Spring Creek School in Ferry Road stood in solidarity this morning for the autistic community and celebrating uniqueness.
‘Hoods Up, Volume Down’ saw students wear hoodies (sweatshirts) of their choice and at 10am, participated in a nationwide quiet hour, where they turned off the lights and lowered the noise in their learning environments. The morning and day was about more than just awareness - it was about fostering understanding, inclusion, and support.
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EMBRACING DIFFERENCES:
Ryley Tootell and Noah Cooper with Harley Pike, one of Spring Creek’s neurodiverse students who receives ORS (Ongoing Resource Scheme) funding.
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Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognitive, sensory, and social processing, changing the way people see the world and interact with others.
vary. By fostering an inclusive environment, we celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our school,” she says.
Principal Cheryl Alderlieste says as a kura, they define uniqueness as the special qualities, strengths, and perspectives that make each person who they are.
“We believe that every individual brings something valuable to our community, and by embracing our differences with kindness and understanding, we create a school where everyone feels valued and accepted. Hoods Up, Volume Down for World Autism Day is one way we show our support, recognising that sensory experiences and ways of interacting with the world can
Hoods Up, Volume Down for World Autism Day is about raising awareness and showing support for those who experience the world differently, particularly individuals with autism. Many autistic people have heightened sensitivity to sound and touch.
Cheryl says the initiative encourages understanding by allowing everyone to experience a small part of what that might feel like.
“It aligns perfectly with our values of kindness, inclusion, and respect. We believe in celebrating diversity and ensuring that every student feels safe, supported,
and valued. By participating, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a school community where differences are embraced and every individual is given the space they need to thrive,” she says. Autism is currently estimated to be present in 1 in 54 people. It is a neurological difference - one of many variations of neurodiversity. Approximately 15% of students at Spring Creek School are on the autistic spectrum and Cheryl says they are committed to providing the support they need to thrive in their learning journey.
Some students receive ORS funding through the Ministry of Education (MOE), which allows them to provide additional
support. They also have access to Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists, and other specialists to assist with individual needs.
Specialist Teacher, Sarah Macdonald plays a key role in working alongside students, support staff, and the Ministry to ensure the right strategies and resources are in place. Their approach is strengths-based and student-centered, recognising and nurturing each child’s unique abilities. Staff receive training to support neurodiverse learners. “We are incredibly proud of our inclusive and accepting tamariki, who celebrate and support one another, creating a truly welcoming learning environment for all,” says Cheryl.
Ako ngātahi kia tupu tātou – Together they learn –together they grow. Ryley, Noah and Harley along with specialist teacher, Sarah Macdonald.
Economy turning a corner
By Chris Valli
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon believes Marlborough’s economy is turning a corner, providing the likes of Blenheim’s Cuddon Freeze Dry the certainty to make investments.
Luxon was in Marlborough last Thursday along with Kaikoura National MP Stuart Smith visiting local vineyards in the morning and Cuddon Engineering in the afternoon.
“It has been difficult but we are starting to turn a corner,” when asked about the region’s economic forecast. “There are some challenges around drought (in the Marlborough region) we are conscious about that but we are seeing the progress on dairying, red meat and wool and tourism bouncing back into this region up 22% on the last year, that’s all good progress for Marlborough.”
“There are some people that are still struggling. However, as the economy improves with interest rates falling and inflation under control they are all the things that give businesses like Cuddon real certainty to make investments and to employ and higher wages,” Luxon says.
Recently back from India, Luxon announced New Zealand and India would commence negotiations towards a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, with the two Prime Ministers releasing a joint
statement detailing plans for further cooperation between the two countries across a range of areas. The joint statement also outlined opportunities to work more closely around political relations, trade, science and technology.
However, one regional infrastructure Luxon alluded to was the state of Marlborough’s Roads, which he conceded needed more work and funding from the likes of the August 2022 flood damage, and pothole prevention.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says over $360 million will be invested on maintenance and pothole prevention to ensure the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions state highways and local roads return to the safe and reliable standard motorists expect.
This included resealing and rehabilitation works on 272 kilometres of state highway to prevent pesky potholes from forming in the first place, says Brown.
“We’ve stepped it up almost 60% on roading projects, almost half a billion dollars going into the Top of the South versus the previous $180 million from the previous period. There is some good stuff starting to happen,” Luxon says.
