5 July Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Building – lifeline of arts and culture

Continued from page 1.

The funding for the hub comes from the $200 million regional strategic partnership fund (RSPF) to support regions to make steps towards ‘achieving their economic potential’.

In April, MDC Economic Development Portfolio Manager Mark Unwin says a hub would bring startups into the centre of town, as well as connect Marlborough’s world-class research capability to commercialisation.

“The region’s business ecosystem needs a place where innovative companies and corporates can meet with aspiring entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists, investors and business support providers,” he says.

Sepuloni says the grant will enable Marlborough businesses to build connections and work together with industry researchers and central government.

“The hub aims to support new business to collaborate and develop high rate employment in Marlborough,” she says. “The investment not only brings creative returns but also financial ones.”

Sepuloni says evidence of this from the recently released Covid 19 Cultural Recovery Programme Impacts Report outlining the ‘economic impact’ of the governments ‘nearly half a billion dollar’ investment in the arts.

“Supporting arts infrastructure really is a win, win,” she says. “It is exciting to see the Marlborough Library and Art Gallery up and running and accessible to people of all ages in the Marlborough community and a place to foster creative and challenging minds,

nurture knowledge and creativity and bring people together in a safe and inspiring environment.”

Massey University Māori history senior lecturer Dr Peter Meihana says the naming of nga wahi/places such as the library and art gallery was a serious consideration.

He acknowledged the iwi working group comprising Ngati Toa Rangatira, Ngati Rarua, and Rangitane o Wairau. Dr Meihana says it was the geographical feature of the Taylor (Omaka) River/awa which influenced their thinking and naming of the building.

“ Historically it’s important to both Maori and Pakeha. The river is fed by springs rising in the west and north of town and formed part of the water system which sustains life in this valley. Spring water or

Waipuna holds a special place in Te Ao Maori. The name Waipuna is also significant because she is the mother of Rangitane,” he says.

The name Te Kahu O Waipuna Dr Meihana says aptly expressed the ‘aspirations of the building’.

“I think we can all agree that what we have here is far more than an amalgamation of concrete, wood and steel. We think the building will be a kahu or cloak that will embrace our community and all its diversity.”

Sepuloni says cultural projects like the art gallery and library can’t proceed without effective partnerships between local and central government as well as ‘strong community support’.

“I commend all those who have contributed to this much needed fa-

cility. A combined hub for arts and learning in the heart of Blenheim.” Sepuloni says the location of the shared facility with ‘land of rich history’ will surely bring with it a heightened sense of community, togetherness and continuity for the people of Marlborough.

“The art gallery meets the highest standards and Blenheim can now host exhibitions of rare and valuable works previously unable to be exhibited in Marlborough,” she says.

“This project created new jobs and provided training opportunities for rangitahi (young people) during the peak construction.”

Sepuloni says the build had been eagerly awaited by the community of Marlborough and she was honoured to be asked to be part of the milestone.

Photo: Chris Valli

‘Hard to be Humble’

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s Scott McCallum grew up in Blenheim, sang in the college choir, performed in speech competitions and treaded the boards in various college and Blenheim Musical Theatre productions.

So it comes as no surprise albeit ‘it has been some time’, that Scott will be entering Stars in Your Eyes this August.

The 39-year-old teaches guitar at the Marlborough Academy of Music and ‘on the side’ is a wedding celebrant.

“My friend played me the song that I’m doing and before it had finished I said I have to perform that somewhere,” he says. “She says, did you know that they do Stars in Your Eyes and I was like, no, I didn’t.”

Having been away from the region for over 10 years he was none the wiser that the charity event was on the performing arts calendar.

“I saw a photo of it (on social media) and there was a photo of my boss Ali (Alison Dight) as

Brooke Fraser (2021) I thought I have to give it a try. I’d regret it if I didn’t audition.”

The song he will be singing is ‘It’s Hard to be Humble’ written and recorded by American country music artist Mac Davis.

The song became an international hit in the spring of 1980. The song was also covered by Rolf Harris in 1980 and Willie Nelson in 2019.

“I’ve listened to country artists like Josh Turner and thought maybe there is an avenue for me to sing and be heard,” says Scott. “It’s about bringing the character to the stage, as the song is new to me. There is that comedy feel to it and fun in singing a silly song.”

“He’s (Mac Davis) a very unassuming kind of guy. He was certainly talented and wrote songs for Elvis, such as In the Ghetto. He was also on the Muppet Show and appeared in variety shows.”

Davis died in September 2020, 78, in Nashville after heart surgery.

Scott says it has been far too long not performing on stage and is looking forward to being back

on stage where he says he has ‘missed it’. He is currently the narrator in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s comedic play ‘Puffs’ which kicks off this Friday.

Scott’s chosen charity is Grovetown School.

After one of his students he teaches guitar to told him

Sun The George Keynote

that her school pool had a crack and ‘big hole in it’, the penny dropped that supporting the kura and the tamariki was a no brainer.

The school has been fundraising for a new pool for two years.

Blenheim mental health advocate

George Glover is a guest speaker at The Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 dinner.

George is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sport Science and a Bachelor of Commerce, with the aim of continuing to explore the link between mental health and sport.

The competition provides a fantastic opportunity for viticulturists 30 years or under to upskill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry.

Eight young Marlborough contestants will undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions which include pruning, irrigation, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, trellising and an interview. They will go head-tohead in the BioStart Hortisports event, a quickfire quiz as well as give a speech at the awards dinner.

The winner of the regional competition will then move on to compete in the National competition against six other regions. The dinner is 6pm tomorrow at the Marlborough Events Centre.

East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw

comes into effect

The East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw places new rules on vehicle use along Marlborough’s coastline from the mouth of the Awatere River south to the district boundary. It came into effect from Saturday, July 1.

Following the effects of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, a vehicle bylaw was created to protect the coastline, promoting the recovery of the natural environment as well as promoting the safety and enjoyment of the area for all beach users. Limited vehicle access is still allowed in some areas, such as Mussel Point, south of Marfells Beach.

Each of these famous performers will be portrayed in the Stars in Your Eyes competition.

Scott says playing the role of Mac Davis is about bringing the character to the stage. "There is that comedy feel to it and fun in singing a silly song," he says.

Police concerned with cell phone use

By Chris Valli

It seems Marlborough drivers are not getting the message.

Marlborough Police are concerned with any driver or rider behaviour that puts themselves or other road users at risk.

The comment comes after Sun readers have asked in recent weeks if the police are actively patrolling drivers who are using cell phones while driving, including waiting at intersections and a number of cyclists who have not been wearing a helmet.

Data provided from the police shows from 2018 – 2022 a total of 2375 drivers were issued with infringement notices, the worst being last year with 662. This is compared to 274 in 2018. 29 cyclists were issued with an infringement notice for not wearing a helmet in the same period with nine being issued in 2020/2021.

Sergeant Graham Single says police continue to monitor all reports of negative driving behaviour and their Road Policing staff and Public Safety Team staff will maintain a presence in areas of concern, particularly around schools as they enter the holidays.

“Police work hard to reduce all harm on our roads, including mobile phone use and other causes of distraction and failure to wear cycle helmets,” he says. “Police continue to reiterate the importance of road safety behaviour.”

Sergeant Single says the decision to make good driver and rider decisions rests with drivers and riders.

“We all need to play our part in keeping our roads safe.”

Police issued over 40,000 infringement notices for using a cell phone while driving three years ago.

The Government hiked the infringement fee for using a cell phone while driving to $150 in April 2021. Former Transport Minister Michael Wood said raising the then $80 fee would encourage safer driving as too many people were still using their phones while behind the wheel.

“Between 2015 and 2019, there were 22 road deaths in New Zealand and 73 serious injuries where drivers were distracted by a mobile phone. This is likely to be under-reported as it can be difficult for police to detect phone use when they attend crashes,” he said.

“Increasing the infringement fee to $150 means it will now match similar offences. This is our way of saying Kiwis need to take this seriously and put away the phone while driving.”

Marlborough police ask members of the public to ring Police on 111 as the offending driving occurs and to take note of any identifying features of the vehicle, bike, driver or rider.

“We ask members of the public to pass on any information to Police regarding concerning road-user behaviour. We need the information to catch these drivers and riders - if we have live reporting at the time the behaviour occurs we can respond to the area immediately.”

“If members of the public can supply us

with photographs or videos this can help us even further to identify and track down the offender,” Sergeant Single says.

Meanwhile, Blenheim Police are reminding the Marlborough rural community to report ‘any suspicious activity’ after a recent theft of a number plate from a trailer in the Wairau Valley township area.

Sergeant Michael Porter of the Blenheim Police says the offender/s have entered the property and removed the number plate from a trailer, which at the time was parked near to the main house where the trailer was stored.

“Whilst this latest incident occurred in

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“Once you pass 65, people tend to think it’s a downhill slide to the Zimmer frame. But that’s far from the truth.”

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The population of older adults is expected to double over the next 20 years, Judy is teaming up with Koru Nutrition to change the way New Zealander’s view and experience ageing.

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As part of the project, Judy will be interviewing health experts and uncovering practical steps that help us age well.

“I’ll collaborate with health professionals such as nutritionists, physiotherapists, dietitians, doctors, psychologists, and osteopaths alongside the Koru Nutrition team to bring the latest research to the forefront the conversation around ageing well.”

