27 March 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Minnie, a five year old bullmastiff boxer cross gears up for this weekend.

This will be the closest she gets to having an easter egg, though, as chocolate is toxic to dogs and should not be given to them.

Minnie will have to be content with hopefully catching a glimpse of the Easter Bunny.

How does your family celebrate Easter?

Send us your photos.

Hound Dog

By Chris Valli

Jack Russell’s are an energetic breed of dog and rely on a high level of exercise and stimulation. Rather handy then, Elvis Presley provides said stimulation.

Buddy, a seven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier lives in Springlands and it’s fair to say is a bit of a fan of the late King of Rock n Roll.

Owner Sandy says it’s been the past year especially that Buddy has taken a liking to Elvis, regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Mind you, Buddy is quick becoming a cultural figure himself.

“I was a fan of Elvis as a child,” says Sandy. “I picked up a book of Elvis that had been on my shelf for some time which got me back into it and then I found him on You Tube.

“That was when Buddy got a wee bit excited. He loves GI Blues, when Elvis was in the army,” she says. “He certainly gets louder.”

Sandy says she took ownership of Buddy from a local woman who had him as a puppy but he was too ‘active’ for her and asked Sandy if she wanted him.

Sandy says her late husband who died two years ago, a former musterer, had a natural disposition and affiliation with dogs.

“He certainly doesn’t do what I tell him,” she says, when referring to Buddy’s free spirit and demeanour. “My husband would be interested to see what he’s up to.”

Sandy says on the flip side Buddy’s not keen on the Meridian Electricity advertisement with Mother Nature

and Shortland Street actress Bella Kalolo, the one dressed in green. “Oh he doesn’t like her, that’s for sure. Buddy is a wonderful companion but alas is always with me.”

Researchers at the University of Vienna suggest that dogs, along with a few other tetrapod’s (a sciency word for four-legged animals), are indeed capable of the complexities of melody.

In a 2021 ground-breaking study published in the Royal Society of Biological Sciences, researchers revealed that dogs, in fact, do modulate their vocalisations, in the same way that humans do suggesting that dogs are singing. By controlling the aspects of vocalisation, dogs are creating a melody when they sing and keeping rhythm with what they hear.

In his 1956 hit single, “Hound Dog,” Elvis identified one major group of dogs that were ‘crying all the time’. In addition to the hounds, these breeds are known to sing more than others: Alaskan malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyeds, Beagle and American Eskimo. Best add Buddy, Jack Russel to that list.

As Buddy sits attentively listening to the next song on You Tube, he can’t help but be animated with the songs Return to Sender and Blue Suede Shoes which intrigue with a look of concentration and anticipation. His only response, an enthusiastic howl and communicating the only way he knows with his tail wagging flat stick.

A high-classed hound dog indeed.

Funding for MMWM – ‘worth its weight’ in the community

By Chris Valli

Nelson based Care Foundation has generously donated $11,000 to Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough.

The Care Foundation is a charitable trust incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act and previously known as The Nelson-Marlborough Hospitals Charitable Trust. The Foundation was originally set up to administer the donations and bequests received by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board.

General Manager of the Care Foundation Clare Haycock says funds are distributed for health needs across the Top of the South and says the board has members in Nelson and Blenheim. She says the funding given was about doing their ‘due diligence’ to a Marlborough organisation that is ‘worth its weight in the community’ and making sure the dollar ‘hits the mark’.

“It’s great to help and do what we can,” she says. “The money will give them some stability and reassurance.”

Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough (MMWM), also a charitable trust, provides support for new mothers and pregnant women facing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. MMWM runs solely on donations and grants and has no permanent funding.

They have been active in Marlborough since 2005 running antenatal and postnatal therapy support groups, helping women and families

since the Trust began. The trust knows first-hand that the first 1000 days of a child’s life are critical for healthy development.

MMWM Chairperson Mandy Li says they are grateful for their generosity and after their board secretary Cristy Cameron reached out to the Care Foundation for support.

“The board has been working so hard towards this change and the time and effort everyone has put into it,” says Mandy. “With the funds we can actually start training our new facilitators and get the ball rolling.”

MMWM assists struggling mums to understand their mental health issues, to ease the pain and resolve the difficulties through education and help them to understand and accept themselves, to understand the needs of the child, and to understand the wider family system.

The programme aims to benefit not only the women who complete the programme, but also their babies and their wider whanau.

The organisation is undergoing a change in approach, offering a more structured programme consisting of

inbrief

Sun The

Wither Hills Farm Park open

Walkers and cyclists were able to return to the Wither Hills last Wednesday, March 19 after the MDC reopened the park to users given the cooler temperatures recently.

Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Planner Linda Craighead says staff were very appreciative of the public’s response in staying away from the farm park during the last couple of months.

“It is great to see other areas being used,” she says.

“While the park is open it is still dry and we ask that the public remain vigilant and if temperatures do increase or it is windy then walkers and bikers should stay on the lower tracks.”

Council had closed the Wither Hills Farm Park since January 9 due to fire risk following discussions with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

Joseph sneak peek

Catch some of the cast at the Blenheim Library on April 13th for a sneak peek into Blenheim Musical Theatre’s latest spectacular production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 12.30pm.

a 10 or 12 week course designed to equip women with the necessary tools and support to cope with their mental health challenges.

Mandy says the change in approach will mean MMWM can continue to offer the same outcomes driven service to Marlborough’s mums now and in the future, regardless of staff or board member changes.

“It takes a whole village to raise

a child. The organisation is always looking for any form of help and support, volunteers and donations, or just word of mouth to someone you know who may need our help,” says Mandy. It is hoped the new programmes will be underway by June 2024. For additional information, please see the organisation’s website here: www.maternalmentalwellbeing. com

Full performances of the show will be at the ASB Theatre May 8th to 18th . Tickets on sale now.

Rotary Bootsale Market

The Blenheim Rotary Bootsale Market will be on this Easter weekend as usual. Saturday 8am to Noon, Railway Station Carpark. $5 per carpark to have a site, no need to book.

All funds go to local and international projects.

Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough women after a mid-winter swim fundraiser at Whites Bay in 2022. Angeline Forlong, Mary Mason, Kelly Stuart, Natalie Christensen, Michelle Barry, Autumn Faulkner, Jennifer Muir, Tonielle Purdy, Meagan Littlejohn, Kerry Blackmore, Keely Barnes.

MMWM Treasurer Melanie Foster and her baby Ella (left). Nelson based Care Foundation has generously donated $11,000 to Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough. MMWM Chairperson Mandy Li (right) says the money means they can start training new facilitators.

inbrief

Sun The

Dublin Street to reopen

Mayor Nadine Taylor says KiwiRail’s decision to re-instate the level crossing and reopen Dublin Street in Picton is welcome news.

KiwiRail has been in discussions with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) regarding building the Dublin Street overbridge and associated road upgrades in Waitohi Picton relating to the Inter-Island Resilient Connection (iReX) project. In December 2023, the Government announced it would not provide additional funding to meet an increase in construction costs and KiwiRail decided to wind down the project.

“Dublin Street will reopen in two phases, with work starting after Easter to reopen the street west of Market Street, including Market Street and the side streets. East of Market Street will come second. We don’t have firm dates but are working to do this as quickly as possible, however it does rely on the availability of specialist equipment.”

Water restrictions lifted

Water restrictions in Picton and Waikawa have now been lifted.

Council’s Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says cooler weather, evenings drawing in and heavy dews along with a few scattered showers in the past few weeks have reduced demand.

“We are now able to lift the restrictions although we do still ask Picton and Waikawa residents to conserve water. While we are still unable to use Essons Valley due to algae in the dam, the Speeds Road water treatment plant is meeting demand,” Mr Rooney says.

‘Replacing posties with couriers will slow deliveries’

By Chris Valli

Postal workers say NZ Post’s plan to replace them with couriers will make deliveries slower.

The company plans to lay off 700 posties over the next five years and pass their duties to contracted courier drivers. NZ Post last year said it would ‘trial a whole range of things’ to figure out what worked best in response to declining mail volumes.

