bambillo electric bed, wooden cot excellent mattress, Samsung smart TV with sound board included.

Book your space now in our next (by 3pm Tuesday)

Garage Sale Column!

Phone 5777 868

Blenheim Depression Support Group: Meets every Wednesday from 10am – 11.30am. We meet to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Info/meeting venue details please phone Virginia on 0273 035 879.

Support group for postnatal mothers: Every Wednesday from 9.30am to noon.

Child minders help with the babies. Call Tatiana 0279 019 807.

Lions’ Club of Blenheim: Like to know more about the Lion’s Club?

Would you be interested in becoming a Lion? Tea meetings are held on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Contacts: Delphine Lee 029 942 5004.

Picton Mahjong: Marina Cove 1pm. November 3 till December 15.

Thursday 2 December Social Badminton: Thursday mornings 9am-noon. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $5. All adults welcome. For more details phone Sara 579 9474.

Ulysses Retreads Group: Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays 11am. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Come by bike, tin top or magic carpet. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Choir: Thursdays 7-9pm. St Ninians Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Redwoodtown (opp. church).

Come and join Creative Kids Trust community choir Creative Voice. All musical abilities and new members welcome.

Keep U Moving Gentle Walking exercise for seniors: Numbers are limited to 50 so please ring first if you haven’t registered. Every Thursday 11:30am-12.30pm at St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld Street. Contact Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 for more information.

Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights: Clubs of Marlborough 7.30-9.30pm. Till November 25. Beginners and intermediate classes throughout the year as well as very popular dance nights with a band and other Rock N Roll clubs invited. For more information Sally 021 257 3283.

Book Club Virtual Meeting: Marlborough District Library. 6:30pm 8:00pm. Calling all book worms! Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register and receive the details of where and when the meeting will

fact of the week

In 2011, scientists re-measured Norway’s beaches, islands and fjords, adding 11,000 miles to its coastline.

Kidzone: Fridays 3.30 to 5.30pm, Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge Street.

Avon 579 2440.

Vintage Farm Machinery: Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. John 577 7442.

Seddon Lions Club 4 Wheel Drive Track: Seddon. Explore the stunning hill country and views from Greymere, Rossmore, Ben Eagle and Lakeview Station on tracks normally closed to the public.

Bring a packed lunch and camera. Sorry, no dogs allowed. $10-$40. Under 12yrs free. Proceeds will be donated to Camp Quality NZ. For enquiries, please contact Mike Watson (03 575 7049) or Ron Hebberd (03 575 7196).

Saturday 4 December

Monday 6 December

take place please email pictonlibrary@ marlborough.govt.nz.

Friday 3 December

Marlborough Artisan Craft Market: Blenheim CBD 9.30am-2pm. The market is a showcase of local Artisans with a large selection of craft products to select from. Children are catered for with an activity zone with outdoor games.

Blenheim Chess Club: Meets at Delicia Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.

Eastern States Speedway Racing: 6:00pm - 9:30pm. Pricing: $0.00 to $30.00. Check out our website for full upto-date event details and classes running or follow us on Facebook. Gates open at 5pm racing starts at 6pm.

Sunday 5 December Marlborough Farmers’ Market: Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. 9amnoon. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Picton Rail and Sail: On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am - 3pm, operating every day during school holidays. Still only 20 cents per ride / yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group: Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm3.30pm.

Blenheim Riverside Railway: Beaver Line 1.45pm. Brayshaw Park Station to Beaver Station at Riverside Park, central Blenheim and return. Award winning scenic train ride alongside the Taylor River. Approx. 1hr. Omaka Line 1.15pm and 3pm. Brayshaw Park Station to Omaka and return. Approx 25mins.

Beaver Line adult $12, child $6. Omaka Line adult $7, child $4. Combo deal and Eftpos available. Operating under Covid level restrictions.

Picton Christmas Santa is Coming to Town: Nelson Square 1.30pm-4pm. With Covid 19 - Delta Level 2 restrictions there will be no parade but families can come and see Santa at: 1. Nelson Square at 1.30pm. 2.

Carpark on Dublin Street (library) - 2pm.

3. Port Marlborough Endeavour Park Pavilion at top carpark at 2.30pm. 4.

Waikawa Bay Carpark at 3pm. The Picton Police will be escorting Santa around the above venues. Santa’s helpers will be with him to give out lollies to the children. There will be a red letterbox for the children to post their wish list so Santa knows what the children would really like for Christmas. Mr Whippy will also be at each venue. The Belles will be singing Christmas Songs at the Library.

