08 March The Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Photo: Geoff Soper Photograhpy

Airshow action packed

off at 4pm, and if past years’ shows are anything to go by, it cracks on at a rapid pace! So arrive earlier rather than later so you don’t miss out on your favourite flying machine.

As the day turns into dusk, you will be entertained by various aircraft from throughout the ages.

The speed and power of WW2 warbirds, such as the mighty Spitfire and P-51 Mustang, thrilling aerobatics with the Yak 52s’ team and rare Great War aircraft will keep your eyes firmly on the sky. But don’t forget to look down! There is always something

happening on the ground too. Perhaps a reenactment of a battle?

Or a penny-farthing race?

Who knows what the Classic Fighters team will dream up next?

Check out the trade stalls if you prefer your entertainment on the move.

There will be classic cars galore, and the Kid’s Zone is popular with kids, both big and small!

The food court will offer a wide array of Kiwi favourites and refreshing beverages just right for a Friday night treat.

As day turns to dusk, it’s the witching hour, and as anticipation builds for the grand finale, you would be crazy to

leave early.

Darkness signals the beginning of spectacular fireworks set to music that will have you oohing, aahing, and wanting more!

The Marlborough Lines

‘Twilight Extreme’ is a fantastic way to kick off your Easter Weekend.

It’s the perfect taste test for the first-timer or a delicious starter to a weekend of entertainment.

Because unlike the Hollywood movie trailer, it is action-packed, but you won’t see all the action, and it ends with a fireworks extravaganza!

Buy your tickets online at www.classicfighters.co.nz now or at the gate.

Rates increase of 7.8% in difficult times

Councillors unanimously agreed the Annual Plan 2023-24 Budget proposal on Thursday, which maintains current levels of service and continues a significant capital expenditure programme focused on Marlborough’s core infrastructure needs.

A number of small new expenditure items were supported, leaving an overall proposed rates increase of 7.8% for the year beginning 1 July 2023.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said it was a very unusual year.

The proposed rise of 7.8% was set at a full council budget meeting on Thursday.

Marlborough District Council chief financial officer Martin Fletcher said the council was “pitching in the middle” if not the “lower end” of proposed rates rises across the country.

Other regions across the country were also facing increases.

Environment Canterbury was facing an average 10% rates rise, Wellington City Council proposed 12.8%, Palmerston North City Council a 6.4% rise and Waikato Regional Council 6.1%.

Blenheim ward councillor Jamie Arbuckle said he had struggled to see how the council could keep the rise below 10%, given the “current climate” – referring to the cost of living, high inflation and the number of government regulations the council faced. But he thought to go through

with a starting point under 8% was a “good starting point” for consultation.

“I know some people will react with a knee-jerk reaction to whatever increase we put out,” he said.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says

“Like every council in New Zealand, we are facing much higher than normal levels of inflation, with the Consumer Price Index expected to peak at over 7% this year. Supply chain issues are driving up costs and affecting many parts of the New Zealand economy, including local government.

The two biggest drivers of Council’s rates increases are the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) and capital expenditure.

The LGCI is a price index that includes the cost of bitumen and water pipes - in other words the main goods and services that local government purchases.

This year’s LGCI was forecast to be 2.4% but is actually running at 5.9%.

New Government requirements on councils and the increasing cost of servicing debt are also major factors.”

Nadine said Council’s proposed Budget maintains its capital expenditure programme - primarily in roading, sewerage and water treatment - and no services had been cut from the next ten year period.

“However we have reviewed our

75

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user pays fees and we’ve reduced expenditure where possible.

“New revenue sources have also been identified and we’ve made good use of three of our reserves – the Infrastructure Upgrade, Depreciation and Covid-19 Rates Relief reserves.

In other words, we’ve worked hard to address this inflationary challenge and made every effort to bring down what would have been a much bigger rates increase - well above 10 per cent - without cutting public services.”

continuing its investment in core services including roads and footpaths, flood protection, water supply, sewerage and environmental management.

control - would see increases.

Release Date: February 2023

Release Date: February 2023

Release Date: February 2023

“I’m very aware of the cost of living pressures on households and recognise that 7.8% is a relatively high rates increase.

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She said residents could also be reassured that despite the inflationary pressures, Council was

“By increasing those fees we are reducing the impact on ratepayers next year by just over $1 million - we believe that that is a fairer way of spreading our costs. Most of our fees are at least 60 per cent funded by user pays and we want to maintain that proportionality.”

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It’s not something that any mayor or councillor wants to propose but our budgets are under significant inflationary and interest cost pressure - and it’s the same for every council in the country.”

She said Council’s user pays fees - including resource consenting, environmental health and building

Release Date: February 2023

The 2023-24 Annual Plan Consultation Document will be adopted by the Council at its 6 April meeting. Public consultation will be open for submissions from 6 April to 8 May 2023. Public hearings are on 6, 7 and 8 June with the final Annual Plan 2023-24 adopted on 29 June.

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Blenheim ward councillor Jamie Arbuckle. Mayor Nadine Taylor.

Council gives Government its view on Three Waters

Marlborough District Council has reminded the Government its Three Waters four mega entity is not seen as an acceptable solution.

In its submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee –Water Services Legislation Bill last week, Council agreed there were significant challenges across the Three Waters sector, but the current four mega entity model was not the right way to address them.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said a large increase in investment was needed

but the existing local government funding sources – debt repaid by rates and charges and development contributions – would not suffice.

“Changes are essential if health and environmental standards, including the requirement of the new freshwater policies, growth and climate change challenges are to be met,” she said. “In line with many other councils around the country, we want different options for ownership, better representation and oversight for our community.”

Marlborough District Council’s

submission raises concerns about the calculation for Three Waters debt with the proposed method based on external debt only, Mayor Taylor said.

“Council’s submission is that all debt held against Three Waters assets – internally and externally – must be transferred to the new Water Services Entities, not left with ratepayers,” she said. “We consider it inequitable to penalise councils who have utilised other funding sources such as land sales, subsidiary dividends, forestry

and property rentals to minimise external debt.”

Mayor Taylor said the National Party’s recently announced policy was more in line with Marlborough’s view of retaining local ownership and influence while keeping measures in place to ensure quality standards and accountability.

“Council now needs to look at the detail of what National is proposing, particularly in terms of central government funding support for community water

upgrades,” she said. “We are also waiting on the outcome of the Government’s own review of its Three Waters reforms.”

Marlborough District Council is a member of C4LD (Communities for Local Democracy) and is generally supportive of their alternative model for Three Waters reform with the exception of the billing and charges as security clauses. Council also disagrees with having an independent director of compliance and enforcement, Mayor Taylor said.

All-Ages music single “I am Enough” promotes self-acceptance and positive thinking

Tom Knowles is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of his latest all-ages music single “I am Enough.”

With an uplifting message of self-acceptance and positive thinking, “I am Enough” is a perfect anthem for anyone who needs a little boost of confidence. The catchy and upbeat single features lyrics that encourage

listeners to embrace their unique qualities and remind them that they are worthy and valuable just the way they are. The melody is sure to get toes tapping and heads bopping, making it an instant favourite among music lovers of all ages.

“I am Enough” is a timely reminder that in a world where we are bombarded with messages of

self-doubt and comparison, we can choose to focus on the positive and celebrate our own individuality. The single is a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire, and it is sure to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Tom Knowles is excited to share this new single with Aotearoa and the world, and hopes that it will serve as a source of encour-

agement and empowerment for anyone who needs it.

“I am Enough” is the first single from Tom Knowles’ forthcoming Album, “Atarangi: Morning Sky” made possible with support from NZ on Air Music and due to be released later this year.

“I am Enough” is set to be released on all major streaming platforms from the 17th of March.