On why she chose to work with Koru Nutrition, Judy

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“I live an active lifestyle, and as I get older, I would hate to have walks with the dog curtailed or not be able

the Wairau Valley, we would encourage our Marlborough Rural Community to be aware of this type of offending and to report the loss of any number plates immediately,” he says. “We will tag the stolen registration plate as stolen so whenever it is encountered we can recover that plate and the trailer it is on.”

“Have the registration number welded onto the frame or a similar identifier that the police can trace. Also have photos of your trailer for police and insurance purposes,” he says. “If your trailer is parked in an area that is isolated or on the road, chain it with a substantial chain and lock it to something secure.”

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Marlborough Police are asking members of the public to pass on any information to police regarding concerning road-user behaviour. “We need the information to catch these drivers and riders - if we have live reporting at the time the behaviour occurs we can respond to the area immediately.”

Woody - Best Gaming Venue

By Chris Valli

Renwick’s Woodbourne Tavern and Motels has won Best Gaming Venue at the 2023 Hospitality Excellence Awards.

The Woodbourne Tavern is associated with the Lion Foundation and has 18 modern, up to date gaming machines, including a self-service TAB.

Lion Foundation CEO Tony Goldfinch says the award is testament to the Gold Standard customer service and outstanding culture of care that the team and their staff provide their customers and community.

The recognition is a reflection on the tavern’s major focus on ‘harm minimisation’ and the compliance required for gaming machines.

The Gaming (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Regulations 2004 and Racing

Regulations 2004 require that all class four gambling and TAB venues have a staff member available who has had problem gambling awareness training at all times.

“Together with the Lion Foundation we’re always striving for the best practice in our venue,” says co-owner Stacey Goodwin.

“It is the effort that we put into our gaming, with Housie, TAB and gaming that we are reorganised for the hard work. Hours of training goes into each staff member and it’s more rewarding as we were finalists in 2022 and to win this year is the icing on the cake.”

Some of the more fancied competition in the category were fellow finalists Four Kings, Wellington, Cambridge Hotel Wellington, and Smit and McKenzie Steak House, Hamilton.

Stacey says as a family owned business,

they are able to personalise their service and meet and greet punters as they enter the venue.

“If they are having a bad day they will want to spend more and that’s where we step in and help them by offering them to have a cup of tea,” says Stacey. “It helps having welltrained staff on site. We love to sit down and watch the races with our customers. We’re interested in what they’re interested in.”

To meet their own obligations under the Gaming Act (2003) the tavern engage and interact with their staff including a (closed – staff only) social media page to keep them up to date with the latest Health Promotion Agency (HPA) guidelines.

“Engagement with the customer is the key,” says Stacey. “Our major focus is getting to know the customer, if we see a new face, we

go and have a chat.”

“We need to continue to focus on compliance and with the new gaming regulations that are coming into play now and are being rolled out over the next six months, it’s more compliance and understanding, continuing to train and up skill staff and continued engagement with customers.”

The Woodbourne Tavern also made the top three in the “Best Country Hotel’ but missed out to the Theatre Royal in Kumara.

“We’re so pleased with this amazing effort also and will be striving for best in 2024,” says Stacey.

The Woodbourne Tavern’s Rowan Ingpen doing what they do best - delivering customer service. The tavern is associated with the Lion Foundation and has 18 modern, up to date gaming machines, including a self-service TAB.

Q: What 3 things do you always have in your fridge and why?

Feta cheese, spinach and bacon. I can make so many different snacks and meals with those three ingredients in winter or summer.

Milk - essential for a cappucino. Black Olives - because they can be used in so many things. Cheese - because let’s face it, it’s just so good!

Cheese, it’s so versatile. Butter because it’s natural and I don’t like margarine type spreads. I always have free range eggs. All you need is bread to make a lot of quick easy meals.

The three essentials in my fridge are beer, a cold glass for it to go in, and white wine. Why? Rhetorical question really....

The first thing I always have is milk as I can’t drink black coffee. Next most important - butter and cheese. I totally ADORE cheese and couldn’t live without it and butter is used for many things, so I find it essential!

1. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables for the children’s school lunches,

2. A bottle of bubbles in case a friend stops by,

3. A stash of chocolate for an afternoon sugar fix.

Massey vet students explore research centre

By Chris Valli

Fourteen final year vet students from Massey University had a chance to explore the operations at the Marlborough Research Centre (MRC) recently.

“Their visit showed them what the area has to offer and what opportunities their degree will give them in the future,” says Marlborough vet Peter Anderson.

The final year vet students received a guided tour through the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) Research Winery led by Ngarita Warden, Research Winemaker at BRI.

The students spent the morning visiting a farm before arriving on campus.

Receiving a well-rounded presentation of the work at the New Zealand Wine Centre, the students met representatives from Plant and Food Research, NMIT Te Pūkenga, Wine Marlborough, Bragato Research Institute (BRI), MBIE and DNAiTECH. After an overview of the grape and wine industry, they toured the BRI Research Winery. Pam Wood, Curriculum Area Manager for Primary, Food and Environment shared the education opportunities at NMIT Te Pūkenga. The students received information about the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), an industry-wide certification programme led by New Zealand Winegrowers and heard from MBIE about the role and function of

the Regional Skills Leadership Group in Marlborough.

The talks created plenty of interest with questions and discussion.

A highlight was DNAiTECH’s presentations about point of care work and the possible benefits for vet services.

“The vet students were in the district mainly to look at Marlborough’s way of

farming sheep and beef,” says Peter.

“As a vet I have had MRC’s assistance and funding for grape marc trial work, so I wanted to show them what is happening at the centre.”

As practicing vets they will be talking to farmers around the country on issues that the MRC is involved with including freshwater protection and methane reduction.”

Makaela Richmond Blenheim

Errol Gardiner Blenheim

Lynette Atkinson-Parker Blenheim

Sue Norrish Blenheim

Sharon Blount Blenheim

Julie McDonald Blenheim

Massey University final year vet students received a guided tour through the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) Research Winery led by Ngarita Warden, Research Winemaker at BRI.

Rose pruning demonstration at Pollard ParkTe Kahu o Waipuna officially opened by Acting Prime Minister

It’s winter pruning time and Council gardeners are keen to share their expertise with home gardeners. Next week they will be pruning roses at Pollard Park and offering a hands-on demonstration. If you are unsure about how to tackle the roses in your garden or simply

want to brush up your skills then come along. Bring your secateurs on Monday 10 July and Tuesday 11 July. Demonstrations will be held between 10.30 am and midday and 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm at the rose gardens in Pollard Park. If the weather is wet, the sessions will be postponed to the following day.

Council adopts 2023-24 Annual Plan

Council has adopted its 2023-24 Annual Plan, setting a rates increase of 7.97 per cent.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said it is always challenging for Council to manage the community’s desire for increased levels of service and project funding, whilst keeping a lid on rates increases, especially in the current economic climate.

“I’m very aware of the cost of living pressures on households and recognise this is still a relatively high rates increase,” Mayor Taylor said.

In preparation for consultation, Council reviewed its user pays fees and reduced expenditure where possible. “To reduce the impact on ratepayers we have increased resource consenting, environmental health and building control fees. I believe this is a fairer way of spreading costs and it will save ratepayers over $1 million.”

“I am pleased to say that we have been able to maintain levels of service across our wonderful community facilities and key services with no reductions or cuts. We will also continue our significant capital expenditure programme focused on core infrastructure needs, primarily roading, sewerage and water treatment.”

The rates increase includes one-off grant

funding of $31,462 for the Marlborough Stadium Trust and a $100,000 funding increase for the Marlborough Art Gallery to improve services to the community.

Mayor Taylor thanked the 77 submitters for taking the time to provide feedback on Council’s 2023-24 Annual Plan consultation document.

Some submitters’ proposals will be referred to the relevant committee, while many of those who submitted on community projects will be advised to apply to the Community Grants Scheme.

A number of submitters spoke about the condition of local community halls. Council will undertake a stocktake of halls throughout Marlborough to determine the scale and priority of work required, as part of a strategic review of these important community assets.

“It’s important for Councillors to hear from their community and the Annual Plan process provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved and heard. We value the feedback and new ideas brought to us and every submission was given full consideration during the decision making process,” she said.

The new rates came into effect on 1 July.

Community Grants - applications open

If you are part of a group with a project, idea or service that benefits the local community, it’s time to thinking about making a community grants application.

The Community Grants Fund, worth $280,000, is now open. This fund is available for not-forprofit organisations providing services in the community covering arts and heritage, sport and recreation, community welfare and social services.

The applications for the fund close at 8:00 am

on Monday 14 August. For more information or to apply visit: https://bit.ly/MarlCommunityGrant

Applicants are encouraged to get their application in early. Drop-in information clinics will be held at Council on 3 July from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm; 24 July from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm; and 31 July from 9.00 am to 11.00 am.

For further information contact Jodie Griffiths, Community Partnerships Advisor on Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: grantapplications@marlborough. govt.nz

Te Kahu o Waipuna - Marlborough’s Library and Art Gallery - was officially opened last Friday by Acting Prime Minister Hon Carmel Sepuloni following a mihi whakatau by Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Rārua iwi representatives.

Mayor Nadine Taylor gave special thanks to tangata whenua iwi Rangitāne o Wairau for gifting the name to the new building.

Kaiwhakahaere Matua (General Manager) of Rangitāne o Wairau, Corey Hebberd said the iwi sought to acknowledge the past, present and future in gifting the name.

“A kahu is a traditional Māori cloak and denotes the metaphorical embracing of people. Waipuna references the puna (springs) that rise to the northwest of Blenheim and feed the river that flows past this facility.”

