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March 23, 2022
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Teacher exodus at MGC ?
By Mark Hanson
A major disconnect has arisen between official teacher resignation figures provided by Marlborough Girls’ College and those claimed by other sources, including two former teachers. The Sun has been aware for some time of rumours of teacher dissatisfaction with the style of management of the Principal, Mary-Jeanne Lynch, and re-
cently received unsolicited suggestions that the teacher leaving rate could be as high as 50 in the four years since she became principal. We requested the number of teachers who had resigned each year for the past four years, since Principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch took over the head role at the school. The response from Mary-Jeanne was that the school has a teacher “retention
rate of nearly 90 per cent.” She declined to give specific resignation figures for the four years requested. She agreed that given the retention rate, the leaving rate would be slightly more than 10 per cent. With a teaching staff of 76, a 10 per cent resignation rate would round out to 8 staff leaving a year – or around 32 over the past four years. A 10 per cent resignation rate is at least two per cent
higher than the national average 8.2 per cent according to latest Ministry of Education figures. Several sources have told the Sun there has been increasing disenchantment by teachers at the ‘administratively over-bearing management’ of teachers by Mary-Jeanne Lynch, leading to an abnormally high level of teacher resignations. Continued on page 2.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
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Staff turnover at MGC questioned
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Continued from page 1. Even before today’s story was published, the Sun had a former teacher make contact on Monday, aware of the pending story, claiming at least 50 staff had left in the past four years. Her detailed account of her time at the College will appear next week. When questioned about the integrity of the numbers she was claiming, the former teacher followed up with a list of 52 names of teachers, including seven deputy principals, who have left the school in the past four years. She claims others are ready to leave. The former teacher acknowledges that not all of the teachers have left because of unhappiness with MaryJeanne, but a good number have, she says. Another former teacher said she was aware of “a huge turnover of staff in the management roles and in general staffing.” “In the early days (of the Principal’s tenure) senior management turnover was enormous,” she said. “Having said that, I do accept that the role of a principal is an extremely difficult job.” Both sources requested confidentiality to discuss the issue as they both have on-going relationships with either the school or teachers and pupils and both feared repercussions for staff and students if their identities were revealed. Marlborough Girls’ College (MGC) has 940 pupils and 76 teaching staff which swells to 130 including support staff. The Sun’s inquiry is specifically about the professional teaching staff. Earlier this month, MGC had nine advertisements in the Education
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Gazette for teachers. Marlborough Boys College had one. The deadline for most of the MGC applicants expired on March 17. This week it now has only six jobs advertised - a mathematics teacher, two assistant curriculum leaders in the arts, a curriculum leader for technology and a health and PE teacher. In a response to the Sun inquiry, Mary-Jeanne said Marlborough Girls’ College has “robust HR management systems in place and, on average, the school has a permanent staff retention rate of nearly 90 per cent.” The Ministry of Education will be releasing the latest national teacher resignation statistics next month. In 2018 the resignation rate was 7.8 per cent and in 2019 8.2 per cent. Mary-Jeanne says with a staff of the size at MGC it is reasonable to expect to lose some staff each year as people leave for a number of reasons. “As we farewell some, we welcome new staff who bring fresh energy of a new role to the work they do at the college,” she says. “This makes it a vibrant workplace and a place where long-term and new staff can continue learning from each other for the ultimate benefit of our rangatahi (youth).” Mary-Jeanne says if any staff member has a concern they can access the school’s concerns and complaints process, together with a free Employee Assistance Programme. “For those who choose to leave, they’re welcome to have an exit interview with a member of the senior leadership team, the principal or a board member or any combination of these.” Marlborough Girls’ College Board
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MGC Principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch.
Do you know more? Clearly, there is a disconnect between the figures for teacher resignations the Principal has given the Sun and those claimed by others - including two ex teaching staff. Are you aware of talk in the school and wider community about the high level of teacher resignations from Marlborough Girls’ College ? How many staff are you aware of who have resigned in the past four years ? Parents - Are you concerned at the apparent high turnover of teaching
staff and the claims of an unhealthy culture of the Principal ? Have your daughters expressed disappointment at favourite or popular teachers leaving ? We want to get a broad spectrum of opinion on this matter to produce the most accurate follow-up stories in the Sun. Contact us in strictest confidence at news@bleheimsun.co.nz attention Mark Hanson, phone 021 751 772 or write to me at PO Box 634 Blenheim.
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teachers who have chosen to resign. “We occasionally get disgruntled staff who resign. There were one or two who didn’t like new processes (the new Principal introduced),” he said. “A lot of teachers are grappling with the new way that teaching is heading.”
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Chairperson, Brian Roughan, says the board studies resignations confidentially and says there has been a ‘consistent number’ over the years and there is no particular concern at the board level over the current level of teacher resignations. He is aware of three resignations recently, including a head of department. Brian says there are multiple reasons for resignations – such as ill health, planned retirement at a certain age, partner transfer out of the region or other professional opportunities. He estimated about a 10 per cent resignation ratio and said resignations have not been presented to the board as a particular issue that needs addressing. On the question of disgruntled staff resigning because of increased administration imposed by the new principal, he says he is occasionally aware of disgruntled
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
Inspiring women to building trade By Chris Valli
A local building company is leading the way when it comes to equity in the workplace. MacKenzie Hanrahan and Becky Gee have been employed by Kaituna based David Wraight Cottages Ltd as apprentice builders. Both apprentices believe they get mixed reactions from people when they say they are apprentice builders. “When I tell people that I’m an apprentice most sound shocked but happy to see girls giving it a go. To others it’s just normal. So the reactions are always different,” says MacKenzie. David Wraight Cottages specialise in building transportable cottages which are full of character inside and out. Much like 20-year-old Becky Gee. The carpentry apprentice is nine months into her apprenticeship with David Wraight Cottages. “They laugh or they just sit there amazed and a bit gobsmacked. I was super excited when MacKenzie applied so I wouldn’t be the only girl to deal with the guy talk and banter.” MacKenzie, 21, says she was keen on farming after school but wasn’t 100% sure so worked in the vineyard for a couple of years before seeing the ad for David Wraight on Trade Me.
“My grandad is a builder so he and Dad were always building something in their spare time. I had always thought about building so with a bit of encouragement from workmates I took a leap and applied for the job with minimal building experience.” MacKenzie says after a few we ek s work i ng for Dav id Wraight they offered her an apprenticeship. “I was enjoying it and loved the variety so signed up for the three - four year apprenticeship.” Meanwhile, Becky grew up in Renwick and attended Marlborough Girls College. However, it was her Mum’s persistence to her Dad (David Wraight Cottages partner David Gee) that opened the building pathway for the 20-year-old. “Dad said they were looking for workers so I suggested it to him but he wasn’t sure how I would handle the hands-on job. My mum pushed Dad to give me a trial and see how I would like it. Dad mentioned to some mates about a girl builder and that made him even more sure that I would be okay after words from family friends saying I would be good.” Becky has a hobby of fixing up furniture. She always wanted to be able to build furniture for a job but to build a house would be the ultimate goal for her. “Carpentry apprenticeships
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The Sun
Power Trust Election results Three sitting members of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust have won re-election. Ian Martella, Domenic Romano and Cathie Bell were re-elected along with Lynette Rayner for the four vacancies. Martella (2589), Romano (2247) Rayner (1919) and Bell (1624) were the top four polling candidates out of 5254 valid votes of which 69 per cent were by post with 30 per cent voting online.
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MacKenzie says with building you’re constantly learning. "Sometimes it gets alot to remember but you're never expected to remember it all. You’ve always got awesome workmates to help you out if you need." Becky Gee, right, says building a house would be her ultimate goal.
can take one - four years depending on where you want to take your career. I would love to be able to keep building for David Wright Cottages as they are such beautifully detailed houses. I would love to then try interior designing or business management to make my own company one day and keep inspiring girls to get into trades.” MacKenzie says the best thing about what she does is the team support and would encourage anyone to enter the industry. “The best thing about what I
do is the variety of work. We are always doing something different each day so it never gets boring. I learn something new each day and it’s awesome to see your hard work come together. With building you’re constantly learning. Sometimes it gets a lot to remember but you’re never expected to remember it all. You’ve always got awesome work mates to help you out if you need. The big thing to remember is everyone has to start somewhere. So just give it a go.”
A community garden is being established in Picton on the Huia Street Reserve, between Huia and Ranui streets, part of the larger Victoria Domain Reserves. It is being set up under the auspices of Envirohub Marlborough, for the use and benefit of the local community. The Marlborough District Council has allocated a formal lease and $15,500 for the project, including assistance with access, fencing, water supply and signage. MDC Assets and Services committee chair councillor Nadine Taylor says the garden has all day sun and is right next to the popular Marina to Marina walkway. “There is also room to expand over time,” she adds.
Missing your Sun? Due to Covid cases in Marlborough and self isolation rules for household members we currently have some of our deliverers away. No need to miss out, pick a Sun up at your local supermarket or head to www.blenheimsun.co.nz to read your Sun. While reading online subscribe and it will be emailed to you each week.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
Tracking a bright future Deputy Mayor, Chair of the Assets and Service Committee and Sounds Ward councillor Nadine Taylor with the new German street sweeping machine on its arrival in Picton.
German scrubber on our streets It’s taken a year to get here, but Marlborough Roads new footpath sweeper, a Schmidt Swingo 200+, is now in action. The machine arrived in January after shipping hold-ups delayed the environmentally-friendly unit’s arrival from Germany, for a year. A Marlborough Roads spokesperson says the new machine has separate detergent and clean water supply tanks, a recycling water supply tank and a scrubber head which allow the machine to wash the cobbles in both the Blenheim and Picton CBDs. It’s air circulation system reduces harmful particles by up to 70 per cent and water is re-circulated in the system to reduce consumption.
