20 December Blenheim Sun Newspaper

WednesdaySun The

Blenheim Marlborough

December 20, 2023

Sun Weather

Today 13-29

Thursday 13-30

Friday 12-23

for Today Saturday 14-24 Outlook Fine. Northerlies.

Fabulous Selection of Jewellery in store

Ph 577 9340 | 91 Weld St, Redwoodtown

Phone us : 03 5777 868

Five more sleeps

By Chris Valli

Saoirse Zintl, 10 with her dog Ziggy the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shitzu-cross.

Saoirse says she’s looking forward to Christmas Day and spending time with her family, especially her cousins in Westport.

She says she is excited to spend lots of time in the pool and enjoy the Christmas spirit.

The Zintl family has lots of family traditions with her Mum making an Irish Christmas cake and because her Dad’s side of the family is German, they also do St Nikolaus.

“This is when we clean our shoes and put them by the door on December 6. If we’ve been good, we get lollies or chocolate in the shoes,” says Saorise.

Saoirse Zintl, 10, with her dog Ziggy the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shitzu-cross.

Specialists in Mobility Specialists in Specialists in Mobility in Mobility Mobility Studio LiftSpecialists Chair Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Beds

Specialists in Mobility Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Beds Specialists in Mobility Studio Lift Chair Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Beds Specialists in Mobility

Lift Chair StudioStudio Lift Chair

Adjustable Beds

Hi/Lo Beds

it y in Mobility Studio LiftSpecialists Chair Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Beds Studio Lift Chair Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Studio Lift Chair Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo Beds View Our Fantastic View Ourin Fantastic Range Store View Our Fantastic View our fantastic range instore Range in Store View Our Fantastic View our fantastic range instore

Studio Lift Chair Hi/ Adjustable Beds Hi/Lo

Service technician available for all your servicing and repair needs ServiceHome technician available all your servicing andAvailable repair needs Healthcare Equipmentfor & Mobility Products • Finance

Service technician available for all•your and repair needs Home Healthcare Equipment & Mobility Financeservicing Available Power Chairs &Products Scooters Range in Store Power Chairs & Scooters Range inFantastic Store View Our Many models to choose from - Test drive yours today!

View Our Fantastic Many models to choose from - Test drive yours today!

NOW 7 Maxwell RoadSt,(next to Medlab) 037717 578 8002 www.accessmobility.co.nz Range in Store View Ourat Fantastic Cnrour McGlashen Ave & Croucher Richmond Ph: 03ph: 544 www.accessmobility.co.nz Service technician available for all your servicing and repair needs View fantastic range instore Home Healthcare Equipment & Mobility Products • Finance Available NOW at 7 Maxwell Road (next to Medlab) ph: 03 578 8002 www.accessmobility.co.nz Range in Store View Our Fantastic Cnr McGlashen Ave & Croucher St, Richmond Ph: 03 544 7717 www.accessmobility.co.nz View our fantastic rangeRoad instore 7 Maxwell (next to Medlab) Service ph: 03 578 Equipment 8002 available www.accessmobility.co.nz technician for all•your and repair ne Home Healthcare & Mobility Financeservicing Available Power Chairs &Products Scooters Range in Store repair Service technician available for all your servicing and repair ne Power Chairs & Scooters Range in Store

Home Healthcare Equipment Products NOW at 7& Mobility Maxwell Road (next to Medlab) ph: 03Healthcare 578 8002 www.accessmobility.co.nz Service technician available for all your servicing and- Available repair needs Mobility Scooters and Walkers - Many models choose from Test drive yours today!

Home Equipment & Mobility to Products • Finance Home Healthcare Equipment & Mobility Products Finance Available NOW at 7 Maxwell Road (next to Medlab) ph: 03 578 8002 www.accessmobility.co.nz od Mobility a Scooters and Walkers y Many models ! to choose from Test drive yours today!

Home Healthcare Equipment & Mobility Products • Finance Available Mobility Scooters and Walkers – Many models to choose fromand – Test driveneeds yours today!

Finance Available Service technician available for all your servicing repair

The Sun

2 Wednesday December 20, 2023

How to reach us Publishers

Rain could spoil Christmas Day

By Chris Valli

Les Whiteside

les@blenheimsun.co.nz

Katrina Whiteside katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

Telephone

(03) 5777-868 E-mail news@blenheimsun.co.nz Advertising: simon@blenheimsun.co.nz

Address 72 High St, Blenheim P.O.Box 634 Blenheim

Rain could spoil some Marlborough folk’s Christmas plans, with wet weather possible for several parts of the country next Monday, MetService says.

The weekend brought a mixture of hot temperatures, high humidity and heavy rain around the country.

Kaikōura Airport hit 32 deg C at 3pm on Sunday, while Timaru reached 31 deg C and Napier edged in at 30 deg C. Many others sat high in the 20s.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris says the sticky weather will stick around for several days.

“It is looking warm again so we are going to see more of those warm temperatures, but they’re not going to be the hot, dry temperatures that we might like to associate with summertime.

“We are seeing some warm air being dragged out of the Tasman Sea so it is going to have that

humidity with it, so if you are out and about shopping, do wear some clothing that you won’t get too sweaty in if you’re hustling and bustling around town.”

Ferris says with five days to go until Christmas, it was still a bit tricky to be certain of what the weather will look like.

But rain was on the cards, he says.

“We might not just see rain on the west coast of the South Island, it might even be spreading up into the North Island, but the typical hot spots, the eastern parts of the South Island do look like the most likely places to have settled weather next Monday, but we are still a wee way out.”

Ferris says certainty of the weather would become clearer as the week went on.

He suggested people wait a few more days before planning to hold their Christmas Day celebrations indoors or outdoors.

Blenheim’s Whites Bay is a popular spot over the festive season.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris says with five days to go until Christmas, it was still a bit tricky to be certain of what the weather will look like. But rain was on the cards, he says.

www.blenheimsun.co.nz 5.11.23

21st ary

Annivers

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9am - 4.30pm The Sun 18,535 copies.

The largest circulating newspaper in Marlborough.

Christmas lights list

Springlands • 42 Magnolia Drive Burleigh • 15 Caproni Road • 37 Catalina Crescent Mayfield • 16 Budge Street • 4 Waipuna Street Riversdale • 155 Budge Street

• 50 Budge Street • 11 Endeavour Street • 18 Endeavour Street Blenheim • 19 Hilton Place • 11 Glover Crescent • 32 Muller Road Renwick • 32 High Street • 11 Uxbridge Street

• 2 Brydon Street Witherlea • 21 Tereice Street • 17 McNabb Place • 2 McNabb Place • 19 Kinloch Crescent • 181 Redwood Street • 12 Avery Place.

Experience comfort and peace at Marlborough’s most modern funeral chapel

Bob Thelma & Alistair Barry Ethan Terry Faye Barnes Sowman Holmwood Williams Ryan Partridge

Our premises are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a memorable farewell for your loved one.

Corner Hutcheson & Parker Streets, Blenheim | 03 578 4719

www.sowmans.co.nz

Preplan | Prepay

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

‘It’s like a big event every year’

By Chris Valli

Apparently it’s a rare but dubious honour to be born on Christmas day. No one knows this better than Jesus, born in a barn to a teenage mum, the spiritual fate of humanity resting on his infant shoulders.

For the mortals among us, Christmas birthdays can be similarly fraught. Sherry-soaked fruit cake disguised as birthday cake, no mates around to celebrate with, fewer presents, or just a handshake from your dad in acknowledgement.

Blessedly, a December 25 birthday is unlikely to befall you - it’s the least common Kiwi birthday other than February 29, a date which occurs once every four years.

So what’s it like being a statistical novelty?

Blenheim Travel consultant Holly Lyall says for this year’s birthday she is ‘old enough to not want to talk about it’. Bless.

Holly admits she comes from a family with a lot of brothers, so she would get told it ‘wasn’t special enough to have her own day’ because everyone got to have gifts on ‘her day’.

“When I was a kid everyone was away for a birthday party,” she recalls. “The best thing about the day is food, family and relaxing,” she says.

Blenheim travel consultants Emily Gee and Holly Lyall both share a birthday on Christmas Day. Emily says it’s like a big event every year. “The best part is Boxing Day when I get to chill at home with my family and eat leftovers.”

Holly with friend Chelsea Jenkins

Meanwhile Emily Gee and fellow travel consultant says she is ‘much younger’ than Holly who is turning 35.

Emily was born in Marlborough, studied in Dunedin and travelled the United States, Canada, Pacific Islands and France before returning to Blenheim where she has been for the past ten years.

So how does the family accommodate Emily with the clash of the two days - which takes more significance and priority?

“They say “Merry Birthday”

THANK YOU to all our clients and tradies for your support during 2023. Wishing you all the best for the festive season and the New Year!

We are closed for the holidays and will reopen on January 15th.

10 Rose Manor Drive • Ph 579-2368 www.peterrayhomes.co.nz Award winning Registered Master Builders

and continue on with their day,”: she laughs. “Just kidding - we do the big Christmas thing with all the family and everyone goes out of their way to say happy birthday which I think is quite cool because who gets to see all their family and friends on their birthday? (even though they may be there for Christmas).

“It’s like a big event every year.

The best part is Boxing Day when I get to chill at home with my family and eat leftovers,” says Emily.

When asked if it gets any ‘easier’ having a birthday fall on Christmas Day Emily says it’s ‘really easy’ because she doesn’t really know any different “I am guaranteed my birthday off work - the only downside is waiting an entire 12 months for an excuse to shower myself with gifts - but hey, I get double, right?”

“The best thing is the food, and I have a seven-year-old daughter and watching Christmas Day unfold through her eyes,” says Emily.

3

inbrief

The Sun

Ferries decision Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says she is shocked and disappointed by the news that KiwiRail is cancelling the inter-island ferries project, iReX. Mayor Taylor says while the decision will not directly impact Marlborough’s ratepayers financially it will have an impact on New Zealand’s long term inter-island infrastructure.

“This will come as a particular shock to the Picton community who are most directly affected by this decision. The town has been very engaged in the new ferries project and have been a great supporter of it,” she says. “A large number of workers had been expected to work on the iReX project over the coming years. I want to emphasize to Kiwis and overseas travellers that Picton is open for business. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries are working as normal across Cook Strait.”

Residents only restriction on Kenepuru Road Access remains restricted to residents, emergency and essential services on Kenepuru Road between Linkwater and the heads, and its side roads.

The damage sustained in the August 2022 storm was substantial, with more than twice the damage of the July 2021 weather event.

Although much work has been completed to restore access for residents, these roads remain unsuitable for people unfamiliar with it, says Council’s Transport Recovery Advisor Steven Murrin.

To check the status of any local road visit the CDEM Official Public Information Map at www.marlborough.govt.nz/civildefence-emergency-management/ cdem-official-public-information-map Repair works in the Sounds will stop from Thursday 21 December to Sunday 7 January.

The Sun

4 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Speed limits to be looked at in the New Year

By Chris Valli

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has issued a directive to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and councils around the country to cease blanket speed limit reductions.

The coalition has removed the mandatory requirement and deadline for authorities to submit and then implement speed management plans.

Brown says work would begin on a new policy ensuring speed limits took into account travel times and the views of local communities as well as safety.

“Our coalition government wants to see a transport system that boosts productivity and economic growth and allows New Zealanders to get to where they want to go, faster and safer.”

