21 December Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Swimming – the rock which keeps me grounded

By Chris Valli

George Glover can be excused for having an extra piece of pavlova or a pint of lager this Christmas.

The 19 -year-old is pla nning to sw im a gr uelling 30 0kms fr om Ch ristchurch to Blenheim in late January aiming to raise $100,000 to fund over 800 counselling sessions for New Ze aland’s at-risk youth, raising money for Mike King’s I AM HOPE charity.

Following what was then considered the mammoth Black Dog swim of the Queen Charlotte Sound in 2020, George will swim on January 27 from New Brighton pier to Whites Bay.

George says a boat and land support crew of 20 people will follow his progress up the east coast. He will sleep on the boat and recharge if and when necessary.

“I’ve got a dentist, a cray fisherman, a teacher and a su rf lifeguard. So we have a great motley crew that will have exceptional experience in multi-sport and health and safety or endurance events,” he says.

George says MetService provides invaluable hom ework with sho rt term and long term updates on ocean conditions. The MetService team produces both coastal and recrea-

tional marine forecasts. Part of these forecasts includes the state of the sea and the swell.

“For me it will be better to have a nice rolling sea,” he suggests. “I feel good, great. My head is ready….I just need to get the body there so it holds up.”

The concept for the sw im ca me about when he thought it would be a good idea to swim to university. George says the drive down the coast on family trips as a youngster has always been a motivation.

“Most of the time it’s calm and lulls you into a false sense of security in terms of potential conditions. It does get choppy though. It comes down to the support of the people we have got who know the area very well.”

George jo ined th e Ca nterbury University Swimming Club and has been mentored by world renowned Paralympian coach Roly Cr ichton and mentor of Dame Sophie Pascoe. He admits Crichton is fun and is a real character that encourages George and all his chargers to ‘just keep turning up’.

“To be fair I’m quite lazy. He knew the ch allenge ha d be en eating at me for a while and I needed to pull finger,” he says. “He talks absolute bollocks in the best way possible.

Christmas lights list

He was like ‘let’s do it - otherwise it becomes paralysed by analysis.’”

So how wo uld he de scribe th e mind-set of swimming in a pool as opposed to the natural environment of the ocean?

“The pool is static and feels like dancing by yourself. In the sea you have to continually ask yourself what is my partner doing? Do they want a dip here scenario,” he says.

At the time of announcing his goal in August he said he wasn’t going to dr ink and indulge in all things extracurricular until he had finished the campaign. However, after a year of study with second year finals he

admits he let off a bit of steam and enjoyed time with his academic mates.

He admits he is on a ‘see food, eat food diet’ and says he’ll indulge in a big juicy pie, especially after time spent doi ng the ha rd ya rds in the water.

“If I can do 20kms a day that would take 15 days not accounting for the weather. The motivation to sw im isn’t just about me The people I have around me for this challenge is what pulls you through.”

George’s east coast swim will commence on January 27 and is expected to ru n th rough to ap proximately February 19.

George says he has a ‘great motley support crew’ that have exceptional experience in multi-sport, health and safety and endurance events.

Christmas Day birthday

By Chris Valli

Apparently it’s a rare but dubious honour to be born on Christmas day. No one knows this better than Jesus, born in a barn to a teenage mum, the spiritual fate of humanity resting on his infant shoulders.

For the mortals among us, Christmas birthdays can be similarly fraught. Sherry-soaked fruit cake disguised as birthday cake, no mates around to celebrate with, fewer presents, or just a handshake from your dad in acknowledgement.

Blessedly, a December 25 birthday is unlikely to befall you - it’s the least common Kiwi birthday other than February 29, a date which occurs once every four years.

So what’s it like being a statistical novelty?

Blenheim’s Maria Hine grew up in the Awatere and comes from a farming family. Maria turns the big 40 this year and says having a big family they try for an ‘all things being created equal’ day.

“Christmas will generally override birthday to an extent especially because we have kids involved in Christmas Day. It’s pretty hard to ignore the Christmas tree and the presents sitting underneath it,” she says.

My family do a great job of making sure I feel special though. My parents set up some ‘rules’ for everyone, birthday presents and Christmas presents are two separate things entirely. Birthday presents are wrapped in birthday paper, and not kept under the tree.

I’m allowed to open these any time throughout the day I want… I never wait. Grandma always makes me a birthday sponge as well.”

Maria says everyone always says happy birthday to her before Merry Christmas while her two kids always start Christmas morning with a hug and a big ‘happy birthday mum’ which makes her feel very special. Then Santa gets his moment in the spotlight.

So does it get any ‘easier’ having a birthday fall on Christmas Day?

“One thing to remember is that I don’t actually know any different. I believe it’s a bit rubbish, because everyone always tells me it is, but I actually have nothing to compare it to.”

“I am planning on moving Christmas Day one year though and just have my birthday on the 25th December and invite my friends as well when the kids are older. Right now I think my nephew and my kids would not enjoy it if I did that to them.”

Any drawbacks with the day of birth on the festive day?

“I struggle with not being able to keep track of what is a birthday present and what is a Christmas present, so if anyone asks what I got for my birthday, I’m hard pressed to actually be able to nail that one down.”

Meanwhile, Marlborough Girls’ College student Amelia Craw, 15, celebrates her birthday on Christmas Day which takes priority over Christmas.

“My family is really good at separating the two,” she says. “I

get my birthday presents from Mum and Dad on Christmas eve though. Mum always makes sure my birthday presents are wrapped in birthday paper and not Christmas paper.

“We also get to have a nice birthday cake instead of Christmas cake on Christmas Day.”

A m elia was born in Christchurch on Christmas Day nearly four weeks early. The family moved to Blenheim when

she was four years old.

One of the drawbacks she says is that she doesn’t get to sleep in on her birthday because her brothers wake up early to open their Christmas presents.

Amelia says it does get easier having a birthday fall on Christmas Day as the older she gets, the more she gets used to it.

“The best thing about it all is that I will never have to go to school on my birthday.”

inbrief Sun The

Farmer confidence plunges to record low

Despite the rural sector having performed strongly through a number of recent challenges, New Zealand farmer confidence – which was already at low levels overall – has plummeted further and now sits at an historical low, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has found.

The latest survey found the number of farmers expecting conditions in the agricultural economy to improve in the coming 12 months had fallen to four per cent (from 12 per cent in the previous quarter) while the percentage expecting conditions to worsen rose to 75 per cent (up from 43 per cent). A total of 19 per cent were anticipating the agricultural economy to remain stable (down from 44 per cent previously).