Tom Knowles

Picton stalwarts share meeting

Two of the oldest institutions in Picton renewed their connections this week, with the Waitohi Masonic Lodge holding its February meeting onboard the Edwin Fox ship.

The Edwin Fox arrived in Picton in 1897 so is one of the oldest man made items there and almost certainly the oldest part of the maritime side.

The Waitohi Masonic Lodge was formed in 1885 so is one of the oldest if not the oldest Picton based organisation continuously active for the past 138 years.

Lodge Master Craig Hammond says it was fantastic to be able to hold a meeting onboard the ship.

“It’s a great privilege for us. The Edwin Fox is an important part of history, not only for Picton but for New Zealand.

“And the research carried out by historians to find out who Edwin Fox was shows that he was indeed a Mason, also a good friend of the Calcutta-based shipbuilder who built the Edwin Fox in 1853.”

Heritage buff and Mason Dale Webb, who

has previously chaired the Marlborough Heritage Trust, says it is great the Lodge has a link with the Edwin Fox and maintains that relationship.

Previously in 2017, the Waitohi Lodge raised $15,000 towards the repair of the drydock gate, Dale says. The Lodge held two meetings that year at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, but in the Visitor Centre, not on the ship itself. Both meetings were well attended with a lot of visitors from out of Picton and the ship received some valuable publicity as well as the financial assistance.

“The New Zealand Masonic Grand Master was so taken with the ship that he flew down from Auckland to personally make the presentation of the gift.”

The Freemasons are a men’s organisation that raises funds for philanthropic purposes, often sponsoring young people with scholarships to attend university.

For anyone interested in freemasonry please make contact at lodgewaitohi@gmail.com or on Facebook at The Waitohi Lodge No 111.

The Waitohi Masonic Lodge met at the Edwin Fox in Picton. Allan Cameron (left) and Craig Hammond.

Thank you

Thank-you to the kind man who saw my daughter fall off her scooter down Scott Street on Monday and brought a few goodies to help dry up the tears and get us home.

Such a kind heart and gesture thank-you so very much. It’s people like you that remind us how powerful a touch of kindness can be in any situation.

Thanks,

Genevieve Hearn

Council agrees Annual Plan budget

Councillors unanimously agreed the Annual Plan 2023-24 Budget proposal last week, which maintains current levels of service and continues a significant capital expenditure programme focused on the region’s core infrastructure needs.

A number of new expenditure items were supported, leaving an overall proposed rates increase of 7.8 per cent for the year beginning 1 July 2023.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said it was a very unusual year.

“Like every council in New Zealand, we are facing much higher than normal levels of inflation, with the Consumer Price Index expected to peak at over 7 per cent this year. Supply chain issues are driving up costs and affecting many parts of the New Zealand economy, including local government.”

“The two biggest drivers of Council’s rates increases are the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) and capital expenditure. The LGCI is a price index that includes the cost of bitumen and water pipes - in other words the main goods and services that local government purchases. This year’s LGCI was forecast to be 2.4 per cent but is actually running at 5.9 per cent.”

“New Government requirements on councils and the increasing cost of servicing debt are also major factors.”

She said the draft Budget maintains a capital expenditure programme focussed on roading, sewerage and water treatment and no services had been cut from the next 10 year period.

“However we reviewed our user pays fees and reduced expenditure where possible. New revenue sources have also been identified and we’ve made good use of three of our reserves - the Infrastructure Upgrade, Depreciation and Covid-19 Rates Relief reserves.”

“We’ve worked hard to address inflation and made every effort to bring down what would have been a much bigger rates increase - well above 10 per cent - without cutting public services.”

“I’m very aware of the cost of living pressures on households and recognise that 7.8 per cent is a relatively high rates increase. It’s not something that any mayor or councillor wants to propose but our budgets are under significant pressure and it’s the same for every council in the country.”

She said Council’s user pays fees - including resource consenting, environmental health and building control - would see increases.

“By increasing those fees we are reducing the impact on ratepayers next year by just over $1 million - we believe that that is a fairer way of spreading our costs. Most of our fees are at least 60 per cent funded by user pays and we want to maintain that proportionality.”

The 2023-24 Annual Plan Consultation Document will be adopted by the Council at its 6 April meeting. Public consultation will open for submissions from 6 April to 8 May. Public hearings are on 6, 7 and 8 June with the Annual Plan 2023-24 adopted on 29 June.

Green light for East Coast Beach Vehicle bylaw

Council has adopted the East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw, placing new rules on vehicle use along Marlborough’s coastline from the mouth of the Awatere to the Waima/ Ure River mouth from 1 July 2023.

Council has undertaken an extensive public consultation process over the last three years, and the adopted vehicle bylaw largely follows its original proposal but with recommendations for limited quad bike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV and UTV) access to nine km of the coast. Over half of the coastline from the Awatere to the Waima (Ure) River mouths is recognised as ecologically significant. It’s home to rare native species such as the banded dotterel and katipō spider as well as many other threatened or endemic animal and plant species.

“This bylaw was borne from widespread community concern about increased vehicle use on the new beaches and exposed reefs created by the Kaikōura earthquake. We adopted the recommendations from the hearings panel, which places great responsibility on the public to be part of the solution and act as stewards of this special place,” said Mayor Nadine Taylor.

Where there were no vehicle restrictions in place previously, the new rules mean:

• No vehicle access on the beach from the Awatere River mouth to south of the Marfells Beach boat launching site

• No vehicle access from the “Airstrip” to the Ure River mouth;

• A 9 km ‘yellow zone’, where ATV and UTVs are allowed during daylight hours, under 30 km per hour, and permissible below the mean high-water mark from Marfells Beach to the “Airstrip”

• No vehicles on dunes or reefs anywhere at any time

The bylaw would have no new restrictions for businesses already operating in the areas, including commercial boat launching.

“We are keeping ATV and UTV access in the area that is most popular for fishing, customary harvest and general access. In turn, we expect everyone to collectively protect the fragile dune and reef systems, as well as rare and threatened biodiversity, from vehicles while ensuring that the public remain safe,” said Mayor Taylor. The bylaw comes into effect on 1 July 2023, to allow time for signage

to be erected and community education to begin. Council will monitor and evaluate the bylaw’s effectiveness after three years. For more information about the consultation process, including the recommendations report from the hearings panel go to www. marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/bylaws/ proposed-east-coast-beach-vehicle-bylaw

Watch out for toxic algae in rivers and streams

It’s that time of year when toxic algae is starting to show up in some of Marlborough’s rivers and streams and Council is asking people, and their dogs, to avoid areas of water where it is present. The algae forms thick brown or black mats on rocks in the river bed. These mats have a velvety appearance and can become detached from the rocks. They often accumulate along the water’s edge, where they decay releasing a musky odour.

Council Environmental Scientist

Steffi Henkel said because Council can’t survey Marlborough’s extensive stream and river network for toxic algae it’s impossible to put up warning signs at all affected areas.

“Instead we need the community to be aware of the algae, look for it at the river or stream they visit and choose a different site if the algae is present,” she said.

“The toxins in the algae can be dangerous for children and dogs. If your dog ingests toxic algae you should take it to the vet immediately. Symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes and include panting, lethargy, muscular twitching, paralysis and convulsion.”

“In humans, contact with toxic algae can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation,” Ms Henkel said. To find out more about toxic algae, including how to identify it go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/ swimming-and-boating/toxic-algae

A close-up view of toxic algae outside of the water - make sure you avoid areas of rivers and streams where it is present

Acting, Writing, Blenheim

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 TVNZ 2 this 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 challenges 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. “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 recently.

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

Interislander ferry Kaitaki back in action

The Interislander ferry Kaitaki will resume taking passengers from Saturday 4 March.

Interislander Executive General Manager Walter Rushbrook says since Kaitaki lost power on 28 January, the Interislander team has undertaken several assurance processes to confirm that our ferries are safe to sail.