Brown says a record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) would build a stronger road network that supported primary industries and grow
Photo: Chris Valli
the economy.
“We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is spent wisely on the projects and services that are needed in the Marlborough region. These regions need roads built and maintained to a high standard, and that is exactly what we are delivering,” he said in September 2024.
Statistics NZ figures released recently shows the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter, the economy bouncing out of the worst (non-Covid) recession since 1991 with stronger than expected growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. The primary sector delivered a boost off the back of strong production and good export prices for dairy and meat.
Cuddon has an 80 year history
providing residential heating and cooling, engineering, commercial refrigeration and irrigation solutions for the Marlborough region. They are the only freeze dryer manufacturer in the southern hemisphere and have been producing freeze dry systems for more than 60 years.
When asked the key takeaways from his visit to Cuddon, Luxon said it was an iconic business in Blenheim which continually delivered world class engineering.
“It’s exactly businesses like this that we want to encourage because we need more innovation and entrepreneurship and more exports,” he says. “It’s advanced manufacturing and underscores the needs for the work we are doing in education so they can become engineers.”
Sun The
Air quality pass – for now
Blenheim’s air quality had a perfect record in 2024, at least to the Government’s targets.
However, Marlborough District Council strategic planner Sarah Pearson has warned councillors, in her annual air quality presentation, that the perfect record may not last.
If the national standard for air quality monitoring was changed, as proposed by the Ministry for the Environment in 2020, Blenheim would not be compliant with environmental standards, Pearson told the environment and planning committee.
Chilean needle grass
Council is continuing to tackle Chilean needle grass, a high-threat and invasive weed with serious implications for the local environment and economy.
Recent observations have shown the persistent pest, first spotted in the Blind River area in the 1940s, has expanded its presence, with a total of 2,626 hectares affected as of the 2024/2025 season - an increase of 14 hectares from the previous year.
“Council staff, land occupiers and contractors have rallied together during the crucial seeding period from late October to mid-January, putting in significant efforts to manage and contain this pest,” Council Biosecurity Manager Liam Falconer says.“Despite these efforts, nine new affected properties were identified this season, highlighting ongoing challenges in controlling its spread.”
Oamaru Heritage Tours
Prime Minister Chris Luxon chats to Cuddon Limited employee and fabrication engineer Dylan Macdonald-Pedersen about heat plates. Dylan, a born and bred Marlburian was educated at Marlborough Boys’ College and has worked at Cuddon’s for nearly nine years.
Record bat numbers
Record high numbers of bats have been captured and tracked during an annual count of the vulnerable mammal in the Pelorus area.
While the numbers of the long-tailed bat are encouraging, it’s probably too early to draw any conclusions as to why they’re increasing, Nick Eade says. Nick who helped with Forest & Bird’s Te Hoiere Bat Recovery Project, says it could be down to more intensive predator control, or perhaps they were just getting better at tracking the bats.
Now in its seventh year, a total of 380 bat captures were recorded across two key sites at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and Rai Valley, between Blenheim and Nelson, in the 2024-25 summer season.
Region’s estuaries
A report to Council’s Environment and Planning Committee about the health of the region’s 13 estuaries has revealed that the inner estuaries of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound are in ‘fair to good’ condition, benefiting from healthy seagrass beds and native forest catchments despite some human modifications. The outer estuaries in this region are rated ‘very good’, with minimal human impact enhancing their ecological value.
However, not all findings are positive.
Tory Channel is considered to be in ‘fair to poor’ condition, due to shoreline modifications and other environmental stressors that have significantly diminished the estuaries’ ecological health. This reminds us of the growing human pressures impacting our estuarine ecosystems.
Blenheim Sun journalist Chris Valli will be writing a weekly column and a behind the scenes snapshot on Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Footloose which is on at the ASB Theatre from Wednesday, May 14 - Saturday, May 24.
This week Chris talks to Mannie Tai and Lyriks Caldwell who are playing the parts of Chuck Cranston and Willard Hewitt.
Finding character through vulnerability
One of the intriguing observations chatting to the Footloose cast is the depth of articulation around their character’s back stories and their ‘why?’.
