22 February Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Lawson leads the way

By Chris Valli

Lawson Flowerday wanted to make some money for the people ‘up north’ affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

So he did what any seven-year-old would do. He had a sausage sizzle. The Rapaura School student certainly displayed the school’s REACH values (respect, excellence, adaptability, collaboration and haoura).

Continued on page 2.

THE POWER OF A SAUSAGE AND HELPING PEOPLE: Noah and Lawson Flowerday collecting sausages from Meaters of Marlborough. Lawson’s idea of a BBQ fundraiser for people impacted from Cyclone Gabrielle raised $2036.30.

i wanted to sell something to help

Continued from page 1.

So where did the idea come from and why did he do what he did?

“So we could make money for the people up North,” he says. “I wanted a sausage sizzle cause heaps of animals and people are dying and don’t have houses and I wanted to sell something to make money so we could help people.”

Respect indeed.

Lawson’s Mum Brianna says they (along with husband Kurt) spoke to their kids about the aftermath of the cyclone after watching the news (censoring the extreme parts).

“We like to let them be aware of real life events so they can be better equipped if ever they were in a similar situation,” she says.

“He just wanted to do something to help. He initially suggested giving people up North

our house, which I explained wasn’t so practical, then Lawson suggested a sausage sizzle, he just came up with the idea on his own.”

Lawson’s brother Noah also thought it was a great idea and was a ‘very good helper.’

A BBQ trailer was hired from The Local Butcher who kindly donated some sausages. Meaters of Marlborough also donated sausages, along with a few members of the community with Couplands kindly donating some bread.

“Friends of ours bought onions and gave us a hand on the BBQ, and Aesthetics by Michelle May donated all the canned drinks and water. Amazing team effort,” Brianna says. Collaboration indeed.

A total of $2036.30 was raised and will go towards supporting communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle

Restraint Guidelines to ‘prevent imminent harm.’

By Chris Valli

New rules and guidelines on when teachers are allowed to physically restrain students have been released by the Ministry of Education. The guidelines replace those that have been in place since 2017 and include a mandatory training module to help teachers get up to speed.

Physical restraint is when teachers or authorised staff members use “physical force to prevent, restrict, or subdue the movement of the student’s body or part of the student’s body against the student’s will”.

The new guidelines were created in response to changes in the Education and Training Act 2020 and calls from schools for more clarity about when it is acceptable to use physical restraint

Children’s Commissioner Frances Eiver.

and what is acceptable physical contact. Under the new rules, teachers can physically restrain a child to “prevent imminent harm, including significant emotional distress”.

Marlborough Girls’ College Principal

Mary-Jeanne Lynch did not answer questions from the Sun replying to an email suggesting ‘to look at the information available’ on the Ministry of Education website. Marlborough Boys’ College did also not reply to emails sent.

Children’s Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers, who helped develop the new guidelines, previously said the use of restraint in schools was “far too high”.

“Ultimately the majority of instances of restraint are avoidable, traumatic for the child and their whānau and demeaning,” she says. “With training, support and ministry oversight, the use of restraint should become near extinct.”

The new guidelines require schools

to create a support plan for any student who has a high likelihood of being restrained or who has been restrained more than once in a term.

Ministry of Education spokesperson Sean Teddy says the ministry will release online training modules, webinars and resources to help schools adapt to the new rules and guidelines.

Teddy said the guidelines acknowledge that physical restraint “can cause harm and hurt” and explained that the guidelines “seek to protect the rights of all ākonga (students) including those who are subject to the use of physical restraint”.

Schools must notify parents ‘as soon as possible’ if their child has been physically restrained and be given an opportunity to speak with the school about how the situation was managed.

CENT COUNTS: Brianna Flowerday says the community support was amazing with a total

Mosquito at Yealands Classic Fighters

Engine runs under the sun at Omaka this coming Easter Weekend.

Omaka Aviation Centre is excited to announce that the John Smith de Havilland Mosquito will be on the flight line from Friday 7th, to Sunday, the 9th of April, at Yealands Classic Fighters.

This rare WW2 warbird has been on display in the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre since 2021, following its refurbishment by a group of dedicated volunteers. A successful open day celebrating the Mosquito’s completion and fundraising for ongoing maintenance took place in April 2022. Yealands Classic Fighters is the ideal setting for a much-requested repeat performance, with tens of thousands of guests from New Zealand and around the world expected to attend.

The Mosquito is a static display, but engine runs are planned to take place each day. “We should stress that for this to happen, we need perfect weather and no sign of rain before putting the aircraft on the flight line,” says airshow director Gavin Conroy. “Being such a special aircraft with a structure made of wood, we do not want any rain on it, no matter how little”.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s Knights of the Sky will be open to airshow attendees

only, for the duration of the Easter show. The WW2 exhibition Dangerous Skies will be closed as most of the aircraft will be outside for Classic Fighters. About Yealands Classic Fight-

ers Omaka: Held every alternate Easter, the air show is the primary fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, located in Blenheim, Marlborough, NZ. We will be celebrating Classic

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Pam Casey of Callahan & Martella

Electrical is congratulated by Bearings & Accessories manager, Allan Clough. Pam purchased a Teng Tools tool kit from Bearings & Accessories and has won the Jack Daniel’s branded Teng Tools 71pc tool kit and a bonus Jack Daniel’s gift pack. Congratulations Pam!

Fighters Omaka’s 20th Anniversary.

The show is from 07-09 April 2023, and tickets are available at www.classicfighters.co.nz or the gate.

Sun The Murphys Road upgrade starts soon

The final stage in a series of upgrades to infrastructure services in Murphys Road will get underway at the end of this month with the replacement of a water main which runs from Middle Renwick Road up to Roseneath Lane.

Council’s Assets and Services Manager Richard Coningham said so far the multi-faceted project has involved Marlborough Lines upgrading the underground power cables on the eastern side of Murphys Road, and an upgrade of the sewer pipeline on the western side of Murphys Road, north of Ward Street.” Schick Civil Construction has been awarded the contract and is expected to begin work in late February. The project is due to be completed by the end of May.

Marlborough Heritage Trust to be wound up

The Marlborough Heritage Trust is to be wound up and Marlborough District Council will take over its operations.

Job advertisements for Marlborough Museum Manager and Edwin Fox Maritime Museum Manager jobs were published last Thursday.

Trust spokesperson Cathie Bell said it would be sad to see the trust go, but there would be benefits from the council taking over operations. “Staff will become council employees the way that library staff are, and so will be paid market rates which will be good. Our staff do an excellent job for the region.”

The changeover transition takes place from March 31.

Fireman on standby for the first John Smith Mosquito Engine-run November 2021.

PHOTO: Gavin Conroy of Classic Aircraft Photography

The Omaka Heritage Aviation Community Hangar. The facility is designed to be used by volunteers to construct, repair and house projects in support of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the Classic Fighters Airshow this Easter.

PHOTO: Chris Valli.

Chris Valli will profile the cast and crew of Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert in May. This week is Dave Barrett who has been cast as the former drag queen and transgender character Bernadette.

Blenheim’s Dave Barrett has treaded the local musical theatre scene for a few years now. Yet it his casting as Bernadette he concedes is his biggest challenge to date.

Making Blenheim audiences believe they are ‘truly watching’ a female transgender drag queen and not a male actor playing a woman is a constant work-on and priority. Dave says the most important aspect of the character is to leave behind the real world ‘Dave’ and embody all the characteristics, nuances and mannerisms of stage world Bernadette.