“We have also had a number of independent checks undertaken. The maritime industry is highly regulated, so it is not our decision alone to sail the ships.

“We have had the all-clear from surveyors from our Class Authority, our team has been through all our ferries checking parts and systems, and we have worked closely with the regulatory authority, Maritime New Zealand,” Mr Rushbrook says.

“We would not be sailing the ship

unless we were confident it was safe to do so.

“Safety is our absolute priority, and we are pleased to have Kaitaki back in full service and rejoining the passenger fleet tomorrow.

“The past few weeks have been rough for our customers, for our passengers and for our own people who have been working above and beyond to get as many people and as much freight as possible across Cook Strait.

“Our two new rail-enabled ferries coming in 2025 and 2026 will be game changers in terms of reliability, carbon efficiency, comfort and on-board passenger services.

“Until they arrive, we will remain focused on providing a safe, reliable service that earns the respect of customers and passengers,” says Mr Rushbrook.

Residents and businesses asked to conserve water in Picton

On Thursday one of the two supplies providing water to Picton - the pipe from Barnes Dam to Essons Valley treatment plant - was damaged by a possible slip.

As a result the Essons Valley

treatment plant has been offline since late yesterday afternoon.

Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney said: “Our capacity to supply water to Picton today is significantly reduced.”

“We have already repaired the pipe but re-starting the treatment plant will take some time – at least the rest of today – and our water storage is depleted. “Whilst we do this we request that residents and commercial

users in Picton reduce their water consumption.”

“Demand for water over the last few days has been high with hotter weather, but cooler weather over the coming weekend will help.”

Picton’s water supply comes from two sources - Speeds Road water treatment plant and Essons Valley water treatment plant. The Essons Valley supply is generally supplementary during peak periods.

Last weekend, Wairau Valley Fire Brigade celebrated a Gold Star Event where Chief Fire Officer Richard Peterson received his award for 25 years service to Fire and Emergency. Presenting the award was Barry Bridges, former UFBA President.

Noel Leeming expands its e-waste programme to Blenheim

If you are looking for a responsible way to dispose of your e-waste, Noel Leeming Blenheim is the place to go, with the retailer expanding its e-waste recycling programme to the community in partnership with TechCollect NZ.

The programme, which was first trialled in early 2021, offers Kiwis a free e-waste collection point in their local communities, aiming to divert significant amounts of e-waste from landfills. E-waste is electronic equipment that is unwanted or has reached the end of its life.

Since the programme was introduced, over 158 tonnes of e-waste has been collected and recycled. Noel Leeming Blenheim store manager Johnathan Cappie is

pleased to be able to offer this service to the local community.

“It’s exciting to have this free service available in our Noel Leeming store so e-waste is recycled, rather than ending up in landfill. We are proud to be offering this to our local community and want to help our customers do the right thing with their electronics when the items have reached end-of-life.”

The Warehouse Group Sustainability Partner Yi You says: “E-waste is increasing at a rate three times faster than municipal waste streams, with the average Kiwi generating more than 21kg of e-waste each year. We are pleased to be expanding the programme in Blenheim.”

Computers, laptops and tablets, computer monitors (CRT and flat screen), cables, projectors, desktop printers, copiers, scanners, multifunction printers, computer peripherals, cameras and video cameras can now be recycled in 27 Noel Leeming and 5 Warehouse Stationery stores nationwide. Customers are responsible for clearing personal data from any devices before they bring them into store. Excluded items include TVs, white goods, loose batteries, toner, ink cartridges and non-ICT equipment. Mobile phones and accessories can be recycled through Noel Leeming’s partnership with Re: Mobile which is available at all stores across New Zealand.

Fund raiser for college students to USA

Marlborough Girls’ College and Marlborough Boys’ College are holding a movie fundraiser on Wednesday March 22 for the Colleges’ combined trip to America later this year.

The movie is the red carpet Marlborough premiere of Kiwi comedy Red, White and Brass, the private

financing of which has come from Blenheim investors. Taika Waititi is one of the executive producers of the film.

MGC and MBC are taking 72 history, economics and geography students on an educational trip to the US in September/October this year.

The students are paying for the cost of their own travel, with most having to get jobs to fund the trip.

The fundraising is for a contingency fund of $5000 required in case of emergencies, such as unexpected costs due to illness or weather.

The students’ trip starts in New York City and ends in New Orleans

and will include visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the UN Headquarters and the birthplace of Martin Luther King, as well as tours of Capitol Hill, the Coca Cola headquarters and the Hurricane Katrina Tour. Tickets for the movie fundraiser are $30 per adult including a glass

of wine, kindly donated by Constellation Brands, and $25 per child including a soft drink.

Tickets are on sale now - contact ticketsredwhitebrass@gmail.com or MGC or MBC school offices for further detail.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the movie starts at 7.15pm.

Noel Leeming Blenheim will now accept e-waste.

NELMAC could be a loser to 3 WATERS

By Max Frethey LDR reporter

Some of Nelmac’s water services delivery functions may be transferred to water Entity C as part of the Government’s Three Waters reforms, a move Nelson Mayor Nick Smith calls an “injustice” that raises questions about the future of the business.

Nelmac, Nelson’s signature environmental contractor and a council-controlled trading organisation, is contracted by Nelson City Council to deliver water services to the city. Smith said in his mayor’s report, to be put before councillors on Thursday, that it was expected that Nelmac would not be directly affected by the Three Water reforms and would instead contract to the new water services entity rather than to council.

However, Nelson Council was recently advised by Heather Shotter, the executive director of the Department of Internal Affairs’ Three Waters National Transition Unit, that Nelmac’s water services delivery functions will transfer to Entity C.

“I was shocked and surprised,” Smith said. “I think it’s overreach by the Three Waters transition team.” Nelmac’s annual turnover is $43 million, and has assets worth $21 million and equity of $12 million.

Its water services division accounts for more than 50 of its 300 staff, a third of its turnover, and approximately $2 million of plant and assets. “I was also taken back by how disruptive and damaging it will be to the Nelmac business,” Smith added.

“If this change proceeds, I worry about [Nelmac’s] future.”

If Nelmac’s staff, equipment, and systems involved in water services are transferred, there will be a significant flow-on effect as these people and equipment are also part of Nelmac’s work across the region in parks

and reserves, conservation, pest control, landscape, and construction.

In addition to the potential impact in other areas, the report indicates Nelmac will need to substantially restructure and make some staff redundant to try and make it viable.

“The bill doesn’t say that they have to take these assets,” he said. “So, that’s where our starting point should be, just getting into dialogue with the chief executive of Entity C and with the Transition Unit to make sure they understand what the implications are for us locally.”

While O’Neill-Stevens added that an ideal situation would be for Nelmac to retain its assets and contract to Entity C rather than council, that also raises problems if the entity chooses not to contract to Nelmac in the future, which could be a worse outcome.

“And that’s where I really think we need to be having a conversation to make sure we’re getting the best possible outcome given the circumstances we’re in,” he said. “At the end of the day, we do need to make sure that we’re acting in the best interests of the city.”

As for Nelmac itself, board chair Rob Gunn said in a statement he was “deeply concerned” by the development and that Nelmac is “actively seeking clarity” from the Three Waters National Transition Unit.

“The Board and Nelmac Kumanu senior leadership are working proactively and quickly through the issues, with our number one priority being to protect our future continuity and people’s livelihoods,” he says.

“We will continue to focus on our communities, who rely on us and the critical services all our teams provide.”

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

3 Waters proposal puts the future of NELMAC in question.

Cuddon Cycling Marlborough

Saturday 11th February, 1.30pmWaihopai Valley Rd (opposite Grove Mill Winery) Open Grade Pelorus Cup 52km Hcp event. Junior U17 Pelorus Cup and shorter race 24km Hcp event. All welcome. Assemble 1pm.

