5 October Blenheim Sun

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By Chris Valli

Daniel Mena believes he is blessed.

Daniel (full name Esteban Mena Duarte) married his ‘true love’ on Saturday, September 24 to Blenheim’s Kimberly Jones at Elim Christian Centre in Burleigh Road.

His parents Argenis and Laura Mena arrived in Blenheim on Friday, Septem ber 16.

Continued on page 2.

Blenheim’s Daniel Mena and wife Kim berly (nee Jones) await the arrival of Daniel’s parents at Blenheim airport.

Daniel hadn’t seen them since 2016 after fleeing his native Venezuela as a refugee. Photo: Jessica Jones.

OFFICE

We

all safe and just a flight away

Continued from page 1.

They live in a town called Cúcuta in Colombia which borders Venezuela. He has a sister who is a US citizen and now lives in Indiana. Unfortunately only his parents were able to make it for the big day. Make it they did.

The last time Daniel saw his parents was on June 1 2016 at the International airport in Caracas Venezuela. After six long, difficult and character building years, they were able to attend due to Immigration New Zealand finally opening their borders.

“My wedding was a perfect reason for our reunion.”

Daniel and Kimberly applied for a visitor’s visa for his parents on August 1.

Currently, there is a five month delay on visas due to the current application process.

Three weeks before the wedding he asked for prayer support at his church. An elderly lady told his now mother in law to talk with the local MP, Stuart Smith. They sent an email explaining that Daniel was a refugee and that he was about to get married. He also explained he would love to have his parents present at his wedding as he hadn’t seen them for six ‘long years’.

A member of Stuart’s office, Alan Washington, got in contact with them and Daniel says was in active communication with immigration to make the dream that he’d had for so many years come true.

“Immigration asked for a copy of my wedding certificate and flight tickets for my parents. My parents’ visa was approved two weeks before my wedding and they arrived in New Zealand one week before the big day. Their visitor’s visa was approved until 2025.”

The 29-year-old firmly believes his strong

faith has made him who he is today.

The Venezuela refugee fled his home country and arrived in New Zealand in September 2016 on an essential skills visa. His refugee status came after a lack of justice from a socialist ideology (former president Hugo Chavez) that turned many Venezuelans onto anger and resentment. Devaluation in the international market of the Bolivar (currency), resulted in high levels of unemployment and widespread famine nationwide.

Daniel chose to leave.

He arrived in Blenheim in June 2020 after being made redundant from a restaurant in Auckland.

The vineyard worker and machine opera tor works for Edge Viticulture. He met his bride Kimberly (nee Jones) through some friends they had in common two years ago at a Bible study.

Daniel says the path of love finding Kimberly came out of tragedy.

“We were quite new in our relationship when one of my uncles passed away last year due to Covid. We were at a camp with several of my friends and all I wanted to do was to run away but she was there at my side in silence in one of my lowest moments. That meant the world to me. I knew she was the one.”

Daniel’s parents left New Zealand on September 26 due to work commitments.

He says their last goodbye back in 2016 was difficult and filled with pain as they parted ways while he was fleeing for his life not knowing if or when he would see them again.

“This time our goodbye was filled with hope and peace. Knowing that we are all safe and just a flight away.”

THE

OF FAITH: Daniel

father Argenis

Marlborough pre-eminent location for research and innovation

By Chris Valli

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opened New Zealand Wine Cen tre–Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa in Blenheim last Thursday.

Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa is part of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Blenheim campus and brings together New Zealand Wine’s Bragato Research Institute, the Plant and Food Wine and Grape Research Group, New Zealand Wine's Sustainability and Biosecurity Group.

Funding of $3.79 million for the Marlborough Research Centre to build a national wine centre was announced in 2020, one of the first substantial investments in Marl borough from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund.

The Centre provides integrated facilities for these organisations to work with wine industry inno vators and wine researchers from New Zealand and abroad.

“Like many fine wines, our viti culture and winemaking industries continue to grow economically over time and are now one of our country’s biggest export earners,” Economic and Regional Develop ment Minister Stuart Nash said.

“Currently bringing in nearly $2 billion a year, these exports will only continue to grow as our new FTAs with the UK and EU come into force, providing even greater economic security to New Zealanders.

“The New Zealand Wine Centre will help our already world-re nowned wine producers stay

ahead of global trends in wine by developing new products and helping to tackle issues such as the impact of climate change on the sector.

“The winemaking sector has a huge impact on the national and regional economy, and accounts for one in five jobs in the Marl borough region. The most recent Marlborough Regional Workforce Plan projects a job growth of 17% for the wine industry, and the Wine Centre will support the development of specialist skills needed for new high-skilled jobs.

“As announced earlier, we’re also supporting the viticulture sector by making the largest increase in over a decade to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE), creating 3,000 additional places and providing workforce relief to the wine sector.

Tanya Pouwhare, CEO of New

Zealand Ethical Employees says the increase will allow RSE Em ployers, who have the correct accommodation, to bring in more people.

“The increase gives employers confidence to invest in purpose built facilities, without such they will not be able to bring in more people.”

Tanya believes a comprehensive review is now due as the scheme has matured, and the policy set tings need to reflect the world of work they are operating in today.

“Employers and industry have pushed for this review as far back as 2016, and are looking forward to collaborating with the Pacific and worker reps to make sure the scheme remains a triple win.”

At the opening, a variation to Marlborough Research Centre’s existing funding agreement was also announced, reallocating

$770,000 of the existing $3.79 million investment at their request towards the construction and development of a new state-of-theart Experimental Future Vineyard (a system where vineyards can be studied to support sustainable growth and profitability).

“It’s fantastic to see the plan for the Experimental Future Vine yard, which I know will be a huge asset to our winemaking industry. It will support sustainable growth in the sector by making use of au tomation and robotic technologies to prepare for a digital future. This will bring our local winemakers to a whole new level.

“The Wine Centre and Exper imental Future Vineyard con firm Marlborough’s place as the preeminent location for research and innovation for New Zealand’s wine industry, attracting local and international talent,” Stuart said.

inbrief

TheSun

Name release - Fatal crash, Kaikōura

Police can name the man who died in a collision on SH 1 near Mangamaunu, Kaikōura, on Tuesday 27 October.

He was 21-year-old Wilson Murray, of Marlborough.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Wilson’s loved ones.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Pulling pin on plastic

MDC has welcomed new rules banning certain plastic products.

As of October 1, it is illegal to provide, sell or manufacture certain hard-torecycle and single use plastic products in New Zealand.

Council’s Solid Waste Manager Alec McNeil embraced the changes saying not all plastics were recyclable which could cause confusion for the community.

“By limiting the types of plastic that enter the market, contamination rates in recycling should reduce,” he said. “Plastic has its uses but improving its recoverability is a welcomed next step.”

Banning hard-to-recycle and single use plastics would help reduce plastic waste, improve recycling systems and protect the environment.

Feedback wanted on new freedom camping sites

MDC is calling for further submissions on eight new freedom camping sites and areas across Marlborough.

The consultation period opens from Friday September 23 and runs until Friday, October 21.

Submissions can be made online at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourcouncil/have-your-say-consultations or by emailing: freedomcampingsubmissions@ marlborough.govt.nz.

Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash.

An image of the first stage of the New Zealand Wine Centre built at the Blenheim NMIT campus. Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa is part of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Blenheim campus and brings together New Zealand Wine’s Bragato Research Institute, the Plant and Food Wine and Grape Research Group, New Zealand Wine’s Sustainability and Biosecurity Group.

Arts Trail fundraiser showcasing Marlborough talent

By Chris Valli

Alzheimers Marlborough Foundation’s fundraising Arts, Crafts and Collections Trail on October 15/16 has seen an overwhelming support from local artists for the cause.

Forty two artists will have a wide range of their creative work on display, including among other things pottery, woodwork, oil and water colour painting, sculpture and carving. The work will be at various locations around Blenheim with all artists local.

The trail is a new fundraising event for the Foundation and was put in place after their attempts at running an antiques fair and dinner were stymied by the advent and after-effects of the pandemic.

The trail is a self-drive event where people are encouraged to get together with friends and family and share a wonderful couple of days.

“This event provides an opportunity for the public to support us by travelling in small groups to visit the artists’ studios without the added risk of Covid when large groups are gathered in one venue,” says administrator Helen Hannay.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from local exhibitors who have gone out of their way to help and have offered much more than was originally asked of them.”

“They are so very talented and we hope Marlborough people will take this wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with them and to see and perhaps make a purchase they will treasure.”

Blenheim artist, Brian Baxter, 81, does origi nal paintings in oils, watercolours and acrylics including landscapes, florals and portraits. He volunteers his time with Alzheimers Marlbor ough and plays the piano for members of the society which he says is a great distraction and stimulant for all involved.

“The way they respond to music is wonder ful. It really is.”

Research suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioural benefits for people with Alzheimers and other types of Dementia. Musical memories are of ten preserved in Alzheimers sufferers because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.

Alzheimers Marlborough does an incredibly important job in the community supporting people in Marlborough who are living with Dementia – and also their carers, who carry a heavy burden of support for their loved ones.

