07 December Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Santa returns

Local

Continued on page 2.

By Chris Valli

The definition of community was never better illustrated with the return of the Blenheim Santa Parade at the weekend. After a two year Covid hiatus, there was a wide variety of community groups represented with the Omaka Observatory

Charitable Trust and the Chi nese Association among many who demonstrated a sense of unity, animation and colour for this year’s event.

Kate Cawood says she thought the parade was really good as there hadn’t been one for a while due to the pandemic.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas: Blenheim children enjoying Santa and his float.

Santa Parade a welcome return

Continued from page 1.

“It was awesome to see everyone enjoying themselves and great to see the effort that the volunteers and children involved had put into it. There were so many smiley faces,” she said.

Pre parade entertainment came from Marlborough Academy of Music Director Alison Dight who sang some well-loved Christmas classics in the forum.

Pure Events Marlborough CEO Katrina Lange says it was a fantastic

day and the feedback she has had says it was the best one yet from floats who had participated in the past and the crowd.

“We had 29 floats and walking groups and I think they all made an outstanding effort this year. There were lots of new float participants which was awesome to see. Several people also said they think it’s the biggest crowd they’ve seen too so promotion must have worked well. It was so nice to see many happy people.”

Katrina would like to thank the Marlborough District Council for their ongoing support which enabled Pure Events to bring the event to the community and Brendon Price Computers for their sponsorship along with Pak n Save, Stadium 2000, Delicia Café, Lil’ Orbits Donuts, The Runway Café and Mr Whippy.

The Best Community Float went to the Omaka Observatory Charitable Trust while the Best Commercial Float went to the team at Jennian

Part of the community

A community-inspired project by students from Wairau Valley School has left an indelible impression.

Teacher Lisa McDonald says the Year 3 – 5 students from the Chalice Room have been learning about being part of a community and how it helps people feel like they belong.

Lisa says the students have also

learnt ‘they have rights and respon sibilities when they are part of a community.’

One of those responsibilities was seeing the students making beautiful bouquets of flowers to be placed in their local cemetery.

Lisa says each bouquet has been mortared into the tin to stand the test

of time. Students had family and an cestors buried at the local cemetery. “Thank you to everyone that helped with this project with flower do nations, this has been a heartfelt project and we are very proud of the students for the time and respect they have shown. I am very proud of my students.”

Homes Marlborough. The Best Walking Group went to the Marl borough branch of the Chinese Association.

Meanwhile, the Lions Club of Blenheim’s Mistletoe Market saw a large selection of stalls before the parade with something for everyone. The market is one of the most popular markets in the region and is widely supported by the Blenheim community with many stallholders having attended for a number of years.

LEFT: Year 3-5 students from the Chalice Room at Wairau Valley School and their flowers.

PAYING RESPECT: Wairau Valley student Marshall Barnes at the grave.

So much more than a second hand store

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s leading re-use or ganisation continues to make a positive contribution in the wider Marlborough community.

The Blue Door, a charitable trust in Seymour Street received a commendation award in recog nition of their work to improve the environment at the Marlborough Community Awards last month.

The Creative Kids Trust was the other organisation commended for offering various art therapies to children with differences.

The awards are a partnership be tween Volunteer Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council to recognise volunteer groups making valuable contributions in the community and collaborating or partnering with other groups for the same benefit.

Every year, the Blue Door co-or dinates with the Lions Club for an annual toy collection which manager Bronwen Demmocks says is one of the highlights of her year.

The toy collection was initi ated in 2005 and has provided gifts each year to groups such as Birthright, Women’s Refuge, Wairau Hospital, John’s Kitchen and Bread of Life.

Bronwen says every year staff set aside brand new kids items from incoming donations. They partner with the Marlborough Girls’ College Leos and Women’s Refuge who do the wrapping and distribute the gifts to nominated

groups in time for Christmas.

“This year Blue Door ended up collecting 19 banana boxes of goodies over the year and this would amount to hundreds of gifts,” says Bronwen.

Currently The Blue Door has about 40 volunteers and ages range from in their 20’s to 80’s.

The Blue Door started primarily to keep usable goods from going to landfill, to encourage recy cling and to assist families and individuals in need of a helping hand by providing them with free furniture and household goods.

Bronwen says, eventually profits enabled Blue Door to start giving financial grants to other not-for-

profit organisations and have just ticked over the million dollar mark for grants given away since 2005.

“We recycle everything possible (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal) that can’t be sold in the shop and we’re a collection point for battery recycling. We encourage and show customers upcycling ideas when we can such as making cake stands from wine glasses and plat ters and using cot sides for garden trellis among other things.”

Bronwen has been with the organisation since 2007 and in her current role as manager for about nine years. The origins of the name ‘Blue Door’ came about from the blue door on the former

location and premise which was rented in Auckland Street many years ago.

Bronwen says no day is ever the same.

“You never know what is going to be donated or what treasure one of the customers will find that makes them happy. People donating know their goods aren’t going to landfill and at the same time are raising money for the community. Between volunteers, board members and staff we absolutely have the best team of people so I love coming to work every day.”

The Blue Door will be celebrat ing its 25th birthday in 2023.

inbrief Sun The

Board game to feature as part of NCEA school curriculum

A new board game developed to help build knowledge and understanding of food production will be used as a study tool by secondary school students across New Zealand in 2023.

The new ‘Grow’ board game was officially launched at the Fieldays Opportunity Grows Here Careers Hub.

Developed as part of a joint initiative between Rabobank, Lincoln University and the Agribusiness in Schools Programme, the game was created to support learning by year 11 students studying National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Agribusiness.

It touches on all the major topics included within the agribusiness curriculum and provides students with a fun way to acquire and reinforce the course content.

Resident satisfaction despite difficult year

Marlborough District Council has again received a relatively high resident satisfaction score, with 62% of residents saying they are satisfied with its services.

While the satisfaction level had been comparatively high over the last decade, it decreased to 62% in 2022 from 68% in 2021. However, the Council’s overall satisfaction rating is still on a par with the New Zealand national benchmark for councils.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said while it had been a difficult year for a variety of reasons, satisfaction levels were maintained in many areas of Council services.

“Compared to 2021, satisfaction levels have been maintained or improved across most services, with very high positivity in some areas, while continuing to match or out-perform national benchmarks.”

The survey is available at www. marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/ long-term-and-annual-plans-policiesand-reports/residents-satisfaction-survey

The Blue Door's manager Bronwen Demmocks says profits have enabled Blue Door to start giving financial grants to other not-for-profit organisations and have just ticked over the million dollar mark for grants given away since 2005. Volunteers from left; Arana Norton, Jan Phelps, Bruce Scott, Rhonda Whelan, John Anders and Simon Pezzack.

Gut-inspired portaloo hits the road

By Chris Valli

Aotearoa’s most eye-catching portaloo made a stop in Blenheim last week in a bid to get more people talking about poo.

The Gut Foundation’s (previously called the Christchurch Liver and Digestive Diseases Trust) travelling portaloo is touring the whole of the South Island during the month of

December, covering over 3,300 kilometres and stopping at close to 60 supermarkets along the way.

The portaloo visited Blenheim’s New World on Friday before head ing further south to Kaikoura.

Gut Foundation General Manager Margaret Fitzgerald says it was wonderful to be part of something that will make a difference to the community in Blenheim.

“Education is at the heart of this campaign, and it was great to hear from so many people who had questions about gut health.”

The portaloo was painted by Christchurch street artist Jacob Yikes, who based his colourful design on the inside of a human gut.

“It’s an abstract representation of how the gut might look if you could step into it. Vibrant colours and weird and wonderful shapes make it an interesting piece to look at, so it’s a great way to kickstart an important conversation around gut health,” says Fitzgerald.

Every stop is a welcome oppor tunity to talk about ‘number twos’, a subject most people don’t talk about much. It’s also a chance to highlight some of the signs and symptoms that might warrant a trip to the doctor.

“For some reason, as adults, we’re not great about talking poo. People

feel embarrassed, but we really need to challenge that. After all, everybody poos,” says Fitzgerald.

New Zealand has some of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Every day nine people are diagnosed and three of them die.

Fitzgerald says ‘knowing your

normal’ can help with early detection and has the potential to save the lives of 1000 kiwis each year.