Monday 13th February, 6pm - Athletic

Park. Track Racing. Mixture of events for all grades. Warm up starts 5.30pm. Mixture of events for all riders. For further information contact Warren 021663910 or Graham 0278212379. Also see website www.cyclingmarlborough.org.nz for more information.

Proud

Family of firefighters

At any time of the day Renwick businessman Rowan Ingpen can go from running a bar to fighting a fire.

Rowan and his family run the Woodbourne Tavern and Hotels, a business that has staff in place to cover him when he’s called to the station.

“My job lends itself well to me being a volunteer firefighter as we have a good team here that can step in at a minute’s notice,” he says.

Being a volunteer firefighter is something he is proud of.

Rowan’s wife Emma hails from Renwick’s Newman family - a family with deep roots in the community and a long history with the Renwick Fire Brigade.

Emma’s grandfather Doug Newman was the first Chief Fire Officer at the Renwick Fire Station and his sons Larry and Allan later joined. Emma’s father Murray says he did not join but has always helped out, assisting with excavation work and fundraising when a new Fire Station was built.

So much so, Murray was made an honorary life member. Murray’s son Tom also serves alongside son-in-law Rowan.

Despite the family connection Rowan says it’s always been something he has wanted to do.

“When I was 18 and working as a mechanic my boss was a

firefighter and tried getting me involved, but it just wasn’t the right time then.

“Later, I got to the stage in my life where I could give my time and put in 100 per cent. I felt it was time to learn and give back to my community,” he says.

Rowan joined the Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade 10 years ago and has attended everything from chemical spills to cardiac arrests.

“One really memorable moment was when we helped to resuscitate a local guy along with St Johns. That was a pretty cool feeling.

“I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I’ve done a job well and to the best of my

ability. I have no regrets what so ever about joining.

“If you have time to offer and a willingness to go through the training, you will reap the same rewards,” he says. Rowan describes the comradery in the brigade as being ‘a big family’.

“It’s like having another family. The support network is awesome and I would encourage anyone interested in firefighting to at least make contact with their local station to find out more. It’s one thing you wouldn’t regret doing,” he says.

To find out more contact the Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade on 03 572 8019.

Rowen Ingpen has been a volunteer firefighter with the Renwick Brigade for 10 years and says he get s a lot of satisfaction from the role.

Become a volunteer

Being part of a Volunteer Fire Brigade is probably more different than you think.

Almost anybody can join a Brigade, male or female, young or old, those looking for adventure or those just wanting to contribute to their community.

There are opportunities for people from all backgrounds within a Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The role you play in a Brigade depends completely on what you would like to do.

You can be hands-on at an emergency, or you can provide support to those people who are.

You can even have a role that doesn’t expose you to emergency incidents.

The one aspect the roles all have in common is that they require you to attend a weekly

Brigade training night, and that you participate in Brigade activities

Operational Fire Fighter

These people respond to emergencies. They drive the Appliances, make up the crew at fires, medical, hazardous substance and other incidents.

They are the front line members of the Brigade. Training is supplied to ensure they can do their jobs safely, and to the best of their ability.

Operational Firefighters carry rank, which is related to their qualifications and skills. Often the qualifications and skills that people gain from being a Volunteer Firefighter are beneficial in other parts of their lives.

Operational Support

As the title suggests, these

people support operational Firefighters on the incident ground, by carrying out tasks that are non-hazardous to free up Firefighters for more specific tasks.

These duties include: people and traffic control, transporting of equipment, assisting the incident controller, and other duties that are not in the incident hot zone.

Training is supplied and operational support staff carry rank to ensure structure at an incident is maintained.

Brigade Support

This role allows people who want to contribute to the Brigade and community the opportunity to do so without having to face the challenge of responding to emergencies.

It can be an important role, like providing administrative support for the day-to-day running of the Brigade, or more handson, like presenting fire safety programs to community groups like schools or the elderly. For all of these roles, people bring with them skills and attributes that benefit the Brigade. They all in return gain many skills and attributes that benefit them in other parts of their life.

The Firefighters’ role includes the roles of Operational Support and Brigade Support.

The Operational Support role includes the role of Brigade Support. Essentially, you get to choose your level of involvement.

To find out more contact your nearest Fire Station.

When the fire service calls it’s not just the volunteer firefighters who answer, it’s also their employers.

Every working day businesses across Marlborough support local brigades by allowing their volunteers to respond to incidents.

By employing a volunteer firefighter these businesses become an essential part of the support crew because without their support, it would be difficult for volunteers to attend emergencies during work hours.

Not only do businesses gain a sense of community pride, but their volunteer firefighter

employees also offer a number of transferable skills they’ve developed during their training with Fire and Emergency.

The training, skills and experience gained by emergency services volunteers are transferrable to the workplace. Emergency services volunteers are not only trained in technical activities, but develop high levels of personal skill and competencies.

Emergency service volunteering requires commitment, the ability to cope with high pressure, and the determination to help others.

Volunteers gain training in

areas such as:

• Confidence and teamwork

• Nav igation and problem solving

• Emergency management and decision making

• Ef fective communication (both oral and technical)

• Health and safety

• Te chnical and mechanical training

• Leadership, delegation and following instructions

• First aid

Thank you to all of the Marlborough businesses who support Fire and Emergency by supporting their volunteer firefighter employees.

Employers also play a vital role

But sound aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown

Vehicles banned - restrictions upset some

By Maia Hart, Local Democracy Reporter

Vehicles have been banned from Marlborough’s east coast, except for a 9km stretch during the day, in a bylaw that’s been years in the making.

But a Marlborough iwi says by restricting access, without explicitly allowing for customary rights, the Marlborough District Council has breached the Treaty of Waitangi. The council on Thursday agreed to the bylaw which will come into effect on July 1. It meant quad bikes and side-by-side off-road vehicles can drive below the high tide line from Marfells Beach to the airstrip south of Cape Campbell, under 30kph.

It comes after years of back and forth, as conservationists and one iwi called for a blanket ban on vehicles, while fishermen argued they needed vehicle access. Meanwhile, some iwi said it breached their customary right to gather kaimoana.

At the full council meeting on Thursday, Maori ward councillor Allanah Burgess said she was concerned about restricting vehicle access to daylight hours. She also questioned council’s strategic planner Sarah Edmonds on how much engagement there had been with iwi, and what the council’s view was on kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

“I notice within the paper there is a lot of hunter-gatherer referred to, as opposed to kaitiakitanga and what that looks like,” she said.

“What [is] your view on engagement and process with iwi, about them exercising their rights in the area and what kaitiakitanga looks like from their point of view, and how that could be managed, possibly by them, as opposed to enforced by us (council)?”

Edmonds said there was engagement with iwi alongside community consultation.

“I think it’s pretty clear in the panel’s recommendations that they have taken into account all of the submissions, all of our legal obligations, all of the feedback, and they have recommended a place that takes into account everybody’s interest in the east coast,” Edmonds said.

The council originally proposed a bylaw that would ban all vehicles from the mouth of the Awatere River south to the Waima/ Ure River mouth. However, an appointed panel, consisting of independent commissioner Rob Enright, commissioner Ma-rea Clayton and councillor David Croad recommended the council allow vehicles from Marfells Beach to the airstrip south of the Cape Campbell lighthouse.

The panel recognised the “importance of motorised access for customary activities”. It said they recognised kaitiaki (trustees) had customary fishing rights under

the Fisheries Act 1996 to gather kaimoana.

“Our understanding is that this enables Maori to continue to gather kaimoana within the area of the bylaw,” the panel said.

Iwi opposed the recommendations from the commissioners, that were adopted by the council, in different ways.

Te Runanga o Kaikoura and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu liked the first bylaw, which banned all vehicles from the coast.

