29 March Blenheim Sun Newspaper

March 29, 2023

Martina Witherlea School’s ‘Good Sort’

By Chris Valli

Blenheim Doctor Martina Suleiman has been recognised by TVNZ and the Marlborough community as a ‘good sort’.

The One News segment celebrates ordinary Kiwis doing something extraordinary.

The Skin Hub owner was nominated by Witherlea teachers for raising $36,000 for the school over a four-year period by selling second-hand clothes through social media. The name of the Facebook group was called Witherlea School Closet Room. Continued on page 2.

A GOOD SORT INDEED: Blenheim Skin Hub owner and Witherlea School parent Martina Suleiman was nominated for TVNZ’s ‘Good Sort’ segment by Witherlea teachers. Martina helped raise $36,000 for the school over a four-year period by selling second-hand clothes through social media.

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No more clothes left in the house

Continued from page 1.

“I decided to make a group on Facebook after the galas got cancelled due to Covid,” she says.

“The galas provided a lot of funding for the school.

The Witherlea School community was great in donating clothing. We had some good brands and after I shared photos of the clothing it became really popular and started to grow,” Martina says.

“There were at least 750 people in the group and friends invited friends.

It snowballed and I was getting thousands of dollars and it kept going to help with the school funding shortfall.”

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twice for the ‘Good Sorts’ segment by teachers Amy Lucas and PJ Muir.

“Hayden (Jones - TVNZ presenter) said to me he gets 1000 nominations a month.

I asked him why he chose me when he must get so many amazing people.

He said because my name had popped up a second time and he said, he must look into this,” she says.

Martina says the money raised has gone towards building a scooter track at the school.

15 bags of clothes were also donated to the Hospice Shop Marlborough in Cleghorn Street.

I even put clothes on my mannequin at home to style it,” she says.

Martina says she is a big advocate of recycling and reusing clothes as it is better and cheaper for all involved.

“I’d like to do something similar,” she says, “but work is busy at the moment. Never say never.

Everyone at home is happy there are no more clothes in the house,” she laughs.

“We had a sleepout full of clothes and we couldn’t even get people to stay because of all the boxes and bags.”

“I was initially going for $5000 but then the project got successful.

The more money I was getting, the more motivated I was.”

Martina was nominated

“I’ve made lots of new friends and of course money for the school which is great. Clothes and shoes were dropped off to my letter box and at work, it was all about connections.

My car was always full of clothes.

As for having a TV camera in her face, Martina says it ‘was horrible’.

“Hayden made it really fun and pleasant.

We were laughing all the time. It wasn’t about me, it was about the school and the kids.”

Martina’s segment aired on TVNZ on Sunday night.

Feedback on future of Wither Hills Farm Park

Council wants your feedback on the future management of the Wither Hills Farm Park. Consultation on a review of the current management plan began last week today and community suggestions on what the management direction of the farm park should look like will help ensure the area best meets the needs of Marlborough residents into the

future.

Council’s Assets and Services Committee Chair Councillor David Croad said the Wither Hills Farm Park is an iconic and highly valued backdrop to Blenheim and the surrounding Wairau Valley. “It plays an i mportant role in soil conservation and is a significant recreational asset for our community,” he said. The current management plan

was produced in 2003 and a lot has changed in the last 20 years. More extreme weather events associated with climate change are already being experienced across the district. Yo u can have your say on the Wither Hills Farm Park Management Plan Review by making a s ubmission online at: www. marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/ have-your-say-consultations

You can also download a submission form from Council’s website, or collect a form from Council’s Blenheim Office, or the Picton Library and Service Centre. Forms must be returned to Councils offices, or posted to Parks Planner, Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240. Submissions close at 5.00 pm on Thursday 27 April 2023.

friends.

Martina at home trying clothes on her mannequin.

Twins but individual personalities

By Chris Valli

Asha and Lexi Neal may be twins but they have distinctive personalities.

The girls started school at Springlands last Monday and are in the same Year 1 class.

Mum Rachelle says the girls constantly feed off each other and are already consumed by the business of school life with after school dance classes and swimming.

“They’re very much individuals. Asha has made new friends already,” says Rachelle. “They just couldn’t wait to start school and were so excited to start. They come home telling us about everything they did. Their biggest buzz is playtime where they made mud pies among other things.”

Rachelle says the personalities of the girls are completely different and reflect individuality. She says making comparisons as twins is not in the conversation.

“Lexi is very motherly and matter of fact and does things as one should,” she laughs. “Asha is a bit of a loose unit, she will do as she is told but is definitely out there and friends with everybody.”

“I want them to be individuals.

Daylight saving ends

The pre-school at St Mary’s really set them up and made them feel like individuals and not always being together. I do not want teachers to be comparing them and in the same class moving forward.”

The girls have an older sister Maisie already at Springlands who is in Year 4.

“Lexi and Maisie are often off

to do things together at home and at school. Maisey has been great, she checks in on them at lunchtime to see if they’re doing OK.”

Rachelle says she was rapt to find out she was having twins and says they are a blessing. The twins did arrive early at 31 weeks resulting in giving birth in Wellington.

A reminder: Daylight saving ends this weekend at 3am on Sunday, April 2. This means the clocks go back an hour, and resetting your clocks and other appliances before you go to bed on Saturday evening

SouthBootsale

“I am and was really lucky I have a huge support network including my Mum who is there every day. My husband has been a big part in establishing the routines too and has been awesome. They were such easy kids to be honest.”

Multiples are on Rachelle’s Dad’s side where twins feature predominantly.

Sun The Upgrade watermain begins soon

Work to upgrade a watermain on Nelson Street, part of State Highway 6, is set to begin during the first week of April.

Council’s Assets and Services Manager Richard Coningham said motorists and cyclists should be aware that there will be some disruption on Nelson Street between Boyce and McLauchlan Streets while the work is being carried out. “Traffic control measures will be in place during this time,” he said.

Contractor Fulton Hogan will undertake the replacement job which will see the 450 metre ageing watermain pipe replaced with a new pipe and in-ground fire hydrants. The new pipeline will be laid 1.3 metres under the road.

Fulton Hogan will contact residents and businesses directly impacted as a result of this.

Marlborough south zone moves back to restricted fire season

The Marlborough south zone will move back into a restricted fire season as of 8am, Thursday March 23 until further notice.

This includes Ward, Seddon, Blenheim, Renwick, and the Wairau Valley.

A restricted fire season means anyone wanting to light an open-air fire in the Marlborough south zone will need a permit.

Group Manager, Chris Hayles says the unseasonably wet weather in the region has led to this change.

works well for most people.

Any electronic equipment on networks, including your mobile phone, will reset itself.

It is a good opportunity to check the batteries on your fire alarms at the same time.

“Due to the current wet weather, the fire danger has decreased significantly,” he says.

However, Chris says there is still a risk of wildfire, which is why he encourages people to stay vigilant and practise fire safety.

Older sister Maisie‘ checks in’ on her younger sisters.

Springlands teacher Jess Holdaway with Lexi and Asha.

Tick – a journey of acceptance

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 Andrew Simon who has been cast as the drag queen Tick.

You know you’ve got some cahones when the first theatre show you audition for is Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. You’ve got even bigger cahonas, when you are cast as ‘drag queen Tick’.

Yet that’s been the journey for electrician Andrew Simon, originally from Wellington who has been in Marlborough for three years.

After meeting some thespians from Blenheim Musical Theatre at a flat party last year, the shin dig provided the 33-year-old an opportunity to meet and network with the cast of Les Misérables.

“I got to meet a lot of the crew and they were really lovely people,” he says. “Finding out Priscilla was the next show I asked my flatmate Elly (Molloy, choreographer) how do I make this happen?”

Meeting pre audition with vocal director Con O’Brien learning breathing, diction and vocal techniques, Andrew joined dance classes with fellow cast member and Diva Krystal Palmer which

provided the stimuli for wanting more of the fabulous.

“It all just snowballed from there. I guess I’ve always had a bit of a loud personality so it’s not something out of the ordinary for me to be doing something like this.

