22 November Blenheim Sun Newspaper

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Blenheim Marlborough

November 22, 2023

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Light-tastic Ashley (2), Rhys and Wesley Hingston (4) all set for the fireworks at Lights Over Marlborough on Saturday night.

Story page 4. Photo: Chris Valli.

INSET Photo: Robin Mainprize

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The Sun

2 Wednesday November 22, 2023

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Jump Jammers the best

Publishers

By Chris Valli

Two of Blenheim’s ‘Jump Jam schools’ have been recognised for their outstanding aerobic finesse, team work and dedication.

The Jump Jam program is a ‘Kidz Aerobix’ resource kit for schools, created by two times World Aerobic Champion Brett Fairweather, specifically for primary and intermediate students and teachers.

Witherlea School’s ‘Golden Girls’, a team of Year 5 and 6 students, came first in the South Island Regional Competition recently gaining excellence certificates for presentation, technical execution, costuming, and creativity. The team coached by Dan Stephens and Hayley Christie, also finished a credible third overall nationally.

Dan says auditions for the team were held in April rehearsing initially for the Regional Competition in August in which they placed second. From there, they were invited to the National Competition and worked exceptionally hard during lunchtimes and school holidays to tweak, improve and perfect our routine.

“The team has worked exceptionally hard to get to this level and I am immensely proud of them. We are so thankful for the opportunity that Jump Jam provides for our tamariki.

Not only does it have physical benefits, but is also good for children’s social skills, confidence and wellbeing,” Dan says.

Meanwhile, ‘Bohally in Baltimore’ came first in the Year 7/8 competition. The team coached by

Les Whiteside

les@blenheimsun.co.nz

Katrina Whiteside katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

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THE BEST IN THE SOUTH ISLAND/Te Waipounamu: Witherlea School Year 5/6 students after their win and Jump Jam success in Christchurch recently.

Back row: Caitlin Alexander, Zara Whitley, Lily Dunn, Kate Robertson, Keira-Leigh Wilkinson. Front row: Amelie Walker, Madison Jones, Cristina Fernandez-Puertas, Olivia Wikinson, Masha Okhrimenko and Mia Koubek.

Bohally students Madisyn Pay who played Edna Turnbald and Lexi Jessop who played Corny Collins from the film/musical Hairspray as part of their aerobic routine.

Courtney Haley-Stewart and Brittany Nixon were awarded a distinction in presentation, costuming and creativity and an excellence in technical execution with an outstanding score resulting in 98.63/100.

A North Island regional competition was held on Saturday, Novermber 11 in Tauranga. Courtney says officials compared ‘our scores with their ones’ and Bohally in Baltimore were officially awarded the title holder of the year 7-8 Xtreme category, the highest level to compete at.

“I’m so proud of the team,” says an elated Courtney.

In term 1, Courtney held auditions at Bohally alongside their teachers and selected teams for the Blenheim

Eradus, Lexi Jessop, Ruby Lindstrom, Dara Robertson, Madisyn Pay, Harriet Cornelius, and Stella Lee “Over the past four years those girls have been in teams who have placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd every time they competed in Christchurch. I’m immensely proud of their dedication, commitment, hard work and positive attitude.

“They really have represented Blenheim incredibly well. The jump jam competition ends when students are Year 8, so it was many students’ last time competing and was such a pleasure to train them to be champions in their final competition. An experience they will remember for a long time to come,” says Courtney.

competition. Bohally in Baltimore placed 1st in the regional competition and then qualified to compete in the South Island regionals after submitting a video of their routine.

The team practiced twice a week once after school, and one lunchtime with teacher Brittany Nixon (from Springlands) and Courtney (Witherlea) training them on their days off.

Seven of the Bohally team members were presented with a leaving legend award. The award is for students who have competed at the national level for four plus years.

Courtney says all of the students have been trained by her for the last six years (two years for Blenheim competitions the other four were for Christchurch). They were: Sadie

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The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

3

inbrief

The Sun

Foodbank Appeal The Marlborough Foodbank Street Appeal is on Monday, November 27 from 6 – 8pm.

When you hear the sirens and see collectors please give generously.

Canned and non-perishable food is being collected.

If postponed, it would be held on Monday, December 4.

Whanau 101: From left: Ruby Hunter-Love, Justine Hunter, Kiri Hunter, Clive Holmes, Richard and Andrea Hunter, Taine Hunter. A presentation took place for Dr Richard Hunter, last Friday night at the Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market (Marlborough Youth Trust, Kinross Street).

‘A voice for who we are’

By Chris Valli

Dr. Richard Hunter, a horticulture scientist has been celebrated and acknowledged for his remarkable contributions to the Marlborough community.

A whakaaturanga/presentation took place for the esteemed Dr Richard Hunter, last Friday night at the Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market in Blenheim.

Dr. Richard Hunter of Ngati Kahungunu, Ngāti Marau o Kahungunu, Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Ngāti Rora o Maniapoto descent, boasts an extensive career with significant work for AgResearch, NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research, and numerous other organizations.

His expertise shines through with over 70 publications covering agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and arable farming.

Hailing from humble beginnings in Waipawa (central Hawkes Bay) and raised in Waipukurau (50kms south of Hastings) Dr. Hunter’s journey includes being a mul-

ti-sporting achiever during his college years. His prowess in swimming, athletics, and rugby, earning him the title of Dux Ludorum from 1964 to 1966, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Hunter devoted over 25 years to voluntary service in Marlborough. Notably, his role as the iwi representative on the Assets and Services Committee for Marlborough District Council showcases his commitment to community welfare. Recently retired, he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says she has seen Richard in action at the Marlborough Community Garden where he readily shares his extensive horticultural knowledge, his strong understanding of the whenua, and the warmth of his friendship.

“It was only when I visited Maata Waka and saw for myself the significant personal time and effort Richard has put into this organisation, over many years,

that I truly appreciated the depth of contribution Richard has made to Marlborough,” she says. “Richard is a man of mana and leadership.

His significant contribution to the Marlborough community over so many years has been outstanding, and I can certainly understand why it has been acknowledged with this presentation.”

Dr. Hunter’s influence extends to the core development and leadership of Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust, a Māori social service provider in Marlborough.

His involvement in various initiatives, including the National Maori Growers Collective and Marlborough Community Gardens, reflects his dedication to community well-being.

A Justice of the Peace for over two decades, Dr. Hunter has provided essential services not only to Māori but to anyone in need.

His involvement with organizations like Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and Tū Pono te Mana Kaha o te Whānau underlines his

commitment to reducing harm and fostering community resilience.

Dr. Lorr Eade, Chair of Te Pātaka o Wairau Incorporated Society, presented Dr. Richard Hunter with the well-deserved award, recognising his tireless efforts to make a meaningful difference for Māori in the community.

“To me, it’s about getting on with the job from a Māori point of view. I see it as providing a voice for who we are, and for the wider community, let alone Māori,” says Dr. Hunter.

The acknowledgment also extends to Dr. Hunter’s family – his wife Andrea and children Justine, Kiri, and Guy, along with precious mokopuna Jayden, Finn, Amber, Ruby, and Taine – who have steadfastly supported him in his philanthropic endeavours.

Te Pātaka o Wairau Incorporated Society aims to celebrate and honour local legends like Dr. Richard Hunter, whose selfless contributions enrich the fabric of the community.

Grass Fire SH1 A vegetation fire called for two helicopters to help extinguish a blaze on Monday morning.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were alerted to the fire south of Blenheim at 11am and sent crews to Riverlands from Blenheim, Rarangi and Woodburn to the scene.

The blaze covered an area of 50m by 10m and caused some traffic delays as crews worked to extinguish it.

Summer Show The Marlborough Horticultural Society is holding their annual Summer Show this Saturday, November 25.

The MHS holds three shows per year and the summer one (The ‘Rose Show’) showcases the best of the region’s summer flowers with all types of rose classes and help from members for novices to stage their finest blooms.

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The Sun

4 Wednesday November 22, 2023

Record attendance for Lights Over Marlborough

By Chris Valli

news tips Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Wednesday 72 High Street, Phone 03 577 7868

6,500 people attended the Whitney Street School Lights Over Marlborough fundraiser on Saturday night, the largest crowd ever for the event in its 39 years.

Retiring Principal Cheryl Wadworth says the success of the fundraiser comes down to the balance of the weather being kind and the community showing up in support.

“It is a well-attended great community event with a real family feel and provides something special for the community as well as raising funds for Whitney Street School,” says Cheryl.

Saturday night’s clear Marlborough sky was set to a potpourri of colours before dusk, and was a fitting reminder for all in attendance reassuring the poignant wonder and wider understanding that for a moment, it was more than just a fireworks event for the community.

