10 April 2024 The Blenheim Sun

By Chris Valli

A life changing operation in Germany for Blenheim dancer Tyler Barnett has been successful.

The 16-year-old Marlborough Girls’ College student has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which affects the skin, joints and blood vessels. Tyler also has Abdominal Vascular Compressions Syndrome (AVCS), meaning she lived in agonizing pain and was dependent on a feeding tube. AVCS is largely improved by external stenting of the affected organ, a major surgery performed in Germany, where it was developed.

Continued on page 2.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Lorissa and Tyler Barnett pictured in Düsseldorf, Germany. Lorissa says Tyler is recovering well three weeks after the operation and ‘will dance again’.

Sales Consultant

Chris Valli news@blenheimsun.co.nz Journalist Want

‘Some bloody hard days and nights’

Continued from page 1.

The Sun Newspaper spoke exclusively with Mum Lorissa last week who says Tyler is recovering well three weeks after the operation.

“We are waiting out in Düsseldorf near the clinic for a little while, should anything go wrong, although unlikely now,” says Lorissa. “She’s in a lot less pain, she can eat and drink small amounts of anything, she’s off the tube feeds and she can walk again. She’s building up her strength a little more each day. She did it – I am so proud of this girl – there have been some bloody hard days and nights but she’s doing incredibly well….she will dance again.”

During the operation Professor Wilhelm Sandmann, 81, who pioneered the major open surgery, placed two external stents, PFTE implants, around two major veins, that were being compressed. This stenting also corrected another compression that was preventing Tyler from being able to eat and drink without debilitating pain. He then performed a bilateral nephropexy, stitching both kidneys to her ribs, preventing the orthostatic ‘dropping’ that was happening before.

“This redirected the blood flow through the veins that were previously compressed in these areas back to where it should go,” says Lorissa. “One of the places the blood was going to instead was around her spine, crushing the leg nerves, which

is why she was losing the ability to walk, due to increased pressure type pain and weakness in that leg, and pain in her back. The dropping of the kidneys pre-op meant that the arteries supplying the kidneys would thin as they dropped, causing more pain. The nephropexy is causing her quite a lot of postop pain, but it should settle with time.”

Lorissa says people come to Professor Sandmann from around the world.

“There was another New Zealand girl there same time as us, and a girl from Texas, USA. Tyler went in to theatre at 7am starting with epidural insertion and got back to the room (after recovery) at 6pm that night.”

Lorissa says the plans are to leave Germany and return home in around one week. They had to extend their stay as they didn’t realise follow-up scans back in Leipzig are done four weeks post-operation.

Meanwhile, a fundraising dinner and auction for Tyler, raised a total of $30, 245, last month.

The fundraiser held on Saturday, March 23 at the Woodbourne Tavern included an auction and a three course buffet dinner. Spokesperson Jo Patchett says there were many people who came to the fundraising team throughout the evening saying how much they enjoyed it. Tyler’s Dad Jason Barnett, spoke to the crowd, updating everyone on her progress, and expressing thanks for

Tyler is no longer fed by a tube and indulged post operation in some spaghetti.

their generosity.

“One of the many highlights of the evening was the auction for Steve Patchett from Wadco Building - builder for the day and Carters $500 materials creating a frenzy of bidding which ended with an awesome bid of $3000,” says Jo. And this was only the second auction of the evening.

The money raised so far comes to roughly half of the $180,000 needed for the operation Tyler required, including the Give a Little page, which is currently at nearly $34,000, and other fundraisers and private donations.

The NZ government has a High

Cost Treatment Pool (HCTP) for medical treatments that have proven efficacy and unavailable here.

Despite over 300 people from around the world (approximately 13 from NZ) having had this operation with a high success rate, the surgery has been, as of December 15, 2023, deemed experimental by the Northern Region Clinical Practice Committee, therefore no government funding is available.

While members of the support group for sufferers of this condition are hopeful that in time this will change, it would have been too late for Tyler, as her health was deteriorating fast.

Champions return triumphant

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough District Brass Band has done the region proud, yet again, winning the B grade competition at the Australian National Brass Band Championships held in Adelaide over Easter.

The competition involved the band playing two test pieces written to test the bands skills in musicianship, coordination, range and dynamics, as well as a sacred item composition and a stage march.

Competing against 10 Australian B Grade Bands, Marlborough opened on Good Friday with the sacred number Ave Maria by Franz Biebl and arranged by Musical Director Robin Randall, gaining 93 points and finishing in third place.

They followed their set test ‘Keystone’ by Thierry Deleruyelle which describes the ancient building of the Odeon Theatre in Vriezenveen, Netherlands, where the Band gained 186 points and finishing second. Adjudicator Barrie Gott commended the bands performance noting it was a ‘particularly challenging test piece’.

MDBB Executive Officer Brian Nicholas says Saturday dawned very hot in Adelaide adding an extra challenge to the open graded marching competitions which were held on the historical Torrens Parade Ground.

A CREDIT TO MARLBOROUGH:

Despite the 30 degree heat Marlborough was once again able to impress the adjudicators and spectators winning over the 15 other marching bands on both music and drill points, and bringing home the John Kelly Trophy and the title of Australia’s Champion Marching Brass Band.

Drum Major Denis Teeling also headed off the competition winning the Jim Brill Memorial Trophy for Champion Drum Major.

The Band’s final performance on Easter Sunday was their Own Choice test piece ‘Cap Hoorn’ which describes a 19th century tall sailing ship’s experience sailing around the notorious Cape Horn. Barrie says Marlborough’s rendition was near perfect as he awarded

them first place with 189 points. The final item was the toe tapping march ‘Glorious Victory’ which earned second with 95 points.

Overall the band’s stage events aggregated to 562 points from a possible 600, earning them first and the coveted Silver Cup awarded to Australia’s Champion B Grade Brass Band.

Percussionist Aimee Moore says the result was a ‘total surprise’ as she didn’t know much about the calibre of the Australian bands they were competing against.

“I knew we played extremely well and put on our best performance yet,” she says. “That feeling when we found out when we won and just the overall experience of getting to travel to a city I’ve never

visited and the camaraderie was awesome.”

In July 2023, the MDBB attended the National Brass Band Championships in Dunedin winning the B grade street march and recording the second highest points over all grades in the street march. The band also brought home the Musgrove Shield for the champion B grade marching band, named in honour of Marlburian and longtime local Drum Major Evan Musgrove.

The top three in the 2024 Australian National Brass Band Results were; 1st Marlborough District Brass Band (NZ) total of 563pts; 2nd Brisbane Brass No. 2 (QLD) total of 558pts; 3rd Boroondara Brass (VIC) total of 554pts.

Sun The Festival of Light and Colour

Marlborough Lines Ltd is celebrating 100 years of energising Marlborough with a festival of light and colour this weekend.

Illuminate will be held at Pollard Park from April 12-14 from 5-9.30pm. The event is free and family friendly, with a food court, interactive zone and silent disco.

On the same weekend, Marlborough Lines Generation Museum on the corner of Thomsons Ford and Old Renwick Roads will be open from 9am to 3pm.

The public will have the opportunity to view the company’s new museum area and a vintage Paxman engine in operation. The 68-tonne Paxman diesel engine, capable of producing 430kW, was installed in 1930 to generate backup power and is the only working engine of its kind in the world.

Fatal Crashes – SH1, Kekerengu and SH6 Okaramio

Police have named the victims of a fatal crash on SH, Kekerengu on Thursday 28 March.

They were Philip Donald Wightman, 67, and Suzanne Elizabeth Watson, 58, of Southland. Police extend their condolences to their family and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Police can now name the victim of a fatal crash on State Highway 6, Okaramio on Sunday 31 March.

He was Christopher Robert Bowman, 51, of Richmond, Nelson. Police extend their condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of this crash are also ongoing.

The Marlborough District Brass Band won the B grade competition at the Australian National Brass Band Championships held in Adelaide over Easter.

inbrief

Sun The

Handworks 2024

The opening of Handworks 2024 is to be held at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery at 6pm this Friday.

The exhibition showcases the amazing creative fibre items made by local artists. Works can be purchased during the exhibition which runs from April 13 – April 21.