I’m often singing and dancing on the worksite. I’ve always wanted to perform but things have never really lined up. It’s an opportunity and I jumped at it.”

The role of Anthony ‘Tick’ Belrose, made synonymous in the movie by Hugo Weaving, uses the drag pseudonym of Mitzi Del Bra, a Sydney based drag queen who accepts an offer to perform his act in Alice Springs, managed by his estranged wife Marion.

Upon arrival at the hotel, it is revealed that Tick and Marion also have an eight-year-old son, Benjamin, whom Tick has not seen for many years. Tick is nervous about exposing his son to his drag profession and anxious about revealing his homosexuality, though he is surprised to discover that Benjamin already knows and is fully supportive of his father’s sexuality and career.

The role of Benjamin or ‘Benji’ has gone to Renwick School students Phineas and Bastion

McFadden. Andrew says he has been wary of creating a rapport and relationship on and off stage with the boys which is organic, slow and not rushed. He says he doesn’t want to be too overbearing. There is a scene where Tick sings to Benji the song, ‘You Were Always On My Mind’ which will be a heartfelt moment for theatre goers and capture the inner turmoil of Tick as a drag queen and indeed a father.

“They’ve been great. They’re almost teaching me how to do it,” he says. “They play the role differently and it is a matter of adapting. It feels like a moment when I’m singing to someone I want to be there for.”

Andrew says discovering Tick’s inner character and backstory has been invaluable.

“It’s a journey of accepting who he is, being comfortable with it and being a father. The role hasn’t been easy for me because I’ve always been quite comfortable being myself. Tick’s got the extrovertedness and chaos of Adam/Felicia and the levelness from Bernadette to rely on.”

Tapping into Elly’s choreography skills and experience as a dancer and actor has been invaluable for

Andrew Simon has been cast as drag queen Tick in Priscilla. He says he's often singing and dancing on the worksite as an electrician. "I’ve always wanted to perform but things have never really lined up. It’s an opportunity and I jumped at it.”

his own development.

“She guides and often says this is what you need to work on. Make sure your head is up. And if I am to make a mistake, just smile and enjoy what I am doing. I’ve lost 16 kilograms through the dancing combined with the extra exercise and focusing on my diet throughout the process. It’s been

“If you want something done right...”

KORU NUTRITION

Like most keen gardeners, Keith would rather not depend on someone else for the upkeep of his Northland garden but rather be out there mucking in himself.

As summers turned into winters, Keith began to struggle to stay on top of the pruning, weeding, and mowing of his lawn. It came to a point where he, very reluctantly, hired a gardener to mow his lawns.

“It feels like only yesterday when I was bending down and doing the gardening without a care... Where the time has gone, I’ll never know!”

As Keith sat there watching his lawn being hurriedly mown on a lower blade setting than he liked, he realised just how importantly mobility is to living a good life.

“I now feel like an old geezer, resigned to doing a lot less. But the problem is if you want something done right, then you’ve got to do it yourself...” he told us.

After talking to friends down at the local tavern, Keith was introduced to a company that specialises in age-supporting

products called Koru Nutrition. He called their telephone number the next day and spoke to a nutritionist who explained how antioxidants could support him behind his lawn mower.

“As I began to use Koru FX, I tentatively made my way into the garden. Within a fortnight, I was feeling more confident, as I really did feel like my joints were being supported.”

The lawn is now long enough

to stay green through the summer, the Buxus hedges are square, and Keith’s garden is back to looking its best.

“The money I save from doing my own garden is great! Everyone should try Koru FX if they are feeling restricted. I won’t leave the house without it.”

Koru FX Pro is full of the same powerful antioxidants as Keith’s Koru FX but now

with increased almond and calendula oil to spread further over your shoulders, back, hips, and knees. Available in a larger recyclable tube, Koru FX Pro is your professional-grade support at home.

With many supported customers like Keith, why don’t you give us a call, or next time you’re in a community pharmacy ask to try Koru FX Pro out for yourself.

active. I don’t get breathless when I’m going upstairs anymore, it feels good.”

The buzz about playing Tick Andrew says is he has a really large heart and is kind and loyal to his friends.

“Tick brings the other two together in his own unique way. It’s going to be a blast.”

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Pork Pie Charity Run - Team Silky Hogg

By Chris Valli

Blenheim based Beauty Therapist Heidi Silk and builder Roger Hogg will be driving the Marlborough flag in the Kids Can Pork Pie Charity Run starting Friday.

Team ‘Silky Hogg’ will be part of the charity run, a biennial fundraising road trip for all mini owners based loosely on the route taken by the ‘Blondini Gang’ in the original 1981 movie.

“As far as I’m aware we’re the only team from the top of the south doing the Pork Pie charity run this year,” says Heidi. As part of the entry a team must have at least two people in the mini with a driver and a co-driver. Heidi says they will be sharing the driving fairly equally throughout the 5000 km journey. They got involved with the charity run after seeing the run driving south one Easter.

“My daughter Bianca owned a 1979 Leyland Mini 1000. We have just ‘acquired it’ after looking after it for three years and thought, I’d love to borrow the mini from her and do that? It looks like a lot of fun so it took about five or six years to get my act together to enter and two years ago in 2021 we did our first porkpie run,” says Heidi.

“It’s an excuse for a whole load of mad mini owners to thrash their minis up and down the country, dressing up in character and of course raising funds for a

really good cause along the way, KidsCan.”

The run is over six days and starts from Paihia, finishing in Invercargill and takes the general route of the Goodbye Pork Pie movie. The run is expected to finish on Wednesday, April 5.

Heidi says they have been humbled by the generosity of the wider Blenheim community before the event has even started.

“We have been bucket shaking on a few occasions even when people don’t have cash. They are very happy to scan the QR code which goes straight to our donation page. On St Patrick’s Day night alone we collected nearly $500 thanks to the generosity of the owners and patrons of Five Tapped, Marlborough Public House and the Grovetown Hotel.”

Heidi says the mini is in great shape and is generously looked after by Geoff and Mark Noad at Automotive Solutions

“The mini looks really spectacular, making it really stand out,” she says. “A great viewing spot to see all the minis will be in Picton coming off the Bluebridge Ferry this Sunday at lunchtime. Our local Marlborough mini group will be joining us for a drive from Picton to the store at Kekerengu,”

Heidi says.

The original Pork Pie Charity Run took place in 2009 with 36 teams making the trip from Kaitaia to Invercargill over five days.

The run has raised funds for

Starship Hospital, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and KidsCan. $320,000 was raised in 2021 while one million dollars

Blenheim Toyota

has been raised across all seven previous events. To donate go to porkpie2023. gofundraise.co.nz

Blenheim based Beauty Therapist Heidi Silk and builder Roger Hogg will be driving the Marlborough flag in the Kids Can Pork Pie Charity Run starting Friday.

Heidi says the mini is in great shape and is generously looked after by Geoff and Mark Noad at Automotive Solutions. “The mini looks really spectacular, making it really stand out,” she says.

Letters

to the editor

Dear Ed

I was fortunate on Wednesday to attend the opening night of The Mousetrap at the Boathouse Theatre. No it wasn’t a freebie and I wore a suit which made me an orphan although there was another man wearing a tie!

I have been a fan of “amateur theatre” since my Grandfather took me to the Auckland Amateur Operatic shows as a ten year old. I can say in all honesty that this performance

was one of the best I have seen.

It was a credit to all involved and I recommend it with enthusiasm.

As most of you will know it was written by Agatha Christie and ran continually in the West End in London from 1952 till Covid closed it down.

It’s now up and running again.

Please support your local theatre.

Grahame Thorne

In a recent article mention was made of the clearing of trees to allow for more airport parking.

But it is not just the physical loss of mature trees, but the whole above and below ground loss of their ecosystem.

I wonder if your readers realise that Marlborough has an annual net loss of trees from around the district, in the main from clearing to create ever more vineyards and that is before forestry felling.

What is even more amazing is that MDC took on two environmentalists, at a combined cost of $350,000 including at least the use of an additional vehicle, to claim the district’s green credibility.

Needless to say we have all seen the dramatic change of our micro climate, more humid summers and greater rainfall events.