“The good news is bowel cancer is very treatable if detected and diagnosed early, and that starts with checking the loo before you flush. Once you know your

normal, talk to your doctor about any changes.”

Fitzgerald advises keeping a record of how often you go and write down what it looks like.

“Our website has a handy downloadable chart of the dif ferent stool types to help you keep on track.”

Blenheim New World co-owner Tineke Powell tries out the Gut Foun dation’s travelling portaloo which is touring the South Island during the month of December, covering over 3,300 kilometres and stopping at close to 60 supermarkets along the way.

The portaloo was painted by Christchurch street artist Jacob Yikes.

School pool starting to look full

By Chris Valli

Fundraising efforts for an updated school pool is starting to fill up.

Grovetown School parent support group spokesperson Anneka Waters say so far they have fundraised $23,000 of the $33,000 needed to fix the pool thanks to the sale of their cookbook.

“The cookbook sales are going well. We have sold about 240 copies and are into our second printing run. We still have plenty of copies available for sale at Bikefit Marlborough or at the School Office, and of course, they make great Christmas gifts.”

Anneka says they’ve been hard at it with their fundraising efforts selling pies, waitressing at the Garden Marlborough Garden Party, selling the cookbooks and doing stalls and raffles at local supermarkets and the Mistletoe Market.

She says they have received generous dona tions from The Rannoch Trust ($10,000) and several school families.

The priority for a school pool will go a long way to promoting water safety for all the tamariki at the school which consists of four classrooms and a roll of 80 students.

Statistics from Water Safety New Zealand show 90 New Zealanders drowned in 2021 and this year 75 people have already drowned.

“School and community pools such as ours are vital to teach our young kids water safety and swimming skills and help get those statistics down.”

“Going forward, we are continuing to sell the school cookbooks, but we would really love the support of some local businesses in the way of sponsorship to help get us over the line and get the pool back up and running for next summer,” says Anneka.

THE FRUITS OF FUNDRASING: Grovetown School students from left to right: Knox Beale, Charlie Pears, Freddie Holdaway, Maddie Parkes, Mylie Knight-Mackel, Jeff Waters and Izzy Borosova-Bradley.

Blenheim Santa parade?

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.

Dear Ed,

Contrary to claims made on your ‘txt talk’ page last week, Marlborough District Council is not taking over the debts of the Clubs of Marl borough nor moving into its former building. Council is also happy with its current offices - there are no plans to move anywhere else.

The liquidators have assured Council that the Marlborough Events Centre, which Council owns, can continue its activities as usual.

Public punished

Dear Ed,

How very average.

The sadly predictable knife murder of another working man is to result in punishment of the public who are to be made to pay for fog cannons, etcetera.

Here in lil’ ol’ Blenheim we saw a man hit the streets armed with a short sword, not in any sense a work tool, which he plunges into the belly of an off-duty working man.

This it turns out is not actually murder, though it exactly fits the legal

definition of that crime.

Access to the downstairs toilets and to the Events Centre is protected, with building services to the Events Centre and the Clubs building provided by a body corporate, which continues to function as normal.

Yours sincerely, Dean Heiford

Manager Economic, Community and Support Services

Marlborough District Council

The killer, for that is what he is, is charged with the lesser crime of hom icide; he will be back on the streets in about five years, his reputation as someone not to be messed with greatly enhanced.

Have a look at the figures for hom icide rates in Asian countries.

For all the doctoring of ‘statistics’, they are better than ours by a long chalk because the Asians make sure killers are subjected to the sort of punishments that would make even

the most stupid or callous offender hold back from doing his thing.

Funny how ‘making an example’ of wrongdoers has gone out of fashion, and the public’s rights and needs are entrusted to an enhanced bureaucracy.

Pity the ballot box won’t make a scrap of difference.

Yours faithfully Bill Holvey Witherlea

Dear Ed,

We started our journey home this morning by grabbing an Uber to central station Cologne right outside the cathedral. Our last look at the gorgeous structure she is.

I was feeling very emotional as this has been the place where I have felt safe while receiving ground-breaking

treatment. I kind of feel I’ve left my safety net behind.

We took the slow train down the Rhine, so we could admire the view as we had nothing to rush for. Arriving in Frankfurt, we are there for three nights, two full days.

We are staying not far from the Xmas markets in the old town square so we’ll

have a look at those.

We are assuming they’ll be all the same kind of stalls we wandered round in Cologne. But still very keen to see and feel the Xmas vibe.

From there, Saturday morning it’s off to the airport for 7am.

Arriving home to Blenheim Mon 5th – wow.

Warren Cairns Blenheim

My daughter Jade loved the dragons of the Chinese as sociation.

Philippa Hyndman Blenheim

The effort that everyone put in to make the day a special event.

Katrina Lange Blenheim

Seeing

Jonathan Rosene Blenheim

Jamie Arbuckle Blenheim

Alison Dight Blenheim

The looks on the kids’ faces seeing all the different floats was amazing.

Jo Lorraine

Debby Arthur

Keeping dogs safe this summer

As we head into summer it’s important to remember to never leave your furry friend in a vehicle unattended. Heatstroke and even death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures. Dogs need to have access to cool, fresh clean water all of the time, regardless of the weather. They also need cool shade and should not be left in the sun for long periods.

Around this time each year

Council receives calls from concerned residents about dogs left in cars. While Council can assist, it does not have the legal power to break into a vehicle. If you are concerned you should contact the SPCA on Ph: 03 572 9156.

It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 for dogs to be left in a stationary vehicle when adequate shade, water and fresh air aren’t provided.

Marlborough Response Team earns national accreditation

Marlborough volunteer emergency responders are now officially among the best in the country.

The Marlborough Response Team recently became the second response team in the country to achieve new national accreditation standards, showing it meets the requirements to respond not only to local emergencies but also events around the country and overseas.

Team Manager Gary Spence says the team has been working towards accreditation for 18 months.

“We must be able to demonstrate skills and expertise in a number of disciplines, from mass casualty triage, setting up and running Civil Defence centres, rescue of casualties from collapsed buildings and rope rescue. We must also be entirely selfsufficient if sent to another region to assist. The team trains with Fire and Emergency and St John and has been tasked by Police for rope-based search and rescue.”

The National Emergency Management Agency has developed a training and standards programme

so all 30 teams in New Zealand have common training and operating structures.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the team deserved recognition.

“This is an acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication over a long period. Marlburians can be proud they have a dedicated, skilled and respected response team who can respond effectively in an emergency.”

“The common factors amongst its members is that they thrive in what can be a physically and mentally challenging environment and they have a deep commitment to serving their community,” Mayor Taylor said.

The team has helped in a number of emergencies, including the Kaikōura earthquake response; the Gita and Fehi storms in Nelson/Tasman; the flood response on the West Coast; the Pigeon Valley fires in Nelson and two storm and flood responses here in 2021 and 2022.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the team can enquire through Marlborough District Council; Ph. 03 520 7400.

Have your say on Waka Kotahi’s speed management plan

Consultation is now open on Waka Kotahi’s Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. Locally, the proposal looks to tackle speed limits outside four Marlborough schools and at the intersection of Jacksons Road and State Highway 6. The proposal could see the speed limit outside the Rai Valley Area, Renwick and Havelock schools reduced to 30kph at certain times of the day, while the speed limit outside Riverlands School would reduce to 60kph during peak periods.

Waka Kotahi said the speed limits outside the schools, which are on state highways, would be classed as variable which means the speed limit would drop at different points in the day depending on traffic volumes and environmental conditions, and other factors.

The Plan also proposes to make changes at the intersection of

Jacksons Road and SH6. This would become an ‘intersection speed zone’ which means when a driver is approaching on a side road, either Jacksons Road or Grahams Road, an electronic speed limit sign would temporarily activate to show a lower speed limit on SH6.

“Intersection speed zones are used to improve the safety at rural intersections along high speed roads,” Waka Kotahi said.

“Reducing the speed limit at Jacksons Road would make it easier for people pulling out on to SH6, and lower the risk.”

The Plan proposes speed limit changes to more than 500 kilometres of state highways in 440 locations across the country.

Of this, 269 schools and 11 marae are included.

To have your say, visit www. nzta.govt.nz/ISMP and submit your feedback before the consultation period closes on Monday 12 December.

