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November 1, 2023

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By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s Lachlan Mackie started his university exams on Marlborough Anniversary Day. The 19-year-old will be content and proud with the news then that his design leadership and creativity – along with three other University of Canterbury mates - has been recognised after beating 16 university teams to win the ‘Australasian Warman Competition.’

Continued on page 2.

THE CREAM OF THE CROP: University of Canterbury Engineering and Design students Harry Crump (20), Luka Phillips (19), Jarred Shelling (19), and Blenheim’s Lachlan Mackie (19) have beaten 16 university teams to win the ‘Australasian Warman Competition.’

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“Winning, a golden ticket on engineering CV”

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Continued from page 1.

Lachlan, a former deputy head boy of Marlborough Boys’ College (2021) is doing a four year degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace.

T he Wa r m a n D e sig n a nd Build Competition is part of the ENME201 – Design Communication course where students design and build a device, such as a robot, to undertake a set task, with the winning UC team competing against 16 other Australasian universities.

Held over Labour Weekend, Lachlan was part of a second year Engineering and Design team which consisted of Harry Crump (20), Luka Phillips (19) and Jarred Shelling (19). Canterbury University put some 200 second-year engineering and design students through their paces into 50 teams combining four students for the competition.

Competing in heats at respective universities only the team with the best ideas and execution progressed to the finals, for a chance of the title of Warman Design and Build Competition.

Lachlan’s team had to design a robot with specifics around an allocated area, was underweight (six kilograms) and fitted within a 400mm cube. A robot was designed to place tennis balls into one silo and squash balls into another in

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the quickest time possible.

Extruding aluminium arms were implemented and cut to size and then mounted to a wooden MDF base’. The UC competition took 13 seconds while the Australasian completion took the robot only nine seconds to complete the task.

The result came as a bit of a surprise for Lachlan.

“We knew we had a really good design and a quick robot at the UC competition. We just thought surely somebody internationally came up with a better idea than us,” he reflects. “We realised quickly we had a shot and could become competitive by watching other teams and improving our design and making it better.”

The strategy Lachlan says was utilising the teams individual ideas by taking time to develop respective ideas, then coming together to see what they liked or didn’t like.

“We used modern materials and techniques as much as possible, mostly 3D printed parts by sketching concepts and building with CAD (computer-aided-design to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design). From there we were able to model how everything looked.

The aluminium arms we used we bought and cut it up with MDF, a wooden board to mould onto.”

The Australasian competition was held live via an online con-

Lachlan’s team (middle, white shirt) had to design a robot with specifics around an allocated area, was underweight (six kilograms) and fitted within a 400mm cube. A robot was designed to place tennis balls into one silo and squash balls into another in the quickest time possible.

ference call.

Lachlan’s team walked away with $3200 AUD as well as $1000 from the university. He says more importantly it’s about demonstrating to industry personnel that they are the top team of engineers in his class and places a ‘golden ticket’ on their respective CVs. “UC has a long history in this

competition and it’s a great honour to walk away with the top spot,” says Lachlan.

The 2023 Warman Design and Build Competition International Final winners were; First Prize: University Canterbury; Second Prize: UNSW Canberra; Third Prize: Griffith University Nathan campus.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023

Speedshear – fun, fast, fervid

By Chris Valli

It’s always a ‘goody at the Woody’ and this weekend it gets even better with the Harcourts Rural Speedshear taking place.

The event at Renwick’s Woodbourne Tavern has been running since 2013 with a sabbatical in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Shearing has progressed from being a physically demanding and arduous farm task to being recognised as an elite sporting pursuit and there will be some characters lining up to show their prowess on Saturday.

Apparently, a true shearer will efficiently remove the fleece from the sheep without double cutting the wool fibre or causing injury to the animal or self, all at speed.

Woodbourne Tavern co-owner Stacey Goodwin says they are encouraging shearers from all around the top of the south to come and enter with the large pool of prize money this year thanks to the ‘awesome sponsors’.

A bark-up for dogs and their enthusiastic owners starts at 6.30pm with the entry $5 per dog.

The shearing takes place in the back bar on a stage the tavern prepares and the sheep are feed through a race to the stage. Dogs for the bark up come directly on to the stage and do their thing.

Stacey says the initiative for the Speedshear came about through a conversation with Sarah Houston

3

inbrief

The Sun

River health report Marlborough Rivers are in good health compared to others around New Zealand. Analysis revealed increasing trends of nitrogen concentrations for Linkwater Stream and Mill Creek but decreasing trends for Doctors Creek and the Blenheim Springs. Decreasing trends were also observed in the Rai Catchment and Kaituna River.

E coli concentrations improved in numerous rivers and streams including the Kaituna, Cullen Creek, Doctors Creek and the Taylor River.

MediaWorks faces significant doubt

EWE BEAUTY: A North Island contestant shows his wares at a previous SpeedShear event.

Woodbourne Tavern co-owner Stacy Goodwin is encouraging shearers from all around the region to attend the event.

(nee Higgins) who thought of the idea with her brother Duncan.

“They helped us along with Chris Jones who has been actively involved with this event from its conception. We watched the East Coast Inn Speed shear (Ward) back in 2012 and thought it would be cool to have it at the Woody.”

Stacey says the best thing about

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the Speedshear is bringing the country to town.

“It’s a spectacle of elite athletes pushing themselves to be the fastest on the night. It’s fun, fast and loud.”

No doubt there is something truly magical and inspiring watching the strength, grace, power and precision of locals shearing at the local pub.

Registrations for the event are taken at the Woodbourne Tavern on or before the night and includes shearers’ singlet. Spectators are welcome. The Speedshear is this Saturday, November 4. The evening kicks off at 6.30pm with the Bark Up followed by the shearing from 7.30pm and live music from Grumpy Monkey later in the night.

Troubled radio company MediaWorks faces financial uncertainty, according to an auditor.

The owner of The Breeze and More FM released its audited financial statements on Friday, along with notes from the auditor, PwC, warning of “material uncertainty”.

MediaWorks made a net loss of nearly $126 million last calendar year, with liabilities exceeding assets by $19.4m.

The auditor said there was “significant doubt” about whether MediaWorks can continue to operate beyond June 2025, given its bank financing arrangements.

SH6 Rai Saddle slip repairs Work to repair a rockfall slip on a passing lane on State Highway 6, Rai Saddle, starts next week.

From yesterday October 31 to mid-December, the site, between Whangamoa and Rai Valley, will be under stop/go traffic controls and a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h from 7 am until 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

Drivers can expect short delays of up to 15 minutes while this work is underway and should plan their travel accordingly.

The Sun

4 Wednesday November 1, 2023

A gift ‘totally neglected’

By Chris Valli

A Blenheim resident has got hold of the Sun Newspaper to voice his concerns about the upkeep – or lack thereof for McKendry Park.

Locals can access McKendry Park in Springlands with access from Orchard Lane, Aston and Ward Streets. The park was purchased by the Marlborough District Council in April 1996 and named after former mayor Leo McKendry (1989 – 95).

Chris Abbott says the park is a disgrace adding it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ He says there are many fruit trees that have not seen an arborist or any attention for years.

“Dandelions two-three foot tall and assumedly because of the bulbs growing in the bottom. You cannot

Blenheim resident Chris Abbott says McKendry park is a disgrace and is asking the Marlborough District Council to take action.

see the bulbs due to the rank grass and weeds,” he says.

Chris says a local lady living at an adjoining property says she cannot keep up weeding her garden due to dandelion flowers everywhere.

“Come on council, this is a disgrace and I’m sure most people would appreciate the park being mown all the time instead of being left to become an eyesore,” says Chris.

McKendry Park is part of a former commercial orchard in Springlands and is reserved as a public reserve with extensive plantings of heritage fruit trees including walnuts, quince and plums.

In addition to fruit trees, the reserve has over 10,000 daffodil-bulbs, most originally imported from Holland in the 1930s by Stewart Clouston, a member of the family that formerly owned the land.

Paving the way for an older workforce

By Chris Valli

The Ministry of Social Development has joined with local industries and business agencies to help older workers find and develop their own employment opportunities.

The number of workers over the age of 50 is increasing, with the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Region likely to lead this trend in

years to come, says MSD Regional Commissioner, Craig Churchill.

“Ultimately, we will need older workers as the population ages. We all know older workers can be loyal, reliable and have longer tenure. They bring a lifetime of skills, experience, stability and leadership and can mentor younger workers. They can be open to flexible working conditions and help

create a diverse workplace with a range of skills and viewpoints which is good for business.”

MSD, along with local development agencies and chambers of commerce has developed a website that allows workers to plan work across the Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast Region in a range of industries from fruit and farming, through to aquaculture

and hospitality. The pickyourpath. nz website offers information on each industry as well as a calendar that provides a guide to seasonal labour demand.

“This is a really great tool for the semi-retired, who might be looking to mix short-term employment with retirement and regional travel,” says Mr Churchill.

Regional Skills Leadership

Groups across the Region have also been planning for an aging workforce, developing regional workforce plans that include future training and employment planning for older workers.