“Some of the challenges ahead will be learning to walk and dance and look natural in heels, having a less masculine stage presence, and using a softer more feminine voice but while still having the sharp wit and retorts that Bernadette is so famous for.”

One of Bernadette’s values or characteristics is empathy and relating to experiences in the past such as the death of his own father or bringing up a daughter without a mother (who died) is helping bring authenticity to the character. He believes the depiction of the transgender

character comes down to homework and preparation.

“The preparation is as much of an actor’s job as the performance itself, particularly when a character’s physicality, speech, or persona is vastly different from your own,” he says.

“Whether an actor’s challenge is primarily physical, emotional, vocal or even gender, truly embodying a character’s traits and stage presence requires a deep understanding of that particular role.”

So what has he learnt or discovered about Bernadette thus far?

“A huge amount of time and research has gone into the character of Bernadette and countless hours watching various actors portray transgender characters. Also the valuable time taken to talk to real life transgender people has been hugely rewarding, as the character has to come from within oneself, not from a line of text on a script.”

He says director Peter Meikle has worked with fellow cast tirelessly to get them to a point where the characters are ‘believable’ as opposed to just reading a script. Dave says the evolvement of characters ‘comes from inside the soul.’

“Peter has taught me to understand the feelings that she has towards the two drag boys in the journey across Australia,” he says. “Bernadette is the matriarch but she also is ‘the balls’ and is the driving force who stands up for them. She’s the strongest outwardly yet in reality she is the weakest.”

Dave says the role has ultimately given him the opportunity to develop and deliver a character to the stage quite unlike he has played before.

“The characterisation, research and development of playing a transgender role will add to my skills and confidence, along with the excitement of being able to portray one of the more colourful characters from an iconic piece of my past.”

Tickets are available from the ASB Theatre with the show running from May 17 – 27.

“Staying active with my grandkids”

KORU NUTRITION

Murray is a small business owner who enjoys going for walks and getting into the garden.

“I wouldn’t say I’m overly active, but I also don’t want to be restricted in my mobility,” Murray explained.

“Like most of us, I’ve had knee and ankle injuries over the years. Whenever that happens, you really see the importance of our joints and the independence that they give us.”

With young grandchildren, Murray believes in the importance of using natural compounds to support healthy joint function.

“I really want to make sure my joints and muscles get the best support possible as I age. I want to be able to play and stay active with my grandkids and great-grandkids. We have the information and science to know what we need to do or take these days to make that possible.”

Murray learned about a joint and muscle support cream, called Koru FX, from a family member. Like with all products that promise to support joints, he was skeptical.

“I was shown the product by my son. He thought it may be of interest. I was skeptical but since then I’ve seen Peter Williams,

Irene van Dyk and dozens of other people recommending Koru FX cream.”

Murray pointed out that even with the tens of thousands of happy customers, it’s important to try it for yourself to see if Koru FX is right for you.

“I really do recommend the cream for joint and muscle support. I really take my time to review things. Koru FX is fast acting, long lasting and natural which I like.”

You can head online or visit your local pharmacy to give it a go. It’s become NZ’s #1 fastest growing topical cream.

Koru FX contains only highquality essential oils that have been rigorously tested to ensure only the best makes it into the bottle.

Oils like calendula, arnica, manuka and black pepper, along with 12 others provide the perfect formulation.

Tens of thousands of people

are recommending Koru FX cream due to it being natural. The makers of the cream, Koru Nutrition, describe it as a “natural cream that’s suitable for daily use on joints and muscles.”

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.

Dave says making Blenheim audiences believe they are ‘truly watching’ a female transgender drag queen and not a male actor playing a woman is a constant work-on and priority.

International Women’s Day breakfast

By Chris Valli

The Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is a guest speaker for Zonta Club Marlborough early next month.

Vanisha Dhiru has worked in a variety of advocacy roles and has a resume which includes supporting a NGO delegation to the United Nations in 2018, becoming a Chief Executive before the age of 30 while being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 for services to the community and gender rights.

Zonta Club is an international organisation whose main mission is to raise the status of women. They advocate enabling women to achieve their full potential, education, economic and political.

Zonta Club of Marlborough President Liz Evans says two club members had heard Vanisha speak at other f unctions and found her impressive.

Liz says she has experience relevant to International Women’s Day t hrough her work with many community organisations and has been a n advocate at the United Nations as (past) National President of the National Council of Women New Zealand.

“One of Vanisha’s current roles is as Tumuherenga Waka, General Manager Public Impact for InternetNZ,” says Liz. “She is responsible for the organisation’s policy, communications and community philanthropic teams, connecting the wider community with understanding, funding and in-kind support.”

Liz says Zonta Marlborough are all volunteers and they continue to advocate for women and girls, locally, nationally and internationally.

“We need to generate income in order to pay it forward. We have various f undraisers which allows us to donate to causes such as the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren organisation, the Women’s Refuge and to finance our education bursaries locally.”

Proceeds from the breakfast will go towards women’s projects in the Pacific. Liz says the Marlborough Club makes an annual donation to Zonta International projects.

“For the next two years, Zonta has

Vanisha Dhiru has worked in a variety of advocacy roles. She will be the Zonta Club of Marlborough's Guest Speaker as part of the International Women's Day breakfast at the Marlborough Events Centre on Wednesday, March 8 from 6:45 - 9am.

committed US$750,000 to help ensure that women and girls in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste who experience violence have access to quality essential services, including for long-term recovery from violence,” Liz says. “There will be an estimated 578,000 beneficiaries in PNG and an estimated 74,000 in TL. Marlborough Zonta has in past years also contributed to the “pink bus” safe transport programme in the Solomon Islands.”

120 people will be attending the breakfast which until the pandemic was an annual event. Zonta Marlborough currently has 14 active members with a group of past members who support the club events and fundraisers.

The event is to be held at the Marlborough Events Centre on Wednesday, March 8 from 6:45 - 9am. Tickets are $40 and are available at marlborough@zonta.org.nz until Friday, Feb 24th for catering numbers.

Wairau Valley Art Exhibition

Wairau Valley is having a community art exhibition on Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5 from 10am till 4pm.

The exhibition will include entries (and a prize) for under 5’s, a youth award for 5-15 year old artists and a people’s choice award for adult artists.

Sunday will see a waterslide event, ably supported by the volunteer fire brigade which will be open to both local children and the wider Renwick and Blenheim community.

The event is supported by MDC Creative Communities funding (art) and MPI Rural Hub funding (Waterslide).

Q: The Havelock Mussel Festival is on Saturday, March 11. Tickets are $45 for adults. Do you think it is value for money?

I

to the editor

03 5777 868 office@blenheimsun.co.nz

The

Dear Ed,

Exxon Mobil reports highest profits ever at 59.1B, Shell reports biggest profits in its 115 year history at 39.9B, Chevron 36.5B, total 136B. Coupled to this the narrative was highest petrol/diesel costs passed on to the transport of i.e. food. Mainfreight, NZ Posts record profit in 2022. A barrel of oil has fallen from $139 peek to $84 and yet you are still paying $2.50 at the pump. What has the government done about the oil and food monopolies – nothing. National party and minors all

HAD

email your photo and details to babies@blenheimsun.co.nz

With two

playing at the festival there are some good musical options They haven’t really pushed like having local artists play at the festival.

Any festival that doesn’t include travel and accommodation has got to be value for money, it costs a lot to host these events so it seems a fair price to me.