Variable speed limits would be allowed on roads approaching schools during pick-up and drop-off times, rather than permanent reductions, Brown says.

“I am writing to Road Controlling Authorities throughout the country to notify them of the changes and to advise them that work has begun on the new policy.

“This allows them to stop work on current speed management plans until the policy is put in place.”

The Marlborough District Council says they received a letter from NZTA Waka Kotahi on December 14 advising of the changes made by the Minister of Transport to the land transport rule.

The Mayor and Council will consider those changes in the New Year and what they may mean for the Marlborough district.

Variable speed limits would be allowed on roads approaching schools during pick-up and drop-off times, rather than permanent reductions, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

Samuel Keighley from the Marlborough Youth Council putting final touches on their tree for this year’s Christmas Tree Festival.

Renwick Christmas tree festival

By Chris Valli

With five more sleeps until Santa weaves his magic, the Anglican Church in Renwick is again joining with the community in providing an exciting and joyous Christmas experience.

The annual Renwick Christmas Tree Festival is a delight for locals with businesses and community groups decorating a variety of Christmas trees which are on display along with other Christmas

creations.

The Anglican Church provide a variety of Christmas themed activities set amongst the trees including Christmas stories and a gnome hunt.

Viewing times at 54 High Street are from 10am – 10pm until Christmas Eve on Sunday, December 24.

All donations from the event go to support the work of Tearfund New Zealand in responding to humanitarian aid, community development and child poverty.

Need a reliable, local, IT service provider?

Talk To us!

17 Kinross Street | (03) 577 9498 | sales@bpcomputers.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

Dropping live animals is never okay

By Chris Valli

It seems the festive spirit is not rubbing off on individual(s) dumping three kittens to fend for themselves on the side of the road in Seddon.

Local children found the three fur babies and knew a local lady Cheryl who fosters for Marlborough Four Paws and called for her help. Futhermore, there was also a kitten left in a cage at the rescue centre gate on Monday.

Ma rlboroug h Fou r Paws co-founder Michelle says once again they are swamped with dumped kittens and cats, left behind to fend for themselves.

“This is just bloody heart-breaking,” she says. “Every spare minute we have outside of our own work commitment is devoted to rescuing kittens like these sick babies found on the side of the road.”

Not only have these three had a shocking start to life, they are just three out of 1000’s needing help, needing veterinary care, a warm clean dry bed, food, fresh water and love…. the basics in animal care.

Michelle says seeing animals like the kittens dumped come

into their care daily is almost too much to bare, heart breaking and endless.

“Our vet bills are through the roof,” she says.

If Sun readers can help over the festive/new year season, you can help by paying forward for a cat desex please donate to MFP BNZ 02-0600-0312016-000 with ENDLESS as a reference.

“We will make sure more and more cats and kittens never have to have another litter. Help us make a difference in these animals’ lives, because they are worth it.”

Marlborough Four Paws have been told by the Marlborough District Council that there isn’t a cat problem in Marlborough.

In June, Marlborough Four Paws spoke exclusively to the Sun Newspaper after submitting a proposal to the Marlborough District asking for a regional management plan for the stray feline population to be included in the 2023/24 annual plan.

Nothing has happened since. No strategic solutions to address the escalating stray cat problem that Marlborough has.

An online petition began in June to ‘strengthen the MDC animal

Teenage daily vaping rates double The number of teenager’s vaping every day has almost doubled in the past year.

New data from the New Zealand Health Survey, released last Thursday, shows the daily vaping rate of those aged between 15 and 17 years old has increased from 8.3% in 2021/2022 to 15.4% in 2022/2023.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says doubling of daily vaping among teenagers is nothing short of a public health crisis that demands urgent attention.

W h e n o n ly t h e b e s t W i l l d o !

Our Kiwi Favorite Summer Footwear!

Marlborough Four Paws volunteer Michelle says once again they are swamped with dumped kittens and cats, left behind to fend for themselves. “This is just bloody heart-breaking,” she says.

bylaw (2017) to curb the escalating cat problem. At the time, the petition sat at 2145 signatures.

The volunteers continue to work horrendous hours to remove stray and dumped cats from community areas providing crucial support for the conservation groups that protect native bird populations.

Marlborough Four Paws runs entirely by volunteers and oper-

ates with the support of donations from the community and was established in 2017 with the goal of providing welfare to animals in need.

MFP aims to reduce animal suffering, protect local bird life and mitigate the spread of animal disease by preventing the birth of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Cool, Comfortable, Washable & Economical at only $39.95

LADIES Black or Grey, MENS Black only

Since 1947

71 Market St BlenheiM

Blenheim Toyota YARIS HATCH GX FROM

ALL NEW MODEL

28,290

$

BZ4X PURE ELECTRIC FWD FROM

72,990

$

C-HR FWD HYBRID

YARIS CROSS GX HYBRID TDP

TDP TDP

FROM

38,290

$

GR COROLLA FROM

FROM

TDP

74,990

$

41,290

$

TDP

HILUX SR PRERUNNER 2WD EXTRA CAB TDP

FROM

43,390

$

TDP

PLUS FREE CANOPY* +LINER

RAV4 ADVENTURE AWD FROM

53,290

$

5

HILUX SR5 CRUISER 4WD DOUBLE CAB FROM

63,390

$

TDP

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Advertised prices are indicative, include GST and all on-road costs and excludes any NZ Government Clear car programme rebate or fee. Prices are correct at time of publication and subject to change. Please inquire in-store or on our website for up-to-date pricing and vehicle availability.*Hilux SR Prerunner 2WD Extra Cab Offer: Available on new Toyota Hilux SR 2.8D 6A 2WD EC (JTCTU) vehicles purchased at TDP or Bronze pricing through an Authorised Toyota Dealer between 1 October 2023 and 31 December 2023, or while stocks last. Prices and specifications are subject to change at any time. See Toyota.co.nz for full Terms and Conditions.

Holiday hours: Fri 22nd: 8am – 1pm | Sat 23rd – Tues 26th: Closed | Wed 27th - Fri 29th: 8am - 5:30pm Sat 30th – Tues 2nd Closed | Wed 3rd: normal hours resume

The Sun

6 Wednesday December 20, 2023

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

What does your ELF ON THE SHELF get up to?

We asked Sun readers to send in their pictures to show us ahead of the big day.

Aroha Devine Blenheim Our elves had a hoot at baking some choc chip bikkies.

Katrina Whiteside Blenheim Quality time in the garden.

Having Problems with Your Dentures?

• Have a fear of smiling?

• Unable to eat what you want? • Sore gums?

• Dentures shift, tilt and wander?

• Trouble speaking clearly?

We've Got Solutions!

Jody Lawson Blenheim A bit of hair cutting.

Sandra Allenton Blenheim Snowball fight with the PJ Masks.

s r e tt

Le the Editor To

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.

Sarah Alandale Blenheim Taking some super lessons from Superman himself.

Jayne Nicole Blenheim Ziplining.

Poppies In reply to R Howe re poppies being removed from head stones at both the Omaka and Fairhall Cemeteries.

This has come about from two emails received from Marlborough District Council

Great story Kia ora Chris, Thank you for your work on the story (of the Year 8 students and their taiaha/inquiry learning). A great story and acknowledgment of the work the boys did and their passion to see it to fruition.

Thank you so much for your support of Rapaura School. It is appreciated.

Ms. Carey Huria Tumuaki/Principal Rapaura School

instructing MRSA to remove all poppies from the head stones within three months of Anzac Day. John Capill President MRSA

Thank you from Repertory Hi Chris Many thanks for the lovely article in this week’s Sun about Rep’s book launch. The photos looked great.

Happy Christmas and a well-earned break.

Kind regards Anne McAuley

Yvonne & Ian wish all their patients a Merry Christmas

‘ORTHO - DENT’ DENTURE CLINIC LTD Full, Partial, Relines, Repairs European Quality IAN Z. PALLEY REGISTERED CERTIFIED DENTAL TECHNICIAN

YVONNE A. PALLEY REGISTERED CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN

9 Tremorne Ave, Blenheim

Tel: 577 8600 Visit us online at

blenheimsun.co.nz

Plea entered for Blenheim sexual offending Police acknowledge a guilty plea entered by Blenheim man Gregory Pask in the Blenheim District Court on Monday.

Pask pleaded guilty to 29 charges of sexual offending against several girls, and producing objectionable material in Blenheim between 2014 and September 2023.

He is due to appear for a further hearing on Tuesday, March 5 and is due to appear for sentencing on Wednesday,

April 17.

Detective Sergeant Ash Clarke, from the Marlborough CIB says the Police acknowledge the victims in the matter and the ordeal they have been through.

While the man responsible for the offending has pleaded guilty, Police understand that no conviction will ever take back what has happened.

“He was a well-known figure in the Blenheim community

YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION IN CANTERBURY. Learn more:

027 481 3545 art.devine@harcourts.co.nz 175 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 03 355 6677 holmwood.co.nz Holmwood Real Estate Licensed Agent REAA 2008

for many years and in continual contact with children and young people,” says Detective Sergeant Clarke.

Police believe there may be further victims, and we ask anyone who was a victim or their family, to come forward and report what occurred to Police.

“We understand it can be hard to come forward and report incidents of this nature, but we would like to reassure

you Police take these matters seriously and have a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, we will ensure you have a safe space to report offending in confidence,” says Detective Sergeant Clarke.

If you were a victim to this offending you can contact Police on 105 or come into your local Police station and reference file number: 230903/8087

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

Mayor’s Christmas message What a fantastic, if challenging, year it has been in Marlborough.

After much planning and preparation, our new library and art gallery at Te Kahu o Waipuna was officially opened. Since May it has attracted almost 3,000 new members with more than 225,000 people through its doors, underscoring what an amazing facility it is for our community.

It’s been wonderful to see how people are using the new facilities - families are gathering, teens are chilling, seniors are reading and chatting and community groups are making the most of the meeting rooms. It

is a place for everyone.

I’ve spent my first year as Mayor getting out and about in the community as much as I can. It’s impressive to see the great work being done by many Marlburians. From acknowledging our volunteer firefighters at honours’ nights across the region, to celebrating Repertory’s 75th anniversary, school prize givings, civic and cultural events, rural gatherings, Sounds community meetings and more, it’s been a busy year.

We live in a region the rest of the country and the world would love to visit, so take the

opportunity to look at Marlborough through their eyes - choose a new local experience, a different spot to eat or a fresh Marlborough destination to visit this summer.

If you’re around don’t miss Marlborough District Council’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Picton Foreshore, a wonderful family event with music, food and midnight fireworks. It’s great to gather as a community to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

Merry Christmas/Meri Kirihimete, Nadine Taylor Marlborough Mayor

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor

Timely safety reminders for boaties as Navigation Bylaw takes effect Did you know boating incidents must be reported under both maritime law and Council’s new navigation bylaw? Did you also know that you are required to carry properly fitted lifejackets on your boat?

These timely reminders from the Harbourmaster come as Marlborough’s Navigation Bylaw 2023 is poised to take effect from 20 December. The new bylaw was approved at last week’s full Council meeting following a public consultation process which attracted eight submissions. The bylaw contains rules relating to maritime and navigation safety in Marlborough.

Marlborough’s Harbourmaster Captain Jake Oliver says with summer approaching it is a timely reminder for both recreational

commercial boaties to know the rules of safe boat use in the Marlborough Sounds.

A lack of understanding was highlighted recently when a boat sank in Picton Harbour and was not reported to officials.