Last day to pay your rates

This

incur

If

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Mayor Nadine Taylor and Marlborough District Council Chief Executive Mark Wheeler congratulate the Marlborough Response Team, led by Team Manager Gary Spence (centre)

The art of healing one on one with the Sun

As a child Kylie Fleur didn’t realise she was any different. She says she kept it to herself for years, because it was safer. As her ability continued to evolve and grow stronger as an adult she longed to know more.

“I was raised by my mother who is of English heritage. My father who is Maori-Tahitian wasn’t an active part of my life and so I didn’t have the connections with this side of my whanau, my whakapapa from the Hokianga (Nga Puhi), and Gisborne (Ngāti Porou).”

“A few years ago I reached out to my whanau and I learned that I wasn’t alone, and that I come from a long line of Maori healers, and inherited this ability. When I reconnected with my whanau back in 2009 my Nan didn’t know how to tell me as she didn’t want to scare me off.”

Her business “The Art of Healing” in Springlands has been operating for over two years. She offers clients Bio-energy Healing Therapy and House Healing - energetic clearing of homes, such as a change in job or birth of a baby or a relationship break-up.

So what is an energy healer?

An effective energy healer acts as a conduit for the energy which contains all the information the body needs for homeostasis and for self-healing. Energy Healers are often put in the airy-fairy-treehugging-hippy box, but in reality an energy healer could be your kid’s teacher, a lawyer, an architect, or the person making your burger.

“I believe we all have the ability to work with energy, we are affecting others with our energy every day whether we are aware of it or not.

Energy healers just do it consciously, energy and consciousness combined can be transformational and actually change matter itself.”

Starting her clinic was an abso lute leap of faith and took a lot of

courage.

“Sacrifices were made and tears were shed, because I come from a professional background I was afraid of being put in a box and I was afraid of being judged, again I had to get over myself and let go of my own judgements and stop caring what other people thought of me.”

“I opened my clinic doors with just one paying client, and completely surrendered and trusted that people who needed to find me would. Word of mouth continues to spread and I now work three days from my clinic and attract only amazing clients who are truly ready to heal. I did what I did and I haven’t looked back.”

The 41-year-old has a Level 1 Cer tificate in Pure Bioenergy Therapy and is testimony to previous roles working with people who were physically challenged, people from the blind community, people who suffered from mental health issues, and individuals with chronic diseas es such as MS.

playful, laugh out loud and cry. I also have a circle of natural therapists and healers I call on.”

Her own healing stems from when she used to suffer from chronic pain in her pelvis, sacrum and tailbone which was triggered after the birth of her first child.

She jumped from one specialist to the next, between doctors, physio therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and natural therapists.

“I paid thousands of dollars on treatment, one ACC claim after an other, found some relief but it wasn’t lasting. Looking back there was part of me that wasn’t ready to heal, part of me that wasn’t on board with the treatment I was receiving, I wasn’t ready to accept responsibility, and I wasn’t listening to my body. I was feeling resentment and judgement towards my body for not moving like it should. I was stuck in a cycle of sharing my pain-story with anyone who would listen, desperate to feel understood.”

After years of suffering she realised what she was doing wasn’t working and that she was getting in the way of her own healing.

So how does she balance her own energy system?

“In the work that I do, energy is dealt with appropriately and it is really important that I maintain my own energy health when I am serving others. This means tuning into my mind, body and soul, and always clearing away unwanted or stagnant energy. To do this I meditate often, do bare-foot walks in nature, exercise, write poetry and give myself permission to be

“One day I surrendered and started listening to what my body was trying to tell me. I started to process the emotions and acknowledge the trau mas attached to the pain. I could see the root of where the suffering began, so I quit sharing my pain-story. I felt a subtle shift in my mindset as I started to speak kindly to my body.”

“The pain continued to reduce dramatically, and to this day I no longer suffer from chronic pain. Ironically the person I needed to heal me was me.”

Kylie says we all experience times of feeling broken, lost, grief, heart ache, trauma and suffering as it is part of the human condition, yet the degree to which you suffer remains within your control.

“These experiences along with

A few years ago Kylie reached out to her whanau and she learned that she wasn't alone, and that she came from a long line of Maori healers, and inherited the ability. "When I reconnected with my whanau back in 2009 my Nan didn't know how to tell me as she didn't want to scare me off.”

healing are also necessary for our personal growth. I am a better person for the pain I suffered, as I have more empathy for people who are in pain which helps me to connect with others more.”

Does she practise what she preaches?

“It’s not my business to offer advice, instead I choose to listen, I feel, and I respond intuitively, from a place of heart and with pure intention. I may be an energy

healer but this doesn’t mean that I am super-human, and certainly no guru claiming to have it all together either.”

How does she know when some one might be ‘healed?’

“I get sensations in my hands, I see energies in my mind’s eye, I’ll receive visions, and information, I can feel where the energy flows, where it is blocked, I can feel when something is out of place, and out of balance.”

Bio-energy healer Kylie Fleur says learning to embrace, harness, and understand her gift has been a lifelong practice and one that was quite lonely at times. Journalist Chris Valli signed up for four consecutive weeks of ‘healing’ and discovered healing is a holistic journey of self-discovery.

“One day I surrendered and started listening to what my body was trying to tell me.”

Puss takes insulin in his stride

By Chris Valli

Dale currently has three cats, two boys and a girl. One of the boys, Puss was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in May 2021 which requires an insulin management routine.

Puss has been part of the family household for six years. He was a stray living under the house they were renting, at the time and is now 14-years-young.

‘Diabetes mellitus’ is caused by a decreased ability by the human and or animal’s body to provide enough insulin, a hormone that is made by the pancreas.

Insulin moves glucose (sugar) from the blood and into the cells (which use it as an energy source). Because the glucose cannot get into the cells, the levels in the body rise and spill over into the urine where it is lost from the body. When the cells are not getting their energy source, the body attempts to make even more glucose, not understanding that it cannot get into the cells.

For Puss, and other cats that have diabetes, they drink lots of water as the loss of glucose into the urine makes them urinate more. They also lose weight despite an increased appetite, be cause without sufficient insulin, the body is unable to process the nutrients in their food.

“Puss lost a lot of weight and got real skinny but was eating up to four tins of cat food a day plus dry food,” says Dale.

She says Puss has to be injected twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart.

“Some people recommend raw food only and you can also get diabetic dry/wet food from the vet. He gets raw food twice a day which he loves - I do that because he has to have food with his insulin injection and I was finding that sometimes with tinned cat food he wouldn’t eat so I couldn’t inject him.

“That was stressful so I tried raw food, since doing that I no longer have any problems with him not eating.”

So how does Dale know when he is low and or has a low blood sugar?

“Fortunately, I’ve not experi enced this with Puss but signs I need to look out for are weak ness, sleepiness, disorientation, vomiting. Some people test each day with a blood glucose meter but I don’t do that. I just have him checked at the vet each visit.”

Dale says his behaviour and mannerisms haven’t changed at all since his diagnosis.

“He was a pretty laid-back cat before the diabetes and still is. His immune system however is not so great now he has diabetes, in the last seven months he’s had a virus infection, a tooth infection, and a urinary tract infection (UTI)”, she says.

“I’ve become a dab hand at giving insulin injections. Puss tolerates the injections and I

daily.

think he knows that they are now a part of his life - he just stops eating for a few seconds as I inject him and then carries on.”

Dale says if your cat has been recently diagnosed with diabetes

A recommendation from Janet after 7 children...

KORU NUTRITION

For Janet, life with 7 children has always been hectic. From the outset her and her husband had no clue when they got married how busy life would really get. Together they were to raise seven wonderful children; one girl and then six boys!

“Raising 7 of them certainly wasn’t quiet but I feel we did a good job. They are all great kids and now we get to follow the grandchildren as they grow into being wonderful adults as well.”

As life continued and they approached retirement, they decided that it was time to move somewhere quieter and warmer. Janet found that retiring and slowing down wasn’t all it cracked up to be.

“To begin with I just got bored. I wanted action again like when I was young. I remember carrying all my kids around whilst doing all the chores, and then as they grew up I would be running around outside with them. It is just what you do as a mum and it’s what I wanted to do with my grandkids.”