Wairau River toxic algae warning

Council is warning the public to watch out for toxic algae in the Wairau River. Environmental Scientist Steffi Henkel says Council’s team did a drift dive down the Wairau River and noted a significant spread of toxic algae in some parts of the river upstream from the SH1 bridge.

Toxic algae can pose a significant risk for dogs and small children. Council is asking people to avoid areas of water where it is present.

Sun readers can find out more about toxic algae, including how to identify it, on Council’s website: www. marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/ swimming-and-boating/toxic-algae.

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.12.30pm.

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

‘Invaluable learning’ for Joseph understudies

By Chris Valli

In musical theatre, an understudy is one who learns dialogue or songs should the ‘regular’ actor/actress be unable to appear on stage.

Fortunate then Blenheim Musical Theatre has two capable, skilled and adept understudies for the May production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Evelyn Duncan and Rhys Hingston have treaded the BMT boards before. Evelyn was in the ensemble in the late Duncan Whiting directed Annie in 2017 while Rhys was nothing short of outstanding in his portrayal of antagonist Javert in Les Misérables in 2022.

Evelyn will be on stage as the Narrator for the matinee show on Saturday, May 11. She also plays the character ensemble role of Simeon’s wife. Rhys is understudy for Joseph.

The motivation for Joseph, Evelyn says, is having been out of the scene for a few years and with their daughter having ‘left the nest for university’, it was the perfect time to get involved and ease back into musical theatre, which she thoroughly enjoys.

Evelyn works as a Pharmacy technician at Wairau Pharmacy and will be on stage with one of her boss and ‘stage sisters’, Rebecca Anderson.

Some of the key learnings she says have been relearning musicality, vocal techniques and stage work.

“My biggest learning point has been working on my confidence. Being cast in ensemble and as understudy to the wonderfully talented Iona (Panoho) has definitely made me have to step out of my comfort zone. I am enjoying the challenge and definitely looking forward to performing on stage with such a fun and talented cast,” she says.

Meanwhile for Rhys, he says he’s missed being on stage but mostly found director Sam Baxter’s vision really appealing, especially the desire to lead by example.

“There is such a large cast with lots of tamariki, and I’m really enjoying the opportunity of sharing some of what I’ve picked up over the years: theatrical tips and tricks, the etiquette, concepts, ways of approaching a complex aspect of the score, I find that stuff invaluable,” he says.

Rhys and Evelyn are the understudies for Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the ASB next month. Rhys is Joseph while Evelyn will understudy as the Narrator and both will feature on the Saturday Matinee on May 11.

Rhys works as a Digital Services Technician at the Te Kahu o Waipuna (Marlborough Library) and will be ‘borrowing Joseph’s coat’ for the Saturday matinee, so that Spencer Kingi doesn’t have to ‘pull double duty’ that evening. Rhys plays an Ishmaelite in the ensemble including ‘everything else’ from one of Jacob’s shep-

herds, a servant, a guard, a desert camel – or the usual, as he puts it.

The vocal range for Joseph and as an understudy is a tenor with a vocal range of Low A to High G.

When asked what this means in layman’s terms Rhys infers that ‘it gets high, but not too high.’

“Think Bon Jovi, Living on a Prayer.” A prayer indeed.

Marlborough recruit joins ‘family business’

By Chris Valli

When Aircraftman Georgia Woodhouse graduates the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) recruit course this week, she will officially join what her mum calls the family business.

With her brother a recruit last year and her mum and dad ex Air Force, serving from the late 80s, it’s a path her family knows well.

Georgia previously worked a 9-5 job at a Blenheim winery, living with her cat and making ceramics which she sold at the local market, but knew it wasn’t her calling.

Joining as an Air Warfare Specialist, the Blenheim local has spent the last three months at RNZAF Base Woodbourne with 60 other new recruits learning all the skills necessary to become an aviator.

Aircraftman Woodhouse says it was a complete 180 in lifestyle.

One minute she was at a local winery, and the next she was learning how to fire a rifle and practising military drills and parading.

“Right from day dot it was very strict. A huge change from civilian life,” she says.

Even with a strong family connection, she wanted to go in fresh

and keep some things in the course a surprise, like what happens during the week at the Dip Flat training ground at the top of the Wairau Valley.

This is where recruits put into practice all the skills they have learnt in a dynamic military environment. From night time patrols, quick fire responses and vehicle searches, the recruits are put through a range of real-world scenarios to test their knowledge.

“Dip Flat is definitely a highlight of the course. I’m quite an outdoorsy person so it’s nice to get out of the classroom environment and into the action,” Aircraftman Woodhouse says. “I have also learnt a lot about backing myself. It would have been really easy to sit back during the training but they make sure you are confident in participating.”

It wasn’t a straight path to the RNZAF for Aircraftman Woodhouse as she was on no set route once finishing high school.

In 2017, she started at Victoria University and did a year of a Bachelor of Arts degree, studying French and Classics, but wasn’t sure what she would do once she graduated.

After that, she spent two sum-

BLENHEIM

mers in the United States teaching students to waterski.

Returning to Blenheim, she worked in a local winery but while loving the team, knew it still wasn’t her calling.

“It was really my brother that piqued my interest in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). I applied without telling my parents, and eventually told them when I got accepted. My parents didn’t push me into the Air Force - they believe the Air Force should only have people who really want to be there.”

After graduating, she will complete specific trade training at Woodbourne before eventually moving to Base Ohakea later this year.

As an Air Warfare Specialist, she will fly on the P-8A Poseidon, processing and analysing information to support a range of surveillance flights.

“I’m really interested in helping out in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response work the NZDF does,” she says.

For now her attention is turned to the graduation parade this Friday.

“I’m looking forward to having my family there, there will be a few tears for sure.”

Aircraftman Georgia Woodhouse at the Dip Flat training area, part of the Air Force Recruit Course.

on parents being

Children’s truancy has multiple causes, parent collusion being just one. Where parents permit truancy fines should be a final resort, taken after other measures have failed.

There is a lot of pressure on parents, so it needs to really be reviewed on a case by case basis to ensure what’s best for the kids is at the forefront of the decision making.

Letters

I’m not convinced punitive measures are the answer. Typically, truancy is a symptom of a bigger problem. It’s about dealing with that, whilst getting the child to take responsibility for their actions.

A.I. Artificial but without Intelligence to the editor

If a fine was given to the parent they should make the child work to pay that fine. A child is still a child and is, in fact, our responsibility.

Dear Ed.

for

Pandora’s Box. Some parents might force their kids to go to school and get cops rung on them by the kids for physically trying to get them there. Parents will need to turn their internet off, take phones off them.

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.

Dear Ed

I’m a 1936 model, so nowadays it doesn’t take much to irk me. One regular irk is the use of the abbreviation AI to describe something which is certainly artificial but equally certainly is not “intelligence”. What is being demonstrated is actually ingenuity, computer enhanced and empowered.

We humans are the most ingenious devils imaginable, our main characteristic being neatly summed up in the couplet, “The simple plan: that they shall take who have the power, **and they shall keep who can”.

Intelligence differs from ingenuity in that it is in essence rational and logical and must, to be self-consistent, embody ethical considerations.

I certainly believe that artificial intelligence is hovering just beyond our present timeline; the silicon chip will most assuredly become self-aware.

Mother Earth, that recycler of continents who fills every cubic

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.

centimetre of liquid and solid, and indeed vapour, with uncountable viral and bacterial life - read “The Good Virus” by Tom Ireland if you doubt what I say - will have no difficulty in coping with silicon-based as opposed to carbon-based stewardship of the biosphere. After all, she had no difficulty with the supplanting of dinosaurs by mammals after the apocalyptic asteroid strike.

Right now we are playing absolute hell with the biosphere; silicon-based domination cannot possibly do worse than we are doing.

Hot news: I’ve just watched my carefully-rendered recycling being flung into the landfill-bound truck, the contractor is no doubt as usual “short of staff”. Sorry, great-grandchildren.

Yours faithfully

Bill Holvey **Scott’s idea for an epitaph on Rob Roy MacGregor’s tomb.

I write in response to a report published by the Education Review Office recently showing behaviour in New Zealand classrooms is among the worst in the OECD.

As a former Marlborough teacher, I’ve seen the behaviour first-hand, the self-entitlement and lack of fundamental values such as respect and co-operation.