Indeed, Marlborough offers some of the most pristine views in the Top of The South with The Wither Hills, Rarangi and Seddon

y a d i r F k c a l B

Fl a s h s a l e!

f f o % 0 5 0 1

the ideal viewing spots for the event. Yet, there was no better spot than the home of Marlborough’s Agricultural and Pastoral shows.

The fireworks display choreographed by Blenheim pyrotechnician Michelle Harris was set once again to music with kids – and the odd Dad - bopping to the likes of the Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 miles).

“Our pyrotechnicians have spent a lot of time putting the displays together, and we try to make them a bit different every year,” Cheryl says.

“It is the only large community fireworks event held in Marlborough, and the fireworks are truly amazing, especially being set to music. I love working with Michelle Harris from Kiwi Pyro as she is passionate about what she does and the fireworks display gets better and better each year. It’s wonderful seeing all the glowsticks waving during the countdown and seeing the joy on people’s faces, especially the children, during the fireworks.”

The school’s first firework display was held in front of a small crowd in the school grounds in the 1980s with about 5000 people

attending the event at A&P Park in 2022.

Money raised this year would go towards the creation of an all-wheels track at the school.

Cheryl has nurtured and implemented the ‘Whitney Way’ as Tumuaki/Principal for the past eight years (principal for 18 years). The Whitney Way – The Way We Learn are the school values of honesty, care and respect.

She says when the Term 4 ends late December her immediate plans is to spend more time with her family – especially her little grandchildren - and friends while hopefully completing a bikepacking adventure doing the Tour Aotearoa starting in February (stretching 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff which follows a combination of cycle tracks, paths and lanes connected by country roads). Oh and to get her garden under control… and ‘then decide what next from there’.

So what is she going to miss the most?

“I’m really going to miss the daily interaction with people, and the excitement I feel every day coming to work. Schools are such vibrant, happy places to work in, and working with children in particular, gives me so much pleasure.”

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Retiring Whitney Street School Principal/Tumuak Cheryl Wadworth says the Lights Over Marlborough fundraiser gets better every year. This year’s event saw a record crowd of 6,500 people attend. INSET Photo: Robin Mainprize

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The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

5

Stormhoopers - Three Point Challenge

By Chris Vallli

A unique take on the Movember fundraiser to raise awareness of men’s health issues has taken on a ‘hoops approach’ this month.

Hoops enthusiast Matthew Crockett aka ‘Jar Jar Morant, says one of his basketball mates came up with the concept for the team’s Movember challenge and they unanimously agreed it was a great idea considering how they all felt about mental health and well-being.

“I offered to join the cause with our team down here in Marlborough and so the Storm Hoopers Movember Madness 3 Point Challenge was created.”

Matthew says the lads are a Star Wars themed Social Basketball “club” that started several years ago up in Wellington. The team is affectionately known as Storm Hoopers with the aim to score as many three pointers as they can as a two team club throughout the month.

“We’re encouraging our friends, families,

colleagues and whoever we can to either make a straight donation or follow our journey and donate $1 for every three pointer we make.

We’ll match donations up to $400. All donations going towards Men’s Mental Health,” says Matthew.

“By getting out on the court, blowing out some cobwebs with a bit of exercise, and catching up with our mates each week we found our mental health and well-being was immensely improved. It’s done wonders for some of the guys who’ve had some rough patches and it’s a good opportunity to rally around each other and help out where we can.”

“When I moved back to Marlborough at the start of the year I needed to keep it going, not just for my own mental health but to provide similar opportunities for like-minded blokes down here. It didn’t take me long to string together a squad and get back on the court and the team has continued to grow and reach others throughout the year.”

If Sun readers would like to contribute to the cause, click on the following link. www.

Matthew Crockett (Jar Jar Morant) launches a shot as part of a Movember three point challenge fundraiser. Matthew says his Stars Wars enthused basketball mates are encouraging locals to make a donation of $1 for every three pointer they make, they’ll match donations up to $400.

nz.movember.com/team/.

Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression in Australia and New Zealand. As of 2011, Canadians were the largest contributors to the Movember charities of any nation.

Demolition of the old Marlborough Club at 6 Russell Terrace happened last Tuesday, November 14.

Deputy Mayor David Croad, who holds the property and development portfolio, says the land has always been viewed as having strategic development opportunities, being central and next door to the Marlborough Events Centre and ASB Theatre.

Photo: Chris Valli

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The Sun

6 Wednesday November 22, 2023

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

When is it appropriate to put up your Christmas tree?

Karen Francis Sydney After December 1 because that’s the month of Christmas.

Le

Hanna Schwager Germany It’s different every year but round about December 20.

Our family actually sells Christmas trees.

s r e tt

ditor E e h To t

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun.co.nz or drop in to our office at 72 High St. Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Lilli White Germany December 24 as it is a tradition in our family.

Roslyn Francis Sydney End of November because you go to so much trouble to decorate it. It’s nice to look at it for a while.

Ryan Webb Blenheim Before December 1 as I have a brother and sister who have birthdays late November.

Jemma Francis Sydney The appropriate time would be December 1 but I wanted to put it up November 1 because I get excited with the Christmas vibe.

In answer to a Text Talk writer Dear Ed, There is no logic whatever in having our wonderful new ferries load up at Wellington to drop off those loads at Picton. Logic or even horse sense would say that carting those loads on to Christchurch over the Windies is nuts.

Waterborne transport would also mean a cut

in the road toll: witless TV adverts allegedly about safety just cost us money. Sadly, what rules is not logic but an agenda.

This knows that money extracted by inefficient operations is all that matters.

“Cut C02 emissions”? Not while producing that gas sucks money from the public; bring

it on.

Our lucky ol’ species does just whatever it’s rulers prefer; Gaia will not neglect to send the coming generations the bill.

Have a nice day, Bill Holvey

Add in Labour’s leader Chris Hipkins.

He recently performed a cheap political stunt in condemning the Israel/Hamas war, citing the lack of result of coalition negotiations in New Zealand.

Everyone condemns the war; Hipkins was wrong to use the on-going coalition talks as a reason.

Just last year in Denmark, political parties took six weeks to form a government.

In Ireland in 2020 it took five months for parties to form a government.

The year before in the Netherlands, it

took a whopping 10 months.

Besides it can be said that during coalition talks, New Zealand has a stable government since no rushed, ill conceived, undemocratic laws are being passed as happened during the Ardern/Hipkins regime.

The bullies posing as political journalists need to show understanding and patience and perhaps do some background reading.

Tony Orman Marlborough

Journalist bullies The news media’s feverish fervour for a result from coalition negotiations amounts to verbal harassment of the three party leaders and particularly NZ First’s Winston Peters.

The likes of TV3’s Rebecca Wright, Jenna Lynch and Simon Shepherd plus TV One’s Jack Tame and Jessica Mutch need to be more understanding, more constructive and do their homework.

Whitebait priorities With the closing of the whitebait season for Marlborough, questions remain about the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) management priorities.

DOC shortened the season which essentially targeted the recreational white-baiting public.

The season did not need shortening but in terms of conserving stocks, it leaves untouched the selling of whitebait.

‘Bogus’ recreational fishers are really commercial fishers posing as recreational who sell their catches in unrestricted catch amounts - and invariably ‘under the counter’ to avoid tax.

On the West Coast, ‘a gang’ of three or four catch and fly the whitebait in large amounts for sale in cities.

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There are no controls.

Surely DOC can devise a system to allow some licensed, controlled sale of whitebait to shops?

A bag limit per day (3kg?) would be a sound idea.

Although difficult to totally enforce, it sends a strong educational message to fishers on limiting the catch in the interests of the resource.

Surely DOC can come up with better, more meaningful management without targeting law-abiding whitebaiters by cutting the season?

Lawrie Stevenson, Secretary Marlborough Recreational Fishers Assn.

The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

Springlands stormwater update The Springlands Stormwater Governance Group (SSGG) is looking for a business representative and youth representative to join its ranks.

Since being established after a public meeting in May, the group has met twice to oversee implementation of the stormwater management plan for Springlands.

The group’s chair Jim Sinner said there was a good representation on the group with three community representatives, business and professional representatives, tangata whenua, two Marlborough District Councillors, a youth representative and an independent chair.

Landmark leading lights at the entrance to Tory Channel have been replaced

New leading lights at Tory Channel New leading lights, a navigation aid to indicate a safe passage for mariners, have been installed at Tory Channel/Kura Te Au. Housed within the historic timber pyramidal tower structures, the lights are part of the coastal safety system and a vital part of the interisland link.

They are used day and night by Cook Strait ferries and are a crucial landmark for local fishermen and boaties to ensure a safe passage into the narrow entrance of Tory Channel.

The upgrades were completed by members of Council’s Nautical and Coastal team.

The new LED maritime lanterns and power system are connected to mains power - if the power fails the system is powered by a bank of lithium ion batteries that have several days of charge.