It’s no exception for 24-year-old Mannie Tai who is playing Chuck Cranston and Lyriks Caldwell, 19 in his role as Willard Hewitt.
Chuck portrayed as Ariel’s boyfriend and the local ‘bad boy’ opposes the town’s ban on dancing. Initial homework for the role of Chuck came from watching the original 1984 movie, says Mannie (who wasn’t even born).
“I took a bit of that and then compared it to the 2011 version,” he says.
However, the main inspiration is derived from Mannie’s own experience as “kinda that kid” from Marlborough Boys’ College.
“I was always in or causing trouble and trying to find that and bringing it forward (to the rehearsal process). It’s been a hard journey because that was a part of me that I didn’t want to see again. Liz (director) has helped me differentiate between the on and off stage persona. That comes down to building the trust with me and other cast members,” says Mannie.
As for Lyriks, his humility yet ever growing confidence with stage presence is blossoming beautifully, like the wonderful creation that is not only his impressive mane of curls and follicles, but a new-found enthusiasm for all things amateur theatre.
Lyriks was a booth singer in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Priscilla, Queen
of the Desert in 2023 and was in the ensemble for the co-college productions School of Rock and Legally Blonde in 2023/2024. In October 2024, he featured in the sold out theatre restaurant show The Addams Family, alongside his brother Xavier.
“We were like, we should probably take a break and then at the last minute we decided to audition. I wanted to try out for Willard because I thought he was really funny. I got the call a few weeks later and I was ecstatic,” he says.
As for portraying Willard, he has a strong and loyal connection to his mother. Lyriks says as someone who was raised by a single mother, the parallels are not only uncanny, but a tribute to his own Mum.
They both are in unison that the support they have received throughout the rehearsal process has been one of the highlights six weeks out from the show.
Mannie concedes, as a ‘quieter person’ who normally sits in the background, finding Chuck has resulted in drawing on personal experiences growing up. However, he says, the happy medium behind Chuck and Mannie has been co-constructed “like a warm embrace”.
“For someone like me who also came from a single mother who raised eight kids, having strong female role models like Liz in my life has helped tremendously,” he says. “I have no fear of being on stage now because I have that support no matter what.”
“We’ve all got back stories and portraying
that on stage is going to be more believable,” says Lyriks. “We fight on stage (without giving too much away) but behind the scenes we’re good mates. Willard has made me feel a lot more confident in myself and is an example of how to be yourself in any way possible.”
“It’s OK to be vulnerable, especially if you are a male,” says Mannie. “How are people meant to understand you if they can’t hear you?
FROM BAD BOY TO COUNTRY LOVING: Mannie Tai and Lyriks Caldwell have been cast as Chuck Cranston and Willard Hewitt in Footloose. “We’ve all got back stories and portraying that on stage is going to be more believable,” says Lyriks.
Photo: Chris Valli
Trust celebrates staff achievements
By Glenise Dreaver
There was elation in the staff room of the Papatuanuku Independency Trust a few weeks ago. It was high fives all round as manager Wanda Hebberd brought through the results of the Level 3 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.
All three of the Waikawa-based trust’s candidates had passed the national qualification – and what made it even more special was that none of them had ever been able to celebrate getting any qualifications before. This success was a first for Jen Shields, Lesleyanne Morgan and Therese Gardiner. What was the secret of their success? Jen and Lesleyanne can’t speak highly enough about their mentoring from Therese who, they said, made them really think about
the job and what they’d done.
Yet Therese is the first to admit that her own start was pretty rocky. She remembers the day Wanda came through after talking to Sienna from Career Force which runs the programmes.
“She told me I’d been dragging the chain, and my enrolment would lapse if I didn’t get some work in soon.” So Wanda worked with them all to help them push the work out.
Some days, at home time, Wanda said she could feel the girls’ tension, wondering if she’d sent her observations in to the assessor.
“When I said ‘Yes, done it,’ I could hear the girls sigh with relief.”
That’s where the study group dynamic kicked in and the three students would sit round the trust’s
big dining room table on a Sunday afternoon. “Sometimes one of the residents sat with us too.”
They are all grateful for the time Wanda and the trust gave them to do this work – and for paying their course fees too.
“When you’ve got a family and there’s constant interruptions at home it’s really hard,” says Therese, and the other two couldn’t agree more.