“Many of our volunteers have been personal ly involved with family members affected by Dementia and so are glad of an opportunity to give back support to the society.

“The Alzheimers Foundation is here to assist by creating a strong, financial foundation which will support the provision of services required. Through the day programmes, the society has provided the equivalent of nearly 5000 respite days for care partners. The demand for this increases regularly as more people are diagnosed with Dementia and in particular Alzheimers.”

All money raised from the trail stays in

Blenheim artist, Bri an Baxter, 81, does original paintings in oils, watercolours and acrylics including landscapes, florals and portraits.

ART TRAIL LAUNCH: Alzheimers Marlborough Foundation members Viv Broughton and Helen Knapp. The trail is being held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October from 10am to 4pm.

Marlborough to support the work of the local society and to help fund the much needed extensions to their building which is vital to provide room and services for the ever-increasing numbers of people needing their support.

Foundation members include Paul Rob inson, Sam Robinson, Helen Knapp, Viv B r oughton Jenny Andrews, and Helen Hannay (administrator). The trail is being held on Saturday 15 and

Sunday 16 October from 10am to 4pm. Tickets cost $20 per person and the ticket is included as part of the brochure and map showing who the participating artists are and where they are located along with their contact details.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Marlborough Alzheimers Centre, 8 Wither Road, Eden Gallery, 13 Selmes Road, Rapaura, and Dudson Scott Art Gallery, 1494 SH 6 Renwick.

Blenheim

Six lucky Sun subscribers!

Congratulations to the winners of our Subscribe to Win competition.

All you had to do was subscribe online to read the Blenheim Sun via a link sent to your email address each Wednesday morning.

A great way to read our paper and never miss an issue.

Easy, reliable and free!

Thank you to all those who entered and are now enjoying reading The Sun online.

Pictured: A few of the lucky winners who took home prizes of cash, UE Wonderbooms and Subway vouchers.

Special thanks to the team at Brendon Price Comput ers who donated some of these great prizes.

TOP: From left, Vanessa Bryant, Sam Kenny from BP Computers and Marg Wilson.

BOTTOM: From left, Simon Byrne from The Blenheim Sun, Liz McKay and Sue Lawrence.

Health Expo returns to Havelock

By Chris Valli

After a gap of four years, Have lock Lions Club and Havelock Vi sion Charitable Trust are preparing to welcome health professionals and visitors to Havelock Town Hall on Saturday 8th for Havelock’s third Health Expo.

Janet Brownson talks with a health provider at the Expo 2018.

Closing Down

One of the organisers, Ian Cam eron, said that Covid stopped preparations for the 2022 Expo and the organisers judged that it should not proceed in 2021, so the organisers are very pleased that 23 professional groups are making themselves available.

They include cancer, diabetes, eye health, hospice, mental health organisations. In addition, St Johns, Farewell Trust, Sport Tas man, Rural Support Trust, and the Council’s Storm Recovery Trust will be there, as will Hospice. The Hospice Massage Therapist will be offering 15-minute seated head, shoulder and neck massages. Vaccinators will be giving Covid/Flu and MMR vaccines on request.

The Expo is open to the public from 10am – 3pm and entry is free. Visitors can enter into a free raffle for fresh vegetables and fruit.

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Make your vote count

Voting in this year’s local government election closes at 12 noon this Saturday 8 October - so make sure you drop your envelope off at Council’s reception in time to make your vote count.

Electoral Officer Dean Heiford says so far voter returns are significantly lower than daily returns for previous electoral periods. “We encourage everyone who has received their voting papers in the mail to complete them and get them back to us as soon as possible,” Mr Heiford said.

If you haven’t received your voting papers in the mail, you may not be enrolled to vote. To check whether you’re enrolled, go to: https://vote. nz/. You can also Ph: 0800 36 76 56 before enrolments close on Friday 7 October.

It’s important to note that if you enrolled after 12 August 2022, for example if you turned 18 after this date, or if you have moved address recently, you won’t get your voting papers in the mail. You’ll have to request special voting papers from the Council’s electoral officers. You can get in touch with them by emailing election@marlborough. govt.nz, or Ph: 03 520 7400 before 5.00 pm on Friday 7 October.

You can also cast a special vote if you did not receive voting papers or if they are damaged.

Mr Heiford says people will have noticed the addition of the Maori ward in this year’s election information.

“The roll you are on may affect the way you vote in local elections,” he said. “If you’re on the Māori roll you’ll vote for a candidate in the Māori ward.

“If you’re already enrolled, you won’t be able to change rolls this election,” Mr Heiford said.

For more information on voting when you are on the Māori roll visit: https://vote.nz/2022-localelections/2022-local-elections/ voting-in-local-elections/ All voting papers must be received by Council’s electoral officer by 12 noon on Saturday 8 October 2022.

Police Remembrance Day

Mayor John Leggett along with representatives from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Marlborough Returned Services Association joined with members of the New Zealand Police to commemorate Police Remembrance Day on Thursday 29 September.

The Blenheim service was one of many held throughout the country to honour Police in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, who have been killed by criminal acts while performing their official duties, or died as a result of their duties. The annual service also acknowledged serving, retired and former New

Zealand Police staff who have passed away in the preceding 12 months.

During the ceremony the New Zealand Police Roll of Honour was read aloud.

Mayor Leggett and Tasman District Commander, Superintendent Tracey Thompson then presented officers with medals for their long service to the New Zealand Police. Some officers were also recognised for their involvement in ‘Operation Deans’ - Police’s response to the Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15, 2019 which is Police’s largest, most complex response operation to date.

New citizens celebrated

Twenty new citizens were welcomed to Marlborough on Friday in the first citizenship ceremony since July last year.

Regular citizenship ceremonies were put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions. Citizens from Samoa, United Kingdom, France, China, the Czech Republic and the USA were welcomed to Marlborough by Mayor John Leggett.

It was Mayor Leggett’s last citizenship ceremony before he stands down and he was accompanied by Mayoress Anne Best, Councillors Thelma Sowman and Jenny Andrews and Council Kaihautū Hara Adams. Friends and family members joined the new citizens at the ceremony in Council chambers where they were presented with their citizenship certificates.

Mayor Leggett told those gathered that the ceremony was an important event in their lives.

“Your decision to apply for citizenship was no doubt made after very careful consideration,” he said. “It is a commitment to your future.”

Mayor Leggett said New Zealand citizenship carried important privileges and the opportunity to participate in the Marlborough community. “I urge you to do so - you should use your right to vote and your access to local and central government representatives. If you participate fully I’m sure you will never regret the step you are taking.”

The Council’s waiata group performed at the event.

Clip-on cycle lane opens

The Whale Trail cycleway over the Wairau River at Spring Creek was officially opened by Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor last week. Cutting the ribbon, she told those assembled that the bridge provided a clearly needed safe cycle path for local communities as well as a link in the growing Whale Trail network.

Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust Council representative Dr John Forrest, said it was people who had made the clip-on path, and the entire trail, possible.

“I have personally never been associated with a better group in my life,” he said. “The generosity of those involved, particularly with their expertise and time, is amazing.”

“The key now is linking all sections of the trail together,” Dr Forrest said. “Several sections are already finished and this summer the stage from Spring Creek to the Elevation in Picton will be progressed along with parts of the Awatere trail.”

Dr Forrest thanked all those involved in the trail saying it had been a true joint effort and said it was pleasing to see representatives from all groups involved as well as cyclists turning up for the opening.

The idea of a Whale Trail began after the Kaikōura earthquake destroyed much of the rail network along that coast and visionaries thought a trail could be developed, similar to Otago’s Rail Trail.

“Unfortunately, KiwiRail had great insurance and rebuilt but we kept the flicker of hope of a trail alive,” Dr Forrest said.

Initial funding $2M from Council and $600,000 from the Rata Foundation had made the trail a reality.

“It’s thanks to that funding and the hard work and vision of many volunteers that we are standing here today,” Dr Forrest said. The clip-on cycle lane was officially blessed by iwi, including Rangitāne, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Toa and Ngāti Rārua, in August.

Mayor Leggett welcomes new citizens to Marlborough. Credit: Gavin Hadfield.

Mayor Leggett lays a wreath during the Police Remembrance Day service on Thursday 29 September.

Credit: Senior Constable Brendan McLauchlan

Mayor Leggett presents Constable Robbie Malneek with his Workplace Practice Diploma. Credit: Senior Constable Brendan McLauchlan

The first cyclists to cross the new Wairau clip-on after Friday’s opening. Photo credit: Cynthia Stoks

Dr John Forrest speaks at the official opening of the Wairau clip-on bridge

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

What does this mean for those students moving forward?

Bridget McNamara Blenheim

I think it’s a real shame. I did the Sheilah Winn competition when I was at high school and was selected to go to the Globe Theatre (I didn’t go as it clashed with me going to Italy for my year long AFS ex change). I’d be interested to see how Creative NZ came to their conclusions.

Having

Daniel Brunel Blenheim

By doing this Creative New Zealand is restricting oppor tunities and expression for today’s youth.

Daniel Rayner Blenheim

The argument of it being lo cated within a “canon of im perialism” seems a poor jus tification as the argument is never used in the context of anything other than art. I would like to know where that funding would be go ing now?