Echoes of Blenheim’s maritime past as masts return

Refurbished masts from the historic scow A.S. Echo were lifted into place at The Quays, opposite the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery last week.

The installation is one of six sites included in the Blenheim Business Association’s Marlborough Mile project, which is designed to enhance the town’s CBD, celebrating history and culture, viticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, climate and aviation.

The A.S. Echo was built from kauri in 1905 in Te Kopuru near Dargaville and used in the timber and coal trades before being bought by Charles Eckford, coming to Blenheim in 1920.

The 1.3km Marlborough Mile walk includes the aviation site at Liz Davidson Place where a small bi-plane - a replica of the first plane to fly across Cook Strait - was installed earlier this year. The Quays site also includes a small steel silhouette of the A.S. Echo and story boards are planned to tell the history of the ship

Blenheim's Maria Hine says Christmas will generally override her birthday especially because the kids involved in Christmas Day. " It’s pretty hard to ignore the Christmas tree and the presents sitting underneath it,” she says.

REAP Marlborough - semi-finalists for community of the year

By Chris Valli

REAP Marlborough together with the twelve other REAP’s throughout NZ who are under the membership of REAP Aotearoa, are semi-finalists for the 2023 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year.

The COTY is given to communities who have shown the best of community spirit and have made an outstanding impact on the communities they serve.

REAP are one of ten semi-finalists, with the final selection to be made in March 2023.To be eligible for the award, the nominee must be a regional or national community group, iwi, geographical region or collective of people – in any sector.

Debbie Webster Christmas

Santa called into Debbie Webster’s office this week to see all the Christmas decorations.

Debbie has gone over the top this year, with a huge number of people stopping in to say thank you for putting a smile on their faces and helping them feel the true Christmas spirit.

REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) Marlborough was established in 1979 and has striven to become the Marlborough community’s ‘go to hub’ for courses and support for the education of rural residents of Marlborough from the Top of the Sounds down to Kaikoura, Waihopai and Wairau Valleys and those who reside in and nearer to Blenheim, Renwick and Picton.

CEO Sharon Blount says REAP’s mission is to deliver education and whānau focused programmes and services that would often be more easily accessible in urban centres.

“This recognises that we are fulfilling that mission. For us locally, as it will be for all the individual REAPs, it is affirmation that what we do every day in our areas is hitting the

mark and meeting our community’s needs in a meaningful way,” she says.

Sharon says they go into every year focused on getting out into the community to establish what the learning needs are and then finding ways to meet them.

“It’s not always directly through REAP programmes, quite often we can refer to

the other agencies we work closely with. At REAP Marlborough we work on the premise that if we can’t assist directly then we’ll do our very best to find someone who can.”

Sharon says REAP Marlborough, like the rest of the country, looks forward to a new year where they don’t need a plan B just in case Covid disrupts their plan A.

REAPING THE BENEFITS: Eufrasia Peneres, REAP Marlborough New Zealand Sign Language tutor with her class earlier this year.

Merry Christmutts

By Chris Valli

Unsure what to do with leaving the dog at home for a prolonged period?

Then look no further than Blenheim’s ‘Willow-Fern’, a small dog boutique doggie day-care.

Owner Dide Whitfield started the business in February and says the opportunity to look after other’s dogs is something she had pursued for a long time. So she decided to quit her job as a teacher aide and develop what she calls ‘a dream of hers,’ she says.

Dide currently looks after the well-being of 14 dogs with 11 clients on her books including a family of three dogs and one of two. She says some pooches come for the day for their regular weekly visit.

“Some come just randomly when their owner wants to go into town or has an appointment and some just come to stay overnight when their owner goes out of town.” she says.

Dide says Tui and Rosie are her ‘old gals’, both almost 12. She says she has quite a few younger dogs including two Cavoodles, a border terrier and spoodles, a Brussel Griffon, and Jack Russell.

Dide says the pooches come into her home and congregate into her family lounge which is a central point for all of them along with her front yard.

“I have a larger backyard where they go out to run around and chase balls or just each other. There are lots of doggy beds for every

little pooch that comes to visit. I want my whare to be like theirs so that they all feel safe, comfortable, happy and loved,” she says.

Dog lover Liz McKay owns lil’ Ted, a Brussels Griffon, named for their city of origin from Brussels, Belgium. Liz says he loves the company and the small dog banter and suggests Dide’s home and new-found friends is ‘better’ than his own home.

For Sandi Neilson, her pooch Ruby – a Border Terrier Cross – after taking a few sessions to settle in she says as soon as Ruby knows where she is going, she gets excited and bounds out of the car and into the house like it’s her second home.

“The socialising is great for Ruby who loves all the interaction – it’s helped her a lot.”

Pooches are from the wider Marlborough region including Havelock, Picton and the Rai Valley. Dide only looks after small dogs and says she only takes four at a time so there’s no overcrowding.

“I have owners fill out a form for emergency purposes.”

“The best thing about what I do is staying at home with my dogs and rolling around on the floor with them jumping and yapping with big smiley faces knowing I am helping someone’s day be better by loving their fur babies for them.”

The business will be closed over the festive season from tomorrow until January 23.

Locals who might be keen to have their pooch looked after contact Dide at Willow-Fern on 027 4855 163.

Blenheim’s Willow-Fern is a small dog boutique doggie day-care. Owner Dide Whitfield quit her job as a teacher aide to develop what she calls ‘a dream of hers.’

Letters

I mostly wish for clothes and accessories from places like Cotton On and Jay Jays. But I also just can’t wait to be with my family and make even more memories.

I wish for everyone to have special time with their family and friends over the summer cause that’s what it’s really about. (Plus I’d also like a new phone).

I really want bunnies but Mum and Dad told Santa ‘no’, so maybe just loom bands.

to the editor

Good things take time

Letters

of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Feeling sympathetic

Dear Ed

In response to the Txt Talk entry on the ASB Theatre’s boarded window panel, we are very pleased to update the community that it is now being scheduled for repair.

It wasn’t as straightforward as we all hoped it would be but we got there in the end and its full replacement is underway.

Merry Christmas to the whole team at Blenheim Sun and have a safe summer holiday.

Kind regards.