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In December 2021 The Sun highlighted the innovative and creative efforts of Marlborough Girls’ College student Isabel Gaines. We’re delighted to update you with how her journaling project panned out. Having discovered the benefits of journaling for herself, in 2021 Isabel launched a journal (or “Tracker”) for fellow students to benefit too. “I found it keeps me calm, stops my mind from going 100 miles an hour, trying to think about what has to be done next,” she explains. As a Stars student herself in 2021, Isabel decided to ‘pay it forward’, donating $2 from the sale of every Tracker to local charity, Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough – who run the Stars programme at Marlborough Girls’ College. Her Trackers included many productivity and prioritising tools, with a dose of relaxation and mindfulness options in the mix – all very much in keeping with the lessons they learn in the Stars programme. Sales of the Tracker went well, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, with many customers noting it was an ideal Christmas present for the young person in their life. The initial print-run was sold out by the start of the school year, barring a last few journals which Isabel kept aside for the Graeme Dingle Foundation to donate to some of the
Isabel Gaines with Gemma Miller, Stars Coordinator for Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough – with one of Isabel’s Tracker Journals
students they work with. Isabel’s efforts have resulted in nearly $400 being donated to the Foundation. Stars Coordinator for Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, Gemma Miller was “rapt”. “It’s incredibly heart-warming to see our students engage in ‘giving back’ like this. Isabel’s efforts will not only
help all those who now have a journal to stay on top of things and feel less anxious - but it will also help future students benefit from our programme too! We’re incredibly proud of Isabel for helping make the world a better place.” At this stage Isabel doesn’t have concrete plans for a 2023 version, but she is “thinking about it,” she admits.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
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Chris Valli will profile the nine principal leads in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Les Misérables in May 2022. The last of the nine leads is Blenheim born and bred Daniel Rayner, who has been cast as the charismatic student leader, Enjolras. Daniel Rayner, 30, works at Hunter Wines as a Bottling line Supervisor. The job includes directing daily activities of the production line. Working directly with the production operators, he is instrumental in developing a high-energy, high-output effective bottling department for the company. There is no irony lost with the traits of high energy and high output in his ‘other job’ as the student leader Enjolras. So is there a side to Enjolras that he wasn’t aware of? “I always thought of him as a heroic character but there is darkness in him. I had thought of him as a pure hero but anyone willing to lead not only men but his friends, all of his friends into battle has to have a lot of darkness in him. Manipulation is not the right word but he is able to use his charisma and play on their emotions to get them to do what he believes they should.” Enjolras’ Republican ideals compare with Dan’s personal values with the taking command of the barricade in the 1832 rebellion, overseeing its fortification, none more so than the test of his leadership. “If you whittle it down absolutely. Liberté, égalité, fraternité are hard concepts to disagree with and some that I’d like to think that we share. I hope to never be in the position that requires me to test my devotion to those ideals as Enjolras felt he had to, I am more a pen than a sword.” Dan has discovered Enjolras’ faith to be the motivation in the holistic sense of purpose and context of the character’s objective. “Les Mis is a story of many faiths, and Enjolras has faith that the people of Paris have reached a breaking point and as soon as he gives a spark they will burst into flame and overthrow the elite. He and his merry
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Daniel Rayner rehearsing as Enjolras.
band of men are more than enough to spark the downtrodden masses. “ The rehearsal process has seen him grow as a person and as a vocal actor. His personality has kept the cast and production crew on their toes. “I think I have grown as a singer. I could hold a tune with confidence (perhaps undue) but I thought my performing was my stronger talent. We have Linda Holdaway leading the charge in teaching us and I am sure I have given her sleepless nights with missed cues and throwing out the timing because I was listening to the 2005 version of this song and the 1999 version of that one. Then we have so many talented singers who are willing to gently nudge me in the right direction.” After not being on stage for a decade he says the show is a great way to dust off the old dancing shoes. “This has been a great way to reconnect with the community at large and I would encourage any and every one to reach out and check out the theatre as a way to reach out and find like-minded people.” Next week, the production team and choreographer Liana Bell.
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Wednesday March 23, 2022
Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street.
Q: What gives you the greatest enjoyment playing lawn bowls?
Al Humphries Blenheim I’ve been playing for three years. The social side is great but I also like the odd bit of competition. My neighbour played so that’s how I got involved.
Colin Fitzgerald Blenheim I played for up to 40 years. It’s the camaraderie in the club here and would inspire anyone to join and play.
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
Dave Johnston Blenheim I just enjoy the club (Brooklyn Drive), the atmosphere and the people.
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.
Shortage coming
Dear Ed A job well done, residents in the Main Street area are very grateful. Alister Allan
Dear Ed Now that the vile creature Putin has unleashed hell on earth for the women and children of Ukraine, New Zealanders had better get ready for the worldwide shortage of wheat which is inevitable. Any cereal seed we can find had better be ready for late winter sowing, bringing more arable land into use. Fuel prices are about to go through the roof; after many decades of neglect of the rail system earlier generations slogged to give to us, it seems we may actually have plans to use this fuel-efficient means of shifting product and people. The invasion of Ukraine has given us the kind and extent of problems not seen since Hitler’s war and we must rise to the challenge or suffer consequences this generation cannot imagine. Bill Holvey Blenheim
Dear Ed I have long suspected that some street post boxes, especially Redwood Street, have been cleared before the advertised time and this has now been confirmed. Such early clearances could have a disasterous effect on time dated documents. But when are we going to get a postal agency back in Redwood? This is long overdue. W H Cox
Gawith Burridge would like to welcome back
Rebecca (Bex) Dewes Bex initially started with us in 2005 as a legal secretary before qualifying as a legal executive. In 2015, she relocated to Blenheim, where she currently resides. She now practices as a Registered Legal Executive and re-joined us remotely in January 2022. Bex enjoys the challenge of a variety of property and commercial work and will be involved in residential, rural and commercial transactions. She also has a background in trusts, wills and estate administration and will be available to assist our Estate Administration and Elder Law Team from time to time. Bex’s strength is her “can do, will do, resolution orientated” attitude making sure the process for clients is as stress-free as possible. ‘I am very excited to bring a bit of Gawith Burridge to Blenheim, and to help you with your legal needs’.
Contact Bex today rmd@gawith.co.nz 06 3700869 DDI 06 378 2847 Fax
Bill Miller Blenheim I get treated like a motorbike and get kick-started from the lads all the time. It’s great that we can have a laugh.
Ian McEldowney Blenheim I’ve played since 2013. The body is getting a bit fragile so I settled for bowls. The social side is magic.
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John McCarthy Blenheim It’s a great social atmosphere and as the greenkeeper I get a lot of stick, healthy of course, from the boys. I really enjoy it.
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Dear Ed, Reading the report the Council is taking out a loan to help fund the new ferry terminal sounds great, with all the things it’s going to do to strengthen Waitohi, Picton as the gateway to the South Island. The article says it’s going to improve the connection with State Highway 1, to enable Kiwi rail to carry more freight in and out of the South Island, provide a better tourism experience and bring in more money, sounds
great. It will be until all that extra growth gets to the new Grove Road bridge in Blenheim, where it will be forced to slow down to an even slower crawl than it is already. A real tourist experience would be to have a choice whether you stop in Blenheim or not. So come on Council, Blenheim needs a bypass as well. M Whitmee
Police ‘sting’ nabs two liquor sale offenders A Blenheim bar and a Picton licensed premises were caught in a police ‘sting’ investigating the sale of alcohol to minors last week. A Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) checking on the sale of alcohol to minors was held on Friday 18 March to ensure licensed premises and certified managers are operating within their legal responsibilities. A volunteer aged under-18 visited a number of premises in the Marlborough area and attempted to purchase alcohol. All but two premises visited requested identification, correctly identified the age of
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the minor and declined the sale. Although the general level of compliance was good, Police were disappointed that two breaches were still detected. Minors are at increased risk of alcohol-related harm and selling alcohol to a minor is a serious offence, attracting heavy fines and/or suspension of liquor licence and manager’s certificate. “These operations are carried out to check processes and ensure compliance with the law by licensed premises,” says Acting Sergeant James MacKenzie. “We are committed to reducing alcohol-related harm in our community, and ensuring alcohol is not being sold to underage people is a crucial component of this.” Police will continue to monitor licensed premises in the future. If you have any concerns about the sale or supply of alcohol to minors in your community, or you have any other questions around the sale or supply of alcohol, please contact your local Police station or Alcohol Harm Prevention Officer.
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Catch up with The Sun online at blenheimsun.co.nz
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
He korero no te Kaunihera o Wairau NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
30 km/h speed limit in Blenheim CBD extended In an effort to reduce crash rates around town the 30 km/h speed limit in Blenheim’s CBD has recently been extended to include Seymour, Alfred and Hutcheson Streets. Road Safety Co-ordinator Robyn Blackburn says the change had been set by Waka Kotahi and implemented by Council because some speed limits are no longer fit for purpose. “Unfortunately crash numbers and near misses have become too high. We need to set speeds that will keep everyone safe no matter how they travel,” Ms Blackburn said. Throughout April Police will carry out a compliance monitoring campaign to ensure drivers are adhering to the new speed limit. Ms Blackburn says Seymour Street verges on the CBD and is used by many different road users. It has a number of pedestrian crossings and intersections where
World Water Day celebrates groundwater
road users access the CBD. “Unfortunately it also has a high crash rate and lowering the speed limit will go some way towards reducing the seriousness of incidents on this stretch of road in future,” she said. Marlborough Police Sergeant Josh Clauson says the Police want to work with the community to ensure drivers know about, and comply with, the extended 30 km/h limit. “It’s important that when we make changes to speed limits we take the community with us,” Sergeant Clauson said. “That means that during April people can expect to see more patrols in town,” he said. The change comes as road safety partners aim to reduce death and serious injury crash rates in line with the National Road to Zero strategy.
World Water Day was held on 22 March and this year scientists drew attention to the precious resource of freshwater stored under the ground, as part of a global effort to raise awareness of groundwater. The Council has produced two videos featuring Marlborough’s Groundwater Hydrologist Peter Davidson (pictured below) talking about the groundwater springs around Blenheim. “Groundwater is recharged by rainfall or rivers, and how long it’s been underground varies from just a few hours if it’s just rained, to hundreds of thousands of years in some big aquifers in Australia.” “While we don’t have that scale in New Zealand, we do have some very old water some of the water beneath us here in
Blenheim is 40,000 years old!” “Most of New Zealand’s freshwater is groundwater and we use it as a source of drinking water, for food production, and it contributes over three-quarters of the water in our rivers and streams.” The new videos have been posted on Council’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Groundwater samples taken by Council staff are tested for a range of indicators. The results help scientists and decisionmakers evaluate the state of groundwater quality and trends over time. This data is available on the Land, Air and Water (LAWA) website for people to explore at: www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/ groundwater-quality
Debris flow study indicates landslide risk 0
µ
75
150
300 Metres
The accompanying material has been released by Council from its information repositories. Council does not accept any responsibility for the initial and ongoing accuracy to the material. It is the responsibility of the recipient to make such checks as the recipient considers appropriate to ensure accuracy. Services layers are schematic only and actual positions and level should be confirmed from Councils’s hard copy records.
Smart Map Print
1:5,000
15/03/2022
SMART MAPS
The lines in orange show the areas in Blenheim’s CBD that now have a speed limit of 30 km/h
Extra Mayoral Relief Fund for primary sector hit by February flooding As the Marlborough Roads recovery effort rolls on, more assistance is available to help the rural community following two recent weather events. Marlborough was hit by two storm events in early February: the first over Waitangi Weekend and the other, ex-Cyclone Dovi, the following weekend. These events caused further damage to the roading network with clean up and recovery works still ongoing. At the beginning of March, the Ministry for Primary Industries contributed a further $20,000 to the July Storm Mayoral Relief Fund tagged for farmers and primary sector businesses affected by these most recent flooding events. The funding was made available after the flooding was
classified as a medium-scale adverse event. An application form can be obtained via the Rural Support Trust or by contacting Jodie Griffiths via email: jodie.griffiths@marlborough.govt.nz or Ph. 03 520 7400. The closing date for applications is Monday 4 April. Once applications are received, an allocations committee will meet to discuss and allocate funding, with consideration given to farm size and the level of damage sustained. Farmers looking for someone to talk with are encouraged to contact the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. They offer free and confidential support at any time. Call 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254) or go to: www.rural-support.org.nz
www.marlborough.govt.nz
Council recently commissioned University of Canterbury researchers to map the North Marlborough area for river and stream catchments that may be susceptible to debris flows or debris floods, to improve the Council’s understanding of landslide hazards. The research became possible after the capture of large areas of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data that delivered precise, three-dimensional information about the area’s land surface characteristics. Environmental Scientist Matt Oliver told the Council’s Environment Committee last week that the study was a useful indicator of potential landslide and flood susceptibility. “This report has produced tools which can be used to inform landowners, forest managers or prospective land developers on the potential susceptibility of downslope land to debris flows and floods.” He noted the report’s data layer was not intended to be used as a regulatory tool or for use on property land information memoranda (LIMs). “But it is useful information that can prompt further geotechnical investigation of a particular site.” Mr Oliver said Marlborough had a lot of steep land that was susceptible to erosion. “In particular, the Marlborough Sounds are prone to heavy rainfall and various forms of landslides. We have a history of local damage to infrastructure such as roads and houses, including as recently as July 2021. Landslides also deliver large amounts of sediment to sensitive receiving environments such as rivers and estuaries. Fortunately, debris flows only occur occasionally in any given catchment, perhaps just once every few decades or centuries.," he said.