Speed restrictions

I learnt today that the powers that be are reducing the speed limit from Blenheim to Ward to 80kph.

What skate boarding idiots in Wellington dream up these ridiculous speed reductions which will create a massive backlog of traffic and frustration on a road congested with trucks and ferry traffic already?

Soon bigger ferries, carrying more vehicles, will join the road and create more havoc. There are very few passing lanes as it is and not all drivers got their license in a raffle so let those drivers get on with the job of getting safely to their destination.

tone death. They are all part of the problem. What have they collectively learnt from Christchurch and the floods prior especially the flash aspect of catastrophes. Have the Forest Corporations been held accountable? No! Co-governments is just another twist on W.F.F private public partnerships. Two things 1) Ban parties and have independent candidates; 2) Fund all candidates equally.

Your chance this year to change the system.

Seymour Hersh II

Looking at the vehicles slowly manoeuvering the Blenheim to Nelson road looking completely bored, this ridiculous reduction is another example of NZTA being hijacked by people on bikes or buses from a government department lacking in credibility.

Is this just government manipulation, as in the adverts for road to zero whereby ten plus people emerge from a four seater car or a gruesome lady is going to take a child from a law abiding driver.

Chris Abbott

KILLEN: Isabelle Robyn

Born January 24, 2023

KILLEN Gavin and Charis are delighted to announce the birth of their second baby. Isabelle Robyn (7Ib 3oz) born on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Finally a beautiful sister for Theia! Special thanks to Midwife Leigh Brown, and all of the staff in the Maternity ward.

Paula Sawers Blenheim

Shelley Durkin Zintl Blenheim

Joanne Harper Blenheim

Jo Patchett Blenheim

Andrew Hudson Blenheim

Tristian Sean Gregory Hunt, Blenheim

Marlborough sends emergency responders north

Senior Adviser for Community

Resilience Dave Parsons is leading a team of six to help with the cyclone emergency response in Auckland. The team, pictured below, is helping with a variety of logistical tasks. Nicole Langedijk from the New Zealand Response Team based in Canterbury has also joined the team.

Emergency Services Officer Gary Spence manages the Marlborough Response Team and may also head north to assist on the ground.

The team is made up of 26 volunteers who train weekly. They are qualified in ground-based rescue, Civil Defence Centre set up and supervision, mass rescue response and helicopter and 4WD response. Its members range in age from early 20s to 60s and have a diverse set of skills, from technical expertise to strong interpersonal skills. The team has worked on 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 flood responses in Marlborough in 2021 and 2022.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the team was a very special group of people.

“Marlburians can be proud they have a dedicated, skilled and respected response team who can respond effectively in an emergency.”

“Marlborough is fortunate to have such skilled and community-minded volunteers and it is great that we are able to send them north to help with the cyclone Gabrielle response.”

“My special thanks go to Gary Spence who has nurtured and built the team from humble beginnings back in 2013.” For further information on the Marlborough Response Team go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/civil-defenceemergency-management/about-us

Airport car park works underway

Work has begun on the new car park extension at Marlborough Airport. Airport Chief Executive Dean Heiford said the new area would provide an additional 290 car parks which should provide sufficient capacity for the next 15 years.

The work, which is expected to take up to five months, has been planned to ensure minimum disruption and allow alternate parking options. The layout includes a covered walkway, control arms and electric vehicle charging stations.

The construction project was awarded to Fulton Hogan with Beca as the contract engineer. Further information on the airport can be found at: www.marlboroughairport. co.nz

Spanish story time sessions popular

Monthly Spanish story time sessions at the Marlborough District Library are proving popular.

Libraries Manager Glenn Webster said the La Hora del Cuento sessions started last August after an approach from the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.

“They wanted to encourage the Spanish speaking community to visit the library as some parents were concerned their children were losing their Spanish language skills,” Mr Webster said. The library agreed to help address these concerns and provide a friendly gathering place for participants. Children and Young Adult Services Librarian Tracey McKean said the free sessions were held on a Saturday to allow working parents to join. “Presenters are volunteers from the migrant community,” Tracey said.

“Sessions have been well supportedsome of the readers even dress up in theme. They provide a chance for young people to reconnect with their language and culture through the power of story.” A simple craft session for the children follows and refreshments are offered to allow conversation and encourage browsing the library collections.

“We hope the story time will help with literacy for our migrant families,” Tracey said. A small collection of Spanish language books has been donated and the library has bought additional Spanish language titles to build the collection.”

A special Feliz Navidad session was held in the lead up to Christmas and monthly sessions will continue throughout the year. For more information about session times go to: www.marlboroughlibraries. govt.nz

Repair Café up and running

Blenheim’s Repair Café encourages people to repair rather than throw out household items.

A Blenheim Nativity Church initiative, the Repair Café is a free pop-up monthly event where everything centres on fixing broken household items.

The Marlborough community faces challenges in dealing with waste and reducing what is sent to landfill helps protect the environment for future generations, said organiser Gerrie Mead.

“Locals volunteer their time to

fix items for free, with the aim of reducing waste, helping the environment and saving money.”

“If you have anything in your house that is broken - toasters, lamps, hair dryers, clothes, bikes, toys or crockery - bring it along and the Repair Café specialists will try to fix it for you.

“We throw away piles of stuff in New Zealand, even things that have nothing wrong with them which could easily be used after a simple repair,” Gerrie said.

The Repair Café concept began

in the Netherlands in 2009 and an International Foundation (see www.repaircafe.org/en) provides professional support to those to start their own repair café. The local branch is looking for fix-it people, welcomers and hospitality helpers. If you can help, phone Gerrie on 027 303 0762 or email gerriemead01@gmail.com or head to John’s Kitchen at 2 Redwood Street on the day. The next Repair Café is Saturday 25 February from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm.

Marlborough Airport Chairman Matt Kerr (left) with Fulton Hogan’s Regional Manager Lourens van der Vyver

The Marlborough Response Team (left to right) Oliver Rathmill, Pete Rasmussen, Dave Parsons, Amaroa Katu, Hemi Priestley and Gary Spence

Children and parents listen to a presentation by a volunteer at the La Hora del Cuento sessions

Rev Richard Dyer carries out repairs at the Blenheim Repair Café

Manaia – a STAR in every sense of the word

The meaning behind the name Manaia is one who is a guardian or a messenger with origins to Samoan or Maori culture. Guardian is an apt word for Blenheim’s Manaia Huntley who is more conscious than most 11-year-olds that he is the kaitiaki of his own health and well-being.

2023 sees Manaia chosen as a Star for the Child Cancer Foundation. In effect, he is an ambassador for children who are diagnosed with cancer and there to share his own korero and ara over the past four years.

The Child Cancer Foundation selects children from across the country to be Stars who are either currently receiving cancer treatment or have finished their respective cancer journey.

“Mum entered me without me knowing,” he laughs. “You knew I would do it. I haven’t gone to any events yet but I’m kinda hoping that they will fly me up to Wellington.”

Manaia was diagnosed with a pineal germinoma (brain tumour) as a sevenyear-old. A germinoma is a rare form of cancer that is most often found in the brain of children between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The cancer originates in germs cells. His articulation of his journey reflects a young man who Mum Laura Huntley suggests is an ‘old soul in a young body’.

“It was right in the middle of my brain. The tumour was squeezing against my skull and I had constant headaches and a buildup of fluid because it was blocking the path of where the fluid had to go,” he says. “It got really bad, really quick.”