“Out of the blue I got recommended a beautiful product for supporting muscles and joints called Koru FX. I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’

I rubbed it into both my knees and elbows; it smelt wonderful and it felt great. I was out in the garden the next day and with my grandkids chasing them around the park.”

Containing high quality oils like calendula, arnica, manuka and peppermint, along with 12 others, Koru FX provides the perfect formulation for supporting joints and muscles.

“Any and everyone I meet I love

to recommend Koru FX. It truly is a grandmother’s gift.”

Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition has become NZ’s #1 joint and muscle support cream. With over two and a half thousand 5 star reviews, Koru FX is showing itself to be a favourite in many New Zealand households.

“I just love to be able to get out and about and fully enjoy my retirement – we walk around all of the wineries and orchards for

hours at a time.”

Many happy customers are recommending Koru FX cream due to its natural ingredients, results, and fast acting delivery.

If you’re looking for a fastacting and long-lasting, natural product, harnessing the benefits of essential oils, then Koru FX is for you.

Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.

Koru Nutrition, Christchurch. MR7812

she’s more than happy to talk about her experience or ques tions about food intake. Just call the Blenheim Sun on 577 7868 or email news@blenheimsun. co.nz

Blenheim cat owner Dale Woodhams has become a dab hand at giving insulin injections to her cat.

Dale says Puss has to be injected with insulin twice

A Christmas Carol

This December, Havelock Community Theatre will present A Christmas Carol, and it promises to be an extremely special event. The story of A Christmas Carol is based on a mean-spirited and selfish old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates Christmas. One cold Christmas Eve in London, Scrooge is unkind to the people who work for him, then refuses to give to charity, and then is rude to his nephew when he invites him to spend Christmas with him.

When Scrooge gets home, he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley – and then by three ghosts. They are the Spirit of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. The ghosts’ journey through time teaches Scrooge the error of his ways.

Director, Sarah Nathan says that A Christ mas Carol seemed like the perfect choice for an end of year production in Havelock.

“After an extraordinarily challenging few years, we wanted to bring some joy to the community. However A Christmas Carol isn’t all fun and games - it examines poverty, tragedy, inequality and greed. Most importantly however, it teaches us that kindness and a community joining together with generosity can literally change and save lives”.

As well as the traditional Christmas tale, the play will be embellished by live Carollers and a Christmas Brass Band.

Sarah says, ‘This is my first production with HCT and I have been constantly amazed at the level of talent, skill, craft and dedication to this production by the community. For such a small theatre it has wonderful resources and I think audiences are going to be blown away’.

A Christmas Carol will be on for a limited season at Havelock Town Hall from Wednes day 14- Saturday 17 December. The evening

sessions start at 7:30pm with doors opening at 6:15. There will also be a matinee at 2pm on Saturday 17th with doors opening at 1:15pm.

Tickets are on sale at The Gallery, 60 Main Road, Havelock phone 574 2821 or on-line through www.trybooking.com/nz/ search-events

Havelock legend, Ian Cameron plays Ebenezer Scrooge in the Havelock Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, opening December 14.

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Advocating for people 50 +

the President’s Desk

Power Marlborough, Nelson and Motueka met with Health New Zealand, formerly known as the DHB, in November. We have this opportunity throughout the year to discuss seniors’ issues in this arena, and whether needs are being met. The new structure places many hurdles in front of them, but they are already discussing new ways of implementing their services.

Marlborough asked three pertinent questions:

• Are there any procedures being put in place to stop patients being discharged at inconvenient times, as we are still hearing cases of people being sent home between the hours of 11pm into the wee hours of the morning at Wairau hospital? The panel was not aware that this was happening, but advised that any patients that are being affected in this way must complain. Unless there is specific data of these cases nothing can be done to prevent this happening in the future. (That means that you must inform Health NZ of this happening or at least inform Grey Power so we can supply specific information on such cases. Ed.)

• Is there a regional focus on wait times for people, but more impor tantly for seniors, awaiting chronic elective surgery (e.g.) hip and knee replacements? We were very re lieved to hear that procedures were already in place for those who have been on the waiting list for more than 100 days.

• Was there the ability to have pa tients transported to other hospitals for surgery that was not offered in Wairau Hospital due to not having

a specialist surgeon in the region? We were advised that this option is in place. The patient’s costs are paid by Health New Zealand through a specific fund and if a support per son accompanies them their travel is also funded, but at this stage not their accommodation.

Grey Power Marlborough will work closely with Health New Zealand to ensure any concerns that come our way will be passed onto the appro priate person/s.

Please remember nothing can be dealt with in a positive manner if patients do not formally complain. Our staff and committee are here to support you if you feel you need to make an official complaint.

I would like to acknowledge Geof frey T Sowman Funeral Directors for their ongoing support of Grey Power Marlborough. In the past they have been a sponsor by way of funding the costs of our office printer. Recently they changed their printer supplier and we thought what are we going to do now, as the printer had to go back to the original supplier.

Sowman’s pulled out all the stops to ensure we still have a printer, which is essential to us. Our heartfelt thanks go out to them for their continuing support and generosity.

Gayle Chambers President

Office Snippets

Grey Power Marlborough would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

The office will be closing for Christmas from 1pm Friday 16 December, re-open ing at 9am on Monday 9 January.

We sell hearing aid batteries sizes A10, A13 and A312. $6 for 6 batteries if you need to stock up for the holidays.

We welcome “Not Tech Savvy?” to our Discount Book. Ankit is ready to help you with all your technology needs and questions. Ph 027 379 2288. Use your membership card for a $5 discount.

Beavertown Blenheim Lions are hosting Seniors Xmas Tea with Enter

tainment on Saturday 10 December, 2pm – 4pm. Tickets just $2 from Age Concern, 25 Alfred Street, Blenheim.

Blenheim Choral present Handel’s Messiah at 7pm on Friday 9 December at the Nativity Church in Blenheim. Cash door sales only. $30 for adults, children free.

We are on Facebook look for Grey Power Marlborough. Scroll through our posts and if you like what you see, like and follow our page. That will widen our reach among Facebook readers. We try to promote information and local events, and the odd job when people are looking for older, mature staff.

Membership and recent meetings

Congratulations, Marlborough. Our population is 1% of New Zealand yet Grey Power Marlborough has exactly 10% of the national membership of Grey Power!

It’s what we do well in Marlborough?

We join societies and groups in numbers. Our voluntary work makes Marlborough function just that much better.

With that membership strength, Grey Power’s advocacy is better recognised. We can achieve more for our 50+ cohort here.

Our president Gayle writes about our Zone’s first meeting with Health New Zealand in her article above.

Ten days ago we met formally for the first time with the new Mayor. The meeting with Mayor Taylor was friendly and helped establish connections with her and her team.

One of the topics discussed was the importance of the upcoming census on

March 27, 2023 and how important good census data is to planning and allocation of resources. We encourage every Marlbu rian to provide the best data for our census taker - it enables decisions to be made that will be cheaper and wiser, based on proper research of that data. Health, roading, infrastructure, for example, all depend on the quality of this data.

Marlborough continues to have a good uptake of the Rates Rebates Scheme and we expect that Grey Power will be advocating with central government for the threshold for this scheme to be raised in line with the cost of living.

The Marlborough District Council has an important role in public information, so we encourage members to read their MDC information sources, visit their website, take note of circulars, brochures and handouts. Inform yourself. Inform others.

Grey Power Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH

Advocating for people 50 +

Another win for Grey Power

At the 2022 Grey Power AGM a remit from our Zone, seconded by Marlborough, was passed in regards to inadequate funding for emergency dental care in New Zealand. We felt this was particularly important for seniors unable to pay for emergency dental care.

We have had exciting news for our seniors and a win for Grey Power. As of Thursday, 1 December 2022, government has expanded this Special Needs Grant.

So, if you’re on a low income or benefit, MSD may be able to help you pay for ‘immediate and essential dental treatment’ such as fillings and extractions, (but not check-ups or cleaning.) You can apply for up to $1,000 a year (any 52-week period), to help. You don’t have to pay this back. Full details here.

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/ health-and-disability/dental-treatment.html

Terms and conditions may exist as to what the discount applies. Find more information in our discount book. Our final fourteen business listings will feature in February’s news letter. We don’t publish one in early January.