Street Address: Phone: 03 520 7400 15 Seymour Street Fax: 03 520 7496 Email: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz Blenheim 7201 New Zealand
Image from the Estimation of Catchment Susceptibility to Debris Flows and Debris Floods - North Marlborough report “Our report comes with a clear proviso that the maps from the report can only be used as a screening layer; they are not a definitive geotechnical categorisation of a catchment." The total mapped area covers 344,873 hectares. A new Smart Maps Pro webmap will now be developed for use by trained land management professionals such as forest managers and surveyors. Further development of the webmap would include GIS layers of natural and built receiving environments and infrastructure below susceptible catchments to assist users in developing risk assessments. The report is available on Council’s website at: https://bit.ly/3w31yQB
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The Sun
one on one with the Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
A fascinating life in focus Pieter Johnson, now settled quietly in Blenheim, has led a life of adventure that few can imagine. Here he talks to Glenise Dreaver about just some of the experiences he can share. Pieter Johnson is a mild-mannered 60-year-old gentleman in the IT section at Harvey Norman. The one you seek out for information about which camera will best suit your needs. You might think that job very suitable for an ex-accountant who’s had a bit too much excitement in that job, and has sought a more peaceful role in customer service. However, you’d be wrong. He’s there because he enjoys relating to people, but he is a wildlife photographer of international stature, with eight major assignments for National Geographic on his CV. Then there’s his secret service background…. African bushcraft skills learnt from his earliest years were honed in the “back of beyond”, in the Bantu kralls (native villages) of Southern Rhodesia, where his parents farmed. That was where Pieter, his sister and his brothers, not least his identical twin Chris, were brought up with Shona-speaking playmates. “Shona is my first language.” They absorbed language, customs and bushcraft skills and knowledge as second nature. He also has vivid memories of a holiday with his parents’ good friends Auntie Joy and Uncle George. (That’s George and Joy Adamson, the internationally-famed conservationists). Joy wrote ‘Born Free’, the story of Elsa the lioness. “Elsa had gone by that time of the holiday I remember best, but her teenage cubs were still about. “Auntie Joy said ‘Go and lie down’.” So he went to his stretcher. Then, unannounced, in padded Elsa’s cub and made himself comfortable beside him. Pieter already know the importance of staying calm, not showing fear. Though he does admit thinking “Phew.”
He had early on absorbed simple bush skills for sleeping outdoors, leaving a person space between each sleeper. “So if elephants do start to walk though, they don’t have to trample you.” When his parents shifted, the family then absorbed Pieter’s dad’s Afrikaaner and Dutch speaking culture. Later still, came “that thing called school”. English, along with the manners and models of the British upper crust, supported his third language. His bush skills of observing the environment, blending in, absorbing the social skills and language of that environment, along with a super-awareness of what’s happening around him paid off there too. After leaving school came compulsory military service. Southern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe shared a border at a time when the Zimbabwean leader, the notorious Marxist tyrant Robert Mugabe, was engaging in frequent border incursions and attacks on farms. Pieter’s very clear however, that they weren’t really fighting that bush war of the seventies and eighties against native insurgents. “The communist superpowers were behind it all.”
“He is a wildlife photographer of international stature.” He’s in a position to say so. That’s because his exceptional tracking and stalking skills, used in his photography, (Not hunting: “I’m a conservationist”.) were carried over to service with the secretive Selous Scouts.
Pieter Johnson, of Blenheim, with his New Zealand award-winning picture of a leopard and her cub captured at very close-range.
Members have been described as the “finest guerrilla fighting men in the Western world”. Their Shona motto was ‘Pamwe Chete’ (Together Only) and they were a multi-cultural group of renegades, scorning conventional discipline and dress and famed for their fiercely loyal and secretive culture. And like so many elite and secretive army groups anywhere, they existed among layers and larger networks, That means there are only two things that can be said about Pieter’s army career from there. The first is that he is bound by The Official Secrets Act,
And the second is that his background saw him receive three official letters from the Mugabe Government. Each made it clear that his earlier service made him a marked man – his life was forfeit. With a wife and three children, Pieter had to find somewhere else to live. A friend advised him that with his background, the freedom and lifestyle of New Zealand was probably his best choice. So twenty two years ago, his qualifications already in place, blending in as a mild-mannered accountant in Ashburton wasn’t
difficult. To those who feel the New Zealand environment must be boring, without the wild animals and challenges of Africa, he says “No!” “It has such unique elements. There is such fantastic variety out there.” Encounters with massive sting rays while out kayaking in the Sounds are one of the vivid experiences that come to mind. The African bushcraft skills transfer seamlessly to his wildlife encounters. ““Don’t threaten them. “Ssshh. Be still. Be calm.”
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
A whole new world for the Flannerys By Chris Valli
Welcome to Marlborough: New New World owner-operators Greg and Tineke Flannery with their children Charlie (10) and Rose (6).
Greg and Tineke Flannery are the new owner operators of Blenheim’s New World and absolutely love it. They officially moved to Marlborough from Oamaru just over three weeks ago. Greg, 42, started in the grocery industry as a part time trolley boy at Mosgiel New World in 1995. Having worked in eight stores across the south island it’s fair to say he has a good understanding of the New World brand and the people behind the scenes. The couple went through the training program and got approved to be owner operators in 2012. “It’s quite a journey to go through the programme and takes about six, seven years. It’s a real education.” Tineke’s parents owned Temuka New World which opened an opportunity for them both to run the business for two years. Her parents moved aside (retired) which saw them showing their aptitude and worth, leading to them buying the store for three-and-a-half years. A move to Oamaru resulted in owning what was then known as Northside
New World (now Waitaki New World) for an additional two and a half years. Greg says the opportunity to move to Marlborough was a no brainer. “Blenheim came on the market and it was an area where we wanted to spend our life. A great place to bring up the kids, great climate. We are really lucky to be the operators who got his store.” “It was on the wish list,” says Tineke. “Each time we have had a store we’ve put our all into it and really immersed ourselves.” So what’s the immediate focus as the new faces to a well-known Blenheim supermarket? “The core values of community and people still exist. We want to continue with that and add to the work that has already been done by Mel and Ash (previous owner operators) with the time and effort they put in to reinvigorate it. It won’t be big ticket things. One of our beliefs is supporting local products. Oamaru was a great place where we had Whitestone Cheese, Rainbow Confectionery, and Scotts Brewery. We had 40 per cent of our produce which was locally sourced. That’s a foundation block on what we are all
about and is something we want to support here. What’s good for the town is good for us.” He is adamant supermarkets are part of every community through sponsorship, events and having kids involved has enabled them to be part of some wonderful experiences and opportunities. Such opportunities, Greg says, are seeing Foodstuffs New Zealand operating a training academy with various branches to develop leadership and professional development for team members to specialise in areas such as fresh foods, accounting and IT. “It’s constantly developing and changing to meet the needs of people. There are a lot of opportunities, for example in the IT field. At the end of the day we are a people business. Marlborough is a region with a diverse demographic and we need to cater accordingly.” Greg says now that they have their feet under the desk, they are both looking forward to the launch of online shopping this week. “The core of what we do is about people and that will never change.” PBA.
MBC Aotearoa history curriculum approval By Chris Valli
Marlborough Boys College is fully embracing the upcoming implementation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum. Te Takanga o Te Wa and Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories will be part of all kura and schools’ local curriculum from Term 1, 2023. The Aotearoa-New Zealand curriculum encourages teachers to tell their students what to think, not how to think. The draft curriculum begins with the whakatauki “Me tiro whakamuri, kia anga whakamua.” Looking backwards to move forward. Social Sciences co-head teacher Chris Grage says the faculty has always believed in the whakatauki. He says, if we want to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s future, we need to start with our past. Chris says Marlborough Boys’
College Social Science students are already engaging in local stories and insights. He adds that some aspects of the historical narrative are challenging. “Our own rohe/region has many prominent stories relevant to our rangitahi which the new curriculum encourages us to share. The history of our beautiful nation has not been a smooth road. We have numerous examples of inequality, subjugation, prejudice and war. These are difficult topics for young people to learn. But, it is important learning nonetheless.” The Ministry of Education has published three featured resources to teach students across their primary and intermediate years at school. The first, titled ‘A Sense of Place’, is for students in years 1-3. They will learn about how places got their names, including the “origin and meaning of the name Aotearoa”,
My favourite
knatothcek door!
and the impact of colonisation on New Zealand and how it shaped the course of the nation’s history. In years 7-8, students will learn about the New Zealand Land Wars that took place from 1845 to 1872 between the New Zealand Colonial government and allied Māori. The teaching resource is called ‘A Struggle for Land and Sovereignty’. Tamariki will learn how māori were “forced to defend their lands” and “despite being vastly outnumbered and having less access to fire power, the collective actions of communities coupled with skilled and strategic leadership meant that Māori often maintained the upper hand against British and settler-government forces”. Students will learn about how in November 1881, around 1600 armed constabulary and volunteers led by the Native Affairs Minister John Bryce invaded the pacifist
Former local historian John Orchard with Year 7 students from Queen Charlotte College. As part of the Social Sciences curriculum they learnt about the Wairau Affray at Tua Marina. Marlborough Boys’ College Social Sciences co-head Chris Grage says they can now begin the mahi of implementing the new history curriculum with the prominence it deserves.
settlement of Parihaka. Students will be asked to identify and record examples of Māori leaders protecting their mana and ways that Treaty promises to uphold Māori mana weren’t kept by the Crown.. Chris says Aotearoa New Zealand’s history curriculum formalises and mandates this learning in
a way that we have not seen before. “This gives mana and significance to the kōrero in our classrooms and those of our colleagues at other schools.” Chris says Marlborough Boys’ can now begin the mahi of making sure they implement the new history curriculum with the gravity and prominence it deserves.
Online shopping coming soon to Blenheim
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
11
martin motors Celebrating 35 years!
8 McArtney St, Blenheim | Ph 578 7853
Good things take time
NOW AVAILABLE! CONGRATULATIONS TO DARYL, WENDY AND THE MARTIN MOTORS TEAM!
The Martin Motors team are celebrating 35 successful years in business this month and would like to thank their customers, some of whom have been with then from the very start. Left: Wendy and Daryl Martin, flanked by mechanics Jason Iles and Chris Russell, and Connor Fraser above.