“If we plan ahead, we can maximise the benefits of this trend with older workers bringing a lifetime of skills and experience to the table,” Mr Churchill says.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023

5

McHappy Day

By Chris Valli

Helping those in need never tasted so good.

This Saturday, November 4 is McHappy Day where Marlburians can help families of hospitalised children together by enjoying a Big Mac. The restaurant will donate $1 from every Big Mac sold to help raise much needed funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand (RMHC®) with an ambitious target of raising $500,000 over the campaign.

The money equates to 3,000 room nights for families staying at RMHC Houses. Last year, McHappy Day raised $270,000 with the funds raised helping provide over 1,500 nights accommodation, free of charge, for families with a child in a hospital away from home.

Dan and Keri Maas, Franchisees of McDonald’s Blenheim have had their own experience with RMHC. At t wo weeks old, their daughter Demi was diagnosed with a critical heart condition and rushed to Starship for immediate surgery. The family are forever grateful for the facilities RMHC were able to offer their family.

“It was emotional to be on the other side and experiencing the

facilities first hand,” the couple says. “It was such a comforting place to be able to see other families who were hurting like us at the time. So I am thankful we can give back to the house whenever possible.”

Keri has a passion for supporting the local community and has contributed towards the Inspire Foundation, Marlborough Boys’ College sports teams and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The number of families with hospitalised children, who require accommodation support, continues to grow and in order to accommodate this, RMHC needs to expand in existing locations, and continue to build new facilities.

“The ability for us to be able to help relieve stress for families who are already dealing with so much is priceless,” says Wayne Howett, CEO RMHC New Zealand.

“Providing support and a place to sleep near our main hospitals in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch is what we do, including organising family meals and providing a friendly ear to listen on tough days. It’s really exciting to have McHappy Day back for another year and the money raised will be a huge help to our people around the country and the

YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 2002: Blenheim Sun Newspaper deliverer Tate Carpenter is a Year 6 student at Springlands School.

The eleven-year-old has been doing deliveries for two years and says the best thing about the run is saving his pocket money and the exercise.

He says he recently bought a new mountain bike helmet with the money earned. Photo: Chris Valli.

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Keri and Dan Maas Franchisees of McDonald’s Blenheim have had their own experience with RMHC. They are pictured with their daughters.

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6 Wednesday November 1, 2023

Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street.

As we are getting older, some basic things become harder to do. What are you finding harder as you’ve ‘aged’?

Theresa Sinclair Blenheim That my babies are becoming adults.

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Alana Jamieson Blenheim Gym classes/exercise - it’s like a new injury every day (some days I even get an injury by sleeping funny). Pretty sure my body is trying to kill me at this point.

Harry Sutherland Blenheim Learning to read the room before saying or doing things.

Gail Branigan Blenheim Reading signs and tolerating people.

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Library name Dear Editor, I find it incomprehensible that our magnificent new library does not have its full name up in English only Maori. I have no objection whatsoever to the Maori name but find it offensive that it is not there in English, a language that the majority of people in this country speak and understand and also for our overseas visitors .

Another thing, our local airport signage that calls it “Marlborough Airport” Blenheim when it should read ‘Blenheim Airport’ Marlborough, and the script on the sign making it difficult to read, is also very confusing.

Come on council make it right.

J. A. Joslin Renwick.

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Santa is coming to town on Sunday, December 3 and those involved in the Waitohi Picton Ferry Terminal Precinct Redevelopment (iReX) project are keen to ensure he can find his way.

Representatives of Downer HEB JV, Marlborough Roads and Council met with Santa’s local helper, Beryl Bowers, long-time organiser of the Waitohi Picton Christmas Parade recently to discuss Santa’s route through town.

“We were keen to meet with Beryl to ensure the ongoing works in the town for the iReX project don’t impact the parade,” said DHJV Communications and Engagement Senior Advisor Jane

Davison.

“No-one wants Santa to get lost on this important date in the community’s calendar.”

Mrs Bowers has organised the Picton Christmas Parade for the past 19 years and works with a small group of dedicated volunteers to bring Santa to town.

“One of the important messages for people this year is to allow a bit more time than normal to find a car park and secure the best spot for catching lollies and seeing all the amazing floats,” said Mrs Bowers.

“There is also a cruise ship in port, so

visitors will also have a chance to see our wonderful parade.

“It’s going to be a great day to showcase our town,” she said.

This year’s event starts at 2.30pm from the Police Station in Upper High Street, travelling down High Street to Waikawa Road, around London Quay, and back up and down High Street, before concluding near Port Marlborough on Auckland Street.

The fun will continue at the Foreshore, with carols and a prizegiving from 3pm.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023

River health report Marlborough rivers are in good health when compared to others around New Zealand.

Environmental Scientist Steffi Henkel told October’s Environment and Planning committee meeting that good water quality was a cornerstone of a thriving region.

“Rivers and streams hold a pivotal role in the social, cultural and economic well-being of our community,” she said.

Regular monitoring was crucial for the management of freshwater resources and there were now 56 sites around Marlborough, an increase of 22, and all these would help provide better regional coverage and accurate data, she said.

In recent years water quality had been the focus of increased attention from central government including the introduction of a new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Ms Henkel said Council did field measurement and lab analysis of samples gathered during site visits and also sampled macroinvertebrates at 49 sites annually across the region.

The approach to the old Awatere road and rail bridge

Whale Trail moving along Marlborough’s Whale Trail cycle and walking track from Waitohi/Picton to Kaikōura continues to make progress.

Motorists travelling through Seddon may have noticed work on the old Awatere road/rail bridge – which has been repurposed for the Whale Trail – as well as work at the northern approaches.

Plans are for a soft opening of the Blenheim to Seddon section in early December.

Progress made means cyclists will be able to ride the Whale Trail from the Picton elevation to Seddon in the New Year, Whale Trail Construction Manager Vicky Nalder said.

“Elite Contracting is making great progress on the section from Redwood Pass to the Awatere Bridge,” she said. “There are some lovely sections that wind through

vineyards and take in vistas out to sea and down to the Awatere River.”

Her report, which provided results for

various parameters, using data from the past five years showed poor states at some sites were probably due to catchment characteristics such as mudstone geology in the Awatere River.

“In rural areas some primary causes of degraded water quality include livestock access to waterways, erosion and nitrogen leaching from fertilizer application and animal droppings,” she said. “In urban areas, contamination from sewerage due to damaged infrastructure stands as a major cause of degradation.”

Many rivers and streams in Marlborough have ongoing improvement actions in their catchments through Council’s Catchment Care programme or the Te Hoiere Project.

Analysis revealed increasing trends of nitrogen concentrations for Linkwater Stream and Mill Creek but decreasing trends for Doctors Creek and the Blenheim Springs.

Decreasing trends were also observed in the Rai Catchment and Kaituna River.

E coli concentrations improved in numerous rivers and streams including the Kaituna, Cullen Creek, Doctors Creek and the Taylor River.

Further north, with help from Waikawa Bay School and a huge amount of work from volunteers led by John Pickering and contracting partners CMT, the section between the elevation and Lindens Road is now built, rolled and planted.

Whale Trail Project Lead Nigel Muir is quietly optimistic for the completion of the trail between Picton and Blenheim in mid 2024.

“This trail will be such a legacy for the region – it’s going to take its place as a jewel in the national network of cycle trails,” he said. “Without community buy-in this project won’t succeed - we’re grateful to the wonderful contractors, volunteers and community groups who are helping make it come alive.”

The Wairau River is one of those constantly monitored for water quality

Stamp out fanworm before it establishes Mediterranean Fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) is an invasive marine pest that poses a huge threat to the Marlborough Sounds.

It can quickly form dense colonies out competing other organisms with tubes growing up to 80cm, producing up to 1,000 tubes per square metre. They grow predominately on hard surfaces including boat hulls, marine structures and the sea floor.

Fanworm has the potential to be costly to vessel owners, marine farmers and port companies as it can be very difficult and expensive to remove and can compete with mussels for food, Council’s Senior Biosecurity Officer Liam Falconer said.

“It’s already well established in Auckland, the upper North Island and Lyttleton, and therefore can easily arrive on boats coming here as we’ve seen in the past,” Liam said. “Fanworm can take hold quickly, if anyone suspects they have seen it, they should contact Council’s Biosecurity team immediately.”

Mediterranean fanworm has previously been detected in Marlborough following routine inspections by Council contracted divers. It has generally been found on boat hulls in areas missed with antifoul or in high wear areas where it had rubbed off, Liam said.

“Our extensive surveillance programme has indicated we

don’t have any established populations in Marlborough and the long-term goal is to keep it that way,” he said. “It is an offence to knowingly bring Mediterranean fanworm into Marlborough.”

If you haven’t prepared your vessel correctly and you’re travelling to the upper north, it’s highly likely that you will bring fanworm home with you.

Working with the marine farming industry and marina operators was a valuable tool in preventing Mediterranean fanworm spread, Liam said.

For more information go to: https://links.marlborough.govt. nz/45Fz910

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8 Wednesday November 1, 2023

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

‘My lovely boy…

Jono was full of love’ Okaramio dairy and sheep farmer Lone Sorenson opens up to Chris Valli about her son’s death after complications from SUDEP, a fatal complication with having epilepsy.