Joseph Casalme CEO ASB Theatre Marlborough

I can’t help feeling sympathy for Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of FTX, now collapsed with the disappearance of billions of dollars, was just following the well-worn path to great wealth, selling frippery to the mugs who make up a majority of the population. The said mugs - how could they have possibly got into control of such treasuries? Thought they were being given a means of keeping money away from the bankers and regulators, tax authorities etcetera. I wonder if Sam simply failed to grasp the sheer scale of what he’d set up. The sheer mass of a billion dollars is quite beyond comprehension; wrap your mind round the fact that a billion seconds adds up to 32 years.....If someone had donated that much dosh to baby Sam, he could have spent $43,000 a day, every day of his life so far, and still had cash for a couple more years. The Big People are sure gonna make an example of him, poor guy. Mind you, if you think that the crypto-casino of FTX was a big deal, cast your mind back to the Great Financial Crash of 2008.

The Big People had given loans to NINJASthose with No Income, No Jobs or Assets - in

the assumption that a miracle would occur and the NINJAS would pay interest on their loans. Remember, banks don’t actually lend you money; they merely allow you to go into debt. The “loan”is backed by the value of the home you are buying, it’s theirs until you finish paying, with the only actual, real money at risk being about 7% of the sum, money owned by and at the risk of the bank’s shareholders. And you wondered why shares in banks were so high priced. Read up on “capital assets ratio” to get the guts of how billions of real money can be sucked up. Well, long story short, when the bankers hubris overwhelmed them, who else but the taxpaying masses could save the economy. America’s elected rulers donated seven hundred BILLION dollars to the lucky ol’ bankers. Ah, democracy.

And finally, hooray, you say; controlling inflation, done by shoving up the banks interest rates, takes cash from those at the bottom who would only spend it, and gives it to those at the top who will keep it safe in their accounts, shares etc. Who could argue with that?

Saoirse Zintl Blenheim

Peyton Bull Blenheim

Mandy Li Blenheim

Karen Bull Blenheim

Adrienne Leonard Blenheim Peace,

Ava Zintl Blenheim

Yours faithfully Bill Holvey

Four-year-old Rhylee-Rose from Seymour Kindergarten got a wee surprise last Friday morning when the children were greeted by Santa. Mum Teagan Boyd-Vicary says her daughter thought it was the coolest thing ever and was extremely happy she saw him. “I think Santa needs a box of beers for his efforts to make kids happy. He had a sack and everything and it was very hot and muggy, top bloke.”

Mayor’s Christmas message

It’s an exciting end to 2022 for me as I see eight new councillors settling well into their roles, working alongside experienced councillors. The speed with which we have built good working relationships to support our decision making has been particularly rewarding.

It’s gratifying to know the public is pleased with Council’s performance, with a recent survey showing our satisfaction rating is noticeably higher than the New Zealand average.

Marlborough has endured challenges throughout the year – particularly the two major storms with devastating consequences on our roading network. The impact on Port Underwood, French Pass and twicehit Kenepuru Sound residents, resort and business owners and farmers cannot be underestimated. However, we have worked together emerging as a stronger and, I think, more connected province.

And let’s look at the positives. This year’s grape harvest was a record one which has flow-on effects across the region. Cruise ships and tourists have returned and we’re looking forward to a busy and fun Marlborough summer.

I hope you make time to enjoy the summer holiday season with your family and friends and make the most of our amazing walks, bike tracks, beaches and safe swimming in both rivers and the sea.

We do live in a region the rest of the country (and the world) would love to visit so take

the opportunity to look at Marlborough through their eyes - choose a new local experience, a different spot to eat or a fresh destination to visit this summer.

It’s wonderful to see the return of the New Year’s Eve event on the Picton Foreshore with music, food, family fun and midnight fireworks. It’s great to once again gather as a community to celebrate such an event. Have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Nadine Taylor Marlborough Mayor

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

Puppies are cute and cuddly and lots of fun but they are also a big commitment. Before you get a puppy it’s a good idea to consider how a new pet may fit into your family. If you’re getting a puppy for Christmas there are some important things to remember:

• Provide a safe, securely fenced area

• Make sure your puppy gets regular exercise and has the required vaccinations before socialising with other dogs

• Provide plenty of shade, shelter, food and fresh water

• Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle in hot weather

• Early socialisation and training is essential to becoming a well-mannered companion

Remember that all puppies over three months old must be registered and

microchipped. If you already have two dogs you will need a property licence. For more information and to register your puppy please contact Animal Control, Ph: 03 520 9033, email animalcontrol@xtra.co.nz or visit 56 Main Street, Blenheim.

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Temporary Road Closure - Ignite Marlborough - New Year’s Eve Picton

From Saturday 31 December 2022 through until 2.00 am on Sunday 1 January 2023 the following portion of carpark and roads will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic for the Ignite Marlborough - New Year’s Eve Picton celebrations:

• The carpark adjacent to Picton Aquarium/ Cinema (from the raised crossing including the eastern side of the carpark) from 11.00 am on Saturday 31 December

• London Quay from the High Street intersection to Wellington Street from 6.00 pm Saturday 31 December

• Wellington Street from the London Quay/ Wellington Street intersection to Endeavour Lane from 6.00 pm on Saturday 31 December

During the period of closure, ordinary vehicle traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an Officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicle traffic during the period of closure.

This notice is given pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Dean Hawkey, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 021 923 536.

Support local this Christmas

With just over a week to go until Christmas Day now’s the time to get your shopping sorted.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says when purchasing something special for friends and family this year, supporting local should be at the top of your list.

“By supporting local we are reinvesting in our community and providing a real boost to our region’s economy.”

“Aside from the traditional gifts of books, clothes or jewellery, vouchers make a great present. I’m sure a voucher for lunch at one of our wonderful wineries, restaurants or cafés, or a voucher to experience one of the many attractions in Marlborough’s brilliant backyard would go down a treat,” Mayor Taylor said.

So this year, when you’re trying to come up with the perfect present idea, remember to make it Marlborough.

Council services - holiday hours

Council’s offices are closed from midday on Friday 23 December and reopen at 8.00 am on Wednesday 4 January. If you have an urgent issue during this time, staff will be available on Ph: 03 520 7400 to respond to your query. All transfer stations, the Waste Sorting Centre, Resource Recovery Centre, Reuse Centre shop, Greenwaste Acceptance Facility and the landfill are closed on Christmas Day, Sunday 25 December.