Te Runanga o Ngati Kuia considered restrictions around the time of day breached “rights afforded to Maori through Customary Fishing Rights”. The iwi said some species were more abundant at nighttime, and they were often collecting kaimoana for “time-critical events” such as tangi (funerals).

Te Runanga a Rangitane o Wairau general manager Corey Hebberd said on Friday the concerns Rangitane raised throughout the bylaw process remained unresolved.

“We are disappointed with council’s decision to adopt the bylaw, because it directly impacts our ability to access sites of significance, to undertake our customary practices and to exercise our kaitiaki responsibilities in the area,” Hebberd said.

“I think any reasonable person who reviewed the engagement material would see that the engagement process hasn’t been adequate.”

He said the iwi considered there was a breach of the Treaty of

Waitangi.

“In making bylaws, council is a delegate of the Crown and has the responsibilities of the Crown, including the Crown’s obligations to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

“The bylaw restricts access – and without access, our ability to access wahi tapu and carry out customary practices will be curtailed.

“We are continuing to keep across this mahi, and reassure whanau that we are committed to our role as kaitiaki, in protecting the mana of our taiao, whilst also ensuring that the customary rights afforded to us are protected.”

Meanwhile, Edmonds said the bylaw would work off a community trust model.

“I guess from a monitoring point of view, in terms of council’s usual approach, it’s more reactive rather than proactive, so it would

be through complaints, education.” Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said the council expected everyone to “collectively protect” the fragile dune and reef systems, and rare and threatened biodiversity from vehicles.

“This bylaw was borne from widespread community concerns, and the public turning to council for a solution,” Taylor said.

“We have adopted the recommendations from the hearings panel, which places great responsibility on the public to be part of the solution and act as stewards of this special place.”

Councillors Burgess, Ben Minehan, and Jonathan Rosene voted against the bylaw, however the majority of councillors voted for its adoption, which meant the bylaw was passed.

Effectiveness of the bylaw will be reviewed in three years’ time.

Quad bikes on Marlborough’s east coast. SUPPLIED

Women’s Women’s Day Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022 is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political and socio economic achievements of women. Purple is the symbolic colour of International Women’s Day while the combination of Green, Purple and White colours represents women’s equality.

When it comes to New Zealand, we are pioneers in leading the way whether

through women’s rights, business or political bastions. Take Kate Sheppard, who was the driving force behind women’s suffrage to give women a voice in local elections. The Electoral Act 1883 was her legacy.

Dame Whina Cooper dedicated her life to fighting for Māori land rights and

improving living conditions for Māori women. Dame Whina gained notoriety in 1975 for leading a hīkoi (march) from the Northland community of Te Hāpua to Parliament in Wellington.

In recent times whether in the sporting arenaDame Lisa Carrington

or Zoe Sadowski-Synnott come to mind on their cultural influences on their respective codes and the morals and values they bring to their professional and personal lifestyles.

Locally there are any number of Marlborough women who have stood tall over their male counterparts and have achieved in every definition of the word whether that is in the arts, business, viticulture or tourism.

K Ate HORRey - Coordinator Digital Support

Introducing Kate - Kia ora, I am the new Coordinator for Digital Services. I see my job as helping groups and individuals work together to become more comfortable using technology in everyday life. I am not a technical expert and have been known to shout at the computer myself from time to time.... so I quite understand how challenging it can feel. The good news is there is lots of help out there, and it’s my job to let you know who to contact. Outside of work I enjoy the country life on our tiny lifestyle block in the Wairau Valley, complete with a few chickens, too many pet cats and, at the moment, my sister’s bachelor herd of alpacas are also in residence. I love animals, books, and quiet rural living. My personal challenge for 2023 is to learn to play table tennis.

Sara Harwood - Adult Community Education (ACE) - has joined our team and is based in Picton at the Mariner’s Mall on Mondays so pop along to the old Resource Centre space in the Mall. Come and have a kōrero with Sara and find out what REAP is all about and have a think about what courses you would like us to deliver in Picton/Waitohi.

REAP Marlborough

the theme this year is “Embrace Equity”

Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.

- Serena WilliamS -

Sun The txt talk with

Scholarship

Marlborough Lines award a scholarship for Maoris only. Is it even legal to advertise an opening based on race ?

Speed limits

80kph Old Renwick Rd, Middle Renwick Rd and Raupara Rd. 100kph past houses on adjoining roads. 80 or 90 Kph all the way to Nelson but 100kph from Blenheim to Ward and further south. 100kph Tuamarina to Picton. Bit like playing lotto?

Election winners

Bring in EV RUC’s without a 4th deferral. As Europe,increase the retirement age, we can’t afford it. Revoke the ‘Preservation M.O.U.’ & rorts of 150+ years ago; defunding coat-tailing lawyers & accountants; -businesses stand alone; those squandered billions go to all KIWI’s. It starts at home, get our country sorted now!. Logical, not political-that’s why it’s too hard darlings!

Looters

Looters up north are scum hitting people at their lowest times. Come on police you know who’s doing it, listen to people phoning talkback, they’re telling us what’s going on up there. Certainly the media don’t print everything.

Census

What a brilliant idea of Government Statistics to send two papers per household before 7th March to remind people to reply. It would be more economical to send one paper form to fill in with free return postage and include details of how to fill in Census if you are “savvy” by computer.

I can muddle my way through, but on the streets I wonder how some older people deal with this. Guess they just ignore it. Not everyone has family to help.

Voting

I cannot not wait for the next elections, hopefully a new party will get in and have the guts to tell TV1 and TV3 to call our country New Zealand again and leave the English names that are all ready there alone instead of trying to put a Maori name in front.

As I have said before there is already thousands of Maori places, towns, streets in NZ, just look at a map.

Racetrack

I’m sick and tired of noisy cars racing up and down Burden St. It’s not a racetrack.

Less aggressive

Blenheim Boys’ Brigade Programme 2023. Was disappointed to see that part of the programme would be about Guns, Bows and Arrows.

Surely in this day and age when there is so much violence in the world, and in the past, there must be something less aggressive we can teach our boys!

How about a First Aid course, a game of mini golf, skateboarding/ roller blading, cooking, computer basics or some other Life Skills? Some teaching on Anti-bullying would go a long way.

Fear?

I read in the Sun March 1st, Jane Tito telling people to take care on the Wither hills tracks. To put it politely, I find this sort of thing very irritating. These people can’t help themselves, they have to whip up fear about anything and everything.

Wise use of taxpayers monies?

Was somewhat perplexed to see a recent situations vacant advertisement for 3 attendance officers for one of our local secondary schools. Involving a total of 100hrs employment per week.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it the parents’ responsibility to not only provide their children food, clothing, a roof over their heads, but also an education ie. ensure they attend school?

Town Centre?

Disappointed. Took some overseas visitors into town to look around , I was embarrassed that the town centre looks so tired and unkempt.

Workers bus

Is the workers bus being re-established? Why do I ask? When originally started a bus stop was created on Maxwell Road between Alabama and Hospital Roads. Buses don’t travel down this part of Maxwell Road and the lines faded but just lately new lines have appeared. Does this mean the service is being started again?

6, Not 3 Waters?

With 3 Waters dead in the water, or will be after the General Election this year, why not a commonsense 6 Region Waters?

1 = Northland/Auckland

2 = Waikato/BOP/King C./Taranaki

3 = The rest if the N.Is.

4 = Nelson/Marlborough/Kaikoura

5 = Sth,Central & Nth Canterbury + The West Coast

6 = Sthland, Otago & Nth Otago.

And no unnecessary (very divisive) separatist/ racist entity!

Would beat the appalling 3 Waters concept totally.

Tim Middleton Director of Boarding

Kia ora, I’m Tim Middleton, new Director of Boarding at Nelson College. I’ve recently relocated to the beautiful Nelson region with my wife and two young children.