“Waipuna is also the mother of Rangitāne. Through the generations, her descendants have built pā and gardens along the waterways around which the town was constructed,” he said.

Mayor Taylor also acknowledged the Government’s support for the new facility with an $11 million grant from the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

“This is one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by Council and has been the work of many handswe are thrilled with the result,” she said.

“Since it opened its doors on 12 May more than 60,000 people have visited. It’s fantastic to see it being so well utilised by our community.”

“I also want to acknowledge the vision and hard work of previous councils stretching back over a decade, particularly former mayors John Leggett and Alistair Sowman; former Deputy Mayor Terry Sloan and former Councillor Cynthia Brooks.”

“Special thanks to architects

Left to right Mayor Nadine Taylor, Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni, with iwi representatives Paora Mackie and Barney Thomas, unveil a plaque to mark the buildings official opening

The unveiling of Te Kahu o Waipuna – gifted to the building by tangata whenua iwi Rangitāne o Wairau

Warren and Mahoney, Robinson Construction and the many subcontractors who worked tirelessly on the project for two years.”

Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene were welcomed by Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Rārua iwi representatives

Enhancing Marlborough’s Performing Arts

The name Kevin Moseley and the arts in Marlborough go together like Weetbix and milk, Tom and Jerry, vegemite and toast.

When we meet for a coffee at the new library and art gallery in Blenheim, there is no irony lost that the building we are conversing in is testimony to those who had vision for Marlborough and the cornerstone feature in the CBD. Much like the $22 million ASB Theatre overlooking the Taylor River.

guts boy?” recalls Kevin. “I said let me get the theatre finished and then I’ll do that.”

What Kevin didn’t know at the time was that Nick was sick and was on a mission to get the trust up and running. Financial assistance came from Nick and the Fulton Foundation found its ‘arts wings’.

The Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust heavily subsidises the venue hire for local organisations. The Fulton Foundation helps performing arts groups with any shortfall.

The Fulton Foundation Marlborough is a charitable trust whose mission is to enhance the Marlborough Performing Arts. This support is through grants to assist education, performances and productions within the region.

Kevin says the thing that concerned him when building the ASB Theatre was ‘were the locals going to be able to afford to use this place?’ The old Civic Theatre had been there since 1985 and Kevin says all the costs had been covered. Things were simple then.

“You used to ring up, Sandy Beverley would give you the key and you walked in and ran the theatre. When you finished you gave the key back,” he says. “There were no costs, no health and safety.”

An idea of starting a charitable trust in 2015 came into his thinking alongside Nick Fulton who was involved with the Marlborough Civic Theatre trust at the time.

“He called everyone boy and one day he said to me, when are you going to kick this bloody thing in the

The concept or the idea behind the foundation was to provide a vehicle or the platform to arts groups within Marlborough, whether that is dance, kapa haka or theatre, to perform and take out the ‘money side’ of doing so.

Kevin says a good example of what the foundation does is when he walked into the theatre last week and came across a group of Pasifika girls singing in the foyer.

“It was bloody amazing,” he says. “I found out the girls were off to the polyfest and had nowhere to rehearse so Joseph (Casalme ASB Theatre CEO) told them to come into the foyer to rehearse.”

Kevin was introduced to the group and said ‘I want you to put a concert on in the theatre’. He says their reaction was hesitancy and that they ‘couldn’t afford to’.

“I told them to put a package together and write to the foundation where we would help them to make sure

Kathy and Kevin Moseley. Kevin says once the ASB theatre was built it was his vision that Blenheim had the most active and the best balanced performing arts culture of any small region in New Zealand. The Fulton Foundation allows such opportunities for all arts groups in Marlborough.

their concert happens,” he said. “That’s what it does.”

Kevin says the August combined college production ‘School of Rock’ directed by Jeannie Mark is another example of giving the arts support and showcasing the talent at college after a four-year gap due to the pandemic, the right people involved and funding.

“The foundation has backed the production financially. We went to another trust and asked them you have to match it and they did. So the colleges can breathe easier. The whole idea is that the personnel involved aren’t worried about running the production at a

loss,” he says.

The Fulton Foundation is currently involved with the upcoming Stars in Your Eyes Charity Event in conjunction with the Creative Kids Trust. The Stars in Your Eyes event scheduled late August is the main fundraiser for the Fulton Foundation and has been since its inception.

Kevin was awarded the Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure Award in 2018. The award honours people who have spent their lives making an extraordinary, inspiring or significant cultural contribution to the community over their lifetime.

He was the ninth Living Cul-

tural Treasure awarded since it was established in 2012, by the Marlborough Museum in partnership with the Marlborough District Council.

Kevin has taught, played and conducted with the Marlborough District Brass Band since the 1960s, and had been chairman of the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust for more than a decade. “My job once we built the theatre was that Blenheim had the most active and the best balanced performing arts culture of any small region in New Zealand,” he says. “So there’s no arts group or programme in Blenheim that was or should be disadvantaged.”

Marlborough’s Living Cultural Treasure Award 2018 recipient Kevin Moseley talks to Chris Valli about the arts in Marlborough and why the Fulton Foundation was the stimulus to enhance and support the talent in region.

“The whole idea is that the personnel involved aren’t worried about running the production at a loss”

College choirs off to finale

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College

choirs will need to look after their vocal cords these July holidays.

Ovation (MBC) and Synergy (MGC) choirs have gone through to the Big Sing Cadenza finale in Timaru, mid-August. Both choirs made the cut to be selected in the top 12 South Island choirs and will sing off against choirs from the likes of Villa Maria, St Bedes and Christchurch Girls’ High School.

MBC Choir Director Robin Randall says while Ovation has been selected for past Cadenza finales, this is the first time a choir from MBC has been selected in 22 years, the last time being 2001.

“As you can imagine there was a great deal of excitement and pride around the college last week,” says Robin.

The South Island Cadenza will be held in Timaru, August 11/12 at Craighead Diocesan School and Sacred Heart Basilica. A public gala concert performance is to be held on Saturday evening.

The full list of South Island choirs is; Ancora, James Hargest College; Cantrices, Christchurch Girls’ High School, Con Brio, Villa Maria College; Craighead Diocesan School Choir, Fortress, Otago Girls’ and Otago Boys’ High School; Magna Voce, Burnside High School; Ovation, Marlborough Girls’ College; Polyhymnia, Queen’s and King’s High School, Dunedin; Sotto Voce, Nayland College; Synergy, Marlborough Boys’ College; The Bedean Choir, St Bede’s College; Vox 16, St Andrew’s College.

Footnote: A cadenza is an Italian word meaning a virtuoso solo passage inserted into a movement in a concert, typically near the end.

PITCH PERFECT: Ovation pictured (MBC) and Synergy (MGC) choirs have won through to the Big Sing Cadenza finale in Timaru, mid August.

‘A little bit of Puff in all of us’

By Chris Valli

The upcoming Blenheim Musical Theatre play Puffs is a comedic play with familiar and non-familiar wizards, but it is ultimately a story about growing up.

Puffs is the story of Wayne Hopkins, a regular boy who finds out he’s a wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures. Sound familiar? Wayne is sorted as a Puff, he and the other Puffs simply want to learn how to be wizards and avoid attacks by evil wizards.

Director Alison Dight says she first saw Puffs in 2019 on Broadway HD, an on-demand streaming media company based in New York. “The first time I saw it I desperately wanted to do the show,” she says. “It made me laugh the whole way through, it was very clever and fast paced.”

She says the story is told through the Puffs, ‘the losers of the school’ and those associated with them. They suck at magic and features cameos from many of the characters familiar within the Potter franchise story.

“It’s been really neat for the cast to delve into their side that is a bit geekier or nerdy, outcast. In some ways all of us have a bit of Puffs in us, the side that is a bit awkward and doesn’t quite fit in sometimes.”

“The diversity of characters is loveable and people will find someone they can relate to,” she says. “Even those who aren’t fans of the Potter world will find the play exciting.”

The show runs for ‘110ish minutes’ and the cast of 11 plays 53 various characters in what Alison says ‘is very busy for all involved’. One person alone plays 13 different characters.

“They’ve had to learn how to develop those characters which is hard and requires a great

deal from the actors. There is not a lot of down time backstage. If they’re not on stage, they’re offstage getting a prop about to come on,” she says. “They’ve all got a great deal fitter doing this show,” she laughs.

Alison says this show could be described as ‘theatre for the millennial’ with six actors treading the Blenheim Musical Theatre boards for the first time.

She says the show is a true community theatre experience with the cast making their own costumes, props, painting the set which has immersed them all.

“Ages vary from 17-29 (with one in their 30s).

They all feel like they can relate to their characters in some way which is pretty cool,” she says. “I love the way theatre can be an escape, the chance to do something that you wouldn’t do in your normal life. There’s a lot of heart to this story and that will come across with some beautiful moments. I’ve laughed and cried.”

Viewer discretion is advised with coarse language, sexual themes and adult content. Drinks and food platters are available for purchase at shows.

The season runs from Friday July 7 to Saturday July 15 and tickets are available at BMT.net.nz

The cast of Puffs: (rear L-R) CJ Ham, David Nickisson, Connor Heath, Sophia Baker,  Karl Wood. (Front L-R) Brylee Evans, Eden Marshall, Liam Baker, Paige Jackson, Megan Ponder-West. Absent: Narrator Scott McCallum.