Lone Sorenson’s face depicts an external demeanour of a bright smile and warmness that would encapsulate all walks of life. Yet internally, her heart is broken in what has been 12 months of frustration, soul searching and finding one’s purpose again.

In late October 2022, her 29-yearold son Jono Sorenson died after having an epileptic seizure in his bedroom in Wellington.

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.

During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures.

Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.

Jono was diagnosed three months earlier in July where he had his first seizure while at work and was taken to hospital. While at the hospital he had another seizure and was referred to a neurologist who sent him home with a letter which Lone has with wording….’good Luck Jonathan’.

In September 2022, Jonathan finally found an appointment with a neurologist and was informed that they had found an abnormality in his brain and that he was required to go on medication. He asked the neurologist at the time if he needed to worry about it and they said no.

“That was the biggest mistake they could do….which I found out later,” says Lone. “I was not worried as I have a mother who is 103 and has epilepsy and has lived with the disorder since she was 24. I grew up with Mum on medication and it was

never an issue. Mum just said that Jono needed to go on medication and not to worry.”

On October 5, 2022, Lone went to Wellington to visit Jono and his band who were in the final of the ‘Battle of the Bands’, a regional contest in which bands compete for the title of ‘best band’. Jono’s song won the best song in the country and he was ‘on top of the world’ with his band finishing in the top three. The weekend also included going to the WOW (wearable art experience) in what Lone describes as a ‘fantastic

“It was an absolutely horrendous time, terrible” time together’.

Lone says it was during this time Jono had ‘come back’ to his own Christian faith with Mum and son celebrating that God had helped him along the journey. He had started a new job as a music director/administrator for St Mary’s Church in Karori and loved the opportunity to feel a bit ‘like a rockstar’.

Lone recalls Jono was a bit worried about going on medication and how that would affect his lifestyle Three weeks later, Lone had been talking to a former teacher of his and how well he was doing. It was shortly after this she received a phone call advising her Jono hadn’t turned up for work.

“The alarm bells went off and I thought that’s not good. Jonathan would never do that,” she says.

“Ian the minister from the church and bandmates went to his flat as

they had a gig that night and hadn’t heard from him.

They found him on the bedroom f loor. We could pinpoint exactly when he died. It was 8:25am as he had been on Band Chat (an online private conversation) with his band members. He had also chatted to me at 8:10am as he had sent me an email about a property he wanted me to have a look at,” she says.

When Lone was informed of his death she flew on the next available flight from Blenheim where Jono’s bandmates took her straight to the morgue.

It was at the morgue where she was informed that Jono had actually died from SUDEP, which stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy – a fatal complication of epilepsy.

SUDEP is defined as the sudden and unexpected, non-traumatic death of a person with epilepsy without a toxicological or anatomical cause of death detected during the post-mortem examination.

Apparently Jono was ‘in the at risk group’ for dying with SUDEP being tall (two metres), long arms and legs, blonde genes and a male in his 20s.

When you combine the lifestyle that he led as a musician playing often at night, Lone says, in hindsight, it all added up.

“It was an absolutely horrendous time, terrible,” she says.

At his funeral Lone was handed an Australian article by a friend with the headline, A Silent Killer of Our Young in the Night. After reading the story and feeling overwhelmed Lone could not believe the pattern of the story which mirrored Jono’s.

Jonathan and Ruby, singer and lead guitarist in Jonathan’s band ViL’Nl. Insert: Jonathan singing at one of the Battle of the Bands gigs in Wellington.

“There’s a reason why doctors don’t want to tell or scare you about SUDEP. IN Jono’s case I would have rather have been scared. He might have been alive today if they actually told him that it can be deadly with triggers and to be aware. We never got that chance to do anything because he was told the wrong information.”

A National Institute of Health ‘retrospective review’ found that SUDEP was ‘well recognised’ and widely reported but remained poorly understood.

Coroner’s reports of all cases of possible SUDEP in New Zealand from 2007-2016 were obtained and post-mortem and toxicology results were reviewed.

Of 190 cases from the coroner’s office, 123 were definite causes of SUDEP.

To raise awareness, on October 24, the Himmerland Folk Band consisting of Eskil Romne (Denmark), Jens Ulvsand (Sweden), Donald Hay (Scotland) and Danika Villanueva (Chile) played at Renwick’s Church Hall as a joint fundraiser for Epilepsy and New Zealand SUDEP research.

Lone says the Himmerland band night was a great success with about 60 people attending and wanting to donate with approximately $2000 raised on the night.

“Jonathan’s music played at the break time. It was very powerful for people realizing that awful things happened to a real person.”

“His greatest legacy will be his music, it’s what he did and now lives on with his brother, myself and his friends. He had a big heart.”

The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023

More than 100 young people from New Zealand Cadet Forces units around the South Island took part in the annual Exercise Trident Combined Adventure Camp in Otago, over Labour Weekend.

South Island Cadets adventure challenge

By Chris Valli

More than 100 young people from New Zealand Cadet Forces units around the South Island came together for the annual Exercise Trident Combined Adventure Camp recently.

The three-day event took place over Labour Weekend at Tirohanga Camp in Mosgiel, Back Beach in Port Chalmers and Dunedin’s Kensington Army Hall.

Members of Navy Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets travelled to compete in 15 activities on land and on the water.

Lieutenant Malcolm Rudd, who oversaw the event, says it was an action-packed experience like no other.

“Exercise Trident is more than just an outdoor event, it’s an opportunity for young people aged 13 to 19 to develop their leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience,” he says.

“The tri-corps adventure camp is an epic event that’s become a Labour Weekend tradition.

It provides an unforgettable experience for the cadets and fosters a sense of camaraderie among the participants.”

Now in its third year, the event brings

together eight units organised into eight mixed teams.

The organisers designed a variety of team-building activities and challenges, aimed at encouraging personal growth among the participants. That includes sailing, sea survival, orienteering, confidence courses, first aid demonstrations and games.

“We were excited to have 20 dedicated volunteer staff members on hand to guide and mentor the participants as they took on these challenges,” Lieutenant Rudd says.

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) are modelled on the New Zealand Defence Force and has existed in various forms since 1864, making it the oldest youth development organisation in the country.

The voluntary, uniformed organisation provides military-style leadership, personal development opportunities and adventure-based training to youth aged between 13 and 19 years old.

Across its three branches - Navy Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets - the NZCF provides young people with a hands-on, nationally-coordinated training program.

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The Sun

10 Wednesday November 1, 2023

Grey Power Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH

The Association for people 50+

Advocating for people 50 +

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

From the President’s Desk

Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

Well, another year is near its end.

They seem to go quicker every year, or am I going slower?

G rey Power Ma rlboroug h ha s achieved a lot in 2023 and here are some of the highlights.

We have given several presentations during the year to service groups and community organisations.

Grey Power hosted meetings throughout the year for John Collyns, Retirement Villages of NZ, Alec McNeill, for the MDC Wheelie Bin rollout in 2024 and Carolyn Cooper, Aged Care Commissioner.

We have had very successful meetings with our Mayor Nadine Taylor and our MP Stuart Smith.

We partnered with MDC and Blenheim South Rotary on projects that affect seniors.

As part of our Outreach Programme, we visited Picton, Havelock, Wairau Valley and Kaikoura.

Throughout the year we had meetings with Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).

We sent in submissions and remits to Grey Power Federation. Two delegates attended the Federation AGM making their voices heard loud and clear.

We worked on a three year strategic plan for future-proofing Grey Power Marlborough, and have introduced two new committee members, one being our new Picton Rep. Grey Power hosted three parliamentary candidates meeting in both Blenheim and Picton.

On a lighter note, having taken my 14-year-old grandson to Wellington during the recent holidays I found Uber. What a great service this is!

Cheaper than getting taxi’s around a city you don’t know and lovely people driving the vehicles. Who said old dogs can’t learn new tricks!!

Health Article Winter is now a distant memory and summer is just around the corner. It is now time to come out of winter hibernation and start planning healthy activities that you may put a halt to in the colder weather.

There are several healthy activities you can enjoy coming in to the warmer weather; dust off your bicycle, or bite the bullet and buy an e-bike and start enjoying the clean air while taking in many of the sites and sights that Marlborough offers.

Join a walking group. There are many groups in Marlborough that offer easy walking for the less fit and more vigorous tracks for long time walkers.

Stadium 2000 also offers some great healthy option exercises. You can pay as you use for the swimming pools. I go to aqua gentle, on a Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10am, and there are more challenging aqua size classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.30am.

This is a great way to meet new people while keeping fit. I enjoy a spa after the session, while some people have a group that have coffee afterwards. You can also do aqua jogging with a friend and chat while doing lengths, or you can do it on your own.

I also go to the ‘Go for Gold’ classes that are held Monday’s (strength), Wednesday’s (Cardio), and Friday’s (balance) at 9.30am. These are not in the pool. I go when I can and enjoy the variety of exercises.

The stadium also has a great gym facility and they have recently updated all their equipment.