Holiday opening hours Transfer stations, Blenheim

Mon 26 - Fri 30 Dec: 8am to 4.30pm

Sat 31 Dec: 8am to 4pm

Sun 1 Jan: Closed Mon 2 & Tue 3 Jan: 8am to 4.30pm

Picton

Mon 26 - Sat 31 Dec: 8am to 4pm

Sun 1 Jan: Closed

Mon 2 & Tue 3 Jan: 8am to 4pm

Havelock

Mon 26 - Sat 31 Dec: 8am to 4pm

Sun 1 Jan: Closed

Mon 2 Tue 3 Jan: 8am to 4pm

Seddon

Mon 26 Dec: Closed

Tue 27 Dec: 1pm to 4pm

Wed 28 Dec: Closed

Thurs 29 Dec: 1pm to 4pm

Fri 30 Dec - Mon 2 Jan: Closed

Tues 3 Jan: 1pm to 4pm

Rai Valley

Mon 26 Dec: Closed

Tue 27 Dec: 9am to midday

Wed 28 & Thurs 29 Dec: Closed

Fri 30 Dec: 9am to midday

Sat 31 Dec: 9am to 3pm

Sun 1 and Mon 2 Jan: Closed

Tue 3 Jan: 9am to midday

Wairau Valley

Mon 26 & Tue 27 Dec: Closed

Wed 28 Dec: Midday to 4pm

Thurs 29 & Fri 30 Dec: Closed

Street Address: 15 Seymour Street Blenheim 7201 New Zealand

Sat 31 Dec: Midday to 4pm

Sun 1 - Tue 3 Jan: Closed

Resource Recovery Centre, Re-Use Centre and Greenwaste Acceptance Facility

Mon 26 - Fri 30 Dec: 8am to 4.30pm

Sat 31 Dec: 8am to 4pm

Sun 1 Jan: Closed Mon 2 & Tue 3 Jan: 8am to 4.30 pm

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections

This year there are no alternative collection days for rubbish and recycling services. If your rubbish and recycling crate is usually collected on a Monday or Tuesday this service will continue on these days despite the statutory holidays.

Put your rubbish and recycling crate out on Mon 26 and Tue 27 December and Mon 2 and Tue 3 January, if these are your usual collection days.

Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) hours

Friday 23 Dec: closes at 5pm

Sat 24 - Tue 27 Dec: Closed

Wed 28 - Fri 30 Dec: 9am to 5pm

Sat 31 Dec - Tue 3 Jan: Closed

Picton Library hours

Friday 23 Dec: closing at 5pm

Sat 24 - Tue 27 Dec: Closed

Wed 28 - Fri 30 Dec: 9am to 5pm

Sat 31 Dec - Tue 3 Jan: Closed

Bus services

The Blenheim, Renwick and Picton bus services will not operate on the following days:

Christmas Day: Sun 25 December

Boxing Day: Mon 26 December Christmas Day observed: Tue 28 December

New Year’s Day: Sun 1 January Day after New Year’s Day: Mon 2 January

New Year’s Day observed: Tue 3 January

Normal services operate on all other days.

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor

Acting, Writing, Blenheim one on one with the Sun

Dan Musgrove’s love of acting stemmed from when he was a child growing up in Marlborough. His mother was a speech and drama teacher and he became part of the town’s local theatre scene.

The 40-year-old father of three recalls shows like Midsummer Night’s Dream which was directed by Pam Logan and Big River directed by Duncan Whiting as a couple of personal highlights.

“They actually remain some of the biggest scale productions, in terms of cast, that I’ve been involved in. Great times. I’ve got loads of memories of the Boat House Theatre too. It’s got a very specific smell in that place.”

Dan says his first time on stage was at the old Marlborough Centre.

“It must have been the Marlborough Performing Arts Competitions and I think I recited a poem about a mouse or something. I remember it being an extremely nerve-racking experience but at the end I got second place and a silver medal. Medals are a great motivation when you are six years old.”

Dan’s father grew up in Picton while his Mum is from Wellington. His parents met overseas then came back to Marlborough. Dan attended Whitney Street School, Bohally and Marlborough Boys’ College.

He recalls his Drama teacher at MBC being one Alistair Williams who he says was passionate about establishing a strong drama program at the college that ‘a bunch of them’ really benefited from.

“Outside of school, I owe a lot to the Speech and Drama classes I took with Pam Logan. She introduced me to new writers, playwrights, and really opened my eyes to it all,” he reflects.

He confesses he’s always been passionate about writing. He says from memory the first play he wrote was actually performed at the Boathouse Theatre which was set in a lift and James Rodgers played the lead.

“Right from the start, I’d always been pursuing playwriting alongside acting. Writing parts for yourself is also a very

good way of getting acting gigs when you’re starting out.”

He suggests screenwriting kind of grew out of playwriting. After a short stint writing for Shortland Street he was then cast in the series Westside. Going very much against his gracious off-screen persona, Dan has played a string of ‘bad guys’. The deceitful Rupert in Go Girls, notorious drug trafficker Marty Johnstone in Underbelly, and Lefty Munroe in successive seasons of Westside.

“In season three the creator of the series, James Griffin, asked me to join the writing team and I loved every minute of it. Since then screenwriting has consumed most of my time.”

Dan has a BA from Victoria University (with majors in politics and philosophy), a BPA from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School and he’s currently finishing off a law degree, ‘very slowly’ at Auckland University.

West Coast beaches one way. Golden beaches the other. Waiheke Island just across the harbour.”

In 2020, he formed a production company called Luminous Beast with fellow writers Shoshana McCallum and Peter Salmon. Their debut series, INSiDE, won the 2021 International Emmy Award for Short Form Series.

“We were absolutely over the moon even though the Covid lockdown meant we couldn’t make it to New York for the ceremony. The series is still streaming on Neon.

I’ve just finished writing a second season of Creamerie which will screen on TVNZ2 next year.”

Dan admits life has changed dramatically since he started a family with w ife Antonia Prebble. He says the biggest challenge has been learning to work more efficiently within a reduced timeframe.

“No more procrastinating before writing a scene…well less procrastinating anyway. I write from a home office and so our kids are always a feature of my working day. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it does require a new kind of discipline to focus myself and meet my deadlines when I’m not pretending to be an ogre or something.”

“I’m in my last year of the degree but I’m completing it at a truly sluggish pace. There’s not much time after work and family commitments to make room for study at present but I’m determined to finish it one day. I’ve come this far.”

Nowadays, based in Auckland he says the City of Sails took a bit of getting used to but now he absolutely loves it.

“Even though it’s a huge sprawling city, you tend to stick to your village and there is a good sense of community in each suburb. We live in Mt Albert and it’s nicely linked up with everything we need. Like Marlborough, Auckland has great proximity t o a w ide range of environments.