A CT scan revealed the cancer and Manaia was flown to Auckland’s Starship Hospital where a seven month treatment started including

chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to create a new ventricle for a build-up of fluid to exit.

So what got him through it? Three words - friends, family, food.

“There were certain foods I couldn’t eat. All the foods I could eat I made the most of,” he recalls.

Laura says the Manaia people see now is one that is outgoing, confident and one who will talk to anyone and anybody. She says he was the same persona pre-cancer. However, when he was going through treatment, not surprisingly he felt rotten and became a recluse in what she describes as a shell with Manaia internalising everything.

“When he finished treatment there was the whole process of getting him back to his former self,” she says.

“The CCF helped with that and paid for counselling sessions and that was a major help. It was like two different people. He now has a new-found perspective about life and takes every opportunity including two skydives.”

“I want to try bungy jumping,” he quips.

Manaia admits he talks about his cancer journey if people ask but he is more than happy to relish life and opportunities which may come his way.

Laura says acknowledging his cultural journey has been integral with the influence and connection of Te Reo language and his own whakapapa/identity pre and post cancer.

Meanwhile, Laura will be oversee-

ing the CCF Whanau Connect Group in Marlborough and keen to develop a network and connections across the Top of the South.

“After a few years of not being able to connect due to Covid we really want to kick off some awesome events for our superstar children and their families. It could be a fun day out/experience for the whole tribe or just drinks for the parents and a chance to unwind and debrief,” she says.

“The Whanau Connect Groups connect families through shared experiences and let us support each other within our own community. No one quite knows what it’s like to have a child

fighting cancer if you haven’t been through it yourself. When your child is in hospital having treatment you are surrounded by other families fighting the same battle and you make strong connections in which the cancer world becomes your new normal.

Once you are home this totally changes and it’s easy to feel lost and alone - this is where the Whanau Connect Group helps.”

Laura is adamant when she infers that cancer, ‘sux’ and compares it to a glass vase.

“Imagine your world is like a glass vase. You get a cancer diagnosis and the vase smashes to pieces and after treatment you’re

supposed to put everything together but you might lose some pieces and nothing quite fits the way it used to fit before. It changes everything.”

So is cancer, a battle? Best we leave the last word to Manaia. “It’s not something you should be sad about. It’s something that you should be proud of. Surviving cancer gives you a whole new state of mind and maturity.”

#Marlborough’s Relay for Life is on next weekend Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5 at Lansdowne Park. A 2pm opening ceremony (Saturday) will see cancer survivors and carers lead the way.

Manaia Huntley is no normal 11-year-old. Manaia and mum Laura Huntley took the time to talk to Chris Valli about Manaia’s cancer journey and how perspective, opportunity and identity are now part of his development and future pathway.

“It got really bad, really quick.”

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT: Laura and Manaia Huntley. Manaia's brain cancer journey reflects a young man who Laura suggests is an ‘old soul in a young body’. INSET: SIBLING SUPPORT: Tui, Manaia and Taika Huntley.

30 years helping winemakers

Vitis & Winemakers is celebrating 30 years in Marlborough. The Sun newspaper caught up with Managing Director Paul Baggio who described humble beginnings, a solid mission statement, changes in the New Zealand wine industry, technological advances, and the challenges posed by the last few years.

The early years

“Very humble beginnings indeed,” says Paul. “Some simple vats, plate and frame filters, the winemaking was often referred colloquially as bucket brewing.”

The beginnings were essentially a shed floor, all very agricultural of course and that was fine as most customers were of a traditional agricultural background and were exploring vineyards as a hobby.

“The range of winemaking equipment and harvest essentials were primarily made up of fermentation vats, variable capacity tanks, and some rudimentary pumps.

The mission statement

“30 years ago the business was small and the ‘mission’ was driven around the passion for the fledgling industry, a vision as to how things should build and grow, and that our customers should be treated and served as we would want to be served.

“It set the benchmark as to a ‘customer first’ mantra.”

In 2002/2003 a more formal doctrine of ‘customer first’ was drafted. To this day the language driving our organisation’s overall mission statement fundamentally remains as it has always been, ‘customer first’.”

Changes in the industry

“Through much of the 90’s the winemaking remained very simple and industry hacks would openly refer to the ‘bucket brew’. The 2000’s saw the scaling of effective batch brewing with winemakers. The more modern vinification was born of necessity, and it saw a shift from focusing on batch winemaking to understanding the rapid movement and separation of juice from oxidisable enzymes. This offered much value, being able to make millions of litres of sauvignon blanc and other aromatic white wines. We worked with many local winemakers in those early years.

Particularly in Marlborough the number of Della Toffola presses, through to high solids cross flow

filters dominate the industry landscape. Much is attributed to the relationships Vitis & Winemakers has built over the years.”

Technological advances

“The adoption of central membrane press technology is fundamental. It enabled long run, continuous juice extraction processing to occur. The reduction of browning fractions enabled a more fruit driven cleaner style of sauvignon blanc to emanate. The extensive plantings required a continuous flow of operation to be designed.

The continuous juice extraction solutions were extensively adopted so the significant flows of juice volumes then demanded high speed, lower cost solutions for juice clarification.

“With energy costs starting to climb, solutions such as ambient clarification at high speed were provided. Some of the largest non-refrigerant high speed clarification systems in the world have been installed into Marlborough. Similarly the collaborative approach to winery design and process flow led to some of the world’s most innovative wine cold stability technologies being installed. At a time when energy costs are soaring that technology proves to save significant costs on production.

“The challenges posed by sauvignon blanc’s notorious juice fibrous strands has plagued the local wine industry for many years. The work surrounding this has required strong collaboration.

In each of these instances, the industry faced challenges and being local, we were seeing this first hand. By understanding the region’s challenges we were able to provide leadership and forge the winemaking solutions in partnership with winemakers.”

The road ahead

“As some of the worst weather events in history ravage the North Island, climate change shows its very real influence to our wine and in particular viticulture industries. For those tendering vines the changes have been evident for some time, and the impacts to micro climates and growing regions stands as stark evidence to the generational issues that we all cannot ignore.

That fact that Gisborne is fast becoming a significant growing region of sauvignon blanc must raise the eyebrows of many an industry veteran. The evolution of technological change will continue;

it must. Technologies that tackle head on the soaring costs of energy will become common place. The implications of any winery’s carbon footprint cannot be ignored. The language of carbon capture and seeking out more energy efficient processes are all front of mind. Providing solutions surrounding AI

and automation is critical. Manufacturing through covid with the skilled labour shortages and challenges of broad supply chains, the coming years offer much opportunity to continue our strong solutions-driven partnerships with the local wine industry. But all this said, the impact to the

industry for the next years, be them 10, 20 or 30 years, will be the issues surrounding corporate governance, the imposition of local government, and water and waste management that most concern and require more than ever strong industry engagement and collaboration.”

The team at Vitis & Winemakers Marlborough, from left: Wayne Le Cren, a 12 harvest veteran both in New Zealand and Australia, managing director Paul Baggio, sales and admin manager Kylie Potts, who has been part of the team since 2007 and brings a wealth of wine industry knowledge, and admin support Teena Jacques. The local team’s product and technical expertise has grown from strength to strength, over the last many years and they provide on-the-ground service support that’s second to none.

Vitis & Winemakers stock Kiesel pumps from Germany. “Kiesel have been a part of the Vitis story since the beginning”, says Kylie Potts, sales and admin manager.

Vitis & Winemakers stock a wide range of tanks and presses.