• No el Templeton Optome trists 10% usual discount 20% on second pair frames and lenses 31 George Street Blenheim ph 578 2939 www.noeltempleton.com

• One 2 One Hairdressing for seniors haircutting ph Saman tha 577 8298 cell 022 101 3547

• Ortho-Dent Dentures 5% for dental services 9 Tremorne Ave, Blenheim. ph 577 8600

• PC Media computing tech nologies 15% off labour 82

Seymour Street Blenheim ph 578 1100

• Grey Power electricity, gas, broadband, landline services exclusive to GP members 0800 473 976 greypowerelec tricity.co.nz

• Quartz Carpet Care 15% dis c ount on carpet/upholstery cleaning ph Lee 022 140 2057 or 0800 200 678

• Ray White Blenheim 12.5% off standard fees for exclusive listings 578 8059 www.rw blenheim.co.nz

• REAP Marlborough 5% dis count on community courses 578 7848 www.reapmarlbor ough.co.nz

• Red Hot Fashions 10% dis count 7 Charles Street Blen heim ph 578 6865

• Rollos Locksmiths 10% discount parts only ph 929 3563 or 0800 885 501

• Ryan Lawn-mowing free quotes and discounts ph 575 6789 or text 022 322 6515

• Screw Loose Maintenance. Hand yman Chris offers 7% discount ph 021 176 6533

• Selmes Garden Trust 5% discount 141 Batty’s Road ph 578 1511

Please be clear that discounts may apply only to some

The Eldernet Group has added easier search functions to its website retire mentvillages.co.nz offering a free guide to every NZ retirement village. Search a large selection of available properties in every region, now listed with ‘start ing-from’ prices so you can filter within your specific price range.

An update on the Care in the Commu nity Disability Welfare Fund says that $8

million funding specifically supporting the wellbeing of disabled people and their whānau is available. More infor mation is available on the MSD website. They listed handy tips for safer shop ping online. (The #ShopSafeNZ fact sheet at netsafe.org.nz offers more detail.) Does the site’s name match the goods it is selling? (A website name refer ring to boats, but selling makeup, is

probably fake.)

Check the site’s look and feel. Incon sistent style and grammar is a clue! The website should offer more than one payment option. Check how many. Research the seller or company and check for contact details and return policies.

Check the WHOIS information and a company’s social media presence.

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

Relay for Life March 2023

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough Cancer Society’s fund raiser Relay for Life is back on the community calendar.

Next year’s event is in early March. The inspiring fundraiser gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Society.

Centre Manager Fliss Spencer says the nature of the event is very unique and they’re proud to host this special community forum once again.

Fliss says they’ll have live entertainment on the Saturday from 2pm – 10pm and the Kete Kai night market will be back with delicious foods and local arts and crafts to support the event.

“We’ll dim the lights after 10pm and we’ll hold the candlelight ceremony where we remember our loved ones lost to cancer. The relay will continue overnight, where we have some exciting new activities planned to keep participants awake, energised and sustained, then we’ll draw the event to an end at sunrise.”

Relay For Life Marlborough is on from 2pm Saturday, March 4 - 8am, Sunday, March 5 @ Lansdowne Park.

WHY THE MARVEL HEALTH SCREENING IS AN IDEAL MOT FOR OVER 60S

ASwe grow older, especially over the age of 60, specific health problems may become prevalent.

Getting to the root cause of any disease, especially chronic diseases, requires examining the entire body since all organs and systems are interconnected and function as a whole.

To illustrate, chronic diseases of the digestive system may not necessarily arise from the stomach and intestines. They may originate from damages in the immune system that promote the growth of microbes which in turn cause inflammation and diseases of the gut. Also, atherosclerosis which refers to narrowing of arteries can restrict blood flow to the stomach and intestines and cause gut problems.

And then, there are environmental factors. Sensitivity to natural foods and food additives in processed foods can cause digestive

symptoms such as chronic stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhoea. Nutrients play a crucial role in keeping our systems healthy and preventing diseases. Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of chronic constipation. It is not always the case that a symptom will originate from an associating organ or system of the body.

The Marvel Health Scan is unique. It examines the entire body to pinpoint the hidden causes of health problems. The Brain, Heart, Lungs, Stomach, Intestines, Liver, Kidneys, and other organs in the body are inspected in detail. The scan searches the body for likely diseases present and possible underlying causes. It can identify microbes, nutrient deficiencies, food allergens and environmental contaminants. After the scan, Marvel Health international doctors review the reports and can recommend science-based natural therapies and lifestyle changes to encourage the body›s healing processes.

CLINICS IN: Christchurch, Rangiora, Rolleston and Blenheim

The Cancer Society Marlborough was involved with the Santa parade at the weekend. Centre Manager Fliss Spencer was one of many who supported the event. Next year's Relay for Life fundraising event is on from 2pm Saturday, March 4 - 8am, Sunday March 5 @ Lansdowne Park.

Concerns vineyard development in flood prone area

By Chris Valli

A former Havelock dairy farmer has grave concerns that a development for a family owned farm is on offer to be turned into a vineyard.

Tom King, 81, currently lives in the Wairau Valley and had been a farmer for 50 years. He says the SH6 farm has been in his family for 159 years.

He says he has been told it is currently under offer for Sale for Conversion to a vineyard for grape pro duction.

“What you’ve got here is individual speculators coming in; they see flat blocks but its way outside of vineyard country. Out on the plains it’s fine but up there in the valleys there is often 16 - 18 inches (45

centimetres) of rainfall.” he says. “The neighbours are worried, including those from the Kaituna Bridge down. By turning it into a vineyard and the threat of logging trucks entering the area, it’s just not right.”

Tom says his biggest con cern is that sustainability of h is family owned land is his biggest issue. “It’s all grassland. You plough that up, it will all finish up in Havelock harbour,” he says.

The family farmland and surrounding area has a his tory of flooding including the recent August flooding and the big one of 2010 which caused excessive deluge.

The Kaituna River drains five large valleys that are all involved in some way or another with logging including Mount Riley and Long Valley.

“At 8am I would finish milking and two hours later we would have two metres of water over the farm. By 4pm we would have water right up to our house,” he says.

He believes the potential

vineyard development on flood prone areas is bad enough without having miles of high tensile wire attached to vineyard posts fouling the harbour, mussel harvesters and fishing boats drive shafts into the Pelorus Sounds.

Tom, who had three sons who were dairy farmers, says to work and disturb those floods prone areas which cover 80% of the flats would result in huge erosion and the depositing of vast amounts of soil in the Havelock Harbour where the Kaituna River exits its deposits of gravel and wood.

“The history of the land and farming practices have been to keep a solid grass cover over the property year round hence the fertile river flats of today and related stop banks and waterways preserve the flood plains and avoid soil off.”

Tom’s concerns come after the Te Hoiere Project has shifted from building new fences and planting seed lings to supporting people and helping fix the damage from the August floods.

The project in collabora tion with the Marlborough District Council, Ngati Kuia and the Department of Con servation aims to look after the catchment area from the mountains to the sea (ki uta ki tai).

The Pelorus, Tunakino, Opouri, Ronga, Kaiuma, Kaituna and Whakamarino catchments were badly dam aged by the August flood w a ter. River and stream banks were sourced back to rock and farmland, like Toms, covered with silt, gravel and logs.

Te Hoiere Project Manager Heli Wade said last month the flooding highlighted the need for ongoing planting.

“Trees really help, holding soil in banks and slowing down flood water flows.”

The Te Hoiere Project pro poses to address land use derived issues and achieve wider conservation goals using a holistic and collab orative approach.

The Project’s focus is on landscape-scale projects that have environmental, so cial, economic, and cultural benefits.

Turn stones into soil!

a unique service to make a seed bed into row and broad acre, ideal for horticulture and crop farming. Turn large boulders (up to 300mm) into arable land.

Stone Busters offers

Tom says his biggest concern is that sustainability of his family owned land is his biggest issue. “It’s all grassland. You plough that up, it will all finish up in Havelock harbour,” he says.

Feds applauds government’s rural connectivity ambitions

Federated Farmers believes the government’s goal by 2032 that every rural and remote resident and worker in New Zealand will have the ability to access the connectivity they need is ambitious but admirable.