Therese was also given literacy support before she started.
“When you’re forty-odd it’s huge to have to start learning again. Just huge.”
So, she had a few lessons from Liz Collins at Literacy Marlborough and that, she says, proved vital.
Wanda’s support has been vital too, and not just in printing out the work that comes in online, which
removes some of the technical barriers. “Level 4 is all online which will bring some challenges,” she says. “But there will be support for those of us who strike difficulties.”
Wanda’s help with the paper on the Treaty of Waitangi has also proved vital. “She’s very knowledgeable about that,” says Jen. They’re all going on to Level 4 in a few weeks, alongside fellow staffer Lesley Anne Morgan who completed her Level 2 in 2024, and who, Wanda judges, has enough experience to ‘leapfrog’ to Level 4. Natasha Hadden will go on to the Level 5 (management level) programme.
Wanda’s delighted with her staff’s achievements. “Not least because our residents get the benefits, and our staff also get to use their training to the best of their abilities.”
Council’s Nautical and Coastal Team, with funding from Maritime New Zealand, is providing a final Safer Boating Workshop in Picton on April 13. The free workshops are aimed at safer boating education for all watercraft users including vessels, jetskis, paddle boards and kayakers.
Some of the topics covered will be ‘what to know before you go’, local knowledge, skipper responsibilities and tips and tricks. Lunch is provided. Ph 520 7400 to register.
Blenheim Police are aware of multiple Facebook Marketplace scams involving sellers who are advertising firewood with no intention of following through with the deal.
Buyers should be wary of sellers requiring full payments before delivery. If you wish to report a social media scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use105. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Shakespeare Festival
The Regional Shakespeare Globe Centre of New Zealand Festival is on this Saturday, April 5 at Marlborough Girls’ College Hall. Entries have come from Marlborough Girls’ and Queen Charlotte Colleges, and Marlborough Children’s Youth Theatre. Entry is $12 for adults and $7 for students. All profits go towards the winning groups going to Wellington.
HIGH FIVE – these three elated support workers at the Papatuanuku Independency Trust weren’t ashamed to be caught in an elated high five to celebrate their success in the Level 3 National Certificate in Health and Well Being.
Wanda Hebberd, the Manager of the trust, says the successful study helps ensure their residents get an even better quality of life “and staff become part of an amazing team here at the trust.”
The kaimahi/staff and tamariki/students of Spring Creek School acknowledged World Autism Awareness Day this morning with a ‘Hoods Up, Volume Down’ quiet hour. We asked why they were supporting the campaign?
Everyone
We
Being in the education sector allows me to work with some amazing tamariki and adults. I get the opportunity to understand, raise my awareness, and gain and promote acceptance of the neurological condition.
As a training teacher in my second year of study, I am always amazed at how inclusive the kura is of everybody. I am so lucky to be in an environment where all the
are seen and heard.
Dear Sir
Reading the front page article (Wednesday, March 19), I assumed that the incidence of bowel cancer in Maori must be at least double that of non-Maori.
Imagine my surprise to find that it is actually much lower. According to a recent publication in bmccancer (1), the incidence is 61.78 cases per 100,000 in the New Zealand population overall, and 28.54 per 100,000 in the Maori population - thus the incidence in non-Maori is 68.34 per 100,000. In other words, Maori have only 41% of the incidence compared to non-Maori.
The study does show that the incidence in people under the age of 50 is increasing more rapidly in Maori than non-Maori, but the incidence still remains lower in Maori in that group (6.33 per 100,000 in Maori vs 9.66 in non-Maori).
It therefore seems very difficult to justify most of the statements in the article, and I believe these figures should have been included. Perhaps you could publish them in a future edition for the sake of accuracy.
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
linking in an excellent article on colorectal cancer in NZ.
While the overall incidence of colorectal (bowel) cancer is lower in Māori than in non-Māori, the following is also true and taken from the same article:
- The incidence of bowel cancer in Māori has doubled between 2000 and 2020, whereas it is static in non-Māori.
- Over half of bowel cancers in Māori present before the age of 60 years (58% in females and 52% in males), whereas under a third of bowel cancers in non-Māori are diagnosed before the same age (27% in females and 29% in males).