Kylie welcomes Eva of Eva Pemper Wines to the 30th celebration.

Kylie shows Enrico the features of a hydraulic basket press.

A Scottish dance group with community value

By Chris Valli

Ever thought of joining a dancing class? A Scottish Country dance class?

Linda Glavin is the national president of RSCDS (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society) and lives in Blenheim. Part of her role is to visit clubs throughout New Zealand and promote the society.

So what exactly is it?

“It is hard to describe Scottish Country dancing. Unlike Highland dancing we dance in sets of three or four couples. We mainly use CD’s for our music which is great as we have a great choice of bands and instruments which include a mixture of accordion, fiddle, piano, and keyboard. The dance tempos are jigs, reels, and strathspeys,” she says.

The Blenheim and Picton groups (led by Doug Mills, a renowned tutor) have been dancing for over 63 years.

Linda says they average about eight – 10 dancers each week, however in the past it would not have been unusual to have as many as 32-40 each week.

“Scottish Country dancing is open to all genders and evening classes are open to everyone from 18 years up until you are no longer able to walk. Whilst it is mostly women

who are currently dancing there are men dancing here and throughout New Zealand,” she says.

The Blenheim club has an introductory class for people who would like to give it a go at the Redwoodtown Community Hall on Friday mornings from 10:30 – 12:00pm and Linda says all you require is soft shoes.

“I have a junior group for five – 18-year-olds on Tuesdays in

the Redwoodtown Community Hall from 4:30 – 5:30pm. Scottish Country dancing helps build co-ordination, increases memory, fitness, confidence, and builds teamwork.”

Linda says she hears lots of people around saying ‘I wish I could increase my fitness, but I do not like going to the gym’.

“Scottish Country dancing increase fitness, helps lower blood pressure, reduces stress, good for

memory, confidence, and teamwork. It is great opportunity for people who are on their own to meet new people and have fun.”

The best thing about what she does is the music, teaching and dancing.

“Whether I am teaching new or experienced dancers there are opportunities for the dancers and me to learn. It is wonderful to know that no matter where I go in

New Zealand or abroad, I am part of a dancing family that makes everyone welcome.”

This year celebrates 100 years since the Society was founded. Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast regions will be holding a ball on November 25 in Motueka to celebrate the Society’s Centennial. For those interested in and wanting more information email Linda, lindaglavin1@gmail.com.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Scottish Country dancer Miriam McNamara, left, and tutor Jean Manning, right, took part in the Blenheim and Picton Scottish Country Dance Clubs' ceilidh and dance demonstrations in 2018.

The Blenheim and Picton groups (led by Doug Mills, a renowned tutor) have been dancing for over 63 years. Linda says they average about eight – 10 dancers each week, however in the past it would not have been unusual to have as many as 32-40 each week.

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A call for musical brothers in arms

By Chris Valli

Creative Voice community

choir member Malcolm Whitmee is putting out a call to fellow ‘brothers in arms’ in Marlborough.

Malcolm is the one of two blokes in the choir which varies from 10-15 members weekly. He is challenging the men of Marlborough to join him on the baseline in the community choir.

“I’m one of two blokes amongst 15 women,” he laughs. “You would want to turn up. The trouble is as you get older you get past it. I’ve just started so

the enthusiasm is there. It’s fun, hilarious sometimes.”

He says trying to get some of the melodies right or the timings right can be tricky but he says that’s all part of the fun.

When asked how old he is he replied, “I’m not bloody telling you that.”

The self-confessed music enthusiast has been in Marlborough for 35 years.

“I’ve always wanted to sing,” he says. “I’ve been so busy throughout life, I never did. Now that I’ve retired this was the chance. This choir for me is ideal; it’s a good crowd of people.”

Growing up he always had a liking or affiliation or music but concedes he never was anywhere to ‘join a group’ or to find the time.

“I have learnt a lot from them

Thursdays.

(Creative Kids Founding Director Liz McKay and Anna Moore). I just pick it up from what they’re saying which is often, ‘Malcolm keep your mouth open.’”

If you’re interested in meeting new people and having a laugh, join Creative Voice Choir on Thursday evenings at St Ninians Hall at 7pm.

Bike to the Light

On Sunday the Seddon Lions Club ran their inaugural TRS E-Bike to the Light event, an E-bike ride to Cape Campbell Lighthouse. Steve Pellett says 97 E-Bike riders rode the 35km course. A gourmet lunch was served by a super team of Seddon Lions Club members, with Paella (Omega Mussels), Crayfish, and Roast Marlborough Lamb and salads. Steve says the trip was a great success with stunning weather and a slight Norwester to keep them cool. Proceeds went towards Ward School and the new Flaxbourne Heritage Centre.

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CaptIvatINg Cats

Andy and Barbara Wiltshire of Pinoli Pine Nut Farm.

Adrian and Pam Orchard of Blenheim.

The Creative Voice community choir welcomes newcomers, especially 'blokes'. Join them at St Ninians Hall from 7pm on

LEFT: Malcolm Whitmee.

EcoWorld tuatara moved to Lochmara Lodge ahead of Sounds release

By Maia Hart Local Democracy Reporter

Tuatara rehomed from the closed EcoWorld aquarium in Picton have been snacking on plenty of cicadas and beetles at their new home in the bay across the sound.

The three Cook Strait tuatara and one Brothers Island tuatara arrived at Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery Centre on Friday, where they will be kept for at least two months, before being permanently rehomed to islands in the Marlborough Sounds.

The tuatara project at EcoWorld started in 2008 in partnership with DOC and local iwi Te Ātiawa.

A High Court ruling in November last year gave aquarium owner John Reuhman 20 working days to leave the waterfront building after it dismissed his claims he had a 10-year right of renewal on his lease.

Lochmara Lodge co-owner Chris Bensemann said the team was privileged to be given the opportunity to care for the tuatara.

“I think I've seen tuatara once in my lifetime as a child, down in Invercargill,” Bensemann said.

“So to be able to see them, and to be able to see them up so close and see them in what we think is a fairly natural environment, is certainly a privilege, that's for sure.”

A former gecko enclosure had been modified to house the tuatara at the

lodge, and the tuatara had already been seen coming out of their enclosures, catching their dinner on their own, and “eating plenty of cicadas and beetles”.

Lochmara Lodge is a 4.4-hectare property, accessed by a 20-minute water taxi from Picton or from the Queen Charlotte Track.

It sleeps up to 40 people, and had an underwater observatory, a sea life “touch tank”, a kakariki breeding programme and kunekune pigs. Bensemann thanked the Department of Conservation, Port Marlborough and “in particular" mana whenua and iwi for the opportunity to care for the tuatara.

“We will do our very best to make sure they have a happy and healthy experience here,” he said. DOC sounds operations manager Dave Hayes thanked Port Marlborough and its specialist staff for their care of the tuatara.

“And also Lochmara Lodge, for providing a temporary home for the tuatara and looking after them,” Hayes said.

Before the move on Friday, specialist staff provided by Port Marlborough had been caring for the tuatara, after the High Court decision ruled the port would take possession of the aquarium and its remaining animals.

Three days before the decision was released, one of the tuatara at EcoWorld Aquarium died.

The Brothers Island tuatara was sent to Massey University to investigate its cause of death, which was found to be in “poor body condition”

in large part due to having scar tissue in both kidneys.

Hayes said because the kidney damage was “chronic”, it had not been possible to tell what the initial cause of the damage was.

Brothers Island tuatara were endemic to New Zealand, and, according to the EcoWorld website, there were roughly just 400 of the species left.