In 1987 Daryl Martin stepped out as a one man band and opened his business Martin Motors. Now 35 years later he is celebrating the success of the business and extending his appreciation to all of his customers for their support. While much has changed over that time, he says he’s happy where the business is today. “Thirty-five years ago I set out to work on my own so now to see how the business has grown is really great, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of the community,” he says. Daryl followed in his father’s footsteps and entered into the automotive industry after leaving school. He took over Webb Automotive in Redwood Street (where MTF Vehicle Finance are located) in March 1987, and changed the name to Martin Motors. “This was the same name as the garage my parents owned in Eastbourne 10 years earlier,” he says.
There Daryl intended to operate on his own until it got to the point where he was ‘turning away more work than I was doing’. “Things kept getting busier so I moved into a slightly larger building in Main Street, where the Warehouse carpark now stands. My wife Wendy suggested we employ another mechanic to help out which we did, the work continued to pick up so we employed a second,” he says. In May 2004 Daryl and Wendy purchased a section on McArtney Street, and with the help of his father Ivan they demolished the existing house to make way for a purpose built workshop. Everyday the workshop is humming with activity with three mechanics, including Daryl, and Wendy taking care of administration after work. While the staff have changed a few times, Daryl says he feels fortunate to have three ‘really good’ mechanics who have been with him a number of years.
“Chris has been with us for over three years and easily steps up if for any reason I’m not here. Jason has been with us for almost as long,” he says. “And Connor joined us just over a year ago.” Going hand in hand with working in the automotive industry comes involvement in motorsport for Daryl, who races a saloon car at the local speedway track. “In the earlier days my mates were petrol heads so we decided to build a car for speedway and when the track was built I have had involvement in various forms since then. “The business has sponsored some races and do the odd bit of signage there too. I enjoy it,” he says. To everyone who has been a customer of Martin Motors, Daryl and Wendy thank them for their support. “We have a number of customers that have been with us for the full 35 years and we would like
to thank them, as well as all of our customers for their support,” he says. Full mechanical services Martin Motors continues to operate from its McArtney Street building where Daryl and his team Chris, Jason, and Connor provide full mechanical services. The workshop is equipped with all the modern equipment including two post hoists, diagnostic scan tools, ultrascope, on-car brake lathe, tyre fitting and balancing equipment. “We can carry out a full range of repairs on all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles,” Daryl says. Martin Motors is also a member of the Capricorn Organisation which enables it to access all parts at competitive prices, and offers a discount to Gold card members. We carry a good selection of new tyres and what we haven’t got in stock we can usually get overnight.
For absolutely everything auto electrical
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24 Hour callout (0274 784 914)
Repco Blenheim are proud suppliers to Martin Motors, and congratulate them on 35 years in business
Martin Motors has a position available for a qualified mechanic. Apply in writing including your CV to dmartin@xtra.co.nz.
SUPPORTING MARTIN MOTORS
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at Mar n Motors on 35 years in business
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A big thank you for all the years servicing and looking a er our vehicles, from the team at Townley Construc on
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The Sun
12 Wednesday March 23, 2022
KAITUNA PARK 121 Mahers Road, Kaituna, Marlborough
Kaituna Park is home to some of Marlborough’s most iconic local businesses, and a couple of wee gems you may not have heard of. Check out these great locally owned and operated businesses who call Kaituna Park home.
David Wraight Cottages
The Elite Excavations Marlborough team: Matt, Jordan, Kenny, and Andrew.
Elite Excavations No job too big, too small, or too tricky that’s Greg Robinson’s mantra, co-owner of Elite Excavations along with his wife, Carol. With over 15 years experience in the civil construction industry, Greg and his team four operators and two support staff pride themselves on being innovative and providing his clients with a top quality job at a fair price. “We do earthworks, house and shed pad prep, driveways, vineyard drainage, house drains, grading, retaining walls, landscaping, whatever you need,” says Greg. “And we pride ourselves on doing a top quality job.” Greg enjoys tricky jobs and believes that
honesty and integrity go hand in hand with providing the sort of service that will have his clients coming back for more and recommending his skills to others. Well maintained, clean and tidy gear that is fit for purpose is all part of what Elite Excavations Marlborough stands for. Greg believes that the quality and standard of the tools say a lot about the quality and standards of the operator and the job. Check out Elite Excavations Marlborough Ltd on Facebook and contact Greg for a free, no obligation quote on all your earthmoving needs.
David Wraight Cottages is a transportable housing company and with two Daves at the helm, that’s 70 years of building. The David Wraight team have developed their systems while building larger character homes and villas around Marlborough which readied them for the transition to smaller transportable homes, which is what they specialise in. The homes are frequently transported to towns outside the Marlborough region. Company Director and developer of David Wraight Cottages, David grew up in South Canterbury and started building in 1984 with C Lund & Son. He moved around the South Island and specialised in commercial buildings. Working in London and travelling through Europe David discovered a love of older buildings and an appreciation of them which is how he developed the concept that is now David Wraight Cottages. As well as being the boss, designing the homes, and still being on the tools, Dave works with all the subcontractors to make sure everything is just right for the clients and runs the work at the Kaituna yard. Meanwhile, David Gee, partner and site manager grew up in the Marlborough Sounds and has a great skill set stemming from growing up in a farming and mechanical background. Dave does the site work (digger work as he has his own truck and digger) and runs all the work and contractors needed once the house arrives on site (service connections, adding deck/veranda) and between house moves is on the tools at the Kaituna yard. They have five other building staff at the yard, along with one painter and one sales consultant. The building staff of five consists of Jeremy Assink, Tim Costello, Becky Gee, Mackenzie Hanrahan, and Patrick Bay. Painter David Price and Sales Consultant Whi Hapakuku
make up the team. The third part of the team, Company Director Kirsty Wraight is from Havelock, and has always lived in Marlborough. She spent 30 years in the hospitality industry, starting out at Top Spot working for Malcolm Aitken and moving forward from there. Slowly moving away from hospitality, she started work with David in the construction industry. She now designs the kitchens; project manages each job, works with councils and engineers, does accounts/wages and many other jobs within the business. As a small locally owned Company we all wear many hats! Kirsty runs the main office from home, and Whi runs a small office from the Kaituna yard, and is available to show potential clients through the cottages. Kirsty says David spent many years developing the system and the timing was right to make the transition from the on-site builds to the transportable homes. Kirsty says their clients come from all walks of life. “We get a mixture of everyone from first home buyers to people scaling down while others are building batches. We are starting to see more people wanting to live in a smaller home for various reasons.” One of those reasons is affordability. Kirsty says under Covid, the company has seen a big increase of interest in transportable homes which aligns with their vision of the market for smaller homes. The company has been at their Kaituna address for just over four and a half years now. Kirsty says the most rewarding part of the job is seeing a newly completed home being driven out of the yard on the truck. “It’s a fantastic feeling and we still love to watch the house’s head off to their new home as much now as we did for the first house.”
QUALITY - INNOVATION - VALUE FOR MONEY With over 15 years experience in the civil construction industry, we can take care of all your house site, driveway, drainage, rock work & earthmoving needs.
Drainage - Pipe Laying Site Prep - Driveways Landscaping - Rock Work Gravel Supply & Cartage Locally owned family business employing locals | Greg 027 272 0430 | greg@eliteexcacations.co.nz
121 Mahers Road, Kaituna • Phone 027 233 7421 www.davidwraightcottages.co.nz
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
13
KAITUNA PARK 121 Mahers Road, Kaituna, Marlborough
Located 15 minutes drive from Blenheim and just 5 minutes from Renwick, Kaituna Park is the jewel in the crown of Marlborough’s landscape.
For everything engineering PARADISE ENGINEERING
Paradise Engineering is a small engineering company specialising in design, manufacture and repair. The company transferred to Kaituna Park in January 2020. Director and engineer Bryan Patchett is Blenheim born and bred. A qualified diesel mechanic, Bryan branched out into engineering specialising in design, modifications with repairs becoming more of his focus. Over the years he has built specialist suspension sprayers and equipment, built mixing units for fertiliser spraying, adapted harvesters and trailer units and more recently, built specialist trailers, archways and gates. Jo Patchett, the co-director oversees accounts and administration. She says Paradise Engineering’s unique selling point is Bryan’s ability to design, adapt, manufacture and repair equipment to customer requirements. “Clients approach Bryan
with a ‘problem’ or’ equipment to carry out a particular requirement task’. With his mechanical and spraying background and previous ownership of a small lifestyle property, he is able to draw on business and personal experiences with equipment and what may be required of it.” Under the pandemic Jo says adapting their business model has meant they have had to carry more stock (due to both shortages and constant rising stock and freight prices). “As Bryan works solo, he hasn’t been as affected by the pandemic as larger companies may have been which he is very grateful for. Opening in Kaituna two months prior to COVID’s arrival wasn’t ideal but we have a very loyal customer base and they have supported us through these challenging times.” So what do those loyal customers say about the business?
Engineering Design Equipment Repairs • Trailers Built to Spec Bespoke Gates & Archways • Difficult One-Off Solutions
Bryan Patchett, Paradise Engineering.
“Bryan’s ability to problem solve is very unique. He has the ability to look outside the square, adapt equipment to suit a requirement, or create a new purpose built unit.” For all your design, manufacture and repair engineering needs see Bryan and Jo at Paradise Engineering, Kaituna Park, 121 Mahers Road, Kaituna.
BRYAN PATCHETT ph 027 308 6519
121 Mahers Rd, Kaituna | paradiseengineering75@gmail.com
CLASSIC TRACTOR MAINTENANCE LTD Specialising in older tractor maintenance particularly John Deere
On site mechanical repairs On Site Mechanical Repairs Ltd was formed to fill a shortfall of first class professional heavy equipment repair service in the Marlborough region and beyond. Ben McMaster and Aaron Parish launched the business in 2017 with a combined 36 years of industry experience. Providing a professional service through technical
solutions, expert advice and a proven track record of going the extra mile to ensure their customers succeed. Their hardworking, dedicated team of technicians has a “do it once, do it right” philosophy and this has seen the company become the heavy plant and machinery repairer of choice in the Marlborough region. Their team is highly expe-
rienced and ready to repair, maintain or service your light/heavy plant and equipment. With the expertise to fix or service your heavy machinery out in the field, or in their specialised workshop. They’ll have you back up and running as soon as possible. Contact On Site Mechanical Repairs for all your heavy machinery and plant repairs.
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The Sun
14 Wednesday March 23, 2022
Optometrists & Audiology Specsavers Optometrists & Audiology - Blenheim Should have gone to Specsavers Optometrists & Audiology, Blenheim. Even more so with a spacious new store and the added point of difference that is an audiology service and range of hearing aid styles. Nelson based audiologist Zoe Alexander says the opportunity to join the Blenheim branch came about after meeting the team including Andrea (Retail Director) and Alan Brown (Optometrist). Discussions to bring the audiology side to the Market Street store took fruition. She is now a partner for the Blenheim store. Zoe says finding a qualified, registered audiologist for Blenheim and the necessary space for a new store, took some time (18 months) but now she is in the new store, the wait has been worth it. The Specsavers Blenheim team: Top - Anastasia Brown, Kelsi Hart, Malinda Boniface, Matt Rodgerson, Zoe Alexander, Hannah Spencer. Bottom - Charlotte Jenner, Alex Brown.