And the joke is we are all paying for it.

Chris Davies

Hello there, after visiting Blenheim 12 months ago, my husband was so impressed that he now reads The Sun each week on line, and to our surprise you wrote an article on Ewen Robinson.

While we were in Blenheim, we searched the graves of our own great grandparents, found their graves and took photos.

Since finding the graves I have wanted to plan a reunion down there.

I would love to make contact with Ewen who is a relative.

If you could pass on our details to him, we would love to make contact.

Kind regards.

Beryl Billington.

You recently published an article describing the work of Marlborough Community Vehicle Trust.

Your article was of great assistance when we made an application to the Lotteries Commission for funding to purchase a Hybrid car to replace one of our clunkers that has 300,000 km on the clock and tended to leave

panel paint during its extensive journeys to Nelson Hospital for Trust members.

Thanks to you our profile is high and we now have an allocation of $20,000 to assist with the replacement car.

Many thanks, Brian Henstock.

Watch out for wheelie bin letter in your mailbox

Most Marlborough property owners will receive a letter from Council this week asking which wheelie bin size they would like to use when the new service rolls out on 1 July 2024.

The new wheelie bin kerbside collection areas includes Blenheim, Grovetown, Havelock, Picton, Rarangi, Rai Valley, Renwick, Seddon, Spring Creek and Tuamarina.

Solid Waste Manager Dr Alec McNeil said the standard wheelie bin size is 140 litres and if property owners are happy with that, they don’t need to do anything.

“If you would prefer a smaller (80 litre) or larger (240 litre) bin set size, you need to let us know by scanning the QR code on the form included with the letter, or by filling out the form and returning it to Council in the prepaid envelope provided,” Dr McNeil said.

“We need this information by 30 April so that we can order the wheelie bin sizes that people want. If we don’t hear back we will provide the standard size,” he said.

If people are unsure which size best suits their needs they can visit the Marlborough District Library (Blenheim), the Picton Library and Service Centre or the Council’s office in Blenheim during April to view the wheelie bins on display.

Dr McNeil said for those who are

on the kerbside collection route for rubbish and recycling, the wheelie bin size selected applies to the bin setthere is not an option to choose one size bin for recycling and a different size bin for rubbish.

Under the new service kerbside rubbish and recycling will be collected fortnightly on alternate weeks. People will be provided with one wheelie bin for rubbish, one wheelie bin for recycling (excluding glass) and a recycling crate for glass only. There is no opt-out option and the cost of the wheelie bin service is paid through the rates of those included in the collection areas.

Commercial customers will need to select the wheelie bin size they want for their rubbish. Please note commercial customers in the Blenheim CBD and in Redwoodtown will not receive a letter and will instead be communicated with directly. For more information about the wheelie bin roll-out, or for answers to frequently asked questions go to http://links.marlborough.govt.nz/wmms

JPs’ new home during library closure

Many Marlborough people use the Justice of the Peace service offered at the Marlborough District Library. During the library closure – the Blenheim library closes on Sunday 23 April for three weeks – the service will be available at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Alfred Street instead.

Ian Camerson, Registrar for Marlborough Justices of the Peace Association, said the service was very popular.

“Although Covid requirements meant the centre could not open for much of the last year, in 2020-2021, 3,500 people attended and more than 8,900 documents were processed.”

Work carried out by Justices of the Peace includes witnessing signatures on documents, certifying copies of documents, taking oaths, declarations, affidavits or affirmations, and confirming identity.

Justices will be at the CAB on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 am to 12 midday. “We are very grateful to the Bureau for making us so welcome and providing areas where the two justices on duty can attend,” Mr Cameron said.

The role is a voluntary one and no payment is charged for the service.

Marlborough’s freshwater and the future

Where do you like to swim, fish and enjoy Marlborough’s freshwater? Do you rely on our rivers, lakes and streams for farming or mahinga kai? Pop into the Marlborough District Library in Blenheim or the Picton Library and Service Centre before the school holidays to have your say about the future of Marlborough’s freshwater. With activities and books available for youth and a survey and questionnaire, there are several ways to learn more and have your say about Marlborough’s freshwater. If you’re old enough for colouring in, you’re old enough to have your say in Council’s latest round of public submissions. To learn more about freshwater in Marlborough and ways to have your say, go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/ environment/freshwatermanagement

Join six-year-old twins Sophia and Linda Dos Santos in letting

Mr Cameron said the JPs would be available at the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery from 15 May. In the lead up to the library closing, you can take out as many books as you like and return them once the new library is open. Items won’t be due for return while the library is closed and no fines will be imposed.

Libraries’ Manager Glenn Webster suggests customers ensure they take out enough books to keep them going and reminds people they can use the online facility while the library is closed. Go to: www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz

Linda Dos Santos on a biodiversity scavenger hunt at the library to win a prize

Temporary changes to northern Blenheim bus route

Due to the watermain replacement works on Nelson Street, the bus stops at Seymour Square, the Marlborough Events Centre and on Nelson Street will be closed until mid-June when the project is due to be completed.

The bus route will be re-directed west after the Seymour Street stop outside Countdown, along High Street and out to the Boyce Street roundabout, before continuing as normal.

Phone council first to report noise

Marlborough can at times be noisy – it’s all part of living in a busy economy and vibrant community. If you feel there is excessive noise in your neighbourhood then phone Council on 520 7400.

You can complain at any time of the day or night and it’s important to phone when the noise is occurring so action can be taken. Always phone Council first on 520 7400 to voice your concerns.

A lumberjack of all trades one on one with the Sun

Jakob Stadler is living his dream job creating sculptures and furniture from wood.

Jakob, 41, came to Blenheim from Uri, central Switzerland 10 years ago on a working visa in forestry. His occupation on the visa stipulated ‘steep slope logging specialist’. Alliteration indeed.

A pathway in forestry as a 16-year-old apprentice (three years) enabled Jakob to develop many skills working with wood. Working in the industry for 17 years in Switzerland, Jakob developed skills and accuracy with chain saws and other tools. Since being in New Zealand Jakob spent a year working as an arborist with Steve Bell who at the time owned Tremendous Trees.

built utilising timber he milled on his sawmill from the pines and poplars ‘out the back’ off the property.

A chance encounter with local veterinarian David Sim helped with networking and applying his skillset.

“David was cutting some macrocarpa trees down on his property. One day he came out to the ranch and asked if I wanted some free wood. So I ended up with a truck load of logs. The timber was great and I started to make furniture out of it,” he says. He has since set up his own business. Jakob Stadler Woodcraft Est 2020 doing tree work, milling, building furniture and creating chainsaw carvings for customers. His carvings have sold all around the country. Next month he is off to Christchurch to do a three by two metre carving commission in an enormous macrocarpa tree stump. Jakob says he enjoys forging hinges and handles for his hand crafted furniture.

A ‘normal day’ for the woodwork enthusiast involves many different jobs. “I get up at about 8am,” he laughs. “Then I feed all the animals at the ranch, check the fences and do any maintenance. Then it’s into the workshop, milling, or off to do a tree job often not finishing til 7:30pm.”

“It was fun and took me back to my time in Switzerland climbing trees. Being an arborist I’m able to source good timber for my woodworking which I can mill up and process,” he says.

Jakob and wife Katie own and operate Walnut Ranch Riding School and Animal Park in David Street, Springlands. The stables, yards and gates and animal shelters at the ranch were

“The open days and riding school at the ranch mean people have seen the work I’ve done including the deck on the house and the stables and animal shelters all built with a Swiss touch. People appreciate the work which is great.”

When asked where he gets his skillset and ability from he credits his parents, especially his Dad and the ‘woodwork DNA’.

“Dad was self-taught and did carpentry and built furniture. My (three) brothers are also into woodwork, one of them builds kitchens and stairs. I was in Dad’s workshop as a child and would play with off cuts of wood and probably annoyed him a bit.”

“Before Covid I had my brothers out to help me build the new workshop at the ranch which includes a large 9m x 14m woodworking storage and wood storage bays.”

He says he takes great pride in the tables he designs due to spending a ‘great deal of time on the finishing’.