What we offer

I am extremely impressed by the world class boarding programme we are delivering here at Nelson College and excited to be part of this dynamic community. Please get in touch, or come along to our open day in May if you’d like to learn more about what Nelson College has to offer your son. Over

Two fully renovaed on-campus heritage boarding houses

Tutor Support for academic studies throughout the year

Strong emphasis on whānau within the boarding and broader school community

Talk

Located in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, with a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and tramping

High-level academic, sporting and leadership programmes

A robust character education influenced by the values of manaaki (care), pono (integrity), and kairangi (success)

Summer Dining

Welcome to Restaurant Sasa! Ritual Cafe

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

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

Owner Julie McDonald welcomes you to enjoy their breakfast menu, cabinet food including vegan and gluten free options.

We have a large variety of drinks on offer, perfect for summer just around the corner. Whether it’s smoothies, fizzy, juices or Kombucha along with healthy delicious food... Come and see the team at our relaxed retro cafe today!

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

Thai 9

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

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

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

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

31 Scott St, Blenheim

OPen 7 dayS

10 .30am – 14.00pm, 16.30pm – 21.30pm

Speights a le House

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

Open 5 days with a range of award winning traditional ales and beers complimented by an all day menu and in house baristas. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with live sport screenings, events, food and drink promotions!

OPen Tuesday to Saturday 11.30 to late Book online via alehouseblenheim.co.nz or call 03 577 9992.

Middle Renwick Road, Springlands

Good Home

THERE IS A PLACE LIKE HOME.

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

OPen : Tuesday 3 to late.

Wednesday to Saturday 11.30 to late Ph 03 5776 495 | www.goodhomebar.co.nz

70 Queen Street, Blenheim

5 minutes with...

Tammie CarpenTer

Business Owner of MultiDig & TC Developments

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Dog, love having cuddles on the couch & walks with our fluffy little dog Snoopy.

 My friends would say I am…

Super organised, loves to chat, a good listener and hopefully fun.

 The best advice I ever received was?

Don’t sweat the small stuff (still learning this one).

 What would you buy if money was no object?

A bach.

 Local coffee haunt?

Streetwise Coffee Cart in Springlands.

 Favourite takeaway?

Indian.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? Augustine.

 What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

Mother’s day cards from the kids.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

Gold coast or camping in the caravan.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

The Royals on Netflix.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

A road trip on Route 66.

Gardening currently: By Wally Richards

It is certainly interesting times we are living in and also some gardening problems to overcome. Recently I went looking for some vegetable seedlings and seed packets of vegetable that I wish to add to my gardens at this time.

I was after cauliflower seedlings to grow and harvest in winter and some onion seeds to sow now.

I had to visit several gardening places before I found the items I required.

This means that a lot of people have woken up to the fact that fresh produce in the supermarkets are several times dearer currently than they would normally be in March.

In fact in March there should be a glut of cheap fruit and vegetables available from spring and summer crops. There isn’t.

The supermarkets are now starting to import vegetables that are normally available in abundance from NZ growers.

Imported produce is much more expensive than local grown hence if you are paying $5 for a small cabbage now soon you will be paying $10 or more.

I was talking recently to a check out operator at local supermarket who was saying there are several customers that are not at all friendly, nowadays.

I can understand why, people with limited money for buying food can’t afford all the groceries that they are used to buying; their budget just does not stretch that far. Hence they can be grumpy and even a bit nasty to the supermarket staff.

The same people are in a Catch 22 they don’t have the money to grow their own produce and/or don’t have land that can be used for gardening.

Readers of my columns are good gardeners, in the main, and even if on a budget they are able to grow a reasonable amount of their own food which is not only a big saving but also much more healthy for us gardeners.

There are problems that are currently happening and one of these is as I found; a shortage of seeds and seedlings in many gardening outlets.

Cabbage and cauliflower seedlings I have purchased recently

have caterpillar eggs on the leaves and if you don’t rub them off they will be eaten alive not too long after planting.

So check leaves for the little lightly yellow eggs and rub them off before you plant.

I use Wally Neem Granules when I plant cabbages etc a little in the bottom of the planting hole and more on the soil surface by the seedlings.

This has a very good control of the caterpillars and even though I have caterpillar eggs on my plants and holes on the leaves there is not any caterpillars on the foliage.

The holes are made by hungry birds not caterpillars.

It is even worse on my silverbeet which young seedlings I planted have either disappeared or they have damaged foliage.

More mature silverbeet will likely have a lot of leaf damage from birds feeding.

The best way to keep birds off silverbeet and brassicas is to use what I call Crop Cover or what shops call, Bug Mesh.

Either laid loose over crops or supported over crops with hoops made from ridged plastic irrigation pipe or number 8 wire.

The crop cover is good for many seasons and will keep birds and just about all pests off your crops

including neighbourhood cats. Old curtain netting could be used instead of the more durable crop cover.

When you buy vegetable seedlings look for the smaller, fresher ones not the over grown ones which have likely been stressed and will go to seed prematurely. Even if you take them home to grow on a bit to make handling easier, then do so.

First thing I do when I get punnets home is plunge them into a bucket of water that I have thrown some sheep manure pellets into some time ago.

I hold them down into the liquid manure and watch them bubble away.

This not only gives them a good soaking of the mix but some natural liquid food as well. Let them drain and place in full sun till you are ready to plant them. Water as need be in the meantime and prior to planting plunge them into the bucket again.

Seedlings will pull apart better when the mix is wet and they have ample wet mix on the roots when you plant. After planting give them a watering with the hose to bed them in.

Then you can put your crop cover over them if you are going to use this method.

Sun The txt talk with

ATMs

I agree wholeheartedly about the various ATM machines that aren’t working these days. Most annoying when finding “out of service”. That’s why it’s still a good idea to have some cash in hand at all times.

Talk of the week

Cats

I have a dog which is smaller than a cat so why should I have to register it? Perhaps I should stop paying my dog registration fee.

Not returning

Disgusted after morning Tea at a local cafe in Renwick, grass not mown for weeks, plants growing over path, kids playground unweeded, the worst was broken panes of glass propped up against the fence. Totally not returning.

Food

My husband is 77 yrs old I am 72. Supermarket things are so dear. Try to buy meat that lasts at least 2 or 3 days. Sometimes I will go without as long as I look after my husband. This is not right, how people on the pension should live. We worked hard all our lives and now one of us has to go without eating. What is New Zealand turning into.

Petrol and diesel

Can anyone shed light on why petrol and diesel are both considerably cheaper in Murchison, Te Anau and often Picton than in Blenheim? Are we being taken for an expensive ride?

Cyclone destruction

The damage up north from the cyclone is devastating. I genuinely feel for the people who have lost, family, homes and family. I also feel that people also have self responsibility. If it doesn’t feel safe, leave, don’t wait for an official to tell you you need to.

Also it’s a wake up call to all the councils in NZ to keep the waterways clear of weeds and debris, especially around bridges. The councils also need to make sure road gutters are clean, especially if they know rain is forecast.

Disappointed

Blenheim hosted RNZPBA Canterbury Centre Contest over two days last weekend. So disappointed there wasn’t one photo or mention in the local paper, even the street parade. It was hard enough finding any advertising when it was.

Great day out. Great to see the young ones learning the pipes and drumming. Come on Blenheim, there has been many great events happening and the common comment is, ‘Oh I didn’t know it was on’.

Time for a trim?

Are you a regular walker and get annoyed with foliage growing out over the footpath and trees and rosebushes hanging out hitting and scratching you in the face. Why do people plant hedges between their fence and the footpath when its such a narrow strip, maybe they don’t realise these grow out as well as up? Have you checked your frontage recently?

Paris Agreement

Given the current weather disasters, it might be time to reconsider the financial contribution NZ makes to the Paris Agreement. Could those funds be more useful in our own country?