“There are not many of us (audiologists) in New Zealand. We pretty much all know each other. It’s great to be in the new Blenheim location.” Zoe says she along with every one of the audiology professionals with Specsavers is a member of the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS). She came across Specsavers in 2019 at a conference in Queenstown. She thought to herself, why are Specsavers doing ears? A friend of hers, another audiologist, pointed her in the Specsavers direction and commented on their prices (online) which were advertising hearing aids at half the price of what Zoe was used to in the hearing aid world. “I thought I don’t want to be selling hearing aids for double the price. The best part of the job is when you have a client and they tell you they can hear again. The positivity that comes with it is awesome.”
Specsavers brand new showroom at 67 Market Street is well laid out, brightly lit, and boasts a great range of glasses, sunglasses, accessories and designer glasses from some big name designers.
Free OCT tests Retail Director Andrea is pleased to offer free OCT tests. “We have never charged our customers for these, although other Optometry practices can and do.” Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive test that takes images of the inside of your eye, specifically your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye). Andrea says an OCT scan allows optometrists to see each layer of the retina and measure its thickness, as well as evaluate its structure and function.
Andrea says the technology to assist customers is second to none when it comes to early diagnosis of eye disease such as glaucoma or diabetic retinography. “It’s about looking at the health and the structure of the eye and noticing issues earlier which is a safety net. If we catch it early enough we can prevent long term complications.” One thing Andrea has noticed in recent times is the amount of referrals from the Automobile Association (AA) which are increasing with drivers failing eye tests when renewing their licence.
Point of difference Andrea believes Specsavers Blenheim point of difference comes down to many things. None more so than the training given to Optometrists who are starting out and the more experienced ones giving their skillset or expertise for greater professional development. “We’re not commissioned at all. The training that goes into the staff is paramount. I don’t have a huge staff turnover. Dealing with all walks of life, elderly, young kids and having staff that can adapt and answer questions and give options or solutions is what we are here for. The customer needs to feel comfortable.” Andrea says the best part of her job is the people.
She admits it’s her staff that keep her going. In the past 12 months, her staff have had to deal with floods, asbestos and the waiting game of the new location. After establishing a career in optics from the age of 22, and joining Specsavers as a 26 year old, she wants to give back to the greater Marlborough Community. “We have some wonderful customers in the community. We want to be part of that. I go into the supermarket to grab some milk and we get recognised. We want to be part of the community. You have to look after people.” The new Specsavers store is at 67 Market Street, Blenheim.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
15
Little Ones Your guide to caring for babies, toddlers & young children
Clubs of Marlborough Family dining at its best. Join us at the Clubs of Marlborough for a dining and entertainment experience created for the whole family. Tuck into our selection of affordable specials such as the Kids Eat Free on Mondays and Tuesdays with the order of any adult main meal (T&C’s apply). Better yet, there are two entertainment spots designed to keep the kids busy. They come with toys, a board game
MYC Theatre Founded by the late Duncan Whiting, Marlborough Children’s and Youth Theatre is a creative space for students to develop confidence, self-esteem, friendship, communication and a passion for performing arts through drama and singing. MCY allows students to be creative
Play Centres Experience early childhood education with a difference; children and their families playing and growing together. Leah Fairgrieve is the Centre Advisor for Marlborough Playcentre and says parents are the first educators of children. She says Playcentres around Marlborough foster the involvement of whānau through
Renwick Pre School Our learning environment feels, looks, and sounds like a ‘home-away-from-home’ for our children and Kaiako/teachers. Our family of mixed-ages experience inclusive ‘learning’ within a house and a big backyard, both with a wide range of interesting and engaging resources and opportunities. We have happy tamariki! Their health and
Salvation Army Jacob Howan says the longevity of the Salvation Army comes down to its overriding mission statement. Jacob and his wife Emma are responsible for what the Salvation Army does in Marlborough. So what exactly does responsible mean? “It means we’re the pastors, managers and
library, PlayStations, creative space, and cinema-style TV. Don’t forget to join us for our Easter event on 10 April 2022 from 11 AM until 1:30 PM. Meet the Easter bunny; get a gift if ordering a kid’s meal, prizes for the best dressed and best decorated Easter egg. Remember to book your spot by calling (03) 578 1059. Visit www. clubsofmarlborough.org.nz or our Facebook page for more event information. See you soon at the Clubs of Marlborough, Blenheim’s number one entertainment hub.
and use their imaginations while being guided by our tutors. Tutor Sam Baxter says MCY is hoping to produce a few items this year, with the junior, intermediate and singing students looking to put on a production later in the year. Senior students are currently developing a series of short dramatic/comedy pieces as well
as gearing up for the SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. Their newly established screen acting class will be working towards producing a short film to put into next year’s film festival at Event Cinemas with Random Directions. MYC has been operating out of St Ninians Hall for 12 years, after relocating from Grove Road.
early childhood education from 0-6 years. “Watch your child’s confidence grow as they explore and cultivate their imagination through play. “From building sandcastles to baking biscuits, painting to singing, carpentry to clay: every session will captivate your child,” says Leah. Playcentre also offers parenting support: a cuppa when needed, other parents to share the
joys and challenges with, play workshops and, for those who want to extend their knowledge, an NZQA programme that is recognised outside of Playcentre. Playcentre is a place for you and your child to play and grow together – to strengthen your bond and to make connections with other whānau in your community. To find your nearest Play Centre or to arrange a visit, go to www.playcentre.org.nz.
wellbeing are both protected and nurtured to support the development of identity, confidence and enjoyment. Routines, Hui times full of learning and fun, collaboration in-action, strong communication and oodles of active exploration fill their days. Letterland is such a success where our older tamariki meet together to learn about phonics using a story-based approach …where
“Literacy comes to life!”. We at Renwick Preschool support each of our tamariki in their journey; this involves a ‘collective process’ to ensure coherent transitions and learning continuity between the early childhood setting to their new school or kura. Contact Renwick Preschool today for more information at Renwick_Preschool@xtra. co.nz or www.renwickpreschool.co.nz
directors. “Our mission is to Care for People, Transform Lives and Reform Society by God’s Power. This work doesn’t change, though the world may change around us. So our services may alter, and we might change how we do things but the need for the Salvation Army doesn’t change.” Jason says the work done in their mental health space during the Covid pandemic has been around
Social Services, and their Positive Lifestyle Programme. The programme helps people develop tools with topics like grief, anxiety and stress. Jacob says the Blenheim centre of The Salvation Army works closely along children/tamariki from welfare work to church programmes. They specifically run the Toy Library in Blenheim from the centre on the corner of George and Henry Streets.
Give your child a fantastic start at our preschool in Renwick! Quality Education and Care Focused Learning Programmes Generous Staff Ratios Natural & Social Environment
Call us on 03 572 9868 35 Anglesea St, Renwick Renwick_Preschool@xtra.co.nz www.renwickpreschool.co.nz
CLUBS OF MARLBOROUGH
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The Sun
16 Wednesday March 23, 2022
5
gardening this week minutes with
Claudia Ryan Marlborough Sounds and Residential Salesperson Are you a dog or cat person? I love both dogs and cats. However, I love my cat Lola the most! What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a police woman. Not quite a hidden talent, but I’m very good at? This is a hard one, I know I’m good at talking to myself. Haha! If you could donate $1m to any charity who would it be and why? I would donate to Make a Wish, to grant the wishes of children who have critical illnesses to give them hope, strength and joy. My all-time favourite food is? I love a Vindaloo, but I do also have a real sweet tooth – love sour lollies! The shop you can’t walk past is? Any shop that has nice shoes in the window! What song is likely to get you on the dance floor? I love a boogie, so anything goes! Your dream weekend involves? A weekend in the Marlborough Sounds with family and friends. If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why? I would love to meet my grandad, if he’s anything like my dad I know he would be pretty cool! Favourite programme or series currently watching? Euphoria. What’s one thing on your bucket list? Go to Italy to visit my sister!
Apple cider vinegar : By Wally Richards A reader and keen gardener sent me an email recently about using apple cider vinegar in your garden to prevent and control fungus diseases. Someone shared it with him and so now I will share it will all my readers. I use Apple cider vinegar to keep fungal diseases away, including brown rot, curly leaf, black spot, powdery mildew, bladder plum, sooty mould, scab, allium rust (for garlic, onions, shallots), etc. For fruit trees, vines, plants, vegetables and herbs, including garlic. Also for roses and other ornamentals. I’ve been doing this since 2009 for my stone and pip fruit trees, berry and grape vines, citrus, garlic, shallot and vegetable plants throughout my large garden, including for roses. Vinegar kills mould - which fungal species are. It also prevents mould growing back in places that are prone to having fungal problems, so helps avoid ongoing fungal problems. I use 250mls apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed with 5 litres water in a five litre sprayer I keep just for ACV. I spray the mix when fruit tree buds are only just beginning to show in spring as small bumps. I don’t spray when blossoms are showing, leaving them to bees, bumblebees and other little critters for pollination. Once blossoms have finished, I spray fortnightly on the fruit trees and plants which are prone to fungal problems ie. brown rot on stone fruit, sooty mould on citrus, black spot on roses, rust on aliums, etc. I stop once all the fruit on each tree are harvested. Spray the mix in the evening when the sun has just gone off your trees or plants, so the sun isn’t heating/ burning leaves through the liquid spray droplets on them, and there’s time for the spray to dry before nightfall. Spray the whole tree, vine or plant under and over leaves, the trunk, branches, twigs, fruit everything. This will also feed the tree through the leaves (when they are there for deciduous trees) as a foliage food. I do this for all my fruit trees,
vines, plants, stone and pip fruit, citrus, grapes, berries, including strawberries, plus for garlic, shallots, onions, courgettes, cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes, roses. No need for gloves or coverings as it’s good for us too. I keep a five litre sprayer filled with the ACV and water mix, so I can pick it up, pump it to build pressure, and I’m ready to spray this mixture that is good for my garden. That’s a good tip as you can leave in the sprayer what is not used for next time and if you are going to follow this advise, using apple cider vinegar a separate sprayer for this purpose is a good investment. The ACV mix works as a foliage food through the leaves with that feeding them, plus fungal problems not being an issue, the trees, vines and plants grow strongly. A healthy, strong tree or plant will repel disease, maybe repel insects like whitefly and vine hoppers, etc, too. Decided to try ACV due to the goodness of the apples that it’s made with, had excellent results and have continued since for brown rot, black spot, curly leaf, allium rust, sooty mould, powdery mildew, etc., all the fungal problems that occur often in our NZ gardens. When my trees were producing well, I contacted the head tutor of
the horticulture course at the local polytech, asking if I could swap a box of freshly picked Golden Queen Peaches in exchange for him showing me how to summer prune. He also has a six acre home orchard. I showed him around my garden, he kept saying, how have you got your trees so healthy. I told him about using the ACV mix and why. As he left, he picked a Golden Queen Peach out of the box, bit into it, said, now that’s how a Golden Queen should taste and I’m off home to start using apple cider vinegar throughout my garden. Also - ACV for cats: I add 1/4 teaspoon of ACV to our cats food each morning - have done this since March 2019 - no fleas, and they have shiny soft fur. Sometimes it is the simple things that we forget about or more likely do not know about and can be very surprised when found to work. I have now added a two litre apple cider vinegar to our mail order web site in the disease control section so that when you are ordering your other garden bits you can add in this well priced product. No point in paying for the expensive stuff as this will do the job. Happy gardening.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
txt talk with The Sun Floating voter
Simply the best ANZ Bank simply the best…Such friendly helpful staff…Keep up the great work all.