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the Government is taking action to turn around deteriorating behaviour in schools and lift achievement. She says ‘improving student behaviour is critical to lifting achievement and ensuring every student receives a world-class education.’

I’d suggest it’s a wider conversation than academic achievement. Banning cell phones was a

Behaviour worst in the OECD Chem Trails

Dear Sir.

I wish to comment on a letter printed on March 20. That Wally Richards “continues to promote ‘chem trails theory’ (conspiracy) in his gardening column” is not a fair statement.

His gardening column notes causes and effects of problems, and his recommendations have been all tried and true over the years for many of us.

I live in Picton and observed the laying of trails for a year and a half at least. We see the flight pass overhead around midday with the usual vapour trail. However, flying on a course very similar we see the dense white line which stretches from the South East to the North West not fading, but gradually stretching to cover the beautiful clear blue sky and sunshine with a haze. It rains two –three days later. None for a while, rain or trails.

Furthermore, there can be planes flying in sequence so that the two or three trails eventually merge, or as on 23-05-2023 there were five parallel trails laid after the lunchtime flight.

positive start. As for teacher training, that comes from being in the classroom not at a college or university of education.

Stanford says one recommendation, is the need for a national approach to behaviour in schools to prevent, notice, and respond to challenging behaviours effectively. Doesn’t this start at home – consequences, responsibilities?

Teaching used to be about relationships. It seems the home-school partnership has deteriorated, especially post pandemic, through a lack of consistency, transparency and aligning one’s values with compromise and expectation(s).

A former teacher

Redwoodtown Blenheim.

Our concerns have been:

What is being spread over Marlborough?

What is it that our water, our food, our flora and fauna is being exposed to? We are the end of the food chain. Our environment is a treasure.

Who owns the planes? What is the purpose?

I have written to our two Kaikoura members of Parliament addressed to Houses of Parliament. Mr S. Smith in September 2023 and Mr J. Arbuckle early December 2023 voicing our concerns and asking the same questions. No reply to date.

Your correspondent is obviously unaware of what we see happening between 6am and 6pm in the spring, or between 10am and 3pm in the autumn/winter.

It is great to have a news source which is in fact without an agenda and prepared to print the truth.

Mrs E Pascoe Picton

Would like to think this is a last resort for continued repeat truancy with reasons for truancy being established and other problems addressed. GREAT

Tony Roche Dunedin

Stacey Bell Dunedin

Simon Popham Blenheim

Kaycee Polkinghorne Blenheim

John Maffey Blenheim

Sue Schwass Blenheim

Have your say on Long Term Plan

You can have your say on Council’s planned expenditure from this Thursday.

Submissions on the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034 open on 11 April and close at 5pm on 13 May.

Information and copies of the consultation document will be available at a series of drop-in meetings starting Monday 15 April. Councillors and Council staff will be on hand to answer questions; there is also an online webinar.

Those wanting to use the water taxi from Havelock to Waitaria Bay via Portage wharf must pre-book by contacting Rebecca Waldron at Council, either by email at rebecca.waldron@ marlborough.govt.nz or Ph. 03 520 7400.

This service is free to Kenepuru community members.

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

15 April 5.30pm – 7.30pm Blenheim, Lansdowne Hub Tuesday 16 April 2pm – 4pm Rai Valley, The Millers Rest, 6767 SH6

Wednesday 17 April 12.30pm – 2.30pm Waitaria Bay, Waitaria Bay Hall

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

Monday 22 April 2pm – 4pm Linkwater, Linkwater Settlers and Memorial Hall

Tuesday 23 April 5.30pm – 7.30pm Picton, Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park

Regional Land Transport Plan opens for consultation soon

Major Marlborough Sounds road repairs, increased road maintenance and improving freight efficiencies are Council’s key focus in the Marlborough Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2027.

Subject to approval at Council’s meeting on 10 April, public consultation opens on the RLTP on 11 April at the same time as Council’s Long Term Plan and will run until 13 May at 5pm.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the RLTP was an important document that underpins Marlborough’s transport planning and confirms the region’s investment priorities in both state highways and local roads. It’s required under the Land Transport Management Act and is prepared by Marlborough Roads with NZ Transport Agency input.

“This RLTP is dominated by the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study and the repairs and resilience work that the study identified as needing to be done due to the storm damage. This will require significant investment over the coming years,” Mayor Taylor said.

Regional Transport Committee Chair

Councillor Scott Adams said it was

Freight

efficiencies are a key focus in the RLTP

good timing for Marlborough that the new Government’s recently released Draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on transport was able to be factored into the region’s new land transport plan.

“The new GPS has a much stronger focus on economic growth and productivity through delivery, sticking to core business and providing value for money. Marlborough’s priorities

reflect this. With the cancellation of the iReX project, there is likely to be more trucks on the road, so we need to ensure Marlborough’s roads, particularly the vital freight route on SH1, are ready, reliable and robust enough to cater for freight demands in the future,” Clr Adams said.

More information will be available on Council’s website from 11 April when submissions open.

Book launch for ‘extraordinarily ordinary’ Edwin Fox

The release of a book about the Edwin Fox celebrates the ship and her role in connecting the world in the latter part of the 19th century.

The Edwin Fox: How an Ordinary Sailing Ship Connected the World in the Age of Globalization, 1850 - 1914 is co-written by Dr Boyd Cothran and Dr Adrian Shubert of York University, Toronto Canada after a fortuitous visit by Dr Shubert to Picton in March 2017. It was published by the University of North Carolina Press late last year and will be launched locally on 14 April at the Picton Library and Service Centre.

“Dr Shubert happened upon the Edwin Fox while on holiday in New Zealand. He was so taken with the ship’s story and decided if a book had not already been written, he would write one,” Edwin Fox manager Karen McLeod said.

The book reveals how an ‘everyday’ merchant ship drew together a changing world and its people in an extraordinary age of rising empires, sweeping economic transformation and social change. The authors say the Edwin Fox, built in Calcutta in 1853, was ‘exceptional for being unexceptional’ and the ship has been a fantastic vehicle for telling the story of globalisation as it unfolded between 1850 and 1914.

“The authors were inspired to write a book on the globalisation era with the Edwin Fox as the central focus as she had such a varied career as a sailing ship and represents that era so well,” Karen said.

“It was a privilege to work with the authors Adrian and Boyd over the past few years to revisit the Edwin Fox story and add valuable new research including the discovery of who Edwin Fox was. I am hoping with the release of the book around the globe, it will take the amazing story of the ship to the world.”

The public are invited to attend the book launch at the Picton Library and Service Centre, 2 Dublin St, Picton on Sunday 14 April 2024 from 2pm to 4pm. Copies of the book will be available to buy. To register go to: https:// www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/the-edwin-foxnew-zealands-vessel-of-globalisation/picton

Back to the core of the issue

The pelvic floor can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, prostate cancer treatment, obesity and the straining of chronic constipation. Not one to miss out on an opportunity, Sun journalist

Chris Valli talks to Karen Jennison from Marlborough Family Chiropractic and discovers the wider benefits of contracting and releasing one’s Kegels.

Marlborough Family Chiropractic was founded by Chris and Karen Jennison in 1996 and offers a variety of chiropractic treatment techniques in order to give clients the best opportunity to regain, improve and develop health and wellbeing.

The clinic has recently acquired some pelvic equipment which is seeing positive results with clients. Karen says an invaluable disc decompression table is also making huge inroads with pain relief. She says she had her own disc problem a few years ago with a ‘shooting pain’ down her leg.

“I’ve had that with patients before but not with me, and I had to keep on working,” she says. “I figured if I hurt myself, I’ve learned something, and at least I can help somebody else more now.”

The practice utilises spinal decompression to relieve pain by creating a scenario in which bulging or herniated disc tissue is able to move back into place and heal, alleviating the pain from the compressed nerve root.

“It basically gives a gentle intermittent traction. It does a pumping traction by stretching and releasing the spine. It can help rehydrate the discs. I haven’t had any leg pain since using the traction table in the past few years. Without it, I’m not sure I would still be working.”

Since using the traction table over the last few years, they have been able to help many patients relieve serious leg or arm pain from disc problems that may otherwise have needed surgery.