The latest polls

Just how gullible are the people of New Zealand to see the new PM rise in the latest Polls, remember he was the Minister of Education that sees nearly half of our children can’t read or write let alone know what times tables are, and of course he was the covid minister who made a complete mess of the ballot system of letting kiwis back home.

He’s probably the best puppet that Jacinda could endorse after she couldn’t cope with what it takes to be a PM when the going gets tough.

Clubs of Marlborough

Good to see the Liquidator will investigate the actions of the Committee. Creating new debts when trading while insolvent can result in those responsible assuming personal liability for the debts and also claims by creditors.

Bypass

40 plus years ago there was talk about a bypass cost back then 10millon maybe. Then we spend 30millon on the duds of Marlborough, I mean clubs then a library that do we really need.

How many million that’s costing it’s the age of electronics what’s wrong with the old one, what’s going to happen with it and they are going to have shops underneath.

Hospo is really short staffed whose going to run this my point is spend your money on something that is positive for Blenhiem not just because thank you.

Wine and Food

We didn’t attend this year as who wants to sit in a sports ground with no trees around and no atmosphere. Agree totally with the comments made by somebody else.

I think it’s such a shame that here in Marlborough the top wine district in New Zealand and we can’t even show case our wonderful Wine and Food in one of the many wonderful vineyards. Please next year can we go back to a vineyard.

Insensitive

How insensitive that forestry continued to run tv ads while causing such devastating damage in the north.

Re Cataract

To the person who did not agree re priorities. You really should get your cataract fixed. You managed to see things in my letter which were never written. I am not old and I don’t have a cataract!

Glad that you accept your cataract. Clearly it does not cause you problems....yet! But it will and when you do need it removed I hope Interislander is there to pay the bill!

Accident

I just want to thank the kind folk who assisted me on Monday around lunch time, on Market St, near Fashion Central shop.

It’s wonderful to see such kindness is still around. Several ladies, and also kind gents, bless you all.

I’m better now thanks so much.

Thank you

A HUGE thank you to the two members from Marlborough Roads who came to my assistance last Friday in Koromiko. You surely saved a nasty accident from occurring by kindly stopping and assisting with traffic control. I appreciate all that you did.

Great shape

Marlborough health care at hospital in great shape.

Owing to the expert patient care I am so happy, healthy and fit owing to their knowledge. Many thank you’s, you are greatly appreciated.

From 90 year old.

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.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough? Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

Tel: (03) 579 4430

Wanted to Buy

Ryan Lawnmowing

Developing Equanimity

A public talk with Geshe Tharchin

Saturday 11 March, 10.30am - 12 noon

Alzheimer’s Room, 8 Wither Road, Blenheim

Develop an evenness of mind, even temperedness in the face of difficulty - an important life skill we all need these days!

Retirement Villages Residents Association of New Zealand

You are cordially invited to attend a Regional Forum of the RV Residents Association

Thursday 16th of March 2023, 2pm

The Redwood Tavern, 66 Cleghorn Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim

gueST SpeAkeR:

Brian Peat - RV Residents National President

Brian will be reporting on progress to date on the upcoming review of the Retirement Villages Act (2003) along with the Code of Practice (2008) as it relates to residents of retirement villages in New Zealand. He will also discuss overall structure of the RV Residents organisation, the financial structure, national statistics, the importance of village contacts, promotions and our future focus. There will be ample time for questions.

Family and friends are most welcome to attend this forum.

There is no charge for this event but a gold coin donation would be greatly appreciated to help defray expenses.

talk

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Blenheim Musical Theatre Inc. is to be held at BMT Rooms. 81a Lakings Road Yelverton, Blenheim on

Tuesday, 21st March 2023 at 7.00 pm

All current members and friends of the society are welcome to attend.

(Please note that only current financial members of the Society are entitled to vote at the meeting)

We call for any General Business to be advised by 5pm on Tuesday, 7th March 2023 – email to - secretary@bmt.net.nz

AGENDA

All warmly welcome by donation at the door, please just come along.

Contact Phillipa 027 434 8665 www.chandrakirti.co.nz

ANTIQUE BUYERS

txtVARIATIONS TO THE PROPOSED MARLBOROUGH ENVIRONMENT PLAN

Marlborough District Council has prepared three variations to the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan and is now publicly notifying the variations for submission pursuant to Clause 5, Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991(RMA).

The variations are:

Variation 2: Ecologically Significant Marine Sites (ESMS)

Proposal to amend existing ESMS boundaries and to include new ESMS.

Variation 3: Meretoto/Ship Cove (including Motuara Island) Heritage Resource Proposal to include Meretoto/Ship Cove and Motuara as a heritage resource.

Variation 4: Rezoning Road Stopping

Proposal to rezone small areas of land that have had the roading designation removed through the road stopping process.

WHERE TO GO TO SEE THE VARIATIONS

The variations and reports prepared under Section 32 of the RMA, are available on the MDC website www.marlborough.govt.nz. An interactive map for the Ecologically Significant Marine Sites variation is also available on the website to assist with the spatial information. To better understand how the variations may affect you, we encourage you to go to Council’s website.

Printed copies of the variations and reports are also available for inspection at:

• The Council’s Office, Seymour Street, Blenheim

• The Marlborough Library, Arthur Street, Blenheim

• The Council’s Picton Office and the Picton Library, High Street, Picton SUBMISSIONS

Any person may make a submission on any of the variations but if a person could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission, then the person may do so only if the person is directly affected by an effect of the proposal that -

• Adversely affects the environment; and

• Does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.

Submissions must be in the form prescribed (Form 5) by the Resource Management Act (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003 and must state whether or not you wish to be heard on the submission. Council’s preferred method for receiving submissions is through the online form available on Council’s website. Alternatively, hard copy forms are available at the places listed above.

The closing date for making submissions is 5.00 pm on Friday 11 April 2023. Submissions can be lodged-

By delivery at:

Planning Technician

Marlborough District Council

Seymour Street Blenheim 7201

By mail to:

Attention: Planning Technician Marlborough District Council P O Box 443 Blenheim 7240

By email to: variations@marlborough.govt.nz

Once the closing date for lodging submissions has passed, all submissions received will be summarised, publicly notified and made available for public inspection. Any person who represents a relevant aspect of the public interest, or has an interest in the proposal greater than the general public may make a further submission in support or opposition to any submissions already made.

The Council will then hold hearings to consider submissions that have been lodged. Anyone who has made a submission and who has indicated that they wish to be heard will have the right to attend the hearing and to present their submissions.

The Council will then publicly notify a decision on the variations. On receiving notice any person may refer the decision to the Environment Court for further consideration if they are in disagreement with or are dissatisfied with the decision made by the Council.

For further information contact Louise Walker, at Marlborough District Council on Ph 03 520 7400.

Dated at Blenheim at 8:00 am on the 9 March 2023.

“We look forward to seeing you all there”

WAnted, Agee preserving jars. Phone or text Emma 0275356677

WAnting to rent urgently in Blenheim, 2-3 bedroom, retired couple, small woollen dog, keen gardeners. Ph 0272796406.

deCe Ased Estate - a fundraiser for Alzheimers Marlborough. Kingwell Drive, Springlands - sigh at gate. Friday 10th: 4pm - 6pm Saturday 11th from 8am.

g ARA g e SA LE AT 89 COLEMANS ROAD, 8am-12, no early birds!

Golf Results

Picton Golf Club

28th Feb – net – Denise Finch 69; Jenny Hart, Maria McConway, 71; Mary Butler 73; Margaret Frisken, Ricky Ashworth, Julie Rosie, 75.