“Debris was spotted by the master of the Interisland ferry who readied rescue boats and delayed the ferry’s passage to assist. Lots of resources were pulled in only to find there was no need,” Captain Oliver said.

“We later discovered it only took six minutes for the boat to sink and there were six adults and children on board. Fortunately, no-one was hurt but it is concerning this incident was not reported. It’s a timely reminder to boaties such incidents are required to be reported by law.”

Council services – Christmas and New Year holiday hours Council’s offices are closed from midday on Friday 22 December and reopen at 8.30am on Wednesday 3 January. If you have an urgent issue during this time, staff will be available on Ph. 03 520 7400.

Waste Services

Christmas Day - Monday 25 December 2023 All CLOSED Boxing Day - Tuesday 26 December 2023 RRC and RUC: 8am - 4.30pm E Waste: CLOSED Waste Sorting Centre: 8am - 4.30pm Picton TS: 8am - 4pm Havelock TS: 8am - 4pm Rai Valley TS: 9am - 12pm Seddon TS: 1pm - 4pm Wairau Valley: CLOSED New Year’s Day - Monday 1 January 2024 RRC and RUC: 8am - 4.30pm E Waste: CLOSED Waste Sorting Centre: 8am - 4.30pm Picton TS: 8am - 4pm Havelock TS: 8am - 4pm Rai Valley TS: 9am - 12pm Seddon TS: CLOSED Wairau Valley: CLOSED Day After NY Day - Tuesday 2 January 2024 RRC and RUC: 8am - 4.30pm E Waste: CLOSED Waste Sorting Centre: 8am - 4.30pm Picton TS: 8am - 4pm Havelock TS: 8am - 4pm Rai Valley TS: 9am - 12pm Seddon TS: 1pm - 4pm Wairau Valley: CLOSED

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections If your rubbish and recycling crate are due to be collected on Mon 25 December, please put them out on Fri 22 December as there will be no collection on Xmas Day. Put your rubbish and recycling crate out as normal on Tue 26 December, Mon 1 January or Tue 2 January if these are your usual collection days.

If you are in danger on the water, you should phone 111. If there has been a maritime incident but with no immediate danger to life, call Council. Incidents are also reported through the Marlborough Cruise Guide app to keep the general boating public aware.

lifejackets for everyone on board including in dinghies and kayaks.

This rule applies to paddle boards, kiteboards and windsurfers as well unless a wetsuit is worn. There are some exceptions covered under the bylaw, but the general guidance is ‘take lifejackets and wear them’.

Encouraging safe speed is a particular focus for Harbour Patrol this summer, particularly in high-risk areas, some of which are marked with yellow 5 knot buoy markers.

“Collisions at sea can be catastrophic and wake from speeding boats can be dangerous too. Consider the safety of other water users and always operate at a safe speed. It’s not just good sense, it’s also the law,” Captain Oliver said.

“Harbours will be keeping a close look at this over summer and our team will be out on the water almost every day. We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water so if we see unsafe activity on the water we will intervene,” Captain Oliver said.

He reminds boaties it is a requirement to carry enough

For more information on Marlborough’s Navigation Bylaw 2023 go to www.marlborough.govt. nz/environment/harbours or visit the Marlborough Cruise Guide app.

Temporary road closure - Picton Maritime Festival London Quay, Picton from the eastern side of the High Street to the northern side of Endeavour Lane in Wellington Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Saturday 20 January from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm for the Picton Maritime Festival 2024.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised

permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

This notice is given under Section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974.

Any enquiries to Dean Hawkey, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 021 923 536.

NADINE TAYLOR MAYOR

Marlborough Library (Blenheim) hours Sat 23 & Sun 24 Dec: 10am - 4pm Mon 25 & Tue 26 Dec: Closed Wed 27 to Fri 29 Dec: 9am - 5pm Sat 30 & Sun 31 Dec: 10am - 4pm Mon 1 & Tue 2 Jan: Closed

Temporary Road Closure – 31 December 2023

Picton Library hours

On Sunday 31 December 2023 the following portion of carpark and road will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic for the Picton New Year celebrations Saturday 31 December 2023 to early morning Sunday 1 January 2024

Sat 23 Dec: 10am - 4pm Sun 24 Dec: 1pm - 4pm Mon 25 & Tue 26 Dec: Closed Wed 27 to Fri 29 Dec: 9am - 5pm Sat 30 Dec: 10am - 4pm Sun 31 Dec: 1pm - 4pm Mon 1 & Tue 2 Jan: Closed Bus services The Blenheim and Picton bus services will not operate on the following days: Christmas Day: Mon 25 Dec Boxing Day: Tue 26 Dec New Year’s Day: Mon 1 Jan Day after New Year’s Day: Tue 2 Jan Normal services operate on all other days.

Part of London Quay to Wellington St. Picton and a portion of the War Memorial Carpark

• London Quay: High Street intersection to intersection of London Quay and Wellington Street from 6pm 31 Dec 2023 to 2am 1 January 2024 • The carpark adjacent to the Picton Aquarium/cinema from the raised crossing including the eastern side of the carpark from 8:30am 31 Dec 2023 to 2am 1 January 2024 During the period of closure, ordinary vehicular traffic may use the road being

closed between events under the supervision and authority of an Officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

This notice is given pursuant to the Transport (vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Dean Hawkey, Marlborough Roads, and Ph: 021 923 536.

7

8 Wednesday December 20, 2023

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

Cultivating the next generation 2024 will see Spring Creek School celebrating 150 years in education. The Ferry Road kura have been implementing ‘Te Taiao’, taking learning out of the classroom which has been powerful for many of their children, especially the ones who don’t often feel successful in the classroom.

Principal Cheryl Alderlieste speaks to Chris Valli on the ‘amazing little kura’.

A Google search of Blenheim’s Spring Creek School comes up with two relevant hits or ‘news’. One in 2017 about a new MLE (modern learning environment classroom) and the other in 2010 about an ERO (Education Review Office) report giving the school a ‘tick of approval’.

Which begs the question – why haven’t more stories been in the region’s print media about a school that was established many grapes ago in 1873 – the year the Marlborough region suffered a ‘great storm’ in January while in May the same year, one Mr Cyrus Coulter was appointed Sheriff of Marlborough. Fancy that?

Cheryl Alderlieste has been principal since the end of term one this year after taking on the acting principal role while Debbie Stanger (previous principal) was on sabbatical then appointed principal at Fairhall School.

“The unique environment becomes a mirror, reflecting the diversity and complexity of both the natural world and the individuals within it.”

The name Alderlieste comes from Dutch origins and translates to ‘dearest’. Fitting really, given the holistic nurturing and hauoura all staff and students receive and feel at the kura.

The school is deeply committed to enhancing whanau wellbeing by implementing a comprehensive and supportive approach to accommodate the diverse needs of our students and their families.

Recognizing the challenges faced by whanau in balancing work and family

life, the school has taken proactive measures to extend its services beyond traditional hours.

When asked how the school puts this ‘support’ in action Cheryl says through Kanohi ke te kanohi or face to face catch ups with whanau at the gate before and after school, opening the school earlier for whanau to drop kids off if they need to get to work, providing breakfast or offering after school supervision until 3.30pm.

“We also support with drop offs to other after school programs if required and support with transport to school if needed,” says Cheryl. “Having a Kaiawhina space to support students who have diverse needs for example our neurodiverse students or students who need support in other areas.”

They also have a Mauri Tau Room – a ‘calm space’ where students can come to if they need space and time to de-regulate.

“We have an amazing relationship with Ngati Rarua, they cater our Ka ora ka ako free healthy lunches in school program (delicious kai too), leftover lunches are shared with whanau to take home. We have a community Orchard for whanau to enjoy delicious fruit.”

So as a small school with a roll of 37 (33 in 2024) what are some of the advantages in a holistic sense?

“We have smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention, an inclusive environment that supports a strong sense of community and belonging - the Tuakana Teina relationship is evident in the classrooms and play areas,” says Cheryl. “There are many opportunities for leadership and the holistic development focussing not only on academic achievement but also on the social, emotional and ethical development of our students.”

To enhance attendance and provide enriching experiences, Spring Creek School has invested in a school van,

Te Taio: Karizma McKenzie with her nature bracelet while Zander Lee, Beauden Cooper, Karizma McKenzie, Salisha Stagg and Phoenix Lee with their fort using materials from their magic playbox (loose parts).

made possible through funding from The Rata Foundation. This van not only supports regular attendance but opens up exciting opportunities for students to explore the broader environment of Marlborough. Field trips and excursions to various areas within Marlborough enrich students’ learning experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the region and its unique attributes.

Yet one of the selling points of the kura has been embracing nature-based play and learning in Te Taiao – Our Environment - which offers a profound opportunity to transcend the confines of traditional classrooms and immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of the environment that surrounds them.

By venturing outdoors and engaging with the flora, fauna, and ecosystems, students not only connect with Papatuanuku, Ranganui, and Tane Mahuta on a tangible level but also unlock a myriad of educational benefits.

“The natural world becomes a dynamic classroom where lessons unfold organically, fostering a deep understanding of the

interconnectedness of all living things,” says Cheryl.

“As students explore the outdoor classroom, they discover more about themselves, cultivating a sense of curiosity and resilience.

The unique environment becomes a mirror, reflecting the diversity and complexity of both the natural world and the individuals within it. This self-discovery empowers students to develop a sense of responsibility and agency, inspiring them to take an active role in shaping the world around them.”

Te Taiao not only serves as a backdrop for learning but becomes a catalyst for action. By understanding and appreciating the intricacies of the local environment, students are motivated to contribute to its well-being.

This can manifest in a variety of ways, from advocating for environmental conservation to actively participating in initiatives that build and nurture Te Taiao.

Encouraging students to investigate their own school’s environment is a crucial step in this journey. While they may play in it every day, a closer examination

unveils a world teeming with fascinating plants, animals, and insects that call their kura home.

By fostering a connection with the local landscape, students gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life.

In essence, Te Taiao is not merely a backdrop but a teacher, offering lessons in biodiversity, sustainability, and interconnectedness. By immersing ourselves in this living classroom, we not only enrich our understanding of the world but also cultivate a generation of informed and empowered individuals ready to champion the cause of environmental stewardship.

2024 will be the 150th anniversary of the kura - although it was supposed to be this year, due to changes of leadership and transitioning, they will be celebrating next year from June 21/22.

The school is asking for expressions of interest to support with organising the event. Their Facebook page has all the relevant information including the Google form to complete or contact the school on 570 5514 or admin@ springcreek.school.nz.

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

Marlborough Harness At Waterlea Racecourse

Two Days

Friday January 19 -Twilight meeting at 2pm and Sunday January 21 at 12.25pm

Everyone FREE Entry Come and enjoy a day at the races Fun for all the family both days

• Free Entry • Live music • Family Day Sunday • Racebooks $2 Racing starts on January 19 with our Friday Twilight Meeting, first race at 2pm. and Sunday first race at 12.25pm.

The Marlborough Harness Racing Club. Waterlea Racecourse McLaughlan St .

9

The Sun

10 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Cheryl and the 2Dayz Kitchens Team wish all their clients and customers a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Our office will close for Christmas on Thursday 21st December 2023 and will re open again on Monday 15th January 2024.

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season!