The pyramidal towers sit above the beach in Whekenui Bay about 200m apart, strategically in-line with the entrance of Tory Channel.

“However, there is room for another business representative and a youth representative,” he said.

Anyone interested can contact Jon Cunliffe at jon.cunliffe@ marlborough.govt.nz At its meetings the group is given updates on stormwater incidents, including alarms generated by a turbidity sensor at the Nelson Street recorder on Murphys Creek.

Turbidity is the measure of the cloudiness of the water.

Monitoring by the Cawthron Institute has found that in dry weather conditions the quality of stormwater

discharges generally complies with consent requirements. Council is arranging further monitoring under high flow conditions and testing of sediment from creek beds to check for accumulated contaminants.

Mr Sinner noted that grass clippings and fish waste have been seen in local creeks.

“We ask residents to keep them out of waterways as they can adversely affect aquatic life – please compost or send it to landfill via your rubbish bag,” he said.

Anyone noticing unusual discolouration or contamination is encouraged to call Council - the earlier Council is notified, the more likely the source of the problem will be located.

Council manages the growth of large plants in local creeks to avoid them impeding flow and causing flooding during high rainfall events.

These plants also provide habitat for aquatic life, so some growth is left on the stream bed and banks.

Weed management for local creeks, including herbicide use, is currently being reviewed by Council.

Residents with questions or concerns about stormwater management in the Springlands area are encouraged to contact a member of the SSGG or Council.

Murphys Creek in Springlands is one stream the Springlands Stormwater Governance Group keeps an eye on

Marlborough Clued-up Kids is a wrap This year 478 students took part in Marlborough Clued-up Kids from 6 to 10 November.

The event involves real-life role play safety experiences for Year 5 and 6 students, organised by various agencies at Brayshaw Park.

Council’s Road Safety Coordinator Robyn Blackburn said the programme was continually being reshaped to meet the

safety needs of students for everyday living. “The key is the experience and knowledge from the different agencies involved, imparting to students the professional’s front-line experience,” she said.

Marlborough Clued-up Kids is a collaborative interactive safety programme that developed from within the Marlborough Child Safety Group and is based on the ‘Clued-up Kids’ project

developed in Scotland in 2001.

Council’s Civil Defence, Nautical and Coastal and Road Safety sections were present alongside other agencies including KiwiRail, Maataa Waka, FENZ, Police, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Hato Hone St John. The Brayshaw Park Committee and Riverside Railways, Vintage Car Club and Vintage Farm Machinery staged the event, providing the setting for the real-life simulations.

“When mariners line the two flashing lights above each other, this provides the safe passage line into the channel,” said Hamish, one of the maritime officers responsible for the upgrades. “Once in the channel, other navigation lanterns become visible to continue guiding vessels through.”

“The two lanterns - one in each toweractivate at night on an automatic sensor.

Each has a specific flash code that mariners entering the channel can identify to safely guide their vessels in through the narrow heads.”

During the day, mariners line the white structures up for their guiding line.

The original Tory Channel leading lights were built in 1881 and were powered by kerosene lamps which needed twice daily attention.

That system was used until 1930 when gas was introduced, followed by electricity in the form of batteries.

Pupils from Whitney Street School learn all about the ins and outs of lifejackets with Council’s Harbours team

7

8 Wednesday November 22, 2023

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

‘Sometimes you just need to take the risk’ Wairau rower Kobe Miller is on a rowing scholarship at one of the world’s top rowing schools in Boston. He talked to Chris Valli about the opportunity.

Blenheim’s Kobe Miller has a goal of competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

There’s no better environment than training alongside North America’s greatest rowing students and coaching personnel on the Charles River, an 80-mile-long (129 km) river in eastern Massachusetts.

The Charles flows northeast from Hopkinton to Boston along a highly meandering route, that doubles back on itself several times and travels through 23 cities and towns before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

“Coming to Boston in September was my first time in USA” “I am training on the Charles River which is some of the best water I’ve rowed on. Boston is the rowing hub of the USA, with Harvard, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, all training on the same stretch of water,” Kobe says.

“It is also the home of the worldwide famous Head of the Charles Regatta, in which our crew placed fourth collegiately this year. We were up against the USA Men’s National Rowing Team, Leander Rowing Club (United Kingdom), University of Washington and many more top rowing programmes in the USA. I love rowing on the water here.”

The indigenous Massachusett named it Quinobequin meaning

“meandering” or “meandering still water”. Fair to say, Kobe has been doing the opposite.

It’s been a whirlwind few months for the 23-year old.

During the 2023 summer season in the Rowing New Zealand Elite Development Squad, Alex Perkins, the Head Coach of the Northeastern Men’s Rowing Team approached Kobe at the North Island Rowing Champs.

Alex was previously the Boston University Men’s Rowing Recruiter who Kobe communicated with in 2019 when he was considering the move, but stuck with New Zealand to get his Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Otago.

At that time, Kobe says he was struggling to get an internship in the Waikato region that worked well with his training hours.

“I thoroughly enjoyed rowing with the Olympians over the summer, and also in the winter during the U23s campaign. However, I felt that I needed a change, and what better opportunity than to leap at a rowing scholarship located at one of the top rowing schools Northeastern University in the USA in Boston, Massachusetts. I think that some further education in the sporting realm will open up better opportunities in my interests when I finish my athletic career,” he says.

The scholarship is a two-year Master’s program in Sports Management which he started in September and will be graduating in May 2025.

Kobe lives off-campus in Roxbury which is situated 8min bike ride from Northeastern. He lives with two of his teammates, one a fellow Kiwi who

Wairau rower Kobe Miller is on a two year scholarship at Northeastern University in Boston where he is completing a Master’s program in Sports Management.

has been on the team for five years and is doing his Master’s also.

“Coming to Boston in September was my first time in USA, so it was good he took me under his wing to show me the ropes on what Boston had to offer and what the student-athlete lifestyle is like here,” he reflects.

The Northeastern Men’s Rowing Team is made up of roughly 45 athletes and they train twice a day every weekday and twice in the morning on Saturday, with Sunday being their recovery day.

Outside of the USA, Kobe is recognised as one of Rowing New Zealand’s USA-based Athletes, where he communicates with one Fiona Bourke, the International Pathway Lead at Rowing NZ. Kobe says the relationship is ‘really helpful’ as it allows him to further his own rowing development to try to reach his goal of competing at the LA 2028 Olympics.

In September 2022, World Rowing formally agreed to a request from Los Angeles 2028

Olympic Games organisers to stage a competition on what will be the shortest course in Olympic history, over 1,500 metres - 500m less than the standard length - at Long Beach Marine Stadium.

The Long Beach Marine Stadium was used for the 1932 Olympic Games, but with the installation of the J.H. Davies Bridge in 1955 the course length is restricted to 1,500m.

In terms of Olympic rowing history, the 2,000m course that has become the standard distance was first adopted for the 1912 Stockholm Games.

Before that the Olympic course length varied, being 1,750m for the 1900 Paris Games, 3,218m for the St Louis Olympic rowing in 1904 and 2,414m for the London 1908 Olympics. For the post-war 1948 Games in London, the course was 1,850m.

With an 18 hour time difference between Blenheim and Boston, Kobe calls friends and family in the afternoons (US time) when the time zones line up.

“All of the post-graduate classes are at nighttime here so I spend

my days training and doing my self-directed uni work to stay on top of things. I am still in communication with Rowing New Zealand, where there are opportunities to row at camps at regattas with the NZ-based athletes during our breaks from university here,” he says.

He admits with tertiary studies he has a new found love for coffee and spent time exploring local cafes and gluten-free spots around Boston.

His plans are to graduate and make the move back to NZ in 2025 to have a crack at the Rowing New Zealand Elite Squad in pursuit of the Olympic dream.

“Sometimes you just need to take the risk. I was bouncing around the idea for so long to take the USA rowing scholarship, and now I am here I am glad I did it.

A change of scenery, high-level rowing and studies is hard to complain about. I am grateful for my time at the University of Otago as my learnings there I have managed to translate a lot of the work into my work here in my Master’s program.”

The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

9

10 Wednesday November 22, 2023

The Sun

Summerset Blenheim * selling off plans now Summerset Blenheim is excited to announce our first release of homes are selling off plans now.* Once complete, the village will offer a range of modern, high-quality living options including villas and cottages and once certified, a care centre offering rest home and hospital-level care. We will also have a wide range of resort-style facilities to take advantage of the Blenheim climate including an outdoor swimming pool, all-purpose bowling green, and welcoming Divine Cafe. All safe and secure within a fully gated village community.

If you sign a sales application for one of our stage one homes before 31 December 2023, you’ll pay no weekly fees for one year. Plus, if you settle before 28 June 2024, you’ll also receive $10,000 cash back to spend how you wish.# Love the live you choose

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The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

Test of Time

11

“If you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time” - Steve Jobs

Option 1.