Feds slam ‘RMA reform gone wrong’

The Government’s proposed RMA replacement is fatally flawed, needs to be immediately withdrawn and started from scratch, says Federated Farmers spokesperson for RMA reform Mark Hooper.

“The Environment Committee’s 1,377-page report on the Natural and Built Environment Bill is of real concern for farmers and raises serious red flags when it comes to cost, clarity, and complexity.

“Instead of making improvements to the proposed legislation, it seems to have only made things worse. It’s not worth the

paper it’s written on. This is RMA reform gone wrong.

“Given the number of changes that are being proposed, it’s unfathomable to think the Government are going to try to rush this legislation through before the election without further consultation.

“I don’t believe there’s enough time for politicians, let alone the public, to read and properly understand the implications of the changes before the Bill is passed into law next month”.

Federated Farmers have repeatedly raised concerns that the proposed Natural and Built

Environment Bill will lead to more drawn-out resource consenting processes, expensive and time-consuming court cases, higher costs for farmers, and less local democracy.

“The Select Committee process has done absolutely nothing to address the serious concerns that Federated Farmers have raised about the unnecessary cost and complexity farmers will face.

“New, vague, and undefined concepts will create huge uncertainty for landowners, slow down progress,

and likely lead to time and money wasted with legal challenges through the courts.

“Disappointingly, there have been no substantive changes to proposals to shift local authority away from democratic councils and to new appointed Regional Planning Committees who will sit at arm’s length from voters and alongside iwi representatives.

“This sort of framework will fundamentally dampen the ability for local communities to shape their

own future, and is no way to make inherently political decisions the use of land and resources.

“We didn’t think it was possible, but somehow the Government have managed to deliver a piece of legislation that will be more complex and expensive to navigate than the much-maligned RMA.

“This Bill should be withdrawn immediately and replaced with a simple plain language law that will reduce red tape, uncertainty, and costs,” says Hooper.

Federation Farmers Mark Hooper says instead of making improvements to the RMA and proposed legislation, it seems to have only made things worse. "It’s not worth the paper it’s written on. This is RMA reform gone wrong," he says.

NZ farmers the most efficient in world

By Tony Orman

New Zealand farmers are the best.

That was the insight from National’s agriculture spokesman Todd McClay in an address to about 80 farmers in Renwick recently.

McClay says NZ farmers are the envy of other countries being the most carbon efficient in the world.

“But the Labour government has buried farmers in red tape,” he says “Agriculture is the powerhouse of the country’s exports. Labour does not understand the rural sector. It has over-ridden local communities and imposed one-size-fits-all rules with massive compliance costs for farmers often for limited or no environmental gain. I want to change the debate from farmers are the problem, to farmers are the solution.”

National supports practical environmentalism in contrast to the current government’s heavy-handed centralisation.

“We are committed to a carefully balanced approach, integrating both environmental and economic goals,” he says.

“The Labour-led government has launched a wave of red tape at farmers. More than 20 changes to legislation and regulation or new rules since 2017. Labour used climate change rules to threaten 20 percent of sheep and

beef farms with closure by 2030. No wonder farmers have been on edge, wondering just what Wellington will throw at them next.” Addressing the controversial issue of productive farms being converted to pine trees for carbon trading speculation, McClay says National would change investment screening rules to prevent foreign investors buying farms for the purpose of carbon farming.

Farm Buildings and Timber Supplies

“The ban applies to foreign investment in existing farms which will be converted to forestry to earn ETS carbon credits.”

On the Emissions Trading Scheme, agriculture would not go into the ETS under National.

“With the ETS, we’re going to be practical and pragmatic instead of Labour’s way of taxing farmers,” he says.

Teams and individuals whose talents and toil help New Zealand’s farmers, foresters and fishers thrive were honoured at the 2023 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards on Monday night. Scientist Dr Louise Hennessy claimed the Emerging Leader Award for her efforts at AgResearch and other crown research institutes championing support for early career researchers and a learning approach that blends matauranga Māori with western science. She is pictured with Professor Grant Edwards, vice-chancellor at award sponsor Lincoln University. Photo / Neil Mackenzie.

National’s agriculture spokesman Todd McClay.

From the President’s Desk

Winter has certainly made itself at home in Marlborough. It is hard to get motivated on cold frosty days and wet rainy ones. For some of you, getting washing dry at this time of the year can be difficult and if you have a clothes airer set up inside please be aware that this can cause dampness in that room. A tip is to put the airer in a sunny spot outside when you can, or put it in your garage with the door up slightly to let air filter through. If you have a tumble dryer it costs around $1.00 a load in electricity. To deal with a pile up of washing there is always the laundromat, which doesn’t cost too much.

Have you got a community services card? I was talking to a friend the other day who applied for one. Her doctor’s bill alone went from $47.00 a visit down to $19.00. You have to qualify for the card, but if your only source of income is the superannuation benefit, or you don’t have much other money, it is well worth looking into.

Did you know at 65 you are entitled to a free Tetanus, Whooping Cough

SECURITY AT THE

A revolutionary new coding system, TrioCode 128 provides enhanced reliability and security by using three frequencies to overcome interference issues.

for people 50 +

A revolutionary new coding system, TrioCode 128 provides enhanced reliability and security by using three frequencies to overcome interference issues.

Grey Power Marlborough membership fees at $29 single and $43 double per annum bring the following benefits.

1. Supporting an organisation that will advocate for our protection and concern on matters like superannuation, health, law, justice

2. Free discount book where 71 businesses and services offer members good discounts

3. Cheaper gas, electricity, and broadband for members from Grey Power Electricity

Office Snippets

Office Hours - We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm.

We have plenty of A312 Hearing Aid Batteries. Call in and see us for your supply. These are $6.00 per card.

4. Opportunities to volunteer

5. This monthly newsletter

6. A qu arterly Federation magazine either online or in hard copy

7. Discount of 20% on medical insurance and life insurance, 40% on funeral cover, 5% on travel insurance by Vesta Insurance for 70 years and older

8. Off-peak rates for inter-island ferry fares

9. Office available for members to come in for advice and help, between 9-1 pm week days

10. AIL has been with GP since 2009 and offers $2000 cover without exclusions at no cost to members. Since then, 35 claims paid out usually car accidents or falls, or earthquake-related. Members are automatically covered- even if cards are not filled out. Cards filled out mean payment can be made to a nominated person otherwise the $2000 goes to the estate to be shared out later when the time for a need for money to pay for a funeral has gone. AIL also offer fixed rate premiums on insurance or financial care plans.

Four committee members attended the 2023 AGM of Grey Power in Wellington.

Two, Annie Percy and Brian McNamara, attended as delegates for GP Marlborough. Our President, Gayle Chambers, attended as our Zone 5 Director. Our secretary, Graeme Faulkner, attended as an off board chairman of NAGs (National Advisory Group) concerned with Law and Order, Emergency Management and ACC. Marlborough adds quite a good amount to Federation business as another committee member, Alan Washington, and Brian McNamara are also members of Federation committees. Information about some or the discussions and presentations is presented on page 15.

Thank you to all of those who have paid their subscriptions. It is not too late to do this, please pay online or call into the office.

Membership benefits: Reports from GP AGM

Why Keep It Secret? Books are available to purchase at the office. This book helps you to keep important information in one place, making it easier for you and your family to access.

The four Marlborough attendees, from left to right publicity officer Brian McNamara, vice-president Annie Percy, secretary Graeme Faulkner, and president Gayle Chambers. Standing behind Graeme is the national president, Jan Pentecost.

Advocating for people 50 +

Grey Power Electricity

Pulse executive Sharnie Warren reported in her address to the AGM. Grey Power Electricity has offered very good services to 22,000 of our members currently. Pulse Energy, which owns Grey Power Electricity, has paid $1.9 million to our Federation as a contribution to our partnership. Grey Power members are very positive

in recommending joining Grey Power Electricity because of pricing, service, transparency and such support for Grey Power.

They also offer a ‘pay it forward’ programme to which some 2500 members have donated sums ranging from $2 to $50 per month. Pulse then matches these contribution $ for $ and as a result

Minister for Seniors

over 4000 members under financial stress have been assisted with their payments with $244,180 contributed. With 112,000 households in ‘energy poverty’ in New Zealand, this all helps. Pulse will also be offering soon Time of Use (TOU) plans, offers for EV owners, and their account forms have been made more readable and informative.

Superannuation and the financial well-being of seniors

Jane Wrightson, the Retirement Commissioner, addressed the AGM. Her job is to improve the financial futures for those retiring. She was very informative and entertaining - certainly not retiring! She spoke about financial wellbeing, Retirement Income and Retirement Villages.

Superannuation, which was the issue for Grey Power originally being formed, was spoken of at some depth. Super is set to provide an adequate standard of living. It is however based historically on low housing costs which was afforded by either home ownership or by social housing. It supposes minimal housing costs.

40% of superannuitants have it as their sole income, and another 20% have a minimal additional income.

House prices have increased from an historical 3-4 times the annual median income to 8.8 times. It is envisaged that in the future those on super who pay

Library Guided Tours

rents will double. The accommodation supplement helps.

Since 2009, she reported, house prices have increased by 129%, median wages by 56% and NZ Super by 49% for a single person living alone.

Ms Wrightson also spoke of her second main role - to manage and build people’s independent savings that can help contribute to a standard of living for seniors that offers dignity and mana.

Women have a special need for proper funding as women live longer, they live alone longer and they suffer from a 9% wage gap compared with wages paid to men.

She did not support any increase in the starting age for first receiving superannuation.