Wishing all our clients a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Open daily until 5pm (Closed Christmas Day) 79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim www.omaka.org.nz

We will be closing 12noon Thursday 21 December 2023 and reopening 9.00am Thursday 11 January 2024.

M 0274 578076 T 03 579 1173 212 Howick Rd, Witherlea www.adraccounting.co.nz allan@adraccounting.co.nz

Phone 5784 788 www.2dayzkitchens.nz 19 Nelson St, Blenheim

ROCCO’S Italian

RESTAURANT

Authentic Italian Cuisine with pasta,

seafood, steaks, chicken dishes.

Join us at Roccos for great family dining over the holiday season.

from Fabio, Fabio, Carlo Carlo && staff. staff. from 5 Dodson St 5 Dodson Grove Park Motel) (nextSt to (next GrovetoPark Motel) Blenheim PH 578-6940 Blenheim: PH 578-6940

MERRY CHRISTMAS We would like to thank you for all your business throughout the year and wish you a safe, happy holiday and all the best for the New Year.

We will be closing midday on Dec 22nd, reopening Wednesday Jan 8th

10 Horton St, Mayfield, Blenheim. Phone 578 9239

5 Dodson St (next to Grove Park Motel) Blenheim Ph 578 6940

GR LAWRENCE LTD

Excavations, Earthworks, Contractors & Carriers, Registered Drainlayers

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our clients in Havelock and surrounding areas.

Thank you for your support in 2023.

HAVELOCK 574 2097 Gary 021 502 992 & Gavin 027 950 2792 QUARRY HAVELOCK 574 2227 EMAIL: nissan.mack@xtra.co.nz

MERRY CHRISTMAS MARLBOROUGH THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR COME TO US fOR THE RIGHT AdvICE Your trusted local glass company for 50 years P: 578 0850 | 47 Grove Rd, Blenheim | www.viridianglass.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

11

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Merry Christmas

We will be closed from noon December 22, reopening January 15 2024 121 Mahers Rd, Kaituna Phone 027 519 8282 www.davidwraightcottages.co.nz

From the team at BP Computers 23-26 Dec: CLOSED | 27-29 Dec: 8.30am - 11.00am | 30 Dec - 2 Jan: CLOSED 3-5 Jan: 8.30am - 11.00am | 6-7 Jan: CLOSED

(03) 577 9498 • 17 Kinross Street Email: sales@bpcomputers.co.nz

Murray and Tom wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

• Driveways • Culvert Installation • Site Excavation • Soak Pits • Farm Drainage • also Vineyard Development & Maintenance

GRAVEL & TOPSOIL SUPPLIES

Wishing all our customers NEWMAN a very Merry Christmas and a EXCAVATIONS NEWMAN safe and Happy New Year!

EXCAVATIONS 14 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE WK 027 446 4230 PHONE A/H (03) 572 8758 FAX (03) 572 8896 EMAIL: newman.excavations@xtra.co.nz

14 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE WK 027 446 4230 PHONE A/H (03) 572 8758 FAX (03) 572 8896 EMAIL: newman.excavations@xtra.co.nz

14 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE WK 027 446 4230

PHONE A/H (03) 572 8758 FAX (03) 572 8896 EMAIL: newman.excavations@xtra.co.nz

We will be closed from Friday 22nd December Re-opening on Wednesday 3rd January.

Available for emergency repairs - Ph 021 502 886 44 Main St, Blenheim | ph 03 578 5374 | office@marlboroughglass.co.nz

Merry Christmas from the Murphy's NZ team

After the Xmas break we'll be back in to growing, packing and processing our garlic, black garlic and shallots.

If you're looking for a change in 2024 and want to join a friendly can-do team who love producing food that's at the heart of kiwi meals Email us on jessie@garlic.co.nz

The Sun

12 Wednesday December 20, 2023

‘A great day out in Marlborough’s back country’

By Chris Valli

The Seddon Lions Clubs 4WD trek took place with 110 vehicles participating in the fundraiser last month.

The Seddon Lions Club is a local and small community club comprising of about 30 members and is a non-profit organisation. The ‘purpose of the Club’ is to serve the interests of the local community, in particular, provide assistance (both financial and non-financial) to the disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals/groups and charity organisations.

Marlborough Hospice and the Marlborough Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team were some of the organisations the Club believes in and the ‘associated benefits it brings to local communities’. As such, they were designated as recipients of the proceeds generated from their 4WD trek.

The event started with a gathering at the Ward Domain with the trek commencing 9am from Ure Road, Ward and driving through five farms, the largest being Richmond Brook before finishing at Marama Road in Seddon at about

Seddons Lion Club held a 4WD trek on Sunday, November 26. The event started with a gathering at the Ward Domain with the trek commencing 9am from Ure Road, Ward and driving through five farms, the largest being Richmond Brook before finishing at Marama Road in Seddon at about 4.30pm.

4.30pm.

“We are grateful to the landowners for granting access to their farms and supporting the Club’s event,” says spokesperson Billy Tan. “There were about 110 vehicles which participated in this year’s event. We received positive feedback from the participants and would like to thank them for their participation and contributions. A

shout out too to the participants who paid additional donations.”

Bill says the first 4WD trek was started by a senior member of the Club, Ron Hebberd, in the early 2000s. Ron has previously organised motorcycle treks to raise funds for the community since the early 1970s and is familiar with most of the farms and treks across the Awatere Valley.

The ‘purpose of the Club’ is to serve the interests of the local community, in particular, provide assistance (both financial and non-financial) to the disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals/groups and charity organisations.

The Club generates proceeds via donations from members and the public, collecting and selling scrap metal, as well as organising

fund-raising events. All proceeds are returned to the community essentially to those who need a helping hand.

The Club is planning for the next 4WD event which would likely be held in either March or April in 2024.

Sun readers can follow the Seddon Lions Club’s Facebook in order to receive updates.

Thank you Marlborough for trusting us to be your “go to” paper!

The market leader for 21 years…

Bringing you all the news and happenings every Wednesday.

PICTON FORESHORE SUNDAY 31 DEC 7 PM TO 12:15 AM

Live Music 7pm - Kids Entertainer Jeff Parsnips 8pm - Big Spin 10pm - Tom Knowles & Friends Band Plus Food Trucks & kids stalls Midnight fireworks over the water! ⁄PUREEVENTSMARLBOROUGH

Merry Christmas to all our readers and advertisers

Our wonderful team will be taking a well earned break…

Stay safe - see you all in 2024 (Office reopens Monday 8 January - First issue Wednesday 10 January)

Visit gobus.co.nz to book bus tickets from Blenheim to Picton Please allow extra time for travel and parking.

Wednesday

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

Whoville experience

By Chris Valli

The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, and Whos were at Marlborough Academy of Music, opposite the Warehouse on Monday fundraising for James Dight, Alice and Amelia Kingi who are heading to the USA with the Kiwi All-stars.

Anneika and Zildjian Jones get caught up in the ‘Whoville Experience’.

James, Alice and Amelia will

13

‘Don’t contaminate your plate’

join Junior Theatre Festival New Zealand, in partnership with Music Theatre International Australasia for a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for New Zealand’s most outstanding musical theatre performers to come together and perform at the world’s largest festival celebrating the talents and achievements of young people in musical theatre, the Junior Theatre Festival Sacramento.

The festival is in January 2025.

By Chris Valli

You know it’s time to turf the Christmas ham or chicken when it gets all smelly and funky during a Marlborough Sounds summer holiday.

New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle says every summer, as families spend more time preparing food outdoors and away from their homes, they see an increase in cases of foodborne illness and related hospitalisations.

“It’s our youngest, oldest and most vulnerable who have the highest chance of getting seriously sick,” says Vincent. “The most commonly reported foodborne illness is campylobacteriosis, which is caused by Campylobacter bacteria, and the most common source of Campylobacter in food is raw or undercooked chicken.

“So, one simple thing you can do this festive season to keep yourself, your whānau and friends healthy is to make sure you handle raw chicken safely.”

Tips include not washing raw chicken before preparing it, mak-

ing sure you wash your hands after handling raw chicken, not letting raw chicken or its juices touch ready-to-eat foods, and cooking your chicken thoroughly. Another tip is to use a different plate for raw and cooked chicken.

“Campylobacteriosis symptoms are nasty and usually last for about a week but can take up to two weeks. They include diarrhoea, fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and vomiting,” says Vincent. “In rare cases it could develop into more severe illness such as reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its nerves, sometimes resulting in permanent paralysis.”

Vincent says wherever locals are gathering, from BBQs to work dos, beach parties to kai at the marae, Christmas lunch or potluck dinner, don’t contaminate your plate this summer.

If Marlburians do have symptoms over the summer holiday season, call Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116 or contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice.

We are ! r u o t on

Dec 2023 27th-29th Cromwell th

30 Kaikoura 31st Picton

Jan 2024

1st-9th Picton 10th-16th Nelson 17th-19th Abel Tasman 20th-21st West Coast

ring us for a test drive today 027 436 8055 dean@imageboats.co.nz

The Sun

14 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Thanks To all our clienTs for Your conTinued supporT.

Our office will be closed from 12pm Wednesday 20th December and will re-open on Wednesday 10th January 2024 at 9.00am.

see You in 2024!

Phone messages will be checked periodically during this time.

We wish everyone a safe and happy festive season.

Residential & Commercial Window Cleaning.

Phone 027 0933 196

www.clearviewcleaning.co.nz

Merry Christmas

WISHING ALL OUR CLIENTS A HAPPY AND SAFE FESTIVE SEASON

Have a happy and safe summer holiday from the team at Morgan Plumbing

bm 578 0060 or 0800 578 006

www.morganplumbing.co.nz

11 Purkiss Street • Fax BM 578 0994 • Email: info@morganplumbing.co.nz

We will be closed from 12noon on 22nd December reopening on Monday 8th January 2024 with staff on-call on all business days in between.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From the team at Freeman Roofing Blenheim

SERVICES LIMITED Locally Owned and Operated Phone: 579 2921 21 Redwood Street, Blenheim www.forklifthireservices.co.nz

100% gh u boro Marl ned Ow

31 Stuart St, Blenheim | Ph: 03 578 8793 | Blenheim@freemanroofing.co.nz

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our clients.

Thank you for your support this year.

Final pickups Wednesday 20th December We are closing from 12.00pm Friday 22rd December Re-opening 8th January 8.00am

TRILLO METALS LTD

Aluminium • Copper • Radiators • Stainless • Lead • Brass • Steel • Batteries • Corrugated Iron Ph 03 578 0340 | 2B Cloudy Bay Drive, Cloudy Bay Business Park, Blenheim | enquiries@trillometals.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023 15

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Merry Christmas from the team at

The team at Mint Air would like to wish you a

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR and thank you for your business over the year.

Ph 021 150 4577 5A Sutherland Tce | p. 03 570-2298 | e. info@mintair.co.nz | www.mintair.co.nz

www.mtplumbingmarlborough.nz

Merry Christmas From Clothing Alterations by Lynette Atkinson-Parker Thank you for your continued support

Thank you for your support this year We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season We will be closed on Statutory days only.

102 Market St or Shop online www.cerise.nz

Merry Christmas!

For your sewing requirements

Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

Quality Service Guaranteed

Thank you and Merry Christmas to all our customers.

Ian would like to thank all their clients for their continued support during 2023.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year.

We will be available throughout the holidays for all your electrical requirements.