Marlborough

Local Businesses who have stood the test of time BUILDERS CLEANS OF NEW BUILDS OR RENOVATIONS Let the SteamCleanz present a clean finish for your client

Mobile: 027 578 1163 www.steamcleanz.co.nz | Blenheim | info@steamcleanz.co.nz

12 ye ar s

Available to work seven days a week, including after-hours, to suit your schedule.

rs a ye 3 1 Option 2.

Marlborough

BUILDERS CLEANS OF

NEW BUILDS OR RENOVATIONS SteamCleanz started in January 2010, Let the SteamCleanz present a clean finish for your client initially focusing on steam cleaning Available to work seven days a week, including after-hours, to suit your schedule. ceilings and walls. It quickly grew and 578 1163 stabilized with 35Mobile: staff 027 members regularly www.steamcleanz.co.nz | Blenheim | info@steamcleanz.co.nz cleaning schools and business sites across Option 3.

Marlborough, from periodic to twice daily, across all industry types. They also provide builder clean services for local commercial builders on big Marlborough builds in the province.

Manpreet (Nick) Available to work seven days a week,Aulakh including after-hours, to suit yourjoined schedule.

BUILDERS CLEANS OF and NEW BUILDS OR RENOVATIONS Roger 8 years ago is now a major Let the SteamCleanz present a clean finish for your client shareholder in SteamCleanz, with Roger stepping back to semi-retirement.

With over 50 years riding experience, Jane and John Laing have been operating rider training and licensing services successfully since the beginning of 2011. NZTA accredited, they offer one on one training sessions suited to your riding experience so you can pass licence tests or simply improve your riding skills. Bikes are available for you to learn. They also have a LAMS approved bike to help you move through your 6R or 6F license class. John and Jane say their aim is to help Marlborough riders to ride well with good skills so that they enjoy and get the most out of their riding experience in this area that is suited for great motorcycling adventures.

Mobile: 027 578 1163 www.steamcleanz.co.nz | Blenheim | info@steamcleanz.co.nz

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30 ye ar s

Support your local

rs a ye 0 1 Commemorating ten years of being in business, Josh and Michelle Cody, the proud owners of Marlborough Glass, Novus Auto Glass Blenheim, and HomePlus Blenheim, are excited to celebrate their journey over the last decade. The couple admits that it has come with its challenges, but they have wholeheartedly embraced the trip. “It’s been tough, but we have grown with the business, and what we have created is a one-stop-shop that caters to automotive, residential, and commercial needs. We are eager to see what the next ten years bring.”

In early 1993 Grove Road Liquormart was launched by Maurice McQuillan and Les Hope. Then in September 1995 Super Liquor Holdings was established and with greater buying power Maurice and Les decided to join this group and become Marlborough’s and the Top of the South Island leading liquor retailer.

Today there are two stores, Grove Road and Springlands Super Liquor.

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The Sun

12 Wednesday November 22, 2023

Test of Time

“If you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time” - Steve Jobs

Local Businesses who have stood the test of time s ar e y 41

JOHNSON’S BARGE SERVICE LTD Johnson’s Barge Service has been operating in the Marlborough Sounds, D’Urville and Nelson area since 1919.

There is a very good reason why Superior Carpet Cleaning is your number one choice for cleaning, refreshing and removing stains in all types of carpet. It is a company which has been operating in Marlborough since 1982 and has stood the test of time by always delivering high-quality service at a fair and reasonable price. Today, Dan Riddell is the second generation to have owned Superior Carpet Cleaning and with years of experience, he provides a true ‘superior’ service.

10 4y ea rs

The Havelock based company is owned and operated by a partnership between Nautilus Pacific Limited, O’Donnell Park Barging Limited, and Kenny Barging Limited, all born and bred Marlborough businesses who want to provide the best possible service and provide opportunity to our wider community. Our team specialises in freighting, salvage, mooring installation and service to the Pelorus Sound, D’Urville Island and Nelson areas.

For all on water logistics call us - thinking outside the square is our specialty!

SPECIALISTS IN Freighting, Salvage, Mooring Installation & Service We offer a full mooring installation, audit, maintenance and repair service for swing moorings. Talk to us for advice about applying for new consents or for existing consent renewals.

Carpet Cleaning speCialists Advanced Stain Treatments - Wool Safe Upholstery Cleaning - Pet Odour Removal Tile and Grout Cleaning - Insurance Work Flood Restoration - Asthma & Allergen Friendly Ph Dan Riddell - 027 573 7449 - 0800 737 449 Family owned and operated for 40 years

“THE LOCALS CHOICE” The origins of Premier rs a Painting Ltd go back 40 e y years when Derek Borland 25 started Borland Painting. Steve

Roberts joined the business in 1998, working with Derek and managing the company for several years until 2014 when he purchased the company and changed the name to Premier Painting Limited. Steve and his crew, assisted by Steve’s partner Rachel have established and maintained a reputation for being the ‘painters you can trust’. In 2018 Premier Painting Ltd met strict criteria and became Marlborough’s only Dulux Accredited company , recognising their high levels of workmanship, professionalism, customer service and reliability.

Call Steve - get it done right!

South End of the Marina, Havelock, Marlborough Phone: (03) 574 2434 • info@jbs.nz • www.jbs.nz

25 YE AR S

Trillo Metals Limited is a family owned and operated metal recycling company, founded by Craig Trillo in 1998, with more than 130 years combined experience within the Trillo family.

Craig, and partner Tuini, are proud to say the Trillo name has been around the scrap metal industry for over 50 years, starting with his father Graeme Trillo in 1963 (R.C. Rollo Ltd), and now with Craig’s sons.

Trillo Metals has yards situated in Marlborough and Christchurch to meet all your metal recycling needs. With a fleet of trucks, friendly staff and a regular commercial pickup South Island wide, give our team a call today to see how we can help turn your SCRAP in to CASH.

FOR ALL YOUR PAINTING & DECORATING Marlborough’s only Dulux accreDiteD painting teaM New builds or existing repaints, roof spraying, gib stopping, wallpapering reSiDeNtial – COMMerCial – iNDuStrial

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2B CLOUDY BAY DRIVE, BLENHEIM. PH 03 578 0340 | 027 357 1390 tRILLOMEtALs@xtRA.CO.Nz | www.tRILLOMEtALs.CO.Nz

The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023

Test of Time

13

“If you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time” - Steve Jobs

Local Businesses who have stood the test of time 27 ye ar s

s ar e y 0 4 Established in the Riverlands Industrial Estate in November 1982, Equus Industries Ltd has grown from humble beginnings to four branches nationwide and earned respect in the construction industry. Supplying coatings and associated waterproofing products to numerous notable projects over the last 40 years, we take immense pride in our dedicated team, exceptional products, and unwavering commitment to customer service.

LOCAL FAMILY. QUALITY FURNITURE. EXCELLENT SERVICE. Lynfords is a family business, started by Lindsay & Kay Thomason in 1996.

Son Hamish Greenwood, who has worked in the business for 20+ years, now owns and operates Lynfords with wife, Mel. They attribute reaching 27 years to offering quality furniture and personalised customer service and they really appreciate the community support!

WATERPROOFING BUILDINGS Supplying coatings and waterproofing products for over 40 years Head Office Blenheim: 03 578 0214 Northern: 09 415 4314 Central: 04 576 0333 Southern: 03 353 2434 www.equus.nz

Exclusive stockist of Stressless in the Top of the South.

ROOFING | TANKING | INSULATION | FLOORING | COATINGS | CONCRETE REPAIRS

Exceptional range of stunning indoor & outdoor furniture.

51 ye ar s

rs a ye 1 2 Wednesday The Blenheim Sun first appeared on the local publishing scene in 2002.

Twenty one years later we continue to bring you a bright, bold paper with strong editorial and pictorial content.

Our friendly experienced team is on hand to discuss your advertising needs and story leads.

Delivering every Wednesday plus online.

We have the news that really matters!

Publishers, Les and Katrina Whiteside.

Trusted in our community and grown to become the region’s favourite newspaper 72 High St. Blenheim, Marlborough 03 5777 868 news@blenheimsun.co.nz simon@blenheimsun.co.nz

A company which not only stands the test of time, but continues to grow and become industry leaders is something special to celebrate.

Viridian Glass Marlborough is doing just that!

The company began its journey in 1972 as Norm Fowke Glass and 12 years later branched into auto glass. It has continued to evolve over the years, merging with Viridian Glass in 2012, and keeping up to date with modern technology and glass options. Today, Viridian Glass Marlborough specialises in residential, commercial and auto glass. Call the team today.