Rain, hail or shine great turnout

Locals lined up before 9am last Friday for the Blenheim South Rotary Mammoth garage and book sales.

Blenheim South Rotary spokesperson

Kevin Moseley says they had an amazing amount of stuff to sell which resulted in a fundraising effort of nearly $45,000.

He says 90% of the items were sold and considering the weather conditions the people that turned up were amazing.

The remaining items would go to the The Blue Door and the Re-Use shop at the Blenheim Waste Recycling Centre.

BSR would like to thank the wider Blen heim community and all that got involved including the 30 people that gave up their time over the weekend.

Jed Cornelius Blenheim

I believe it’s absolutely stu pid after they put in so much work to ensure our future. Now they’ve gone right the other way.

Sam Lewis Blenheim

The move is weird. SGCNZ hosts many opportunities for teens and even primary school students to get into theatre and begin to see a future in it. To say that its not relevant to the contemporary art context of Aotearoa, clear ly no one’s been to a regional festival in years.

Renaming Picton

Dear Ed,

Why rename Picton to Waitohi? Isn’t New Zealand a bi-cultural society evolved from Maori migrants and Eng lish migrants?

English general Sir Thomas Picton was heroically famous, labelled a public hero, but as Trinidad’s governor he apparently indulged in slavery. But then slavery was commonplace, early 19th century whether Trinidad, the USA, or New Zealand.

Slavery, cruelty and even cannibalism, were common then. At least, Thomas Picton was not guilty of cannibalism. Cruel practices are not limited to any ethnic group.

Te Rauparaha Street in Otaki - named after a conquering Maori chief with

Shalom Del-Monte-Aberhart Blenheim

There has been a Maori Cleo patra contending with a colo nising Mark Anthony, a Trump based Julius Caesar, a Tongan Romeo and Juliet. I don’t know how much more relevant to contemporary Aotearoa Ste phen Wainwright would like the Shakespeare Festival to be.

slaughter, slavery and cannibalism common.

Both Thomas Picton and Te Rauparaha had bad and good traits.

Self-interest navel-gazing is futile.

Instead take a wider interest in real problems such as current threats to world peace, erosion of democracy and free speech, the shocking decline in freshwater standards, crime levels, men tal health, suicide and environmental problems today?

Tony Orman

Blenheim South Rotary volunteers help with sorting, prior to last weekend’s sale.

Telling stories through design one on one

Steph wanted a business name that was slightly abstract but said something about her, so Rubyfive Design is a homage to her beginnings as a design er who lived at 5 Ruby Avenue.

Steph Holt went to a relatively small high school in Christchurch and Graphic Design wasn’t anything she knew about.

It wasn’t until a friend in Melbourne commented on how good she was at layouts (especially when she only had Word and Publisher to work with) and suggested she look into doing graphic design.

“It was like a lightbulb moment and I credit her for helping me find my most favourite thing. Within four weeks I had applied and been accepted into the next intake at Natcoll (now YooBee), resigned from my job, packed up my apartment and moved back to Christchurch to start a new exciting chapter.” Even though she didn’t realise it until her late twenties, Steph was always into design. She actively sought top presentation marks in every school assignment, had the quintessential 90’s “lettering book” as a young girl and she loved stationery.

“My mum’s side of the family is re ally artistic with fashion design, pho tography, graphic design and music, so the creativity gene has always been there. I remember absorbing every detail as I watched Mum hand-paint Dad’s signs for his building business and loving how the ink appeared on the page when she used her typewriter (hey, it was the 80s!).

“It makes me laugh that I never ac tually learnt my times tables because I spent the time looking at the fonts and colours on the classic 90’s wall chart that Mum hung up on the back of the toilet door instead of actually learning them.”

Steph says she loves what she now does as a career and it makes all those moments growing up make sense.

“I occasionally wonder what my career would’ve looked like if I had done Graphic Design at school, but I think the reality is my experience in so many different industries has enhanced my ability to connect with my clients and understand the fundamentals of business.”

“I started Rubyfive Design as a freelancer as soon as I graduated and took on a few clients here and there as I worked in other jobs to build up my experience and skill set. When I moved to Marlborough I decided to take the leap and go into full time self-employment. I continue to learn a lot and have gained some wonderful clients locally, throughout New Zealand and overseas.”

So how did she come up with the name Rubyfive Design?

agery style is essential to good brand awareness. If you use disconnected elements that aren’t in line with your brand such as choosing a different image style, or picking a different colour or font, your customers are now disconnected to your brand and you’ve now got to work extra hard to get them back.”

designs which have left a lasting impression on her creativity and design process.

“I wanted a name that was slightly abstract but said something about me, because everything else about what I do is about my clients and connecting to their customers, so Rubyfive De sign is homage to my beginnings as a designer, living at 5 Ruby Avenue… simple eh?”

Steph suggests a consistent brand approach is absolutely crucial for a business to have top of mind aware ness in a market where competition creates excellence.

“Using the same set of logos, same fonts, same colours, and same im

She says many of her clients sit with her and say how much they hate and are daunted by social media, and I totally get it – it’s tough to juggle wearing all the hats of running a business, trying to get it off the ground and make money whilst also thinking about having to manage and consist ently come up with content for social media.

“The reality is that social me dia is one of the best and most cost effective ways of putting your business out there. Getting Google Reviews is also really helpful – I could do better at both, but I’m better at helping others than I am myself!”

She recalls various projects and

“I worked on a brand over haul for a new 160m Luxury Super Yacht “Broadwater” out of Amsterdam in 2020, that was awesome to do and I loved that I was able to have such an impact on the quality and brand experience on such a prestigious boat – my previous hotel life came in handy for that one.

“One of my most favour ite designs would be for Iz mir Delight, a Turkish food retailer in Riverside Market in Christchurch. The owner unfortunately had a terrible experience with her first de signer who didn’t listen to her and she ended up with a brand that looked like it belonged to a burger bar – she was in despair and so it was hugely satisfying to be able to listen to her and give her a design she absolutely loved and one that embraced the true essence of her business.”

Steph has lived in Marlborough

for five and a half years and lived in Waikawa for three years be fore moving to the ‘big-smoke’ of Blenheim. She infers as a solo mum naturally, a lot of outside work time is consumed with parent-life. However, she’s also working on a second business that she hopes to launch soon so life, she suggests, is pretty busy.

“I have recently bought a trail eBike so I love getting out on the trails with friends or a quick ride on the Wither Hills Farm Tracks after school drop off – I’m look ing forward to the Whale Trail being complete and have plans to do the Tasman Great Taste Trail in February next year.”

“I can honestly say I love what I do and seeing my ideas come to reality is so satisfying. I love connecting with my clients and going on a journey to bring a vi sion to life. The feeling of having my brain go into overdrive while learning about a project in its initial phases is so exciting and then seeing it all come to fruition is the best.”

Graphic Designer Steph Holt is the face behind Rubyfive Design. She tells journalist Chris Valli about her passion and how businesses can reach their potential by telling their story better through branding and design.

“One of my most favourite designs would be for Izmir Delight.”

Yealands Wines, in conjunction with the Marlborough District Council and the Blenheim Sun, are calling for applications for the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative. The programme supports not-for-profit efforts to enhance biodiversity across Marlborough.

In its four years of operation, the Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative has provided groups with funding to support weed eradication, waterway enhancement, wetland preservation, education and wildlife breeding programmes.

What is on offer?

The Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative will make available $50,000 every year for local environmental projects. Projects can apply for individual grants of up to $10,000 per year.

Who can apply?

The Initiative specifically supports not-for-profit community efforts to improve biodiversity across the Marlborough district.

Application dates

The next round of applications:

» open on October 1, 2022

» close on October 31, 2022

» winners will be announced on November 23, 2022

For more information on the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative, terms and conditions, and the application form, please visit: www.yealands.co.nz/sustainability-grant/

Yealands is committed to playing a long-term role, alongside its community, to enhance Marlborough’s natural environment.

Funding available for not-for-profits looking to enhance Marlborough’s environment

Wednesday

Seddon Lions speech competition

Riding for Renee

By Chris Valli

Nuk Korako is a man on a bike and is riding for a medical reason.

Nuk is raising funds for Renee Veal who needs life changing surgery that is not covered by the public health system.

Renee requires specialised jaw reconstruction surgery at a cost of $90,000. To date, fundraising has raised $74,000 with $16,000 left to raise before she can book her operation.

After cycling Rapaki to Bluff, Nuk Korako is ‘Riding for Renee’ from Rapaki on Banks Peninsula to Picton.

At the time of writing (Monday) Nuk is cycling from Springs Junction to Murchison and should arrive in Blenheim this Thursday, October 6 before the last leg to Picton.

For over 10 years Renee, 27, has lived with chronic pain. It is difficult for her to eat and sleep and she ex periences constant severe migraines, seeing life through a fog Renee’s jaw continues to deteriorate so Nuk and supporters are determined to make this operation a reality.

All funds raised are for medical expenses for a total temporoman dibular joint reconstruction, bilateral jaw joint replacements, a specialised surgery.