- Māori are much more likely to be diagnosed with stage 4 (terminal) bowel cancer than non-Māori (stage 4 colon cancer 31.6% vs. 22.8%, stage 4 rectal cancer 29.4% vs. 18.1%), meaning at the time of diagnosis, Māori are 1.5-2 times as likely to die from colorectal cancer than non-Māori.
The aim of a screening programme is not purely to reduce the incidence of cancer,
which means ‘in his/her own time and space’. It is important we respect each other’s diversity and take opportunities to explore others’ worlds.
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.
but to detect pre-cancerous change before cancer develops, or detect cancer at an early stage when it is treatable with curative intent.
Thus, for the outcomes of screening to be equitable, Māori MUST be screened at a younger than non-Māori as our colorectal cancer develops at an earlier age, and is diagnosed at a later stage than non-Māori.
In an ideal world, NZ would align with Australia and begin bowel screening for all at age 45, or at least with Canada, USA and UK and begin it at 50.
But until that happens, we MUST screen people according to when science tells us they are most at risk - for Māori that is from age 50, and for non-Māori that is from age 60.
Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled that non-Māori are getting screened earlier, and that non-Māori lives will be saved with this change.
However, Māori (and Pasifika) lives will be lost, and that is simply NOT equitable, and quite frankly, unethical.
Sarah Macdonald Blenheim
Jackie Mealings Blenheim
Chelsea Bryant Blenheim
I love that the Māori word for autism is ‘Takiwātanga’
tamariki
Making playful use of public spaces
Encouraging people to be more playful and giving public spaces more playability is Lesley McIntosh’s responsibility.
She is Council’s Play Advocate, a new role funded by Sport New Zealand for two years, to make play a possibility everywhere. She is one of 18 play advocates around the country.
Play encourages the whole community to participate, improves social and cultural connectivity, creates economic opportunities and increases environmental awareness.
“We’re talking about not isolating play to small areas or playgrounds,” said Lesley.
“This is about making more spaces playable - for example if we’re redesigning a footpath outside a school or upgrading a streetscape let’s look for the accessibility and play opportunities. It may be something as simple as a seat that can be utilised for play or a picnic table that you can play ping pong on.”
“Increasing playability
could involve talking to the landscaping team and making use of trees they are cutting down or planting grassy areas with wildflowers. The possibilities are only limited by our imagination.”
Lesley said play was a right for all children but was intergenerational and making it an opportunity in open spaces served the whole community.
“I’ll be advocating for play in the wider aspects and looking at how it links - it’s about thinking outside the square,” she said.
Lesley will look at areas in Marlborough that could benefit from having play incorporated including waterways, streets and parks while acknowledging those areas which already have play facilities.
“I’ll be ensuring the lens is put on everything to see how the whole community can benefit,” she said. “Play is an emotional currency and there is a knockon impact on our wellbeing.”
Lesley was previously General Manager at Sport Tasman.
Celebrating Our People, Our Past this May
The Marlborough Heritage Festival promises a four-day celebration of the people, places and stories that have shaped our region.
Events take place from 15 to 18 May providing an opportunity for communities to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways, Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said.
“From guided walks, cemetery tours, museum exhibitions and thought-provoking talks by guest speakers, the festival will showcase a diverse range of experiences. It finishes on International Museum Day giving the perfect chance for people to visit one of Marlborough’s museums to uncover the treasures in their collections,” she said.
Participating museums include the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre
which opens in April, Edwin Fox Museum, Havelock Museum, Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum, Renwick Museum, Te Kahu o Waipuna, Vintage Car Club, Marlborough Museum and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
The festival events are organised by community groups and heritage organisations with coordination provided by Heritage Marlborough. It includes a Heritage Marlborough Children’s Scavenger Hunt in Blenheim’s CBD all weekend, from 16 to 18 May.
Marlborough’s museums and heritage organisations were mostly volunteer led so the Marlborough Heritage Festival was a great chance to show appreciation for the passionate and dedicated volunteers who preserve our history and
Tendo exchange students in town
Four students and a teacher from Marlborough’s Japanese sister city enjoyed the sights of Marlborough over seven days in March.
The group was hosted by families from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges and spent time at school, visited the Marlborough Sounds with the Marlborough Tour Company, got up close to sheep at Meadowbank farm and tasted chocolate treats at Makana Confections. A welcome dinner at Dodson Street beer garden capped off some fun times.