WednesdaySun Free range pets The

November 4, 2020

Sun Weather

Today 15-22

Thursday 12-21

Marlborough

Pest control

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Friday 10-22

Saturday 10-22 Outlook for Today Mostly cloudy.

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Phone us : 03 5777 868

By Celeste Alexander

A chicken balancing on the young owner, a lamb sitting head of its on a child’s lap, defiant goatscomfortably fright, and a rabbit wearing with stage a was a lot going on at last tutu – there Friday’s 76th Interschool Pets Day. The event, held by the Marlborough Boys and Girls Agricultural Club, took place at the Rai Valley Showgrounds and featured the top placers schools which held their own from local school pet days.

Judges were looking for rabbits, chickens, lambs, the best in goats as the best care and knowledgeas well of the students. Top placings were awarded as well as championship titles.

Overall points from each school were counted and revealed that this year’s Top School on Points goes to Renwick More photos and results on School. page 11.

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Linkwater School student Ray Keenan with his pet chicken he named ‘Chicken’.

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The Sun

14 Wednesday November 22, 2023

Prestigious award for Ray White Picton

Zonta says NO

In May of this year, Ray White Blenheim and Picton’s sales division was bought by Angela Bowers and husband Grant, along with Braden Stanton and his wife Rachel, seeing the growth of the team and technology within the company taking a big leap forward since their takeover. The business specialises in the marketing and sale of residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial properties throughout the Marlborough region, with the property management side being owned separately.

With the support of their team and a great year behind the business, the new owners were awarded the highly prestigious Alan White Elite Business Leader for 2022 and 2023, an award which is only given to the top 10% of businesses across the Ray White network.

Zonta Marlborough wants to raise awareness of violence against women with the Zonta Says NO campaign beginning this Saturday, November 25.

The campaign will kick off 16 days of activism regionally and nationwide to draw public attention to the issue of gender-based violence.

Zonta Marlborough President Liz Evans says the message and campaign around ‘violence against women’ is making a difference.

Evidence suggests that family violence offending has declined since the early 2000s The percentage of adults experiencing offences by family members declined from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2013 according to the NZ Crime and Safety Survey. The number of offences per 100 adults in the population fell from 30 to 22. This pattern coincided with a large decline in victimisation overall, including for violence by non-family members.

“Since 2012 the annual effort has seen Zonta Clubs around the world, throughout New Zealand and in Marlborough raise awareness about violence against women which has made people think about facing the situation and finding practical

Within their 6 months of ownership, they have relocated the Ray White Picton office onto High Street and have further big plans to grow the business within the region. “We have a fantastic team of salespeople that is backed up by a great support team. We are like a big supportive family, and our goal in the next 12 months is to become an attraction agency where people not only want to work with us but also work in the business.’

With the real estate market on an upward incline, the team are looking forward to another busy year, with their focus on property sales, their team and achieving the best result for their clients.

So if you are thinking of buying or selling property, the team at Ray White Blenheim and Picton would love to help you.

PBA.

By Chris Valli

solutions,” she says. “Our campaign is to renew the emergency phone number posters which we are putting up in public places such as hotels and businesses.”

Liz says Marlborough Zonta has had a very positive response from local businesses ‘developing valued relationships’ with the Women’s Refuge, St Mark’s Addiction Centre and the Marlborough Violence Intervention Project.

“We visit, make donations of funds and gifts and have relevant speakers at some of our monthly meetings,” says Liz. In New Zealand, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence from a partner The Ministry of Justice uses crime surveys to estimate how many offences New Zealand adults experienced in the last 12 months.

The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS) 23, has collected data annually since 2018. These surveys also ask about experiences of lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) offences and controlling behaviours.

According to Family Violence NZ, 76% of all recorded assaults against females are committed by an offender identified as family.

To learn more visit www.Zonta.org

The Ray White Blenheim and Picton teams - one big supportive family.

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Where learning takes flight Visit www.omakaelc.nz

NO TO VIOLENCE: Sharon Creedy, Lynley McGowan (Zonta Club of Marlborough President elect), Lucy Kerry and Adrienn Davis-Szalma are supporting the Zonta Says NO campaign beginning this Saturday. The campaign will kick off 16 days of activism to draw attention to the issue of gender-based violence.

www.omakaelc.co.nz

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The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023 15

The Sun

16 Wednesday November 22, 2023

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Wednesday

The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023 17

txt talk with The Sun

Talk of the week

Horrendously loud

Roundabouts

Fireworks in Showgrounds Saturday in Showgrounds horrendously loud bangs terrifying pets. Ban fireworks or have them without loud bangs!

Really?

Do we still have drivers out there who don’t know how to indicate at roundabouts?

Oh yes we do!

You would be better not to indicate at all instead of bring travel to stop because everyone thinks you’re turning.

Roundabouts are supposed to assist the flow of traffic!

Another Roundabout

Re: Absolutely furious

Can it be true. Another roundabout for Middle Renwick Rd, Bells Rd and St Leonard’s Rd intersection? Why? Why not? Another $50k solution in search of a problem. It’s just money. OURS!!!

In regards to the person who was so furious to be told it would cost $10 to get into the Farmers Market on the day of the A&P Show, I too would be furious. Don’t blame them for complaining.

As for the person(s) who told them to consider it as a donation, jolly rude. Jolly expensive donation just to come and get your weekly veges.

After all, did you advertise in the paper or online to the public that you would be charging $10 to get into the Farmers market?

Simply Semantics...

As to the validity of Smith’s non-try in the final of the men’s 15’s rugby world cup final.

Simply put...had the match officials done their jobs proficiently, the knock on would have resulted in an immediate scrum call.

Likewise, had our (then) captain been correctly penalised out in front of the posts in the closing stages of the 2011 men’s rwc final, France would have taken that title.

And then there were the laughable mistakes by the match officials in the 2015 men’s rwc final that gifted NZ the title over Australia.

Basically, mistakes by match officials are simply part of the game/s.

Re: library sign I suggest you walk around the library as it is on the wall opposite Raupo in LARGE LETTERS for those that walk around just looking for negative things to groan about.

Mistakes I’ve learnt so much from all of my mistakes, I’m thinking of making a few more.

Dialysis So upset that a neighbor is having to travel to Nelson hospital three times a week to get a kidney dialysis treatment because there is no room for him at Wairau hospital. This is not right. Surely he should be able to get dialysis treatment at Wairau hospital.

Openness Where was MDC ‘openness’ during library construction?

Israel According to Goggle our Marlborough region has almost 24,000 hectares in grapevines needing drip feed irrigation to bring needed water to produce a good yield. Israel invented that system. Their science is also behind the salt industry. Thank you to Israel for inventing what the world needs. Well done. On the news we hear Israel donated and built the very hospital the Hamas had overtaken to bring terror to their own people and Israel who gave it to them as a love gift and have done likewise in other countries. Evil abounds if good people do nothing. We have to stand for what is right.

Honour where honour is due.

Name change Aotearoa is okay, other countries have name change. So what’s the problem? Love the Aotearoa name.

Secret meetings We’re told MDC doesn’t have secret meetings.

But we didn’t know our library design or name until the building was complete. No wonder so many are not happy.

Green waste In hindsight I see I was wrong to suggest hiring a bin for green waste. I assume all the hire bins will be Land Fill.

I can’t imagine any company being committed to green waste bins. It would be impossible to monitor what was going into the bins. Good luck!

Why? What’s wrong if the people who want Te Reo, use it, say it, enact it..... but WHY should the rest of the country be forced to do the same?

This is called BULLYING, pure and simple.

Fireworks venue Is there a possible thought of changing the venue... to the likes of Lansdowne park... don’t get me wrong I like fireworks... but I feel it needs a different location... as I noticed it wasn’t alcohol free for a start.

I get it’s a school fundraiser but even tho its clearly promoted dates etc...have a thought for the housing and home owners in this area.. yes new to the area. I felt it needs a compromising location and curiosity for animals in areas.

Rubbish Pelorus Cafe, an unbelievable lot of rubbish written on the front page of a local newspaper, can’t read most of it, Eugene never heard the Surname and I was born in Marlborough 70 years ago, obviously doesn’t know much about Pelorus and the quality of food served there in the past, I am sure his tribe won’t match it. Only one tender explains the interest.

Great event A huge thank you to Barnardos, the Jet Boating Club, and the Active Dads Marlborough Team for organizing an incredible Jet Boating day.

My kids and I had an absolute blast, and we created some wonderful family memories.

We appreciate the time and effort put into this event.

Fireworks Well done Whitney St School on another great Lights Over Marlborough event.

These never fail to delight.

I remember going to one of the first ones as a youngster on the school grounds. A massive bonfire and burning effigy of Guy Fawkes, back before Health & Safety!

Still a great event.

Christmas Is anyone else wondering where the year went? And how is it only 4 weeks until Christmas? The year has gone so fast. Time to slow down and take a break, me thinks.