Nuk says all financial support towards this ride will change Renee’s life.

“She is humble, hardworking and even through her hardest days never

Nuk Korako is raising funds for Renee Veal who needs life changing surgery that is not covered by the public health system.

complains.”

Renee’s fundraising details are; https://www.facebook.com/Riding ForRenee or her surgery account: 38

900305 49796 13.

She also has a Give a Little page at https://givealittle.co.na/Riding ForRenee

Find fresh new looks at tidy prices

Includes

Left to right - Tessa Trolove - 1st year 8, Victoria HickmanWinner of the Newman’s Cup for Most Original Speech, Honor Todhunter 2nd Year 6, Louis Hickman - 1st Year 7.

Seddon School students from left to right Ayvah Ward, Claudia Richmond and Toby Allan.

Perfectly Suited to Lifestyle and Rural Properties

Born and raised in Christchurch, Guy Brown studied Civil Engineering at Coventry University then worked as a Design Engineer in London before establishing Urban Caves in Katoomba, Australia in 2016. Guy is now excited to be launching Urban Caves in Picton with the first installation scheduled for November 2022. Check out our website urbancaves.co.nz for options and pricing.

We couldn’t be happier with our urban cave. For us it has become a home office, yoga space, reading room and breakfast deck and it has really transformed our home.

We did compare several other options - but nothing was as remarkable in design, sustainably produced and competitively prices as our urban cave. Our urban cave feels incredibly spacious, while also being warm and cozy in winter. Windows are strategically placed to capture every breeze in summer - keeping the room cool with minimal effort.

Guy has found a very special niche in the market with his unique design and business model.

Guy and his team were fantastic from start to finish. The urban cave seemed to pop into existence in a matter of days with absolutely minimal disruption to the bush, minimal noise, and the crew left no remnants from the build. Guy is a brilliant communicator - ensuring we were always informed and engaged through the process.

This has been the best and easiest building project we have ever been involved in. We give Guy and the team at Urban Caves the highest recommendation.

Andrew and Steve

MARLBOROUGH

Wishing

members

Advocating for people 50 +

From the President’s Desk

It is with a glad heart that I see we are returning to some semblance of normality.

Spring is full steam ahead with blossom appear ing on the trees and the warmer weather kicking in. Mask wearing is no longer mandatory in most areas now and it is lovely to see the effects of the 2-year pandemic waning.

It is my hope that our more vulnerable seniors will now find the courage to venture out into the real world again and enjoy our new found freedom as we no longer have to live in fear.

Smile your biggest smile, laugh your loudest laugh and enjoy life.

Gayle Chambers President

Meet the President:

Office Snippets:

The office will be closed on Monday 10 October.

Usual office hours are 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday.

Work is starting on Discount Book 2023. We are always looking for extra businesses to join, and particularly welcome businesses outside Blenheim for our non-Blen heim based members to use. Picton, for example, has several hundred members… Please get in touch with the office for more information: office@greypowermarlborough. co.nz or 578 4950.

We are still chasing some mem bers for overdue subscriptions. Please let us know if you decide not to renew your membership. With so many of our members taking advantage of Grey Power Electric ity’s discounted rates, and emails sometimes going to Spam folders or email addresses changing, we are

unable to assume that non-payment means non-renewal.

Please remember to let the office know if any of your contact details have changed. As part of chasing the overdue subscriptions, we know that many members no longer have landline telephone numbers. Posting overdue subscription invoices repeatedly is just not possible financially for a non-profit organisation.

New stock of the Why Keep It Secret? booklet is on its way. This is a great little booklet for you to write down medical information, where to find your will, insuranc es, bank accounts and investments and personal contacts etc. Only $6 from the office at Room 19, 25 Alfred Street, Blenheim, 9am –1pm Monday to Friday.

The Stroke Foundation will have a van doing free blood pressure

Scam Alerts

The Financial Services Federation represents responsi ble non-bank lenders operating in New Zealand. It warns of a scam operating in their name and targeting older and more vulnerable people. Their website is www.fsf.org.nz

Over recent weeks older people have been targeted by phone or email by someone claiming to be from the FSF (in emails the FSF logo has been used to add authenticity) seeking money from them in order that an amount of money in turn may be released to them that, of course, is never forthcoming.

checks at Pak’nSave Blenheim on Tuesday 25 October, 12.30pm –5.30pm.

You can get copies of this newslet ter online or at your local supermar ket if it has not been delivered, and also get it from our website above.

The Marlborough Emergency Management rescue / response team is going through a national accreditation audit on Oct 8th and 9th and wants volunteers to play the role of casualties. They would not be placed in a hazardous situation but would be given some informa tion cards about their injuries, so the team have to determine the tri age priorities. Please contact Gary Spence, Emergency Management Officer

15 Seymour Street, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 520 7475 021 220 4612 www.marlborough.govt.nz

Upskilling on the computer

Literacy Aotearoa is a national organisa tion of adult literacy providers. Grey Power New Zealand has highlighted the need for digital inclusion and upskill support, and programmes for older persons.

would like to meet Gayle,

president, there is the monthly

her

For information on scamming alerts on phones, texts, emails, and Facebook see: www.netsafe.org.nz – 0508 638 723

the Grey Power

October 11am to 12pm

in the

Street

The following service by Literacy Aotearoa is free to citizens or NZ permanent residents who can commit to a minimum of 8 hours of tuition. It covers understanding your digital device, e-mailing and texting, social media, including sharing your videos and photos, using the internet safely, online banking and shopping, finding, downloading and using apps and basic computing. Go to their website at https://www.literacy.org.nz/

to be bringing

the

MARLBOROUGH

Advocating for people 50 +

News about Falls

Info on resources and support networks

Emma Sorensen-Brown is the new Community Falls Prevention Coordinator for Marlborough, working within the Nelson Bays Primary Health Promotion Team.

She advises the following. A patient can be referred via GP, Practice Nurse, Hospital physiotherapist but also by a community physiotherapist or self-referred. A referral can be made simply by a physio by email to fall sprevention@nbph.org.nz with the patient’s name and contact number.

If the patient is considered to benefit from coming along to the session because they have had a fall, trip, stumble or are just more unsteady than they were then they can be referred to Falls Prevention.

The patient can then be invited by Emma to a 2 hour “More Stable, More Able” Falls Pre vention education session, free for anyone over 60 years at such risk. Quite informal, it allows for the group to speak openly about their own views and feel-

ings about why they may have fallen; morning or afternoon tea provided.

It focusses on strength & balance, access to ACC approved exercise classes, hazards and obstacles, nutrition, hydration, bone health and how to get up off the floor following a fall.

There is a “More Stable, More Able” session upcoming on Thursday 27 October from 10 am to 12 noon at Stadium 2000.

E-mail Emma.SorensenBrown@nbph.org.nz

offering discounts to Grey Power members

Terms and conditions may well apply. More information may be found in our discount book.

Lynfords Furniture 43 Scott Street ph 577 9506 10% discount off the RRP Majestic Plumbing and Gas 15% off labour on maintenance work ph 577 6920 or 021 625 378 majesticplumbing.co.nz

Managed Computer Networks 64-66 High St Blenheim ph 577 9099 email support@mcn.co.nz 10% on services

Marlborough M S Society 25 Alfred St Blenheim email mmss@xtra.co.nz ph 027 255 1299 or 578 4058 support ing people who may have Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s.

SECURITY AT THE TOUCH

Eldernet provides a wide variety of resources for older people and their support networks. The service is available via their website https://www.eldernet. co.nz/ or by hard copy request. They also profile a range of products and services for the older person, including: Community Groups; Dental and Denture services; Hearing; Vision; Travel, Tours and Recreation; and Equipment and Products.

The Eldernet website includes a nationwide database directory and comprehensive information about community groups and organisations, home help services, rest homes, aged care facilities, retirement villages, private hospitals, dementia care, public hospitals and other third age services for seniors.

Eldernet’s “Where from here” publication (which is updated every 12 months) is free. Hard copy books can also be ordered on-line on www.wherefromhere. co.nz or by phoning 0800 162 706.

Employers and employees - a website for senior workers

Street Blenheim 5% discount on parts and service ph 577 5335 www.mayfieldmotorworld.co.nz

McKendry Motors 56 Charles Street Blenheim 5% discount on parts and service. ph 578 3379

McRaes Fashion 53 Market St Blen heim 10% discount ph 578 5886

Mike Pero offers lower fees/costs ph 021 797 454 email Debbie.webster@ mikepero.com

Michael Rea at Ray White Estate offers an exclusive discount ph 027 364 3914 www.michaelrea.co.nz

New Heritage Bakery and Cafe 10 % discount 5 Mills and Ford Road East ph 570 5598 www.newheritagebakery.co.nz

This website offers information for workers and businesses alike to advise them on opportunities for senior workers who are 50+ years of age. The website offers tips, case studies, demolishes myths, opens up opportunities for both employer and employees and is a most valuable read.

https://www.business.govt.nz/ mature-workers-toolkit/

It makes sense to consider our older work force especially in these times of labour shortage. Can our employers offer flexible hours for capable and dependable workers who can still perform the tasks but are not available for 8 hour day/40 hour weeks?