“I sand them so they’re smooth and edge them. They often look like an indoor table as opposed to an outdoor one. I use Danish oil for the finished look.”

So how does he know he has a good piece of wood?

“Mainly with the eye. When it’s felled you can see if there are any defects. That’s what I learnt in Switzerland. The slower the wood takes to grow, the better the quality. I have the ability to always find a way to fix a piece of work if something goes wrong, I work it out somehow.”

Community events like the Garden

Marlborough Fete, the Mistletoe Market and the Heritage Day at Brayshaw Park have given Jakob the opportunity to showcase his designs and wares to the greater Marlborough community.

Jakob displays a real sense of Swiss humility when asked what the best part of his job is.

“The ability to take my time on a project and get immersed in the creativity and the love of wood. The satisfaction is the people who enjoy my work and appreciate the craftsmanship.”

Living his dream indeed.

Jakob Stadler talks to Chris Valli about woodwork and why his dream has provided opportunities to travel and set up a business here in Marlborough and create chainsaw carvings with an eye for detail.

“I have the ability to always find a way to fix a piece of work if something goes wrong, I work it out somehow.”

Jakob says he takes pride in the tables he designs. PRIDE IN HIS WORK: A baby calf is one example of Jakob’s ability.

NOT TO BE MISSED

It has been confirmed that not just one, but two iconic warbirds of WW2, the Mk.14 Spitfire and Focke-Wulf, will fly at the Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow this Easter Weekend. These incredible aircraft are based at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and are part of the Chariots of Fire Fighter Collection. They will come out of Dangerous Skies, the WW2 exhibition where they are on display to the general public daily and into the sky!

Making its public debut at Classic Fighters 2023 will be a Polikarpov Po-2, an aircraft made famous by the ‘Night Witches’. This modest bi-plane was produced from 1928 to 1958 and was initially designed as a civilian trainer. However, following the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, many existing Polikarpovs were converted to night bombers. Approximately forty thousand of these aircraft were built, but only a dozen or so survive today, and only

eight are currently airworthy. We can’t wait to see her fly!

Joining the New Zealand Royal Airforce at Classic Fighters 2023 will be the Royal Australian Air Force with a flyover of their C-27 Spartan. Please note that all military aircraft are subject to operational demands.

All tickets purchased by 31 March go into the draw to win a joy flight in Full Noise, courtesy of Fighter Flights. So get our tickets online at www.classicfighters.co.nz

Secondary teachers to strike

By Chris Valli

Marlborough secondary teachers will strike again today in a bid for better pay and working conditions.

Secondary and area school teachers around the country are striking again in a bid for better pay and working conditions.

The PPTA said members voted overwhelmingly in favour of more industrial action, including a one-day national strike today (Wednesday) in support of their collective agreement negotiations.

In the second week of next term, they will put in place a plan to roster different year levels of student’s at home on various days for four weeks.

Same Team, New Look at Roofline Marlborough

Roofline Marlborough is now called Freeman Roofing. You will notice the look of our business has changed. However, we are still the same local roofing experts, with the same great service and commitment to providing quality roofing products.

Freeman Roofing have been manufacturing roofing products for New Zealand homes since 1956, and have been serving the Marlborough region since 1990.

Call us on: 03 578 8793

31 Stuart Street, Blenheim freemanroofing.co.nz/blenheim

On top of that, in the third week of Term 2, rolling strikes will be held where teachers will strike on different days in different regions starting at one end of the motu and finishing at the other.

Also from the first day of the next school term, PPTA Te Wehengarua members will not attend meetings outside school hours.

Members will also continue to refuse to give up their scheduled planning and marking time to relieve for absent teachers or positions that are vacant.

This follows the country’s largest-ever teachers’ strike last fortnight where an estimated 50,000 kindergarten, primary, secondary and area school teachers, along with primary and area school principals took to the streets in protest.

“PPTA Te Wehengarua members have shown they are serious about getting a new collective agreement with salaries and conditions that will stem the worsening secondary teacher shortage throughout

the motu,” said Chris Abercrombie, acting president of PPTA Te Wehengarua. “Teachers would much prefer to be teaching in a settled environment this year, rather than taking extensive industrial action.

“However, we cannot stand by when the future of secondary education is at stake.”

Abercrombie said the PPTA wanted a commitment from the Government that students would have specialist teachers for every subject as well as pay and conditions that will keep teachers in the profession and attract new teachers.

The PPTA and Ministry of Education had been in mediation over the last week and were meeting again today.

Abercrombie said if the executive believed there was a genuine pathway to an agreement that members would vote for, they would consider calling off the strikes.

The Government has offered a $4000 pay rise for each teacher this year followed by about another $2000 next year.

The PPTA said that equates to an increase of 4.4 per cent this year and 2.1 per cent next year. Taking into account the time the current collective agreement has been expired and inflation, the offer came to a 10 per cent pay cut in real terms, the union said.

Secondary teachers are also calling for more guidance staff to work with the increasing number of students with mental health issues and controls on their workload.

They were offered about a third of the guidance staff required and a working group to look at their workload after the agreement was signed.

Photo Credit: Gavin Conroy, Classic Aircraft Photography.

EnginEEring Maintenance

•

GM Engineering

Locally owned and operated

G M E Tradetech offer a wide range of general engineering fabrication and maintenance services, from residential stairwells, stainless balustrades and walkways, structural steel fabrication and installation, 3D CAD drawings and design to aluminium welding for boat repairs and LT400 certification for heavy truck and transport repairs.

Creating Homes

Creating Homes is a business that focuses on turning homeowners’ visions into reality.

Alun Carter, the founder, loves working with homeowners to make their house feel like the home they’ve always wanted. With a background in science, customer service, and the building industry, Alun established Creating Homes to combine all his interests.

Renovations undertaken can include kitchen and bathrooms, decks and outdoor areas, carports

George having worked directly in the wine industry since 2000 has hands-on experience with the day-to-day operations of a winery and therefore specialises in winery fabrication and maintenance. Having 13 Engineers both on and off site we offer a 24/7 callout service during vintage season and pride ourselves with service and quality, no compromise. Contact us today!

COVERED BY THE MASTER PLUMBERS GUARANTEE www.marlboroughplumbing.co.nz 03 577 9278 027 218 2329 Over 20 years in Marlborough providing quality plumbing and central heating install and design

Local, National, International Moves and Storage

Wherever

you’re

and garage conversions. We also do repairs and maintenance including fixing leaks and weather damage, dry wall repair and are experienced in preventative maintenance.

Our nine-member team also includes painters and decorators who do both interior and exterior work including roofs. Contact Creating Homes today to “help you make your house a home”.

Marlborough Plumbing and Heating

Marlborough Plumbing and Heating have been your local central heating system experts in Marlborough for over 20 years now. Our team will be able to help you design and choose a system best for you, either underfloor heating, heating systems connected to wet-backs, air to water heat pumps, radiator central heating, gas central heating boilers and diesel boilers.

Once installed, then we can do all your regular servicing to ensure that your central heating system will always be working efficiently.

Marlborough Moving & Storage

We are your local professional household moving service covering Marlborough and the rest of the world!

Whether it’s just “the big stuff” or “the works” our team of experienced, dedicated movers will handle your belongings with care and respect. We also offer professional packing if required. It’s not really expensive so please enquire for a price on this option. We can do it all for you providing cartons at no extra charge.

Storage

We have two options - at our local facility or in containers. Ensuring a high level of protection and security in locked premises monitored by CCTV.

Specialised services

Office moves, spa pools, pianos, pot plants and cleaning services.

Over 30 years experience...

trust us to do the job for you

“helping people make their house a home”

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’ AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety.

Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide.

You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

Storage and transport for firearms and ammunition, key points

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in a locked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in a gun safe that has a separate lockable compartment that has a different key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate. And remember to keep those keys in different places, not on the same key ring or hook.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

Transportation

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical.

And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it. Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/storagetransportation

Taking a break when you’re travelling with firearms

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions.

Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety/ storage-transportation.

Te Tari Pūreke and the firearms registry

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand. We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whanau, conservation, farmaing and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure

in New Zealand. There will be no charge to registering your firearms.