It’s one of a number of aspirational targets outlined in the Lifting Con nectivity in Aotearoa report launched at Fieldays last Friday.

“The report lifts the discussion from having to justify whether something should be done to one of ‘let’s get on and do it’.”

Feds national board member and telecommunications spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.

“While it’s going to take a lot more investment on top of the money already announced, we applaud the commitments made to longer-term rural connectivity solutions,”

The government has clearly taken on board the findings of Federated Farmers Rural Connectivity Surveys - in particular, that increased demand for mobile and broadband services in rural and provincial areas is over

whelming infrastructure capability, Richard says.

As was announced in the Budget earlier this year and emphasised at the Fieldays announcement, $47 million will go towards the first phase of a rural infrastructure upgrading programme, delivering improved connectivity for up to 47,000 rural homes and businesses, and $43 mil lion has been allocated to the second phase for up to 26,000 additional rural homes and businesses. This work is scheduled between now and 2024.

The 21 new contracts signed by Crown Infrastructure partners will accelerate upgrades to towers and broadband connections in areas with poor coverage.

“Federated Farmers has serious is sues on other fronts with the govern ment when it fails to take into account farmer and rural needs and inputs on practicality, but on connectivity we acknowledge the government is listening and taking the right steps,” Richard says.

One of Federated Farmers’ provincial presidents trying to get cell reception.

Summer Dining

Welcome to Restaurant Sasa! Ritual Cafe

A real gem on Maxwell Road, in the CBD of Blenheim.

Where you’ll find yourself in a unique homely setting with a great vibe.

Owner Julie McDonald welcomes you to enjoy their breakfast menu, cabinet food including vegan and gluten free options. We have a large variety of drinks on offer, perfect for summer just around the corner. Whether it’s smoothies, fizzy, juices or Kom bucha along with healthy delicious food... Come and see the team at our relaxed retro cafe today!

Serving modern Japanese and Asian food made with tradition in mind, we offer you a unique dining experience in the Riverside Hotel along the river in Mayfield. You will enjoy from your favourite classic Japanese dishes to modern “Izakaya” style dining which is all about eating, drinking and being happy! Why not start your night with fresh sashimi, tempura or spicy chick en along with a cup of gold flake sake, then, go for Korean stone bowl beef or salmon bibimbap to complete your dinner. For someone who wishes to have something simple and delicious, try our sizzling surf n turf menu - ribeye steak, teriyaki salmon and prawns are served on a siz zling hot plate. Whether you are stopping by for quick dinner or special occasion, Sasa will have you covered. So pay us a visit here on 20 nelson St - we can’t wait to have you in.

Ph: 577 5996. Mon – Thurs 17.00 – 21.00

Fri – Sat 12.00 – 14.00 & 17.00 – 21.00 Sun - closed

Thai 9

The distinctive taste of Thailand is what brings customers back to Thai 9 Restaurant time and time again.

Located in the CBD of Blenheim, we offer an extensive menu for your enjoyment. Checkout our popular lunch specials, consisting of a starter and a main.

Thai 9 has also become well known for its Keto selection from the menu as well as gluten free choices and convenient takeaway snacks from our cabinet.

The restaurant is open seven days with Sunday and Monday only open for evening dining. Discover the taste of Thai.

31 Scott St, Blenheim

OPen 7 dayS

10 .30am – 14.00pm, 16.30pm – 21.30pm

Speights a le House

Generous To A Fault...serving up southern hospitality to locals and visitors in modern and comfortable surroundings!

Open 7 days with a range of award winning traditional ales and beers complimented by an all day menu and in house baristas. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with live sport screenings, events, food and drink promotions!

Book online via alehouseblenheim.co.nz or call 03 577 9992.

Middle Renwick Road, Springlands

Good Home

THERE IS A PLACE LIKE HOME.

Come on in, put your feet up, stay a while... We are a pub with an eye for the different and the delicious. We are your new local, look forward to our enticing array of drinks at the bar, the tempting treats on the menu and the smiles of the friendly folk who’ll serve them to you. Even though it’s hard to define what home means to everyone, there is something it does share. It’s a feeling. We’ve recreated this feeling by fashioning spaces for you to feel at ease in and call your own. Spaces to relax; hang with a bunch of friends or the GOOD crew from the office.

Ph 03 5776 495 www.goodhomebar.co.nz 70 Queen Street, Blenheim

Too busy

Why don’t New Zealanders see more Police on the beat.

Too busy in front of their computers.

Go Bus drivers

What’s with the Go Bus drivers? One just pulled out of Wither Road turning right onto Maxwell rd in front of oncoming traffic time 15:42 18 November. This is happening all over Blenheim and doing over the speed limit in 30 zones. You’re carrying kids!

Karma

To the delinquents who stole my son’s bike from the Marlborough Boys College on Thurs day night. One word for you: Karma.

Taking responsibility

The chicken bones, seagull poo and filth in Kings Lane between George and Arthur is disgusting!

Clean up your act Mr Dairy Owner, I spoke to you about it and nothing has changed...please take ownership, responsibility and care of your surroundings...Clean it up.

Local elections

I often see comments about local elections and why there is always such a poor turnout!!!! I’ve thought about this a lot and come up with this theory. With a lot of those putting their names forward for council, the only time we see or hear anything about them is on the flyer that we get in the mail a few weeks before!!!!!!! Nobody is going to vote for someone they know absolutely nothing about.

Free speech

Well done The Sun for allowing free speech. The difference between what you publish and the mainstream media publish is that you haven’t been bought off by the $55m Govt Bribe to see everything its way. Who else is going to hold them to account?

Where else can your readers learn that the latest twist in 3 Waters is a direct strike at one of the oldest democracies in the world. That’s NZ by the way.

Sad to hear

Bread of life..Sheets n Things Redwood St.

So sad to hear you are closing down. Surely somewhere in Blenheim they could get a cheaper rental shop to set up such a fantastic service, come on Blenheim business people please try and help out these kind ladies.

Japanese culture

So much respect to the Japanese people at the Football World Cup. To learn the importance of cleaning up after yourself from such a young age and following through with the value into adulthood is something we should all be mindful and respectful of.

Sad to see

It is sad to see that many of the RSA’s ‘Southern Grove’ of olive trees at Burleigh are stressed and dying after their crude ‘pruning’. Their next harvest will reflect the damage done. Hope the elderly RSA members receive help to clean up the terrible mess that was also left behind.

Voting age

If the voting age is lowered to 16 then any 16 year old who commits crime must be tried as an adult.

Chicken bones

Maybe the people that leave their chicken bones in Market St and the BNZ carpark could take their rubbish away. Perhaps the shop that is selling it to them could have a rubbish bin outside their shop. It is not nice that other people have to pick up their mess. The cleaners have enough to do without cleaning up that sort of rubbish.

Interesting

Interesting that, leading up to the election - with all the education, health and welfare, housing and crime issues - the government is now promising tax cuts, more funding for early child care and teaching, and the Prime Minister also now chooses this time to play the ‘criticise the banks’ card to try to appeal to the voters. How cynical, how devious! I hope the gullible, easily-influenced public doesn’t have a collective short memory.

Smear test?

Wife went in to the doctor’s last week for a smear test that women have periodically to be told by the doctor that if she was Maori,Asian or Indian it would have been free but because she was a white New Zealand woman it costs $30 or $35 . What’s the go? One would like to know why others are treated differently and what percentage of tax to fund the system is paid by which group of woman .This is just yet another example of the blatant racism in our society today.

Great job

Love the New Artificial Basketball court at Marlborough Boys’ High. Exactly what Picton Skate Park need, a full artificial Basketball court added to the skate area already there. Great job guys..

Five Waters

So Labour rammed through 5 Waters against majority opposition. Let’s hope Councils have the courage to refuse to comply and support their rate payers.

Have some gumption

Why have health, education, truancy and crime become ‘political’ issues? They affect all New Zealanders and should be A-political, beyond individual party politics. The so-called leaders should show some balls and work together for ALL Kiwis, not just for their own idealistic but unrealistic, self-ingratiating supporters.

Puppies and kittens

What’s up with those very small puppies and kittens in crates being sold at the boot market on Saturday? Is this approved? They didn’t look good.

Re Street cleaning

l too wish to comment on how good the cleaning has been in town. This man works hard to have our town this clean, thanks Gary you really do deserve a medal.