If I could only get off this hamster wheel...

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

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

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

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The Sun

18 Wednesday November 22, 2023

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

Exclusive Interview!

Matt Stevens

Owner of Omaka Early Learning Centre  Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely a cat person.  My friends would say I am…

Happy, likes a challenge and to keep busy.  The best advice I ever received was?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  What would you buy if money was no object?

Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 warbirds.  Local coffee haunt?

Market St in Blenheim, Phoenix Cafe in Renwick.  Favourite takeaway?

Yum Yum Kebab opposite The Good Home.  The shop you can’t walk past is...?

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

Whiskey, any brand you don’t recognise.  Where is your happy holiday place?

In the shed working on my plane (it’s a ten year project).  Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Rarely have time for TV.  What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Don’t really have one, I’ve always involved myself with my passions at the time I had them.

gardening this week Perkfection: By Wally Richards Here is an interesting story: Many years ago the New Zealand supplier of several products we repackage for the home garden market suggested a product they sell also.

The product builds up the immune system of plants and helps them to overcome a range of diseases and in particular, wet weather diseases.

I read the studies and trials on the product and decided to stock it calling the product ‘Perkfection for Roses’.

At that time the product was been sold as a registered fungicide for a range of plant diseases but as it has an NPK rating it was also sold at a lessor price as a liquid fertiliser.

The registered product was much more expensive to recover costs.

It is expensive and time consuming to register a product with the Govt.

Also every disease that it can be used for has to be registered to allow that to be included on the label.

Not only do you have to pay a fee to register and an annual fee to keep the registration current but also you have to have expensive studies done to prove that the use stated will in actually fact work.

Thus in plant remedy products one can often find that a product labeled for such and such may actually do a greater range of conditions which are not stated on the label.

Sneaky people like myself find out that a product is also good for some other condition and we let the cat out of the bag.

Thus they had the same product under two different names, for two very different uses; one a fungicide that was registered and one as a liquid fertiliser that does not require registration.

Commercial growers soon discovered that both products were the same so they naturally purchased the cheaper one and sales of the expensive registered one fell off and the supplier stopped labeling it and canceled the registration.

Likely much to the dismay of those that were collecting fees on the product.

Govt regulations state that claims on products must be proven and correct for registration.

This is supposed to protect the public from snake oils and love potions number 9.

Adverse aspects of products should also be displayed on the label for safety reasons so that the consumer can make an informed choice as to whether they use the product or not, and what degree of heath risk to themselves and the environment.

I completely agree with informed safety notices. It is just a pity that often manufacturers either do not know, or if they do know the dangers of the product, they do not reveal this information which would affect sales.

Then some years later, after likely much suffering to peoples health the dangers are revealed. I am thinking of things such as lead, mercury, DDT, and Asbestos.

I found this out a while back. Some versions of mastic or bitumen based Pressed Metal Roof Tiles produced prior to the early 1980s contain asbestos.

This means that prior to any work done on roofs of this type, expensive tests need to be

done and if they do contain asbestos you are in for a very expensive time.

It is a pity that a popular herbicide does not carry the warning as possible carcinogenic causing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma but I bet my bottom dollar one day it will do so, after hundreds more people have suffered.

Now I have had my little plug for the health of humans let’s get back to health for plants.

The active ingredient of Perkfection is ‘Phosphite ion’ or Phosphonic Acid. Potassium ions are also present.

There is no withholding period when used on food crops.

We have suggested Perkfection for Roses and other plants as an alternative to more toxic sprays, for the assistance in recovery from/or prevention of, the following problems: Black spot, downy mildew, phytophthora root rot, canker, heart rot, damping off, crown rot, leaf blight, silver leaf, late blight, collar rot, pink rot, brown rot, Armillaria, and gummy stem rot.

Now that’s a big list of diseases and it also means that many of your disease related problems can be overcome with this safe to use product.

Besides using Perkfection over your roses for the likes of black spot and downy mildew you can also use it as a spray over all your fruiting plants and trees including your strawberries.

It can be used also over your potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, cucurbits (cucumbers etc), lawns, onions, passion fruit, cauliflowers, cybidium orchids and ornamental plants and vines.

In fact there is no where you cannot use Perkfection to advantage.

Being ‘Synthetic Organic Phosphates’, what you are doing is placing this valuable material onto the foliage of your plants where it is very readily absorbed and transferred through the whole of the plant.

This fortifies the plants cells, increases the plants immune system and makes your plants less susceptible to invading pathogens.

There is however a down side, as with any good thing you can have too much and the recommendation is to use Perkfection at 4ml per litre of spray once a month only and only for about 5 times in a season.

Note: a season is the normal period of time for that crop or plant. Roses are from Spring till Autumn. Most annuals 5-6 months.

The reason is you can over load your plant

with organic phosphates causing a clogging of the cells and halting growth until the system clears.

In saying that you can on the first spray for a existing problem use Perkfection at 7ml per litre safely.

Prevention is better than cure and by spraying your plants in the spring you give the greatest protection to leaves and fruit.

Autumn spray will give greatest protection to roots and tubers.

I have suggested that on the 1st of the month to spray your roses and other plants with Perkfection, Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) and Mycorrcin.

14 days later spray with Mycorrcin and MBL. If insect problems occur then add Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Super Pyrethrum added.

All these sprays are compatible. They are all safe to use with them being natural and that’s what we need in this day and age.

Perkfection is marvelous for restoring the health of Buxus that are affected by the Buxus disease.

Simply spray at the 7ml rate and then for the next 3-4 months at the 4ml rate.

If your Buxus is looking good then spray every couple of months at the 4ml rate to ensure prevention.

Use the MBL and Mycorrcin combination also for improved health.

Silver leaf disease on fruit trees and roses was fatal in the past but with Perkfection if you start before the disease gets too far advanced then you can save the tree/rose.

Ideally remove the affected branches that show the disease and do so on a sunny dry day.

Protect the wound with a coating of acrylic paint with Wallys Liquid Copper added.

Then spray the foliage remaining with Perkfection at 7mls then at 4mls each month for 5 months or until leaf fall.

Start again once a good show of foliage is present in the new season.

If the plant has not gone beyond the point of no return then you will likely save it.

I have saved a tomato plant that had caught blight by a few sprays of Perkfection.

Excellent to help recovery of citrus trees and other plants that are suffering from wet feet and root rots.

As a health aspect for your preferred plants and food crops a 2-3 monthly spray of Perkfection will fortify and improve performance.

BUY ONE FRUIT TREE, GET THE 2ND 50% OFF* VISIT SELMES NURSERY - 141 BATTYS RD, BLENHEIM • PHONE 03 578 1511 Proudly supported by Selmes Trust

The Sun

Wednesday November 22, 2023 19

With the lead up to Christmas, there was no shortage of community events on the calendar last week from Whitney Street School’s Lights Over Marlborough to Blenheim Musical Theatre’s theatre restaurant Downtown show to Martella Refrigeration and Air Conditioning’s 40th celebrations.

Out & About ...with The Sun your local paper

Have an event ?

Contact 03 5777 868

Nat Berry (service manager) manning the 40th Anniversary BBQ breakfast for the team. Left to right in background, Allan Martella, Diego Escalona, Jayden O’Donnell and Grant Robinson.

Emily Amsler, Antonio Machado dos Santos, Cecilia Machado dos Santos and Leo Amsler.

Joy Xu all smiles about the fireworks.

USHERTASTIC: Tom Hatch, Derek Harding and Gemma Amsler welcome patrons at Downtown the Mod Musical last Wednesday night.

BMT members Monique Webster and Lloyd Bush keeping punters happy at the bar.

Allan Martella (centre) with his first refrigeration customers 40 years ago, Dennis Burkhart and Lance Wichman.

Two support crew enjoying the 40th Anniversary BBQ breakfast. Left to right, Meeka-Jay Tahana and Sophie Martella.

WIN A NEW DAIKIN HEAT PUMP

REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING

EXCITING NEWS - WE’RE TURNING 40!

Forty years of service thanks to our amazing customers!

As part of our celebrations, we want to find the OLDEST working high wall residential heat pump in Marlborough and give you a new Daikin high wall heat pump FREE*.

TO ENTER SEND US A PICTURE OF YOUR OLD HEAT PUMP. *T&C’s apply. Installation is additional. Entries close 30th November 2023.

1 Freswick St, Blenheim

www.martella.co.nz

03 578 0030

The Sun

20 Wednesday November 22, 2023

Air Conditioning

Carpet install & service

Building

Concrete

computers

For all your home & business IT needs

FOR ALL THINGS CONCRETE Complete Site Preparation and Excavation Services

RESIDENTIAL & RURAL

Call us now!