The other equipment of note has to do with the ‘pelvic floor’. I was somewhat intrigued what one’s ‘pelvic floor’ muscles had to do with well-being. ‘No such thing as a silly question’ I can hear my late mother saying.

The Pelvipower system consists

of magnetic field and bio-feedback trainers, in effect, two ‘chairs’ provide a training system for the pelvic floor.

Broadly speaking, the pelvic floor muscles can be considered to have two important functions. They provide support or ‘floor’ to the pelvic viscera and secondly, constrictor functions to the urethra, vagina and anal canal.

Karen says there is a misconception that the terminology ‘pelvic floor’ correlates with or affects ‘just women’.

“It’s the core muscles which stabilise the back”

“It affects a lot of women after childbirth but also men who have had prostate problems. People who are getting older often have bladder incontinence, and surprisingly enough athletes when they do a lot of heavy strength training create internal pressure and it all falls out the bottom, so to speak.”

“The pelvic floor is only part of your full core musculature. The core is like a balloon, if a part of that balloon is gone, the rest isn’t going to be stable either.”

The pelvic floor muscles are located between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone within the pelvis. They support the bowel and bladder. Muscular bands (sphincters) encircle the urethra, vagina and anus as they pass through the pelvic floor.

She says people with chronic lower back problems may have instability involved, and strengthening the core certainly helps.

Karen says Pelvipower helps with the relaxation and contraction of the

Chiropractic assistant Leonie MacDonald tries out the Pelvipower system which consists of magnetic field and bio-feedback trainers, in effect, two ‘chairs’ provide a training system for the pelvic floor.

muscle and is proving to be a game changer. First you are tested on the bio-feedback trainer.

“There’s a bar here and you sit on it,” she informs this writer. “You contract your pelvic floor by pulling up like when doing Kegel exercises, and it tests your pelvic floor function. We can use this machine with people who have hip replacements or who are pregnant because there is no stimulation involved with that. It assesses your ability to both contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles and how long you can maintain control. Seeing the results on the screen can help to get you in touch with what is actually happening - all fully clothed.”

Needless to say, there was some work to do. It was a cross between sitting on the toilet through contracting and relaxing on something comfortable, with the breathing aspect, of particular

note.

Karen informs that ‘doing Kegels’ can help with issues such as urinary incontinence (leaking pee) – who knew?

The ‘other’ equipment Karen talks me through on first impression resembles a dental chair or as she professionally articulates, ‘I can put you on it so you can have a go for a few minutes... this is electromagnetic stimulation directly to the pelvic floor’. Stimulation? In this definition, the raising of levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body or any biological system. Let me tell you, it did that and more.

The maths behind using the chair for 15 minutes equates to doing Kegel exercises every 15 seconds for 34 hours straight. Stimulation personified.

“It’s mostly ladies that use it as they are the ones that tend to know about it,” she says. “Men don’t like to talk about those

things. If they’ve had a prostatectomy they don’t know who to talk to. It’s an awareness thing.”

“Apparently 70% of women over 65 have pelvic floor issues, less than a third of them will talk to their doctor or their friends as they think it’s part of aging. If you can do something about it, you won’t have those problems.”

What does this all have to do with chiropractic?

“It’s the core muscles which stabilise the back. You might say ‘we’ll just work on the core,’ but if the spinal joints aren’t working properly we need to fix that first or you can make the problem worse. If it keeps going wrong you need something to stabilise it,” she says.

To arrange a trial training with Pelvipower contact Karen, Chris, Riki and the team at Marlborough Family Chiropractic, 23 Henry Street. Ph 577 9800 or info@mfc.net.nz

Brittany Travers

Summerset Blenheim homes now available

Summerset retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement and 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.

We have a range of brand-new two and three-bedroom homes available now. These single-storey homes are thoughtfully designed, with generous bedrooms, an ensuite, a separate toilet, and an internal access garage. Each home features a bright and spacious open-plan living area with a contemporary kitchen, perfect for entertaining friends and family.*

To see plans and pricing, or to view our stunning show homes, join us at our Open Day or book a private appointment today.

Love the life you choose

Open Day

Thursday 11 April, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands

03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim

*All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation. Image is indicative.

Climate concerns aired

More than 100 people turned out to air their climate action concerns last Friday at a protest in Seymour Square as part of a nationwide school strike for climate action.

About 60 Marlborough Girls’ College students marched from the college in Mclauchlan Street to Seymour Square, carrying banners and chanting to highlight the need to protect the planet and reduce carbon emissions.

They were joined by about 40 others, including members of Climate Karanga Marlborough and Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor. The mayor spoke at the protest, outlining what steps the Marlborough District Council was taking to measure its carbon emissions and to reduce them.

She invited protest organisers to her office afterwards to talk further about climate change.

Strike organiser Alex Phelps said the protest had gone well.

She said students had felt well-supported by the adults joining them, and by the mayor coming out to talk with them.

“We are all facing the impacts of climate change in the increasing amounts of bad weather damaging roads and crops in Marlborough. But as young people, we are facing the main impact which will only get worse as we get older.”

National protest organisers School Strike 4 Climate said their aim is to “raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and to demand meaningful policy changes to combat the climate crisis”.

Demands of those marching included that the oil and gas exploration ban remained in place, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ending fast-track consenting legislation, protecting New Zealand’s oceans and conservation land, climate education for all, and making the voting age 16.

Prioritising safety this winter

By Chris Valli

With winter approaching, Marlborough’s The Firewood Company is reminding homeowners to check fire alarms, maintain fireplaces, and to be aware of the dangers of drying clothes near fires.

The family run business is a leading provider of quality firewood and is urging homeowners to prioritise safety this winter.

“With temperatures dropping and the allure of cosy firesides increasing, it’s essential for homeowners to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their homes and families,” Tiri Johnsen, The Firewood Company owner says.

Tiri encourages homeowners to follow important safety tips such as checking fire alarms.

“Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of your home, including inside and outside of sleeping areas. Test these devices regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and replace batteries as needed. These alarms are crucial for providing early detection of fires and carbon monoxide leaks, potentially saving lives.” he says.

Another safety tip is to maintain fireplaces before the cold weather sets in.

“Have your fireplace inspected by a qualified professional to ensure it is in good working condition. Chimneys should be swept and cleaned annually to remove creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Additionally, check for any cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage that may compromise the safety and efficiency of your fireplace.”

Lastly, Tiri says while drying clothes in front of a fire may seem convenient, it can pose significant safety risks.

“Fabrics such as cotton, wool, and synthetic materials are flammable and can ignite if exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. To prevent accidents, avoid drying clothes too close to the fire and never leave them unattended,” he says. “The Firewood Company is committed to promoting fire safety and ensuring our customers have a safe and enjoyable winter season.

For more information on firewood products and fire safety tips, visit www.thefirewoodcompany.co.nz. PBA.

Tiri Johnsen, The Firewood Company.

Proposed rates increase – fantasy or reality?

Blenheim’s John Maffey is a former Head of Social Sciences at Marlborough Boys’ College, a Blenheim ratepayer and a part owner of a small forestry block in the Marlborough Sounds. He shares his thoughts with Chris Valli about the MDC Long Term Plan, proposing a rates increase of 12.65 percent.

John Maffey believes we all know that money can’t buy us love. But that doesn’t stop nearly all of us wanting that little bit, or a lot, more of it. That goes for individuals, businesses, and community organisations and according to John, it certainly goes for local government, including the Marlborough District Council.

He says it was J K Galbraith, the famous economist who, in his 1958 book ‘The Affluent Society’ coined the phrase ‘private affluence, public squalor’. “Of course Galbraith was referring to the reasons for the widening gap between rich and poor in western society. By clamouring for more wants, or luxuries, of various sorts there was little left over for taxes (and rates ) to pay for social goods like public education, healthcare, social housing and so on. The endless battle for funds meant that squalor became

widespread in these areas and as a result the egalitarian, or fair society vanished,” he says.

The Marlborough District Council Long Term Plan is proposing a general rates increase of 12.65 percent, close to three times the current annual inflation rate of 4.7 percent.