As a Grey Power member, you can take out a corporate membership which means you can use all of these

facilities as many days as you wish at no extra cost.

If you are doing outdoor activities to increase your fitness, remember to use a good sunscreen and try to go out before 11am or after 4pm. Vitamin D is something we do not get in generous amounts during winter so it is good to be outside, even in the shade, for at least 15 minutes per day. Always remember to drink plenty of water during the warmer months as dehydration can have severe effects, especially in the very young and seniors.

So get out and enjoy summer and exercise regularly to have a better quality of life.

Gayle Chambers

Friday 15 December. The office will reopen at 9am on Monday 8 January 2024.

If you have a local business and may be interested in advertising in our Discount Book, please contact the office as soon as possible, office@greypowermarlborough. co.nz

Events: Heart Foundation Heart Checks on Friday 17 November, 11am to 1pm, in the Community Trust Building Meeting Rooms, 25 Alfred Street, Blenheim.

Foodbank Appeal on Monday 27 November, 6-8pm.

Office Snippets If you would like to join Grey Power or at the Clubs of Marlborough car park.

Marlborough, please see our website, The office is open Monday to Friday, greypowermarlborough.co.nz or come 9am to 1pm. into the office at Room 19, 25 Alfred If you have not paid your annual subStreet, Blenheim. $29 for an individual, scription yet this year, it is not too late!

SECURITY AT THE $43 for a joint membership.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023

Grey Power Marlborough

11

MARLBOROUGH

The Association for people 50+

Advocating for people 50 +

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

Improving Media Literacy

Cybersecurity Awareness

Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

Manipulated, false or misleading information online can cause people to worry and be anxious for no real reason. The rise in misinformation has seen people reduce trust in institutions, the media, public acceptance of science and the integrity of government.

Improving digital inclusion helps us to access services and participate in society, but it is important that we recognise misinformation when they see it.

Media literacy provides a framework to access, analyse, evaluate, and participate with messages in a variety of forms - from print to video to the internet.

One of the most effective ways to help you evaluate information in the digital world is the SIFT method: Stop Before you read or share an article

or video, STOP! Be aware of your emotional response to the headline or information in the article.

Headlines are often meant to get clicks and will do so by causing the reader to have a strong emotional response.

Investigate the source Take a moment to look up the author and source publishing the information.

What can you find out about the author?

Do they have vested interests?

Would their assessment be biased?

Do they have authority in the area?

When an article references a quote from an expert, or results of a research study, it is good practice to attempt to locate the original source of the information. Click through the links to follow the

claims to the original source of information Would their assessment be biased?

Do they have authority in the area?

Find better coverage • See if you can find other sources corroborating the same information or disputing it.

• What coverage is available on the topic?

• Keep track of trusted news sources.

Trace the original • When an article references a quote from an expert, or results of a research study, it is good practice to attempt to locate the original source of the information. Click through the links to follow the claims to the original source of information.

Emergency radio In an emergency, Brian FM is the official station for local emergency information.

100.9 – Blenheim

105.9 – P icton & Awatere Valley 104.3 – Seddon 105.9 – Ward

100.1 – Havelock 105.9 – Okiwi Bay & French Pass 100.3 – Kaikoura

Marlborough Community Foodbank Appeal Foodbank Street Appeal Monday 27 November, 2023, 6-8 pm. Donate canned or other non-perishable food. Back-up

date Monday 4 December.

Collectors will visit Blenheim, Picton, Rarangi, Seddon, Renwick, Havelock, Woodbourne,

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October was Cybersecurity Month, a dedicated month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

If you missed it, this article is a reminder to use these Internet security techniques.

Use strong passwords and a password manager: Strong passwords are long, random, unique, and include all four-character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).

Password managers are a powerful tool to create long, random, and unique passwords for each account. They also make storing passwords and user IDs easy.

Turn on two-step authentication: Enabling two-step authentication makes you significantly less likely to get hacked.

Enable it on all online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media, and financial accounts and use authentication apps or hardware tokens for added security.

Recognise & report phishing: Phishing is an email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, passwords, banking and credit card details.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or calls asking for personal information, avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials over the phone or email unless necessary, don’t click on links or open attachments sent from unknown sources.

Verify the authenticity of requests by contacting the individual or organisation through a trusted channel. Report phishing attempts to the appropriate authorities or IT department.

Update software: Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices.

Regularly check manually for updates if automatic updates are not available and keep operating systems, antivirus software, web browsers, and applications up to date.

SUPPORTING THE MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY Come to us for the right advice Your trusted local Glass Company for 50 years When experience counts talk to us P: 578 0850 | 47 Grove Rd, Blenheim www.viridianglass.co.nz

12 Wednesday November 1, 2023

The Sun

The Sun

2023 MELBOURNE CUP

Wednesday November 1, 2023 13

Tuesday 7th November

Option 1.

Horse #1

Horse #2

1

2

Horse #3

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Horse #8

6

7

8

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MELBOURNE CUP Horse ballot

Option 3.

Correct as of October 31

Ballot Horse Marlborough

Trainer

Age, Weight

1

Anthony and Sam Freedman

7yo, 55.5kg

Willie Mullins

6yo, 53kg

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

6yo, 50kg

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

7yo, 58.5kg

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Horse #11

Horse #12

11

12

4

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5

ALENQUER (FRA)

Mike Moroney

6yo, 56.5kg

6

BREAKUP (JPN)

Tatsuya Yoshioka

6yo, 55kg

7

VAUBAN (FRA)

Willie Mullins

6yo, 55kg

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8

SOULCOMBE (GB)

Chris Waller

5yo, 53.5kg

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VOW AND DECLARE

Danny O’Brien

8yo, 53kg

10

RIGHT YOU ARE

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

7yo, 53kg

11

MAGICAL LAGOON (IRE)

Chris Waller

5yo, 51kg

3

FUTURE HISTORY (GB)

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Horse #13

Horse #14

12

VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ)

Liam Howley

4yo, 51kg

13

14

13

LASTOTCHKA (FRA)

Jean-Marie Beguigne

5yo, 51kg

14

CLEVELAND (IRE)

Kris Lees

6yo, 51.5kg

15

SHERAZ (FRA)

Chris Waller

7yo, 51.5kg

16

DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (NZ)

Phillip Stokes

6yo, 51.5kg

17

VALIANT KING (GB)

Joseph O’Brien

4yo, 50kg

18

ASHRUN (FRA)

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

8yo, 51.5kg

19

OKITA SOUSHI (IRE)

Joseph O’Brien

6yo, 51.5kg

20

MILITARY MISSION (IRE)

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott

6yo, 50.5kg

21

KING FRANKEL (IRE)

Annabel Neasham

6yo, 51kg

22

SERPENTINE (IRE)

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott

7yo, 51kg

23

MORE FELONS (IRE)

Chris Waller

6yo, 50.5kg

24

TRUE MARVEL (FRA)

Matthew Smith

8yo, 50kg

note: The numbers in the ads will be the winning horse numbers

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Horse #7

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Horse #6

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Horse #17

Horse #18

Horse #19

Horse #20

17

18

19

20

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Carpet Cleaning speCialists

Emergencies 25. LADIES MAN (6yo, 50kg, Allan Sharrock) 26. ATHABASCAN (FRA) (5yo, 50kg, John O'Shea) 27. UNITED NATIONS (5yo, 50kg, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace)

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Horse #22

21

22

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Horse #15

Horse #16

15

16

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By Bill McElhinney The heat is on, and you can blame the Aussies.

But it’s not officially a heatwave. sitting The high pressure ridge and warm, moist air mass Sea over the country has made its way across the Tasman from Australia. the And the warm air won’t be moving off any time soon, MetService says. hit 35.0 The temperature in Blenheim on Monday officially was deg. C, the highest in the country. A similar temperature recorded in Napier.

Continued on Page 2.

Time to cool off! Hannah Baker-Saunders and Alice Rankin-SaunLines ders enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool at Marlborough soar.

Stadium 2000 on Sunday afternoon as temperatures

The Sun

14 Wednesday November 1, 2023

A tough year for farmers, a tough year for Alliance Group

If you can think it, we can help you make it.

Talk to an ITM sales rep today and let’s get it underway.

41 Holdsworth St, Blenheim | 03 578 3049 operations@blenheimitm.co.nz

The meat company is facing its worst financial result since 2012, when it posted its first operating loss in 20 years.

Last year, it achieved a record profit before provisions, distribution and tax of $117.2 million.

Chairman Murray Taggart, who is in the midst of roadshow meetings around the country to update and meet shareholders, says the mood from farmers was fairly subdued.

But they also understood international markets “are what they are” and the company was limited in its ability to “swim against the tide”.

The company’s financial result, due to be announced next month, was very disappointing and followed a “pretty terrible year”. The international price fell very rapidly from October through to December and there was a inventory write-down of $55 million.

Real estate and debt crises in China, coupled with youth unemployment had led to a consumer confidence crisis.

A flood of Australian product coming on the market was also very unhelpful at the same time that markets were weak.

In New Zealand, there had also been discussion about southern drought, caused

by La Nina.

Farmers needed to get stock killed and Alliance thought it was “doing the right thing” to provide that service — and then it rained.