We will be closed Statutory days only 24 hour call out service available

A sure bet for all your electrical needs

Ph: 579 4445 | office@cmelectrical.co.nz | www.cmelectrical.co.nz

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the team at Laser Plumbing Blenheim We will have an on call plumber available over the festive season Phone: 03 5796001 Call out fees will apply

*

DEAN COWARD - ELECTRICIAN 0274 476 926 | dcelectrics@xtra.co.nz 5A Park Terrace, Blenheim

The Sun

16 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Restricted fire season for Marlborough

Millennium demolition

By Chris Valli

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough District has entered a restricted fire season, as of 8am on Thursday December 14, until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire will need to apply for and obtain a permit. You can apply for one at www. checkitsalright.nz.

All Department of Conservation land is in a year-round restricted fire season.

Declaring the restricted fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Nelson Marlborough District Manager Grant Haywood says a wet spring and the start of summer has resulted in a high level of vegetation growth throughout Marlborough.

“While there is still some green vegetation throughout the District, it only takes a few hot and windy days to quickly dry this out and create a fast-moving fire,” says Grant.

“A range of activities such as barbecuing and cultural cooking are still allowed during a restricted fire season.

You can find all the information you need about what you can and can’t do at www.checkitsalright.nz” Information on the local fire danger is

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Nelson Marlborough District Manager Grant Haywood says a wet spring and the start of summer has resulted in a high level of vegetation growth throughout Marlborough.

also easily accessible via the MetService website.

“Even if you have a permit, we would expect anyone planning on lighting a fire to check the conditions, and hold off lighting, especially if it is windy and hot,” Grant says.

“We know a substantial number of people will still be visiting the area over summer and we want to reduce the risk of fires as much as possible.”

Demolition of the Council-owned Millennium Art Gallery building was in full swing in recent weeks.

The building on the corner of Seymour and Alfred Streets had asbestos removed, with scaffolding in place to remove the roof which started on November 17.

The demolition of the remainder of the building started on Monday, November 27 and was completed by Friday, December 15.

There’s no long term plan for the site.

In the interim it’s likely to become visitor parking for the council building.

A council spokesperson says one of the benefits of the buildings removal will be to increase visibility on what can be a dangerous corner and intersection adding Marlborough Roads will seek to improve the roading layout.

The demolition of the building will allow for traffic safety improvements to the Seymour and Alfred Street corner where there have been several near misses over the years due to limited visibility for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The Millennium Art Gallery building (at one time Blenheim’s public library) was constructed in 1958 and after several conversions, became home to the gallery in 1999.

Deputy Mayor David Croad, who holds the property and development portfolio, says a detailed seismic assessment was done for the gallery building which calculated its seismic rating at

A contractor hoses down debris after demolition of the old Millennium Art Gallery building.

38% NBS (New Building Standard).

The New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) considers buildings with a rating above 67% NBS to be acceptable in terms of seismic risk.

Demolition of the building was funded from Council’s Forestry and Land Development Reserve.

gardening this week Pestie pests: By Wally Richards Insects that eat, or feed off, our garden plants we call them pest insects but they are just part of the Natural World we live in and if there were no pest insects then that would also be the end of the beneficial insects that live by eating the ones we call pests.

Unfortunately there is usually far more pests than beneficial insects so we have to use control methods to keep the pest's numbers down.

As I have said many times before the pests and diseases that affect our garden plants are actually Nature's Cleaners, it is their job to take out the weak plants.

By doing so they aid in the demise of the sickly plants and as the remains compost down to feed and make room for the healthy plants.

So if we force plants to grow as they do commercially then those plants will be attacked by pests and diseases which the grower will use any number of chemical sprays to prevent their crop from being damaged and unsalable.

Which in fact only makes matters worse as the plants will now be weak and sickly from all the chemicals they have been exposed to.

Some times we are at fault by providing a massive food source for pests which allows them to rapidly increase their numbers and a bigger problem for us gardeners or growers.

For instance we plant a row of cabbages and to the butterflies thats food bonanza, heaps of foliage to sustain all the caterpillars that will hatch out of the eggs they lay.

But say one cabbage is growing

in a field of lots of different plants them Mrs Butterfly is going to have a problem finding it and if she does it will only support a few caterpillars to maturity.

In New Zealand we have a Native pest called the grass grub which is the larva of the bronze beetle.

Before New Zealand was settled by the colonialists the grass grubs/ beetles fed on the sparse growing native grasses and a few other plants.

Not a lot of food source and so not a lot of grass grubs which were also a welcome morsel for the many Kiwis that foraged at night.

Then settlers cleared the bush and planted grass; hectares of grass and what a win fall for the grass grub beetles and this their populations grew to the millions of them that we have these days, every year.

Temperature is a big factor for many pest insects and when the temperatures are warm they can rapidly bred.

When we have a early spring with a week or two of early nice warm days and nights then the pests that have been waiting for those conditions come out to play and lay.

Then if we are hit with a cold snap for a week or so many of these early risers will be killed along with vulnerable eggs they laid.

When that weather pattern happens then it is not until January/February that we see their populations rise and become troublesome.

Otherwise we have problem populations happening by November/ December.

So the key for good control of pests

such as whitefly, leaf hoppers, aphids etc is to start control methods at the first sign of any pest.

Too often we also miss controlling pests early because they are on weeds or plants we are not concerned about or they are over the fence; as the neighbor maybe is not a keen gardener and then they have a breeding jungle of plants/weeds.

When they are over the fence those pests will keep coming over to your plants the whole season and unless you ask the neighbor if you can tidy up and clean up their patch you have a yearly problem which will require constant controls till winter.

Sprays of Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Wallys Super Pyrethrum applied to your plants just before dark.

Spraying under and over the foliage.

Repeated every few days if you have a bad infestation and then weekly to fortnightly to maintain control.

Placing Neem Tree Granules or powder on the soil or growing medium helps a lot as it creates a smell which helps disguise the smell of the plants making it more difficult for pests to find their host plants.

A electric Insect Zapper that attracts night flying moths and beetles to the UV light for them to zapped on the high static electricity grid will also reduce you problems greatly.

Do a Google search and find a unit for about $40.00. One thing to remember they are often 230v plug in so you need to be sheltered from weather where you are playing with electricity.

Wallys Yellow sticky white fly traps

are also a g reat way to reduce the adult flying insect pests.

Then we have the pests that are not so noticeable such as Mealy bugs.

These white pests are like a small bit of cotton wool as seen on your plants and in particular container plants.

The adults are what you see sucking on the stems and leaves of plants and are easy to control with a spray of Wallys Super Pyrethrum but low and behold within next to no time they are back on the plant.

Why? Cause the young live in the roots of the plant also sucking goodness from the plant's roots. They come up stairs later on which is when we see them..

So to control them in the root zone a sprinkling of Wallys Neem Tree Powder over the growing medium but not against the trunk.

It is best to give a watering over the powder then cover with some potting mix as it will go moldy as it breaks

down and it does not look good.

Covered you wont see the mold.

Also making up a solution of Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil in warm water and watering that over the surface of the mix in the container maybe a better option and repeat that a few times till no more down stairs comes up stairs.

Root Nematodes are another pest we don't see in the roots of plants but they can be there without your knowledge, even in your lawn grasses roots.

You can test for that in the lawn by applying Wallys Neem Tree Powder to a area of the lawn and watering in.

If after a few weeks that areas grasses look better than the rest of the lawn, then yes you had root nematodes and so it would pay to treat the rest of the lawn.

Wallys Neem Tree Granules sprinkled over the soil in your gardens and in particular under your citrus trees can improve the health and vigor of your plants by the control of the pests.

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023 17

DOC pauses fire alarms rollout

By Chris Valli

The Department of Conservation has announced plans to roll out heat detectors to all backcountry huts with six or more bunks have been paused pending further work on legislative requirements, practicalities, costs and user safety.

Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) has been working closely with DOC on the matter and believes that under the Building Act 2004, the exemption for fire alarms in backcountry huts is still legally valid.

FMC sees the proposed rollout as unnecessary and costly, saying it would have a negligible impact on safety and a negative impact on the "basic and wild" experience of those using the huts.

FMC was also concerned the Department had not consulted with

affected stakeholders, including clubs and non-profit organisations that own huts and lodges on public conservation land.

“DOC has informed us over the weekend that they are putting a pause on the rollout while they do further work to ensure detectors are only installed in huts where they are legally required or will have a meaningful impact on hut user's safety. FMC expects to be part of this work.” FMC President Megan Dimozantos said. "We commend the Department on their decision to pause the heat detector and smoke alarms rollout. It's heartening to see DOC taking feedback from FMC on board and we look forward to working alongside the Department to ensure the longer-term plan has a commonsense approach and is in line with the relevant legislation."

The Department of Conservation

Saxton Hut in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve is a standard six bunk hut. DOC plans to roll out heat detectors to all backcountry huts have been paused pending further work on legislative requirements and user safety. FMC President Megan Dimozantos says they commend the Department on their decision.

manages approximately one-third of the land area of Aotearoa New Zealand which is home to a network of 13,000 kilometres of tracks and over 950 huts.

“The Department is expecting

Central Otago Man Following sold out shows in Nelson (2015), then Auckland (2016), and Dunedin (2017), the Kiwi comedy ‘Central Otago Man’ is coming to Blenheim and the ASB Theatre in 2024.

From NorthPark Theatre Productions, the same theatre company which produced ‘Maungatapu’, ‘The Wairau Affray’ and ‘Mission 34’, the show, at the Anderson Theatre, runs from February 22 – March 2.

The story is about a Central Otago farmer Tryfen Gribilco who sets up a bungy jump platform. The business caters to high-end clients, not your usual thrill seeking tourists. Tryfen is a typically un-politcially correct character, who calls a spade a spade. He freely shares his homespun wisdom with his upmarket clients who include an urbane Australian senator and an uptight German UN delegate. His tagline is “everyone is entitled to my opinion”.

Directed by Geoff Anderson, and with a talented cast including Chris Valli, Rachael Kenyon, Billy Rayner, Geoff Anderson, Shalom Del’Monte-aberhart, and Megan Ponder.

budget cuts under the newly formed government and FMC is committed to supporting DOC to continue protecting the things that matter most to our community. We would much rather see this money spent

Early Kiwisaver withdrawals double

By Chris Valli

Central Otago Man is at the ASB Theatre February 22 to March 2, 2024.

on maintaining the existing backcountry huts and tracks network and protecting our unique biodiversity. We sincerely appreciate DOC taking our concerns on this matter seriously,” says Megan.

The money withdrawn early from KiwiSaver funds due to financial hardship has doubled compared with a year ago, with significantly more people taking money out before retirement.

However, Marlborough is not recognised as a region with ‘most funds withdraws’ according to the Inland Revenue Department. The IRD says the five regions with the ‘most funds withdrawn’ for this reason were Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington and Bay of Plenty.

Outside of using KiwiSaver savings to buy a first home or after retirement, applicants who want to access their money must prove they are in “significant financial hardship”.

This could include not being able to pay their mortgage or afford minimum living expenses, to pay for a funeral for a family member or due to serious illness or disability.

Latest figures show the number of KiwiSaver members making such withdrawals increased substantially from 1570 people in October 2022, to 2800 people in October 2023.

The amount of money withdrawn from KiwiSaver due to financial hardship doubled, from $10.3 million in October 2022 to $21.5m in October 2023.

In August, a Retirement Commission survey found 55 percent of New Zealanders reported being in financial difficulty, up 17 percent since 2021.