“Is this not a case of turning Galbraith’s phrase on its head to become ‘public affluence and private squalor,?” says John. “Proposing such a huge increase is seeking to elevate its spending plans and priorities ahead of the everyday needs of many Marlborough residents, both those who own properties and those who rent.”

John says public affluence through bulging Council coffers by ‘this exorbitant rates increase’ comes as another heavy cost to struggling families at a time of well documented cost of living increases and higher home mortgage repayments as fixed interest rate terms roll over.

Other cost of living increases John highlights include higher rents due to a housing shortage, low or no after tax and after inflation wage and salary increases, and rising unemployment as businesses and central government tighten their belts.

“Like everybody else Councils such as the MDC need to show restraint in step with the community, not indulge in overreach as is being proposed. We have the paradox that as our society has over the years become more prosperous and wealth has grown, a rising number of New Zealanders, including Marlburians, are unable to afford the most basic material and social needs. The Council’s proposals risk adding to this woeful situation,” he believes. He believes the MDC, through various publicity outlets, is conducting a softening up exercise to try to justify its proposals.

“It proudly states that the proposed increase is ’below the national Council average’ (MDC CEO Mark Wheeler, The Sun, March 13). So too are Marlborough’s wages and salaries below the national average, given the heavy reliance on low wage industries here, as well as the higher than national average percentage of superannuitants.”

Recently Blenheim councillor Deborah Dalliessi lamented the ‘eye watering’ amounts being spent on architecturally designed, award winning public toilets. John says Deborah bravely voted against the proposed expenditure of a whopping $1.48 million on

increase.

flash new toilets, an increase of 67 percent over the $2.2 million already approved.

“It is interesting that we bemoan the near monopoly pricing power of our two supermarket chains yet when our local Council acts as the monopoly that it is and prices it’s services accordingly (ie rates), are we as outraged?” says John.

Roading is the biggest item of Council expenditure at around 20 percent, including maintenance, renewals and improvements to roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage. The plan proposes increasing this funding by $27.5M over the next three years

Other key projects include some of the following; Marlborough

Sounds Roading Funding Recovery - $234m for repairs, improvements and increased marine access, with $106m funded by ratepayers over 25 years. Council proposes to pay for repairs to flood damaged roads in the Sounds via a 70/30 split (Marlborough ratepayers paying 70 percent and Sounds-based ratepayers 30 percent).

Mayor Nadine Taylor says it costs about $180 million a year to run Marlborough and consultation is critical. “We need everyone’s input into shaping Marlborough’s future and how we get there together,” she says.

Council Long Term Plan budget proposal submissions and consultation close at 5pm on 13 May.

Blenheim’s John Maffey is questioning Council’s proposed rates

Public consultation for transport plan

By Chris Valli

Major Marlborough Sounds road repairs, increased road maintenance and improving freight efficiencies are Council’s key focus in its Marlborough Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2027.

The Regional Transport Committee met recently to approve the draft plan which is subject to final approval at Council’s next meeting today (April 10). Public consultation will open on the RLTP on 11 April at the same time as Council’s Long Term Plan and will run until 13 May at 5pm.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says the

RLTP is an important document which underpins Marlborough’s road and transport planning and confirms the region’s investment priorities on both the state highway and local roads. It is required under the Land Transport Management Act 2008 (LTMA) and is prepared by Marlborough Roads with NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) input.

“Previous RLTPs were a combined plan shared with Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. However, due to different transport and investment priorities, Marlborough decided to undertake its own RLTP this time,” Mayor Taylor says. “This RLTP

Serene sanctuary in nature's embrace

By Caroline Hungerford

My recent stay at Maruia River Retreat was nothing short of transformative. Nestled amidst the lush embrace of the forest and alongside the soothing Maruia River, this retreat offers a sanctuary for both body and soul.

One of the highlights of our stay was undoubtedly the culinary experience. Each meal felt like a celebration of the region's bounty, tantalizing the taste buds and nourishing the body.

is not surprisingly dominated by the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study and the repairs and resilience work that this study has identified as needing to be done due to the major storm damage to our Sounds roads network. Work which is going to require significant investment over the next three years.”

“The RLTP also includes increased funding for maintenance to improve the overall level of service for motorists which means smoother roads, less potholes and greater safety,” she says. “The vision of this RLTP is to have a safe and connected region that is liveable,

accessible and sustainable.”

Marlborough’s top four Significant Activities, those which generally have an estimated cost over $5M, were confirmed at the meeting and are as follows:

Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study Stage 3 Repairs

Marlborough State Highway Resilience Programme

State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) Programme

MSFAS Resilience and Marine Infrastructure Studies

In addition to the above, there are several Committed Projects which NZTA has already agreed to fund. These include routine maintenance

and improvements at the Queen Charlotte Drive/Lagoon Road/ Dublin and Kent Street roundabout and the Kent Street/Wairau Road intersection in Picton.

The final approved programme of work within the Marlborough RLTP will form part of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) which is funded by the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF). The final RLTP must be submitted to NZTA for consideration into the NLTP by 1 August.

More information will be available on Council’s website from tomorrow, April 11, when submissions open.

Felting workshop with international tutor

By Chris Valli

A unique opportunity and two day workshop with Japanese felter Leiko Uchiyama is on the offer for locals this weekend.

Maruia River Retreat is more than just a place to stay – it's a holistic haven where guests can reconnect with themselves and nature. Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a moment of peace, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled experience that will linger in your heart long after you leave. PBA. *Words republished from Google Review, March 2024

Moreover, the holistic offerings at Maruia River Retreat truly set it apart. From rejuvenating yoga sessions to immersive sound therapy experiences, every moment was dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Forest bathing, sauna sessions, and dips in the mineral pool offered opportunities to cleanse both body and mind, leaving us feeling refreshed and revitalized. And let's not forget the indulgent massages and skin therapies provided by Katharina.

Felt(ing) is a textile produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibres together such as wool.

Leiko creates a variety of felted items including garments, bags, teas, cosies and scarves. The agricultural and textile design graduate currently lives in County Carlow, Ireland while her journey has seen her work on a sheep farm in New Zealand to Indonesia, where she says her felt making techniques developed. She says time spent in France, was where she ‘relished her aesthetically and culturally rich surroundings’.

“I believe the origin of craft lies in creating something special, not only to serve a function, but to make our lives more colourful and rich,” she says. Leiko will teach her ‘pine needle felting’ technique at the workshop to create a scarf. The technique is wet felt making with the inspiration coming from pine needles spread on the snow in her home town, Sapporo, Japan.

“Pine needles is lacy fine felt. It is very soft and delicate but strong enough to wear. This is something only your clever

hands can do and this is what I love.”

The cost of the workshop at St Andrew’s Church Hall is $90 per person with some felting experience required. Places are limited. Expressions of interest to Viv Butcher vivbutcher4@gmail.com ph 021 884 781.

The two day workshop will see Leiko teach her ‘pine needle felting’ technique to create a scarf. The technique is wet felt making with the inspiration coming from pine needles spread on the snow in her home town, Sapporo, Japan.

Maruia River cold open water swimming is an elixir for good health linked to pain relief, and a reduction in inflammation, increased concentration and libido, improved circulation, and stress relief. Photo: Zoé Nguyen

Omaka Early Learning Centre in Blenheim is where learning takes flight!

Providing quality care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, Omaka is a space for education, exploration, development and FUN!

As a privately owned early childhood collaborative, Omaka works together with whanau to foster a supportive atmosphere, and uninhibited opportunities for tamariki to engage their curiosity, exploration and investigation. We embrace a multi-cultural learning environment that focuses on child-led learning in engaging environments, with family collaboration, and fun!

Sensory play

Engage their senses of touch, smell and taste!

Bins: Fill a bin with materials like sand, beans, crinkly material, feathers. Great to explore the feel of these in little one’s hands and fingers.

Baking: let little ones help to stir, sift, pour and mix.

Texture board: design a board with various items of textures eg fabric, fur, foil, bubble wrap.

Messy play: water play, finger painting, loads of fun for pre-schoolers.

Playdough: make your own playdough for great stimulation and to encourage creativity.

Walks: take your children on a nature walk to explore textures like grass, leaves, bark.

Teacher and Students at Omaka Early Learning getting to celebrate Easter.