There were a lot of people worldwide grappling with high inflation and high interest rates.

The company did not have a clear timeline for when the situation would improve, but Christmas sales, followed by the Chinese New Year, would give a good indicator “whether green shoots are out there or not”, he says.

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has had.

While there had been impact from China, a strong market in the United States had offset that, while venison had “picked up a bit”.

Positively, Alliance was seeing some opportunities to capture more value for its core products.

It had been restricted in terms of its ability to maximise chilled products, but there were more opportunities now that logistics had reverted to normal.

There were some exciting opportunities around co-products and the ability for freezedried organs in the nutraceutical market, and Alliance had received approval to export female reproductive tissue from cattle as freeze-dried powder.

It cost the company $51/kg to produce and its first sale was concluded about three weeks ago, and $251/kg was achieved.

That was material which was previously rendered for “a few cents a kilogram”.

The company was looking at all products and seeing where it could get the best returns.

“What we’ve got to do is capture more value for every head chopped off,” Mr Taggart said.

Changes had been made to its loyalty structure and that meant not quite so much was going to its larger volume suppliers and the base schedule for smaller suppliers had been lifted.

Planting of “good sheep and beef land” into trees continued to be of “real concern” and it was frustrating that New Zealand was one of only two countries — the other is Kazakhstan — that allowed 100% offsetting in their carbon pricing mechanism.

No lawmakers had said they were going to address it.

The blame was not on farmers, as they had to do the best they could for the situation they were in, Mr Taggart says.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023 15

Farming news

Entries open for FMG Young Farmer of the Year The search is on once again for New Zealand’s top young farmers, with talented young individuals around the country encouraged to throw their hat in the ring for a shot at rural stardom.

Entries for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest series have just opened for 2024.

The competition, now in its 56th season, boasts a strong track record showcasing not only the future of farming but the best talent New Zealand’s food and fibre sectors have to offer.

Between February and April, seven regional final competitions will be held across the country – those who top their field will qualify for a spot on the national stage.

New Zealand Young Farmers’ Chair Chloe Jones is hoping this year’s contest attracts a wide range of people, including those without a farming background.

“No matter your skillset there’s something you can bring to the table. I’ve been in clubs where we’ve had rural nurses, butchers, and diesel mechanics. It doesn’t matter who you are, if you have an interest in the food and

fibre sectors then it’s worth giving it a go.”

Contestants can enter one of three categories depending on their age. They’re tested on a range of skills – from fencing and operating machinery, through to cooking, woodwork and irrigation.

“Our primary-aged contestants, some as young as five, enter the AgriKidsNZ contest.

It’s heaps of fun and a great way for kids to work together to solve complex challenges,” says Jones.

High School students, working in teams of two, are eligible for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition, while those who’ve left school compete alone, battling it out for the prestigious title of ‘FMG Young Farmer of the Year’ and $90,000 worth of prizes.

“It’s essentially a quest for the ultimate all-rounder, a reflection of the skills required to be a Young Farmer,” says Jones.“Every competition is different, and contestants start each day not knowing what skills they’ll be tested on. It definitely keeps things interesting.”

Jones says the FMG Young Farmer of the Year category is a crowd favourite. This year’s Grand Final winner, Emma Poole, was the first female in the history of the competition to top the podium.

“I’m still on top of the world,” says Poole.“When I reflect on the journey I’ve gone through to get to where I am now, it almost feels surreal, especially when I think back to the very first time I competed. Back then I couldn’t have imagined what I’d achieve today.”

Poole says taking part in the contest was eye-opening.

“It’s opened doors for me that otherwise might have remained closed. At the very least, you have fun, so why not give it a go?”

Hamilton will play host to next year’s Grand Final. The three-day competition will take place between 11-13 July 2024.

Exact locations and event details are yet to be confirmed.

Participants can enter via the New Zealand Young Farmers website.

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The Sun

16 Wednesday November 1, 2023

‘Investing Ray White’s presence in Picton

By Chris Valli

A business opportunity for a Blenheim local has come to fruition with the opening of a new location for Ray White Picton.

Braden Stanton is the Director/Licensee for the Picton’s Ray White office and grew up in Marlborough. Braden had a property business in Auckland for over a decade and relocated to the Nelson after selling the business in 2019.

However, he says after working as a developer for a family in Nelson, he was looking for a business opportunity.

In May this year, Ray White Branch Manager Angela Bowers and her husband Grant alongside Braden and his wife Rachel, took over ownership of Ray White Blenheim/Picton.

The new office opened on September 24 and is staffed by salesperson Hiram Taylor, a Picton local selling residential, lifestyle, and Marlborough Sounds properties.

Braden says the vision is to grow the Picton team and have a real estate presence in the Picton landscape.

“It’s about being loyal to the agent they have a relationship with. The brand does have an element to play when buying a house too,” he says. “People who have batches or holiday homes in Picton or the Sounds might have had a great experience with Ray White in Wellington, Christchurch or wherever they come from, they will automatically

Hiram Taylor, real estate salesperson, Ray White Picton.

go to the brand they have had a good experience with.”

The previous location on Key Street Braden says, was poorly located and as a result, the brand wasn’t known or seen.

“We needed to invest in the Picton, Sounds and Waikawa market,” he says.

“By relocating the office to a more high profile site at 47 High Street and that is what we did.”

Braden says he enjoys the challenges that owning a business brings and loves to help and see people within a business grow in their chosen profession and become all they can be.

Our Picton office has relocated You will now find us in our new building at 47 High Street, Picton.

So for all your real estate needs in Picton or the Marlborough Sounds, contact us today.

Ray White Blenheim & Picton 03 578 8059 | enquiries.blenheim@raywhite.com Instep Real Estate Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Sound of Summer

By Chris Valli

Catalina Sounds is preparing for another successful day of sun, sounds, food and the best wine and beer Marlborough has to offer.

The annual family-friendly event sees hundreds of groovers soak up the sun and serene views at the stunning vineyard location ‘Sound of White’ in the Waihopai Valley.

For the third Sound of Summer event, they have partnered with like-minded suppliers Marlburians adore.

To quench the thirst, they will be pouring their entire range of Catalina Sounds wines, with Lawson’s Dry Hills Rosé alongside Blenheim’s best beer producer, Boom Town Beers. Mouth-watering cuisine from Boom Chef BBQ (also DJ Boom) are teaming up with Cloudy Bay Clams once again.

A feature of this year’s event is welcoming for the first time, Dancing Sands Distillery from Golden Bay, Nelson based Italian Cheese producers ViaVio and the plant-based Mamma Lou’s for a selection of sweet and savoury

treats.

Four local musical sets will entertain guests including local strummer Midge McCleary who will be producing the funk, blues and roots inspired tunes.

String Quartet group ‘Rosso’ will be transposing contemporary music using their classical instruments. Singer-songwriter Hannah Dell will be sharing her smooth, soulful voice to her acoustic guitar while DJ collective Vinyl in the Vines will have attendee’s dancing and enjoying the summer sun late into the afternoon.

The Sound of White Vineyard is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from Blenheim. Against the backdrop of the Waihopai Valley ranges will be relaxed dining and picnic areas, and the bustling outdoor games and kids zone.

The event is on Saturday, November 18 from 11am – 5pm. Tickets are $15 and children under the age of 16 are free. Buses are available from Blenheim for an additional $15 return. Tickets available on Eventfinda.

For additional information, please contact info@catalinasounds.co.nz

Katja and Mark Thompson enjoying the summer vibes at a recent festival up the Waihopai Valley.

The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023 17

txt talk with The Sun

Talk of the week

One-sided

Rest easy

If the one-sided decisions in the world cup final are the best the I.R.B can come up with, I’m over rugby after being a no1 fan for over 80 years.

Reading of the Wgtn toddler who died last week makes me sick to the stomach. That dear little boy. Rest easy wee man.

Rugby rules

Bloody rort!

Wayne Smith spot on re rugby rules. Such a frustrating game to watch. ABs under Foster have done surprisingly well in the World Cup so credit for that.

I awake from night shift to go for a Doctor ordered blood test. Medlab are on strike, only in Blenheim and advised I can take the bus to Picton as they are open OR get it at the doctor, if they can and ‘I’ can deliver the vials to the hospital office which is shut due to the strike!

Cancel these contracts and bring things back to hospitals and profits too!

Halloween Isn’t it interesting, Govt stopped prayers in parliament in Jesus name, people want Gods blessings in their lives, but kids and people think nothing of getting dressed up.

As ghouls and witches, ghosts etc on Halloween.

The dark side, then wonder why kids have fears of all kinds?

Seriously.

There’s a countering ‘light’ party on at elim church on the same night, better to be part of ‘light’ than participating in ‘darkness’.

MBC Awards

Re: Alarmist

Just read in this very paper a young girl ready for Halloween, her devilish side coming out?

How is this wholesome?

It’s just terrible.

You’re right, I haven’t read the published science, but here’s a question: how’s the weather been at your place? Have you been enjoying the warm sunny days followed by big temperature swings and cold days, all punctuated by high winds? These are all hallmarks of El Nino.