She spoke with some emotion of reading about the introduction of superannuation payments, which she calls an ‘entitlement’ and not a ‘benefit’, when people for the first

These are happening on the 5TH July at 11am and 2pm for our members. Please telephone our office to book in on

time in their lives received an income payment that was firstly regular and secondly and very surprisingly more than they had ever received in their working lives!

She divided superannuation stories into three groups. The dominant group owned their home outright, lived a longer life and are doing well.

The second group struggled financially through the impact of ‘life shocks’ s u ch as health, divorce, business failures, seismic events. Their life expectations were shorter.

The third group were either renters or paying off mortgages still while in retirement. Māori and Pasifika and increasing numbers of Pākehā came into this grouping.

From her presentation it was evident that there is still a place for an advocacy organisation such as Grey Power to continue its work in making the lives of seniors more financially secure.

578 4950 if you are interested in a tour. If these sessions are booked out we can offer more sessions after the above date.

DIRECT TO

Better Digital Futures For Seniors

Ginny Anderson, Minister for Seniors, unable to attend in person, spoke by video to the AGM.

She spoke of the uptake of the digital literacy for seniors programme.

A new initiative for seniors is being rolled out with 5 pilot schemes being trialled in which 80 entrepreneurs are assisted in developing business ideas by senior and experienced advisors.

A home-share pilot trial facilitated by Age Concern has been introduced. In this, a senior adult shares their home with a tenant who assists with jobs etc around the house as part payment. It is a scheme that works overseas in the UK and the US.

Legislation for Rest Homes is to be updated.

AGM remits

Grey Power Marlborough moved one remit, carried by 81 votes to 6 against, seeking to lobby government to ensure that a reasonable proportion of rest home rooms be ‘standard rooms’ which were affordable to those receiving superannuation and limited accommodation supplements.

A second remit that we seconded on developing climate change policy was defeated 35 votes to 48 with 8 abstentions. Similarly, a move to allow local authorities the dominant role in providing community housing was defeated.

A remit urging the building of more affordable homes was passed with a great majority, as was a remit supporting the more effective governing of the use of

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

ISLANDS

All about ideas at Marlborough Home & Garden Show

By Chris Valli.

Looking for new ideas as a Marlborough homeowner? Not sure where to start or who to contact regarding a quote or who that contact is?

The timing is impeccable with the Marlborough Home & Garden Show this weekend, Friday, July 7 - Sunday, July 9.

Whether you’re building, renovating, landscaping or looking for innovative ideas the 2023 Marlborough Home & Garden Show is the place to visit.

The show is a must for anyone with a building or renovating project on the horizon. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their plans, ideas and get advice and answer from a wide range of experts all under one roof.

This year will see a wonderful range of exhibitors showcasing spas, landscaping, plants, kitchens, solar solutions and home furnishings to name a few.

Continued on page 18.

Cannabis Clinic – journey towards improved health

By Chris Valli

The Cannabis Clinic is New Zealand’s leading healthcare provider committed to ensuring personalised care and guidance in the realm of plant-based medicine.

Business Development Manager

Lisa Gadsby says they are excited to be part of the Marlborough Home & Garden Show this weekend and to demonstrate just how effortless it is to embark on your journey towards improved health. Their focus is on cannabis-based therapies, harnessing the potential of this remarkable plant to address a wide range of general wellbeing issues and health conditions, starting from sleep, stress, anxiety, pain management, all the way up to supporting more complex health conditions.

Whether you’re seeking an alternative to pharmaceuticals or

exploring holistic approaches, plant-based medicine offers safe and effective solutions.

At the Cannabis Clinic, they provide personalised care and guidance, empowering you to take control of your health. Experience the transformative potential of plant-based medicine and unlock a healthier, happier you. Trust the Cannabis Clinic to guide you on your wellness journey.

Their primary objective is to empower individuals by offering education and tailored plant-based treatment plans with ongoing compassionate support.

Lisa says you can take the first step by booking an appointment at their brand-new clinic in Nelson, or conveniently accessing their telemedicine options from the comfort of your own home.

Lisa will be present at the show to assist you and address any inquiries

you may have. Additionally, they are thrilled to offer their exclusive ‘Florx Sleep Drops’ for sale at the event.

“Our ‘Florx Sleep Drops’ are a meticulously crafted clinical formulation of sedating terpenes derived from cannabis, along with other botanicals known for their sleep-promoting properties, including Passionflower and Valerian Root,” says Lisa.

“Rest assured, these drops are available without the need for a prescription. If you’re seeking a natural solution to enhance your sleep quality, our popular Sleep Drops are the perfect choice, and you can purchase them directly at the show.”

Lisa encourages visitors to not miss this opportunity to explore their wide range of services and products, guided by her expertise.

“Whether you choose an in-per-

son consultation at our Clinic in Nelson or the convenience of our telemedicine options from the comfort of your own home, we are dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards improved health and well-being.”

The Cannabis Clinic encourages people to ‘take control of their

sleep’ and join them at the Home and Garden Show to discover the transformative potential of their ‘Florx Sleep Drops’.

Lisa and her team eagerly await the opportunity to assist you and help you take the first step towards a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Cannabis Clinic Business Development Manager Lisa Gadsby says they are excited to be part of the Marlborough Home & Garden Show this weekend and to demonstrate just how effortless it is to embark on your journey towards improved health.

Ask an Expert

Continued from page 16.

Plan your visit to the show and check out the free daily ‘Ask an Expert’ schedule below for informative Q and A sessions. Bring along your plans and get the answers you need. The sessions will be located near the show entrance;

• Fri, Sat & Sun 10:30am: Homes that are Comfortable, Healthy and Energy Efficient, Jon Iliffe.

• Fri, Sat & Sun 11:15am: Paint like a Professional, Resene Colour Specialist.

• Fri, Sat & Sun 12noon: The latest Technology in Off Grid and On Grid Solar Power Systems, Lance Double.

• Fri & Sun only 12:45pm: Lawn Maintenance, Steve Tyler, Lawn Care Solutions.

• Sat only 12:45pm: 3 Key Changes to Building Regulation, Resident Builder, Peter Wolfkamp.

• Fri, Sat & Sun 1:30pm: Insulating Your Home, Paul Brockie.

• Fri, Sat & Sun 2:15pm: Getting the Most Bang for your Buck - Value-Adding Renovations, Nita Craig, Refresh Renovations.

Marketing Manager for Jade Promotions and Events Emily Shanley says the show highlights include a huge range of exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, innovations and exclusive show specials.

Other highlights include family fun with Resene Paint a Home (adults) and Paint a Pot (kids) on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 2pm.

Enter to win the Marlborough Home & Ga rden Show pr ize thanks to PURE By The Barrelman and Resene. Simply enter your details on the tablets at the start of the show to be in to win a fabulous package valued at $1500 and a $250 Resene voucher. Package includes Oak Wine Barrel Stave Cape Cod Chair, small side table, convertible foot stool, lazy Susan Platter and Oak

pla nt/sphere stand including metal art sphere.

PURE By the Barrelman is a small family run business creating bespoke and unique products recycled from Oak Wine Barrels and other locally sourced materials supporting values around sustainability and zero waste.

Adults are $5 Gold Card Friday, $2.50 and Under 16 are free.

Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000

It's

Bento – we’re open for business

By Chris Valli

Bento sushi and Japanese business owner Paul Tanawirotegool is learning to become a patient man.

The business at 30 High Street in the CBD opened officially in April.

Formerly Saki As, the Polynesian restaurant, Bento’s fresh ingredients, fast service and ‘extensive range of Japanese delights’ is a passion for Paul and his wife.

Paul says the opening of the library and the ‘soft launch’ on May 12 resulted in healthy foot traffic into the business and he was encouraged his vision was coming to fruition.

However, it’s been a lean fortnight after a proposed six week road closure with three weeks remaining due to maintenance on High Street. The road closure has resulted in ‘considerbly less’ foot traffic and a significant drop in revenue.

“When the library opened we were really busy but since they have blocked the road 70% of our business has disappeared,” he says. “People can’t park (Farmers carpark) as it is often full. Customers have called us to ask if we are still open. Yes, we are. Come and see us.”

“My business concept is fresh but I have had to give away the food

without charge,” he says. Saturday lunches have been Bento’s busiest days. In recent weeks, their profits have dropped considerably with their recent Saturday takings a reflection on the lack of customers.

He was given a letter from Fulton Hogan Marlborough to inform of the road closure for six weeks. He has three more weeks until the road is completed and re-opened.

Paul says he has had to up his marketing by placing a sign near the Farmers main entrance on High Street where the road is currently blocked off. He has also

Council adopts 2023/24 Annual Plan

The Marlborough District Council has adopted its 2023-24 Annual Plan, setting a rates increase of 7.97 per cent.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says it is always challenging for Council to manage the community’s desire for increased levels of service and project funding, whilst keeping a lid on rates increases, especially in the current economic climate.

“I’m very aware of the cost of living pressures on households and recognise this is still a relatively high rates increase,” Mayor Taylor says. “In preparation for consultation, Council reviewed its user pays fees and reduced expenditure where possible. To reduce the impact on ratepayers we have increased resource consenting, environmental health and building control fees. I believe this is a fairer way of spreading costs and it will save ratepayers over $1 million.”

Mayor Taylor says she is pleased to say that they have been able to ‘maintain levels of service across our wonderful community facilities’ and key services with no reductions or cuts.