Concrete Placing Driveways • Form Work Exposed Concrete Concrete Stamping Concrete Cutting Core Drilling

sales@bpcomputers.co.nz

027 334 4720 • 03 577 9238

Ph: (03) 577 9498 17 Kinross Street

DECORATING

Detailing

electrical

forklift hire

GARAGE DOOR SYSTEMS

For all your electrical needs FOR ALL YOUR PAINTING & DECORATING MARLBOROUGH’S ONLY DULUX ACCREDITED PAINTING TEAM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL Call now to arrange an obligation-free quote

Ph 0800 080096 or 021 264 8235 steve@premierpainting.co.nz

garage doors

SERVICES LIMITED

ExcEllEncE in AutomobilE DEtAiling • Professional Exterior & Interior Detailing • Upholstery Shampooing • Buffing & Polishing • Pick up & delivery

We service all Commercial Kitchen & Laundry equipment.

Local agent for Starline Dishwashers.

30+ Years in the Automotive Industry

Ph: 579 4445

Ph Aaron 027 256 0808 aaron@carspa.page carspa-detailing.com

www.cmelectrical.co.nz

Casual or Long Term Rentals Maintenance & Repair Services Locally Owned and Operated

Phone: 579 2921

21 Redwood St, Blenheim www.forklifthireservices.co.nz

Gasfitting

gates GATES

PROMOTE

• Sectional Doors • Roller Doors • Tilt Doors • Commercial Doors • Gate Systems • Garage Door Openers 41 Grove Road BLENHEIM Ph 578 8251 info@dominatorblenheim.co.nz

Monumental

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise on the sun’s

Trades & services pAge

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577 7868 for detAils

Moving / Storage

Classic Gates

Gas Appliance Installation & Servicing Gas Water Heating General Plumbing Maintenance Blocked Drain Cleaning CCTV Camera Inspections

021 445 489 paul.rodger2022 @gmail.com

Plumber

PROMOTE

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise on the sun’s

Trades & services

ENGINEERING MARLBOROUGH POWDERCOATING

Ph 03 578 0088 See the experts for:

Sandblasting Powdercoating Gates, Fencing Furniture Pool Fences

pAge

CAll us todAy

577 7868 for detAils

6 Nelson St, Blenheim

Ph/Fax 578 0374 a/h 021 838 550

panel & paint

Approved installer

11 Maxwell Road

artisanmemorials.co.nz

Panel & Paint Approved Gold Repairer for Classic Cover Insurance • Panel and paint specialists • Plastic welding • Large and small repairs • Fully equipped paint booth • Touch-ups and full re-sprays • Insurance work

Tree Removal Height Reduction Trimming/Thinning Branch Chipping Hedge Trimming Line Clearance Stump Grinding Mulch Supplies Fully Insured FREE QUOTES

Call Steve today

021 625 378

03 578 0086

Blenheim’s only locally owned movers!

Local, National, International Moves and Storage Let us help you get to where you want to be!

Phone us on 03 579 5154 www.marlboroughmoving.co.nz

TREE CARE YES We Repair Everyday Vehicles

BLENHEIM TRUSTED PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS AND DRAINLAYERS WHETHER YOU NEED GAS, DRAINAGE OR PLUMBING SERVICES, WE HAVE GOT YOU COVERED.

Headstones Plaques Restoration Installation

info@classicandcustom.co.nz | classicandcustom.co.nz | 3 Warwick Street

Ph. 03 578 0083

(Lance) 021 361912 cts@xtra.co.nz

Advertising

Advertise your business & services in Marlborough’s best read newspaper Delivered into over 19,000 Marlborough homes every week.

Ask us about our fantastic cost effective packages that really work!

Ph 5777 868 simon@blenheimsun.co.nz katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

Sun The

Blenheim Marlborough

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

Wednesday November 22, 2023

Found

Wanted to Buy

Work Wanted

Nokia phone, found on the corner of Stephens and Redwood St's on Monday 14th.

Contact 0211117008

Stamp and coin collections, old toys, post cards etc Cash paid. Local Ph 021 138 8949

Lawn mowing & cleaning work wanted.

Phone 0274309716

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices Want something different, unique or wacky – JUST BROWSING, 26 Battys Rd. Crystal, porcelain, gold/silver jewellery, 70’s 80’s records, N.Z. art, gardening tools, thousands of NZ Books (hunting, regional NZ & Maori etc), old toys, collectables and the unusual.

Gift Vouchers available. Open 10am to 4.30pm Mon to Sat. Always Buying. (03) 5775402

Marlborough Harness Racing Club

Marlborough Racing Club

AGM

AGM

At Waterlea Racecourse Wednesday, Nov 29, 2023 at 6.00pm

At Waterlea Racecourse Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 at 6.00pm

GOLD BUYERS Scrap gold Gold coins Gold medals Gold pocket watches Gold wrist watches Gold jewellery Broken or damaged gold Any Sterling Silver items

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

NOTICE OF MYT AGM 19th Dec 2023, 4:30pm @Myspace Youth Centre 18 Kinross St- Blenheim Join Zoom LINK:

Topic: Marlborough Youth Trust AGM Time: Dec 19, 2023 04:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86288067480? pwd=ba3EFzIPWyNSjTIYQSlD4LhtPOAOy2.1 Meeting ID: 862 8806 7480 Passcode: 9BRtYK

Applications are open for MYT Trustee positions: We are seeking a Treasurer & Trustees email for an application info@myt.org.nz

Nativity Church Presents

Members and Customers of the

UFS Pharmacy

TOURS 2023

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2

SUNDAY DECEMBER 3

10 AM - 4 PM

1 PM - 4:30 PM

It is with sadness that I have to inform you that the UFS Dispensary is about to close. The manager, Chris Furness has chosen to retire. A New Zealand shortage of Pharmacists means finding a replacement Pharmacist and Manager has not been possible.

The dispensary will close after the 30th November. The front shop will remain open until Friday 15th December.

Tickets will be available at Nativity Reception or online at www.nativity.org.nz/ChristmasTour23 Tickets will also be available at St Barnabas Chapel between: 5:00PM - 8:30PM Friday 1st December 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Saturday 2nd December

I take this opportunity to thank all lodge members and customers for their loyalty which for some has been many years. The UFS Pharmacy manager, Chris, Retail Manager Jackie and all the staff, wish you all the very best for the future.

TICKETS $50 This is a self-guided tour of a selection of unique and beautiful homes in Marlborough that have been lovingly decorated to inspire and delight you this Christmas season.

Also included on the tour is a Christmas gift shop, wreath-making demonstrations, afternoon tea and a special Christmas raffle.

Proceeds go to the Nativity Church Building Fund.

Auctions

COLLECTORS AUCTION 4 Newman Ave, BRIGHTWATER 11am Saturday 2nd December, viewing from 9am Viewing also on Friday 10am - 3pm 1946 Ford Jail Bar Truck 6 x 1939 - 48 restored Allis Chalmers Tractors Large collection of old sewing machines, tools, chainsaws, radios etc Photos/Info: www.jwauctions.co.nz Auctioneer: John Walker 027 443 2525 PAYMENT: Cash - EFTPOS - VISA - Mastercard

Public Notices

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010 Quality Service Guaranteed

The Joy of HOUSE

21

nativity

.org.nz

nativity

church

03 578

blenhe im

3909

info@na

tivity.o

76 Alfr

ed St Bl

rg.nz

enheim

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas with family and friends.

Best wishes, Robin Cox Chairperson MUFS Board

MEGA GARAGE SALE SOME STOCK BELOW COST! Get in quick for my Yellow Dot Specials.

PLUS new stock at great prices including Stags, Native Birds, Horses, Mickey, Tiki + MUCH MORE

TWO DAYS ONLY!

Cressy’s Picture Framing Friday Nov 24th 10am - 5pm Saturday Nov 25th 9am - 1pm 14 Pitchell St | 03 578 1707 | 021 039 7361

Community notices Havelock Lions Club market Havelock Lions Club’s last market before Christmas will be on Saturday 25th November outside Havelock Town Hall between 9am -1pm.

Plenty of stocking fillers from a good variety of stalls, including preserves, clothing, knitting, crafts, soaps, books, art works, vegetables and fruit plus much more. Enjoy a sausage sizzle and invest in a raffle ticket for a leg of Hogget. There are still sites available. $5. Ring Ian 574 2558

Share your community events!

Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations!

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words.

EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office at 72 High St.

Visit us online at

blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun

22 Wednesday November 22, 2023 For Sale

Death notices SAXTON: David Anthony (Dave). Dave died peacefully at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, on 13 November 2023, in the loving arms of Bronny, aged 78yrs. A Memorial Service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at 1pm Thursday 7 December at the Heartland Hotel, Haast.