The Blenheim District Pipe Band are still to be confirmed.

Rotary Clubs in Blenheim: Meet Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women – doing great things in your community.

For further information on meeting venues, please phone Kevin on 0211 738 784.

Witherlea Indoor Bowling Club: Every Monday at St Ninians Church Hall for 7pm start. Soft sole shoes essential. Contact Gary 578 4704 or Heather 578 9350.

Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club: Every Monday at 7.30pm at Whitney Street School Hall, Whitney Street. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Miriam 928 4479.

Blenheim Badminton Club: Every Monday: Juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike, email blenheimshuttlers@gmail. com.

Tuesday 7 December Art therapy group for pregnant women: Every Tuesday 5pm to 8pm. Call Tatiana 027 901 9807.

Steady As You Go (SAYGO) Gentle exercise & balance class for seniors: Numbers are limited to 50 so please ring first if you haven’t registered. Every Tuesday 11:30am-12.30pm at St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld Street. Contact Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 for more information.

Persistent Pain Group: Meet every Tuesday at Biddy Kates 5pm-6pm. For people with persistent and chronic pain and their supporters.

All welcome.

Rides Calendar Thurs 2nd Dec. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sat 4th Dec. Buller Ulysses Branch Toy Run Westport.

Sun 5th Dec. 11am. Murchison.

Thurs 9th Dec. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sat 11th Dec. Marlborough Ulysses Branch Toy Run. Saturday 11th Dec. Xmas Party.

Sun 12th Dec. 1pm. Rai Valley.

Thur 16th Dec. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sun 19th Dec. 11am. Kaikoura.

Thur 23rd Dec. 11am. Retreads Group.

Sun 26th Dec. 1pm. Okiwi Bay Karaka Café SH1.

30th Dec. 11am. Retreads Group.

Thursday rides depart Brayshaw Park.

Sunday rides depart Railway Station Carpark. All rides are weather dependent.

If you have an event for the next issue of ‘What’s On’ email The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun

sport

Wednesday December 1, 2021

31

sports talk With Jacob Page

Foster faces summer on the hot seat It is now a summer of discontent for fans of the All Blacks.

Back-to-back defeats to Ireland and France as well as a loss to the Springboks meant the worst season since 2009.

Unacceptable by All Blacks’ standards even though the 80 percent winning record was the best from a top-tier nation.

Calls for Ian Foster to lose his job are logical.

It’s not so much what he’s done with the team, it’s the fact he’s done so little to instil confidence in his coaching ability from his many doubters.

Make no mistake, there’s no way the New Zealand Rugby Union will sack him before the 2023 World Cup, it’s just not how they operate.

However, only the most ardent Foster supporter would be of the belief the team is in good shape, two years out from the big tournament.

Many asked when we would see Foster’s best XV picked.

The answer seems to be that Foster doesn’t know what that looks like.

Numbers 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13 all still look to be up for grabs and that seems

less than ideal this far into the Rugby World Cup cycle.

Questions must be asked about Sam Cane’s durability, the same questions people had after he was named captain in 2019.

Is the sky falling in? No, it’s not, even though it may feel like it.

The thing that is irritating many grassroots fans, is they predicted

the level of mediocrity and now it is playing out.

The team, much like in the semifinal against England two years ago, seems to be lacking a plan B and C when Plan A fails.

It will be an uncomfortable summer for Foster as the pressure mounts and he can do nothing more than grin and bear it.

Rail and Sail Covid rules The Picton Society of Model Engineers, which runs Picton’s Rail and Sail attraction on the foreshore, is awaiting Level 1, or its equivalent, before operating again.

The committee has also decided that, for safety reasons, and in the light of government regulations, unvaccinated members cannot work as train crew.

They have also resolved to set up a vaccination register for members, as schools

and many businesses are now doing.

And they have decided to advertise and enforce a “no mask, no ride” rule for adults and train crew, though not for children under 12.

They also discussed the vaccination status issue, and decided that train crews could ask, but there is as yet no mechanism whereby they could check the validity or otherwise of an age 12+ customer’s stated

vaccination status.

They resolved that the platform should be set up, and notices posted to enforce a one-way system whereby embarking passengers will wait outside the station on the east (playground) side of the platform until called by the station manager who will wipe down the carriage with disinfectant between each trip.

Exiting passengers will leave only via the west (I-Site) side of the platform.