I’m not an Alarmist btw, I was simply referring to weather that has been predicted by some meteorologists, the same weather we are currently experiencing.

About the two Saturday morning markets, I have heard nothing but good vibes about both of them.

They are a positive thing for Blenheim, and they both have different style stalls from what I have seen.

Some like Redwood Market only, and some the bootmarket only can’t please everyone and as for a Sunday morning market.

Good luck with that idea and instead of hiding behind a paper grow a set and put your name to it .

Believe nothing

Re: One job

Wholesome?

Re: Markets

Its very sad to see that people with disabilities still get discriminated against in this day and age.

Yes, your idea way too simple for these clowns.

Look at census debacle. Still not sorted. Are these the public servants PM Luxon wants rid of? Bring it on! Doubt they could organise a shindig in a brewery

Sorry Karen that set up is correct, so please complain about something else.

Green waste The new weight station is up and running at the Green Waste facility, and staffed by smiling, happy staff. Well done MDC. Now if only the person at the other end would actually get out of their car and have a look at what I’m dumping, rather than putting it all down as grass at the dearer rate.

Won’t be letting it slide a second time.

Great to see Renwick Fire Brigade putting on a safe, supervised community event for families on Halloween.

I reckon trick or treating is out of date, and a bit unsafe these days, so hats off to our Renwick Fire Brigade.

Discrimination

I remember seeing in Soweto, the riots-one dirt street only; in a paved, powered modern suburb; made to like a movie set with media grandstands for the ‘directed action’! Now in Gazza there are more reporters scanning for a money angle shot than fighters. With touchy-feely censors deleting/omitting facts!

Believe nothing you hear and little you see! It’s $55million newscon politics folks.

Re: Election

Great event

Grateful A shout out to Wairau hospital.

How lucky we are to have such a professional, efficient team of health workers. Including & especially the Churchill staff, take a bow. From a grateful patient who has just experienced world class care.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

I attended the M.B.C. awards night on Thursday. What a special event. To see all those young lads who had worked so hard to achieve, possibly not just for an award, but because they enjoyed and were proud to be involved in the sport of their choice for their college.

They all were dressed immaculately and so adult in their presence on stage. So well done to you all. Seemed a bit strange... or out of Kilter though, when one of the women presenting awards, thought she was going to a wet T shirt party, or the beach. Hope she gets the venue etiquette right next time.

We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Let driving you from your

RWC Final The TMO was way too involved in this game and seemed to be able to overrule the ref.

This would never have happened 5 years ago.

Just ridiculous! We saw maybe 3 glimpses of actual running rugby being played, the rest of it was adjudication while the TMO looked for anyone picking their nose at the wrong time.

Surely the ref should have control of the game.

Who oversees the TMO?

Put outofofreach reach when Putyour yourphone phone out when you are driving and give yourself a you are driving and give yourselfbreak a break

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

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The Sun

18 Wednesday November 1, 2023

. h t i w s e t u n i m Ingpen 5Rowan

Exclusive Interview!

Amateur influencer of the Woody Facebook page, Volunteer Renwick Fire Brigade Member  Are you a dog or cat person?

Dog.  My friends would say I am…

All talk, very little action.  The best advice I ever received was?

Become your own boss. Find something you love and you will never work a day in your life. Don’t take anything too seriously.  What would you buy if money was no object?

No idea, don’t know where to start… Farm by the seaside with boat launching access that is good for fishing, diving and has a motor x track.  Local coffee haunt?

The Coffee Shack.  Favourite takeaway?

Woodbourne Tavern’s Chicken Bacon Burger or the famous beef schnitzel from Renwick Meat Market.  The shop you can’t walk past is...?

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

Ask my wife, she will know.  Where is your happy holiday place?

Kairakau Beach on the East Coast out of Hawkes Bay.  Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Triple 6, 1883, Yellowstone.  What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Climb Mt Everest.

gardening this week Gardening tasks: By Wally Richards Now that we are halfway through Spring and quickly heading to Summer (December) there is a fair bit to do in our gardens so let’s run a check list in case some things are missed.

It will depend on what you have in your gardens as to whether any or all things aspects concern you.

Roses: generally at this time we have new foliage, buds and some flowering taking place.

If there is any sign of black spot or rust, spray the roses and soil underneath with a solution of potassium permanganate mixed at ¼ a teaspoon to a litre of non chlorinated water and spray. (It may stain walls etc temporarily).

Food for roses: horse manure is ideal, or blood & bone, otherwise sheep manure pellets with the blood & bone.

These should be applied to the soil and covered with some purchased compost.

Add to this a sprinkling of Wallys Unlocking your Soil and once a month a small sprinkling of Fruit & Flower Power.

If you want good roses avoid soil damaging fertilisers such as rose fertiliser and nitrophoska.

Bio Boost is also a good natural slow release one and very well priced, available from PGG Wrightson or Fruit Fed. If you have roses that need recovery from past chemical sprays such as Shield (now banned) the chemicals will have broken down the natural immunity of your roses.

You may like to start a recovery spray program which I wrote about originally just on 10 years ago.

On the first of the month mix the following at their label rates per litre of water, Perkfection for Roses, Magic Botanic Liquid, Mycorrcin & Wallys Neem Tree Oil. Spray late in the day just before sunset.

Then on the 15th of the month repeat spray all the above except for Perkfection.

Only water with non chlorinated water so you don’t harm the beneficial soil life including the gardeners best friend, earthworms.

In some cases the health improvement of your roses will be quickly noticed; although some may have the additional problem of inherently poor breeding and always be a sickly specimen even if they have brilliant flowers.

Lawns; I have had a number of enquiries about lawn problems starting with moss in lawns.

Don’t waste your money on sulphate of iron as it only burns the top of the moss which then quickly comes back.

Instead, jet spray the moss with Wallys Moss & Liverwort Control. It kills the moss completely without damaging the grasses.

If there is a spongy feeling when walking on the lawn that indicates a thatch problem.

Simply spray the lawn with Thatch Busta to clean up the thatch. Do the moss killing first, wait about 2 weeks then the Thatch Busta.

Bare patches in the lawn indicate the root damage caused by grass grubs in

the autumn/winter period and these same grubs are now down deep, pupating to emerge shortly as beetles.

They are too deep to do anything about them at this time so don’t waste your money on treating. The horse has gone so no need to close the gate.

Another bare patch problem with holes in the lawn indicate that porina caterpillars are at work eating at the base of the grass in the evening (when they are safe from birds) to return to their tunnels before dawn.

A simple spray over the lawn with Wallys Neem Tree Oil will stop the damage and cause them to starve to death.

In areas where porina are a problem treat the lawn this way every 3 months.

Do this late in the day on a recently mowed lawn.

When the grass grub beetles emerge they are going to eat the foliage of several plants so after you have noticed holes in the leaves go out after dark with a torch and have a look.

If you have beetles then spray them directly with a mix of Wallys Super Pyrethrum and Wallys Neem Tree Oil. Repeat nightly.

Also a bright light in a window facing the lawn with a trough two thirds full of water with a film of kerosene floating on the top,placed directly under the window pane, will trap lots of beetles and maybe a few Codlin Moths too.

They fly at the bright light hit the pane and fall into the water where the kerosene stops them from escaping.

Feed the beetles to the chickens next morning or flush down the toilet.

By the way if you do not have two or three chickens and you have room for a small hen house and run, it’s a great investment.

They will convert kitchen scraps and weeds into the best manure around and as a bonus supply you with a few eggs that you will find really tasty and magic for baking.

Not only that you are a bit more self-sufficient.

Check all grafted fruit tree and ornamentals for any sign of foliage appearing on the root stock below the graft union.

Any found should be rubbed or cut off otherwise they will grow and the preferred plant will die.

Rust on garlic and curly leaf on stone fruit; this season because of a lot of rain and too many cloudy skies and not much direct sunlight has placed plants into stress which makes them more prone to catching diseases.

To help rescue the crop mix a table spoon of molasses to a litre of hot water to dissolve and then when cool spray over the foliage.

Repeat regularly till harvest. Also you can water the same into the root zone occasionally.

Weeds; they certainly grow at this time of the year and as long as you deal to them before they set seed they are not too much of a problem.

In fact weeds are a excellent asset to your garden soils as they have taken up goodness

which can be returned to great advantage.

You could pull the weeds out, shake the soil off them and lay them back down on the soil.

That is good but even better; with a sharp knife slice through the weeds just below soil surface.

This leaves the roots in the soil to rot and provide food for the soil life and it does not disrupt the beneficial fungi in the soil.

The foliage can be laid on the soil surface where it will be quickly devoured by the soil life and worms.

Your soil will build up humus quickly if you spray the dying weeds with Mycorrcin.

Doing these things will, overtime, make for dream gardens and plants. Sure it takes a bit of time but it is so therapeutic and anti-stressful.

Citrus; its a good time to sprinkle Wallys Neem Tree Granules underneath the citrus trees from the trunk to the drip line. This will help prevent insect damage.

If you have chook manure give a good sprinkling of that otherwise any animal manure or sheep manure pellets along with blood & bone. Cover with compost.