Musgrove and wife Antonia both starred on Westside, playing Lefty Munroe and Loretta West. The pair became engaged in 2018.

He says the thing that drew Antonia and him together was the fact they just really liked talking to each other with similar interests and being fascinated by the same things.

“I remember one night, early on, we watched a documentary about building bridges and afterwards we ended up talking about bridges for hours and hours and I thought…if I want to talk about bridges with this woman then something must be right.

“I feel really lucky to have Antonia’s support, both in my professional and personal life. She’s in the same industry as me so she understands the unique challenges that come with a job in the

Dan says he remembers one night, early on with Antonia they both watched a documentary about building bridges and afterwards they ended up talking about bridges for hours and hours. “I feel really lucky to have Antonia's support, both in my professional and personal life. She’s in the same industry as me so she understands the unique

that come with a job in the creative arts."

creative arts. And she’s got a great mind for characters and stories so it’s always useful to bounce ideas off her.”

Dan says his own family have also been a constant source of support for him and have always backed him up in the choices he’s made professionally, seeing countless plays over the years. He is looking forward to the

festive season and quality time in the Marlborough region where he heads every Christmas.

“ We’ve always had family holidays in the Sounds and it’s taken on a whole new dimension now, taking our kids down there. I’m back looking for crabs under rocks again three decades later. Brilliant.”

Blenheim born actor and screenwriter Dan Musgrove has fond memories of Marlborough. Now based in Auckland, he talks to journalist Chris Valli about life beyond the screen and coming back home over the festive season.

“She introduced me to new writers, playwrights, and really opened my eyes to it all”

challenges

instore from Boxing Day

Chinese instruments provoke memories

By Chris Valli

A musical celebration for the Chinese Community took place at St Christopher’s, in Redwoodtown at the weekend.

The New Zealand Chinese Association Marlborough invited four noted musicians from Christchurch to play traditional instruments to a supportive group of 120 people.

Musician and songwriter Jian Fe Zhai played the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument known as the Chinese violin or a Chinese two-stringed fiddle. As a versatile instrument, the erhu is used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements, such as pop, rock and jazz.

Jian or Jeffrey is recognised as one of the leading lights in the field of Chinese new style traditional music in China. He completed his master’s performance degree in erhu in 2016.

Meanwhile, Wen Wen Zhang played the Chinese pipa, a four-string plucked lute. ‘Wendy’ has been learning Guzheng/zither since 1997 and studied under Wei Xiao and Professor Jun Wei of Xi’an from the Conservatory of Music.

The pipa instrument descends from West and Central Asian prototypes and appeared in China during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). Travelling over ancient trade routes, it brought not only a new sound but

also new repertoires and musical theory. Among the many traditional musical instruments of China, the most popular 10 instruments are the guzheng, erhu, dizi, pipa, guqin, hulusi, suona, xiao, Chinese drum, and bianzhong.

Mandy Li is the Chinese Association Marlborough branch president. She says the four musicians are willing to teach traditional instructions to the Chinese Marlborough children for free on a monthly basic to promote the extinctive music.

“They played some very familiar and popular songs to our generations. It brings so many memories and does help to comfort those who can’t go back home and visit families in the last three years (due to the pandemic),” Mandy says.

National MP Stuart Smith and wife Julie attended the celebrations and joined the community in tasting ‘yummy food’ such as Chinese Plum Chicken and Ant Oil Emperor Fried Noodles. Local Blenheim businesses Master Roaster and Noodle Canteen supplied their culinary fare also.

“We try to connect people with their culture to celebrate this time of the season and the New Year,” Mandy says.

For those that are interested in learning the instruments contact Chinese Association Nelson/ Marlborough on nelson@nzchinese. org.nz or on the Facebook page.

Wen Wen Zhang played the Chinese pipa, a four-string plucked lute. ‘Wendy’ has been learning Guzheng/zither since 1997 and studied under Wei Xiao and Professor Jun Wei of Xi’an from the Conservatory of Music.

Jian Fe Zhai played the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument known as the Chinese violin or a Chinese two-stringed fiddle.

Merry Christmas

Twilight Farmers Market

The Marlborough Farmers Market is holding two special twilight markets, on Friday, December 23 and December 30.

The market will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Sigrun Steinhagen says they will have the Marlborough Brass Band entertaining with a Christmas repertoire this Friday with Santa due to make an appearance.

“We’ve been told by the

elves he plans to be there from 4.30pm.

As he’s not photo shy, kids can even snap a photo with him.

There will be a treat or two in it too for the young and the young at heart,” says Sigrun.

“We hope that it’s a lovely setting for friends and family to catch up before the big day, exchange their Christmas and holiday plans while enjoying the street food from the varied food carts.

Latest to join is Aurai

Thai, along with kai from Boom Chef, The Swiss Butcher, Long Acre Farm, the Gourmet Deli, Drop the Beet with cold pressed juice, and our coffee carts.”

Sigrun says there will be plenty of fresh berries – raspberries, cherries, strawberries in season, with blueberries coming on.

The New Year’s market will provide another chance to catch up with friends and family before many head away on holiday.

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Marlborough Farmers Market is holding two special twilight markets, on Friday, December 23 and December 30. The market will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

A Christmas Carol review

By Pam Logan

The people of Havelock were treated to the very best of community theatre on opening night last Wednesday.

Director Sarah Nathan’s assured adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with a well-cast ensemble, Christmas carol singers, members of the Blenheim Brass Band – and a dog –brought Dicken’s story to life in a way that engaged the audience and reminded everyone of the true spirit of Christmas.

Dickens is all about characters, very real characters, and we certainly saw them aplenty.

Ian Cameron made the role of Scrooge his own, crusty and cantankerous to start, through fearful yet curious, transitioning into a generous and life loving character. The lopsided red scarf at this point was a genius costume touch.

Cathy Cocker was a consummate storyteller/narrator guiding us through the story – and a convincing Victorian character in several guises.

Nephew Fred (Spencer Kingi) made an immediate impact with his singing entrance into the doom and gloom of Scrooge’s office and was a convincing character throughout his scenes along with his wife (Kim Weatherhead).

Bob Cratchit’s (Robert Stillion) miserable position in the office was a good contrast, however, it was his easy relationship with Tiny Tim (Alice Spencer)

and the rest of his impoverished family that really helped tell the story. Tiny Tim had an engaging stage presence and a strong voice. Together with Mrs Cratchit (Julia Pointon) and the other children the family scenes were strong ensemble playing.