The comment comes after news the NZ Post Shop in Springlands is to close April 1. The shop, situated inside the Unichem Springlands Pharmacy, at 131 Middle Renwick Road, is owned by Auckland based Green Cross Health who represents more than 342 community pharmacies throughout the country.

Green Cross Marketing spokesperson Edwina Neilsen says the reason for the postal service closure was due to ‘not being profitable’.

Union co-president John Maynard says forcing couriers to carry letters in their vans would slow everything down. The electric bikes used by posties were more nimble and environmentally friendly than vans, he says.

“Van delivery will be slowed down because it’s much quicker

NZ Post plans to lay off 700 posties over the next five years and pass their duties to contracted courier drivers. The comment comes after news the NZ Post Shop in Springlands is to close April 1.

to go along the footpath on an electric bike. We’re saying that the posties holding onto mail and small packets and parcels is a more efficient way of delivering it than small packets and parcels and mail being delivered by diesel and petrol powered vans.”

Parking would be a big issue for courier drivers if the plan went ahead, Maynard says.

Twenty years ago, New Zealanders sent more than one billion

mail items a year - but this has decreased dramatically to around 220 million.

NZ Post predicted mail would further decrease to about 120 million items a year by 2028.

The Postal Workers Union made a counter proposal in February and expects a response by the end of this month.

NZ Post’s plan to replace postal workers with contractors violated the State Owned Enterprises Act,

Maynard said. As a state-owned enterprise, NZ Post was required to provide good and fair working conditions, he said.

Maynard said he believed replacing employees with underpaid contractors constituted a breach of the act.

Couriers contracted by NZ Post did not have the rights of employees, but they were expected to work similar hours, he says.

At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset Blenheim is no exception.

Situated in the heart of Marlborough, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, this brand-new village is close to everything Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds have to offer. Summerset Blenheim will offer a vibrant community, resort-style facilities and Summerset’s renowned continuum of care – all safe and secure within our fully gated community.

If you’ve ever been curious about village life, now could be the time. We’re holding an Open Day every Thursday in March, so you can get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much.

Love the life you choose

Open Days, 10am - 2pm

Every Thursday in March

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands 03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim

Creating a sense of belonging

By Chris Valli

The connection of a cup of tea and conversation around inclusion was at the forefront at Connect Blenheim last Wednesday.

Unity Week, launched in 2022, is a coordinated approach to remember and honour the lives lost in the March 15, 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. The week promotes a ‘socially cohesive society’.

Those that attended the morning tea and talk from Guest speakers Becky Chin and Dr Shilinka Smith, learnt about MRISE, the benefits of inclusion and the importance of creating a sense of belonging.

MRISE is fused between a business and a charity. To fund their work they sell team building and hospitality services, trading as Fusion Meetings and Events.

“It’s about what we can achieve when we work together,” says Dr Shilinka. “Becky is a migrant, and I have mixed ethnicity. It’s a kaupapa we always cared about. Marlborough and New Zealand can benefit from our diversity but we have to find ways to make sure we can include and

incorporate that diversity into everyday life.”

Becky says as a migrant there are ‘things in the community that might seem a bit weird’. However, she says cultural differences stem from upbringing and experiences.

“It’s about a different way of thinking and embracing the learnings from each other. Together we are stronger,” she says.

“When I work with clients, I say ‘trust me, let’s try this.’ What motivates me is to see the smile on people’s faces when you take them to the next level, you can tell you have made a difference.”

Becky met Dr Shalinka at Parliament when Becky was working for a minister and Shalinka was working for The Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the chief advisor to the Government on ethnic diversity and inclusion in New Zealand. The Ministry gives out funds to support community development and social cohesion.

Dr Shalinka says they exist to ‘unlock the innovation that comes from diversity’.

“We help new and settled Kiwis work through the difference, fear and conflict that diversity can

from the founders of MRISE at Connect Blenheim last Wednesday.

stimulate to create new ideas, new ways of working and open new mindsets or markets,” she says.

“It’s the same transformation when you see a New Zealander that has solved a problem or situation they have found difficult and they have seen another way, we are all better off as a result.”

The Marlborough District Council joined the Welcoming Communities programme in July 2022 to recognise the importance of celebrating the broad range of people who have chosen to make Marlborough their home.

The MDC signed the Welcoming Communities Statement of Commitment at a ceremony in the Council Chambers on November 24, 2023.

The Statement of Commitment was signed by Rawiri Faulkner, Pou Toa Matarau of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Mayor Nadine Taylor, Turi Hippolite, Pou Whakahaere of Ngāti Koata, Corey Hebberd, Kaiwhakahaere Matua of Rangitāne, Mark Wheeler, CEO of the Marlborough District Council and Matilde Tayawa Figuracion, Chair of the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.

Police offer $100k reward

Police are offering a $100,000 reward for credible information relating to missing Marlborough woman Jessica Boyce.

Investigators revealed on TVNZ’s Cold Case that they believe her disappearance and death is likely to have been caused by a group of people active in the Marlborough methamphetamine scene.

New information was made public on the programme for the first time on Tuesday night, March 19.

Anyone with relevant interest was encouraged to contact the investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273).

Police are offering a $100,000 reward for credible information relating to the homicide investigation into Jessica Boyce’s 2019 disappearance.

A face of diversity and inclusion: Brazilian Eufrasia Middlemiss-Peneres enjoys a cup of morning tea as part of a Unity Week talk

PHOTO: TVNZ Coldcase

Drop for Youth Marlborough is a fundraiser for local charity, Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough to support their work with thousands of local young people.

We asked, “What’s making you take the leap in Drop for Youth this year?”

Simon Olliver Olliver Orthodontics

I work with the youth of Marlborough every day and enjoy seeing them reach their full potential! If jumping out of a plane will help Graeme Dingle Foundation continue their essential work, then up I go!

Barb Vesela Hakuna Matata Café

I’m definitely not confident to drop out of the sky, but I believe that being a child/ teen that doesn’t have a perfect start in life is way more difficult! So please support this great cause if you can.

Greg Joyce Coresteel Buildings

To carry out their essential work with local young people Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough relies almost exclusively on the generosity of local businesses and community support. Let’s do this!

Isla Read & Leni Manson MGC

We’re the Stars prefects at MGC and we’re both dropping! We’ve had firsthand experiences of the wonders this programme brings! Please support us, and other local youth, by donating.

Mike Healy 23 Grove Road Coffee House

We love what the GDF team are doing for our next generation – and importantly the ripple effect that has on our community too.

Cheryl West Rotary Blenheim South I am dedicated to helping even more of Marlborough’s young people build the resilience and self-belief to overcome any challenge that life throws at them!

To support these daring droppers – or to sign up to take the leap yourself - visit: www.bit.ly/DropForYouth2024

Letters

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

Love and support to the editor

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Holy heck, last week brought us an amazing article.

The beautifully written piece on Lynn and Graeme’s mission to raise funds for Trinity’s life-saving treatment and awareness of EDS and AVCS, by the fantastic Chris Valli can be found on page 8 of the Blenheim Sun Newspaper, March 20.

We are so grateful to our NZ media getting behind us and our other families as we fight

for our kids and loved ones’ lives.

A massive thank you Chris for treating our families toughest and most frightening times with so much care and respect. Perhaps in the future you could give certain NZ Health workers some pointers?

Thanks Blenheim Sun for helping us raise awareness.

Anna McGrath (Trinity’s Mum) Napier

John Boswell appointed chief executive

By Chris Valli

Marlborough District Council has appointed a new chief executive after an extensive national advertising campaign and thorough recruitment process.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said she was very pleased to welcome John to Council and says John joins them after a very successful military career, reaching the position of Major General and Chief of Army, the most senior officer in the New Zealand Army.

"John wants to continue to

serve the public in a positive values-based organisation after his impressive career in the Army," she says. “John impressed us straight away with his vision, strategic thinking, leadership skills and extensive experience of running a large, complex, people-focused organisation. He also has a good knowledge of Marlborough’s issues and opportunities and how local government works.”

“He brings a collaborative and empathetic leadership style as well as strong communication skills which I know will work well for Council and

the Marlborough community. He and his wife will be moving to Marlborough, a place they have explored as visitors, and love.”

John’s previous roles include Director of Army Training, Chief Staff Officer Operational Plans and Head of Strategy Management. He holds masters’ degrees in Management, Defence Studies and Philosophy.