The new Registry will record how many firearms there are, and who has possession of them. This will allow for more effective firearms regulation, provide better support to licence holders,

Firearms licences online Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz

For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed. Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code. Buy the book from www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

colouring

Name ____________________________________________________________________

PhoNe age

Prizes in 2 categories: 4-8 yrs and 9-12 yrs. Drop into The Sun office on High Street by April 18. Winners notified by phone.

Sir Thomas Picton (1758-1815) and the naming of Picton

Picton was originally called Waitohi, or Waitohi Pā. It was named by local Māori, the Te Ātiawa, who occupied the site.

The name Waitohi means wai, or water, and tohi - the tohi ritual, in which the tohunga (priests) dipped karamu branches in the sacred stream and brushed the right shoulder of warriors before battle.

This rite was last performed on soldiers preparing to leave with the 28th Maori Battalion in World War II. Another, discredited explanation, recalls Te Weranga o Waitohi, Te Rauparaha’s sister who is reputed to have died in a scrub fire.

Waitohi was purchased from the Māori in 1850 by Sir George Grey and Sir Francis Dillon, the New Zealand Company agent.

The name of the town was later changed to Picton, after Sir Thomas Picton, a British Army general and hero of the Battle of Waterloo - now also known to be a brutal slave-owner. Sir Thomas never came to Picton, nor had any links with it, but this way of naming places was typical of colonial times.

Meet Sara from REAP

My name is Sara Harwood. I have lived in Linkwater for the last six years. I love Picton and do most of my shopping in the area. I have been an adult teacher for over 25 years, I have worked all of my adult life helping other people.

I started working for REAP Marlborough last year, teaching the theory for the learner licence and will be doing other teaching further down the track. I am at Mariners Mall every

Monday at the old resource centre. I am there to ask you what you would like to see REAP offer you in Picton. I have a list of courses available in Blenheim but for some people like myself it can be too far to travel at night. I am just about to do a course myself learning Te Reo Māori to upskill myself with one of New Zealand’s official languages. Next time you are in the mall, come and say hello and let me know what you would like.

The Tirohanga track follows a forested path above Picton and opens out to a stunning view. There’s a seat at the top and from there you can see right over town, the harbour, Queen Charlotte Sound and the distant hills. The Tirohanga Track will only take you an hour or so and it starts a short distance from the centre of town.

Picton’s newest beauty salon specialising in bridal makeup & beauty with over 20yrs experience.

Book your wedding early with Hayley 021975720 or EM Bellebirdbeauty@gmail.com

21 Wellington St (next to Irish pub)

Sir Thomas Picton.

Alzheimers golf a winner Easter Church Services 2023

for Star of the Sea Parish

Easter

The Alzheimers Foundation Marlborough held their biennial golf tournament on February 24 and it was a chance for locals to have some fun, win some fabulous prizes and support a great local cause.

A total of 58 local golfers entered and virtually all of them came away with a prize.

Including raffles on the day and entry fees a total of $8,000 was raised to go towards Alzheimers Marlborough.

As a not-for-profit organisation Alzheimers Marlborough relies on ongoing support from the community and a dedicated team of volunteers to help provide a range of services for people with dementia.

member says the generosity from the local community has been tremendous.

“The Marlborough community really is wonderful,” Helen says, “we can’t thank them enough.”

“All the proceeds from the day will be used to meet the growing demand for services needed by people living with dementia and their care partners in Marlborough.”

Living Well with Dementia Course

Both Helen and Viv wish to thank the Marlborough businesses and wider community who got behind this event, and made it a success.

“We couldn’t have done it without them.”

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had from the Marlborough community, and of course all our wonderful volunteers,” Alzheimers Foundation Marlborough committee member Viv Broughton says.

Wednesday 10th and 17th August

10am until 12.30pm

At St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Helen Knapp, a past Alzheimers Marlborough president and current committee

Congratulations to the tournament winners. Bridget Quaife took 1st place, and Jane Anderson-Bay took 2nd in the women’s tournament. And in the men’s tournament Jason Kennedy took 1st place and Chas Craig took 2nd.

Raffle winners were Sharon, Dawn, Elaine, and Ian. All prizes have been collected.

5 Henry Street, Central, Blenheim can lunch provided. Marlborough 03 5776172 of August 2022

THANK YOU!

Alzheimers Marlborough wish to thank all the local businesses and individuals who supported the Alzheimers Marlborough Golf Tournament held on February 24th.

Monetary Donation Sponsors

Foreshore Construction Marlborough Ltd, Mainland Residential Homes, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, Design Marlborough, Floorpride, Gilbert Haymes, Clarke & Haack, Crafar & Crouch, Marlborough Classic and Custom, Ashwood Park.

Prize Donors

Aviation Heritage Centre, Bikes & Beyond Blenheim, Blenheim Auto Electric, Bluebridge Community, Caythorpe Family Estate, Chantilly Café, Countdown Blenheim, Countdown Redwoodtown, Countdown Springlands, Cresswells Shoes, Fairweathers, Farmlands, Guytons, Heagney Brothers, Hotel D’urville, Hunting and Fishing, ITM, J E Thomas’s, Karaka Kitchen, Large’s Rose Nursery, Lion Breweries, Marlborough

UFS Dispensary, McRae’s Fashions, Mikes Mowers, Mitchell Sports, No 4 Boutique, Pak'nSave, Poswillo's Pharmacy, Redwood Service Centre, Renwick Meat Market, Renwick Supervalue, Repco Blenheim, Revival Café, Ritual Cafe, Runway Café, Smith’s Farm Holiday Park, Speights Alehouse, St Clair Family Estate, Stihl Shop, Subway, The Clipjoint, The Local Butcher, Wairau Pharmacy, Watery Mouth Cafe, Westpac, Williams Greengrocers, Woodbourne Tavern.

Raffle Prize Donors

Lynfords Furniture, Liz Anderson, Eldred Boyce.

Hole Sponsors Callahan & Martella, Harcourts Real Estate Marlborough, Security Alert, Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors, Topp Motors 2021 Ltd/Auto Super Shoppe.

This notice kindly sponsored by Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors.

ABOVE: Locals enjoyed a day of golf, fun and prizes while raising money for a great cause. Including raffles on the day and entry fees a total of $8,000 was raised to go towards Alzheimers Marlborough.

Re: beliefs

Can’t believe text about beliefs. Get real, no one should obey anyone. Everyone has their own opinion and Government certainly doesn’t get it right. My body also is mine not anyone elses.

Flooding

My place flooded 5 times last year, it’s over the retaining wall and rising every day. The weed in the river is like a carpet and below that carpet lies the silt. It all needs to be dug out, you could probably go down 2 feet which could save us when the big ones come. Think of the devastation - the fish will take a hammering but will survive. We are partially flooded now please help beautiful Blenheim and start up the dredgers.

Don’t worry

Ticket prompt questions: Wed Sun 22/3. Don’t worry Linda, MRs doesn’t answer any emails either. Neither do they attend to any problems brought to their attention. I ask myself if they can’t attend to the little things, what hope have we that they can do the major work required on our roads? Time heads rolled from the top! And Linda, please do not pay the fine.

Sculpture

I went to the ATM at the Kiwibank in town in the old Post Office, haven’t been there for a while and noticed they were taking away the barriers around this UGLY thing. I stood there for a while and thought REALLY waiting for the money machine and stopped a woman that was walking past and said what is that. She said our new sculpture for town. I said it’s UGLY and what a waste of money. They can’t even fix the digital clock opposite and she said that it gets vandalized too much and they are not fixing it. I’m speechless.

Posy Parker

Is this really what the world is coming to? And we are expected to cover her protection costs. It is a joke, go back home and stay there.

Trades?

Did anyone notice most of the questions in the stats forms were for academia and none for trades qualifications don’t they matter?

Museum

What’s happening to the take over by District Council. As a member one would have thought we might get some information.

Shuttles

Shuttles south bound SH1 between Koromiko and Spring Creek 2:40pm Disgraceful driving, obviously no regard for other road users lives or even their own.