The Ghost of Jacob Marley (John Leary), The Spirit of Christmas Past (Judy Blake-Barlow), The Spirit of Christmas Present (Shalom Delmonte-Aberhart) and the Spirit of Christmas Future (Ced Seatter) with the help of some brilliantly contrasted costumes, all created highly effective and individual characters to move the storyline along.

Ursula Paul and Jennie Johnson provided well drawn cameos as Charity Collectors and Market Ladies.

The set was simply designed, with judicious use of furniture to indicate scenes, and a thrust section which brought the au-

dience right into the action. Even the frequent opening and closing swish of the front curtains were well timed and appropriate.

The use of mist, and clever lighting placement, created mood and atmosphere throughout. Noticeable, for example, when the black cloaked Ghost of Christmas Future faded out to just a gnarled and pointing finger as Scrooge examined his own gravestone.

Sound was highly effective, from the well-paced clock to thunder and ghostly moanings.

Sarah Nathan and her team are to be congratulated on bringing this story to life at this time of year. Superbly sung and played Christmas Carols, a well-known and well-told story with a timeless message of good will, along with some deft touches of humour, make this a wonderful way to get you into the Christmas spirit.

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Director Sarah Nathan’s assured adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with a well-cast ensemble, Christmas carol singers, members of the Blenheim Brass Band – and a dog – brought Dicken’s story to life in a way that engaged the audience and reminded everyone of the true spirit of Christmas.

Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Re have some gumption (7 Dec)

I agree wholeheartedly with this text. “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.“

Well put and wouldn’t it be just great if this happened, don’t have much hope if this happening though.

Huge loss

It will be a huge loss if the large Eucalyptus in Witherlea is removed. Not only will it set new precedence for future trees within our urban canopy but show that MDC can be easily persuaded by public with little to no experience or knowledge in the arboricultural field. What’s next, the large gums at Sheps park?!

Talk of the week

Generous

Too much?

Hot Chips! How much is too much!!! $9.60 for a small bowl of fries at a locally owned cafe. Frozen ones too, not handcut which I don’t mind paying for. Wow!

Pest control

So the Loonies are making gun licences (tax) cost $750. When we are overrun with pests currently being controlled by those wanting a bit of a shot for sport, what will it cost the Loonies to control the pests?? Don’t ask them. They won’t know.

Not nice

Qatar does not sound like a nice place. And now two journo’s have lost their lives. Seems questionable. Sport should be enjoyed and I’m wondering how this country got to host this World Cup with their beliefs. Go the rainbow shirt.

Emptiness

For sale, for lease, closing down. The signs are there in and around Blenheim. Clubs of Marlborough in liquidation, Theatre generally empty and costing a fortune to prop up and does anyone know the annual cost of a new library big enough to serve a City the size of Wellington? Who pays the Piper? Find a mirror!!

Boot sale

What a stupid thing to say about animals at boot sale. The point being that the pups are in a cage and that you hope they go to good homes and not sold for next to nothing to people that will end up leaving them or worse. I’d rather someone pay hundreds at least you know they’re wanted, and when the cute puppy stage wears off they’re dumped, shouldn’t be allowed to sell them there, I feel sorry for pups.

Savemart

Just want to say the women who work at Savemart are wonderful! They get given such a hard time, you want to know where the donations go? You want to know why they are cashless? How about contact their Head Office ask yourself. I find them to be really helpful and kind. They are just doing their jobs!!

Grapes

Just wondering. In Marborough there are grapes growing as far as the eye can see and further. Why can’t someone have a grape growing enterprise for grape juice and grapeseed oil is amazing. Not everyone wants to drink alcohol!

Long post

NZ Post letter took 20 days by air from Blenheim to Sydney posted in November. Why pay for air mail when you use a push bike lol. So why is NZ Post charging for air mail?

Flooding

Was wondering why the lagoon council made after the floods by Munro Street is still there??

It would be best to let the water flow as is very dirty and lots of algae in it just a little channel to let it all out would be great.

Look out

Prime Minister forced to make apology after not being aware her mic was still on.

Plus pushing 3 waters through DESPITE all the DEMOCRATIC opposition!!

Look out PM, this could spell your demise.

Road open

Good to see the highway to Nelson is now open, just in time for Christmas.

Roundabout needed!

When is there going to be a roundabout on Alabama/Howick Road intersection? It’s the only intersection on Alabama Road without one. Such a difficult intersection to get across.

Counter-intuitive

Both the main parties are always talking about cutting tax. They are mainly referring to PAYE. The “elephant in the room” is the tax we are currently paying is not enough to cover the services we demand. Tax must be altered to reflect today’s situation. This means tax needs to be updated to present needs.

I will not vote for any party that promises tax cuts. It’s counter-intuitive to our present and ongoing situation.

Disappointing

It’s disappointing to see a couple going through the items left by the recycling bin at Horton Park and helping themselves. The flouro vest makes you standout. The goods are donated to charity not for you to help yourself to.

Re Smear test

Reaks like apartheid very dangerous.

5 Waters!

So this ‘quazi-entitlement privatisation grab’ means geothermal pools at Hamner, Maruia, & Franz; prices will triple, but there’s more folks; all plus hydro dams? Offshore so far, one cannot see land. My bore? Does this usurp control of melt off frozen rainwater glaciers, vineyard reservoirs, swimming pools, spas and large road puddles and even the subterranean water table? Think, thus expect!

A big THANK YOU to the lovely gentleman who paid for our entry to the Brainwaves exercise class last Friday at the Stadium whilst we were asking about the entry fee. Your generosity was so appreciated in this day and age.

Re ghost town

Drove down Queen street today - only two vacant shops. People everywhere. Events every weekend. Ghost town not?

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Are you a dog or cat person?

Dog. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Film Producer. 

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

I’m a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.  Have you met anyone famous?

Many. But it’s part of the job! 

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

Seafood. 

The shop you can’t walk past is...?

EB Games. 

What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

UFC. 

Your dream weekend involves....?

My family, good food, some drinks and a movie on a tropical island... 

Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Yellowstone. 

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To write a book.

Growing woes: By Wally Richards

For most of the country it was a dismal spring and now we are into the first month of summer things have not improved much.

Weather and conditions do vary across New Zealand depending on your region and even your own property if you have a micro-climate, but overall there is a thread of similar.

I spoke this week to an agriculture/farm supplier representative and he said that growers and farmers were complaining about growth of plants and pasture.