Sprinkle Fruit and Flower Power once a month.

A spray of Wallys Liquid Copper with Raingard added in the spring and autumn will help with any citrus diseases.

If the trees are looking a bit sad add Perkfection to the copper spray.

In cases where wet feet have rotted roots treat the area with Terracin to suppress the pathogens and help save the tree.

Three weeks later spray the soil with Mycorrcin.

Note always use non-chlorinated water which is easily achieved with a special carbon bonded filter on your outside tap, available from our mail order website.

Pear Slugs; In warmer areas and later in cooler areas the pear slugs will attack pear and plum trees, they eat small holes in the foliage and look like a black slug.

Simply spray the tree with Wallys Liquid Copper to control.

Remember be nice to your gardens by being natural.

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The Sun

Wednesday November 1, 2023 19

Out & About

The Marlborough Girls’ College Sports Prize-giving was held recently.

Speed Skater Erin Green took out the MGC top prize of sportsperson of the year award. Erin is a member of the New Zealand Speed Skating team that went to the world championships in Italy in August, winning both the open 21km half-marathon and the 100m time trials.

...with The Sun your local paper

Meanwhile, the Elim Christian Centre held a community event on Sunday which incorporated the Rugby World Cup final and a live stream of the game in the church auditorium.

Erin Green - 2023 MGCSportsperson of the Year.

Photo: Neil Sinclair.

Have an event ?

Contact 03 5777 868

UP THE ABS: Tracy Pigou and Carolyn Poswillo supporting the All Blacks at the Elim Church on Sunday morning.

MGC Sportspersons of the Year - Board of Trustees Cup - Mountain biker Neve McKenzie and U16 Athletics Champion Brooke Harper.

Outstanding Performance in Sport - Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Katie Pugh. Katie lives in Blenheim but plays her football in Nelson. She was selected in the New Zealand U16 women’s team and clinched a dramatic last minute goal to win the Oceania Wome’s Championship in Tahiti in Thailand, early October.

Sam Wairau lining up for a sausage.

Pastor Tom Hatch encourages children in the lead up to the big game on Sunday morning.

Children of the Elim Church Community wait in anticipation in the lead up to the rugby world cup final screening.

Murray Eyles and members of the Marlborough Prost-FIT exercise group at the Stadium recently. Prost-FIT is delivered in a supportive environment with an emphasis on fun and social interaction.

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The Sun

20 Wednesday November 1, 2023

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Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 Situations Vacant

Person to clean small 2 bedroom flat.

Approx 2-3 hours fortnightly. Telephone 0211171120 Gardener/Handyman 16-20 hours per week. Part time position involves grounds, general maintenance and some lawn mowing.

Prefer someone with gardening or landscaping experience. Ph 021 323 654 or email allan@ allanscott.co.nz

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Office Admin Team Vacancy We require someone with experience working in a school office environment.

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Hours are 27 per week from 22 January 2024 (or to be negotiated) Please send CV and cover letter outlining your strengths to principal@renwick.school.nz by 10 Nov, 2023.

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permanent part time This involves bed making and cleaning in a busy hotel. Must be available weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Hours of work between 8am and 3pm as advised on a weekly roster and number of hours per week dependant on number of days willing to work. Attention to detail is important but previous experience not necessary as employer will provide on the job training.

Must have a valid New Zealand work visa and advise expiry date when applying. apply to rooms Division manager email: jan@chateaumarlborough.co.nz

We are looking for a Broker Support to join our team based in Blenheim.

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ICIB BW supports returning to work and flexi working hours.

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The Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust was formed in 1974 to govern over the Marlborough Civic Theatre, now the ASB Theatre Marlborough, and to promote the Performing Arts in Marlborough.

At least two Trustees each year must retire and applications are now open for two (2) positions. Retiring Trustees may re-apply. These are voluntary positions.

All applications will go to the Appointments Committee for final selection.

If you are interested, nominations must be emailed to: ceo@mctt.co.nz Subject Line: Appointments Committee By 5 pm Friday, 10th November 2023 All applications should be accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae and include two Referees/References.

The email and covering letter should state how you, as an applicant can add value to the Trust.

Queen size bed for urgent sale. $50. Phone 0277692028 A pair of gold ear studs, in pouch $20 ono. telephone 5784942.

Lost & Found New jump start kit found on Maxwell Road Saturday 28th October. Phone 0272979277

Public Notices Are you tempted? Here till 6th only. phone 02041058586 no texts.

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

Applications in confidence to: Wayne Wiffen ICIB Brokerweb 027 700 6647 wayne.wiffen@icib.co.nz

For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

ESS At RNZAF WOODBOURNE

From 30hrs a week, rostered across a 7 day week Roster on weekends rotation,with flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

Our amazing Kitchen Team is in also un need of 2x Full-Time Chef rostered across a 7 day week rotating roster.

A rewarding Job/Career serving our Defence Force personnel with Sociable hours including down time over Xmas and New Year.

Please contact Ronnie Asciutto on – veronicaasciutto@yahoo.co.nz or call 0210489945 anytime before 5pm.

Public Notice

ANTIQUE BUYERS

Trustee Vacancies

For Sale

Insurance - Broker Support Role Are you looking for a new challenge?

Do you have experience in Personal Lines or Commercial Insurance?

Gold Jewellery, scrap gold Pocket watches, wrist watches Old bank notes & old coins Military & other medals Sterling silver, Ivory, old pens Paintings & Maori artifacts Clocks, Fun Ho & tin toys Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff etc.

ph 0800 00 24 25 Eric Jackson Antique Buyers, PO Box 665, Picton

21

Bible Meeting God has set a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ whom he appointed, having provided proof to everyone by raising him from the dead. Sunday 10:30, Eltham Rd Guides Hall.

We are looking for 2x enthusiastic Permanent Full Time Catering Assistants to work at our site at NZDF Woodbourne in Blenheim.

Room attendants wanted

Wednesday November 1, 2023

Kia ora, welcome to Cancer Society Marlborough SunSmart Season is here!

As summer temperatures approach, it’s important to check the expiry dates on sunscreen, dust off your hat and put these in handy places – in your day bag, in the car or by your door. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, so remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP. Did you know that we have a set of SunSmart marquee to support community events? Our community shade loan programme allows local community non-profit groups to hire marquees and umbrellas for local community events free of charge. If you are selling tickets to an event, you can still use our shade loan equipment but there may be a small cost. You can book online https://www.cancer.org.nz/marlborough/ sunsmart-shade-loans or call our office.

Local Cancer Support for Everyone

Quality Service Guaranteed

SF Marlborough

AGM

16 November 5pm at 3/19 Henry St Blenheim

Ryan Lawnmowing Blenheim Renwick Picton Phone/Txt 022 322 6515

November 18th & 19 th

COUNTRY GARDEN TOUR of gardens in the Rapaura area Plant Stall, Cake stall and Refreshments available Programmes $25 Cash please from: Devon Nursery, Islington Gardens, Selmes Garden Trust, Roselands Pets and Plants and Renwick FreshChoice

- Tickets on sale SOON! Kindly sponsored by Renwick Meat Market & The Runway Store

news tips Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz 72 High Street, Phone 03 577 7868

txt talk

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

We have a range of information, classes, forum and resources to support people and their whānau with cancer. We are not informed of every person diagnosed with cancer but encourage you to selfregister with our free and confidential services.

Registration connects you with our local team and you have the option of what may be of interest or help to you/your whānau. Support can range from free hats & turbans to temporary prosthesis, counselling, monthly support groups, welfare grants or weekly rehabilitation classes. Recently, we’ve run a series of ‘Toi Ora – Art for Wellbeing’ classes with Emma Toy from Creative Kids - please get in touch with us on marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz or call 03 579 4379 for more information or to ask any question, about any cancer.

The Longest Day It’s back! The challenge is to successfully complete a golf marathon - four rounds of golf, or 72 holes in one day to raise funds for the Cancer Society Marlborough.

Does 72 holes sound like too much? You can get creative to achieve this or try our new two-round ‘half marathon’ option, that’s 36 holes. You choose the day, the course, and the team - or play solo if you prefer. The longest day of the year is Friday 22nd December 2023, but you can play any day in December or January that suits you. Visit https://longestday.org.nz/ or contact Fliss at Cancer Society to find our more.

Ngā mihi nui/Best wishes, Cancer Society Marlborough team

What’s On? • Blue Brothers – 10am Tuesday (exercise rehab for men with ANY cancer) • Breast Cancer Support Group – 7pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month • Kawhe & Kōrero – monthly cancer support group at Omaka Marae • Look Good Feel Better – 12pm to 2.30pm on 28th November • Live Stronger – 6pm Wednesdays (exercise rehab for women with ANY cancer) • Marlborough Prostate Cancer Support Group – 7.15pm on the 1st Tuesday of the month • Prost-FIT – 6pm Mondays & 10.30am Wednesdays (exercise class for men with prostate cancer) • Simply the Breast Dragon Boat team – interested in paddling? Contact Bridget 027 575 7504 • Toi Ora - Art for Wellbeing –Tuesdays @ 10am - only 3 classes left!