The High Court decision from Justice Gendall said Reuhman had built his case “exclusively” around a

letter from his landlord, Port Marlborough, in 2015, offering him a right of renewal of EcoWorld’s lease.

But as soon as Reuhman made a counter-offer to “chance his hand for better terms” that offer was “extinguished”, Justice Gendall said in his decision.

Talks over the next three years discussed a number of “potential changes” to the lease, which included the “possibility” of a right of renewal, the decision said.

Yet throughout all talks, where

Reuhman sought to achieve “better rent, future development, and early termination conditions”, no agreement on a new lease was ever reached.

When Port Marlborough took over the building in December, a spokesperson said its property and safety teams were on site undertaking remedial repairs to make the building safe as it was left in a “state of disrepair”.

The spokesperson said very few animals remained on the site.

Lochmara Lodge owners Niki Penberthy, left and Chris Bensemann are hosting the tuatara in the interim.

PHOTO SUPPLIED: STUFF

The tuatara project at EcoWorld started in 2008 in partnership with DOC and local iwi Te Ātiawa. PHOTO SUPPLIED: STUFF

Blue Door funding making a difference

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s Blue Door continues to make a wonderful, positive contribution to the community.

The Blue Door distributed $25,058.88 to not-for-profit organisations and groups in the Marlborough region with the November 2022 funding round.

Volunteer helpers of St Andrews Church Children’s Programme responded to a request last year to start a sewing group for children.

“While old machines were available they proved to be unreliable and so we used Blue Door funds to buy sewing equipment and then machines as well as a few other craft items,” says Marion Rowe. “We have made a commitment that all crafts taught will impart skills the children can use later, for example handmade gifts, basic cooking, using a hammer, showing how to use cheap items to create something useful.”

Being aware that many families cannot afford after school activities, the St Andrews Church Children’s Programme has no charge, is run by volunteers and much of the material is donated.

Marion says they are very grateful to the Blue Door as very few other funding organisations allocate funds to Church groups.

Volunteer helpers of St Andrews Church Children’s’ Programme responded to a request last year to start a sewing group for children. “While old machines were available they proved to be unreliable and so we used Blue Door funds to buy sewing equipment and then machines as well as a few other craft items,’ says Marion Rowe.

Meanwhile, Blenheim Early Childhood Centres representative, Jo Dewe, says Uptown Preschool has recently been re-licensed to include under two children with their existing over two children. This has required them to purchase new resources for both the indoor and outdoor environments, including an outdoor playground structure. By utilizing the Blue Door grant money they have cre-

ated an age appropriate and safe playground structure for young children to explore and play on. Recipients were Riverlands School Board of Trustees, Picton Community Centre, Eastern States Speedway, Open Home Foundation, St Andrews Church Children’s Programme, RNZ Plunket Blenheim, Supporting Families Marlborough Trust, Marlborough Underwater Hockey, Picton Dawn

Chorus, Playcentre Aotearoa (Blenheim), Picton Community Creche Inc, NZ Council of Victim Support Groups Inc, CCS Disability Action Nelson Marlborough Inc, Saints Softball Club, Blenheim Early Childhood Centres Inc, Renwick Taekwondo Club, Life Education Trust Marlborough, Crossroads (Marlborough) Trust, Marlborough MS and Parkinson Society, Simply the

Breast Dragon Boat Team, Selmes Garden Charitable Trust, Samoa Aoga Amata Blenheim, Renwick Menz Shed, Marlborough Art Society Inc, Rai Valley Branch Rural Women NZ.

The Blue Door website or Facebook page has information for the next round of funding applications. Not-for-profit Marlborough groups or organisations are eligible to apply.

Blenheim Cabs

Blenheim Cabs

Climate unfriendly

Sun The txt talk with

Cats

Vineyard owners claiming to be climate friendly and yet they still let spray drift over our community. What a double standard and a joke.

Council Alert

We hope you have seen the need to dredge our rivers, after all the devastation in the North Island.

Concerned ratepayer.

Roundabouts

For the idiots that still don’t know how to use a roundabout, you do not have your left indicator on to go straight ahead. You will hit somebody and it will be your fault.

Re vaping

Before being fast to attack, bear in mind some people use vaping as a step towards giving up smoking. My uncle smoked for 50 years, swapped to vaping, slowly lowering nicotine content and is now 100% smoke/vape free. So give those keyboard warrior fingers a break and don’t be so quick to judge.

Mail

Posties out there, how about putting mail in the letter boxes and not half hanging out exposed to the weather, there’s no excuse for it especially when box is empty.

Time for change

Just picked up on this. Omaka airfield came about as a result of Blenheim Chamber of Commerce sought the advice of Captain Euan Dickson on his return flight after making the first flight across Cook Strait. Its history is readily available.

Ironic eh?

People driving cars alone wearing masks and folk alone walking dogs with a mask on.. but wait for it, Council workers spraying Glyphosate (Roundup) on weeds breathing fresh (?) air. No mask! Go figure MDCs Health and Safety policy!

Talk of the week

Infuriating

The merging lane from Budge Street onto Grove Road infuriates me on the basis they’re meant to keep moving, thats what a merge lane is. But people stop and that is so dangerous because it stops the flow of traffic. Seriously people get with it and MERGE. There’s no STOP sign, we need a merge like zip sign.

Older volunteers

Re letter in Sun 15 February. Agree, is it wise to be spending $1M of rate payers money to Destination Marlborough funding i-sites that other tourist areas like Nelson and Kaikoura have closed yet still attract more tourists than Blenheim? Times are tough and rates will be going up - maybe time to have older volunteers do this work like in Aussie after all works well for cruise ships by meet and greet in Picton. Is it value for ratepayers $s?

Re Unpopular opinion

Well we don’t know if it’s unpopular do we? Others opinions are louder that’s all we can say at this stage.

Re Lights of Picton

You do realise that the money the County has, comes from your rates. If you and I were happy to pay more rates, the Council would be able to do more for you. It’s your choice.

Congrats

Congrats Marlborough Tourism - Voted World Class. Voted number 1 in southern hemisphere & number 6 in the world as the most welcoming region by Booking.com visitors. World class indeed. Well done everyone in the tourism industry, you have done us all proud.

Rubbish collection

What gives rubbish collection in Redwoodtown. Tins, plastic and cardboard left in red bin weekly. Will be putting the whole lot in council bag from now on. It’s just not on.

I feel sorry for the people who have lost their cats, we too have cats on our property including poop on ute deck, spray up our fly screens and on the step.

One morning vomit on our back door mat and lots of damage to our gardens including a whole row of carrots dug up, a row of small lettuces with only one left.

How do we know it is cats? They left their poop behind. It brings tears to our eyes. We are elderly. Please keep them in at night as that is when they trespass. In our small street we have 11 cats. Please dig an area in your own property for them to use.

Controversial

This is very controversial BUT if you kept your cat on your property and kept it inside at night, everyone could be happy. Nobody else should have to be annoyed by your cat.

Sad about Poppy but if she had been trained to stay in at night, she would still be alive. It is your choice. Forest and Bird have set guide lines for keeping cats years and years ago. They are devastating birdlife and should be licensed as dogs are.

Frustrated driver

I agree with the frustrated driver. I start work in Blenheim at 6.30 leaving from Picton so many occasions are we driving at 70 km an hour brakes on at every corner, please pull to the side and let traffic flow.