So let’s look at the facts, we are only about 10 days away from the longest day which means we are hitting 16 plus hours of day light which should mean maximum growth of plants with blue skies.

But we are not getting nice blue skies, lots of cloudy or overcast days and a fair bit of rain as well.

Temperatures for this time of the year are not great either and not our more normal warm temperatures day and night.

So lack of direct sun light and fluctuating temperatures do not bode well for plant growth.

Wet feet and lower soil temperatures is another plant growth factor.

Plants need adequate moisture, adequate nutrition, suitable temperatures, long hours of direct sunlight and CO2 to grow.

Currently the planet’s CO2 levels are about 416 ppm.

You may not be aware of this but some commercial growers have in their glasshouses CO2 generators to increase the growth of their crops.

Most experts agree that 1,500 ppm is the maximum CO2 level for maximum plant growth, although any CO2 level between 1,000ppm and 1,500ppm will be very good.

So a low amount of 416ppm is only half of what gives good growth.

Here is an interesting fact...The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere was reduced by about 90% during the last 150 million years.

If this trend continues CO2 will inevitably fall to levels that threaten the survival of plants, which require a minimum of 150 ppm to survive.

Does that ring any bells?

Half of the world’s oxygen is produced via phytoplankton photosynthesis. The other half is produced via photosynthesis on land by trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants.

You know the old saying? ‘Breath out and make a plant happy’

I am surprised at the slow growth of vegetable plants in my gardens at this time of the year.

In my glasshouses growth is better as they offer better protection from the environment so tomatoes are doing great, cucumbers are good but chili plants are slow.

Chili love hot temperatures to really grow well.

Seeds sown in raised gardens are slow to germinate or rot out because of lower soil temperatures.

Outside seedlings of lettuce, carrots and pak choy are slow and that is how it is in my part of Marton.

Home gardeners will keep on growing their plants no matter what the conditions are like and do what we can to improve the results.

I would suggest a weekly spray of molasses and Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) to help improve vegetable growth. About a table spoon of molasses dissolved in a litre of hot water then 10mils of MBL added.

Give a small side dressing of Wallys BioPhos once a month.

If you have access to manure make up a compost tea by placing any animal manures into a plastic rubbish tin and filling two thirds full with non-chlorinated water.

Place about 50mils of Bio Magnus Fish fertiliser into the brew. This has live beneficial microbes which will increase their populations in the brew. You can further increase their population growth by adding Mycorrcin or molasses to the brew.

Stir and airate regularly, get a paddle to stir and a jug to fill and lift up high over the barrel then pour contents back into the brew. This gets oxygen into the brew.

Every so often take out some of the brew and water into the soil by where your plants are growing.

Add more manure and other components with more non-chlorinated water and you have a neat home made fertiliser for your crops.

Here is an interesting thing to do, take a plastic 2 litre cordial bottle, half fill with non chlorinated water, add to this about 10mil of Bio Magnus Fish fertiliser and a teaspoon of molasses, place cap on and give contents a shake.

Place outside somewhere in sun light and check often.

The populations of microbes will rapidly grow and the bottle will balloon and if left will

explode when the plastic fractures.

When the bottle has expanded a bit then release pressure by removing cap.

Pour contents of bottle into your gardens for great benefit to the plants.

You as a home gardener can do things to help increase the growth of your crops which is not available for commercial growers to do. Their answer is to apply dressings of nitrogen to the soil to force growth which is a problem for them currently as Nitrogen fertilisers are in short supply and what is available is much more expensive than normal.

So if you think $10 a cabbage is bad, worry about it more when its $20 or $30.

There is currently a world shortage of food which as the months go by appears to be getting worse.

I have read calls for people overseas that have lawns to dig them up and plant vegetables.

Of course in many places and even here in NZ having a lawn is not a thing when the sections are small and the house takes most of the land you own anyway.

Woe is the loss of the good old quarter acre section which with a few chickens you could supply about 50% plus of your food chain for a small family.

Even though currently the growing conditions are not as good as normal for this time of the year at least they are better than they will be in a few months time.

For those that have room now is the time to start planting winter crops of brassicas, cabbage etc, if you like leeks they should already be in.

About every 2-3 weeks plant another small planting of the crops such as two or three of each so you have succession to harvest in winter.

A gardener recently during a phone conversation told me of an old Chinese Saying: To be happy for one day, Get Drunk.

To be happy for one week, Get Married. To be happy for life, Get a Garden. Phone 0800 466464

Teacher Gemma Herdman in full character.

Kim Weatherhead (Janet), Ian Cameron (Scrooge) and Spencer Kingi (Fred).

Witherlea School’s Kauri syndicate, Year 5 and 6 students in full voice at last week’s Christmas family picnic.

CDT LAC Anna Corban was awarded both best drill, and best dress and bearing. Anna is being congratulated by RNZAF Woodbourne Base Commander Paul Drysdale.

TOP OF THE CLASS: Peter Clark congratulates CDT SGT Jessie Blake who was awarded the RSA Challenge coin for best overall cadet.

Babies Babies

FAGAN; William Patrick (Bill): On 13 December 2022 at Springlands Lifestyle Village, aged 95 years. Loved husband of the late Mary In accordance with Bill’s wishes, a private service has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

BEATON, Allan John (AJ): Passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough on Friday December 16, 2022. In his 82nd year. Dearly loved husband of Coral, much-loved Dad and father-in-law of Robyn and Tom, and Kerry. Treasured grandad of Lani and Bev, Nicole and Sam, Leah and Robbie. Loved great grandad of Fletcher. Special thanks to Hospice staff, and his good friend Bruce. Messages may be sent to the Beaton Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be greatly appreciated and may be made online to a/c 03-13690365207-00 Ref. BEATON. A private cremation has been held and a memorial service will follow at a later date.

BLISSETT, Michael: 5 Dec 2022 in his 90th year. Chesterfield, UK. Trooper. 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. Occupation of Germany. Dearly loved husband of Oriel and special Dad of John also known as Adisan Bin Abdullary of Kuching Malaysia. Loved elder brother of Ian and brother-in-law to Nisha of Blenheim and special Uncle to 7 nephews and nieces and Great Uncle also to 9 more nephews and nieces around New Zealand. We’ll meet again don’t know where don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day. Keep smiling through just like you always do Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away. So will you please say hello to the folks that I know Tell them I won’t be long, they’ll be happy to know, When you saw me go, I was singing this song We’ll meet again don’t know where don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day. RIP.