‘One’s own twist to the Bard’s classics’

By Chris Valli

Performing groups form

Queen Charlotte College, Marlborough Girls’ College and Marlborough Children’s Youth Theatre took part in the SGCNZ Shakespeare Festival held at MGC on Saturday.

50 Year 2 – Year 12 students took part, hoping to get selected for the Nationals, along with younger students who performed extracts from Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Sonnet 18, Love’s Labours Lost, Hamlet, and The Tempest.

The selection of Shakespeare’s texts were diverse, ranging from Love’s Labours Lost and Much Ado about Nothing to The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream . Four of the performing groups were student directed. The one adult directed group was directed by last year’s NSSP (National Shakespeare School Production) direct entry student Taya Flame-Sparrow. In 2022, the government, via the Ministry of Education, stepped in to fund the SGCNZ which had a $31,000 funding application declined by Creative New Zealand. Claims from a Creative New Zealand assessor that the playwright is ‘locked within a canon of imperialism’ and is not relevant to Aotearoa

drew international headlines and condemnation.

MGC Drama and English teacher

Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart says it was fantastic seeing so many students taking part and putting their own twist to The Bard’s timeless classics.

All proceeds from the Shakespeare Festival go towards supporting the students who are selected to attend the National Festival in Wellington during King’s Birthday weekend.

The festival has hosted more than 140,000 teenagers over three decades. Blenheim’s Sam Lewis was one of 24 students selected from over 5000 to be a member of the prestigious Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company in 2022, after delays from Covid. Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Hollywood actor Melanie Lynskey are among those to have also taken part.

The judges were MGC and SGCNZ alumni: Hilary Hickling (nee Edmonds) and Monique Webster.

Certificates:

Student Directors: Kayla Giles (MCY Theatre - Romeo and Juliet), Lexie Newman (MGC - Love’s labour’s Lost) Jessica Sinclair and Sienna Wheeler (MCY Theatre - The Merchant of Venice);

Best Connection with the Audience: Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre - Love’s labour’s Lost - Maisie Hammond, Harriet Hickman, Caitlyn Mitchell, Lily Parker, Claudia Richmond; Best Onstage Connection: QCC - A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Erin Beattie, Chiara Erickstad-Smart and Hazel Fishburn; Best Concept Award: MGC - Love’s Labour’s Lost - Lexie Newman; Judges Award - Ensemble Performance: Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre - Macbeth - Abigail De Jager, Cosette Jeffries, Lucy Taylor, Emma Webster. Judges AwardSolo Performance: StageCoach UK - The Tempest - Scarlett Clemmet-Jones; Most Promising Actor Award: (two given) QCC - Grace Cooper (Theseus from A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre - Lucy MacKenzie (Ophelia’s monologue from Hamlet); Winning five minute piece going to the National Shakespeare Festival in June: Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre - The Merchant of Venice student directed and performed by Jessica Sinclair and Sienna Wheeler (both MGC students); Direct Entry student to NSSP - recipient of the Ray White Award for further participation in The Shakespeare Festival: Loki Le

Public consultation on the Fire and Emergency levy for 2026 — 2029

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has opened public consultation on our proposed levies for the period 1 July 2026 30 June 2029.

Fire and Emergency is funded almost entirely through levies on eligible insurance policies. When the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 came into effect a transitional levy funded the new organisation until the new levy arrangements, under Part 3 of the Act, could be brought in. The new levy will take effect on 1 July 2026.

Before introducing the new levy arrangements, we are required to consult on the proposed levies and the activities we plan to undertake during the levy period.

To support consultation on the levy arrangements for the period

1 July 2026 30 June 2029, a discussion document on our website sets out:

• the activities we propose to undertake over the levy period and the estimated costs of delivering these activities,

• our proposed levy rates, and

• the assumptions we have made in estimating our costs and the steps involved calculating the proposed levy rates.

We welcome submissions from levy payers, insurance policy holders, their representatives and interested members of the public on our proposals to help inform the Government’s decisions on the final levies for 2026 2029.

More information on this consultation and how to submit a response can be found on our website at www.fireandemergency.nz/about-us/public-consultation

MBC student Loki Le Grice played Mercutio in Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet, student directed by Kayla Giles.

Grice (MBC student) who played Mercutio in Marlborough Children and Youth Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet, student directed by Kayla Giles. StageCoach UK student - Scarlett Clemmet-Jones (nine-years old) has been invited to present her interpretation of Ariel from The Tempest at the National Festival in Wellington.

Shakespeare was called the ‘Bard of Avon’ which means the poet of Avon. His birthplace was Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England. SCGNZ stands for Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand.

REDWOOD

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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

For

5 minutes with...

AlistAir Mcleod

Musician, wino, all-round nice guy

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Normally a cat person, but I am starting to enjoy a few facts about wombats.

 My friends would say I am… 182cm tall, medium build with shifty eyes.

 The best advice I ever received was?

Just show up - that’s how you get things done. Actually that’s my own advice to myself.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

Easter eggs for the whole town. Dark chocolate.

 Local coffee haunt?

The best coffee in town is at my place at 06:00 weekday mornings, a bit later in the weekends.

 Favourite takeaway?

I normally don’t do takeaways because the food is so darned good at my place. But it could very well be the next one.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? That has to be Moore Wilson’s in Wellington. In fact we sometimes go out of our way to not walk past it.

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

My parents would have thought long and hard about having another child after the first one, who might or might not be reading this, so I’ll say the gift of life.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

Rather liked Morocco but Mooloolaba is marvelous.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I absolutely love turning the TV off actually. It’s my favourite of all time.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Never been to WOMAD so that’s on the bucket list. Will hopefully be realised next year.

St Andrew’s kids market

By Chris Valli

A St Andrew’s Church Kids Market next week is an opportunity for local children to make some money and become entrepreneurs.

Lay Preacher Minister Marion Rowe says she often hears that there is not much to do in the school holidays and says it’s great to encourage kids to help themselves and have the opportunity to earn some money for whatever they may be saving for or wish to do later in the holidays.

“We are fortunate in that our church is very central and sits on the boundary of the CBD and has a lovely green area in front right next to a good carpark. We thought it would be great to offer this to the community to use and so came up with the idea that young people could have their own market day,”

she says.

Marion says the incentive for the kids market stems from having grandchildren that like to earn money through jobs and she wondered how to extend that.

“I also run a kids sewing group at church and have been showing them how they can make their own gifts for friends and family. I was chatting with some church friends and wondered how we could build on this and decided that perhaps we could provide the space and support, and the young people could make money for themselves.”

Marion says they have asked the kids to put $5 in an envelope and place their name and contact details on it then bring this to the church where they will be given some guidelines for on the day.

“This money will be returned to

A great outcome for Gracie

By Chris Valli

Sometimes good things do come to those who wait.

Just ask Gracie, the eight month old American Bull Staffy Cross who was adopted at the weekend by a couple in Christchurch. Gracie, who is deaf, has been with foster owner Leonie MacDoanld since she was 10 weeks. The Christchurch couple who take ownership of Gracie have had deaf dogs before.

Leonie says the couple saw the Blenheim Sun article on Gracie in February and then again recently which made them get in contact to have Gracie as their ‘furever’ owners.

them on the day when they set up their stall. The church will not be making any money from this event but rather it is viewed as a way of helping a part of our community by giving them an opportunity,” says Marion.

There will be some adult supervision on the day but St Andrew’s ask that younger children are accompanied by an older person such as a parent, relative, older sibling or friend so they can help with changing money and support. Groups and clubs for young people are also welcome.

Some suggestions for stalls may be having a clean out of toys or clothes no longer wanted, plants, baking, homemade crafts or face painting. The kids market is on Wednesday, April 17 from 10am – 2:30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Alfred Street.

Rainbow crossing

River Check?

While walking our dog around the Taylor River near the Nelson St carpark, I looked up to see a drone. Maybe it was the MDC checking the weed in the river!! MAYBE we’ll get some action soon.

Shout out

Wouldn’t painting over a road crossing by the rainbow crowd be a crime in the first place... or am I missing something?

50 percent increase

Got a warrant of fitness for my little car the other day, nearly fell over, $77 up fifty percent from last one, seems hard to justify, specially if you are on the pension.

Apologies

To the lady on the pedestrian crossing near John St. 5pm 3rd, coming from the theatre side.