Council’s Democratic Services Manager Mike Porter said the visit was likely the last by an exchange group to Marlborough due to rising costs although Tendo was keen for the programme to continue online. Tendo is in Yamagata prefecture
help keep it alive, Museum Coordinator Sophie Wool said.
“We hope it will be a great success, and that people will make the most of the diverse programme that has been put together. Our vision is for the festival to continue growing, offering a wide range of events that engage people from all corners of the region. Mark it in your calendar now and be part of this journey through Marlborough’s history,” she said.
A full schedule of events will be published soon. Register here www.eventfinda.co.nz/user/ heritagel8x/events
in the northern part of the main island of Japan. Marlborough’s Sister City agreement with the city was signed in 1989.
“Since that date there have been many exchange visits, including both city governments for the signing of the Sister Agreement as well as social groups and by special interest groups such as farming and fruit growing
New cycleway to close briefly
Part of Renwick’s bike trail closes tomorrow until 11 April. The closure is needed so river maintenance work can be carried out.
The part of the cycleway affected runs between the garlic factory at Old Renwick Road and the start of the Upper Ōpaoa stopbank. As the path runs close to the river and borders private property,
there is no safe detour available so a full closure is needed.
One of the final sections to be completed was a 6.5km trail linking Allan Scott Winery in Jacksons Rd to Renwick using off-road routes and it is that part which will be closed.
The bike trail was officially opened by Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor last month.
co-operatives,” Mr Porter said.
The Japanese style garden in Harling Park, which opened in 2005, was initiated and designed by an architect from Tendo.
“Over the years very generous gifts of money from Tendo have helped fund the garden as well as countless hours by local volunteers and reserve funds from the Sister City account,” he said.
The 20km trail around Renwick takes in some of Marlborough’s most popular wineries and cellar doors and improved safety by taking cyclists off busy roads. While some of the trail is near roads, much is on the edge of vineyards and on river stopbanks and its development was possible with the help of landowners and wineries.
Be more playful in public spaces says Play Advocate Lesley McIntosh
The recent exchange group from Marlborough’s sister city Tendo pictured with Mayor Nadine Taylor and Councillor Sally Arbuckle (far right), Councillor Jonathan Rosene (second from left) and Marlborough Boys’ College interpreter Leon Edsall
one with the Sun
Scarlett’s dream of gold one on
Springlands School student Scarlett Clemmett-Jones has an amazing opportunity to represent Marlborough and New Zealand in July at the 28th World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Chris Valli caught up with Scarlett and mum Allison, and the chance to rub shoulders with the performing arts community.
Springlands School student Scarlett Clemmet-Jones likes to perform.
“I feel good,” she says, when asked how the arts and performing makes her feel. “I’m in front of people and when I see them happy that makes me happy.”
“Sometimes when I get nervous I just do this”…..she performs a lip trill, gently blowing air through her lips. “It’s from High School Musical,” she says. Her elocution reiterates her attention to detail and word association with clear vowels and consonants combining beautifully.
In a region where performing arts continues to push above its weight across dance, singing and acting mediums, Scarlett has networking and skilled personnel at her disposal.
Scarlett is determined in 2025 to do New Zealand, Blenheim and herself proud with the bright lights of Hollywood beckoning.
The ten year-old and family received an email in January to congratulate her on her acceptance as a team member to represent New Zealand at the 28th annual World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in July this year.
Known affectionately as the Black Stars, they are New Zealand’s international performing arts team and are non-funded. In 2024, then Year 8 Seddon School student Claudia Richmond also auditioned and was selected to represent New Zealand at the event.
The international competition is often cited as the official Talent Olympics for aspiring performers and entertainers. Highlights include a Parade of Nations, a Worldstars boot camp and a global webcast where the Grand Champions of the World will be selected. One of the benefits of the competition is industry standard
coaching to help her develop and hone skills.
“I’m feeling fantabidocious (obviously a Mary Poppins fan) about going to America. I love to compete.”
She will be entering four categories: dramatic, classical, comical, and contemporary, all of which must be one minute in duration. There are three rounds over three days, competing against 70 other countries.
Scarlett spends hours practising weekly and gets up every morning, spending an hour on her monologues, breaking down scripts, emotions and meaning behind the words – until she gets it “perfect”.