“We will also continue our significant capital expenditure programme focused on core infrastructure needs, primarily roading, sewerage and water treatment.”

The rates increase includes oneoff grant funding of $31,462 for the Marlborough Stadium Trust and a $100,000 funding increase for the Marlborough Art Gallery to improve services to the community.

Mayor Taylor thanked the 77 submitters for taking the time to provide feedback on Council’s 2023-24 Annual Plan consultation document.

A number of submitters’ proposals will be referred to the relevant committee, while many of those who submitted on community projects will be advised to apply to the Community Grants Scheme.

A number of submitters spoke about the condition of local community halls. Council will undertake a stocktake of halls throughout Marlborough to determine the scale and priority of work required, as part of a strategic review of these important community assets.

“It’s important for Councillors to hear from their community and the Annual Plan process provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved and heard. We value the feedback and new ideas brought to us and every submission was given full consideration during the decision making process,” she says.

The new rates came into effect on Saturday, July 1

given out flyers and pamphlets to those walking along High Street to let people know the business is still open.

He is realistic of the ‘time of the year’ and being winter. He is also conscious that this is his first time (and year) as a business owner, the business, like any small business was going to have its challenge.

“I don’t want to make a drama about it and have told the contractor I understand,” he says.

“My hope is that people know we are here. People can’t pick their own sushi if they are not here in the store.”

The couple moved from Auckland to Marlborough three years ago. Paul used to work at Sky City Masu, a Japanese Robata (cooked over an open hot charcoal grill) Restaurant.

He says they were excited and ready to start the business and bring a point of difference to the market.

“We’re here, we are open and ready to deliver wonderful Japanese food.”

T he name Bento translates to a ‘decorated wooden Japanese lunch box’ consisting of such items as rice, vegetables and sashimi (fresh raw fish or meat).

Pasifika community embraces Sepuloni

By Chris Valli

Marlborough’s Pasifika community had their first-ever opportunity to meet a Prime Minister, one of their own, last Friday.

Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni found time after opening the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery to meet some local Pasifika leaders.

Labour’s Kaikōura electorate candidate Emma Dewhirst and Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene joined the meeting held at the MySpace youth venue.

“Hon. Carmel is of Tongan and Samoan descent as were most of those Pasifika who met

her at MySpace,” says Emma Dewhirst.

“They were thrilled to have the chance to engage with her and the fact she was acting PM - with Chris Hipkins still in China leading the trade delegation - was icing on the cake.”

Emma Dewhirst says some might think of RSE workers when Pasifika are mentioned in Marlborough when there is a strongly growing resident population.

“Pacific people are attracted here by the job opportunities and lifestyle, just like many other Kiwis. They are bringing a whole new dimension to our community, cultural and

sporting life that’s very vibrant and welcome.”

About 60 people met Sepuloni including Pasifika representatives, Labour Party members and MySpace staff.

“It was MySpace’s fourth birthday so it was especially nice to have the PM there to acknowledge the wonderful work this facility does for our youth community,” says Emma.

“As someone in my early 30s, I recognise there’s a lot more that needs to be done to support our youth and that’s one of my priorities, but thankfully we are now entering our fifth year of having MySpace and the fantastic staff and board who lead it.”

Bento owner Paul Tanawirotegool says it’s been a lean fortnight after a proposed six week road closure (with three weeks remaining) due to maintenance on High Street.

Acting PM Carmel Sepuloni with members of the Pasifika community and Emma Dewhirst.

Upstairs?

WHY is the library upstairs? Can they at least PLEASE put a baby gate to the children’s area. The stairs are so dangerous, especially with young children.

Re: Formal ball - phone

They’ve taken their phones because 2023, they want to take photos and videos with their friends. The boys would have had theirs in their pockets. I was lucky enough to get, during the formal, a photo of my daughter and her friends, so I’m happy she carried her phone.

Re: Racist rednecks

Couldn’t agree more with writer re redneck racist little town. Small mindedness comes to mind. I too are pakeha, have connections with Maori and feel ashamed and fed up with these people who can’t see past the nose on their face. There are 3 languages in New Zealand, English, Maori and sign language. Learn a few words/phrases instead of putting down the language. We should be embracing each other’s language instead of being so imperious.

Rugby final

Just shows the mana of the All Black captain when he was no show for an aftermatch interview. Maybe he went home to read the rule book and see why he and 2 other teammates were sent off. I wonder if he’d go into hiding if the All Blacks loose a match?

Super Rugby final

Don’t go blaming the ref, blame the rugby union for appointing a NZ ref. It should have been an Australian ref like Angus Gardiner. Ben O’Keefe was being groomed for a possible world cup final, now his chances are gone.

New roads

Rebuild of road infrastructure in Marlborough sounds. This could impact your rates for the next 20 years! Don’t bury your head in the sand! Read the engagement document pick up from MDC or online, then submit your views to the council.

Volcano?

There is a new volcano bubbling away in NEW ZEALAND. Not the conventional sort... it’s kiwis that are fed up to the back teeth with the use of that alternative title that many in the media are using. Also the use of signage with English underneath the Maori and usually in much smaller print.

Did I miss the referendum asking the populous if change was wanted? NO. Just being thrust upon us without consultation = I call that undemocratic which I thought was one major thing that NEW ZEALANDERS were proud of. Something stinks and I for one don’t like it.

Grateful

Thank you Marlborough Lines, for deposit this year to us, to help keep warm. Real grateful.

Te Reo signs

To those moaning about the Te reo signs in our library, calling it disgusting or appalling. If you can’t read the English get some glasses! It’s perfectly readable, you are just showing your prejudices about our beautiful Te reo language. We are a bi-lingual nation, go to Belgium or Wales. All their signage is dual language, we are no different.

Beautiful

I love our new library and appreciate the very helpful staff. And what a beautiful outside setting.

Signs

Disgusted and appalled over some Te Reo signs at a library? Get over yourselves. Imagine going to fight for NZ and coming home to snowflakes crying over font size. Maori fought at Gallipoli too you know. Grow up

Re: Evening bag

I agree, a lovely photo to those two girls attending the Formal, but who really cares if they’re carrying phones? Get with the times. Phones are a fashion accessory these days. Bravo to these two young ladies for strutting their stuff!

Re: Hypocrisy

My text referring to Dr King was a response to a texter feeling very angry about a little girl being beaten up at a fast food outlet. Not one word was written about ‘language on signs’! So get your facts straight! There are many issues dividing NZ at present, so HYPOCRISY, maybe, if you manage to get your facts straight, you will speak out about the things that matter!

Lighten up

Come on everyone lighten up!

Welcome Māori names, the language is beautiful and one of our 3 official languages in NZ. As for waiting list criteria ethnicity gives you 1-2 points out of 100! Clinical need and urgency remains the priority and the government didn’t write the criteria, Health did. If it improves health status for Māori and Pacific we all benefit. Proud to be an NZ Pakeha, not so proud of some of the narrow mindedness in our community.

History

Not only did Governor Grey go to England to talk to Queen Victoria but so did representatives from various iwi.... So I’m guessing there was a discussion between all stakeholders. Let’s not get history wrong by basing it on hearsay....

Te Reo

I must admit, I’m enjoying watching, what I hope is, a small group of locals lose their collective tiny minds over the use of te reo at the library. Rather ironic that you’re visiting a place of learning but still unwilling to broaden your minds a bit.

I’m sure you don’t have issues with seeing other non-English words around the town such as ‘cafe’ and ‘restaurant’. Just admit you’re a racist and call it a day.

Talk of the week

Re: Formal photo

Cell phones are apart of modern life. We both needed our phones for transport and safety post party. I’m afraid evening bags are a thing of the past (we weren’t supposed to bring one anyway) but if I did bring one it would be to hold my phone.

No idea

Thanks Duncan Mckenzie for the great informative talk he gave at the Library on Thursday. Had no idea what’s available apart from books.

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.

Put your phone out of reach when you are driving and give yourself a break

5 minutes with...

Azher Mir

Managing Director and chief bin emptier of Managed Computer Networks.

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely dog as I’m allergic to some cats and they know, so they come sit on me. We have two, one is a rescue from SPCA that in the first month chewed the mud flaps on my truck – they wouldn’t take him back because he’d been eating non-regular food!

 My friends would say I am… Short.

 What would you buy if money was no object? New friends.

 The best advice I ever received was?

Treat life like a three legged stool. The legs represent work, family and health, keep each leg in balance and you’ll sit comfortably.

 Local coffee haunt?

Herb & Olive – Good coffee and nice people.

 Favourite takeaway?

Bami Goreng or Chicken Kebab.

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

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

Socks for Christmas.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

Recently my wife and I went to visit a son in London and also had eight days driving around in Portugal.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Superstore, I love the bits used when cutting from one scene to another – very funny.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list? To visit Japan.

Then and now: By Wally

Having lived for nearly four score years one can recall what things were like 50 odd years ago and relate that to a comparison of what has happened since then.

I often have telephone discussions with people my age and older and sometimes the subject of gardening leads to other things and one aspect that has a common agreement is that back in the 50’s and 60’s this country was a great place to live in and we used to call it ‘Gods Own’ and be very proud to be Kiwis.

Sadly those times have long gone and many people of our age say our advantage is we don’t have long before we are gone out of here but have deep concerns for our children and grandchildren.

That is a very sad situation.

When I was a young fellow about 10 years old I was lucky to experience two situations which are very vivid in my mind today and I would like to share both of them with you.