All that silly overtaking and tailgating only got you 10 seconds ahead of where you were. Will never use that service nor recommend .

Tyreland heroes

A big thank you to Andrew and the guys at Tyreland.

He fixed my cross threaded tyre valve for me which I discovered on my journey to Christchurch. Was not a problem and such nice people. So grateful!!

Re: seeing is believing

There is a handy Speed Limits Map on MDC website for those who struggle with roadside signage!!

Yellow signs are advisory and given the limit on that stretch is 100kph then slowing to 85kph for a bend is entirely logical.

Stealing

What’s going on with all this stealing around our town? No matter how hard things are there is no need to feel you have the right to waltz in and take other peoples property. Have some self respect.

Super?

Super Rugby... Rugby yes. Super?

Certainly not. It’s (over) time for some Super improvements Rugby bosses if you want to stop the drastic declining interest in what was once a great watch....last century.

Time limits on setting up and getting the oval playing piece (hardly a ball!) back into play, otherwise a free kick against the offenders. Get rid of the laughable mark and only have stoppages for real injuries. Not for bruises or simply being out of breath.

Interest rates

It amuses me somewhat at all the fuss about mortgage interest rates at present! During the early 1980’s interest rates were 24%; my net take home pay was $100 for a 40 hour week and that just serviced the mortgage on a $24,000 house.

Re: Wage rises or reductions

Thank you for your helpful suggestion. Perhaps I could suggest that you walk a mile in a teacher’s shoes, perhaps you might not be so flippant about an industry in distress. Maybe if all the teachers quit on mass and went off to better paying, less stressful jobs in other more appreciated industries then you could stick your uninformed hand up to take care of all our children.

Re: Wage rises or reductions

In response to “Wage rises or reductions?” If teachers were paid on performance in the current education environment, the salaries would be increasing hugely, not reducing. As the increasingly diverse needs of learners and whanau have increased, most teachers I know have given more of themselves to meet needs in a system that has been underfunded for decades.

I am disappointed in your comments, which sadly reflect an ignorance of the reality for teachers but an example of why teachers feel undervalued and unappreciated. Come and volunteer in the learning environment, walk a mile in our moccasins then think about, talk to the teachers at the coal face, and use your words to support great outcomes for kids. Teachers need you.

Talk of the week

Thanks Jayden

A big thank you to a nice young man, Jayden, at TWH Stationary, who had the tech knowledge and patience to condense and print off certificates, to help me print off photos, and to also sort the Market Club app on my phone. Great service.

Thank you

Many thanks from St Johns to lady who gave lovely child knitted garments to sell at Market.

From Stallholder 25 yrs.

Disabled parking

I have been to Countdown in town twice now and young people are sitting on their car in disabled parking space. It is for people that are disabled. Don’t want to say anything. They been down there all week hanging around.

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. Freedom of choice

Not exactly. I do not support racism but in recent years I do not like what is being pushed upon us.

I have no interest in learning Maori but I’m seeing it more and more where Nurses, Teachers, Health professionals are instead of trying to do their jobs are having to speak it and most don’t have time or interest in it, it’s just another work load on them. I’ve also witnessed a health professional being corrected for not pronouncing a Maori word properly. As for primary school children why don’t they bring in Maori speaking a couple of times of week for those who want it and the rest maybe more time reading, writing and math and take some pressure off teachers etc.

Near impossible

HELP This is what the AA say they will do. Try and make a claim and it’s near impossible. Do it online or phone they say when you go to the office.

Over 83 I don’t know how to do online. Wait on the phone for an hour and a half. Give up. Phone AA complaints and what does she do but connect me to the number that tells me to do it online. Grrrr.

Michelle Dawson

Custom cake creator

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely a dog person. My dog Jack is 14 and we are devoted to one another.

 My friends would say I am

Determined (aka stubborn), creative, kind.

 The best advice I ever received was?

It’s what you do when people aren’t watching that makes you who you really are ….. that and always wear clean underwear in case you get run over by a bus .

 What would you buy if money was no object?

More overseas travel.

 Local coffee haunt?

Delicia does really good coffee.

 Favourite takeaway?

It is my favourite but very extravagant so unable to indulge often but drive down to Karaka Lobster and enjoy a crayfish with salad and chips and lemon - so good.

 The shop you can’t walk past is?

Bartolini in Florence, Italy - it is a foodies dream shop.

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

My grandson made a pillow for me at school with a little pocket for my glasses. It is blue with gold honeybees. I treasure it.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

My daughter lives by the beach down south where I originally came from. By going to visit I get to spend time in my happy place (the beach) with my awesome grandsons.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I don’t own a television and haven’t for many years, but I love to read.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I don’t have a long bucket list; I wanted to eat at a Michelin star restaurant and I did that in Paris in Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower. That leaves two. To start a food truck and to make one of my grandchildren’s wedding cake - given the oldest is 12 and the youngest is four I may have to wait a while.

Sprayers and spraying: By

Gardeners and horticulturists can at times take things for granted as we are often doing certain chores and don’t stop to realise that what we do and why we do it, is not common knowledge with everyone that gardens or are attempting to garden.

One of these is spraying plants for whatever reason we spray; whether it be for pest control, disease control, weed control or other reasons.

Let’s start off with sprayers of which there are many types and I have four types that I use for different reasons and times.

Firstly I have a back pack sprayer which is hand pumped and holds about 16 litres of spray.

This one is only used for weed killing and the compound I use in it is ammonium sulphamate that I dissolve into water at the rate of 200 grams per litre of water.

I add to this Raingard at the rate of 1mil per litre of water.

The best time to spray weeds is on a nice sunny day in full sun light and ideally when the soil is on the dry side.

If you are using any other non chemical weed killers then a sunny day with dry soil is a must for success. If you are using chemical herbicides such as Roundup you should add Raingard to the spray as it will increase the effectiveness of the herbicide by 50% and apply it also ideally on a sunny day and drier soil.

The reason is that when soil is dry plants are moisture seeking and will take the spray more readily into their foliage.

The sprayer that you use for weed killers should be clearly written on ‘WEED KILLERS ONLY’ failure to do this will often lead to tragic losses in your gardens.

I have had many instances when someone else has used a sprayer that had been used to kill weeds and used the sprayer on plants for insect problems. (It works you kill the plants and the insects disappear, not so nice for your cherished plants)

This is particularly so with chemical herbicides such as Roundup because rinsing the sprayer out after use will not remove all the chemical as they impregnate into the plastic and if you were to use the same sprayer with say an insecticide in it and spray roses, tomatoes, beans and various other plants, it will cause herbicide damage to the foliage and in some cases kill the plants.

If you have small weed killing jobs to do then whatever you are going to

Wally Richards

use, put it into a Trigger Sprayer that you mark ‘WEED KILLERS ONLY’

I actually have several 1 litre trigger sprayers that I use for different applications and as I do not use Raingard in the trigger sprayers I can store what spray has not been used in a shed out of direct sun light for future use.

If Raingard or VaporGard has been used in a sprayer then any spray not used should be either discarded or put into a container for future use so that you can wash out the sprayer immediately and run some clean water though it to make sure filters and jets are cleared of any residue.

So discard the contents, part fill with clean water and give a good shake.

Tip this water out and again part fill the sprayer with clean water and open the nozzle of the sprayer to make a jet and jet spray some of the water through the nozzle.

This will help ensure that the sprayer will be ready for use next time you want to use it.

Failure to do so often means time wasted as you try to clean residues from the sprayer so it will work.

Many products that have been diluted with water will keep for a time if stored out of sunlight, they may slump which means they fall to the bottom and there is more water above the product. A good shake normally remixes the product with the water.

Sometime I will add a little more of the product to the sprayer and also more water as to label instructions to top up the sprayer and overcome any possibility of the product deterioration while stored.

Besides the back pack sprayer and several trigger spray bottles I also have two other pump up sprayers for spraying.

One is a 2 litre pump up sprayer the other is a 5 litre sit on the ground pump up sprayer.

Those are for the jobs that are bigger than what a trigger sprayer would be used for and yet not enough to use the pack size.