Mayor Taylor said 46 applications were received from around New Zealand.

“We had an extraordinarily high calibre of candidates -

Marlborough District Council has a great reputation and Marlborough, as we all know, is beautiful, has fantastic public facilities and is just a great place to live. All councillors were involved in the recruitment and appointment process.”

“My sincere thanks to Mark Wheeler who is retiring. Mark has been an outstanding chief executive since 2015, and prior to that was deputy chief executive and assets and services manager from 1998.”

John Boswell will join the Council on August 1. John Boswell

Rolling out the bins Long Term Plan community consultation meeting dates

Seven thousand bins down, 29,000 to go!

The team from WM New Zealand (formerly Waste Management NZ) is working hard across Marlborough to deliver wheelie bins as part of Council’s new and expanded kerbside collection service which starts 1 July.

Bins are on their way if you live in Blenheim, Picton, Grovetown, Havelock, Rai Valley, Rarangi, Renwick, Seddon, Spring Creek or Tua Marina and the rollout is already underway in Blenheim and Picton.

WM New Zealand Branch Manager Marlborough Paul Withers said a newly recruited team for the rollout would be working hard until the end of June when most Marlborough residents will have their new wheelie bins. “The rollout is a huge logistical exercise as it takes at least one week to deliver bins to an area that takes just half a day for a truck to service,” Mr Withers said.

The bins are being delivered in the safest place closest to the property, in a manner so as not to cause congestion, nuisance or danger to the public.

“After 1 July when the collection service starts bins must be positioned on the kerb or verge at the

edge of the road, with the Marlborough logo facing the road and away from obstacles and overhanging bushes or structures at least half a metre apart. This allows the collection truck’s lifting mechanism to lift the bin,” he said.

Council’s Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said residents included in the collection service should have one red general waste bin, instead of single-use rubbish bags, and a yellow recycling bin by the end of June. The old maroon recycling crates will be retained and used to collect glass.

“Keep your existing maroon crate if you have one. A crate will be delivered with your wheelie bins if you are new to the kerbside collection service. Rubbish bags won’t be collected kerbside after 1 July. The new service provides improved capacity and efficiency, saving 750,000 bags to landfill every year,” he said.

To find out if your property is included in the service go to: https://links.marlborough.govt. nz/kerbside or if you have any questions contact Council on Ph: 03 520 7400.

Coming soon to a street near you... the team from WM New Zealand are rolling out wheelie bins around Marlborough to properties included in the new and expanded service

People will soon get the chance to find out more about Council’s planned expenditure in its Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034. Submissions open from 4 April to 6 May.

The LTP proposes an average rates

increase of 12.65 per cent for the 2024/25 financial year, not including Marlborough Sounds roading repairs. The biggest challenge in the ten year plan is how to fund the $106M local share of the Sounds’ roads $234M repair and improvement bill, damaged

by storms in 2021 and 2022. There are a number of ways in which this could be funded, which will be explained in Council’s LTP Consultation Document and at the community dropin meetings and webinar. These are:

Date Time Location Meeting style

Monday 15 April 5.30pm – 7.30pm Blenheim, Lansdowne Hub 6B Lansdowne Street, Mayfield, Community drop-in

Tuesday 16 April 2pm – 4pm Rai Valley, The Millers Rest 6767 State Highway 6 Community drop-in

Wednesday 17 April 12.30pm – 2.30pm Waitaria Bay, Waitaria Bay Hall Community drop-in

Thursday 18 April 5.30pm – 7pm Online webinar Via Zoom: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/88384985861

Friday 19 April 12pm – 2pm Seddon, Awatere Memorial Hall 1C Foster Street Community drop-in

Monday 22 April 2pm – 4pm Community drop-in

Tuesday 23 April 5.30pm – 7.30pm Picton, Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park, Waikawa Road Community drop-in

The Long Term Plan 2024/2034 budget sees new investment in the region’s infrastructure, repairs to Marlborough Sounds roads, provides increases in some levels of service and removes the Council’s Covid rates subsidy.

Further information will be made available on Council’s website at www. marlborough.govt.nz and at Customer Service Centres from 4 April.

Good news for Marlborough’s economy

Leading economist Brad Olsen said Marlborough’s strong primary sector was helping it through some tough economic times.

Brad and colleague Nick Brunsdon from Infometrics spoke at Council’s Economic, Finance and Community committee meeting last week, providing an in-depth snapshot of the region’s economic profile.

“You are one of the only regions across the country that’s seen an actual improvement in agriculture, forestry and fishing gross domestic product,” Brad said. “A large part of that is because of your viticulture focus.”

Brad said there were challenging economic times ahead with inflation the chief concern.

High national immigration of 146,000 over the last year had created the strongest population growth New Zealand had seen since 1946, which was putting pressure on services and infrastructure nationally.

Marlborough hosts British High commissioner

Mayor Nadine Taylor recently met with British High Commissioner to New Zealand Iona Thomas, who was in Blenheim to attend the Global Cities conference.

“We discussed issues of mutual interest and the importance of the UK-New Zealand relationship,” Mayor Taylor said.

“New Zealand’s new free trade

agreement with the UK sets a framework for further cooperation on research, science and innovation, and there may be opportunities for both Marlborough and British agritech innovators.”

“We are hosting the WinePRO agritech conference and trade fair here in June which will bring together an international cohort of

wine agritech businesses.”

“We are also opening our own tech hub in Blenheim later this year - the future for technology innovation in Marlborough is bright.”

Mayor Taylor said she would be staying in touch with the British High Commissioner to explore future opportunities of mutual interest.

“On one hand migration has provided a lot of people and resources to do work in the economy, but they require a whole bunch of services,” he said.

Brad didn’t expect to see any easing of interest rates anytime soon. “That’s a slow burn”.

Nick Brunsdon said Marlborough’s population of 52,000 was one of the strongest around the country in terms of consumer spending.

“We’re seeing considerable cost of living pressures on households and while people are leaving the shop with slightly fewer bags, here in Marlborough spending grew 6.3 % compared with 4.3 % nationally,” he said. “That puts Marlborough among one of the highest growth regions in the country which suggests a strong degree of consumer confidence.”

There was good news in the construction sector too with nonresidential building consents at $96M in the year to December 2023.

House prices in Marlborough were still some of the most affordable in the country. “Marlborough has always been relatively affordable and having house prices come back a bit has improved that further,” Nick said. Infometrics provides a detailed annual economic profile of the district and quarterly economic reports, which are available on Council’s website.

Economist Brad Olsen from Infometrics

British High Commissioner Iona Thomas with Mayor Nadine Taylor

Two men who met in the Burwood Spinal Unit, and were told they would ‘likely never walk again’ took on the unthinkable earlier this month. Chris Valli takes up the story.

Tetraplegics and good mates Andrew Leslie (51) and George Thompson (67) walked the Abel Tasman National Park track from 13 – 17 March.

“We are doing this walk for two reasons,” says Andrew. “Firstly, this is about not only showing to ourselves that we can do it, but to others living with impairments as well.

“And we are using this walk as a platform to champion better accessibility in the outdoors. It’s a complex problem to solve, but sometimes resolving relatively small issues can make a big difference. This is a message we hope to promote through undertaking this adventure.”

The 60km undulating walk was a huge physical challenge because of the distance, but also due to the fact they walked for five days straight. It’s a long way from where they have been.

When Andrew was in the ICU, his family were told to expect him to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

George was told it was likely he wouldn’t walk again by the doctors at the Spinal Unit. At that stage, they never believed such a feat like walking the Abel Tasman would be possible.

“I don’t think that would have even been in my head,” says George in his typical laidback manner.

“The fact that four years on from that moment, when they gave me a 20 percent chance to walk again, that I would be walking around the bloody Abel Tasman, is quite extraordinary.”

Since his injury in 2020, Andrew has made a habit of setting personal challenges.

In 2021 he walked back to Mākara Peak to the scene of his accident. In 2022, he ran 5km around Karori

Park and last year he completed an Outward Bound course.

When he called George with the Abel Tasman idea, he did not hesitate.

“A part of this for me is to prove all the people that tell me I can’t do it, that I can do it.”