“There are so many opportunities here in Marlborough”
The Year 6 student has studied drama and singing since the age of four and piano since she was six in the UK. Since moving here in November 2022, she has been involved with Marlborough’s Children Youth Theatre and StageLab’s performing arts classes directed by Rose Platenkamp, performing Sayonara in the StageLab show, ‘Eat like a child’ last year. She also sang for the Marlborough Primary Choir Festival as Rapunzel from Tangled in 2024.
“There are so many opportunities here in Marlborough,” says Mum Allison. “If there are any opportunities for Scarlett we encourage her, not that she needs much of that.”
She also performed a seven-minute solo monologue, ‘The Lunchbox
auction’ at the One Act Play at the Boathouse Theatre. Adding to that, she has won her school talent show twice for singing and acting, and awards in the Marlborough Performing Arts Competitions.
For Scarlett to get to Los Angeles and the unique opportunity, it will cost her approximately $20,000. A fundraiser for Scar-
lett was held at the Woodbourne Tavern on March 30 with other fundraising dates on Saturday, April 5 and April 12 with a good old sausage sizzle at Mitre 10.
Scarlett, Allison and Dad Sean leave on July 14 for two weeks with the red of Marlborough and the silver fern of Aotearoa New Zealand in her tool box.
Allison says they are grateful
for the generous supporters who have donated items for fundraising including the likes of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Ritual Café and the Woodbourne Tavern. If Blenheim Sun readers would like to donate to Scarlett’s trip, email is NZBlackStarScarlett25@gmail.com and there is link at https://gofund.me/ ae0eec7d
Scarlett singing at the 2024 Marlborough Primary Choir Festival as Rapunzel from Tangled. The Year 6 Springlands student is representing New Zealand at the 28th annual World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in July. Photo: Chris Valli
Scarlett performing ‘Ariel’ from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Scarlett entered the regional SGCNZ competition as a guest, as she was under age, for the last two years and took part in the non-competitive grade.
ANZAC Concert commemorates
New Zealand’s Greatest Day
Marlborough District Brass Band will be commemorating the liberation of the small French town Le Quesnoy (pronounced La Keenwa) at their 2025 ANZAC Concert on Saturday 12th April at ASB Theatre.
Le Quesnoy was an old fortress town occupying a strategic position in northeastern France. It had been in German hands since 1914, and there were several thousand German troops still in the town when it was captured by the New Zealanders in 1918.
Surrounded by complex layers of walls and moats, getting close enough to find a way to possibly scale the huge innermost ramparts of Le Quesnoy was never going to be easy for the New Zealand soldiers.
The walls of Le Quesnoy could have been quickly reduced to rubble by heavy artillery, but that was not to be the plan. To ensure the least amount of damage to the town, and potential loss of residents’ lives, the day dawned with the New Zealand soldiers firing 500 flaming oil drums onto the ramparts of the western walls to create a thick smoke screen which allowed the New Zealanders some cover from the German forces.
The New Zealanders moved closer to the innermost wall of the town during the morning, but soon realised their ladders would were going to be too short to scale the huge, final 13-metre sheer brick wall.
A group of men got close enough to the wall to identify one place that offered a chance. Here, a narrow ledge higher up from the moat floor, meant a ladder might possibly be placed to reach the top of the wall. At around midday, a group of soldiers got close enough to the inner wall to attempt placing four long ladders against the ramparts to scale the walls. The Germans, however, fought back from above, and only one of the ladders survived the onslaught.
When a chance presented itself the last ladder was set up on the narrow ledge. Under the cover of intense rifle fire they climbed the ladder and were quickly over the top and into the town. After exchanging shots with fleeing Germans, the New Zealanders entered the town – some up this same ladder and very soon after, many others through different entry points in the town. Some 2,000 German soldiers surrendered and the 1,600 French occupants in the town were liberated from a four year siege without the loss of a
History from the Grave
By Chris Valli
A fascinating new book, History from the Grave, by historian Don Auckram, delves into the lives of those buried in the old Havelock Cemetery, uncovering the rich and sometimes tragic history of Marlborough’s Pelorus District.