Christma

year

Escape room activity

Fancy robbing a bank, heroically recovering precious stolen art, or breaking out of prison (you were wrongfully convicted, of course)?

Then Xscape Space has got you sorted, with mind-boggling puzzles and clues being the name of the game.

Xscape Space - Nelson’s Premier Escape Rooms offer something fun, outside-of-the box and challenging. Escape Rooms are a great activity for a family outing, a friends’ catch-up, a team-building exercise, that special (or impossible to buy for) birthday, or the ultimate stag or hen night, or even a different date night experience.

They offer seven themed rooms with two sets of race-off rooms for those with a competitive streak: Get your mind thinking outside the box with puzzles and clues that

will boggle it, while racing against the clock with your work team or other families.

Business Owners Lindsay and Genie Brad ley say our spacious venue can accommodate up to 45 people per hour, there is plenty of free off street parking.

We offer private bookings for larger groups by arrangement.

If you are curious and would like more information, or to book your session, contact the friendly team today.

Xscape Space – Nelson’s Premier Escape Rooms

2a Estuary Place (off Lower Queen St), Richmond.

Phone 021 972 221

Email bookings@xscapespace.co.nz

Web www.xscapespace.co.nz

Add fun to your next festive function

It’s the first week of October and already Christmas decorations are appearing in retail shops and super markets throughout Marlborough.

For workplaces this can only mean one thing; it’s time to book your staff Christmas function!

The first step is to set a date but when you do, it would pay to contact local hospitality businesses to book your Christmas function in advance.

Not only does this take the hard work out of putting on a function, but it is also supporting other local businesses.

Next, speak with the manager of the restaurant, bar or conference room provider to discuss catering options.

Most businesses will be happy to cater to any needs and often have helpful suggestions for a set menu and drink options.

For added fun you can then set a dress theme. It could be a decade theme or even a challenge, like wearing as many Christmas ornaments on an outfit as possible.

Finally, in the spirit of giving you could invite your colleagues/employees to participate in a ‘Secret Santa’ gift giving to a nominated value.

Another option could be to use the occasion to benefit a local charity by asking them to donate an item to a collection. This could be canned food for an animal rescue organization, or for the local Foodbank.

Christmas Work outing

Nailing down true cost of herbage seed crops

By Annette Scott

Federated Farmers has designed a tool to help arable farmers find the true costs of production to ensure the financial viability of their herbage seed businesses.

Soaring production costs have pushed New Zealand’s herbage seed industry into a cost-of-living crisis, Federated Farmers herbage seed chair John McCaw said.

Herbage seed production – which is crucial to all New Zealand pastoral farming operations – has become marginally profitable for cropping farmers and without a reset will not be sustainable in the future, he said. Concerns about the sector prompted

Rather than demand ing a certain price per kilogram, Feds is look ing to raise awareness o f t he true cost of seed production.

an industry-wide look at costs and ways to ensure sustainable production, and the development of a cost-of-pro duction spreadsheet that offers growers a unique tool with which to analyse all relevant costs associated with growing ryegrass and white clover seed crops and running the farm.

It even allows for a return on in vestment.

Its release coincides with a recent Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) gross margin analysis for ryegrass seed production.

That analysis showed a break-even result on seed production – but a profit from associated lamb trading.

“Herbage seed production is a risky business and farmers deserve better

than break-even,” John said.

The Feds spreadsheet includes lamb-grazing income, but John ac knowledged not all arable farmers are willing or able to trade lambs.

“Grazing lambs requires capital, la bour, and infrastructure quite separate to that of seed production.

“Having ryegrass in the system facilitates lamb grazing but this should not be used to justify a lower seed price to growers.”

Gross margins have their place, but is concerned they are not the right tool in this instance.

“It’s all about the cost of production; gross margin analysis is simplistic and useful only for considering one crop option against another.”

Turn stones into soil!

Stone

Nick McIntyre

Reserve Bank cautious on dairy industry recovery

By Nick Clark

The financial system is still sound but hous ing, dairy, and bank funding costs remain key risks, according to the Reserve Bank’s latest six-monthly Financial Stability Report.

The Reserve Bank observed that low dairy prices in the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons caused the average dairy farm to make losses. Commodity prices have improved over recent months and this has prompted Fonterra and other dairy companies to increase their forecast milk prices which, if met, would return the average dairy farm to profitability.

However, the Reserve Bank warns that parts of the dairy sector remain under significant pressure and some farms will struggle to be profitable, especially the 20 percent of dairy farms that account for 50 percent of dairy debt.

The good news is that fears around a ‘severe’ scenario, where many farms are potentially put out of business, have receded. However, high debt levels leave the sector vulnerable to further weakness in dairy prices.

Watch-list loans and non-performing loans, although both relatively low at present, are likely to increase even as farm incomes im prove. So some farmers are likely to remain under pressure from their banks.

With this in mind, Federated Farmers will

be continuing with its Banking Surveys. The November survey is currently in the field.

The growth in agricultural debt is con tinuing to slow, according to the Reserve Bank’s October Sector Credit Statistics.

Agricultural debt was $60.9 billion, up $32 million in September. The annual rate of growth is down to 3.8 percent (from 9.2 percent a year ago).

In the Financial Stability Report the Reserve Bank said that while lending for farm working capital has continued to grow, lending for capital investment (including farm purchases) has been falling.

Business confidence slipped in November but remains positive and indicative of solid growth to come according to ANZ’s monthly Business Outlook Survey.

Overall, a net 20.5 percent of respondents expect the economy to improve over the next 12 months, down 4 points on October, while a net 37.6 percent expect their own activity to increase, down 1 point. The latter is a better indicator of growth prospects and it remains elevated.

Agriculture for a change was more upbeat than businesses generally, with a net 27.2 percent expecting the economy to improve, up 20 points, and a net 32.3 percent expecting their own activity to increase, up 8 points. Improved dairy prices will have been a big factor.

Export goods prices fell by 2.8 percent

in the quarter, with falls for dairy (down 3.7 percent), meat (down 3.1 percent), and forestry (down 4.1 percent). Goods import prices were down a more modest 1.0 percent.

The Reserve Bank warns that parts of the dairy sector remain under significant pressure and some farms will struggle to be profitable, especially the 20 percent of dairy farms that account for 50 percent of dairy debt.

online

blenheimsun.co.nz

Tyre condition and tread depth

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm over at least 75% of the road-contact surface of the tyre.

Tyre pressure

Have you established the pressures that work best for you, your suspension set-up and the tyres you’re using? No? Then check the factory recommendations in your manual or find them online. Then check the tyres with a gauge. Using the one at the servo is better than nothing but an accurate gauge is something every rider should own.

Lights - front and rear

Dipped beam, full beam, rear light, brake light operation (front and rear brake sepa rately) plus all four indicators.

Brakes - front and rear

Look over the brake discs for any rust, pitting or damage. Look at the brake pads inside the calipers: do they have plenty of ‘meat’ left? Squeeze the pedal and lever to check for smooth operation and pressure.

Sit on the bike, roll it forward and check for operation. Finally, take it for a short test ride, make sure the brakes are operating 100%, then look over the fluid levels and hoses to check for any cracks or leaks.

Brake and clutch fluid levels

Check the fluid levels in all master cylin ders. If they’ve gone down while the bike has been sitting, be suspicious.

Oil level

Ensure the bike is positioned bolt upright, not on its side stand. Use a centre stand, pad dock stand or get a mate to help. Many bikes have a sight glass, others use a dip stick. If you do need to top up the oil, make sure you use the recommended grade for your bike.

Drivetrain condition

Get the back wheel off the ground so you can rotate it by hand. Turn the wheel with one hand so you can check the chain, section by section. Look for tight spots or links that are seized. If you do find a problem area, it may free up with a clean and lube.

Cables and controls

Look over the hand and foot levers and make sure nothing’s loose. Squeeze the le vers and make sure they’re free. If you have a cable clutch, make sure the cable action is smooth and check the top and bottom of the cable to ensure there’s no fraying or rust: otherwise, it’s replacement time.

Suspension operation

Sit on the bike and bounce the rear shock. It should compress smoothly then release smoothly, in one movement.

Steering operation

Ideally, you need to get the front wheel off the ground to check this. Turn the bars from side to side: there should be no resistance, sticking or noise from the head bearings.

Summer is on its way and we need to get our bikes ready to make the most of the long warm days we are expecting.

Let’s do a 10 POINT SAFETY CHECK

TheSuntxt talk

Congestion

Hello Marlborough Roads isn’t it time to address the traffic conges tion we have on Main Street, Grove Road and Nelson Street, to name a couple. There’s only going to be more cars on the road in the future.

Dog neutering

I was fortunate enough 4years ago to get help from JAX Enterprises here in Marlborough to desex my dog.

They do a great job, quietly behind the scenes helping people desex their pets.

Crossing fixed?

Please could the crossing on Main street - Red wood Street railway roundabout be fixed. Our car would really appreciate it. So would we!

Countryside dump

Countryside properties, State Highway 1 to Picton on the Para straight, take note, the crude amount of junk and decrepit farm buildings are an eyesore.