Four years ago, Andrew and George’s lives changed forever.

George broke his neck in a farming accident in Levin when he crashed his quad bike into a drain in February 2020. Around a month later, Andrew broke his neck in a mountain-biking accident at Mākara Peak in Wellington.

They were both lucky to survive.

“It is very scary to think back on”

“I knew it was serious straight away,” says George. “I heard the crunch in my neck when I went into the drain. I could stand for a split-second and then my legs gave way and I could feel a tingling sensation.

“I remember thinking I have got myself into the shit with my wife [Jane] here… this isn’t going to have a good end.”

George was flown to Christchurch Hospital where he was admitted to their Intensive Care Unit and was fighting for his life. He would go on to spend six months in the Burwood Spinal Unit. While he was coming to terms with his new reality, Andrew had his mountain bike crash.

“I remember the helicopter buzzing overhead and being winched up,” he says of the fateful day on Makara Peak. “And the rotor, and the noise

and the wind through my hair as I went up to the helicopter. It is very scary to think back on.”

Andrew followed the same stressful journey through ICU and the pair met in the Burwood courtyard.

“I remember thinking straight away that this guy is a real character, and he likes to have a bit of a laugh,” says Andrew, before George adds: “We hit it off straight away and have been laughing ever since.”

While the pair was learning about life with spinal cord impairment, New Zealand was in the midst of COVID-19.

It left Andrew and George with little option but to fully commit themselves to their rehab in the gym.

ACC has played a leading role in both men’s rehabilitation.

“The ongoing support from ACC has been a real plank in my recovery,” says Andrew. “I simply wouldn’t have achieved what I have without their constant support and help.”

“We really pushed each other,” says George. “We both set the goal of walking out of the Burwood Spinal Unit and to achieve that feat was both incredible and surreal really.”

The constant through their time in Burwood, and now as they get ready for this challenge, has been banter.

Andrew tells a story about how George conned the Burwood nurses to keep his powerchair for the duration of his stay. On his last day, he drove his powerchair to the exit, hopped out and walked to his car with a smile on his face.

“It’s a really challenging place

to be as you’re coming to terms with a new reality. Laughter got us through that period, and we will be calling on that again on the Abel Tasman track.

“When things get hard, we’ll be laughing together.”

They wanted to share some advice for any people who have had a spinal cord impairment and are at the start of their journey.

Tue

Tue

- arrive Wellington 9.45am

Tour #54 (Incorporating the 2024 Festival of Science)

Wed 14th Aug 2024, depart Christchurch 1.00pm - arrive 3.45pm (CI time)

Wed 21st Aug 2024, depart Chathams 8.30am - arrive Christchurch 10.00am

Make up your party now and take

“Keep your chin up,” says George. “I’m absolutely amazed what progress I have made, but you can’t do that without the support of your wife, my physio… say thanks to the people around you.”

Andrew adds: “You need to know that big things in life are still possible. If you have a dream and a vision in your head, and you really believe in that, then these things are achievable.”

Ed Shuttleworth, Dave Parkinson (both support crew), George Thompson, Andrew Leslie, and Fiona de Young (support crew). Andrew and George at the finish line.

A busy household for the Campbell’s

By Chris Valli

When Steve Campbell was part of the New Zealand Army Band he concedes it was more than just playing. The North Otago native says it included all facets of performance - planning, production, touring, sound engineering and study.

One of his fondest memories with the Army Band was doing about ten consecutive nights at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for the Australian Centennial Celebrations in 1988 with over thirteen thousand people in the audience nightly.

“The crowd noise was epic. The typical trans-Tasman rivalry was in full swing - New

Zealand won convincingly,” he reflects.

Fair to say, Steve will be looking for bums on seats at Blenheim’s ASB Theatre in May where he has been given the mantle of musical director for Blenheim Musical Theatre’s Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. In some ways, Steve’s own background is like a coat or many colours and experiences.

Steve started learning to play piano and cornet at seven and eight respectively. He played in the local brass band and went on stage for musical theatre before an opportunity presented itself to move to Christchurch in his late teens to join the army and going full time in the New Zealand Army Band which he

says shaped and presented some incredible opportunities.

“I left the army and went on to do a number of other things over the years - still continued playing music for brass, orchestra, jazz and rock bands. Also got into a bit of teaching,” he says.

He met his wife Nadia in Christchurch (from Blenheim) when she left to start her own professional study, as one of the singers in a rock band started by one of his music students. Nadia had been on stage for a few shows with BMT during her college days. In 2008 Nadia was keen to move back to Blenheim.

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

Meetings:

Time:

“I love the place although I’m still a number of years away from being considered a local. We had our daughter so a big focus on raising our daughter Addison and I found yet another new direction in life in medicine that’s taken up a heap of time and still ongoing in work and ongoing, constant study.” So how did the opportunity come about as musical director?

Venue: First Tuesday of each month* 7.15pm

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

Next MeetiNg:

Cancer Society Blenheim House 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Date: Tuesday 2nd April 2024, at 7.15pm.

*No meeting December and January

Venue: Church of Nativity Hall, Alfred Street, Blenheim

For more information please contact:

Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

For more information please contact:

M: 027 608 5667

Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

M: 027 608 5667

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

e: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

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

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

SUPPORT | EDUCATION | RESEARCH | ADVOCACY

SUPPORT | EDUCATION RESEARCH | ADVOCACY

0800 477 678

INFORMATION LINE

0800 477 678

iNForMAtioN liNe

www.prostate.org.nz

www.prostate.org.nz

Proudly sponsored by Beavertown Lions

Comfort in the design build process

Fairfield Construction is Marlborough’s leading company in building energy-efficient and passive houses. Their mission is to build healthier and warmer homes by offering sustainable and environmentally friendly products and building methods.

The family building company is based in Blenheim and owned and operated by Mark and Katja Thompson.

So what exactly is passive housing? In short, it’s a healthier and warmer home which costs the homeowner less to cool or heat whilst keeping the home around 20 degrees throughout the year. The home is designed and built to the highest energy-efficient and quality standards and certified by a third party, guaranteeing homeowners the achievement of these.

Speaking of design, Fairfield Construction has recently taken on designer Hayley Turoa, who joined the team last year.

Hayley has a Diploma in Architectural Design with over five years of experience.

Hayley works closely with the onsite construction team and ensures that every project is executed to perfection, resulting in innovative and functional spaces that exceed expectations.

Having the ability to keep it all in

house, we see as a huge advantage for our clients and Hayley is an integral part of that,” says Katja.

Mark agrees and says this offers the client a ‘more seamless journey’ from first point of contact.

“There has to be some comfort knowing that the person designing the home is also building it. We never want to be seen as design and build, that’s not who we are,” he says. “Having the one person or contact from the design/build works really well together when it comes to affordability and details and products are required for the home to be warm and healthy.”

Mark says they both (Katja) developed a keen interest in how they could build houses better, in terms of efficiency, the health benefits and reduction in building waste. They began building their current Middle Renwick Road office in 2020 and decided to go down the Certified Passive House route – they were hooked and never looked back.

“We made a call to not build conventional, cold homes,” he says. “You can’t expect to have a well-functioning community when there are damp, cold homes which cost a lot of money to run and are poor for their health.”

For a warm and healthy home it is important to ensure it is well insulated, has airtight exterior

“Our daughter was keen to have a crack at a stage part in Joseph, Nadia took her along to the audition. A few days later she was asked if she would like to be part of the show herself but had to prove she still had her ‘pipes’ - so Addison and Nadia were in. A few days later Nadia was messaged asking ‘what’s Steve up to?’ After a bit of discussion with Nadia I said via messenger ‘I suppose I could play trumpet in the orchestra if they need another’ the reply came back , ‘no - musical director’. I laughed initially thinking this must be a joke. I thought I’d done well to stay off the musical radar since being in Blenheim. It progressed from there. The whole family is in the show. It’s a busy household.”

The orchestra for Joseph consists of ‘a great team of 20 - like-minded, dedicated

walls, roof and floors, and has good windows to prevent heat loss or gains, as well as moisture movement through the structure.

A mechanical ventilation system guarantees that the home has a consistent supply of fresh air without losing heat.