I didn’t mean to cut you off. I didn’t see you before I moved off when the vehicle in front moved off.

My sincere apologies.

Phones in Schools

The subject of students with phones at school. So not necessary in class. There’s a time and a place for everything. Teachers I don’t envy you. Parents should support these teachers as they are sometimes enforcing (or trying to) the rules you should be putting place.

Re: Courtesy

The part of New Renwick Road that I drive on out to the Fairhall Cemetery is 80. The road is narrow enough for cars, let alone trucks. Certainly not suitable for cyclists.

Confused

Am confused with new red top bin. It says no organics so what do we do with kitchen waste that go in the Council bag at present. Also paper plates with leftover food at community centres.

A big shout out to the young front of house staff member Saturday morning at CBD... the Cafe was overflowing with seated customers and a queue at the counter. They were ultra polite, friendly and just so onto keeping us all happy and moving on through, with our orders. Bosses should be rapt!

Pathetic Comedy

How is it that we have to put up with programs like 7 days when good people informing programs are scrapped, if the compère and his guest’s think they are funny they’re not absolutely pathetic.

Much appreciated

A massive thank you to Debbie (who waited with me)...Sarah (who came to offer help) and the ‘New World’ staff who helped when mum had an unexpected medical event in the cafe...your caring and help was very much appreciated : )

Winston is worth supporting

Look at what he stands for and not how the media have portrayed him. He is not a globalist and wants the best for NZ. The only leader with moral fibre and true Christian values. Only one prepared to speak out and take action on the harmful sex education being taught in schools. Do your own research!

The SH1 Gumball to Picton

With only one surveillance weather cam high up at Spring Creek it is time for 2 or 3 speed fixed cameras for the race to the Picton Ferry, Tradies and Boaties towing; from early morning onwards, passing double yellow lines, speeds well beyond 120kph both ways.

Cameras to catch passing rear plates to avoid radar detection. Truckies now so alert to absolute idiots! Fatality overdue!

Good Customer Service

Just a shout out to the team at Tyrelands Blenheim. What a good bunch of guys and customer service. Thanks so much.

Not that bad

The books are awful! The last government ruined everything! Go woke, go broke! Financial ruin! Oh wait a minute, it’s not actually that bad! Propaganda at its most transparent.

Is this discrimination?

Unless you have a smart phone you can’t become a member of The Warehouse market club. Many older people who would benefit most, can’t afford to buy a smart phone and miss out on lower prices.

3 years coming

It’s started yesterday. RUC charges for EV’s which have never paid for the roads. There will be traffic stops to check and excellent fines for those who simply don’t care! Labour put off this for votes, now reality hits. Also so sad that the charging station in Park Terrace is seldom ever used, why?

Where’s it gone?

Where has Radio Bradshaw gone? The wee local station had a great music variety, relief from talkback yakking and no ads. Please Bradshaw Park, get it going again!

I agree with David Seymour

Kids should be in school rather than out protesting re climate change. Another show that times are changing for the worse.

105

What a joke rang the police up about my neighbor growing alot of weed or pot it is growing over the fence. That was 2 months ago nothing has happened. So why bother ringing the cops. Think I might start growing it to supply to other people cause the cops don’t care.

Talk of the week Grovetown School Support

Massive thanks to The Local Butcher for supporting Grovetown School with their Easter Raffle and Sausage Sizzle. We appreciate it very much!

Autumn Colour

Those stunning, colourful liquidambar, ( yes, ambar, not anber ) trees in central Blenheim look really wonderful at the moment. Also the golden and scarlet Ash trees. Even on a dull day they brighten the town up.

Hard Working Pharmacies

Gone are the days where you would leave your doctors surgery and pick up your script within 10 minutes. People need to realise times have changed. Pharmacies are receiving hundreds of scripts a day. If you need a script urgently, please ring your pharmacy, they can then pop it on their radar and get it sorted. Don’t turn up and throw tantrums when your script is not ready. People in pharmacies are hard working and do their best.

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.

Sudoku Crossword bed, bel, bled, blue, bod, bode, bold, bole, boule, bud, dob, doe, dole, DOUBLE, dub, due, duel, duo, eld, led, leu, lob, lobe, lobed, lode, loud, lube, ludo, ode, old WordBuilder

DECODER

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each only once?

No words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one six-letter word. Good 19 Very Good

Decoder

C.A.C.T.U.S activities

the C.A.C.t u.S term 1 program finished up with the longest day activities on Saturday, April 6 from 7am until 12:30pm. C.A.C.t u.S is a Marlborough Youth trust program run with support from Marlborough Lines, Marlborough Police and the three secondary schools in blenheim run over eight weeks aimed at building self-confidence, teamwork and ability of participants to overcome challenge.

LEFT: Front

to

Lucy Price, Kelly Freeman, Alexia Rabie, Tia

Evie

Second/ third row left to right: Luke Bourgeois, Ben Lindfield,  Kobe Giblin, Elijah Cameron, Kohen Te Maro, Hannah Bae

Silva, Charli Gibbs, Ella Clarke, Casey Twidle, Mariana Arthur. Back row: James Parley, Connor Johnson, Yoshua Judanto,

$4,655 Make up your party now and take advantage of your preferred accommodation while availability lasts.

Marching on Torrens Parade Ground led by Drum Major Denis Teeling.

THUMBS UP: Kathy Moseley, Aimee Moore, Bronson Blissett and Ella Kernick Harvey. All members of the victorious Marlborough District Brass Band.

Marlborough District brass band won the b grade competition at the Australian National brass band Championships held in Adelaide over Easter.

Orange Shirters, staff, volunteers and graduates with dignitaries from Marlborough Girls’ College, Marlborough Lines Ltd., Richmond View School, Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Boys’ College.

row left

right:

Kyle, Alizae Fowke,

Cameron.

Raheem Mir.

RIGHT: Stuart Smith MP supporting participants as the day kicked off in the Marlborough Boys’ College Gym.

Casey Twidle leads her team into town during log carry.

• Learner practical test - $100

• Restricted licence test - $130

• Full licence test - $100

have seen what speeding can do

NZTA reports that “too many people are being hurt and killed on Aotearoa New Zealand’s roads, with around 500 people being killed or seriously injured in speed related crashes a year. While speed is often not the only factor contributing to a crash, it’s a crucial factor in determining the severity of a crash.

A significant portion of the driving and riding population still chooses to travel at speeds that are too fast for the conditions or the posted speed limit, putting themselves and others who share the roads with them, at risk.”

There are those drivers or riders who don’t believe they will be caught or believe they are too skilled to have a crash. Police want speeding road users to know that they will be out patrolling speeds on the roads these holidays to enforce speed limits. And while Police will hear the same excuses and all sorts of reasons why drivers and riders justify their speeding behaviour they will not be deterred. They prefer to have to manage incensed and indignant speedsters than attend crashes. Police have seen what speeding can do so slow down or expect to get stopped.

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. 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.

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

Death notices

ANDERSON, Michael David 26/3/1973 - 27/3/2024 aged 51 years, 1 day. Our beloved Michael passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by family and friends, at Christchurch Hospital ICU. Beloved husband of Amelia, treasured and devoted father of Yasmin (Chch) Loved son of Paul (late) and Yvonne Anderson. Cherished brother and brother in-law of Geoffrey, Linda and Vincent. Adored Uncle of Ellie and Levi. Loved Nephew, Cousin and Best Mate to many. Son in-law of Rahim and Nor Mala (late) (Malaysia). Loved Brother, Pak Long/Uncle, Nephew and Cousin, to all of his extended family in Malaysia. A Muslim burial has taken place. A celebration of Michael’s life is to be held 1.30pm, Saturday, 27 April at Cloudy Bay Funeral Home. Messages to 81 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7201. A large, loving and gentle presence in our family is gone. A rock upon which we all would lean. Our tall tree has fallen softly and peacefully to the ground, our days now longer and less colourful for it.

Rest in Love Michael, till we meet again.

Sehingga kita bertemu lagi, semoga Rizal ditempatkan bersama orangorang yang beriman.