The Government that cares spends $140 million on doing up civil servants offices! This money could have built much needed houses for families. Then the Minister of Emigration sends a skilled essential worker home for having a disabled child born here! Come on Labour get your act together show by actions you do care!
Too soft Clean up For goodness sake town Countdown, clean your gardens up and show some pride. Not a good look.
Favourite shop Lovely to see Fabric Creations in Market Street, I have discovered they sell a beautiful range of knitting wool, so good to see. The woman (presume owner) working there on Saturday was so friendly and helpful. My favourite shop. I will be back.
Re: Dog Barking As a dog owner I know how frustrating it gets when mine barks. But I wouldn’t put a bark collar on them. That’s just cruel… but hey I’m sure there are other things to worry about in the world.
Covid New Zealand now has more daily cases of covid and more deaths every day from covid. Makes the first two lockdowns seem pretty pointless. But inconsistency is one thing this government excels at.
Re: Buses If you refer to Ritchies, they are New Zealand owned and Go are Australian, not American.
Power prices Domestic power prices on the rise again. Why? Power company profits are more than adequate, the relative water storage facilities are in great shape and New Zealand already has one of the highest (unjustifiably) domestic power charging regimes of most modern countries. Absolutely NO justification for what is undoubtedly a pure profiteering move.
How come that man growing dope in Taylor Pass Road gets the cash back and doesn’t get deported back to China. He certainly knew what he was doing and if it was a Kiwi caught in his country, would be shoved straight into a rat infested jail. This country is getting so soft.
Re: Told False advertising! For $25 you get to ask Jucinda a question for the TV show. But wait, there’s more, your question, if sanctioned, may be lumped in with a common tranche inclusive theme which may be submitted for prescripted group politically orientated reply. It’s neither direct, live, actual nor factual, it’s a raffle con with no winner. Here’s all men’s question: where’s Clarkie boyo?
Government money waste Can anyone help me work out how many millions of dollars they will waste on an unrealistic stupid ideological idea before 2050? Who can we turn to for a sane and normal future.
Re: Loud music from F45
DHB bullying stinks Perhaps like the Waikato DHB, the Board and CEO should have been sacked, as all issues stem from upper management – but now the DHB’s are to be abolished and no boards voted in. With the new expectation of consumer and community input to operate through all levels of the system, it may help the bullied with seeking fair redress, let’s hope? Sack the bullies.
Report it to noise control at council office.
Just wrong Someone should tell Putin that the age of empire is over, just ask the Brits.
Hospitals need rules Taylor Dam Thought the person who wrecked Shelly Beach in Picton would have been sacked. No. They have been let loose at Taylor Dam. Pure vandalism. Boulders and barriers – can’t park anywhere near the water, have to park in a corner looking at a vineyard. Aren’t the bosses supervised at Council. Used to go to Taylor Dam to eat my sammies in peace and quiet. Could park by the water either under the trees or in the sun and watch the wildlife. The swans would proudly bring their cygnets for you to admire. Not anymore – gates and barricades everywhere. Not a restful place thanks to the Council.
Lycra guys To the self-entitled lycra clad group of five older males, who sat around one table at Pelorus Café on Wednesday morning, while their helmets, bikes and other gear were spread over three additional tables, while many other groups including those with children were left standing. How arrogant and rude can a group of men get? No wonder bike riders have such a bad reputation on and off the road.
The draconian hospital policy was put in place during this pandemic to protect the communities most vulnerable patients. It applies to the whole of the hospital. Exceptions cannot be made as to the age and number of children allowed in. When the covid risk to sick patients is too high. A hospital is not a supermarket where toddlers running round is one thing and does not pose a health risk or prevents people doing their job. Hopefully the DHB won’t bow down to irresponsible media pressure and protect the majority. Let’s not forget why it was introduced.
Green policy We have found ourselves in the position of being bogged down in fundamental green policies. 26 years ago they had the first world forum but since that time don’t seem to have achieved a hell of a lot and the world still goes on. Has anyone thought of using our country to grow food to help in the serious shortage predicted to affect us all/ No but the greens will continue to tax the hell out of our farmers, Maybe James Shaw has his own laboratory producing his personal food or does he shop at the local supermarket like us fools do. Comments please.
Talk of the week Kindness itself Recently I was in the checkout on a Sunday afternoon at Pak’n’Save. I have a disability and use a mobility scooter. The young woman in front offered to put my few items on the counter. Minutes later mine were being added to her docket and she was paying for mine. What a lovely generous person. I thanked her and when outside, I cried. Thank you again.
Junk yard What is going on? My street is filling up with boats and caravans all parked on the front lawn, work trucks and cars on the footpaths and grass verge. Blenheim is turning into one big junk yard. Take pride in your town.
Big thank you A huge thanks to the guys on the rubbish truck who cleaned up the disgusting mess left on Muller Road last Monday morning 8am.
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.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
Creative gifts for children By Chris Valli
Sometimes in a pandemic, one needs some creativity. A partnership between the Creative Kids Trust and Blenheim South Rotary will provide creative boxes for young people with a wide range of needs in isolation. Initially aiming to support the schools that are invested in the Trust’s creative arts wellness programmes, 200 boxes will be available for vulnerable children potentially isolating due to Omicron in Marlborough. The Creative Kids team have designed a series of age appropriate low-waste exercises focussed around creativity in art, music and theatrical imagination to be included in the box. Simple instructions, ideas and all of the necessary materials are in the boxes including pencils for drawing and colouring, crayons for nature rubbings, modelling clay for creations, a wellbeing fortune teller and how to make several instruments including a kazoo. Year 4 Blenheim School student Mia Huria was helping the Creative Kids Trust pack the box of creativity earlier this week. “Clay is the best activity because it keeps kids occupied. They can build all different types of figures. It’s definitely the best one.”
Creative Kids’ Artistic Therapist Emma Toy says engaging in creative arts activities is inherently therapeutic. “It can lift our spirits, engage our imaginations and be a healthy way of expressing whatever it is we might be feeling. Most importantly these gift boxes are full of activities that are heaps of fun.” Emma says the $2500 contribution from Blenheim South Rotary is much appreciated. Blenheim South Rotary are very supportive of the Creative Kids Trust with their arts therapy programmes which are run in local schools to assist with young people’s wellbeing. “We supported the music therapy programmes in the Seddon and Ward schools following the earthquakes and were most impressed with the outcomes of those.” Blenheim South Rotary Club president Kevin Moseley says it was a no brainer when they were asked to support the project. Blenheim South Rotary and Creative Kids have a relationship dating back to the 2016 earthquake and have been proactive when it comes to the greater need(s) of the community albeit whatever shape or form. Kevin says the idea was brought to a meeting by Neville White and they all agreed it was a great thing to support.
Congratulatory Message Service If your friends or loved ones are approaching one of the milestones below, please let me know so that I can arrange for them to receive an official congratulatory message.
Stuart Smith MP forWedding Kaikoura anniversaries:
Birthdays: 100 and above
50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, 75th and every year there after.
To all Marlborough Mums, Happy Mother’s Day!
Congratulatory message service application forms can be requested from my electorate office: 22 Scott Street, Blenheim.
22 Scott Street, Blenheim stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz 03 579 3204 MP FOR K ASTUART IKOUR A 0800
STUART SMITH
Address: 22 Scott Street, Blenheim Office hours: 9am - 5pm Phone: 03 579 3204 Email: stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz Website: www.stuartsmith.national.org.nz
Authorised by Stuart Smith, 22 Scott Street, Blenheim.
www.national.org.nz
Authorised by Stuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
Year 4 Blenheim School student Mia Huria was helping the Creative Kids Trust pack the box of creativity earlier this week. “Clay is the best activity because it keeps kids occupied. They can build all different types of figures. It’s definitely the best one.”
“The past few years with Covid have been a real shambles and some families in the community don’t have access to this type of resource. It’s not only creative but educational and fun. “We welcome these initiatives and hope that the families and children most in need are supported during periods of mandated isolation and thank the developers and implementers of this project.” One of the ‘implementers’ is Katie Robinson from Witherlea based business Prisma Print.
Katie got involved in the project after being approached by Creative Kids Arts Manager Dayna Brassil. Katie says the boxes do so much more than exploring creativity and expression. “I wanted to make sure the project could go ahead. I am very passionate about helping charities involved with children and or mental health and I felt this project touched on both. I also have a daughter who lives with anxiety so I know how projects like this can have a major impact.”
Credit where credit is due Credit Recoveries is a Marlborough based debt collection business with national coverage. Their debt collectors are specialists trained to achieve win-win outcomes. They are supported by industry leading collection and tracing technology. Credit Recoveries also provides credit training/consultancy to small owner operated businesses and nationally known brand names. Credit Recoveries was started in 1998 and was originally based in Blenheim before growing its premises on George Street. To facilitate growth Credit Recoveries relocated to Richmond in 2000 where it operated until 2018 when it was relocated back to new larger offices in Scott Street, Blenheim. Founder and Managing Director Ross Anderson started his working career in banking, followed by joining a building products company where he oversaw debt collection and the financial management. After selling his financial interest in the building products company he re-entered banking as an Area Manager in Business Banking. Following the sale of the bank to a multinational he left and started his own finance company. It was at this point he discovered how poorly small businesses were serviced for debt collection. As a result of his bad experience with national debt collection providers, he established Credit Recoveries. So what is Credit Recoveries point of difference? Ross says Credit Recoveries is different from larger multi-national collection houses in that they do not use auto diallers, preferring to use real people to talk to debtors and they are always empathetic with their customers. “Unlike the multinational debt collectors, Credit Recoveries does not buy debt. Our business model is based on collecting client’s debt for which we charge a commission. Therefore, our clients only pay us when we
Ross Anderson
collect their debt. Our staff engages in open communication with both the debtor and the client to ensure both parties work together for a satisfactory outcome. We don’t get paid unless we collect your debt” Credit Recoveries provides debt collection services to a wide range of clients including universities, childcare organisations, regional councils, ports and marina’s, accountants, lawyers, finance/banks, Health Boards, Medical and Dental Practices, Vets, and a wide range of sole traders including mechanics, engineers, builders, plumbers, and electricians. Ross says there are many rewarding parts to his job. “I enjoy presenting credit training seminars and seeing the ‘wow’ moment when my audience sees how easy good credit processes are to implement and how you can improve your cash flow almost immediately. However, the team thrives on feedback from debtors thanking them for making the repayment process so easy and personal. We also enjoy being told by our clients how we have been able to improve their cash flow and inject the much-needed cash flow back into their business.” PBA.
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
EVENT: Marlburians to the fore
Locals continue to make the most of the region’s fine weather. Chris Valli captured some highlights.
& About
...with The Sun your local paper
Have an event ? Contact 03 5777 868
LUNCH: Paige Gilmore and Holly Yeoman enjoying some quality food at Watery Mouth Cafe.
Deb Lowes and Vicki Day indulging in a coffee at Biddy Kates Cafe.