As for improving the houses Marlburians are currently living in, there are great ways to maximise the long term performance and comfort within the home.

“For example upgrading your insulation in walls,roof and possibly floor would be a good start,” says Mark. “Or upgrading your windows and bringing them back into the wall line to reduce heat loss and moisture problems.

“Renovating your home with a focus on long-term improvements does not only benefit the homeowners, but also the communities due to better health, and also the environment’” adds Katja. “The home will require less energy to heat and cool as well as less ongoing maintenance.”

If Sun readers would like to know more about building or renovating healthy and warm homes, get in touch with the Fairfield team on info@fairfieldconstruction.co.nz or phone 03 577 5161. Or visit their office at 87 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands.

people who Steve says are very professional and extremely talented.

“I’ve been amazed at the progression, positivity and dedication of the team. It’s a great environment and I’ve been very humbled by the support and friendship they’ve shown to a complete stranger. We’re all equals and all have a vast musical background that contributes massively to each rehearsal. Not a rehearsal goes by without a few laughs,” he says.

“I need to thank locals, Steph Anderson and Robin Randall (and Major Graeme Hickman from the Army Band) for their support, guidance and encouragement getting me back into the swing of things.”

The best thing about being involved is the opportunity to be one of the entire musical theatre team of people,” he says. “Never really thought I’d be here but I’m loving it and am grateful.”

The power of family: Nadia, Steve and Addison Campbell are all involved with Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in May.

Brand new Care Suites at Redwood Village, coming soon.

Offering Rest Home and Hospital level care.

Set amongst a picturesque landscape and flourishing gardens, you’ll find Redwood Village. Offering Rest Home and Hospital level care with sweeping views of Wither Hills.

Discover the range of spacious Care Suites coming soon, each with their own kitchenette and ensuite. You’ll feel right at home with the freedom to decorate your room with personal touches.

With easy access to the nearby Blenheim shops, beautiful parks and the local farmers market, it is easy for friends and family to pop by or for you to enjoy the local area.

You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t have to move again, even if your needs increase. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re truly taken care of.

To learn more, call Jacqui on 0800 333 688 today.

No referral required.

131 Cleghorn Street, Blenheim oceaniahealthcare.co.nz

Waste not want not

By Chris Valli

I was fascinated to read last week the findings of a trial carried out by scientists at Auckland University who used wastewater to monitor alcohol consumption. To provide a definition, wastewater is ‘used water’ and includes human waste, food scraps, oils, soaps and chemicals.

As a Dunedin born and bred Speights youth and having moved to the Marlborough region and the world famous Sauvignon Blanc in 2013, what made for a critical lens was that Marlborough did not feature in the trial.

The trial was ‘successful’ with the technique of testing wastewater, already used for monitoring Covid and illicit drug use, helping service providers track the use of the nation’s most harmful drug.

Ten water catchment areas covering about 40% of the country’s population were monitored over six months during 2021. Samples and places chosen (to give a range of city sizes and coverage – um – Top of the South?) in the South Island came from Dunedin, Queenstown, and Christchurch and dare I say it, Westport. Data from three years ago mind with sampling taking place over seven days each month.

They found average alcohol consumption

was estimated to be 1.2 standard drinks daily for people aged 15 and over with another finding that South Islanders consumed more alcohol than North Islanders, adding ‘smaller settlements’ had higher consumption than bigger ones’. Hmm, isn’t that the angle - how do smaller settlements support our youth/ rangatahi and provide opportunities that don’t involve the bottle?

What was rather entertaining was drinking spikes were associated with special events such as public holidays and sports matches. The highest consumption recorded in Queenstown was on the day ‘The Stallions’ male strip revue gave a one-night-only performance. Perhaps Marlborough’s own ‘stallions’ drank at home that week? Or maybe Married at First Sight was on?

Apparently, the first study of wastewater sampling to monitor for alcohol was carried out in Norway in 2011 with our mates across the Tasman, Australia following suit.

Ironically, the New Zealand Geographic Board, officially named the South Island, Te Waipounamu in October 2013, meaning the ‘waters of Greenstone’ evolving from Te Wāhi Pounamu (“the Place of Greenstone”). Water – a contentious issue in March 2024 let alone, what’s in our wastewater? I thought Marlburians enjoyed a Sauvignon, or shandy or two?

They came, they saw, they farmed

By Chris Valli

Approximately 200 visitors visited The Pyramid Farm in the Waihopai Valley recently as part of the fourth Open Farms national open farm day initiative.

Open Farms is a platform to reconnect with the people and places that grow food and is a grassroots initiative encouraging farmers from all sectors to host.

Marlborough’s hosts Richard and Jess Dawkins, lease the farm and are the second, third and fourth generation farmers at The Pyramid, originally purchased by Jack and Jean Dawkins in 1954. The Dawkins passion lies in animal health and performance and sustainability.

Richard says the key learnings for visitors were shearing, drenching, feeding out, pastures, animal health treatments and learning about sheep breeds.

“We were flat out, he says. “It was our fourth time hosting and people just really appreciate the opportunity to see animals and learn a bit about the farm. Interacting with the police and firemen is also well received, and being a free event had its benefits too.

Around 4,100 New Zealanders visited 25 farms of all types who participated in the nationwide project - from dairy farms near Auckland, to horse breeders in the Waikato,

sheep and beef farms near Wellington, food forests in Christchurch and alpacas near Dunedin. The record visitor turnout comes amidst a tough year for farmer hosts says founder Daniel Eb.

“Despite missing several of our regular hosts in areas impacted by severe weather in 2023, it was great to support new and returning hosts alike. As always, the feedback from everyday urban New Zealanders was great – people genuinely appreciate the chance to touch, feel and taste their way back into farming.”

Visitor highlights included learning about science in farming, meeting the animals and learning about nature on the farm.

Forty percent of visitors tell us that they haven’t visited a farm in three or more years. Eighteen percent that they have never visited a farm. For these people, visiting a farm can be a life-changing experience and it’s a credit to the farmer hosts who make it happen for them,” says Daniel.

Richard says they’d like to thank local sponsors, Osgrow Seeds, Renwick Automotive and Marlborough Federated Farmers. Open Farms is backed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.

THE POWER OF FARMING: Chris, Julia, Jess, Ellie and Richard Dawkins. Richard says people appreciated the opportunity to see animals and learn a bit about the farm.

Gifting trends

After spending a significant amount of money traveling for a destination wedding, you may wonder if you're still responsible for giving the couple a gift, too.

The short answer: Probably.

Some couples throwing far-flung nuptials will request that guests not give gifts, but since some couples may not still live in their hometown, almost any wedding could be considered a destination event in some capacity.

The most important gift-giving rule of thumb is to spend what you're able to. If traveling to be there on the big day means you can only afford to give a small present, the couple will understand.

You also have a few options for how you give your gift, which we outline here.

Destination Wedding Etiquette Gift Less

You’ve already spent a lot of money to be there when the couple ties the not. It’s perfectly acceptable to gift less than you normally would for an in-town wedding.

As long as you show up with some sort of sentiment for the newlyweds, you’re good to go.

Give a Gift After

With all the hustle and bustle of getting to a destination wedding, it’s also acceptable to give a gift after the wedding events. Send a card with a note and either gift the couple something from their registry or a monetary amount you feel comfortable with. Whatever you can do to show the couple what they mean to you and how excited you are for their new life together will go a long way.

Sparkle your way to ‘I do’

6 expert tips from Jens Hansen Jewellers for perfect pre-wedding prep

1. Order early

Choosing your forever rings shouldn’t be rushed.

Order wedding bands early to ensure they’re exactly what you want and ready in plenty of time.

For custom-crafted bands, allow two months for stress-free delivery.

2. Match made in heaven

For a unified look choose matching bands, and consider engraving your rings with a special message.

Our jewellery specialists can help you explore creative designs that symbolise your unique relationship.

3. Shine bright

Remember to have your engagement ring professionally cleaned before the big day so that it’s sparkling and gorgeous for all

the photographs.

4. Capture the moment

Get creative with wedding band photography!

Themed backgrounds and props add a personal touch to your wedding album.