Women, Māori and Pacific peoples were affected the most.

Those results showed people were having trouble putting away savings, which would result in long-term consequences for their future financial well-being, Retirement Commission personal finance lead Tom Hartmann said.

Money taken from KiwiSaver accounts to purchase a first home also showed a significant increase in the latest IRD data, going from $77.7m in October 2022, to $104.7m in October 2023.

In March, The Financial Markets Authority said total membership in KiwiSaver had increased 2.7 percent during the past year to 3.25m people, with $93.7 billion wrapped up in the scheme.

Wishing the Marlborough Community a happy and safe Festive Season.

See you in the New Year!

Promoting Excellence in Landscape Design & Construction Ph (03) 578 5264 | 141 Battys Road, Burleigh, Blenheim | marlboroughturfprofessionals.co.nz

The Sun

18 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

safe Wishing our Be staff and our clients and prepared with a happy and safe Christmas.

Scaffolding We will• be closed from Dec 22nd Installed to fit your requirements • Aluminium mobile scaffolding re-opening Janavailable 10th.

• Trade qualified • Member of Scaffold and rigging NZ

Phone: Call 03 Rob 578 2329 or 0800 Phone: 390 030 03 579 1372

Email: info@scaffoldmarlborough.co.nz Mobile: 021 390 039 Email: rob@scaffoldmarlborough.co.nz

We’d like to wish all our clients a very merry Christmas Secure Your Home ... and increase the value

Merry Christmas and thank you to all of our clients, wishing you a happy and safe New Year.

• Powder Coating • Sandblasting PLUS • Wrought Iron Gates • Fencing • Pool Fencing • Balustrades • Furniture • Garden Products • Structural Steelwork • Galvanised Lintels • Roading Grates • Skip Bins • Ute Decks • Vehicle Towbars & Bull Bars • Bridge Railing • Fireguards

We will be closed from 12pm December 22nd Grove Rd re-opens Wednesday 3rd January Houldsworth St re-opens Monday 8th January

Classic Gates & Powder Coating

AUTO SUPER SHOPPE BLENHEIM

RiveRlands sandblasting & spRaypainting

57 Houldsworth Street, Blenheim 7201 40 Grove Road, Blenheim 7201 Mon-Fri: 8.00am-5.00pm

Ph 03 578 4630 workshop@autossblenheim.co.nz

6 Nelson Street, Blenheim • (03) 578 0374

www.classicgates.co.nz

MOBILE UNIT

Sheffield Street Riverlands • P: 579 4338 • Ah: 021 838 550 classic.gates@xtra.co.nz

Thanks to all of our existing & new clients for your support in 2023 Merry Xmas to all and look forward to new enquiries in 2024 P.S we are open for services during xmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! www.mcytheatre.com mcytheatre@gmail.com

P: 027 700 6647 E: wayne.wiffen@icib.co.nz www.icib.co.nz

Have a happy and safe festive season Specialists in all aspects of • Radiators • Oil coolers • Heat exchangers • Inter coolers Closing 22-12-23 reopen 3-1-24

44 Main St, Blenheim • Phone 578 8176 anytime

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023 19

Option 1.

Christmas Greetings

Marlborough

from Marlborough businesses to their clients

BUILDERS CLEANS OF NEW BUILDS OR RENOVATIONS Let the SteamCleanz present mr green a clean finish for your client Brian, Dawn and all the Mr Green

franchisees wish you578 all a very merry Mobile: 027 1163

Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Thank you for all your support in 2023

www.steamcleanz.co.nz | Blenheim | info@steamcleanz.co.nz

CALL 03 579 Available to work seven days a week, including after-hours, to suit your9333 schedule.

For a free no obligation quote

B L E N H E I M • R E N W I C K • P I C TO N www.mrgreen.co.nz

Option 2.

Wishing you Joy and Peace this Christmas season.

Marlborough

From the team at Springlands Vet Centre

Happy Holidays

BUILDERS CLEANS OF NEW BUILDS OR RENOVATIONS Let the SteamCleanz present and a clean finish your Have a fantastic Christmas we’ll seefor you in client 2024!

11Boyce Street, Blenheim | Phone: (03) 5780661 7 days, 24 hour emergency service

www.springlandsvet.co.nz

Hardy-Jones Clark L aW y E r S – N o ta r y P u B L i C

We wish you a safe and happy festive season.

We will be closed from 5pm Friday 22 December and reopening at 8:30am on Monday 15 January, 2024.

03 578 5339 76 High Street, Blenheim

Email reception@hjc.co.nz www.hjc.co.nz

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

Contact us today!

03 573 8294 www.steamcleanz.co.nz | sales@steamcleanz.co.nz

Mobile: 027 578 1163

www.steamcleanz.co.nz | Blenheim | info@steamcleanz.co.nz MERRY CHRISTMAS Option 3.

Thank you to the wonderful community

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

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

The Sun

20 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Wishing all our clients a happy and safe festive season Specialising in residential, commercial and industrial painting with over 30 years’ experience

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year.

61 Maxwell Road, Blenheim ph 03 578 0678 www.stmaryspreschool.co.nz

91 Weld St, Redwoodtown info@gmwjewellery.co.nz 577 9340 | (FB)/GMWJewellery gmwjewellery.co.nz

• All Painting • Gib Stopping • Airless Spraying • Wall Papering • Line Marking

Quality painting done right.

027 333 4650 www.nakedpainting.nz

Wishing all of our loyal customers a wonderful Christmas and New Years break.

We will be shutting down for our annual break from 2pm on Sunday 24th December 2023 and we will re-open on Monday 8th January 2024.

FOR ALL YOUR PAINTING AND DECORATING email: steve@premierpainting.co.nz or call 021 2648235

Christmas

What do fish sing at Christmas time?...

Christmas corals...

Steve and the team would like to say thanks to all our valued clients.

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Wishing you and your families a very merry and safe Christmas.

h g u o r o b l r a M ol Pest Contr 100% Marlborough owned & operated

Thank you for your support this year and keeping it local. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Remember…

“You breed ‘em, we treat ‘em” |

03 578 2430

|

027 226 2932

|

www.thespiderman.co.nz

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023 21

txt talk with The Sun Go ahead

Festive season

Recruit a new GM for the Museum, restructure the entire organisation. Then close the doors and pretend it didn’t happen. Ever see that TV programme “Believe it or not”?

Thank you to all at the Wednesday Sun, we wish you a safe and happy festive season. To the person who stole the gift left concealed inside our waste management wheelie bin for the collector, we wish you a NOT SO MERRY festive season.

Wanton destruction

Un-Xmasy

“How dare those so-called ‘protesters’ engage in the wanton destruction at Te Papa.

The majority of us wouldn’t even think of it - nor illegally stop law abiding citizens by marching down a motorway - so I hope the full extent of the law is applied, as it would with the rest of us!”

Blenheim looking very un-Xmasy! What a pity :(

Cost blowout Cook Strait, have I/we missed something here!

I seem to remember the proposed short cut across the straight from the coast near the salt works was regarded as being too expensive and difficult, but now there is a cost blow out approaching a billion dollars and sounds environment is still going to be used as a highway!

Terminal Development Shame that the Ferry development is now terminated.

The question remains.

What will Marlborough ratepayers get for the capped $110mil loan made to Port Marlborough and who will pay the wind-down costs restoring the roads, terminals etc in Picton?

Watch this space. Brace yourself?

Road closed Why has Broadway in Picton been permanently closed?

A forest of road cones has been blocking it for months (including a guard because Picton people are well-known to be, shall we say, independently-minded).

Just who decided to close this road? And why?

And who was consulted?

Prejudice I’m shocked at the prejudice shown by three texters last week: The ‘child abuse’ text, the ‘why are they not at work’ text and the ‘dress code’ text.

Your racism is appalling, why can’t you instead rejoice in Christmas and be grateful for what you have and for the beautiful region we all live in?

Road Closure I know that the authorities have to get things right but to have a state highway shut for 10 hours while they investigate what happened is surely a bit over the top. Do these authorities realize the inconvenience they create for people and trucks trying to get to the ferries, surely in this day and age with photos and witness statements one lane could be opened.

The Ferries It’s a terrible blow to the region and economic growth especially after the promises from the new government “to get the economy back on track”. It’s time to ask for China’s help and part of their worldwide Belt and Road initiative.

Calling for answers I see that our local MP is calling for answers as to why the cost spiralled up on the Cook Straight project and fair enough too, however I think that it was very poor form for those questions NOT to be put to all the stakeholders in the project BEFORE the dictatorial decision was made to cut the project off at the knees.

Cabinet Ministers Glib The word “ glib “ is not often used in conversation these days, but I have noticed that pretty much all of the new Cabinet ministers are “glib” when making public statements. It means, speaking with careless ease and often with little regard for the truth. They’re a bit like the early Japanese cars. Shiny on top and crap underneath. To be successful in anything, let alone politics, you can’t pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. They’ve got a lot of work to do, this government, to gain any trust at all from the general public. They’re off to a very poor start I reckon ! !

Re stolen glasses To the person who stole my glasses, I will find you, I have contacts. Merry Christmas everyone.

Loan from MDC The Mayor is quoted on Thursday 14th saying the $110mil loaned by MDC to Port Marlborough had not yet been spent. Will MDC get it back? Who has been paying the interest bill since last year? Let’s guess?

Blatant racism This govts policy of changing te reo names back to english is blatant racism thinly disguised as improving access to govt depts by using english wording. So waka kotahi will become nzta but that’s NOT an english word either. What about IRD or WINZ not english words but we seem to be able to find them.

This is nothing to do with govt depts its suppression of te reo.

Talk of the week Christmas Lights Thank you to all those people who spend the time and effort in making Christmas extra special by putting out lights on their properties. They make me and my family smile.

Best neighbours Vaughan Simpson and Chris Wilson from Spring Creek are the best neighbours in the world. Thank you for always helping out whenever necessary and delivering veggies over the fence. We are so fortunate to have you as our neighbours. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Ewa Zielińska and family.

Doctors and vets We have Guinea pigs, they are like family members.

We lost one this last week.

It’s very near Christmas and money is short.

The vet was contacted, unless you can pay, they are not interested, they pretend to be concerned about animal welfare, but come down to it, the $$ come first.

We lost our beloved because we couldn’t afford several hundred dollars!!

Same with doctors, urgent care, if you can’t afford big dollars, you can be dying, the $$ come first.

Disgraceful.

TXT talk page

Dog Stop To the lady on Tuesday morning 8am riding her battery bike at Henry St Bridge and running her dog...

Please stop to pick up your dog poo. Don’t look back and keep biking!!!

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 on this page are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Please note the opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Idiots Adverse Effects People are complaining that removing the ban on cigarette sales will adversely affect some people. They should also be arguing to shut shops because shops adversely affect some people by selling things that those people buy but cannot afford.

Such awesome physical might. Idiots with IQ’s less than a carrot have begun the local right of passage breaking off street trees, pulling over road signs up Howick and Wither Road.

Abridged.

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

The Sun

22 Wednesday December 20, 2023

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

Exclusive Interview!

Jerry Goudie

Manager ITM Havelock  Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely a dog person – we have had two German Shepherds.

New Omicron variant on the rise pre-Christmas

By Chris Valli

 My friends would say I am…

Very social lol, enjoy working with people and within a team, competitive and results driven.  The best advice I ever received was?