Some people would give their right arm to have a piece of land and these properties are treated like a dump site!

Thank you

I just wanted to say thank you to Roger and the team at Mikes Mowers. I got a great deal on a new mower and catcher recently. Really great people to deal with and I want to highly recommend Roger.

Disgrace

What is the council doing allowing people to dump their old car bodies on the side of the road opposite Para road? What a disgrace, owner should be made to move them.

Numerous complaints

Interesting to read the numerous complaint letters about our Countdown outlets, espe cially Redwoodtown.

Personally, I’ve found the staff/staffing @ the Town and Springlands pretty good. Redwoodtown is another matter. Consistently understaffed for personal Customer Service... plenty of shelf pickers for phone orders though. Their ‘quick’ service & lotto booth is regularly closed & their price tagging system is abysmal with many instances of (attempted) overcharging...never undercharged though.

English name also

Went to have lunch at at the Jolly Rodger, noticed the street name is in Maori now.

Don’t have a problem with that but could the English name be put underneath please

Look twice

A warning to all cyclists out there.

Last Tuesday 20th September, around 11.00am, I was cycling West on Wither Road.

As I approached the intersection with Weld Street, I noticed a white Courier van pull up at the Stop sign on my right.

I presumed the lady driver had seen me as I was wearing a hi-vis jacket. Nek minit, she accelerated and I realised she hadn’t seen me.

I braked heavily and she saw me at the last minute and hit the picks.

It was the closest I had ever come in 72 years of cycling, to being wiped out. I could see by the look on the couriers face, she got a big fright too.

Talk of the week

Invaluable

Thank you Anne Best for the amazing job you have done as Mayoress. Your contribution to Marlborough has been invaluable.

Re: ‘CBD quiet, No Difference’

Para Cars

Recent MDC law precedents S(abrgd) and also H(abrgd), means any landowner be it for; collecting, dismantling, business, or invited green waste dumping, allows placement of anything whatsoever, on their land, to be lawful. Visual or odour pollution it is only the perception of a minority! Abhorrent as it is; voted in you did! You either re-write the book with Alec or leave as litigation for Mike.

Horrible person

Mr Picton was a horrible person that we should want no affiliation with. I think people’s issue with changing Pictons name is because it is a Māori name proposed. If it was being changed to an English name there would be much less opposition - just another example of how small minded and racist our country is.

Aramex

I can see why they changed their name from Fastways - they’re anything but !

First time I received 2 very dead plants that took 12 days travel from Christchurch to Blenheim. No compensation received as by the time they bothered to answer my query, the time had lapsed to put in a claim.

Now still waiting a fortnight later for another plant to arrive from ChCh - I should have checked with sender who the courier was going to be - my bad!

As for me using them again, I’d rather have a root canal!

Worst company EVERRRR!

Massacre of trees

Oh my goodness what a shocking massacre of the olive trees in the Olive Grove Burleigh Bridge river area. Don’t you have access to a good tree pruner.

Please drivers, look twice before you proceed at intersections, you may save someone’s life.

Supermarkets

Not one person I’ve heard run down New World.

It’s not even about covid, that’s a weak excuse. New world don’t have all their stocks either, but they have their check outs open and are willing to help customers.

Bad day

NZ Post worker for Macey Crescent ; remember that you’re definitely not the only one whose life isn’t going exactly to plan .

Maybe next time you could push my recycling bin another few inches to the side instead of biffing it out into narrow roadway and leaving it there. ( Very professional and grown-up)

How would you react in my position?

Welcome to come have a coffee and a laugh over the security videos (mine and the neigh bor’s) any time things aren’t going your way.

Language week

One wonders if Australia has an Aboriginal Language week or is it just the Aussie owned retailer trying to follow this Government’s trend of speaking Maori in advertising that the majority of New Zealanders cant understand?

Disappointed

I popped into my favorite Supermarket about 2.30 on Saturday and thought I’d grab something nice and hot at the lovely Cafe. I was very disappointed to find it was closed. Hope it’s only temporary. Good cafe, well priced and nice staff.

For 35 yrs the CBD has stagnated. All attempts to reboot have failed, wasted time & tax payer money. Recent earthquake work was the perfect time for landlords, retailers & council to cooperate and work towards a mutually beneficial future. To close Market St to traffic, enclose the space to combat ongoing weather issues. Improve carpark behind and walkthrough capacity, & finally give the citizens of Marlborough and visitors what they’ve been asking for... An all season mall! Maybe include local wines, food & products to promote our region!

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.

5 minutes with...

Kamni-Raju Russell

Bras and Briefs Expert

Are you a dog or cat person?

Without doubt

DOG! We have two rescued dogs and sometimes my girls tell me that I love those more.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Archaeologist.

One thing we’d be surprised to know about you?

No matter how late I am to anywhere, if a good song comes on the radio while I am in the car, I will wait for it to finish.

 Have you met anyone famous?

Growing up I have met His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV and His Majesty George Tupou V. I have also met the Prince and Princess of Wales during their first trip to the Solomon Islands.

 My favourite food to cook or eat is...? I love Japanese food and my sister’s lamb curry.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? Seaside Gems. My husband has banned me from there!

 What’s your favourite game of sport to watch? Rugby but be prepared to hear me scream.

 Your dream weekend involves....? Walks along the Taylor River with my family or exploring the South Island.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Hubby and I have just finished watching the The Stranger.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Take my family to Samoa. I worked there in my mid-twenties and had the best time of my life.

It is a new gardening season and once it warms up the pest populations will quickly grow.

So far the temperatures have been below what would be normal for this time of the year and considering we are only a few weeks away from Labour Weekend it is most strange.

Temperatures have a great bearing on insect pest activity and population growth.

An ideal spring is an early one with 2-3 weeks of nice warm temperatures which attract the pests out of hiding to get on with their lives. Then a sudden cold snap for a week will bowl most of them out of our gardens and then delay the problems they cause till after the new year.

As the weather/temperatures are not great yet it means they are marking time for better days.

If we place controls in now and over the next few weeks we will be able to stop, confuse and eliminate a lot of the pests before their populations start to build.

This can be achieved by quick elimina tion of the pests that are lurking about on our plants by the use of the quick knock down spray; Wallys Super Pyrethrum.

For general use at 1ml to 2 litres of water (5ml to 10 litres of water) It is very concentrated and very cost effective.

Best used just prior to sunset when bee activity has ceased.

The spray will stay active through the night affecting any pest insects that come into contact with the residue.

Next day it will become inactive within 2 hours of direct sunlight.

You can also use Wallys Super Pyre thrum at 2.5ml per litre for a spray under eaves for spider or indoors for flies etc.

Contains: 28g/litre pyrethrins in the form of an oil in water emulsion

A 1ml pipet is supplied in addition to the measure which is on the side of the bottle.

Note the container has 100mils which makes up 200 litres of normal garden spray strength.

If not all the made up spray is used, then place the sprayer in a dark cupboard to keep it ready for future use.

The next step in pest control is to hide your plants so the pests don’t know that they are there.

Of course you can’t lift the plants and hide them some where but seeing many pests find their host plants by the smell of them, then we can disguise the plant’s smell by an over riding stronger smell.

Wallys Neem Tree Granules are perfect for this and even I have been surprised by the many comments from Landscapers and gardeners about how their pest problems have reduced by simply scattering Wallys Neem Tree Granules over the soil near plants, shrubs and even trees.

Ideal in a glasshouse to stop whitefly from smelling your tomato plants.

Placed under your citrus trees and

Rhododendrons it will not only disguise the smell of the plants but also clean up any pests in the canopy. Repeat another application 3 months later.

On fruit trees that maybe attacked by either Codlin Moth or Guava Moth I suggest to also make some little bags out of old curtain netting, fill with the Neem Granules and hang in the tree at the four cardinal points about your height, high.

Moths flying around at night will not be able to smell the fruit so easily and so fly on by not knowing there is a ideal place to lay their eggs.

Another excellent control is a lure and trap which can be a from a color or a smell.

Wallys Sticky Yellow White Fly traps are ideal for both inside a glasshouse and out side hanging by plants such as tomatoes.

It always amazes me how many small adult pests are caught on these yellow sticky pads.

That in itself stops hundreds of eggs being laid and the resulting damage to your plants.

Then there is also another way to control moth problem by which you set up a moth lure to attract them and kill them.

Take one litre of hot water add a 100 grams of sugar, one teaspoon of marmite, half a tablespoon of Cloudy Ammonia and half a tablespoon of Vanilla: Mix well and divide the mix between two plastic milk or soft drink bottles. (500 mils approx each)

Punch or drill some holes (big enough to allow a moth in) in the side of the bottles just above the level of the mix. Place on a stand about a couple of metres away from the tree. At about waist height like on a small folding table.

When a number of moths are caught dis pose of them and make up a new solution.

Ideal for both codlin and guava moths.

Then we can have control of the psyllid pest which effects and destroys our tomatoes, potatoes and tamarillos and to a lessor extent, capsicums, chilies, peppino and okra.

If you had psyllid problems on your tomatoes last season this is what you do.