5. Bridesmaid bling

Show your gratitude with jewellery gifts for your bridesmaids. We offer a wide range of possibilities - elegant, chic, even fun - with prices to suit all budgets and tastes.

6. Treasured momentos

Show appreciation to the mothers of the bride and groom by creating custom pieces as special tokens of gratitude. These can be worn on the big day and cherished into the future as reminders or a wonderful day.

While there are lots of options for cakes these days you can’t beat one with pretty flowers… fresh or iced. Plus any flavour cake of your choice can usually be catered for.

Google Reviews

Sun The txt talk with

Re: I’m No Mug

Yes, it’s the little things, isn’t it? Like leaving the cap off the toothpaste! Drives you nuts.

To the person who gave us a 1 Star Review because you received a Google notification because you parked in carpark nearby should learn how to turn off their location settings rather than leave negative reviews that impact local businesses. You have an account with us We know who you are.

Law adequate

Incorporating cultural concepts into legal arguments is unnecessary.

Each case will cost megabucks just trying to pin down a definition.

The law we have is already adequate for everyone.

Joke of the week

“I’ll give Winston a talking to“ Luxons a dreamer. Who’s ever done that.

Outlet Closure

NZ Post is a disgrace closing down yet another outlet, sad for the rest home residents in Springlands, think of the elderly for a change.

Courtesy

As one of many bike riders on Marlborough roads, l wish truck and car drivers would show us a bit of respect. Many times recently I have been within inches of being hit by trucks and cars. They seem to have to get from A to B as fast as possible and cyclists are in the way. Since Middle Ren road has been one way it’s not safe to use Old or New Ren roads. Speed limit should have been cut back to 80.

Wither Hills

Great to see the Wither Hills open again. I applaud the decision to close them. It worked. I heard someone comment that they didn’t know why the Hills were closed, there hasn’t been a fire up there in years. Duh... that’s why there hasn’t been a fire. Because they’ve been closed.

Parking changes

Mr Lyall and MDC you should be ashamed of yourselves with your new parking restrictions ‘proposal’ that you have quietly and quickly passed. The workers are your bread and butter who pay consistently for parking in Wynen st carpark. Customers stay for their free hour then leave. Most workers are on minimum wage and work hard on their feet all day an you have just made life more difficult making them park out of town. Plus with winter coming the trip to the vehicle will be in the dark and we all know this town is not a safe place to be walking the streets anymore.

Re: Blasted

Yes, the inevitable knocking of the government begins.

The fact that National could have spent the entire campaign knitting socks and still got into a coalition government seems to be lost on most people.

The current Labour party not only lost this election, but I believe they may have already lost the next election and possibly the one after that. That’s how bad it was!

And now we hear that the books are in shocking shape - I’m not surprised. The amount of wastage under Labour was outrageous!

Re: Green Waste

The nit-picking brigade is alive and well, knocking MDC for every little thing! Green Waste was never part of the Wheelie Bin plan. So you’re no worse off. This is a national scheme that is being rolled out. Find something else to complain about!

Speed limits

Thank goodness! Sanity prevails. Speed limits are to be reinstated back to the way they were before Labour meddled with them, and some are to go to 110km on roads of national significance. I don’t know what Labour thought they were doing......it was like fixing a flat tyre by deflating the other 3!

All it did was slow the economy down.

I hope this is the sort of common sense governance we can look forward to under the new regime.

Phone Ban

My granddaughter just complained to me about the ‘Ridiculous phone ban’ at MGC - Well I say it doesn’t go far enough! No person under the age of 18 should have a cell phone at all! In my time we stuck to landlines, or better yet, we wrote good old fashioned letters! The youth are so entitled these days. If I were in charge there would be a blanket ban… It would solve cyber bullying on Facebook or TickTack or whatever it’s called!

Kate

Sad to read of Princess Kate having Cancer. With a young family I hope she can be one of the lucky ones to beat this terrible disease.

Adopting

Marlb Fours Paws do an incredible job. I just hope those who choose to foster or adopt these precious animals can be relied upon to offer a lifetime of love and care as their commitment going forward. It’s a responsibility that’s so important.

Road cones

According to Google, NZ spends $145million dollars per day on road cones. They have now been put even closer to stop cars driving thru gaps in them. The amount of money wasted daily by non removal is unbelievable. Time companies got their act together and stopped wasting other peoples money. Get the job done and remove them pronto.

Re: Why?

Why are the female toilets the furtherest away? Could be a number of reasons. Ladies are better at holding it in? Or, ladies are more likely to walk past the men’s toilets to get to theirs, whereas men may be more likely to use the ladies toilets if they are closer, rather than walk further to theirs.

Or, why is a piece of string as long as it is.

Wheelie Bins

Ours arrived last week. I think this will be good. People just need to give it a chance. My only concern, living at the end of a crescent with several long driveways that service multiple properties each... there will not be sufficient footpath space for all the bins on collection day.

I could be wrong - will just have to see how it goes.

Talk of the week

Friendly Staff

What friendly staff we have at our local BNZ Bank. Special mention to Nadeen who is so patient and caring to those who don’t find banking systems easy to understand.

Wishing you a happy Easter Weekend!

Wheelie Bin rollout

I would like to say BRAVO

MDC! The roll out of the Wheelie Bins seems to be going very well. It went without a hitch on our street, anyway. And everyone seems to have found somewhere to store them. Credit where credit’s due!

Great service

Herb + Olive never fails to serve me with a smile and a kind word, even when it’s busy. And this cafe gets very busy indeed. Thank you! Keep it up team!

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Hardest

The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest.

Pondering

The person pondering about the distance to lady’s toilet is like the person pondering as to why something that you are looking for is always in the last place you look.

Career Navigator Coordinator for Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough 5 minutes

with...

AIMEE PICKLES

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I love both, however we are a dog only household due to my partners ‘allergies’ to cats!

 My friends would say I am…

Unable to sit still for very long.

 The best advice I ever received was?

To always treat movement and exercise as a privilege and not a right. I also love the advice ‘Nothing changes if nothing changes’.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

A big block of land by the ocean with lots of space for growing vegetables and rescue animals!

 Local coffee haunt?

I am a Waikawa local so I frequent Gusto’s and Toastie Lords for the best brews in Picton. We are spoilt for choice in Blenheim with Streetwise and Hakuna Matata amongst my go to’s.

 Favourite takeaway?

Can’t beat Eat Thai Blenheim for a great takeaway option.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

Any of our local op shops.

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

I was gifted a weekend away at an amazing Canopy Camping escape on the West Coast by some wonderful friends and clients from a previous workplace. We also received countless thoughtful gifts when we had our son, including beautiful hand knitted pieces and home cooked meals for the freezer!

 Where is your happy holiday place?

I love a weekend escape out in the Marlborough Sounds. I will happily settle for anywhere with sunshine, beaches and walking tracks with my partner and son.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

We don’t have a TV so don’t have any series I watch but my favourite book I have read this year would have to be ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To take my son to India and spend a week at an Elephant rescue sanctuary caring for elephants!

Camouflage: By Wally Richards

The dictionary definition of camouflage is a condition in which the appearance of someone or something when placed against a background makes the person or thing difficult or impossible to see.

We know that insect pests find their host plants by sight or smell so if we disguise the sight or smell of a plant then the pests will not know it is there and fly on by looking for a host plant to lay its eggs or feed.

The best way to prevent a plant from being seen is the use of crop cover, known in retail shops by the name of Bug Mesh.

Crop cover is a fine plastic weave similar to a whitebait scoop net.

It can be loosely laid over areas planted with seed or seedlings to prevent butterflies, moths and other insects from laying or feeding on the plants as they are growing.

Once the seedlings get to a reasonable height then either with loops of number eight wire or larger ones made out of rigid plastic pipe are used to have the cover sitting above the growing plants.

Likewise I have in the past use the same crop cover over branches of fruit trees wrapping around the branch like a cocoon to protect the ripening fruit from birds or moths such as Guava Moth or Codlin Moth from laying their eggs.

The cover is tied around the branch at the trunk end and then with clothes pegs sealed under the branch to the tip.

This should only be done when the fruit is near to ripening and the birds are starting to attack the fruit.

Many insect pests find their host plants by the smell of the plant or fruit.