In answer to street cleaner Gary does not clean Picton, if he does it’s only one day on weekends it’s just clean rubbish in bins around about 1 1/2 hours in each town. If he is starting at the time you said 2am that is probably why so many people are complaining how dirty the CBD is. Is it time to use hose to get rid of dirt and stains.

Talk of the week

Big thanks

Thank you to the lovely lady who found my phone in the supermarket trolley at Redwoodtown Countdown and handed it in to Customer Service. Very much appreciated. O.P.S.M. Optician. Fantastic thorough friendly service from Martin and the team with my app 28/11. Thank you.

Thank you

Lynfords great service

Lynfords Furniture Blenheim. Thank you to Hamish and team for great service, top class product and delivery on time. Awesome and most worthy of Marlborough’s support.

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.

Halberg Selection

One of your readers suggested Ajaz Patel’s 10 wicket innings should be the Halberg selection. Correct me if I am wrong but 2 hit the wickets, 3 were LBW and 5 were caught in the field by some fantastic runs, dives and leaps. Why does the bowler get the accolade for these catches?

Do the crime...

It is time that the old saying: “If you do the crime, you do the time” takes place. The police do their job in catching criminals. Whilst judges give them light sentences and the parole peo ple put them back on the street! We have tried living without discipline, it hasn’t worked! The innocent end up paying the cost, respect is earned with tough decisions!

minutes with...

Michelle chapMan

Agri Business Manager ANZ

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I love both but we only have a very smoochy cat at home so better say cat for his sake.

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

A famous singer.

this

Wallys Cold Pressed Super Neem Tree Oil: By Wally Richards

Now after 9 long months we have finally being allowed to import and sell our Cold Pressed Neem Oil again.

Why could we not sell it you may ask?

Well our beloved Environment Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that it could be hazardous to Aquatic Life and our Safety Data Sheet and labels did not reflect this.

We were operating on a study from America that proved it was non hazardous. See http:// www.gardenews.co.nz/neem%20safety.pdf

EPA being very cautious these days, likely because of the cock up allowing Kiwi fruit pollen from overseas into NZ which devastated our Kiwi fruit growers and cost millions in losses.

Thus erring on the side of caution we had to submit an application for a new hazardous rating which we were assured would be treated under urgency.

It has taken a good nine months to process our application to have a new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and what the label requirements needed to be.

The SDS can be seen on our web site at www.gardenews.co.nz

Fortunately I have a firm of Technical Compliance people that look after matters of this type and they really went into bat for us to get the matter resolved.

them? (In my case it was only 19 days from first contact to be off the market?)

Now months later they are apparently starting to check and see if the other Neem Oils need to also put in new applications to met current requirements.

Likely they will disappear if found to need new hazardous applications and new label and SDS amendments.

It was an interesting learning curve in which I found there are some Neem sprays which are not neem oil at all?

Luckily they don’t mention neem oil on their labels or they would be in breech of the fair Trading Act.

which causes the azadirachtin and related substances to separate from the neem oil. Neem oil and azadirachtin aren’t the same, but the two are closely related.

Both come from the neem tree, native to India but now grown in warm climates around the world.

Both substances are effective for re pelling and killing insect pests and also interfere with feeding, mating, and egg laying.

Azadirachta indica L. (neem) shows therapeutic rols in health management due to its rich source of various types of ingredients.

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



I was such a big American Football fan I used to take the day off work every year for the Superbowl. My brother and Dad even flew down from Wellington for it a couple of times.

 Have you met anyone famous?

I’ve met the great Sam Whitelock and that was a pretty big deal for me.



My favourite food to cook or eat is...?

Love to cook (and eat) anything Mexican inspired but my favourite food of all is salt n vinegar chips… a dietary staple.



The shop you can’t walk past is...?

A surf shop.



What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

Rugby or boxing.



Your dream weekend involves....?

Mint weather, a beach, a bit of water sports and good food and drink with my favourite people. And salt n vinegar chips…

They also looked at the other brands of neem oil on the market and found that they also did not comply with the new regulations and informed EPA of this fact.

Time went by and all the other brands were still being sold and when EPA was asked why?

They said they had not had time to look at

These ones are actually vegetable oils such as soya with the active ingredient added which is Azadirachtin.

Azadirachtin is the most active compo nent for repelling and killing pests and can be extracted from neem oil.

Neem oil comes from the seeds or kernels of the neem tree.

After the natural neem oil is removed from the seeds, it is treated with alcohol,

The most important active constituent is azadirachtin and the others are nimbo linin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, sodium nimbinate, gedunin, salannin, and querce tin. I have been told that in India, villages use the neem tree as the village pharmacy for various health aspects. Organic neem oil contains an active ingredient called azadirachtin, which acts as a natural pesticide for organic gardening.

3/5 Waters needs to be questioned

By Stuart Smith National MP

In a dangerous turn of events with the Three Five Waters legislation, the government passed a Green Party Sup plementary Order Paper (SOP) which entrenched part of the legislation.

What this means is, any future legis lation to repeal the provision contained in the SOP will need a supermajority of 60% – which sets a very dangerous precedent. Up until now, entrenchment has only been used with the full support of Parliament and confined to electoral law.

knew that they would not get the 75% supermajority to pass the SOP so they settled for a lower 60% supermajority instead, which between them they had. This sets a very dangerous precedent and highlights their flagrant disregard for democratic conventions and processes.

Nanaia Mahuta knew exactly what she was doing as she outlined in her speech; “while this particular SOP may not pass the constitutional threshold, there is a moral obligation of people who believe that privatisation should not occur to support that particular SOP…”

principles.

And consider this – as entrenchment was only i ntroduced at the eleventh hour, rather than going through the select committee where the public could have a say on the matter; what does that tell you?



Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Schitt’s Creek was gold and I’m hanging out for Season 3 of Ted Lasso – so good.



What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Skydive – I’ve had three called off due to weather!

Interestingly, the Prime Minister was seemingly unaware of this change and has been left to try and defend her gov ernment’s position. On the other hand, it is becoming apparent that Nanaia Mahuta is the puppet master controlling cabinet.

All entrenched legislation must be passed by the supermajority it seeks to entrench and as a rule, 75% makes a su permajority. But the Greens and Labour

But - neither National nor Labour would support the privatisation of water assets.

As we feared, Five Waters is a trojan horse for a far bigger agenda: an agenda that threatens our democracy. If the SOP is worthy of entrenchment, the Greens and Labour should have gone with the 75% supermajority. That they didn’t opens the door for tyrannical re gimes in the future to usurp democratic

While concerned Public Law academ ics quickly responded by publishing an open letter highly critical of the Government’s actions, and quite rightly so, the mainstream media remained all but silent, leaving it to Mike Hosking and the Platform to sound the Clarion. That a group of Public Law academics moved so quickly to publicly voice their concerns only underlines how dangerous this turn of events is.

The Prime Minister was forced to act and has given it to the Business Commit tee to consider but this is nothing more than a distraction. It is the government’s mess, and they have to fix it.

I have to wonder – are we witnessing the death throes of the Ardern regime?

Richie McCaw Ward School visit, Friday, December 2

In his role as Westpac ambassador, Richie delivered some rugby balls and netballs as part of the banks partnership with iSPORt Foundation. Richie joined in games of rugby and rounders, and talked to students about the importance of teamwork in sport and life in general. Richie previously helicoptered into the school following the 2016 earthquake to deliver Christmas presents.

Pure Events Marlborough

Santa Parade, 3:30pm Saturday, December 3

Grey Power Marlborough High Tea

EDGE: Beth Sowden has been with Grey Power Marlborough for 12 years. She says she enjoys being informed from members with what is going on withinn the community.

New Zealand Chinese Association Marlborough.

Marlborough Cancer Society. Blenheim and Districts Highland Pipe Band.

HANGIN WITH RICHIE: Ward School Year 4 student Edward Taylor got to meet former Crusader and All Black captain Richie McCaw last week.

Senior members of Grey Power gathered for an impromptu High tea at Scenic Hotel Marlborough on tuesday, November 29.

RIGHT: INFORMATION IS KNOWL

NOTHING LIKE A SANDWICH: Grey Power Marlborough members Peter McRae along with Brian and Jenny Wills at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough for the High Tea last week.