FORUM: Amber Wright and Ashleigh Meadowcroft enjoying a coffee.
Marlborough’s Breast Cancer Support Group at Stadium 2000 recently as part of their Live Stronger Pink Edition exercise class catering for women diagnosed with any type of cancer. Back row is Karen McCarthy, Sharyn Cameron, Liz Runnalls and Nicky Collingwood. Front row is Karen Griffiths, Tania Horton (trainer) and Coodrinator Paula Olliver.
MUSIC THERAPY: Nine-year-old Ollie Payne busking in Scott Street recently.
FAMILY TIES: Loto Vale and Deanne Meki enjoying a fine Blenheim afternoon with newborn Runa Te-Vale.
Out
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EVENT: Blenheim Musical Theatre
Can you can hear the people sing? Blenheim Musical Theatre’s rehearsals of Les Miserables set for the ASB Theatre May 18-28.
Emma Withers and Amy Gray.
Logan Creed, Josh Dickens and Paige Jackson.
Max Bicknell and Katie Strohmayer.
Any of our “out & about” photos can be purchased at the Sun Newspaper office.
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The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
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ExcEllEncE in AutomobilE DEtAiling • Professional Exterior & Interior Detailing • Upholstery Shampooing • Buffing & Polishing • Pick up & delivery
30+ Years in the Automotive Industry
We service all Commercial Kitchen & Laundry equipment. Local agent for Starline Dishwashers.
Ph: 579 4445
Maintenance & Repair Services Locally Owned and Operated
www.cmelectrical.co.nz
Phone: 579 2921
21 Redwood St, Blenheim www.forklifthireservices.co.nz
Kitchens
• Sectional Doors • Roller Doors • Tilt Doors • Commercial Doors • Gate Systems • Garage Door Openers 41 Grove Road BLENHEIM Ph 578 8251 info@dominatorblenheim.co.nz
Brett 021 077 5468
FREE Contactless pick up and delivery Blenheim • Nelson Renwick • Havelock Picton TEXT 027 579 2550 or PH 579 2550
Gasfitting
gates GATES
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Classic Gates
PhiliP Gibbison
Gas Appliance Installation & Servicing Gas Water Heating General Plumbing Maintenance Blocked Drain Cleaning CCTV Camera Inspections
021 445 489 www.pandk.org
panel & paint
ENGINEERING MARLBOROUGH POWDERCOATING
See the experts for:
Sandblasting Powdercoating Gates, Fencing Furniture Pool Fences
6 Nelson St, Blenheim
YES We Repair Everyday Vehicles
Approved Gold Repairer for Classic Cover Insurance • Panel and paint specialists • Plastic welding • Large and small repairs • Fully equipped paint booth • Touch-ups and full re-sprays • Insurance work
Jewellers Your Watch & Clock professional.
Quality repairs to all brands.
Ph 578 2595 Cleghorn St Redwood Village
Ph/Fax 578 0374 a/h 021 838 550
Plumber
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152 High St, Blenheim www.a1drycleaning.co.nz
TOTAL KITCHEN RENOVATIONS
• Removal of existing joinery • Custom made by skilled Tradesman • Kitchens • Laundries • Wardrobes • Light building • Gibbing
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Ph Aaron 027 256 0808 aaron@carspa.page carspa-detailing.com
SERVICES LIMITED
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2a Redwood St Open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
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For all your electrical needs
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BLENHEIM TRUSTED PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS AND DRAINLAYERS WHETHER YOU NEED GAS, DRAINAGE OR PLUMBING SERVICES, WE HAVE GOT YOU COVERED.
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Tree Removal Height Reduction Trimming/Thinning Branch Chipping Hedge Trimming Line Clearance Stump Grinding Mulch Supplies Fully Insured FREE QUOTES
03 578 0086
info@classicandcustom.co.nz | classicandcustom.co.nz | 3 Warwick Street
Call Steve today 03 577 6920 021 625 378
Ph. 03 578 0083
(Lance) 021 361912 cts@xtra.co.nz
The Sun
Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868
Situations Vacant
Situations Vacant
Blenheim Bowling Club Inc Contract: Green Keeping & Other Services The Club is calling for expressions of interest from persons qualified to carry out services as outlined in a contract document. The draft document can be obtained from the Club Secretary by emailing them at bbc1892@xtra.co.nz When completed the expressions of interest can be lodged with the Club Secretary at the same email address and must be received no later than 5pm Friday 8th April 2022. M.Young Secretary
Permanent Part-Time Cleaner
Marlborough Museum (5 hours per week) The Marlborough Heritage Trust is looking for a permanent part-time cleaner at Marlborough Museum. This position is for two 2.5 hour shifts a week, three or four days apart. The Museum is open 10-4 daily and cleaning is done outside these hours. We are a fully vaccinated venue and mask wearing is mandatory.
To apply, please email your CV to info@marlboroughmuseum.org.nz or drop it in to Marlborough Museum, Brayshaw Heritage Park, at 26 Arthur Baker Place before 4 p.m. Friday 25 March 2022. We look forward to hearing from you.
BLENHEIM
Registered Nurse or Speciality Clinical Nurse - Oncology Wairau Hospital Diverse role covering community cancer care and chemotherapy clinic. Permanent 0.8 - 0.9FTE (64 to 72 hrs/ fortnight). Closing date: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Ref: W22-066. Online application, CV and cover letter are required before your application can be processed. Enquiries can be made to Human Resources Nelson telephone: (03) 546 1274 or email vacancies@nmdhb.govt.nz Register for job alerts and view full details of vacancies
www.nmdhb.govt.nz/careers
Wednesday March 23, 2022
Wanted to Buy
Wanted to Buy
Stamp collections, coin collections, old toys, post cards etc. Cash paid. Ph 021 138 8949.
SMALL car, willing to pay up to $1500. Phone 0273575064.
Mobile Hairdresser
WANTED TO BUY- Old tobacco tins, NZ postcards, military items, garden tools, woodworking tools, records from the 1970’s/80’s, old petrol station related items, fountain pens, crystal decanters/whisky & wine glasses, NZ history books, gold jewellery, antique bottles, Tonka, Fun Ho & tin toys, white Crown Lynn vases & swans & all collectables. Collector of NZ / Maori & whaling related artifacts. All of the above are popular & fetching good money at the moment. Free quotes we travel. Rarity, condition & collectability = more $$$. Just Browsing 26 Battys Rd (03)5775402.
Mobile Express Cuts and Colours ph 021208-6151
TEACHER AIDE
Public Notices
We are looking for a teacher aide who is enthusiastic, flexible and has good interpersonal skills.
Clothing Alterations: by Lynette Atkinson-Parker
The successful applicant will be willing to work with pupils and teachers in a range of situations primarily in the junior school.
Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010
Opportunity for an extra 2 hours/ week to run the school Edible Gardens programme is available.
Quality Service Guaranteed
This role is covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021, so applicants must either be vaccinated or have a medical exemption.
MARLBOROUGH MODEL RAILWAY CLUB INC.
Please send a CV and covering letter by email to: principal@grovetown.school.nz
Wednesday April 20th 2022 Clubrooms Arthur Baker Place 7-30pm
Applications close March 28, 2022
All members and those with an interest In model railways are invited.
AGM
Kelly Ryan, Sec. 027 877 6279
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Wednesday
Available every Wednesday. Give us a call today!
Wednesday For more information phone Anne on 577 7868 or email: office@blenheimsun.co.nz
ANTIQUE BUYERS Gold Jewellery, scrap gold Pocket watches, wrist watches Old bank notes & old coins Military & other medals Sterling silver, Ivory, old pens Paintings & Maori artifacts Clocks, Fun Ho & tin toys Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff etc. Eric Jackson Antique Buyers, PO Box 665, Picton
Ryan Lawnmowing
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HEATPUMP supply, service, install. Free quotes. Call now 0284052863
ph 0800 00 24 25
Visit us online at www.blenheimsun.co.nz
Do you have good practical skills, a head for heights, a good work ethic and a stable work history? If so, we are looking for you! We are seeking a full-time roofer or apprentice. Some site experience would be an advantage, being able to follow instructions and keen to learn new processes is a must. You will need to be adaptable and physically fit as this job is physical at times and involves lifting and carrying. Must be able to show up on time for work, have a full New Zealand driver license and be able to pass a drug and alcohol test. We are a Havelock based company so you must be willing to travel. However, transport will be provided from Blenheim, on most occasions. If you show the skills that we require, a roofing apprenticeship may be offered. We focus on high-quality work, not quantity and some wet day work is provided. We do work Marlborough wide and have a variety of jobs, so you must be willing to travel. If this fits your description, please send your CV to thomas.mclean@outlook.co.nz
EARN $$$$$
Public Notices
For your sewing requirements
The hours of work will be Mon – Thur 9:00am – 12.40pm.
Roofer or Roofing Trainee
21
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Blenheim Renwick Picton Phone/Txt 022 322 6515
AGM Wednesday 24th March 2022 7.30pm Bandrooms 15 Auckland St, Blenheim.
MOBILE HAIRDRESSER and BARBER Award Winning Stylist and Industry Assessor phone 021 208 6151
Marlborough Electric Power Trust 2022 Biennial Election
FINAL RESULT I declare the final results for the Marlborough Electric Power Trust 2022 Biennial election that closed at 12 noon on Monday 21 March 2022, as follows: 2022 Trustee Election (4 vacancies)
Votes Received
MARTELLA, Ian ROMANO, Domenic RAYNER, Lynette BELL, Cathie
2,589 2,247 1,919 1,624
SHAGIN, Terry JAMES, Anton BURNS, Brendon HEATH, Simon INSLEY, Mike CRAIG, Nita BALLETT, Clive DAWSON, Brian COLDWELL, Pete
1,605 1,582 1,576 1,443 1,229 1,041 1,016 884 526
INFORMAL BLANK
10 3
I therefore declare Cathie BELL, Ian MARTELLA, Lynette RAYNER and Domenic ROMANO to be elected as Trustees for the Marlborough Electric Power Trust. The return percentage for the election was 19.95%, being 5,254 valid voting papers, of which 69.43% voted by post and 30.57% voted online. Any queries are to be directed to the Returning Officer, Brenda Munro, on 021 120 0737. Brenda Munro Returning Officer
txt talk 027 242 5266
fact of the week All galaxies, regardless of size, rotate once every billion years.
Household miscellaneous Army Saturday 8am 26.3.22 Dorset Street, off Buller Street, Picton.
Book your space now in our next (by 3pm Tuesday)
Garage Sale Column!
Phone 5777 868
22
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022 Acknowledgements
ROBINSON Anne: Graham Cooper, Tracey, Cora, Pete and families would like to thank everyone for their support in the recent passing of Anne. The flowers, cards, bacon and egg and shepherd pies, visits and friendship are greatly appreciated. A big thanks to Gail, Hospice staff, and the overnight carers. Please accept this as a personal and grateful acknowledgement. Thank you.