If we have a smell from a source that is stronger than the smell of the plant we are protecting, then chances are the insect pests will not know it is there.

Creating a smell in an enclosed area such as a glasshouse is fairly easy to do but in the open air much more difficult and less effective.

Yet I have many reports that gardeners and landscapers that have spread Wallys Neem Tree Granules under trees, shrubs and hedges have reduced the insect pest problems.

Under citrus trees they are magic, cleaning a tree of all pests including borer in a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

In days gone by gardeners used to plant marigolds in their glasshouses and also into hanging baskets.

The smell of the marigolds would disguise the smell of the tomato plants and keep them fairly free of whitefly.

At dusk the glasshouse would be closed up for the night and when opened in the morning the smell of the marigolds would be very strong.

Instead of marigolds we can use Wallys Neem Tree Granules on the soil in the glasshouse and the smell of the granules helps over ride the smell of the tomato plants.

This season gone by, as a result of a tip from a lady gardener in Auckland who used Wallys Cat Repellent (which is naphthalene and smells like moth balls) on her fruit trees to prevent Guava Moths from destroying the fruit with great success, in one of my glasshouses I decided only grow tomato plants (in another one chili, capsicum, egg plant and cucumbers).

In the tomato glasshouse I hung little gauze bags I obtained from a $2 shop and placed the Cat Repellent crystals in the bags.

As they were hanging from the roof they never got watered on and they lasted just about all season slowly evaporating and smelling the house like the moth balls in Grannies woollies.

The result is no whitefly problem in that glasshouse for the whole season.

I also hung the sticky yellow white fly traps in the glasshouse and caught a number of other flying insects but virtually no whitefly.

My other glasshouse with cucumbers, chili, capsicum and egg plants which is a good distance away also had no whitefly problem as having no smelly tomato plants in there to attract white fly they just didn’t happen.

So it is the tomato smell that really brings in the whitefly which then will colonise other plants such as cucumber.

It is also important that in the beginning of the season you start off with a clean slate in the glasshouse so that there are no whitefly from last season inside the house.

To achieve this at the end of this season when the plants are finished, leave the plants in the house and burn sulphur powder to fumigate the house.

After that you can clean the house and remove any plants .

The reason to leave the old plants in the house when fumigating is you do not want to take the plants out covered in pests to inhabit plants outside.

Then in the new season, about the time you start your tomato plants, hang the naphthalene bags and some sticky yellow white fly traps.

The lady gardener that put me onto the naphthalene deterrent told me that she took old used tea bags and slit them open to remove the tea leaves and put the naphthalene flakes inside the bags and stapled them closed. These she hung in her fruit trees after the fruit had formed and were heading to maturity.

The Guava moth like the Codlin moth finds where to lay their eggs at night by the smell of the ripening fruit.

The over riding smell of the Cat Repellent crystals hid the fruit smell so no grubs in the fruit.

My only comment is that the bags of naphthalene exposed to rain may wash the flakes away and thus lose the smell protection.

If a little roof made out of plastic or good strong cardboard hung above the bags help keep the rain off them, then they would be good right through to harvest.

The Cat Repellent is also very effective for keeping neighborhood cats off gardens and places where you do not want them fouling.

Taking a 2L plastic milk bottle, you cut the bottom off and remove the cap from the neck end.

Inside it, with it on its side and handle upwards, you place a large stone to prevent it blowing around in the wind and inside a table spoon of the naphthalene flakes.

Place the milk container in the middle of where you want to protect and then scatter a few flakes around.

When the cat comes it is put off by the smell of the naphthalene.

My thoughts are that the strong smell could be the smell of a very large cat that has marked its territory and if he comes back while the visiting cat is there then the cat would be mince meat.

The scattered flakes will be washed away by rain or watering but the smell from the milk bottle will persist and if the cat ventures back the smell is still there.

Available now from $185,000

Available now from $205,000

and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

an annual fun day sponsored this year by Bayleys Marlborough.

On the Friday, there was a three day competition with bowlers from all over the country trying to take out the 48th annual Men’s Crow Trophy Tournament.

From left to right; Roberta Marshall, Terry O’Conner, Geoff Storm, Andrew Bishell, Christine Bishell, Beryl McKay, Brian Shatford, Lynn Mawer, Jo Stracker, Ian Campbell, Jim Wilson, Tony Clark, Ross Neal, Judith Marshall, Arthur Umbers, Pat Quaries, Kelvin Chapman, Glen Harcombe.

Marlborough firefighters competed in the UFBA South Island Firefighter Challenge in Invercargill on the weekend of March 16 and 17. From left to right, Jessie Blake, Jody Jansen Van Vuuren, Cade Grice, Steve Smith, Ryan Anderson, Gordon Munn, Ryan Grenfell, Caleb Foreman, Alan Scorgie (Official), and Finn Tito.

Blenheim firefighter Finn Tito takes part in one of the demanding, five-event physical challenges.

BELOW: Joseph’s brothers featuring Tom Hatch as Reuben. Jacob and Sons and wives.

ENERGY 101: Rapaura School students Benji Leslie, Roriik Deer and Mila Giles get into the cardio energy warm up as part of their Science/Energy Inquiry learning last Monday.

Joseph

rehearsals Rehearsals are well underway for blenheim Musical theatre's production of Joseph and the Amazing technicolor Dreamcoat. the 11 show season is on at the ASb theatre from Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 18.

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 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm.Closed Good Friday. Open Easter

Saturday 30th March 9-5pm. Open Easter

Sunday 31st March 10-4pm. Closed Easter Monday. We will be closed on the following days: Anzac Day 25 April, Kings

Birthday 3 June, Matariki 28 June

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 9.30am4pm. 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

The

Death notices

BLUNDELL, Jennifer Margaret ‘Jenny’ (née Harrison): Peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday March 12, 2024, at Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village, Stoke. Aged 79 years. Loved wife of John. Dearly loved Mum and mother-in-law of Pam and Craig, Marion, and Christine. Beloved Nana of Mya and Jack, Finn and Nico, Alex and Jessie. Dearly loved sister, aunty and friend. Special thanks to the staff at Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village. Messages may be sent to the Blundell family c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to Alzheimers Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 02-0600-0112284-00 Ref. BLUNDELL. A memorial service for Jenny was held at St Christophers Anglican Church, Redwoodtown on Saturday, March 23.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

LOVE, Kero Willam: It is with great sadness we announce Kero passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 23, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. In his 84th year. Dearly loved husband of the late Elizabeth (Betty). Father of Marie. Grandad of Shaye, Joshua, Rawiri, Lucan and Poppy. Great-grandad of Kotahi, Aria, Tangaroa and Jaxon. Loved brother and uncle, and by all who knew him. Thanks to Hospice Marlborough. Messages may be sent to the Love Family, 5 Beach Road, Waikawa, Picton 7220. A service for Kero will be held at Waikawa Marae, Waikawa Road, Picton at 11am on Wednesday March 27.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

BARNES: Ian Cecil

CAMPBELL: Janet

HANNA: Sherryl Ann

SCOTT: Dorothy Margaret Miriama

WOOLLEY: Graeme

Please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz for further information if available.

CROSSWORD

03

CROSSWORD

PIESSE, Kenneth Graeme (Ken): Passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough on Thursday March 21, 2024. Aged 65 years. Loving husband of Lynda, much loved father and father-in-law of James, Shane and Charli. Beloved grandad of Sterling and Freyja. Brother and brother-in-law of Warren and Caroline. Uncle of Lawrence. Many thanks to Annie Walker (Oncology) and the staff at Hospice for their loving care of Ken. Messages may be sent to 14 Argosy Place, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Cancer Society would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to a/c 06-0601-0044826-00 Ref. PIESSE. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 1.00pm on Wednesday March 27, 2024.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

ARMSTRONG, Wayne Richard. In loving memory of a dear son and brother who passed away on the 2nd April 1985. Everyday in some small way, memories of you came our way. Though absent you are always near, still missed, loved and forever dear. Always in our hearts and thoughts. With love from Mum Geoff and Raewyn.

FOLSTER, Lyall. 6.4.1937 - 25.3.2023. Remembering you with love from your sister Yvonne.