When you plant your tomato seedling water it in with a solution of Wallys Silicon and Boron Soil Drench, used at 10ml per

litre of water apply about a 150mls of the solution into the soil to water the seedling in. You will repeat this again two weeks later.

This gets the silicon into the plant through the roots and the plant takes it up readily because of the boron.

You then mix Wally Silicon Cell Strengthener Spray used at 5ml per litre of non-chlorinated water and Mixed with Wallys Silicon Super Spreader used at just 1mil per 5 litres of non chlorinated water.

(Comes a 100ml bottle makes 500 litres of spray, use the 1ml Transfer Pipet supplied to measure)

Mix these two products into a one litre Trigger sprayer which will be 5mils of Wally Silicon Cell Strengthener Spray with quarter a mil of Silicon Super Spreader which drives the spray into the tomato plant. Spray the young plants each week till about a metre tall.

The spray keeps ok so just place out of direct sunlight to use again next time, after giving the contents a shake.

Once a metre tall spray 2 weekly and then when you reach the stage when there is a good fruit set spray once a month for any new growth.

Done correctly you will wipe out all the psyllids in your back yard or glasshouse and be free of the pests next season until they find their way back from the neighborhood.

Remember that a lot of pests are brought home on plants obtained from elsewhere including places you purchased from.

Root mealy bug is a curse insect as is root nematodes both suck goodness out of the roots of plants they are feeding on. On container plants and out doors they can be treated with Wallys Neem Tree Powder sprinkle a little on to the potting mix then cover with a little more potting mix.

On lawns you can do the same but in gardens where the pests are just use Wallys Neem Tree Granules. Often gardeners are surprised at how good the treated plants are after a few weeks of application.

Thats because they dont have the pests sucking out their goodness anymore.

Here is to a reduced pest problem this season.

STUDIOS

COME

Nova Starr

Sheryl Whiting and Year 13 MGC student Charlotte McLean at the Marlborough Girls’ College cultural

A

FLUFFY FRIENDS @ Springlands Veterinary Centre.

CHERRYBANK

Multi skilled Machinery Operator

Rose Ag manages its own vineyards and provides harvesting and spreading services to clients, having been established 50+ years. We are based in Springlands/Woodbourne with further vineyards in Hawkesbury.

We require a reliable, enthusiastic person to join our small but friendly team. This is a full time position, with extended hours required during busy periods such as grape harvest and the peak of spreading.

The position is varied across spreading, truck driving, grape harvester driving, tractor work in the vineyard, maintenance of machinery and hands on vineyard work such as post replacements. Every day is different.

Ideally the applicant will have experience driving heavy machinery, a class 4 license and have a good health & safety ethic.

Finding the right person to fit our team is important & training will be given – therefore we are also interested in people that are not experienced in the above areas but have had farm machinery/tractor experience & are keen to learn new skills and after a fresh challenge.

You will need a current full drivers license and be eligible to work in New Zealand. As part of our recruitment process pre-employment checks may include drug & alcohol testing.

If this sounds like you, please forward your cv and covering letter to: tracy@roseag.co.nz

Please phone Tracy on 5786580 or 0274441404 if you require further information.

Beauty Therapist / Retail Assistant

We are looking for a qualified beauty therapist to join our busy beauty therapy room.

Must have confidence in

• Waxing • Massage

• Facials

• Tinting

• Basic Manicures & Pedicure.

Hours of work Monday- Friday 9am-5.30pm and one rostered Saturday morning a month. (No late nights!) 1 year fixed term contract to cover parental leave.

The position will be mixture of beauty & retail work.

The successful applicant must be fully qualified with a minimum certificate/ diploma in Beauty Therapy.

Email C.V’s & covering letters to: becslight@yahoo.co.nz or drop it into: Wairau Pharmacy, 47 Scott Street by Saturday 15th Oct.

Vineyard OperatOr

Dog Point is an organically run vineyard located at the confluence of the Brancott and Omaka Valleys.

This is a ‘hands-on’ role, reporting to the Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager. This role covers all aspects of vineyard functions from machinery operation of specialist equipment through to day-to-day vineyard tasks.

Main aspects of the job require:

• Previous tractor experience desirable.

• A desire and passion for quality.

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

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

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

• Growsafe and Approved Handler Certificates desirable.

The successful applicant will have an eye for detail, be prepared to be involved at all levels, and be able to work extended hours when necessary. Remuneration will be in accordance with experience and skill level. Please send applications to nigel@dogpoint.co.nz

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

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man pine $300 per cord.

Public Notice – National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land

Minister

COMING

Closing Down

Grants

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY LAW CENTRE INCORPORATED

town please.

to LEASE ( or share) wanted. I work during the night. Clean and you can work during the day. Sharing today’s expenses is absolutely necessary I am a Retired Chef- Chef Tutor.

collections, coin collections, old toys, post cards etc. Cash paid. Ph 021 138 8949.

te D TO BUY- Old tobacco tins, NZ postcards, military items, garden tools, wood working 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.

SIMPSON: Gweneth Vivienne, 1935 – 2022. Brian, Murray, Viv, Vaughan, Richard and fam ilies would like to express their heartfelt thanks to those who made contact and shared their thoughts, memories and condolences. Also a big thank you to everyone who has sent cards, flow ers and baking. It was wonderful to see all those who came to her funeral service, Mum would have been truly amazed. Thank you to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services for their kindness and sup port. Please accept this as a personal acknowl edgement of our gratitude to you all.

GIBSON, John David: On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Hospice Marlbor ough, with family at his side. Aged 92 years.

Loving and loved husband of the late Shir ley, adored and cherished Dad of Ian and Jenny, Neil (deceased) and Karena, Jeanette, and Cheryl and Neil (Harry). Doting Gran dad (of Sheree and Lauren, Courtney and Connor, Jordan, Roie and Neil, and Blair and Beth). A loved brother and uncle. “Wrap death’s fine cloak about you and wrap about you also our words and tears. Leave us then and go carried by the sounds of water, the speaking of words, go to the night everlast ing where the many gather to greet you.”

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: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm. Saturday 9.30am - 4pm. Sunday 10am2pm. Public Holidays 10am - 2pm. 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 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, 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

Special thanks to the Aberleigh Village staff for their care of John over the last 18 months, and to the St John ambulance ser vice, the staff in ED, and at Hospice Marl borough, for the care and respect shown to him in his last hours. Messages may be sent to the Gibson Family, c/- 101 Thomas Road, RD3, Blenheim 7273. A private cremation has taken place with a memorial service for John to occur at St. Luke’s Church, Spring Creek at 2pm on Friday October 7th. This will be followed by a private interment of John and Shirley.

MURRAY, Wilson Antony Charles: As the result of a tragic accident, on Tuesday September 27, 2022. Aged 21 years. Much loved son of Leicester and Laura, cherished grandson of the late Peter and Janet Murray, Holt, and the late Mildred Priddy (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA). Loved nephew of Marjorie and Andrew Cunningham, Phyllis Hyde, the late Catherine and Alan Bugg, Dr Nelson Priddy and Dr Diane Preziosi (An chorage, Alaska, USA). Loved cousin of Matthew, Katie and Amy; Quinten, Ella and Declan. Messages may be sent to the Murray Family, Wharanui, Private Bag 1251, Blen heim 7240. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Oswald’s Memorial Church would be appreciated and may be made at the ser vice, or online to a/c 06-0601-0725269-50 Ref. MURRAY. A funeral service for Wil son will be held at Christ’s College Chapel, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch at 3pm on Thursday October 13, followed by private cremation.

Respectfully

BOAZ: Lesley Frances Mary (Lee). On 2 October 2022 peacefully at Ashwood Park Rest Home, aged 75 years. At Lee’s request a private cremation will be held. To view the full notice please visit our website www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

BULMER, Shirley Frances: Passed away peacefully, on Saturday October 1, 2022. Aged 89 years. Much loved wife of the late Jim, loved mother and mother-in-law of Diane and Bruce, and Donald and Kerry. Loved grand mother of Kelly and Paul, Anna and Chris, Janna and Andrew, Samuel, and Harriet; loved great grandmother of Olivia, Clark, Addie, Angus and Sterling. Messages may be sent to the Bulmer Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, a private family service has taken place.

Respectfully

EASTGATE, Patricia Cecily (Pat): On Sat urday, September 24, 2022, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village. Aged 95 years. Loved daughter of the late Fred and Jean Lucas. Beloved wife of the late Ken. Adored Mum of Bob and Jan, Jackie and the late Rog er Jenkins, and Rachel and David Bright. Dearly loved Nanna of William, Joseph and Samuel; Alice and Kate; and Thomas and Alex and Step-nanna of Kimberly and Jac quie. Loved by her six great-grandchildren. Messages may be sent to the Eastgate Fam ily, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In ac cordance with Pat’s wishes a private service has been held.