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

This Merry was first used at Blenheim show in 1945, last used there for your 100th A&P show in 1973

And will be back this year 2023!

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.

The Sun

22 Wednesday November 1, 2023 In Memoriam

WOOLLEY Peter 12.12.1940-29.10.2013

Ten years have now passed since you sadly left us.

The time has slipped by but our memories of you will never die.

Forever in our hearts With love Beverley and all Family

MacPherson, Elizabeth (Betty) October 25, 2012

In loving memory of Mum (Nan).

She devoted her life to those she loved, In our hearts you will always remain.

Very sadly missed by Stewart, Ryan and Olivia, and all the family.

Death notices McCutcheon, Isabel Ann (Izzy). On Thursday 26 October 2023, in Blenheim, with her kids by her side, aged 78 years, mum peacefully passed away. A Memorial service for Izzy will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Wednesday 1 November 2023 at 2pm. To view full notice please visit our website.

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

OLDING: Peter (Fumper). Passed away on 24 October 2023 after a long goodbye. At his request, a private cremation has taken place. “See you later Fumper” To view full notice please visit our website.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

URGENT services Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377.

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am 6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am 4pm. Public Holidays 10am - 4pm. Closed Christmas Day. ph 578 2271 Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am 4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm.

Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Picton: Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm.

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

THOMSON; Yvonne. 13.04.1925 – 25.10.2023. Passed away peacefully at Wairau Hospital on October 25th 2023, aged 98 years. Loved wife of the late Jack Thomson. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Herb and Pip Thomson (Ward), Bill (dec) and Ginny Thomson, Jackie and Keith van Asch (Blenheim), Rob (dec) and Jenny Thomson.

Adored Gran of her 9 Grandchildren – Louise and Alex; Abbie and Adam; Marcus, Nicki and Emma; Ben (UK) and Nick; and Gran Gran of her 15 Great Grandchildren – Edy and Heidi; Jack and Ava; Luca; Andy and Josh; Poppy, Louis and Wilbur; Max, Ruby and Edgar; Polly and Roscoe (UK).

In lieu of flowers donations to Flaxbourne Heritage Centre (03-1369-0434209-00 Ref: Thomson) would be appreciated or can be made at the service. Messages to PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A Funeral Service for Yvonne has been held. The service can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

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

In Memoriam Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.

Heartbreak for AB’s but stand strong

By Chris Valli

Bugger. So close yet so far. One point at that – well three in a row to um make a point.

For the sport’s show piece, Sunday’s Rugby World Cup final was a bust. If you expect the casual observer to tune in, whether it’s the Olympics or World Cups, you have to give them a reason to come back, and Sunday wasn’t it.

There was so much interpretation (and a lack of consistency) and if you’re not interpreting, you’re fearful. So many rules around trying to stop things like concussions and head injuries and law suits, all laudable I am sure when they waxed lyrical about them around a boardroom table.

Only a single yellow card had been shown in nine previous World Cup finals but the crackdown on foul play led to four being handed out over 80 minutes of intense rugby at Stade de France in Paris.

It was a game where the All Blacks had their opportunities to get their noses in front, none more so than when Mo’unga had the opportunity to convert Beauden Barret’s try and later with brother Jordie’s penalty attempt.

The All Blacks simply weren’t clinical in the clutch moments. It wasn’t an outstanding performance from the Springboks yet in a final, the scoreboard ticking over with three penalties in the first half seemed to give them the impetus early on.

This All Blacks team wasn’t even in the conversation for a final after a loss to the Boks at Twickenham pre-tournament.

I can recall the 2011 final when the AB’s held out to win 8-7 to France yet one would look back and suggest,

France were the better team. Was South Africa the better team? Defence wise, yes, impenetrable throughout.

As the All Blacks squad and management return back to the provinces in the next week, there will be that sense of what was and personal, collective reflections.

I’d suggest as a rugby nation we have ‘matured’ with the aftermath of world cup defeats, considering the treatment of the 1999 world cup coach John Hart when people spat at his horse, one year after the tournament when Hart was in Christchurch at Addington to see his horse Holmes DG narrowly beaten in the New Zealand Trotting Cup. Hart and his team had failed to bring the World Cup back from Wales.

Knocked out by France in the semis, they didn’t want the third place playoff with South Africa and it showed. They lost that too.

Yet, the 2023 crop exceeded expectations, after a first up loss to the host nation France and the match against Ireland showing a new-found belief and resilience. A team with 14 men with the Sam Cain red for prolonged periods of the match showed their adaptability and get on with it approach – they had no other option.

An indication of the team’s success was recognized by World Rugby Awards in Paris on Sunday night with Ardie Savea awarded the Player of the Year and winger Mark Telea winning the Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, Tyla Nathan-Wong took out the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Award A new coach looms in Scott Robertson after a summer debrief and some much deserved pavlova. Kia Kaha lads.

You made the Marlborough region and the country, damn proud. Bring on 2027.

Solution

Last Week 25 October 2023

The Sun

sport

Wednesday November 1, 2023

23

A run through paradise

By Chris Valli

The ninth Lochmara Lodge half marathon runs the Queen Charlotte Track., Anakiwa to Lochmara Lodge this Saturday.

Some say the event drains the legs like none other, but apparently everyone says running the half marathon is one of the highlights of their lives.

Why? Because the track, off road, twisting and turning, climbs and drops its way to the Lodge past bays and through forests.

“It is so distracting that pain in the legs doesn’t matter,” says Event Organiser Peter Yarrell. “Many competitors celebrate their goals achieved at the finish with a dive off the Lochmara Lodge wharf before settling down for thirst quenchers and food before the prizegiving.”

Beachcomber boats carry competitors on a one hour cruise to the startline.

“It’s a real curtain raiser for the event as runners sign in on board, meet one another and reflect on their preparations before disembarking at the Anakiwa wharf, fired up and ready,” says Peter.

Peter says the fastest times depend on track conditions underfoot.

“Race rabbits will be thrilled if they can stop their watches as they run under the finish canopy in around 1 hour 30minutes. Those more interested in the fun of the day and the beauty of the track will be content to beat previous times or just make it to the finish.”

The event has a limit of 200 competitors and leaves Picton at 7.15am and concludes with a return cruise from the lodge into Picton.

Half marathon runners entry fee $110 (includes boat trip) while supporters fee is $30 per adult (16 & over), $10 per child (6 – 15 years) and free for children five and under.

HANDS UP FOR LOCHMARA HALF MARATHON: Charlotte Manthel from Wellington in the 2021 race with a time of 2:32:55.

Croquet was the winner 230 entrants took part in the croquet competition for the South Island Masters Games held in Blenheim recently The three clubs Blenheim, Brooklyn and Kaikoura make up the Marlborough Association and run the event every second year. They played over five days at their two venues, Pollard Park and Brooklyn.

Only mad dogs, fools and croquet players would have played on the first two days which included gale-force wind and heavy rain which culminated in beautiful sunny weather on the last three days.

No matter if the entrants were 50 or 93 they played to win but in the end after a hard-fought game, eating some excellent home-cooked snacks and a drink they became very good friends.

Whether it was Golf croquet which had seven games over a day and a half or the Association croquet, six hours of play over a day, winners were found and medals presented.

The croquet games are advertised as the friendly games where competitors are grouped by age and then by their ability. The presentation ceremony was filled with lots of hilarity and enjoyment.

The event ran smoothly without

any problems with entrants returning home with possibly a medal and excellent memories of Marlborough.

Croquet Marlborough would like to thank the helpers from Blenheim, Brooklyn, Kaikoura clubs and Craig’s investment Partners who made these games so successful for croquet.

Golf Croquet Singles Ist Mike Guillemot (Blenheim Club) Group A Golf Croquet Doubles 1st Mike Guillemot and Glenda Mac Donald (Blenheim Club) Group A 2nd John Best and Sue Healy (Brooklyn Club) Group B Kaye Clarke & Barry Masters (Blenheim Club) Group C 3rd Dave Grigg and Christine Grigg (Blenheim Club) Group B Rowena Booker and Roy Lilley (Blenheim Club) Group B Association Singles 1st Ron Ereckson, (Blenheim Cub) Group A Moira Paul, (Blenheim Cub) Group B Margert Jarman (Blenheim Cub) Group D 3rd Erin Ahern, (Blenheim Club) Group C Marilyn Cambers, ( Kaikoura Club) Group B Jan Johnson,( Kaikoura Club)

The best read in town every Wednesday Les & Katrina Whiteside

Thank you to our readers and advertisers

we are not just a workout, we are a whole community Contact Dallace Lilley to register for the next Blue Brothers exercise class at marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz or phone 579 4379 www.bluebrothers.org.nz

turnin r’ e 5.11.23 g

!

21

Celebrating 21 years of success!

Wednesday

Group D Doreen Tomlin ( Kaikoura Club) Group E Association Doubles 1st Kevin Freeth & Tom Willis (Blenheim Club) Group 2 Ron Ereckson & Erin Ahern (Blenheim Club) Group 3

We

By Chris Valli

t s 21 y r a s r e Anniv

24 Wednesday November 1, 2023

The Sun