Two really….“Failing to plan is to plan to fail”, and “Never ever give up”.  What would you buy if money was no object?

A decent size alloy boat, but right now I need to complete all my landscaping projects.  Local coffee haunt?

Tui Coffee at the Havelock Marina.  Favourite takeaway?

Vietnamese.

Another new Omicron variant is quickly gaining traction just as the full-swing Marlborough Christmas party season pours fuel on the fifth Covid-19 wave.

The subvariant JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron type BA.2.86 nicknamed “Pirola”, has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing coronavirus strain and now accounts for one in 10 cases sequenced in the country.

ESR’s pathogen genomics technical lead Dr David Winter says it was unclear whether it would ultimately outcompete the subvariant group - EG.5 or “Eris” - that has so far made up the bulk of cases in the pre-Christmas wave.

Now accounting for about a third of cases in the UK and US, and being increasingly seeded into New Zealand by international flights, JN.1 was separated from BA.2.86 by just a single change in its cell-hacking spike protein.

While the extraordinarily mutated Pirola itself never took off in the way scientists first suspected it would, JN.1 might have picked up some of the extra transmissibility that its close relative lost, Covid-19 modeller Professor Michael Plank says.

Importantly, there was no indication JN.1 carried a higher risk of severe disease than its Omicron counterparts, and, at least for now, its contribution to the current wave was small.

The most recent data from wastewater surveillance showed the virus at its highest levels since January - albeit still well below the giant surges of 2022 - while the last update from Te Whatu Ora reported several hundred people in hospital with Covid-19.

The wave has also brought a boosting bump: the 32,734 vaccinations given in the last week of November was six times the average number administered over previous months.

“Cases were starting to come

down, but now they’ve turned around and have started to go back up again, which is maybe an effect of the Christmas party season,” Plank says.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see cases further increase in this pre-Christmas period and possibly start to come back down again, once school holidays kick in.

“But maybe JN.1 will reverse that trend and start to send numbers upward again, perhaps after the New Year.”

When would the world see a completely new variant, as when Omicron succeeded Delta?

“Everything with Omicron has evolved from a common ancestor, whereas all the other variants before it that had Greek letters evolved independently from the initial Wuhan strain,” Otago University evolutionary virologist Dr Jemma Geoghegan says.

“So, we’d have to see a substantial leap in evolution.”

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

I’m not a shopper – but I do enjoy going to open air markets.  What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

A substantial travel voucher from a previous employer.  Where is your happy holiday place?

Rarotonga/Atuitaki.  Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Yellowstone.  What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To visit my sister in the UK then tour Ireland and Europe, and tie this in with a major world sporting event.

Another new Omicron variant is gaining speed.

SPEND OVER $100 THIS DECEMBER AND RECEIVE A $10 GIFT VOUCHER VISIT SELMES NURSERY - 141 BATTYS RD, BLENHEIM • PHONE 03 578 1511 Proudly supported by Selmes Trust

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023 23

Triumph Riders Motorcycle Club

The Triumph Riders Motorcycle Club (Marlborough Chapter) Christmas Dice run was held on December 9. The third annual event started at the Waterfront Bar and Grill, and members visited the Crow Tavern, Pelorus Tavern and Moa Breweries finishing at Dodson’s Beer Garden for prize giving. St John is their national club charity while the Marlborough Chapter has 18 members.

TRMCC National President, Gerry Halcrow, accepting a first aid kit from Lorna Evans, Community Engagement Manager with St John’s.

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

The Pelorus Tavern was one of the many stops along the way.

Have an event ?

Contact 03 5777 868

TRMCC Marlborough Chapter SecretaryJoe Larrington assisting in some dice throwing.

NMIT | Te Pukenga Marlborough Graduation took place during the thunderstorm in Blenheim last Tuesday, December 12. Photos: Chris Valli

Pictured is Catherine Harris, Programme Team Lead, Viticulture and Wine, and Foundation Studies (wearing trencher and with dark red lining on her hood).

Also pictured is from left; Pam Wood, Curriculum Area Manager, Primary Food and Environmental Industries (at front in orange floral dress) and Gao Shimeng, a visiting researcher from the Beijing University of Agriculture. In the middle back is Dr Stewart Field (wearing doctoral hat), Academic Staff Member and Researcher, Viticulture and Wine.

Blenheim Choral’s by Candlelight Concert was held on Saturday night at the Nativity Church.

Blenheim Choral Conductor Robert Tucker leads proceedings at the Saturday night concert.

Liz McKay with the Creative Choir flashmob at the library recently.

STUDIOS AND APARTMENTS

now from from$185,000 $205,000 Available now Independent living in a beautiful environment • Superb outlook - Tastefully refurbished • Ground floor indoor/outdoor flow • Care packages to suit individual needs

Ashwood Park offers all the choices and amenities you could ever ask for in one convenient location.

118 - 130 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands | ph 03 577 9990 | ashwoodpark.co.nz

The Sun

24 Wednesday December 20, 2023

Air Conditioning

Building

Carpet install & service

computers

For all your home & business IT needs

Concrete

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

contractor

DECORATING

EARTHWORKS

Detailing

electrical

For all your electrical needs

Beavertown Contracting House/roof cleaning, repairs and painting

FOR ALL YOUR PAINTING & DECORATING

Gutter & drainage cleaning and garden pruning

MARLBOROUGH’S ONLY DULUX ACCREDITED PAINTING TEAM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL Call now to arrange an obligation-free quote

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

30+ Years in the Automotive Industry

Ph: Waen 027 7222 647

steve@premierpainting.co.nz

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

forklift hire

garage doors

Gasfitting

Ph 0800 080096 or 021 264 8235

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

Phone: 579 2921

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

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

Moving / Storage

our services

• Post Hole Borer

• 5 Tyne Ripper

• Retaining Walls

• Concrete Mixer

• 5.5ton Digger

• Firewood Processor

• Fixed Tooth Mulcher

• Driveways

• Trencher

• Pallet Forks

• Truck and Trailer

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

021 445 489 paul.rodger2022 @gmail.com

Plumber

gates GATES

Mechanical

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

Ph: 579 4445 www.cmelectrical.co.nz

ENGINEERING MARLBOROUGH POWDERCOATING

See the experts for:

Sandblasting Powdercoating Gates, Fencing Furniture Pool Fences

6 Nelson St, Blenheim

Ph/Fax 578 0374 a/h 021 838 550

Monumental

Got Head Problems?

• Cylinder head problems, broken a timing belt?

• Blown a head gasket?

• Burnt or bent valve?

• Vehicle over heating • Motor reconditioning and restoration Bring it into THE HEAD SHOP. All labour and maching done inhouse Vehicles kept indoors Courtesy car available

PHONE Cole/Jonsey 021 501 994 THE HEAD SHOP

panel & paint

Ph 03 578 0088 Headstones Plaques Restoration Installation

Approved installer

11 Maxwell Road

artisanmemorials.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.

We service all Commercial Kitchen & Laundry equipment.

Local agent for Starline Dishwashers.

grant oborne | 027 287 4807 www.bobcattipperservices.co.nz

Classic Gates

GARAGE DOOR SYSTEMS SERVICES LIMITED

bobcat digger and tip truck available for general earthworks

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

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

Ph. 03 578 0083

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

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

Public Notices

For Sale

Raffle results: Mens Shed, Blenheim. 1st Kim O’Brien, 2nd Indi Anderson, 3rd Fiona Thomas. Thank you for your support.

Double bed. Excellent condition, no stains, no rips, dark blue. Brand new $399, buy now $250 ono. Phone Ian 0211-0251-0407.

Raffle results. MBC Leo Club ‘Garden Accessories’ winning number 148. Thank you for your support.

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

Community notices

Ryan Lawnmowing

txt talk

Blenheim Renwick Picton Phone/Txt 022 322 6515

Wednesday December 20, 2023

You are warmly invited to our

Come to

CHURCH this Christmas

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

5.30 - 9.30pm Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd December An interactive Christmas display for all the family to enjoy in a relaxed, informal setting.

6.30pm Sunday 24th December

9am

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

The last Lions Linkwater Market Takes place outside the Queen Charlotte Tavern on 23rd December between 9 - 12:30. Plenty of good bargains to be had from a variety of stalls. Enjoy a sausage or whitebait pattie while you browse the stalls. Sites still available. Phone Ian 574 2558. Still only $5 a site.

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.

25

For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010 Quality Service Guaranteed

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

Christmas serviCes 17th December Nine Lessons & Carols 7pm 24th December Christmas eve 9am | 11am Candlelight Service 9pm

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

Situations Vacant

25th December Christmas Day Family Service 10am sunday 31st December Combined Family Service 10.30am

Christmas Services CHRISTMAS EVE SUNDAY 24th December 9am 4pm 10pm

Sunday Worship Children's Service Christmas Eve Service

CHRISTMAS DAY MONDAY 25th December 9am

Christmas Service

76 Alfred St Blenheim Visit www.nativity.org.nz for more details

The Sun

26 Wednesday December 20, 2023

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

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.

Death notices LENTING, Robert Anne Franciscus: Passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Aberleigh Village. Aged 74 years. Loved partner of Kathy Olliver, loved step-father of Caroline, Melissa, Katrina, Scott, and James. Loved Poppa of his nine step-grandchildren. Special thanks to Aberleigh Village for his care.

Messages may be sent to Kathy Olliver, 63 Brooklyn Drive, Blenheim 7201. A private cremation has taken place.

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

EVES: James Donald (Don). On 16 December 2023 Don passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, aged 89 years. A loved husband of Daphne. In accordance with Don’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place. Please visit our website for full notice.

McINTYRE: David Stephen. Passed away peacefully at home in the Kenepuru Sound, Marlborough, on 14th December 2023. Dearly loved husband of Cheryl.

Following his cremation a private ceremony will be notified. Please visit our website for full notice.

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

NEAL: Lindsay John. 19.04.1952 18.12.2023. Lindsay passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Sheryl.

A Funeral Service for Lindsay will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Thursday 21 December at 1.00pm followed by private cremation. Please visit our website for full notice.

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

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

MARFELL, Pauline Lois, “Polly” (née Matthews): On Tuesday December 12, 2023, passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough. Aged 73 years. Loved wife of Geoff and sister of the late John Matthews (Perth), sister-in-law of Dave and Dianne. Mother of Glen, and Brad (UK), mother-in-law of Colette; grandmother of Georgia, Sam and Blake. Thank you to Hospice Marlborough staff for their care of Polly. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref. MARFELL. A service to celebrate Polly’s life will be held at the Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 11.00am on Friday December 22, 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

ROCHE, John Patrick: Passed away on Saturday December 16, 2023 at Ashburton Hospital. Aged 72 years. Loved husband of Margaret, loved son of the late William (Bill) Maurice Roche and Hazel Hislop (née Gibbons), loved brother and brother-in-law of Tony and the late Frances (Fran) Roche (Blenheim), loved uncle of Ricci, Sean, Justin and Karl. Always remembered.

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

WARDLE: Annie Robertson (Dianne).

On 18 December 2023, passed away at Bethsaida Rest Home, in her 95th year.

Loved wife of the late Bill. A Funeral Service will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 22 December at 2pm followed by private cremation.

Please visit our website for full notice.

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

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

WESTON: Karen Anne. Aged 53 years.

Passed away Saturday evening 16th December 2023 at Hospice Marlborough.

Much loved and cherished daughter of Kay and Derek, sister of Michelle.