One was a school friend whose name is Henry Nom, his father was a Chinese market gardener in Palmerston North and his mother was a Maori lady.

In the weekend I used to go to their market garden and help harvest produce for the market on Mondays.

My reward would be to have a meal at their house at the end of the day.

One week it would be traditional Chinese food and next time Maori Kai.

I learnt that the only fertiliser used to produce the crops was Blood & Bone along with some animal manures when available.

Back then the meat works would produce vast quantities of Blood & Bone and sell it in ton bags.

The Blood & Bone back then was rich not like today because the products are now used to make animal foods and animal biscuits so the inferior product we now have is a lot of chalk and only a little blood and not much bone if any.

Garden Lime was the other product used and the land which market gardeners used was rich anyway with river silt. Vegetables grew at their own speed and were healthy and free of most diseases and pests.

The soil was rich in earthworms and microbes so every thing was very natural. This meant we had a highly nutritious food chain and when you cooked a cabbage back then it would stink out the house.

A few years ago I met up with another Chinese market gardener who had a few acres of land growing vegetables for the market.

His family home was on the same land and his back yard was fenced off from the rest of the land.

In his backyard he has a vegetable garden and I asked him why as he had tons of vegetables on the rest of the land? His reply was he grew vegetables at home for himself and family because they were healthy and safe to eat. I asked why not the stuff he grew for

Richards

selling and his reply was, ‘no good too dangerous for health of family.’

His produce for selling used man made fertilisers and forced to grow with lots of nitrogen such as Urea.

Thus the plants were not healthy and were in fact weak which means the cleaners in nature being the insect pests and diseases would attack the weak plants to make way for healthy plants.

Thus numerous chemical poison controls are sprayed on a very regular basis and those chemicals are in the produce we buy and consume.

Commercial growers whom I feel sorry for as they have high overheads and low returns and to make ends met they need to grow as many crops on their land in a year as possible.

To do this they force plants to grow with nitrogen fertilisers. Their land after a few years of cropping is infertile having lost all soil life and it’s only by large amounts of man made fertilisers that any thing grows at all.

My other experience was spending many holidays on my uncles farm at Bell Block in Taranaki.

He had about 100 acres and ran about 100 dairy cows on it so normally the animals had ample naturally grown grass and in spring after the spring growth a few acres would be left to grow and in summer harvested for hay to supplement the grass which is slow growing in winter due to the short daylight hours.

Now back in those days a farmer with a hundred acres and a hundred cows was considered a wealthy man.

The urine and manure produced by the animals feed the grasses because the soil was rich in earthworms and microbes breaking down the animal manure/urine into rich food to grow the grass.

If you turned over a cow pad (dried manure on soil) underneath one would find lots of Tiger Worms breaking down the pad.

The stock was healthy so no costly vets to sick animals and the only outlay was lime for the paddocks to keep the pH right for the soil life and grasses.

In the corner of the farm there was a stream that flowed through; the water was crystal clear and it hosted what was called mountain trout that were a metre long when mature.

The farm also had a pig sty and a large flock of chickens.

My auntie had a big vegetable garden and orchard so all in all they were fairly self sufficient.

Later on farming changed with the advent of superphosphate and man made chemical fertilisers.

The hundred acres could now host say two hundred cows that doubles the income but at what costs?

The soil life disappeared along with the earthworms, the manure and urine were no longer broken down to feed the grass instead they became pollutants leaching into water ways destroying the water life.

The grasses are forced to grow and no longer have the high carbs and nutritional goodness so the cattle also suffer and get sick needing drenching (more chemicals) and vet care.

The milk is inferior along with the meat which is what you buy in the supermarket.

I have tasted meat from a certified organic farm and it is very different from supermarket meat.

Very rich and you can’t eat much of it in a sitting.

Another thing I remember is that very few people had or died of cancer back then and it was unheard of for babies to been born with cancer, also very rare in children.

Seldom did you see an overweight person and if you did it was usually caused by health problems. The food chain back when I was a boy was very healthy and contained high nutritional value.

Now days the only economical way to have great tasting, healthy food is to grow your own, naturally.

I saw on TV one news the other night that diet drinks which use an artificial sweetener, aspartame have been deemed to be a possible carcinogen by WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) I read about this aspect a number of years ago and finally it has been officially stated.

I recall reading also that a scientist in Monsanto when developing a new weed killer happened to put a finger to his lips and noted the chemical was sweet. Hence Aspartame came into being as a sweetener in drinks and food.

I also read it did not help with diets because when taken regularly it helped put weight on.

Well thats one truth that has finally come to light lets hope truth is on a roll and more hidden truths are revealed.

FOR ALL YOUR WINTER GARDENING NEEDS

Blenheim Musical Theatre’s play, Puffs, directed by Alison Dight opens at Lakings Road this Friday.

MP for Te Tai Tonga Rino Tirikatene.

Rangitāne ki Wairau member Paora Mackie addresses the manuhiri (visitors).

About 100 people attended the official opening.

Marlborough District Council staff perfom the waiata Nga Iwi E.

Dr Peter Meihana, of Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and Ngāi Tahu, addressing the crowd.

From left is Mauole Siovaeata, Maujunior Petaia, Suitulata Ainio, Tupu Siovaeate and Andrew Siamani.

Megan Ponder-West as character Leanne.

Sophia Baker as character Divinations teacher.

ALL SMILES: Medilowima Lousiale as Riding for the Disabled 2022 ‘Runner Up Rider of the Year’.

Positive attitude reaps rewards

By Chris Valli

The smile on Medilowima Lousiale’s face said it all last week and with good reason.

The Blenheim School student was recognised at her school assembly by the Marlborough Group of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (RDA) as the 2022 ‘Runner Up Rider of the Year’.

The purpose of NZRDA is to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs.

Coach Samara Lloyd says the nine-year-old started riding with RDA back in June 2021 where they worked closely with her Occupational Therapist to create the correct goals so she was able to achieve the best possible outcome from riding.

Golf Results

Marlborough Golf Club

Mon 26 Jun: 9 Hole Stableford

Div.1: June Maslin 15, Leana

Gargiulo 14, Debra O’Keeffe 12, Julia Petrie 12. Div 2: Rebecca

Harvey 16.

Thu 29 Jun: Men’s Stableford

Div.1: Paul Roughan 38, Tony Gill 37, Dave Knappstein 33, Guy

Latham 33. Div.2: Colin Marsden

35, John Buzan 35, Robert Hille 30, Tom Kelsall 30. Sat 1 Jul: Women’s Monthly Mug Gross: Jane An-

Rarangi Golf Club

Wed 28 Jun - Mens Midweek

Stableford: Tim Clark 39, Dennis

Wye 38, Guido Bertogg 37, Mike Walker 37, Robert Jensen 35, David Holdaway 35, Graham Ilott

35, Steven Fagan 34, Owen Gibbs

34, Bruce Curgenven 34, John Jones 34.

Thu 29 Jun - Ladies Midweek

Net Medal: Tracy Bary 70, Maria McConway 72, Susan Godsiff 72, Vicki Eastgate 74, Anne Newman 75, Margaret Tapp 78, Dianne Betts 78, Mariann Grant 78, Marilyn Smith 78.

Sat 1 Jul - Net Medal: Ladies -

Women’s Golf

Ryniker cup and DuncanSalyer played at Wairau Valley on Sunday

2 July. Ryniker cup Gross Winning team: Rarangi team A Minhinnich J Rainbird A Thomas R Kydd Gross score 247.

Ryniker Nett Winning team: Wairau Valley/Awatere Team S Murray T McKinney M Hampton

derson-Bay 99. Net: Tina Marfell 86. Net Medal: Lucy Jefferis 86. Men’s Monthly Mug Gross: Wesley Green 74. Net: Ian Newport 72. Net Medal Div.1: Tracy Goss 73, Kerry Fyfe 75, Mark Watson 76, Paul Silke 76. Div.2: Daniel Taylor 75, Dave Knappstein 76, Guy Latham 76, Ravi Johl 78. Div.3: Bob Nicolle 78, Tom Kelsall 79, Brian Burgess 80.

Mariann Grant 72, Frances Price 73, Sue Campbell 74, Annie Hubert 76, Emma Kaye 78, Bridget Quaife 78, Anne Newman 78. MensGlenn Kirby 69, Hans Bloemberg 72, Mike Walker 73, Luke Ryder 75, Mark Milne 75, David Price 75, Tony Nichol 75, Peter Browning 75. Sun 2 Jul - Net Medal & Stableford: Ladies - Carla Hepplethwaite 76, Margaret Tapp 76, Emma Kaye 77, Wendy Moffat 80. Mens - Ian Hale 39, Phil Hill 35, Paul Silke 35, Peter Browning 35, Terry Allen 35, Bruce Curgenven 35, Jerome January 34, Luke Ryder 34.

M Reinker 237. DuncanSalyer Gross Winning team: Picton Team M McConway H McLsaac P Pottinger D Harper 291.

DuncanSalyer Nett Winning Team: Wairau Valley Team Y

Wallace R Pupich S Giles A Graeme 229

Public Notices

Clothing Alterations: by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

For your sewing requirements

Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

Quality Service Guaranteed

“We chose her because she always turns up to lessons with a positive attitude and loves challenging herself to achieve her goals,” says Samara. “There has been a huge improvement in Medilowima’s strength, balance, memory and her English Vocabulary. Our team will often comment on her genuine kindness to her peers and the horses. She is a true delight to teach.”

Samara says they are so proud of Medilowima for not only being their rider of the year but also achieving this award of ‘runner up’ from NZRDA and their 52 groups around the country.