Most spraying of any product except

weed killers should be done at the end of the day when the sun is going down towards dusk and direct sunlight off the plant’s foliage.

This is particularly important if using any oil products such as Wallys Neem Tree Oil.

Also if using Super Pyrethrum on its own or with the Neem Oil as pyrethrum has a short life when exposed to UV which is in fact about two hours. Also pyrethrum can affect honey bees and by dusk most of them should be back home in their hives.

Next morning when the sun comes up the pyrethrum will be gone within a couple of hours.

Now here is a very important point which many do not realise when spraying chemical herbicides. NEVER spray on a still calm day. Many people think that is the best time to spray when in fact it is the worst.

I learnt that when I obtained my Chemical Handlers certificate years ago and here is the reason why; When it is calm tiny spray droplets are lifted up in to the air from conventional air currents (warm air rises) and these deadly droplets rise up and will at sometime drop onto what ever is below, your place? Down the road? Who knows but very damaging to what ever plant they land on.

The ideal time to spray is when there is a nice mild breeze, this will force the spray droplets down onto the target weeds.

Another good idea if your sprayer has a wand you can make a spray shield out of a two litre plastic ice cream container.

In the centre of the container make a hole that is big enough to fit over your wand when the nozzle is removed. Place the end of the wand through the hole and put the nozzle back on. You place this over the weeds you want to spray and pull the trigger. All the spray will stay inside the ice cream container.

So even on a windy day or calm day you can spray your weed killers safely.

Picton’s Good Samaritans honoured

Some twenty leaders and members of local emergency services gathered with the congregation for a Service of Thanks held in Holy Trinity Church Picton on Sunday March 19. The occasion was followed by a morning tea.

It was also attended by Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and councillor Barbara Faull. All five emergency leaders were asked to speak, and Picton’s Fire Chief Wayne Wytenburg described the early driver for his forty years of involvement with the fire service. It followed catastrophe in the remote small town in which his family lived when they lost their small business to fire.

All the help available was one volunteer in one fire engine.

The young Wayne helped, but it was not enough. He said he signed up immediately, suddenly becoming well aware of the vital importance of volunteers in preventing such disasters.

And he reminded the congregation of their

pressing need for recruits, inviting them to their open day on Saturday March 25.

Constable Joe Mangos of the Picton Police, when asked the most demanding part of his job, said it was the 3am calls, when you have to go to a home to tell someone their loved one has died. While, with social media, most people already know before they arrive, he said he still finds it the most challenging role.

Tony Cronin, of St John, described the networks the organisation uses to support them to maintain mental and emotional wellbeing. People, he said, assumed that they just get used to it. “But you don’t.”

The discussion also ranged wider, taking in the relatively recent tragedy just out of Picton where seven of a van’s nine occupants died in a crash.

The scene was horrific, but Wayne spoke for all the services on this. “We were all blown away by the way the local community just wrapped us up.”

He cautioned though. “There’s also a need

to hold off at times. Just let us breathe.”

Marie-Jeanette, Vicar said they heard all the sirens while they were in church. “We just stopped the service and instead prayed for all those involved.”

Dave St John of the Coastguard, spoke about our “volatile” country, adding that when communications and power are out, everyone needs good knowledge to see them through. “Knowledge is the key to help people around you. But that’s just part of our culture.”

Continuing that theme of building knowledge, he told those present he’d done a deal with God.

“I said I’d come here if Marie-Jeanette went to our all-day boating workshop.” She went and he did.

Each leader was presented with a wooden cross to put up in their rooms before Marie-Jeanette preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan, “the ultimate emergency worker.”

CARRYING ON THE LEAVING LEGACY:

Former Year 8 St Mary’s School students Jaden Mitchell, Joshua Kalan, and Nova Bana returned to their old school this week to talk about the mural they helped collaborate on last year.

Teacher Mieke Davies, a visual artist, says the mural incorporates environmental themes and as a group students researched on native birds and plants. Mieke’s role involved ‘placing the ideas’ by sketching on the mural which caused ‘some planning’ with the corrugations on the container.

“The learnings of how a mural works is invaluable from their ideas, measuring with scale, the mixing of paints and what brush to use,” says Mieke. Joshua says it was great to work with 30 students collaboratively on one project with many having different ideas. “We’re all people who care(d) about the environment.” Joshua says. “It was great to be able to freestyle and then Mieke added the finishing touches,” says Nova. The funding for the mural came from Creative New Zealand through the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS).

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Hans van der Wal caught up after the Thanksgiving service for Emergency Workers, held on Sunday March 19.

Julie Bousquet, Yvette Grenier and lay minister Cathy Brown at the service of thanksgiving for the emergency services.

Ann Nimmal, standing, with her children Krisvin, 5, and Evangeline 8, beside friend Anila George.

Gerli Willetts and Wendy Smith stayed on for morning tea after the service for emergency workers held at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday March 19.

Office Administrator

Blenheim Methodist Parish

• Secretarial and basic accounting

• 12 hours per week

Be the face, voice and network hub of the Wesley Centre.

Complete job description available on request by email or collect from 3 Henry Street.

Applications close Friday April 14th

Ph 03 578 5796 or email wesley.blenheim@xtra.co.nz

BRAIN BUSTERS:

Forsyth, Imogen Hughes and Mia Harris took part in ‘Brain Busters’ a kids TV quiz show in Christchurch earlier this term. Fellow student Lauren Read will be involved with the show earlier next month.

Bohally Brain Busters

By Chris Valli

Bohally students Caitlyn Forsyth, Imogen Hughes, Mia Harris and Lauren Read are maximising their potential.

The Year 8 students can add ‘Brain Busters’ to their school resume.

Caitlyn, Imogen and Mia took part in ‘Brain Busters’ a kids TV quiz show in Christchurch earlier this term. The show is filmed by Whitebait Media and screens on TV2 at 3:40pm on weekdays.

Imogen says the opportunity to be part of the show came about via an online interview.

“If you do really well you make it through,” says Imogen. “I did the quiz and got 100% and they sent me an email asking if I wanted to participate. I was like heck yes,” says Caitlyn.

Meanwhile, fellow student Lauren Reed will be involved with the show earlier next month after completing the quiz last November.

“Mrs Whitaker (teacher) posted it on (Google) classroom and I took part in the quiz. The other day they messaged my Mum and said that I got a place,” says Lauren. Mia says the experience was ‘really cool’ as there was a bunch of stuff to do with the crew looking after everyone.

“We each had a speciality subject,” says Caitlyn. “Mine was sequencing (social studies).”

Year 8 and 9 students play a general knowledge round before stepping forward to answer questions in a specialist subject of their choosing (Maths, Spelling, Reo

Babies Babies sun

Rangatira, Science, History or Memory).

The top two players take on the in-studio obstacle course and the final player takes on the quiz master one on one for maximum winnings. Everyone on the show wins prize money.

The filming for the show took place in week three earlier this term and the girls spent a whole day in the studio.

Teacher Cat Whitaker says Bohally’s participation with the programme over the past 12 months has seen at least nine students involved with the show (Year 9s now at college).

“We were super pleased that they had the ability to pass the initial test and make the cut for TV,” she says. “It was a big thing that they had the opportunity and I am really proud of them.”

Meeting presenter Chris Kirk, a former What Now presenter, was a personal highlight for the girls.

“He was funny and we made a lot of tiktok together,” laughs Caitlyn. “We didn’t see him much as he was often busy getting his hair done or eating lunch.”

The students are tight lipped as to how they got on as part of the conditions of being on the show is ‘full disclosure’ and they can’t let anybody know of the outcome until it airs.

“It was a great experience overall. You pretty much had to talk to a wide range of people,” says Caitlyn. “If you get camera shy it can be rather awkward. Having a camera in your face, you have to be confident.”

The episode is due to air within the next fortnight.

We are looking for reliable and enthusiastic humans to join our team. The ideal person would have experience however apprenticeships would be available for the right person. The roles are full time, weekday work and 40 hours with an early finish Friday.