Loved niece of Pam and Jacky, cousin of Kevin and Jill. Loved God daughter of Aunty Gwen. Best friend of so many, a special mention to Lily, Lyell, Betty, Corin, Sarah, Kathleen, Emma, Karen, Tracy, Gabi, Kara and Rhiannon. Loved by Kela and Raewyn. Messages to 54C South Street, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremation has taken place.

You can rest easy Karen Anne. Fly with the angels. Up up and away.

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

Acknowledgements

GANE: Graeme John (Ganey). Raewyn, Nev, Jenni, Laurin, Bridget, Mel, Jared and families would like to express our appreciation for all your love and support shown to us during Graeme’s journey. We extend our thanks for the beautiful flowers, cards, baking, meals, phone calls and visits we received. We were overwhelmed by the large attendance at Graeme’s celebration and were sorry we didn’t get to see you all. To Dr Rachel Inder, Dr Sara Simmons and the staff at Manu Ora, the amazing staff at Marlborough Hospice, we wish to thank you all for the exceptional care, love and support shown to our beloved Graeme and our family during our difficult time, we can’t express our thanks enough. Huge thank you to David Buckley and all at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement of our heartfelt appreciation.

In Memoriam

CATTERMOLE, Jacob Ian Richard (Jake) 04.04.1984 - 20.12.2012 Twenty-Eight forever as Today is remembered and quietly kept.

Always loved, today, tomorrow and tomorrow.

Joy, Grandad Ian, Debra Yvette, Damian and families.

By McQuarters ByRussell Russell McQuarters ACROSS ACROSS Quoted (7) (7) 1.1.Quoted Playdown down (4,5,2) (4,5,2) 5.5.Play 11.Fall Fallheavily heavily (5) (5) 11.

12.Breastbone Breastbone (7) (7) 12.

13.Strain Strain(5) (5) 13.

14.Most Mosttrivial trivial (9) (9) 14.

15.Proclaims Proclaims (9) (9) 15.

16.Long Longriver river (4) (4) 16.

17.Amaze Amaze(7) (7) 17.

19.Erase Erase (6) (6) 19.

23.Capital Capital of of Massachusetts Massachusetts (6) 23.

(6) 26.Able Ableto to be be maintained maintained (7) 26.

(7) 29.Stylish(inf) Stylish(inf) (4) (4) 29.

30.Write Write(3) (3) 30.

32.America(Abbr) America(Abbr) (3) (3) 32.

34.Heather Heather (4) (4) 34.

35.Stain Stain(7) (7) 35.

36.The The medical medical profession profession (6) 36.

(6) 39.Motionless Motionless (6) (6) 39.

40.Called Called on on (7) (7) 40.

42.SEE SEE33DOWN. DOWN. 42.

46.Unmarried Unmarried women women (9) (9) 46.

48.Beach Beach(9) (9) 48.

50.Mould(pl) Mould(pl) (5) (5) 50.

51.Place Placeapart apart (7) (7) 51.

52.Church Church laypeople laypeople (5) (5) 52.

53.Shop Shop assistants assistants (11) (11) 53.

54.

54.Storm Storm(7) (7)

38.38.

Most tired (8) (8) Most tired 41.41.

Enrage (7) (7) Enrage 43.43.

Glorify (7) (7) Glorify 44.44.

Purify (6) (6) Purify 45.45.

Refuge (6) (6) Refuge 46.46.

Upholstered seats (5) (5) Upholstered seats 47.47.

Degrade oneself (5) (5) Degrade oneself 49.49.

The pyramids are are herehere (5) (5) The pyramids

DOWN DOWN 1.

1.Clefts Clefts (5) (5) 2.

2.Vital Vital(7) (7) 3.

3.&&42 42ACROSS. ACROSS.Headline Headline (3,3,4) (3,3,4) 4.

4.Deal Dealout out(8) (8) 5.

5. Great Greatmusician musician(7) (7) 6.

6.African Africancountry country(5) (5) 7.

7.Regret Regret(6) (6) 8.

8.Motioned Motioned(8) (8) Solution SOLUTION 9.

SOLUTION 9. Disloyal Disloyal(11) (11) Last Week 13 December 2023 For October 13,13, 2004 10.

Worries (5) For October 2004 10. Worries (5) 16.

16. Disables Disablesracehorse racehorse (with (withdrugs)(7) drugs)(7) 18.

18. Gets Getscloser closer(5) (5) 20.

20. Of Ofmorals morals(7) (7) 21.

21.Skip Skip(3) (3) 22.

22. Contagious Contagiousvirus(abbr) virus(abbr)(3)(3) 24.

24. Astounding Astounding(11) (11) 25.

25.Mesh Mesh(3) (3) 27.

27. Boredom Boredom(5) (5) 28.

28. Extrasensory Extrasensory perception(abbr) perception(abbr)(3)(3) 31.

31.Catch Catch(3) (3) 33.

33. Exclamation Exclamationofofsurprise surprise(3)(3) 37.

37. Dirigibles Dirigibles(8) (8)

The Sun

Wednesday December 20, 2023

27

Hopai Sports on the ‘24 calendar

By Chris Valli

Keen to dust off the Christmas ham and pavlova heading into the New Year?

Then the Hopai Sports Day might just be the incentive.

There are sack races, three legged races, wood chopping, tug of war, gumboot throw and the hotly contested Hopai He Man race (open to women and teams) to wet the competitive appetite.

Organised by the Pelorus Sound Sports Club, the Family Picnic and Sports Day is on the summer calendar once again on Saturday, January 6,

2024.

The family picnic day has been held annually on the north-eastern shores of Crail Bay in the Pelorus Sound since 1920. Indeed, the sports give Marlborough Sounds families the chance to catch up and take part in the events from running and boat races.

The prizegiving is at 4pm with a BYO BBQ after the prizegiving. Eftpos is available at shop.

The day starts from 10am onwards.

Admission is $5 per person with kids 12 and under free (please bring cash for entry fees).

Joseph Cox, Sam Abel, Zeb Foote and Mikey Ashlynn give it a nudge in the tug of war at Hopai Sports Day.

Firewood demand down

By Chris Valli

A local firewood supplier is encouraging locals to think ahead and order firewood for next winter with the increased cost of living having a drop in sales.

Tiri Johnsen, owner from Blenheim’s The Firewood Company says sales of firewood have dropped 40 per cent on the same time last year, causing concern. Tiri says the demand for wood, post winter, has been declining.

“The last three months, usually a lot of people start stocking up,” he says.

“The winter sales had been good but we’ve noticed since September – and the last three years – it’s down. Things are costing more now than people actually realise - there’s not enough money in the back pocket.”

The Firewood Company sells among other timbers, Pine, Old Man Pine, Gum (burns longer and a cheaper option although has a tendency to spark if there is dried resin in some pieces), macrocarpa, and Douglas Fir. When asked how locals can ‘support local’ with the additional finances that come with the festive season and holidays, Tiri says if Marlburians ordered now there is a discount from a trusted supplier.

“We’re trying to build our stocks and

buying in enough logs for winter. To do that we need cash flow. If someone rings up and asks for two loads of wood they’ve instantly got a discount because we’re looking at revenue coming in.

“When that doesn’t happen the flow on effect is that we don’t have as much wood for winter and the reality might be that the logging industry shuts down, which it did this year.”

Even though heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative, especially with new home builds, Tiri firmly believes locals are still installing fires. He adds with ‘warmer houses’ the pattern, especially over the past decade, was that locals were buying ‘two loads of wood as opposed to four’.

The winter sale season for firewood is March – September.

maka

November 2023 Forestry production data from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) says forestry contributed an annual gross income of around $6.6 billion which equates to 1.6% of New Zealand’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) The export value of forest products in the year to June 2022 was $6.58 billion – $3.63 billion from logs and $2.95 billion from other forest products with an estimated 34.38 million cubic metres of timber harvested in the year ended March 2021.

Volumes are expected to be high for the next decade (to 2030) as forests planted in recent decades reach maturity - Forestry and wood products are New Zealand’s fourth-largest export earner, just behind horticulture.

Golf Results Blenheim Golf Club 11th Dec 9 Holes Stableford ladies Jill Hurcomb 20 Ann Walker 20 Jenny Evans 19 E20 laine Brown 17 Vickie Lane 17 Men Graeme Parker 21 Allen Knight Mike McConnell 19 Don March 19 Ian Hatcher 18 Leo McKendry 17 Arnold Newman 17 Jeremy Manning 17 David Horrell 17Les Boniface 16 Alan Wilson 16 Dave Menzies 16 William McCallum 16 13th Dec Mixed Stableford 7 Holes Jenny Evans + Dave Horrell 33 Vickie Lane + Graeme Parker 32 Marg Hamilton + Dean Ormsby 31 Marion Flynn + Allen Knight 31 Dawn Walker + Roy Lilley 31 Elaine Brown + Blue Arthur 31 14th Dec Stableford Roy Lilley 41 Desz Campbell 38 Stuart Parker 38 Alex Herd 36 Nigel Smith 35 Graeme Daines 35 Ray Herd 35 Don Lamond 34 Mike Gardiner 34 9 Holes Alan Wilson 19 Arnold Newman 19 George Addis 16 Duncan Cassidy 16 15th Dec Twilight 9 holes Stableford Dan Crawford 20 Dawn Walker 20 Shane Murray 20 Shirley Godsiff 19 Alex Herd 19 Elaine Brown 19 16th Dec Ambrose Net Medal Don March + Jill & Glen Hurcomb 58.5 Desz Campbell + Nigel Martin + Graeme Kerrrigan 60.17 Kobe Hart + Luke Yarrall + Alex Herd 60.83 Judith Batty + Andrew Stowell + Dan Crawford 62.5

Wairau Valley Golf Club Sat 9 Dec: Summer Stableford:Bevan Roughan 38, Bevan Boon 38, Richard Bruce 38, Robyn Pupich 35, Mel Hampton 35, Dave McFarlane 33, Bill Linklater 33, Sharon Giles 33, Pete Jerram 33, Maureen McKenzie 33, Johnny McLauchlan 33 Sat 16 Dec: Summer Stableford: Brian Roughan 41, Yvonne Wallace 40, Rex McGarry 38, Glen Griffiths 38, Mike McKenzie 38, Johnny McLauchlan 37, Robin Lacey 36, Bill Lacey 36, Bevan Boon 36, Sam Rutherford 36.

Providing quality care and education for children aged 3 months - 5 years, Omaka is a space for children to grow, explore and flourish as unique individuals, through a child-led, nature play based environment, where children are given the wings to fly.

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

OPENING MID 2019

Visit www.omakaelc.nz

The Sun

28 Wednesday December 20, 2023

al Mike Pero Re

censed R Estate Ltd. Li

e “A hug is th as tm is r h perfect C e fits gift. One siz asily e all and it’s returned”

Minnie

Solicitors & Financiers

Team Chantilly

Greg & Tradies

Buyers & Sellers

Friends & Acquaintances

Merry Safe Christmas, compliments of the Season To One & All! “For those that do not know every home I sell a portion of commission goes into Trust Account to be disbursed within our Marlborough Community to a worthy charity. Only recently did I personally appreciate the amazing services of The Flying Doctors Air Ambulance.

A privilege to announce $12,665 has been donated – with hand on  a Massive Thank You!”

Debbie Webster • 021 797 454 • debbie.webster@mikepero.com Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REA (2008)