ROBERTSON: Velda Marlene. On 28 September 2022, after a brief illness, at Wairau Hospital, in her 84th year. At Velda’s request a private cremation has been held. To view the full notice please visit our web site www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

HI c KMAN: Osborne John (Ossie). On September 29, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, aged 78 years. The fu neral mass for Ossie will be held at St Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Friday, October 7 at 11am, followed by a burial at Ward Ceme tery at 3pm and a gathering after at the Ward hall. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

WINDER, Helen. 7 Oct 2019. Forever in my thoughts, forever in my heart. John xxx

McKEOWN, Duncan Milne: Passed away on Friday October 22, 2021, peacefully at his home. Aged 84 years. Loved husband of the late Glenda. Loved father and father-in-law of Donna (deceased) and David McQueen, David and Sharyn, Hamish and Liz. Loved grandad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. A memorial service to honour Dun can’s life will be held in the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 1pm on Friday October 7. Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

Havelock Health Expo in the Havelock Town Hall on Saturday 8th October 10am -3pm. Twenty-three health professionals in one place willing to share their information. Free entry and a free raffle ticket for all. Covid/ Flu and MMR vaccination available.

Margaret - Volunteer of the Year

By Chris Valli

Margaret Foxton from Blenheim’s Brooklyn Croquet Club has been recognized by Croquet New Zea land as the Volunteer of the Year.

The acknowledgement was an nounced at the recent AGM held in Wellington, last Wednesday.

Margaret has been secretary for the Brooklyn Croquet Club for the past two years. The past year she has also picked up the duties of act ing club captain. The recognition came as a surprise for her.

“I’m just part of a team. I enjoy being part of it with everyone pitching in together. I certainly didn’t expect it.

“We’ve had a tough year with los ing two key members of the club by moving away from the area/region. I was 2IC at the time but everybody helps and has done a fantastic job. The support has been fantastic.”

Brooklyn Croquet Club member Roz Bridges says Margaret has been instrumental in developing the programme for the club which included assisting in the attraction of eight new members and main taining the database accordingly.

“She was always there to meet new members and make them welcome and if necessary partner them with a member of the club. It was accepted within the club that Marg was always first to arrive and last to leave each club day.”

Roz says as secretary she main

tained all minutes from the monthly committee meetings and also produced an informative newsletter for club members plus further short letters as events evolved over the last year.

“Firstly there was Covid and the interruption this caused. All messages from CNZ re the Covid response were sent to Marg and activated from her to the club. She made sure all members were aware of Covid restrictions as they occurred and the use of masks being paramount.

“She was assistant tournament manager for the successful Veter ans Tournament held in conjunc tion with the South Island Masters Games. The Vets tournament attracted competitors from as far north as Hawera and south to Timaru. She was also involved in the scoring of this tournament.”

Margaret’s responsibilities also included her role as the local (Mas ters) Games manager where she checked all categories and entries of which there were 237 and 168 of these at Brooklyn for which she was scorer.

She was Tournament Manager at the Croquet Marlborough GC Handicap Doubles and Singles tournament held in March accept ing the entries, doing the draw and scoring for this also.

Marg is also part of the club committee who are promoting the Secondary Schools Championships

Eagles hosting Charity Tournament

By Chris Valli.

Nelson/Marlborough Golf Eagles are hoping for a good turnout for their annual Halberg Foundation Charity Golf Tournament this month.

Marlborough is hosting the tournament this year, an 18 hole mens and womens, plus teams, stableford format, to be played at the Marlborough Golf Club on Friday October 14.

“We are really hoping for a field of 120 (or more)” one of the organisers, Graeme Daines, says. All proceeds from the tournament go the Halberg Foundation. Founded by Olympic champion Sir Murray Halberg in 1963 the Foundation aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders by enabling them to participate through sport and recreation.

Over the years the Eagles Golf Society have raised over $5.5 million for the Halberg Foundation. We are grateful to all the golfers and sponsors who have supported this very worthy cause.

Membership to the Eagles Golf Society is by invita tion only, and is extended to golfers who have made a significant contribution to promoting the game.

“There are fantastic prizes to be won for individual winners and the team’s event,” says Graeme.

The entry fee is $25 per person, and entries close on Sunday October 9.

Entries can be sent to Graeme Daines, 5 Logan Place phone 0211936544, or Dave Watson, 29 Grigg Drive phone 0273157940.

Wed

in September 2023.

The re-development of three of the six lawns Brooklyn has saw Marg make sure all members were aware of working bees as they occurred and that catering where necessary was organised. She also worked on the lawns within the working bees herself. Marg makes herself available

Brooklyn Croquet Club member Roz Bridges says Margaret has been instrumental in developing the programme for the club which included assisting in the attraction of eight new members and maintaining the database accordingly.

for kitchen duty when required and helps setup the rosters for the kitchen, and mirrors this for the clubhouse duties also. She is always available to stand in on any duty required and is often seen setting up hoops on the lawns prior to play. Roz says Marg communicates well with all members and relevant

parties, assists the chairperson with running of meetings and has helped to bring a restored unity to the club.

“Many clubs have a Marg but this one has performed well above the call of duty over the past year. All with a smile, a calmness and efficiency that has endeared her to members of the club.”

Thu

Wairau

Margaret Foxton from Blenheim’s Brooklyn Cro quet Club has been recognized by Croquet New Zealand as the Volunteer of the Year.

Where to now for Joseph Parker?

Joseph Parker is at a crossroads.

The Kiwi heavyweight boxer needs a rebrand after he was stopped for the first time in his career at the hands of Brit Joe Joyce.

Already on the outside looking in when it comes to world title fights, the nice guy of boxing has no clear path to getting back on top.

No one before had stopped

Parker, who has been the distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in the past.

Parker needs to find a way to connect with casual boxing fans.

The 30-year-old is still con sidered young by heavyweight standards so a second and third act in his career is still possible.

The loss drops Parker to 30-3 while Joyce moves to 15-0 with 14 KOs and wins the WBO interim

title to edge closer to a title shot against champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker’s bouts do not generate interest with casual boxing fans.

I would never consider spending $40 to watch the Kiwi box, it’s not entertaining to me.

Granted, I’m no maestro when it comes to the sweet science but if Parker can’t entice me to get excited in his bouts, then I’m

sure he’s struggling to draw an audience in any meaningful way in New Zealand.

Having been stopped by Joyce, it feels like any aura Parker still had as a boxer is now gone.

Reinvention stops things from becoming stale but does Parker have the ability to ask hard ques tions of himself and his team and make the appropriate changes?

Parker can still make good

Anything is possible

By Chris Valli

Thirty years after competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii, local real estate agent Martyn Birch is going back.

The world champs will see a course consisting of a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km cycle and a full 42km marathon, and must be completed in less than 17 hours.

Martyn qualified for the World Champs back in 2020 and was all set to go to Hawaii in October of that year but alas Covid played its part with subsequent changes to the calendar from February 2021, then October 2021, then February 2022 and now finally October 2022. So what is it about triathlon that moti vates him?

“We can all get to a point in our lives where it’s just easier to sit back and accept getting older and let ourselves take the easy route, and I was starting to get to this point so I decided to challenge myself, initially to just complete an Ironman again after 27 years away from the sport.

“After completing the 2019 NZ Iron man I found that yes it hurt but the satisfaction of finishing and challenging myself was much greater than the pain (pain fades but memories last forever). So I decided to go back the following year and see if I could place higher in my age group and hopefully qualify for Hawaii again, and sure enough I finished second in my age group, qualifying for the World Champs.”

Martyn is involved with the Marlbor ough Water Polo Club, and believes the current cohort of youngsters have the aptitude and ability to follow a pathway.

“If they can see that through hard work and dedication then anything is possible, maybe even representing New Zealand one day.

“If I can be of some help or inspiration to them then hopefully, they will chal lenge themselves to achieve something more.”

Martyn lines up on this Saturday, October 8 with 3000 other athletes in the water at Kona and starts the race that he last competed in 30yrs ago.

“This time I might not be as fast as I was back then, but I know one thing, I will not give up. The pain will fade but the pride of putting your mind to something and challenging yourself will last a lifetime.”

money but does he want to be a genuine contender?

He is good mates with heav yweight champion Tyson Fury which is a double-edged sword.

Clearly, Fury is not phased at the prospect of ever facing Parker in the ring but respects him as a man and father.

The age old saying is that the nice guy finishes last and cur rently that fits Parker like a glove.

Marlborough athletes preparing for Special Olympic nationals

By Glenise Dreaver

The Marlborough Special Olympics organisation is sending a squad of 29 to the national summer games, which will run in Hamilton between December 8-12.

Excitement is high, as there has been a Covid-induced hiatus of two years since they were last held.

Nineteen of the team is athletes, the rest coaches and supporters. Organiser Cindy Vining says the cost per athlete is $1400.

While volunteer helpers and coaches are fully paid for, the athletes are expected to contribute by finding a sponsor, the balance of their expenses being raised by such fundraisers as the dinner and auction held at the Bamboo Gardens recently.

Cindy says the athletes draw great enjoy ment from such events and the community participation that goes along with them.

There are nine Marlborough athletes in the ten pin bowling team with the ten others divided between swimming, golf and riding.

Though each athlete may play more than one sport – and most of the squad was enjoying ten pin bowling at Simcox Stadium on Saturday morning when the Sun visited - they are able to compete in only one.

Martyn Birch is going back to compete in Kona Hawaii.