Neville & Barbara Ham

Married 28th March 1964

Congratulations on 60 amazing years! We wish you the most wonderful celebration.

With love from all of your family 

ACROSS

1. Graduate with academic degree (6)

4. Person’s vulnerable point. (8,4)

11. Skull. (7)

12. Stack of hay. (4)

13. Nunnery’s female superior. (6)

15. Part of house let seperately. (10)

16. Deceptive. (8)

17. Large forearm bone(pl) (5)

18. Final. (8)

21. As soon as possible(abbr) (4)

23. Brazilian port, de janeiro (3)

25. Ox(pl) (4)

27. Notion. (4)

29. Bay Of Islands town (7)

31. Craggy. (6)

32. Sorrows. (4)

34. Male whale. (4)

35. Reach (6)

36. Mongol conqueror, Khan. (7)

37. Win & place bet(horses) ... way (4)

38. Narrow opening. (4)

40. Arable land. (3)

Sun The

Death Notices for March 2024

BRIDGEMAN, Margaret (nee Evans), 2 March 2024

CHAPMAN, Esme Olive

3 March 2024

THOMPSON, Richard Gerald (Dick)

5 March 2024

YOUNG, Karen Victoria “Cookie”

5 March 2024

MACDONALD, Tane William 6 March 2024

ALDRIDGE, George Montgomery 7 March 2024

BLUNDELL, Jennifer Margaret (Jenny), 12 March 2024

BROWN, Dennis Avon

13 March 2024

O’NEIL, Valma Joyce

14 March 2024

MCCAFREY, Peter 16 March 2024

NEWTON, Janice Emily

16 March 2024

PIESSE, Kenneth Graeme (Ken) 21 March 2024

LOVE, Kero Willam 23 March 2023

Brought to you By...

Local Funeral Directors Caring for Marlborough families

03 578 4719

Cnr Hutcheson & Parker Sts, Blenheim www.sowmans.co.nz

Preplan |

By Russell McQuarters

45. Nut of the areca palm. (5)

45. Nut of the areca palm. (5)

48. Old T.v’ series, Dr. Findlay’s (8)

48. Old T.v’ series, Dr. Findlay’s (8)

49. Reeling. (10)

49. Reeling. (10)

52. Early counting frame. (6)

52. Early counting frame. (6)

53. Star. (4)

53. Star. (4)

54. Pale. (7)

54. Pale. (7)

55. Female Relative. (12)

55. Female Relative. (12)

56. Deadly. (6)

56. Deadly. (6)

DOWN

DOWN

1. In retreat (13)

1. In retreat (13)

2. Type of trumpet. (7)

2. Type of trumpet. (7)

3. A captive. (8)

3. A captive. (8)

5. Gold measurement. (5)

5. Gold measurement. (5)

6. Former Peruvian rulers. (4)

6. Former Peruvian rulers. (4)

7. Overpower. (6)

7. Overpower. (6)

8. Adversaries. (7)

8. Adversaries. (7)

9. Hard cotton thread. (5)

9. Hard cotton thread. (5)

10. Hasty. (9)

10. Hasty. (9)

14. Smallest planet. (5)

14. Smallest planet. (5)

19. Flavour. (5)

19. Flavour. (5)

20. Pardon. (6)

21. Aged. (5)

20. Pardon. (6)

21. Aged. (5)

22. Relating to the mind. (13)

22. Relating to the mind. (13)

24. Peaceful. (6)

24. Peaceful. (6)

26. Cloth measurement. (3)

33. Petroleum bore, well. (3)

33. Petroleum bore, well. (3)

34. In two languages. (9)

34. In two languages. (9)

39. Forbidden. (5)

39. Forbidden. (5)

41. Deny. (8)

41. Deny. (8)

43. Having left a will. (7)

43. Having left a will. (7)

46. Success. (7)

46. Success. (7)

47. Nonsensical. (6)

47. Nonsensical. (6)

48. Coarse. (5)

48. Coarse. (5)

50. Annoy. (5)

50. Annoy. (5)

51. Ark builder. (4)

51. Ark builder. (4)

SOLUTION

For January 12, 2005

42. Sworn to telling the truth, under ...(4)

26. Cloth measurement. (3)

under ...(4)

44. Male soprano(pl) (8)

44. Male soprano(pl) (8)

28. Covered with water. (5)

28. Covered with water. (5)

30. Traditional saying(pl) (5)

30. Traditional saying(pl) (5)

A CRUSADE OF CHANGE: Former Boys’ College alumni Jake Pacey and Cooper Roberts with the U20 Super Rugby cup and title at the weekend in Taupo.

Crusaders crowned U20 champions

By Chris Valli

The Crusaders are the 2024 U20 Super Rugby New Zealand champions after a dominant performance in the final in Taupo over the Waikato Chiefs 31-17 at the weekend.

The next generation of talent, including former Marlborough

Boys’ College First XV players Cooper Roberts and Jake Pacey featured in the final, producing some much-needed hope for their franchise with plenty of the youngsters standing up and sending a message to the competition over the club’s promising future. Cooper played on the wing in the tournament

Easter Church Services 2024

while Jake played centre.

The Crusaders’ defence was in sync and rapid, closing down space and forcing the Chiefs backwards. That early upper hand extended to the set piece as well, where the Crusaders won penalties and looked to keep their territorial advantage.

Cooper says the team culture

Holy week & easter services

Maundy thursday service

leading up to Taupo was ‘really good’ and a big reason for the team’s success.

“The Tasman and Christchurch boys jelled together fast and we had a good group of younger lads who came through and put their hands up as well, which challenged the older lads,” he says.

Golf Results

Picton Golf Club

Saturday 16 March Par-Heather White +5; Ian Aldridge +2; Harry Schat +1, Ron Peters+1; Jock Mannington 0, Richard Avery 0,Trevor Gullery 0, Mark Ivamy 0; Ricky Ashworth -1, Brian Carver -1. Tuesday 19 March S/F- Over all winner Helen McIsaac 40, Jo Prescott 40; Julie Rosie 39; Ellie Gillies 36; Margaret Frisken 35; Sue Hutchinson34; Maria McConway33; Dido Harper 32. Thursday 21 March S/FAlistair40; Gary Aldridge 39, Mike Ashworth 39; Roger Jones 38; Richard Avery 37; Warren Robinson 36, Ron Peters 36; Tim McCaffrey.

Blenheim Golf Club

March 18 9 hole stableford Margaret Hamilton

23 Christin Burns 22 Ann Walker Dawn

Walker 20 Allen Knight 24 David Waters 22

Ian Hatcher 20 David Horrell 18 Bob Tapp 18

Mike McConnell 18 Leo Hawkins 18 March

20 Medal 0-29 Vickie Lane 68 30 + Leanne

Stowell 64 Jenny Evans 67 9 holes Medal Kay

Ayson 32 Trees Rewi 33 Jill Hurcomb 33 March

21st Irish Stableford Stuart Parker 82 Warren

Ingram 81 David Waters 80 Bruce Gourlay 79

Guido Bertogg 78 Desz Campbell 76 Levi Mano

76 Jim Porter 75 Don March 74 Phil Starkey 71

Bob Tapp 96 Don Lamond 69 Hole 9 stableford

Vern Ayson 19 Ian Clark 16 Mike McConnell 16 March 23rd Par Se Greenstreet 4 Judith Batty 4

Leanne Stowell 4 Graham Kerrigan 1 Albertus

van Dyk 1 Don Lamond 1 Clive Drummond 1 Ray Herd 0 Brian Yarrall -1 Jo Rainbird -1 Jim Findlay -1 Brent Baker -1 Bernice Arnold -1

Mike Gardiner -1 NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Desz Campbell Sowmans 3/12 Graham Kerrigan.

28 March at 7.00pm

Good Friday service

29 March at 3.00pm

easter service

31 March at 10.30am (Morning tea 9.30am)

92 Weld St, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 578 0139 | office@stchristophers.co.nz www.stchristophers.co.nz

Exploring Hope this Easter

Join us on Good Friday & Easter Sunday, afternoon tea @ 3.30pm, Service @ 4pm.

St Ninians Church, 1 Riley Cres.

Hope Explored Series

Starts Tuesday 9 April

For more details contact office@barnabas.org.nz