Incredible

Auckland drivers have not a clue how to drive through flooded water-charging through; NEVER slowly setting a bow wave; only to be topped by a drongo AT bus driver going through at windscreen height-no sight of road or hidden obstacles, endangering all onboard hopefully ‘it’ was fired! Please be taught professionally ‘HOW’ to drive to live not just pass the test, and save others.

Wine and Food

Thanks to all the organisers, roading and stallholders etc for a lovely day. Great company, wine and food . However the venue, hopefully will be back in the vineyards/Brancott or similar next year. It just felt that it could have been in any town that had a domain. But thank you again for all the hard work.

Good Samaritans

To the ladies who picked me up off the ground, drove me to A and E, last Tuesday morning, after falling at Wither Hills Carpark, I cannot thank you enough. Also to the A and E staff at Wairau Hospital, thank you. You are Awesome! Fractured ankle, bruised ribs, grazed knee, but feeling very blessed and grateful.

Idiot

To the bloke I saw on Batty’s Road a few days ago on a bike with a small boy on his shoulders, no helmets, there are idiots, there are morons, and there’s you.

High trees

Government needs to ban high trees near properties. They do extensive damage, wake up government and council.

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.

Cataract

I am 73 and need a cataract operation but I don’t agree with the person who wrote about priorities. Interislander have been very generous to all ages rich or poor so stop grumbling you’ve always known you might get old and your body may pack up so let others enjoy the fireworks and if you still feel upset then talk to the Government.

5 minutes with...

Ella KErnicK-HarvEy

Administrator

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Both – how could you choose?

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

The next Taylor Swift.

I dressed as her for my primary’s ‘dress up as your idol’ day.

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

I love to paint (by numbers).

 Have you met anyone famous?

John Key – I shook his hand.

 My favourite food to cook or eat is...? Pasta – too easy.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? H&M. I can’t go past without going in.

 What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

The Olympics.

 Your dream weekend involves....? Sleeping in and stargazing at the beach with my best friends.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I’ve been watching the Big Bang Theory which I’ve almost finished.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list? Swimming in the beautiful blue waters of Santorini, Greece.

Wake up call: By Wally Richards

Crop losses from Pukekohe and Hawkes Bay is going to impact us this coming winter.

Already we see fresh produce is several times more expensive than this time last year.

About $5.00 for a lettuce, $9.00 for a Cauliflower and $9.00 for a kilo of tomatoes.

People on a tight budget can’t afford those prices which means their health will suffer.

February is still not too late to get a winter garden going for when prices of produce such as a cabbage may no longer be $5.00 but well over $10 a head.

So time to reduce the size of your lawns, plant some vegetables into flower gardens, grab some containers and compost and get growing before it is too late.

If you want to convert a part of your lawn to vegetable growing then mow the chosen area (a sunny area is best by far) as short as possible (called scalping).

Around the lawn edge of this area dig a small trench about half a spade depth. The soil and grass from this trench can be stacked somewhere for future use.

The trench will assist with drainage and as a mowing strip between the vegetable garden and the existing lawn. Place the lawn clippings caught in the catcher over the scalped area (extra food for your vegetables crops).

Now cover the scalped lawn area that has the lawn clippings with a layer of cardboard or alternatively several layers of newspaper. You can find cardboard from recycling places, super markets etc.

Sprinkle any animal manure you can get hold of or blood & bone with sheep manure pellets.

A sprinkling of Wallys BioPhos and Wally Ocean solids will complete the nutrient requirements.

Then over this place a layer of purchased compost which I prefer Daltons as it does not contain green waste and thus herbicide problems.

This layer need only be about 5cm thick just deep enough to plant seeds or seedlings in.

I suggest winter varieties of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, leeks, silverbeet, spring onions and

spinach plant now as seedlings. Sow seeds of carrots, parsnips, celery, pak chou, Kohi Rabi, onions, radish, Swede and broad beans. Any of the above you don’t normally eat then don’t bother growing them or only grow a few to try them.

There is one more product you need and that is Wallys Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) which you will mix up with water and spray your seedlings weekly and your sown seeds before they are covered with compost.

When your seeds germinate spray their foliage also with MBL.

One word of caution is try to keep your vegetable plots away from trees or larger shrubs as they will rob the nutrients from the beds. It will be ok for this season but likely not good for the next season.

For those with no lawns but having areas of concrete or cobbles then low raised gardens work a treat.

See Trade Tested for the likes of

Raised Garden Bed 120cm x 120cm x 41cm Irons and only $89.00.

I have several of these which are strong and durable hot dip galvanised steel construction and just ordered another two. Forget using wood it is expensive.

Best place on a concrete pad if there are trees or shrubs around.

You fill them about half full of compost and the other goodies as explained previously.

When a crop is harvested then your apply more goodies and cover with fresh compost and plant again.

Money well spent on getting new or existing vegetable plants going will be a big saving when you are struggling to be able to buy supermarket produce.

The catch word these days is ‘Food Security’, having a good supply of fresh vegetables, the surplus frozen or pickled along with ample non perishable foods in store for a rainy day.

Glorious Marlborough weather at the weekend saw events at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, the Whites Bay Beach Day and the Seddon Lions Club E Bike fundraiser to Cape Campbell.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE YACHT CLUB: 140 Optimist and Starling Sailors from all over New Zealand gathered in Picton at the weekend for a three day regatta. The regatta started with the traditional firing of the old club cannon. Queen Charlotte College student Alex Browne finished sixth in the Green Fleet Optimist while Mari Collins finished a credible 33rd out of 70 sailors in the Open Optimist. Fellow QCC students Moss Hopkins finished 16th, Emilie Ready 10th and Finn Stitchbury sixth in the Open Starlings.

FUN IN THE SAND: Jade Cairns.

Queen Charlotte College student Mari Collins, sailing in the open fleet. Mari finished 33rd out of 70 sailors.

Ash Pereka-Boyce, Jade Cairns and Sean Lange.

TOUGH LIFE: Brothers Lawson and Noah taking time out after their BBQ fundraiser.

FULL TROLLEYS: Noah and Lawson Flowerday all set for their Cyclone Gabrielle fundraiser.

MALVERN LIONS CLUB MEMBERS: Faye Richardson, Brian Hunt, Jenny and Donald Wright and Gretchen Redfern. The group took part in the Seddon Lions Club inaugural TRS E-Bike to the Light event ride to Cape Campbell Lighthouse.

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Phone today!

Tel: (03) 579 4430 theteam@creatinghomes.nz www.creatinghomes.nz

Phone today!

Tel: (03) 579 4430 theteam@creatinghomes.nz www.creatinghomes.nz

PREMISES FOR LEASE, Redwoodtown. Ph 027-578-4773

Public Notices

URGENT services

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands

Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 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.

Harvester and Tractor drivers

2023 Grape Harvest in Marlborough

drivers need wheels licence.

Drug and alcohol tests prior to employment.

Competitive rates dependant on experience.

Applicants to reply to Mack Pouwhare 021 775 981 or email to admin@grapeworx.co.nz

T&D Construction are a local Commercial Building Company in Blenheim, with over 50 years experience in the Building Industry.

We are currently looking for experienced Carpenters / Contract Carpenters to join our team in Blenheim.

A minimum of 44 hours per week and great remuneration will be supplied to the right applicant.