BENNIE: Evelyn Mavis (Mavis). On November 15th, 2023 passed away peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Home, Blenheim, in her 89th year. A Funeral Service for Mavis has been held. To view full notice please visit our website.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

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

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

WATSON: Sandra Fraser. On 13 November 2023, unexpectedly, at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, aged 81 years. A funeral service for Sandra has been held. Please visit our website to view full notice.

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

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

Cloudy Bay Funerals

EXTON, Judith Ann: After a short illness, Judi passed away in peace on Tuesday November 14, 2023. Aged 83 years. Now with her beloved husband of 50 years, the late Rodney. Treasured only daughter of the late Percy and Bessie Pearmain, much-loved Mum, Nana, and Great Nana to Kate, Rob, Rachel and Blake; Sue, Peter and Nicole; Chris, Jodie and Aart. Special ‘Mum’ to Fiona, Mike, Phoebe and Sam. Beloved sisterin-law of Doug and Laurie Exton and their families. Deep heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the wonderful staff at Waterlea Lifecare who cared for Mum in health and sickness.

Messages may be sent to Sue Davies, 253 New Renwick Road, RD 2, Blenheim 7272.

A private cremation has taken place.

T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

MORRISON: Bryan Henry. On 16 November 2023, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, surrounded by family, aged 86 years. Grateful thanks to the staff at Ashwood for their love and care of Bryan over the past years. At Bryan’s request, a private cremation has been held.

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

SUNDERLAND, Bruce Roy: On Thursday November 16, 2023, suddenly at Blenheim.

Dearly loved husband of Linda, loved father and father-in-law of Shane and Nyle, Kelly and Su; loved grandad of all his grandchildren. Loved by his fur babies, Skyla and Marbles. Messages may be sent to 7A Grady Street, Mayfield, Blenheim 7201. A farewell service for Bruce was held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, yesterday Tuesday November 21, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

MORRIS, Brian Stewart Bray: On Thursday November 16, 2023 in Nelson. Dearly loved husband of Cherie, loved father and father-inlaw of Denice and Brian Healey, Brian, Lynne and Myles, Alastair (deceased) and Michelle.

Loved granddad of his 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Messages may be sent to the Morris Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A farewell for Brian will be held at the Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 11.00am on Thursday November 23, followed by interment at Fairhall Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www.sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

PICKTHALL, William James (Bill): Passed away at Wairau Hospital on Monday November 20, 2023. Aged 71 years. Loved son of William and Edna Pickthall (both deceased), loved brother and brother-in-law of Sandra and Peter Cowan, Loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews in NZ and Australia. At Bill’s request, a private cremation will take place at the Sowman Crematorium.

T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

ROSS: Brian James (Bill). On Sunday 19 November 2023, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Home, Blenheim, in his 89th year.

Dearly loved husband of Anna. A Funeral Service for Bill will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Thursday 23 November at 2.00pm followed by private cremation. To view full notice please visit our website.

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

SCOON: Aileen June (Mickey). On November 17th 2023 at Waterlea Rest Home, peacefully, surrounded by her family, aged 89 years. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Maxwell Road, Blenheim on Thursday 23 November at 11.00am followed by interment at the Fairhall Cemetery. To view full notice please visit our website.

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

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Fender amp mixer, chords radio mic’s, karaoke speakers, cables, all sorts of musical gear going cheap. Ph 5784489.

Lawn bowls, Aero Optima, size 2.5 heavy, includes trolley case and bowls lifter $500 phone 0210724592.

Situations Vacant

PAINTERS and BRUSH HANDS WANTED Are you a honest, reliable painter with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude What’s on offer: • Full time position with potential for weekend work and overtime • Steady work load - Enjoy a consistent flow of projects, providing stability and job security • $25 - $32 Per Hour (experience based) • PPE + Tools Provided + Career Advancement Opportunities • Great workplace culture - social club with team annual fishing trip Please send email or cover letter admin@zorite.co.nz or contact Andrew on 021 248 8827

Renwick School

Teacher Aide 12 hours per week 3 hours per day x 4 days per week We require a caring, dedicated and innovative person who is able to work alongside teachers in a team environment to enhance learning opportunities for our students.

Training will be given and opportunities for growth and development will be made available and encouraged. This position will be in the Year 7/8 area.

Please send letters of application and a one page resume stating your suitability for this position to: Michelle Spencer, Principal Renwick School P.O.Box 48 171 Renwick Or email to michelle@renwick.school.nz Applications close Friday 1st December 2023

By Russell McQuarters

By Russell McQuarters

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Last 15 November 2023 ForWeek For September April 9, 2003 15, 2004 For For September April 9, 2003 15, 2004

The Sun

sport

Wednesday November 22, 2023

23

Covid squashes Brendon’s goal – for now Blenheim’s Brendon Vercoe had one thing on his mind. To cycle the length of New Zealand – and the Christchurch based physiotherapist was on track for a record breaking ride. Yet, as Chris Valli discovers, Covid reared its ugly head.

Every morning at 5am when Brendon Vercoe went out on his bike, he had one moment in mind. He couldn’t help but think of riding into Bluff on the last stage of his world-record attempt.

“It’s always in the back of my mind – it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it,” the 37-year-old physiotherapist says.

“My wife and kids have booked their flights to Invercargill to be at the finish line and, whatever happens, that will be an amazing moment.”

Last Friday, November 17, Brendon was taking on the unthinkable attempt to bike ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff in record time to raise money and awareness for the New Zealand Spinal Trust, hoping to complete the 2100km ride in just four days.

Cue bloody Covid.

For some, the pandemic can be blamed for political ideologies driving public actions and health behaviours in the first year of the global pandemic. While for Brendon, the 2023 strain of the virus put a stop to his goal of cycling the length of the country.

ACC Media Advisor and friend Peter Thornton says Brendon was making ‘incredible progress’ and was ahead of time to break the record for the marathon ride when he tested positive for COVID-19 near Kaikoura on Sunday afternoon.

The father-of-three had been feeling unwell since Saturday and was dreading that it might be COVID-19. He had completed around 1240km of his ride and was on the home stretch when he began to feel unwell and made the difficult decision to stop.

The former physio from the Burwood Spinal Unit had trained for months to be ready for this challenge. He says it was hard to put into words how he was feeling as he came up short of his goal.

“To say I am gutted is an understatement,” he says from his support team’s van on the way home. “I have put in a huge amount of time and effort to be ready for this and we were tracking well. It was a great feeling to be in the South Island and on the home stretch, but I just got worse in terms of how I was feeling, and there was only one call I could make.”

Brendon says he would have boxed on if it was just a head cold and a sore throat, but to know it was a risk to his health and the health of others was a key factor in the decision.

Fellow Marlburian Craig Harper remains the record holder for riding the length of Aotearoa. The Blenheim endurance athlete completed the feat in four days, nine hours

and 45 minutes in 2017.

Craig says he didn’t have a problem with the record being potentially broken.

“Conditions can affect it hugely. Obviously the route plays a part too,” he says. “With the SH1 road fully open, its significantly quicker ride to Christchurch than what I had to do.

(If he did break it) a new record would give me something new to have a go at too,” Craig said before Brendon’s journey.

“It’s disappointing but, sometimes in life, there are things that are out of your control,” says Brendon.

“When I have time to reflect on this, I’m sure I will look back with pride of what I managed to achieve over the two and bit days and I am so grateful to everyone who has got behind this great cause.”

He was ahead of the world record pace when he rode into Wellington. He faced further adversity when low cloud scuppered his plans to helicopter across the Cook Strait.

The Interislander got him on board at late notice to keep his chances of claiming the record alive.

Throughout his career, Brendon has had a number of injuries which required support from ACC.The most significant was a nasty road bike accident in 2010 while he was preparing for the 2011 Coast to Coast where he broke his jaw in two places and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.

“I had several months off work recovering and rehabilitating, which ACC supported me with throughout. It was great to have that support.”

Sentiment shared by NZ Spinal Trust CEO Hans Wouters.

“We feel deeply for Brendon and his incredible support team who themselves have contributed immensely to the Cape2Bluff record attempt,” says Hans.

He began his journey in fine conditions at Cape Reinga at 9am on Friday and rode for 43 hours without sleep – all the way to Wellington – to put in a herculean effort and set up a chance at the record.

Brendon achieved his fundraising target of $10,000 and when he hopped off his bike, he had raised more than $12,000 for the NZ Spinal Trust.

“To everyone who has supported the NZ Spinal Trust through this fundraiser, I am hugely grateful,” says Brendon. “Your encouragement fuelled my determination, and your collective support will remain etched in my heart. Thank you for being the unwavering force that accompanied me, even when the road was cut short.”

Brendon says when he has time to reflect, he is sure he will look back with pride of what he managed to achieve over the two and bit days. “I am so grateful to everyone who has got behind this great cause.”

The Sun

24 Wednesday November 22, 2023

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