Paddy Milton, Year 4.

8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am4pm. Public Holidays 10am - 4pm. 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

BOOTHMAN, Amanda Jean: Passed away on Monday November 28, 2022. Dearly loved mother of Riley and Stevie, and partner of Grant. Special friend of many. Messages may be sent to the Booth man Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A Farewell Service for Amanda will be held near the Birdcage at Waterlea Race course, McLauchlan Street, at 11am on Fri day December 9. Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN BLENHEIM FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719 www.sowmans. co.nz

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

MCGILL: Alison Fiona: Died on 1st De cember 2022 in Blenheim, aged 92 years. Loving wife of the late Andrew. A Memo rial Service for Alison is to be held at 122 Jacksons Road, Blenheim on Tuesday 20th December at 2.00pm. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfu nerals.co.nz.

Death notices

CAMERON, Marilyn Joyce: On Friday November 25, 2022 peacefully at Hospice Marlborough. In her 79th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Ron, loved mother and mother-in-law of Mike, Jo and Mur ray. Loved grandma of Blake, Matthew, and Emma. Messages may be sent to 49 Inker man Street, Renwick 7204. A private cele bration of Marilyn’s life has been held.

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

SARGISON: Donald George (Don, Sar gie): Reg. No: NZ 12538 (Korea) On 25 November 2022, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, Blenheim, aged 90 years. In accordance with Don’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place. To view the full notice please visit our website www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

BRUNTON, Robyn Elaine (nee Munro): On Sunday, November 27, 2022, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by family, aged 59 years. Dearly loved wife and best friend of Jeff, much loved and adored mum of Jake, and Zoe, much loved daughter of Faye and Lester Munro (Blenheim), loved sister of Craig, and Garry Munro, and sister-in-law of Ashton, and Kelvin Brunton. Robyn will be hugely missed by all her family and friends. Special thanks to all those who have provid ed care and support to Robyn and her family. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Robyn Brunton, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In lieu of flowers, dona tions to Graci Foundation (Gynaecological Cancer Research) would be appreciated, and may be made online at www.graci.co.nz. A Service for Robyn has been held.

NICHOLLS, Jennifer Octavia (Jenny): Passed away peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, on Saturday, Decem ber 3, 2022. Aged 83 years. Dearly loved by her family: Tony, Brenda, Gary, Donald, Kaye, Sandy(deceased), Kerry, Roxanne and Kenneth. Loving grandmother of Mark and Rochelle, Shane and Julie, Taryn, Lex ie, Beanie and Tani, Josh, Toby, Holly and Lia, Renée and Lisa, John, Robert, Kath leen, Georgia and Hunter, David and Erin. Loving great grandmother of all her great grandchildren. Loved sister of Judith, John, Robyn and Graham. Special thanks to Sue – you know who you are! Messages may be sent to the Nicholls Family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A memorial service for Jenny will be held at Kaye’s home, 208 Mt Riley Road, R.D.1, Havelock at 1:00pm on Saturday December 10.

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

ANDERSON: James (Jim): On 29 November 2022 peacefully at Marlborough Hospice, aged 79. At Jim’s request, a private family cremation has taken place. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

STEPHENS, Kevin Francis (Coke): It is with much sadness we announce the pass ing of Kevin, at Wairau Hospital on Sat urday December 3, 2022, after a short ill ness. Aged 75 years. Much loved husband of Annette. Loved and cherished father and father-in-law of Jason, Craig and Tess. Loved poppa of Corbin, Taliah and Domi nic. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Pam and the late Lewis, Murray and Helen, Valda and Murray. Treasured uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Special thanks to St. John and staff at Wairau Hospital. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kidney Health would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 06-0501-0280602-00 Ref. STEPHENS. Messages may be sent to the Stephens Fam ily, 19 Fulton Street, Blenheim 7201. In accordance with Kevin’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

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

Lamb & Hayward Funeral Directors 467 Wairakei Road Burnside Christchurch 03-3599018

By Russell McQuarters

sports talk

Finn in fashion and Guptill goes elsewhere

The Black Caps are in the Finn Allen business.

The talented, yet inconsistent Wellington opener is clearly the future in the position in coloured clothing but he is far from a finished product.

His half century in the final 50-over encounter against India will have done him the world of good while also giving the fanbase some hope that he can produce meaningful innings’ on a regular basis.

The abrupt dumping of 36-year-old Martin Guptill has had many questioning if team management and senior players have done the

right thing by saying so long, farewell to one of New Zealand’s best ever limited-over batters.

Unlike Ross Taylor, who got a glorified fare well tour after more than 15 years of incredible service to cricket, there will be no such fanfare for Guptill.

Guptill, to his credit, has said he still hopes to play more international cricket and force his way back into contention for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

He will look to earn favour by playing in Australia’s Big Bash League over the holiday period.

In reality, only a Finn Allen flop would get Guptill back in the team.

Finn, for his part, needs to take the confidence the team clearly has in him and turn it into runs, lots of runs because he has no one nipping at his heels trying to take his spot.

To me, that’s not an ideal situation for cricket in this country.

A young player should be made to earn his spot and Allen has got there by showing glimpses at international level.

Now, those glimpses have been spectacular and game-changing at times, but as has been

pointed out, he needs to find a way to control his aggression.

That’s no small feat, Brendon McCullum struggled to find that balance for roughly a decade. The benefit for Allen is that he does not have to worry about wicket-keeping or leadership at this stage.

Like McCullum, Allen can be a match-winner with the bat and that’s always an alluring commodity in any team but Allen is not a made man, far from it and he has a challenging mental task in terms of being the next guy after a made man in Guptill.

Marlborough representatives determined to do their best

By Chris Valli

Hawker is one of the 20 athletes and 10 volunteers who will represent Marlborough at the games starting tomorrow December 8 to 12 at eight different Hamilton venues. Around 1300 athletes and coaches will attend what is the largest multi-sport event in New Zealand of the year.

Marlborough’s team includes nine bowlers, nine swimmers and two golfers.

Hawker talks proudly how at the last Special Olympics National Summer Games he won gold in the singles, silver in the doubles and fourth in the teams’ event. “I’m looking for a gold – hopefully in all my events,” Rawiri, who is training “extra hard” to prepare for the games, says.

Rawiri enjoys success in the sporting arena, but is equally proud of the journey he is mak ing out of the sporting arena as a transgender athlete which began in 2018. “I think I am the only transgender athlete competing, but Special Olympics are very supportive of the steps I am taking,” he says.

Swimmers Karl Roberts and Tracey Sawyer are also in the team. Karl’s father Paul says his son, now 39, has been swimming with Special Olympics for around 16 years. “He just keeps getting better. In the past he has won silver and

bronze medals, but at these Games he would dearly love to win gold,” Paul says.

Traditionally he has swum backstroke in races between 25m and 100m, but this year he has added 200m. He trains with Special Olympics on Monday and Wednesday and this week achieved his goal of swimming 100 lengths, 2.5kms, which took about an hour and 20 minutes. “Swimming is something Karl has always wanted to do and it’s something that he looks forward to each week. Just last weekend he was awarded a medal at the local prize giving for his swimming achievements,” Paul Roberts says.

Asked about how Karl is feeling about next week’s event – “he’s excited alright – he has his uniform and his badges and he is very proud”.

Tracey Sawyer, 54, started swimming with Special Olympics 10 years ago and it’s now her life, says team manager and Tracey’s first coach Phyllis Heard.

“Tracey came along to the pool and watched for a few months before joining in. From day one she was just a natural swimmer. She loves all sports,” Heard says.

As well as Special Olympics swimming Tracey also competes in the annual women’s triathlon in Marlborough and has earned the affection of the local crowd who give her a huge ovation when she crosses the finish line. “Swimming has been great for Tracey who lives alone. Just coming down to the pool has seen her enrol in lots of courses and getting involved in so many things,” she says.

Cindy Adams-Vining, Special Olympics

Marlborough coordinator, says Special Olympics offer those with an intellectual dis ability the opportunity to participate in sport and with that comes social opportunities.

“We definitely see people blossom through sport. It is also lovely to see how the older athletes take the younger ones under their wing,” she says.

Rawiri Hawker - a 10-pin bowler