To be successful you must:

• Be trade qualified (Carpenters only)

• Have a clean drivers licence

• Ability to work with no supervision

• Use of power tools

• Applicants should have a NZ Residency or valid work visa

• Great work ethic

If this sounds like you please email your CV to info@td-construction.co.nz or call our Office on (03) 578-8821

UNDER the Companies Act 1993

IN THE MATTER of Liquidation Proceedings between THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE of Wellington

Plaintiff and MALBOROUGH TAXIS LIMITED a duly incorporated company having its registered office at Suite 9, 68 Seymour Street, Blenheim, 7201

Defendant

TO: MALBOROUGH TAXIS LIMITED (the Defendant Company)

This document notifies you that –

The Plaintiff is, by a statement of claim applying for an order that the Defendant Company be put into liquidation under the Companies Act 1993. The application will be heard in this Court at BLENHEIM on 10 March 2023 at 10am.

Unless, within 10 working days after the date on which you are served with this notice, you file in this registry of the Court a statement of your defence to the Plaintiff’s claim (copy attached), the Plaintiff may proceed to a hearing and an order may be made for the liquidation of the Defendant Company by the Court under the Companies Act 1993.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that an Order for Substituted Service (dated 31 January 2023) has been made that service of any document filed in relation to these proceedings be effected by way of substituted service and that service is effected by way of this advertisement. A copy of the Notice of Proceeding, Statement of Claim and Verifying Affidavit of Statement of Claim and the Order for Substituted Service will be forwarded to you on application to the solicitor for the Judgment Creditor, Tara Nicola Carr, Solicitor, Legal Services, Inland Revenue, 11 Jepsen Grove, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt 5018, PO Box 1462, Wellington 6140, telephone: (07) 959-1441; email: tara.carr@ird.govt.nz or by emailing the Court at the following e-mail address: WellingtonHC@justice.govt.nz

DATED this 31st day of January 2023

Liam Hurst Deputy Registrar High Court Wellington, New Zealand

This advertisement is inserted by Tara Nicola Carr, Solicitor Acting.

GARAGE SALE AT 26 HILTON PLACE, 8am-12, no early

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

The Adventure Begins Here

1st Blenheim Boys’ Brigade is starting for 2023 Monday 27th February

For boys years 2 -13 (6 -18 years old) TERM 1:

• - Fishing expedition at the Diversion

• March -

• Kayaking ( Boys) &

• March - Kayaking ( Boys) & Bi

• 2 March - Athletics

• March -

Contact: Chris Lane, Company Captain Ph 578 6140 or 0274 579 004

e-mail: chris@firstlane.nz

Proudly supported by

Louis’ love of yachting after first win

By Chris Valli

Louis Barry took up yachting four months ago. At the weekend he won the Interislander Sailing Regatta in Picton at the weekend.

The Year Six Richmond View student started in October last year after seeing an advertisement on the school newsletter to join the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club at school.

Hosted by the QCYC Louis, 10, competed in the beginners ‘Rainbow Fleet’ category, in an optimist, sailing against boys two years older than him. Louis took it all in his stride and when asked what it means to him he says it was a cool experience.

“I just wanted to try it really and I’ve met quite a few new friends and just got into the flow of it really,” he says. “I’ve really started to like it. It was just amazing for me.”

“The main thing you have to do is look at your woollies, a wind indicator, that thing really helps you. It helps you find the wind and the right position and gives you more speed.”

Dad John says Louis signed up for the ‘learn to sail’ courses when he joined the club which gave him the opportunity to sail to conditions which he often had done on weekends but this was his first official competition.

“His coach Kate Overend is fantastic. When I saw Louis on the boat, I thought something good is coming out of this because he was so confident,” John says.

Louis says the win has rejuvenated his enthusiasm for the sport and he says he looks forward to the next opportunity.

Dougie Maybe from the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club finished third in the category.

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf Club

Marlborough Golf Club

15 February: Women’s Opening Day Stableford Div.1:Denise Pickering 43, Belinda Sprot 41, Lucy Jefferis 37. Div.2:Lesley

Blanchard 36, Mary Skilton 36, Leanne Stowell 36. 16 February:

Men’s stableford: Rick May 43,

Ian Newport 40, Ross Inder 39, Hans Fischer 39, Paul Eden 36, Colin Marsden 35. 18 February:

Women’s stableford & Lone Pine

Div.1: Bridget Quaife 38, Pippa Minhinnick 37, Andrea Thomas 35, Lynda Shanks 35. Div.2: Paula

Wairau Valley Golf Club

Monday 6th February: Waitangi

Day/Opening Day Ambrose: Anita & Tim McCaffrey 62.9, Pete Bishell & Wade Cornelius 63.25, Richard Bruce & Maureen McKenzie 63.5, Jordan Tulloch &

74 30+ Jenny Evans 98 9 Holes

Dawn Walker 36 Feb 16th:Par

Don March 0 Jim Findlay -1

Graeme Daines -2 Desz Campbell -4 Twilight Stableford Feb 17th:

Don Lamond 21 Marg Hamilton 21 Glen Hurcomb 20 Kobe Hart 20 Bob Tapp 19 Graham Kerrigan 18 Ian Hatcher 18 Feb 18th: Sta-

Bavin 40, Sue Lissaman 37, Pru Jensen 35, Denise Pickering 34, Elaine Porter 34. Men’s stableford & Lone Pine Div.1:Kerry Fyfe 39, Pete Marfell 37, Gordon Laing 36. Div.2:Hans Fischer 37, Guy Latham 37, Tony Gill 37, Owen

Andrew McCaa 63.5, Allan Hogg & Glen Kirby 64, Yvonne Wallace & Dave McFarlane 66.75, Rob Chee & Bridget Quaife 67.25, Rex McGarry & Brian Roughan 67.5

Saturday 18th February: Town

bleford Patrick Norton 41 Desz Campbell 40 Jim Findlay 40 Mike McDonald 40 Don Lamond 39

Brian Brown 38 Judith Batty 38

Mike Gardiner 38 Don March 38

Kobe Hart 37 Jacqui Hurcomb 36

Andre Tewhiu 36 Bob Tapp 35

Colin Ptikethley 35 Terry Duff 35

Ray Herd 35.

Gibbs 37, Jon Nicol 36. Div.3:Dave Wiley 39, Malcolm McKenzie 38, Hans Blohm 36, Ross Goodall 36, Hugh Bay 36. Winner of Lone Pine: Marlborough 32.96. Rarangi 31.27.

Vs Country Toyah McKinney (C) 47, Bevan Roughan (T) 40, Colin Baker (C) 38, Robyn Pupich (C) 38, Bevan Boon (T) 34, Maureen McKenzie (T) 34, Bill Lacey (C) 33, Pete

Bishell (C) 33 Country 243 vs Town 231

Two’s: Toyah McKinney

Monday 20th February 2023

Individual:

1.Hans Blohm (Marlborough) 42 points; 2. Ross Agnew (Blenheim), Tony Armstrong (Marlborough) and Mike Ashworth (Picton) 40 points; 6. Dave Wilkins (Marlborough), Richard Anderson (Marlborough), Colin Marsden (Marlborough) and Bill Laws (Wairau) 39 points. 9. Murray Ingram (Rarangi) 38 points.

Team:

1st Marlborough #1: Guy Latham, George Mitchinson, Dave Wilkins and Hans Blohm 118 points.

2nd Marlborough #2: 116 points.

3rd Picton #1 and Picton # 2: 106 points.Next Tournament: Monday 6th March 2023 at Marlborough Golf Club.

Marlborough Veterans Golf Association

TOP: QCYC Sailing Team. Louis won the Interislander Sailing Regatta at the weekend.

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