2nd Mar – Stableford- Iain Berrie 39; Gary Aldridge, Andrew Sunley, 37; Rowdy Robertson 36; Hiram Taylor, Jeff Pascoe, 35; Jerome

Marlborough Veterans Golf Association

Mon 6th March: Individual: 1. Mike Ashworth (Picton) 39 points; 2. Hans Blohm (Marlborough) 37 points; 3. Ken Bennett (Marlborough) 36 points; 4. Brian Burgess

Rarangi Golf Club

Mar 1st: Mens American Stableford: Roger Mitchell 57, Graham Ilott 56, Phil Hill 56, Owen Gibbs 56, Guido

Bertogg 55, Steven Fagan 54, Allan

Hogg 53, Mike Walker 53, David Best 52, Jack Gleeson 52, Marc Roberts

Blenheim Golf Club

Mar 27th: Ladies Stableford Jacquie Hurcomb 19 Jenny Evans 19

Gudrun Fischer 18 Bernice Arnold

18 Yvonne Hore 18 Men Ian Clark

21 Graeme Parker 20 Leo McKendry

20 Hans Fischer 19 Dan Crawford

19 Dean Ormsby 18 Bob Tapp 17

(Marlborough) 34points; 5. Owen Farrell (Awatere), Alan Dickson (Harewood), John Muir (Marlborough), Jock Glennie (Marlborough), Paul Eden (Marlborough) 33 points.

52, Terry Allen 52, Malcolm Dixon 51, Graham McCarthy 51, James Sutherland 51. Mar 2nd: Ladies Net Medal: Marilyn Smith 70, Dianne Betts 74, Tracey Bary 76, Carolyn Reaney 80, Rete

David Dyer 17 Breian Brown 17 Leo

Hawkins 16 Brian Burgess 16

Mar 1st: Medal 0-29 Elaine Brown

71 30+ Jill Hurcomb 72 Colleen

McLeod 75 9 holes Stableford

Shirley Godsiff 19 Dawn Walker 16 March 2nd Stableford C V Rit-

Marlborough Golf Club

28 Feb: Mixed 9 Hole Net Medal

Div.1: Ann Rutledge 32, Joanna

Ainge 32, June Maslin 35. Div.2:Pam Morris 34, Judith Barton 34, Bev Lindsay 32.

1 Mar: Women’s Net Medal Div.1: Julie Nicolle 75, Lizzie Turnbull 81.

Div.2: Pru Jensen 70, Denise Pick-

ering 77. Div.3: Lesley Blanchard 77, Kirsty Hardie Boys 78. Div.4: Kath Elley 71, Helen Lissaman 74, Annette Wilkinson 77.

2 Mar: Men’s Stableford Div.1: Hans Fischer 38, Malcolm Mackenzie 38, John Rodgers 37, Robin Whiting 37. Div.2:John Wadsworth

January, Ron Peters, Ant Booker, Leigh S/Smith, Trev Gullery, David Bunt, Jock Mannington, 33. 3rd Mar - 9Hole - Mary Butler 20;

Team: 1st Marlborough #1: Alan Dickson, George Mitchinson, Chris Osborne and Hans Blohm 110 points. 2nd Marlborough #2: 99 points. 3rd Marlborough #: 98 points.

Kydd 81, Pat Olliver 83, Diane McCarthy 86. Mar 4th: Net Medal: Ladies - Andrea Thomas 70, Suzanne Lang 78, Marilyn Smith 85. Mens - Terry Allen 71, Dennis Wye 72, Lindsay McAlpine 72,

chie David Dyer 45 Phil Starkey 40 Stuart McLagan 36 Stuart Parker 35

Graeme Parker 35 Jim Findlay 35 Murray Ingram 35 Colin Pitkethley

34 9 hole Stableford Leo McKendry

20 Dean Ormsby 19 Steve Griffin 18

Mar 4th: Monthly Medal gross

38, Paul Ham 36, Graeme Barsanti 34, Brian Burgess 34.

4 Mar: Women’s Monthly Mug

Gross: June Maslin 87. Net:Elaine

Porter 71. Net medal Div.1:Jane

Anderson-Bay 77, Lizzie Turnbull

78. Div.2: Francie Shagin 72, Denise Pickering 77. Men’s Monthly Mug

Summer Runners

Denise Finch 19; Penny Edwards 18; Anita McCaffrey 18.

Next Tournament: Monday 20h March 2023 at Picton Golf Club.

Gordon Lang 72, Brian Gill 73, Greg Thomas 74, Len Barlow 74.

Mar 5th: Stableford: Mens - Cyril Dawson 31, Gavin Coombs 31, Shane Weaver 31, Greg Thomas 31, Jack Wicks 25, Maxwell Short 22.

Graeme Daines 78 Net Desz Campbell 67 Ross Agnew 69 Alax Herd

71 Brent Baker 71 Ladies Sa-nga

Grupp 74 30+ Bernice Arnold 70

NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Phil Starkey

3.12 Rachel Bell

Gross: Matt Croad 78. Net: Alan Yemm 70. Net medal Div.1: Stephen Harvey 71, Lance Nuttall 73, Allan Parker 74. Div.2: Nick Robinson

73, Mark George 73. Div.3: Tony

Armstrong 72, Hugh Bay 72, Jeff Clarke 73.

Final Summer Runners event for the year.

Renwick Sport Centre, Renwick – then social gathering

Thursday March 9 @ 5:45 pm - 7:00 pm Run/walk.

Meet at Renwick Sport Centre, Renwick, at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.Summer Runners – There is no organising committee this year, generally an informal run/walk with route decided with those present and an occasional pre-planned route or relay.

After this event come along to the Woodbourne Tavern for a social drink/eats. See you there.

Run/walk no cost, Social event at your cost.

Everyone is welcome to participate. For further enquiries contact Allister Leach 021 159 0678. 2023 Harrier Membership

Online registration Marlborough Harrier Club now open to all. Existing members and new members.

Just go to https://harriers. net.nz/about/membership/ and follow your nose.

Any problems contact Les McKay on membership@ harriers.net.nz or phone 021463922

AU CKLAND, WELL INGTON

WELLINGTON OR CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand’s most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Tour #47 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

AU CKLAND, WELL INGTON OR CHRIS TCHURCH DIRE CT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS

Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary) Mon 14th August 2023, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands

Experience 8 days in one of New Zealand's most remote and unique places. The Chatham Islands are the closest most New Zealanders can get to international travel without packing their passport.

Mon 21st August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour #48 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Incorporating Festival of Science (Complimentary)

Tue 15th August 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 5.00pm

Tue 22nd August 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurch 11.45am

Du e to ever increasing popularity and in conjunction with Air Chathams and Hotel Chathams, we have decided to run a tour out to the Chatham Islands for folks from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch during 2022. We will be using a 50 passenger ATR aircraft, where we will have up t o 8 fully guided days to explore our most eastern island before returning home. Pitt Island is an option as is fishing.

Tour #49 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Tue 5th December 2023, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 5.00pm

Tour# 43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham XAuckland

Tue 12th December 2023, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Christchurch 11.45am

Sat 4th June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4:30pm

Tour #50 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Sat 11th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 8:30am-arrive Auckland 10.30am

Wed 3rd January 2024, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Tour# 44 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Wed 10th January 2024, departs Chatham Islands 10.00am - arrive Wellington 11.45am

Mon 20th June 2022, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4:30pm

Mon 27th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am-arrive Wellington 11 .15am

All Inclusive Costing per person: SINGLE shared facilities $4,455

TWIN / DOUBLE with ensuite $4,555 | SUPERIOR SUITES $4,655

Tour# 45 is fo r 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Tues 12th July 2022, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4:45pm

Make up your party now and take advantage of your preferred accommodation while availability lasts.

Tues 19th July 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9:30am-arrive Christchurch 11.00am

Join

All Inclusive Costing per XAuckland, Wellington or Christchurch

“An

-

Phone: 03 249 8294 chathamislandtours@gmail.com

BOOK ONLINE: www.chathamislandtours.nz