“This award is a huge achievement and very well deserved.”

NZRDA aims to enable and support disabled people to ‘achieve good lives’ including meaningful participation in and contribution to important activities and roles in their community.

Whitehead Park Winter Bowls

Wed 28 Jun – Open Mixed triples- 1st Bill Miller, Judy Hopgood, Arthur Umbers; 2nd Kevin Wills, John May, La Rita Franklin; 3rd Bob Hunter, Gayle Woollacott.

Sat 1 Jul – Mixed Triples – 1st Bill Miller, Mel Fishburn, Helen McIsaac; 2nd Joe Flood, Graem Hirst, Mike McFadgen.

Kia ora, welcome to Cancer Society

Marlborough

Cancer Society Volunteers

As Matariki rises and we reflect on the year, it was timely to celebrate and thank the many Cancer Society volunteers during National Volunteer Week in June. Our small team at the Cancer Society in Marlborough are supported by a range of wonderful volunteers, whose dedication and compassion are our strength. They help us extend our reach and support to our community by providing volunteer driving support, visiting people at home or running essential errands to support them while they are undergoing treatment, help with office administration, provide governance to support our local Centre, help organise fundraising events, provide baking to oncology as well as advocacy, support and camaraderie. We thank you for your mahi/work and for making a difference to our impact locally, we couldn’t do this without you.

Cancer Society Support

Our free support and information is available to anyone, and their whānau/family, with cancer. We are not notified of everyone diagnosed with cancer or that may require our support, we rely on a referral from your health professional. You can request they make a referral on your behalf, or you can simply come into the office, call us or email marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz to enquire or register directly with us. Where possible, we encourage you to phone ahead if you are dropping in to the office, so we can make ourselves available to meet with you. Lastly, our 0800 CANCER (226 237) information helpline is also available to answer any queries you may have or find our more about what kind of supports are available.

Daffodil Day Volunteers

Daffodil Day is just around the corner, we are starting to make arrangements for our annual street appeal on Friday 25th August. We’ll be contacting street sites and volunteers who have helped us in previous years. Please let us know if you would like to help with preparations for fresh daffodils or the street appeal. You can email our Volunteer Coordinator, Hilary on hilaryg@ cancersocorg.nz or call our office to find out more on 03 579 4379.

Ngā mihi nui/Best wishes, Cancer Society Marlborough team

Important Dates

We have a range of other support groups and forum available, please contact us for information:

• Toi ora – Art for Wellbeing – 10 week course starts 18th July 2023

• Marlborough Prostate Cancer Support Group –7.15pm on the 1st Tuesday of the month

• Simply the Breast dragon boat team – meet 1st Monday of the month

• Breast Cancer Support Group – 7pm on 2nd Monday of the month

• Prost-FIT – 10.30am Wednesdays (exercise class for men with prostate cancer)

• Live Stronger – 6pm Wednesdays (exercise class for women with ANY cancer)

• Look Good Feel Better – 5th September

• Kia ora – e te iwi – 29th September

Cancer Contacts

Cancer Society Marlborough, 76a Maxwell Rd, PO Box 233, Blenheim. Phone 03 579 4379

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4:00pm

Email address: marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz

Cancer helpline: 0800 CANCER (226 237) Cancer Society website: www.cancer.org.nz for reliable and up to date information, links and chat forums.

The Cancer Society is funded entirely by charitable donations and thanks the Marlborough community for its continued support.

Primary Schools Table Tennis Champs

By Chris Valli

Marlborough’s table tennis stocks are in good hands with 21 enthusiastic youngsters taking part in the Mitchell Sports Primary Schools Table Tennis Championships last Sunday.

Bohally’s Tommy Phipps won the Boy’s Singles Title beating Bohally’s Levi van Kuyk in the final in straight sets. Both boys represented the Marlborough under 13 Boys’ Team in the South Island Teams Tournament

in Christchurch three weeks ago. Levi reached the final with a win over Riverlands’ Finnbar Duncan while Tommy had a really tough match against his brother, Fletcher. Tommy has been playing well in the Thursday senior competition and his experience shone th rough. Finnbar beat Fletcher to claim third place. In the Girls’ Section, newcomer Lily Atkinson from Rapaura School beat Springlands’ Cora Wilson in the final by 11-7, 5-11. 17-15, 11-7. This was a

tremendous match, with the two Under-11 players showing good tactics by placing the ball around the table. The third set was crucial, with Lily winning it 17-15 but not before both girls had game points. Lily reached the final with a win over Bohally’s Lauren Reed while Cora advanced to the final with a win over Renwick’s Grace Midgeley. Grace beat Lauren to claim third place.

There was a great final in the Boys’ Doubles with Tommy and Levi winning 7-11, 11-6, 11-8

Sprinter Zoe Hobbs qualifies for Paris Olympics

By Chris Valli

It may not be Marlborough news but significant nonetheless.

Zoe Hobbs has qualified for the Paris Olympics with a time of 10.96 seconds to become the first New Zealand female sprinter to achieve the feat in nearly 50 years.

The last time New Zealand was

THUMBS UP FOR PARIS:

Sprinter Zoe Hobbs has qualified for the 2024 Olympics.

represented at the Olympics by a female sprinter was at the 1976 Amsterdam Games, where Sue Jowett competed in the 100m.

Last Friday, Hobbs opened up her European season at the Lausanne Diamond League in a time of 11.20 secs.

She then recorded a time of 10.96 in the heats at the World Athletics

Continental Tour Challenger in Switzerland overnight to secure her place in Paris.

The Kiwi sprinter – who only needed to stop the clock less than 11.07 seconds to achieve automatic qualification for the Olympics – not only won her race, she also recorded a new personal best, as well as a new national and area record.

against the Duncan brothers, Oscar and Finnbar. The third set was very tight, with the experience of Tommy and Levi just g iving them the edge at crucial times.

Three of the quarter finals went to a deciding set.

Cora and Lily won the equivalent Girls’ Event beating the Renwick pair of Grace Midgeley and Lucy Gale in the final.

Other titles decided were

Special Plate: 1st: Corrin McWilliams (Bohally) 2nd Harry

McKendry(St Marys), 3rd Rab Keown (Bohally)

Plate: Oscar Duncan (Bohally) beat Te Naihi Poutapu (QCC) 12-10, 10-12, 11-8

Consolation Plate: Ned Bell (Renwick) beat Blayne Nash (Renwick) 11-13, 11-9, 11-8

Girls: 5/6 play off: Lucy Gale (Renwick) beat Samantha Haycock (Richmond View ) 3-1. Doubles Plate: Fletcher Phipps (Bohally)/ Harry Mckendry (St Marys) beat Ned Bell (Renwick) and Te Naihi Poutapu (QCC).

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf Club

Sun Jun 26: 9 holes Stable-

ford Glen Hurcomb 17 David

Waters 15 Bob Tapp 15 Doug

Shaw 14 Stuart Parker 13 Mike

McConnell 13 Ian Clark 13

Ladies Jenny evans 16 Elaine

Brown 16. Wed Jun 28: Medal

0-29 Sa-Nga Grupp net 84

30+ Jenny Evans 83 June 29th

Stableford David Dyer 41 Mike

Gardiner 39 Graeme Parker 34

Don Lamond 34 Tere Poa 34

Bob Tapp 33 Graeme Daines 33 Desz Campbell 32 Buck Asplet

Picton Golf Club

Sat 24 Jun: Nett- Jock Mannington 67; Ant Booker 69; Jeff Pascoe 73; Phil Hawke 75, Ian Aldridge 75;

Sun 25 Jun: Business House S/F- Div 1- G Aldridge 37,Ant Booker 37; Phil Hawke 36; Jerome January 35, Mike Gardiner 35, Shaun Brown 35, Albertus Van Dyk 35, Hayden Gaudin 35; Div 2- Greg Ruffell 40; Louis Agenbag 38; Jordan McKenzie 37; James Fattorini 36; Richard McLean 35, Wayne Pratt 35,Trevor Gullery 35;

Wairau Golf Club

Sat 1 Jul: Stableford: Bevan Roughan 37, Pete Jerram 35, Glen Griffiths 35, Mike Collins 33, Richard Bruce 32, Rob Chee

31 9 Holes Gen Hurcomb 17 George Addis 17 Ian Hatcher

16 Pani Swann 15.

Sat Jul 1: Monthly Medal

Gross Mark Le Compte 72 Net

Nigel Smith 70 Sam Rainbird

70 Trent Davies 72 Mark le Compte 72 Mike Gardiner 73 Luke Yarrall 74 Graeme Daines

74 Brian Yarrall 74 Michael Daines 75 Don Lamond 75 Ladies Rachel Bell 71 Sa-Nga Grupp 73.

Patrich Norton Jnr 34, Nick Wright 34, Mike Mc Guire 32, Iain Berrie 32; Women-V Eastgate 37; J Precott 35; M McConway 33; R Bell 31; R Kydd 28, H McIsaac 28. E Gillies 28; Top Teams over 3 roundsRadciffe 356, Golf Hub 349, Bayleys 346, Beachcomber Cruises 343; Tue 27 Jun: Nett-Jenny Hart 75, Maria McConway 75; Mary Butler 77, Lin Stone 77, Jo Prescott 77; Sue Hutchinson 78;

31, Sharon Giles 30, Brian Roughan 30, Mel Hampton 30 Two’s: Bevan Roughan.

Photo: Photosport.