Bob Metcalf, president of the Picton Rail and Sail facility on the Foreshore.

Golf Results Picton Golf Club

Wairau Valley Golf Results Summer Stableford November 27: Alison Graham 43, Rex McGarry 39, Grant Hagen

38, John McLauchlan 36, Bill Linklater 35, Robin Lacey 34, Mike McKenzie 34.

Rarangi Golf Club Wednesday, November 24 – Men’s Midweek – Combined Medal: Terry Lane/ David Best 142, Allan Ryder/Tony Nichol 145, Murray Ingram/Len Barlow 146, Jack Gleeson/Leo Coffey 146, Alan Rutledge/ Owen Gibbs 149, David Holdaway/Allan Hogg 149, Chris Harvey/Jerome January 150, Clarry Neame/Alan Milne 150, Phil Hill/Hans Bloemberg 151.Thursday, November 25 – Ladies – Medal: Wendy Moffat 71, Suzanne Lang 71, Susan Godsiff 72, Helen Neame 76,Dale McCrindle 76 on c/b Pat Olliver & Diane McCarthy.

Saturday, November 27 – Men Monthly Mug, Gross & Net, Ladies Monthly Flute Gross & Net Men – Gross – Tony Nichol 76, Net – Clarry Neame 70, Lindsay McAlpine 71, Alan Rutledge 72, Jason Minhinnick 74, Graham McCarthy 75, Owen Gibbs 75.

Ladies – Gross – Bridget Quaife 93, Net – Wendy Moffat 69, Pat Olliver 70. Sunday, November 28 – Men & Ladies – Par James Sutherland +2, Gavin Coombs +2, Tony Nichol +1, Sue Godsiff 0, Glen Kirby 0, Owen Gibbs 0, Brian Gill -2, Allan Hogg -2, Rod Thompson -2, Shane Weaver -2.

Saturday, November 20 – Stableford- Mike McGuire 36, Len Barlow, Andrew Sunley, Nick Wright, 35. Thursday, November 25Graham Couldrey 40, Ant Booker, Mark

Ivamy, 39, David Bunt, Nick Wright, 38, Jeff Pascoe 37. Friday, November 26- 9HoleMargaret Cosgrove 19, Helen McIsaac, Judy Jones, 17, Lyn Pawson, 17, Lin Stone 14.

Marlborough Golf Club Wednesday, November 24, Diana Pye stableford: Lyndy Larkin 38, Julie Nicolle 36, Jane Anderson-Bay 36, Kath Elley 35, Denise Pickering 34, Angela Beard 34, Lucy Jefferis 34, Helen Lissaman 34. 25 November, men’s stableford Div.1:Michael Dwyer 44, Hans Blohm 42, Jock Glennie 39, Mike MacLeod 38, Trevor McGarry 38, Duncan Bint 37. Div.2: John O’Brien 44, Werner Pluss 40, Tony Armstrong 39,

Paul Ham 37, Nevil Paterson 37, Ross Inder 35. 27 November, Marge & Fred Betts 4BBB Net: A & V Boyle 58, G Barsanti & J Knowles 58, B & A Storey 59, C Marsden & L Turnbull 60, T & J McGarry 60, F Shagin & G Parker 60, H & A Beard 61, H Stenhouse & B O’Malley 62, A Yemm & M Smith 62, J Abrahams & H Lissaman 62, D Pickering & J Aitchison 62.

6pm // SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER

PRODUCTIONS // STOCKCARS STREETSTOCKS // YOUTH MINISTOCKS WWW.EASTERNSTATESSPEEDWAY.NET.NZ EFTPOS AVAILABLE AT ALL GATES - CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS PREFERRED.

NOT TO BE MISSED: THE RICHARD BATEMAN MOTORS STREETSTOCK STAMPEDE - Jan 3rd, 2022

32

The Sun

Wednesday December 1, 2021

bringing you more.

HOMES FOR SALE Lots 124, 116, 107 Rose Manor

Lot 106 Ketu Lane

Talk to us about house and land packages

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Have Your Own Section?

Contact us now for a site specific design!

Marlborough Showhome: 17 Rose Manor Drive, Blenheim Dave Chambers 027 572 1958 | dchambers@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Nelson Showhome: 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke, Nelson Keegan Murphy 021 026 10059 kmurphy@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Jordan McConnochie 027 426 7951 jmcconnochie@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

03 544 7873

mikegreerhomes.co.nz

bringing you more.