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 578 0797. After Hours Chemists: Unichem Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9.30am - 4pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am - 2pm. This year closed Easter Friday, April 15, Easter Monday, April 18 and Anzac Day Monday, April 25. 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
Death notices WEAVER, Brent McKenzie: On Wednesday March 16, 2022 peacefully at home with family. Aged 81 years. Dearly loved and treasured husband and best friend of Rosslyn. Father and father-in-law to Philip and Rebecca, David and Christine, and Rose. Friend to Rosslyn’s family, Neill, Nicky, Christopher and Sarah. Loved brother to Alex and the late Campbell. Special friend to many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr Guy Gardiner for his exceptional care of Brent over many years and to Hospice Marlborough in the past week. Messages may be sent to 91 Arthur Street, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be greatly appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00, ref WEAVER. Brent was farewelled from Harvest Life Church, Nelson Street, on Saturday March 19, and interred at Kaituna Cemetery.
CAMPBELL: Dorothy née Thomson Passed away suddenly on 13 March 2022, aged 75. Cherished wife to Ian of 49 years. Beloved mum and mother-in-law of Mike and Liz, and Heather. Loved Granny of Echlihn, McKenzie, Alyssa and Kane. A memorial will be held in the Taylor Room, Clubs of Marlborough at 3pm on Friday 8 April 2022. Due to Covid restrictions numbers will be limited to 100 people and vaccine passes will be required.
Dingy boat for sale. Seabird 3.8 metres. Phone 578 9982.
Missing
MISSING
REWARD IF FOUND
CLOUDY BAY FUNERAL SERVICES BLENHEIM F.D.A.N.Z. Is he in your vehicle or shed? Have you seen him around? Please call or txt 027 550 2033
THOMPSON, Bruce Robert: Passed away peacefully at Aberleigh Village, on Monday March 21, 2022. Aged 88 years. Dearly loved and loving husband of Shirley for 55 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Damon and Andrea. Cherished grandpa of Gemma and Cameron. Loved brother of Nancy, brother-inlaw of John and Jaclyn, and uncle of the late Fiona; Steven and Ania, Angela and Rachel, and a loved great uncle. Messages may be sent to the Thompson Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A memorial service to farewell Bruce will be held at the Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson Street, at 11am on Friday March 25. This will be a My Vaccine Pass event, and authenticators will be checking at the entrance; we appreciate your respect in this matter.
Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719
EPERE, Wayne Clarke: On Saturday March 19, 2022, passed away suddenly at home, with his whanau. Aged 64 years. Much loved father to John and daughterin-law Bobby. Brother of Richard, Charles, Frank, James and June. Loved by his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his friends. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him. On behalf of the whanau, we would like to thank the Access team, Te Piki Oranga, Blenheim Medical, and Alzheimers Marlborough for all their support. For further information of Wayne’s Tangihanga, please contact Chelsea-Leigh on 021 076 7603.
Community notices Havelock Lions’ Market Final market for the season is on Saturday, March 26 outside the Havelock Town Hall between 9am1pm. There will be plenty of books, plants crafts, soaps, woodwork, children’s clothing to browse. Some new stalls as well but sites still available $5. Ring Ian 574 2558.
Sounds SeniorNet Celebrate moving into their new rooms at the refurbished Linkwater Hall by resuming their information afternoons on Saturday, March 26 at 2pm. Entry free and afternoon tea provided. Everyone is welcome.
Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719
Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719
HEGGLUN, David Tristan: Aged 73 years. Dearly loved partner of Berylla and a much loved father of Christian, Dimi, Maia and Rawiri. Loved son of the late Tris and Pat Hegglun and a special brother of Richard, Tristine, Marilen, Bernie, John, Jackie and their partners. A much loved uncle and friend to his many nieces and nephews. RIP. At Dave’s request a private service has been held.
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Quick crossword ACROSS 1. Jail (6) 5. Position (6) 10. Brush aside (7) 11. Provide commentary (7) 12. Grief-stricken (6) 15. Recommendations (6) 16. Distance, on a golf course (7) 17. Pitcher (4) 18. Flog (4) 19. European country (7) 20. Once again (4) 22. Person in charge (4) 25. Fashionable (7) 27. Hydrophobia (6) 28. Move unsteadily (6) 31. Exist (7) 32. Deliberately vague (7) 33. Logical and persuasive (6) 34. Sequence (6)
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www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz
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The Sun
sport
Wednesday March 23, 2022
23
sports talk With Jacob Page
White Ferns falter in big moments The White Ferns have failed to handle the pressure of a World Cup at home. The New Zealand women’s cricketers have been extremely poor throughout the tournament, losing close games and suffering consistent middle-to-lower order batting collapses which they seemingly never learned from and therefore they’ve almost certainly missed the semifinals. The team just hasn’t done the basics well enough. They haven’t batted out their 50 overs on several occasions which
cost them at least two games including Sunday’s must-win game against England where they went down by one wicket. That result should be a sobering reality check to the players, coaching staff and New Zealand Cricket as a whole that despite having all the comforts of home, they were well off the pace. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White was in attendance at Eden Park to watch the team play England on Sunday. Hopefully, as he watched another batting collapse from the hosts, he
realised that the women’s game needs more investment so it can keep up with the likes of Australia, England, South Africa and India. The team has seemingly lacked an identity during this tournament. Short of hoping the top four batters score all the runs, there seems to be little plan B, C or D being thought of. White Ferns bowling coach Jacob Oram acknowledged, during a radio interview, the team did not have a mental skills coach and any such work mentally was only done at a regional level.
That is simply not good enough because the team was exposed mentally and tactically time and time again all tournament. Womens players are paid a terribly small amount to play cricket in this country. Until there is a contracted list of national players paid a respectable wage which allows them to focus on their craft full time, New Zealand will continue to slip off the pace. Player selection has been baffling at times, as I mentioned last week, there is no Leigh Kasperek in this side for reasons not yet explained.
The middle-order batters did not know their role and the same can be said for the bowlers charged with completing the death overs. Some of the players have the talent but they need more support financially and professionally. Hopefully New Zealand Cricket do a full review into the campaign because it’s been a shambles to watch as a fan. If there was a big moment in a game, the White Ferns came up short. Everyone involved must take some accountability and learn from it.
Harlequins division 2 team returns By Chris Valli
A new season and a new hope for Blenheim’s Harlequins Rugby Club. Player numbers for the Lansdowne Park club, like many in the Marlborough Rugby Sub Union, have waned in recent seasons. However, for club stalwart and Harlequins Rugby Club Captain Greg Marfell the 2022 season heralds a new beginning with the Division 2 team set to return to the field after a three year hiatus.
Harlequins Rugby Club Captain Greg Marfell.
The team will be coached by Marty Mason with Lee Mason and Gerard Coffey managing. Greg says a working group and committee were working hard behind the scenes to get the club strong again. Numbers were looking ‘reasonable’ at pre-season training and he is optimistic moving forward. “We as a club are really excited to be returning into the rugby scene, our direction and the way we operate as a club will be different to other years but our main focus
is about getting people out on the field having fun from the kids up to the adults. Rugby as a sport right across New Zealand needs people getting out there playing with their mates and having fun and creating memories.” A life member of the club, it’s the first year where Greg has not played or coached. He is realistic where the team’s fortunes lie going into a season with the focus on playing the game for the enjoyment factor and doing it with your mates.
“A successful year this year would be 25 guys playing every Saturday having fun on and off the field and being excited about the following year. No expectations, just having some fun.” The Harlequins Club came about through the amalgamation of the Opawa, Old Boys and Redwood Clubs in 1994. Any new players are warmly welcome. The senior season kicks off the weekend after the Easter break.
inbrief
The Sun
Blenheim Croquet Club held their very successful Annual AC Tournament playing against Nelson and Kaikoura teams. Sam Robinson and Kevin Freeth from Blenheim club were the champions taking away a lovely trophy and substantial monetary prize.Second prize went to Nelson.
Marlborough Harrier Club Saturday,March 26 – 1.45pm for 2pm start - Opening Day - Harriers Shed located at the end of Hospital Road. Look for the Harrier sign. Meet and greet then a relay run around the sloping Wither Hills or along the Taylor River. Post event, stay to chat and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee provided. Please bring something for afternoon tea to share with others. For full details go to https://harriers.net.nz/event/openingday/. Everyone is welcome to participate. For further enquiries contact Allister Leach 021 159 0678.
Golf Results Blenheim Golf Club March 12 - 18 Hole Stableford: Andre Tewhiu 41 Mike Gardiner 37 Graeme Daines 37 Trent Davies 37 Luke Yarrall 36 Tom Bainbridge 35 Shaun Brown 35 Roy Lilley 34 Bruce Curgenven 34 Dan Crawford 34 Blue Arthur 33 John Anderson 33 Dave Watson 33 James Lord Brunel 33 Grant Flynn 33 Bob Tapp 33 Fairweathers NTP 6/15 Phil Starkey Sowmans NTP 9/18 Graeme Daines LGU Medal Net Marion Flynn 74 Sa-Nga Grupp 77. March 17 - 18 Hole Irish Stableford: Murray
Awatere Golf Club Ingram 85 Clive Drummond 75 Tom Bainbridge 74 Don Lamond 70 Sam Rainbird 69 Ross Agnew 68 Jordan Judge 67 Nigel Smith 67 9 holes Stableford: Allen Knight 20 Hay Montgomery 19 Steve Griffin 18. March 19 - 18 Hole Medal: Gross Luke Yarrall 70 Net Luke Yarrall 70 Ross Agnew 71 Bob Tapp 71 Andre Tewhiu 73 Warren Ingram 73 Tom Bainbridge 73. Ladies Stableford: Judith Batty 34 NTP Fairweathers 6/15 Bob Tapp Sowmans 9/18 Murray Belk.
Wairau Valley Golf Club Saturday, March 19 - Stableford: Mel Hampton 40, Robbie Lacey 39, Robyn Pupich 38, Sam Rutherford 38, Rex McGarry 38, Brian Roughan
38, Mike McKenzie 37, Tim Latter 37, Ann Walker 37. Twos: Colin Baker & Ann Walker.
Wednesday, March 16 – Women played Par – 1st Maree McLauchlan +1 on c/b from Pam Farrell +1, 3rd Margaret Hastings -1. Saturday 19 - Women played stableford: 1st Rachael Westenra 39, 2nd Pam Farrell 37, 3rd Margaret Hastings 36 on c/b from Mary Ann Reinke 36. Men played Irish
Stableford: 1st with and amazing round 92 stablefords, 2nd Warren Westenra 79 on c/b from John Billingsley 79, 4th Tony Jordan 76, 5th Roger Caughley 75 . Nearest to pin on 9/18, Bing. Twos – Roger Caughley and Lyndsay Burrow.
Picton Golf Club Thursday, March 10 – Ron Peters, Len Barlow, 41, Ian Berrie 40, Mark Ivamy 38, Jeff Pascoe, Paul Towers, 37. Saturday, March 12 – John Saxon 64, Jeff Pascoe, Baz Slater, Andrew Sunley, 71. Tuesday, March 15 - Ricki Ashworth 69, Jenny Hart 72, Maria McConway, 72, Mary Butler 74,
Ellie Gillies, 75, Joyce Allen, Odette Roper,81. Thursday, March 17 - Grant Aikman 42, Rowdy Robertson 41, John Saxon 40, Graham Couldrey, Nick Wright, Don Jamison, James Sutherland, 39. Friday, March 18 – 9 Hole- Joyce McClelland, Helen McIsaac,17, Lyn Pawson, Mary Butler, 16.
The Sun
Wednesday March 23, 2022
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