ROBINSON, Shirley Ann (née Badman): Passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Bethsaida Retirement Village. Aged 87 years. Loved wife of the late Doug, loved mother of Rose and Craig, David and Lynley, Brent and Colleen, the late Tony, Wayne, Kim and Rau. A loved grandmother and great-grandmother. Special thanks to Bethsaida staff. Messages may be sent to 68A Muller Road, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers a donation to the RSA Poppy Day Appeal would be appreciated and may be made at the service or to a/c 01-05980019901-51 Ref. ROBINSON. A service for Shirley was held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, on Monday April 8, followed by private interment.

KILMARTIN, Tony Rodger (“Kills”): Passed away suddenly at Nelson Hospital, on Wednesday April 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. In his 76th year. Loved husband of Elizabeth (deceased), and Elaine, loved partner of Marcia, and loved father of Lisa Rayner, and her partner Bryan Thomson. Dearly loved son of the late Jack and Vera, loved brother of the Jim, Allen, Paddy, Elizabeth, Kevin, Judith and Peter (all deceased), Brian, and Rosslyn (deceased), Theresa and Brian Nicholson (Perth WA), Trevor (deceased), and Diana and Gerald Morrissey. Loved brother-in-law of Melva, Sue and Eve, and a loved uncle and great uncle of all his nieces and nephews. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers a donation to Life Flight Trust would be greatly appreciated either by way of bank deposit (Life Flight Trust, Account Number: 03-0578-0048481-08 Ref: KILMARTIN) or at the service. Messages may be sent to the Kilmartin Family, c/P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A farewell will be held for Tony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Maxwell Road, Blenheim at 1pm on Wednesday April 10, followed by interment at Omaka Cemetery.

BLISSETT Alice: Passed away peacefully April 1st at the grand age of 80. Alice loved a good laugh, so April Fools Day seemed quite fitting. She will be remembered as a fun-loving friend, Mum (to both dog & human), Grandma & Great Grandma. Her children wish to thank the amazing staff at both Wairau Hospital ED & Marlborough Hospice.

Alison Loraine (née Roberts) HOLDAWAY: Glenis Ann (née Jones) MULLINGER: Luke Geoffrey SCHRODER: Brian Keith SIMMONS: Allan James

SCOTT, Dot: Walter, the Smith and Scott Families wish to thank you all for your care, love and support at the loss of my dearly loved wife, and soul mate, and beloved Mum, Nana and Auntie. Thank you for the many cards, e-mails, messages and flowers. Your support has been a great comfort to us all at this time. As many addresses are unknown, please accept this as a personal thank you. The Smith and Scott Families.

Community notices

Room for hire

The Bright Centre Society in Dillons Point Road has a room and kitchen 8.5 x 5.5 for hire. Suitable for small groups up to 30 people. Would suit for meetings or a work space for craft groups. There is a separate room that is also available for hire on a casual basis or for a regular booking. These rooms may suit a club or group needing a base. If interested please email cresswellscott4@gmail.com. To view call Dave 0212340057.

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

Back on the trails after a shock diagnosis

Two years ago, Janet Taylor had a simple fall at her home. The accident and the follow up phone call from the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) proved to be life changing. Chris Valli takes up the story.

Janet Taylor looks around for a moment and takes it all in.

The 63-year-old is in her happy place out tramping. She loves the feeling of the pack on her back and connecting with her friends.

“I love everything about tramping to be honest,” she says. “It’s a great adventure, it’s the feeling of freedom, enjoying nature, but there is also a huge sense of accomplishment.”

These days, Janet doesn’t take tramping for granted.

“Following my accident, I’m more mindful about where I place my feet. I take a bit more time. I think about things more, but I’ve also consciously said to myself: ‘I cannot let this stop me. I cannot let it stop me from doing things that I love’.”

In 2022, Janet suddenly fell on the driveway of her home where she fractured her wrist.

She wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary but the next thing she knew she was flat on her bottom and in a world of pain.

“All of a sudden, I realised I was home alone, and I felt very vulnerable.”

Janet suffered a comminated intra-articular fracture with a joint block in at least three fragments. She had six weeks in a cast and her radius healed well without surgery. It was a challenging period.

“I guess I just carried on,” she

says. “When you have something like this you just work out different ways of doing things.”

She says the support of ACC throughout her rehabilitation was brilliant.

“I couldn’t work for a period so to have some financial support was helpful,” she says.“ ACC were fantastic – everything that I needed to recover was provided to me.”

During her rehabilitation, Janet received a call from the Fracture Liaison Service which proved to be a defining moment. They sent her for a bone density scan which revealed she had osteoporosis.

“It was a huge shock,” she says.

“When they told me I had osteoporosis, I didn’t expect that to be the outcome!”

The diagnosis sunk in and she quickly focused on what she could do.

“The FLS was great, because it gave me lots of information and lots of reassurance about what I was doing – like the hand therapy sessions - and information about other things I could be doing.

“That call was what got me the bone density scan. And the scan gave me the information that helped me to understand I need to do something proactive for my future.”

In 2014, Osteoporosis New Zealand (ONZ) identified there was a pervasive and persistent care

for people suffering fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis. The Fracture Liaison Services aim to bridge that gap and give people who sustain a fragility fracture the support and information that they need.

Those who sustain fractures are at double the risk of subsequent fractures compared to their peers who are fracture free, and that half of patients who sustain hip fractures break another bone before breaking their hip.

Leadership role for Maddy

By Chris Valli

Marlborough Girls’ College student Maddy Sinclair has been appointed as one of Cycling NZ Schools' Student Focus Group Leaders for 2024.

As part of the appointment, Maddy will be involved in the decision making for the way in which future Cycling NZ School's events are held. There are twelve students appointed to this group nationally each year.

Maddy's appointment reflects her conduct at events and leadership in helping younger riders successfully at events. Maddy claimed the national women’s sport downhill mountain biking title during the Cycling NZ National Championships, staged at Coronet Peak in early March. The 16-yearold claimed a bronze medal in the under-20 girls’ solo cross-country event at the Skoda National School MTB Championships held in Blenheim last October.

The Cycling New Zealand

In 2023, ACC accepted over 173,000 new claims for fall related injuries from adults aged over 65. The total cost of fall related injuries for people aged over 65 in 2023 was $345 million to help people recover.

“We estimate that, by doing nothing to prevent these injuries, the cost of these falls and fractures would reach $720 million by 2035,” says ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker.

Janet encourages anyone who has sustained a fragility fracture to ask

Schools Focus group is for a selected group of school cyclists who, on behalf of their fellow riders, provide feedback and advocate for the continued development of the Schools Cycling programme.

The Focus Group is established by the Cycling New Zealand Schools (CNZS) Executive and is maintained by Cycling New Zealand (CNZ) through their partnership agreement.

their GP about possible referral to the Fracture Liaison Service so they can get further information and make informed decisions.

“I would also say this is not just an older person’s condition. I would like to encourage education and raised awareness, for younger people, in their 20’s and 30’s, so they have knowledge and understanding of osteoporosis and the proactive things they can be doing throughout their life to help reduce the risk of this disease as they age.”

Golf Results

March- Nett- Ricky Ashworth 65; Margaret Frisken 68; Mary Butler 69; Ellie Gillies 70, Barbara Speedy 70; Dido Harper 71; Jenny Hart 74, Joyce Allen 74; Julie Rosie 75. Sat 30

John Saxon 38; David Thomas 37, Greg Ruffell 37, Trevor Gullery37. Women Vicki Eastgate 38, Margaret Frisken 38; Annelize Erasmus 37; Jo Prescott 35. Tues 26

Mar Nett-Ricky Ashworth 63; Tim McCaffrey 69; Ian Johnson70; Jelle Keizer71; Trevor Gullery 72, Ant Booker 72; Jock Mannington 73, John Saxon 73, Richard Avery73. Thurs Apl S/F- Leigh McGlynn 39; Graham Couldrey 38, Richard Avery 38; Jock Mannington 37; Tim McCaffrey 36, Warren Robinson 36; David Bunt 35.

HER HAPPY PLACE: Janet Taylor lives in the Top of the South and is back out doing what she loves after her osteoporosis diagnosis. She is pictured on Mt Fyfee, overlooking the Kaikoura coastline. gap

The appointment to the focus group will see Maddy involved in the decision making for the way in which future Cycling NZ School’s events are held.