PURDIE: Crichton Wallace: Passed away surrounded by loving family, on 16th December 2022, at home, aged 50. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Darlene. Loved and treasured father of Jackson, Conlan and Gibson. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or his tribute page on www cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers and cards a donation to Motor Neuron Disease Ass. www.mnd.org.nz would be appreciated. At Crichton’s request a private cremation has taken place. “FIGHT MND “

Death notices

PUDNEY, Kenneth Maxwell (Max): Passed away at Ashwood Park Retirement Village on Saturday December 17, Aged 96. Dearly loved partner of Rosalind (Rose) Goodwin, loved father and father-in-law of John and Carolyn, Jo and Jane. Brother to the late Roy, Joyce and Joan. Grandad Max to Erin, Paul, Ben, Amy and Great Grandad to Zoe. Special friend to the Goodwin boys Andy, Chris, Tim, Jonny and their families. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or his tribute page on www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz The family would like to thank the staff of Ashwood Park for the care and compassion shown to Max. At Max’s request a private service will take place. This can be viewed at a later date by going to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Funerals

NITZ: Edgar Barry (Barry): On 14 December 2022, peacefully at Hospice Marlborough aged 86 years. Messages to C/- P O Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz At Barry’s request a private cremation has taken place with a memorial gathering to be notified and held later in January 2023. To view the full notice please visit our website.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

GORMAN: Philippa Margaret (Pip): On 5 December 2022 at the Marlborough Hospice. Dearly loved wife of Chris. Messages to 4 Brandon Mews, Springlands, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with Pip’s wishes a private service has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website.

By Russell McQuarters

talk

Yes, Tim, no Tom as Kane isn’t able

Kane Williamson’s departure as test cricket captain came as a shock last Thursday but so did his replacement.

Williamson, will go down as New Zealand’s most successful test captain ever.

That culminated with last year’s World Test Championship Final win over India.

The 32-year-old had widely been tipped to relinquish the leadership

of one of the two white ball teams, particularly the twenty20 format where the style of play doesn’t suit the country’s best ever technical batters.

I can say with certainty that all the cricket tragics in New Zealand believe Williamson still has plenty to offer the red ball format and that included the captaincy.

However, it’s been clear the no 3 batter has been burdened by lead-

ing in all three formats combined with his lingering elbow injury which has likely contributed to his dip in form.

Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says it has become clear it is no longer feasible for one man to lead his country in all three formats and that is hard to argue with.

His successor will be Tim Southee, not Williamson’s long-time

understudy and often fill-in, Tom Latham.

More is bound to come out as to why Latham wasn’t named captain after years of grooming.

Southee appears to have an evergreen quality, much like England’s Jimmy Anderson in that he just defies age.

Possibly motivated by passing Richard Hadlee’s 431 test wickets, of which Southee sits at 347, there

seems to be no slowing down Southee at this point.

Southee will have the experience of Latham and Williamson to call upon and maybe Williamson will rediscover his form and joy for the game now that he no longer has the captaincy to contend with.

If it allows New Zealand’s best ever batter to extend his career, then it’s a positive move that should be applauded.

Kobe receives HPSNZ Scholarship Internship

By Chris Valli

Blenheim rower Kobe Miller is one of six athletes to receive a 2023 High Performance Sport New Zealand Prime Minister’s Scholarship Internship.

Following the completion of year one of the pilot programme, Kobe will undertake an internship in Sport Science and Sport Management which will provide him with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in his chosen field while continuing his sporting career.

Kobe says he is stoked to be starting a post grad role in 2023.

“It’s pretty awesome graduating from the School of Physical Education Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Otago this year and being supported by High Performance Sport New Zealand to take that next step into the real world,” he says.

Kobe joins fellow rower Kristen Froude who will do her internship in Environmental Sustainability and Animal Welfare.

HPSNZ PM’s Scholarship Internship programme lead, Hannah McLean, says the success of the 2022 programme has paved the way for the second group

of recipients.

“The feedback from athlete interns and employers has been fantastic this year. For athletes, being able to take up a flexible internship has ‘demystified’ the workplace and given them the confidence they will be able to transition into a post sports career when the time comes.

“Employers have been impressed with the values and skills that high performance athletes can bring to their workplaces and appreciate the financial support by HPSNZ to make internships possible.”

Clutch opportunity for Chas Craig

By Chris Valli

Another Craig is set to follow a sporting pathway in 2023.

Marlborough Golf and New Zealand PGA Professional Chas Craig will join The Clutch Tour next year which consists of 20 events over four months with opportunities to get onto the larger Dubai Ports Tour.

The tour is one of Europe’s leading development tours with career launching prize money and direct access to the Challenge Tour, the second-tier men’s professional golf tour in Europe.

The first event for the tour is in early May. At this stage Chas hopes to leave late April.

The opportunity to join the tour came after a solid year for Chas playing what he says was ‘well enough’ to be accepted among the game’s elite. “Having a British passport has been a bonus,” he says.

Chas says the entry fees alone are looking at about $15,000 pounds, without the cost of living.

“Any help I can get would be massively appreciated. I have been working as a club pro by day and working in the grape industry at

night and am expecting to be sleeping in a car quite a bit. All part of the adventure and challenge though,” he says.

The name Craig is synonymous in the Marlborough sports community. Sister, Megan Graham nee Craig was a professional squash player who represented New Zealand and reached a career-high world ranking of 39 in 2015.

“Dad is a local joiner and mum works for Marlborough Roads and are very supportive. I’ve also lived in the shadow of my older sister Megan for a number of years until I became

Kobe says he is stoked to be starting a post grad role in 2023 and being supported by High Performance Sport New Zealand ‘to take that next step into the real world’.

a proud uncle and she let me take the limelight. We come from a very competitive family and my younger sister Carly is trying to find a sport she can beat me at.”

Chas has been playing golf since he was 13, after being introduced by family friend Paul Roughan. Chas won a golf lesson at the Whites Bay Beach Dig for what was to be his first professional lesson.

After deciding to concentrate on golf Chas made a scratch handicap after only three years and equalled the unofficial course record at Fairhall of -8. He won two club champion-

ships in 2013 at the age of 17 and has reached the top 10 for U19 in New Zealand. His current handicap is +3.

Chas currently works at the Marlborough Golf Club but says he affiliates with all the clubs in Marlborough who continue to show him great support.

“A special mention to my coach for 13 years Jonti Philipson for making it all possible with his guidance and advice.”

He says he is looking forward to the opportunity to play on a bigger tour and ultimately make a living out of what he loves to do.