• Aluminium Fabricator

• Cabinet maker or Joiner

• Experienced Production Manager

Applicant needs to: Have enthusiasm to learn and upskill, a current NZ Driver’s Licence and own transport, have NZ citizenship/residency or a 3-year work visa. For more information or to apply email your CV and Cover Letter to wendie@cantwelljoinery.co.nz

Deliverers Wanted!

Need some extra cash??

Why not get fit earning it!

Be a part of our team from a reputable and well-respected company and deliver newspapers to local houses.

We require honest, reliable people, aged 11 or over. For further details contact: 03 5777 868 office@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday

Annual General Meeting

Members and friends are invited to attend the Band’s Annual General Meeting at 7:30pm

Wednesday 29th March 2023 In the Band Rooms 21 Auckland Street, Blenheim.

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Butler: Sebastian Ross

Born February 2, 2023

Weight 7lb 11oz

Hospital Wairau

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

Wednesday

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family members welcome.

Meetings:

Time:

Venue:

First Tuesday of each month* 7.15pm

October Meeting:

Cancer Society Blenheim House 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Date: Tuesday 4th April 2023, at 7.15pm

Venue: Cancer Society Blenheim House, 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

For more information please contact: Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

Carl and Hayley Butler are excited to announce their new arrival and a brother for big sister Isla.

M: 027 608 5667

For more information please contact: Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

M: 027 608 5667

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

Sebastian Ross (7lb 11oz) was finally born on the 2nd of February 2023 at 4.52am.

Many thanks to our midwife Cathy Middleton and all the maternity ward staff.

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family members welcome. 0800 477 678

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

0800 477 678

Bohally students Caitlyn

2023 NZSS FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: The Marlborough Girls’ College Futsall team had a great start to the tournament beating Palmerston North 6-2 and then taking out Baradene College in a tighter game 2-0. They drew 3-3 with Hamilton Girls’ High School then lost 2 - 5 to Samuel Marsden Collegiate. MGC are in Group D with - Queen Margaret College, Samuel Marsden College, Hamilton Girls’ High School, Baradene College and Palmerston North Girls’ High School.

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf Club

Mon 20 Mar: 9 Hole Stableford:

Les Boniface 23 David Dyer 22

Dave Menzies 20Ian Hatcher 19

Akex Her 19 Brian Brown 18

Graeme Parker 18 Allen Knight

18 Bob Tapp 18

Ladies Yvonne

Hore 22 Janice Blake Jenny Evans

21 Jan Pegler 19.

Wed 22 Mar: Medal Net 0-29:

Judith Batty 69 Mrion Flynn 76

30+ Jeny Evans 9 Holes Medal

Yvonne Hore 31.5 Shirley Godsiff

Marlborough Golf Club

39. Sat 25 Mar: Seagers Gin Com-

bined Stableford: Rachel Bell + Mike Guillemot 75 Sue Thaler + Norb Thaler 74 Paddy Couchman + Jenny Evans 68 NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Trent Davies Sowmans

3/12 Trent Davies Stableford Kobe

Hart 38 Don March 37 Graeme

Daines 37 Albertus van Dyk 35

Don Lamond 34 Bob Tapp 34 Andre Tewhiu.

Golf Marlborough Women’s Interclub

Played at Kaikoura on Sunday

19th. Kaikoura 42 v Wairau Valley 30. Blenheim 34.5 v

Marlborough 37.5 .Rarangi 32 v Picton 40.

Wairau Valley Glf Club

Sat 25 Mar: Medal/LGU/Putts:

Ladies: Mel Hampton 71, Robbie

Lacey 75, Maureen McKenzie

75. Men: Brian Roughan 67, Sam

Rutherford 70, Rex McGarry 71, Pete Jerram 71, Tim Latter 71.

Putts: Rob Chee 27. Twos: Mel Hampton

Tue 21 Mar: Mixed 9 Hole Stableford Div.1: Suzanne Clifford 28, Sue Lissaman 20, Aya MacKay 19. Div.2: Rebecca Harvey 22, Bev Lindsay 22, Leana Gargiulo 21. 22 March, Jessie Murray Eclectic net medal Div.1: Julie Nicolle 73. Div.2:Marion Tripe 72,

Jo Grigg 75. Div.3: Gloria Rodgers 74, Annette Wilkinson 74, Debra

Nicholls 77.

Thu 23 Mar: Men’s Stableford

Div.1: Rick May 40, Ken Steel 38, Lindsay Mason 36, Guy Latham 35, Robert Lopez 35. Div.2:Jeff Clarke

CRUISNG ON THE INTERISLANDER: Teachers Ben Flilipo and Hamish McKerrow and the Marlborough Boys’ College volleyball team head to the nationals in Palmerston North, held this week from March 27 - 31st. MBC won their first game 3-0 against Katikati College, from Tauranga. Unfortunately they came up short against a strong Aotea College team (Porirua) in five sets. Their last pool game is against Palmerston North Boys’ High School today at 1pm.

40, Paul Ham 36, Dave Wiley 36, John Wadsworth 35. Chas Craig Farewell Fundraiser 4BBB Stableford: Bint & Boyle 46, Knappstein & Johl 45, Morton & Sloan 45, Ryan & Hood 45, Roughan & Roughan 45, Loghry & Craig 44, Dowling & Fyfe 44.

Howmuchclearanceisrequired?

Picton Golf Club Rarangi Golf Club

Sat 18 Mar – Par – Nick Wright, Andrew Sunley, Ant Booker, +4; Jeff Pascoe, Ian Aldridge, Mark Ivamy, Ron Peters, +1.

Wed 22 Mar: Mens Midweek 4BBB

Par. Shutkowski & Walker 7, McCarthy & Tomlinson 6,Rutledge & Ilott

6, January & Lopez 6, Bloemberg & McLagan 4, Allen & Berrie 4, Cootes & Browning 3, Hale & Thomas 2, Curgenven & Hubert 2.

Thu 23 Mar: Ladies Midweek Medal. Marg McLeod 72, Mariann

Tue 21 Mar – Nett- Julie Rosie, 76; Helen McIsaac 77; Anita McCaffrey, Dido Harper, Margaret Frisken, 78.

Thu 23 Mar – Stableford – Aaron

Grant 73, Annie Hubert 73, Sue Lang 76, Tracy Bary 77, Denise Hodson 78, Margaret Tapp 79, Lynn Naysmith 79.

Sat 25 Mar: 4BBB Stableford.

Quaife & Gibbs 46, Nichol & McCrindle 43, Knowles & Hill 43, Barnett & Grant 42, Browning & Campbell 42, Olliver & Shutkowski 41, Allen & Allen 41, Wye & Minhinnick 40,

Wilson 40; John Saxon, David Bunt, 39; Tim McCaffrey, Ian Molloy, 38; Ron Peters 37; Paul Howden, Jeff Pascoe, 36.

McAlpine & Rutledge 40.

Sun 26 Mar: Medal. Ladies - Sue Campbell 70, Kathy Payne 75, Mariann Grant 75, Annie Hubert 85. Mens - Gavin Coombs 67, Alex Herd 68, Kobe Hart 68, Blair Bavin 70, Owen Gibbs 72, Bruce Verry 73, Terry Allen 73, Clarry Neame 74, Brian Gill 75, Luke Ryder 76.

UndertheElectricity(Hazardsfrom Trees)Regulations2003,treesmustbekept asafedistancefrompowerlines forpublicsafetyand to protectelectricitysupply. TheRegulationsdefinetheclearancerequirementsusingtwozones,theNotice ZoneandGrowthLimit Zone.

TheGrowthLimit Zoneisthespacearoundthepowerlinewheretrees must not encroach at anytime.TheNoticeZoneisonemetrebeyondtheGrowthLimit Zone. Thedistancerequired foreachZoneisdependentontheline voltage,asshownin thetablebelow:

GrowthLimitandNoticeZonesforLineSpanslessthan150metres

Staysafe -use aprofessional

Onlyapprovedcontractorsarepermitted to workwithin fourmetresofpowerlines andthetree workshouldbeleft to thesetrainedand experiencedprofessionals. Attempting to dothe work yourself could resultininjuryor evendeath.Please contactMarlboroughLines foralistofcontractorsapprovedtoundertake tree workaroundpowerlines