The meticulously researched 430-page hardback book, features 167 photographs, 12 maps, 10 genealogy charts and six historical recipes, bringing the past to life in an engaging and accessible way. History from the Grave is a trib-
ute to the pioneers, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who built the foundations of the Pelorus District. Their stories, once hidden beneath the headstones, are now brought to life in the remarkable historical collection.
Don has dedicated three years to uncovering the stories of the 675 burial plots in the old section of the Havelock Cemetery, crafting a vivid portrait of the region from 1857 to 1920. The book introduces readers to an array of remarkable figures, from intrepid pioneers and visionary entrepreneurs to
single civilian life. The people of Le Quesnoy were overjoyed and came out from hiding to excitedly greet their liberators. Cheering, they embraced them, offered food, and showered them with autumn flowers, before they patriotically flew the French Tricolour flag from their buildings.
Armistice Day came just one week later. The people of Le Quesnoy have maintained a strong affinity with New Zealand ever since and the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata was opened 11 October 2023, in Le Quesnoy. It
tells the unique story of a liberation by ladder, while also honouring all New Zealanders who fought in Europe in WWI.
[https://nzmmtlq.nz/the-le-quesnoy-story/]
The Band, currently the Australian National B Grade Champion Brass Band, will perform a major work entitled Liberation of Le Quesnoy which was written by New Zealand composer Dwayne Bloomfield for the centenary of the liberation of Le Quesnoy in 2018.
The programme will include items by local songster Iona Panoho,
the Marlborough Choral Society singers, and Christchurch based tenor David Moseley, as well as solos by local man Graham Moseley on soprano cornet, and Wellington based Clynton Payne on tenor horn. From commemorating New Zealand’s greatest single contribution in WW2, to favourite tunes from the era such as 633 Squadron, American Patrol, and Bless ‘em All, this concert is sure to be a memorable and moving event. Tickets are available now from www.asbtheatre.com or from the Theatre ticket office.
resilient women and notorious characters.
Don has been a family historian for 40 years, with deep personal ties to the Havelock region. His ancestors, including his great-grandparents, are buried in the old Havelock Cemetery, and his research is fuelled by a passion for preserving the stories of the past.
Among the captivating stories included is John Wilson, the first European settler in the Pelorus District, who sparked the 1864 Wakamarina Gold Rush. Another
is on William Ross Brownlee, known as the ‘King of Sawmillers,’ who led the industry for over 50 years, constructing tramlines and operating multiple sawmills.
Other stories feature John Bown, a gold miner turned farmer, who cleared over 800 acres and became the ‘King of Pelorus Valley’ while there is a great yarn on Henry Godsiff, an innovative farmer-turned-entrepreneur with ventures in varnishes.
The book also details key historical moments, including the arrival of the first settlers, the found-
ing and growth of the Havelock township, the establishment of early hotels, the challenges faced by Taranaki refugee families, and the impact of gold rushes and sawmilling on the region’s development.
The book launch and cemetery tour dates are as follows; Blenheim Paper Plus, May 15, Picton Museum, May 16, Havelock Museum, May 17 and Havelock Cemetery Tours , May 17, led by Don exploring the cemetery’s history and its significance in New Zealand’s past.
Local singer Iona Panoho will be performing with the band at the 2025 ANZAC Concert, as will Graham Moseley pictured in the foreground at a recent band rehearsal with (from left) Kevin Moseley, Mark Jackson, Luke Riley, Jillian Rooney, and Benjamin Corban.
Ferry decision welcomed
By Chris Valli
Confirmation for two new rail ferries to enter service in 2029 is a significant step forward, according to Port Marlborough.
Minister for Rail, Winston Peters announced on Monday the plan for two new rail ferries to enter Cook Strait service. The new ferries will be approximately 200m in length and 28m wide. Each will have capacity for 1,500 passengers and 2.4km of lanes for cars, trucks and 40 rail wagons. Rhys Welbourn, Chief Executive of Port Marlborough says it is a significant step forward in progressing a solution for Cook Strait that serves the whole country.
“Now we have certainty over the type of ferries that will arrive, we can progress with detailed design and commercial negotiations to ensure we have the right infrastructure that meets the needs of our customers, supports
our community, and protects the unique environment we operate in,” he says.
Following the cancellation of the iReX project, Port Marlborough has collaborated with the government to develop options that ensured a resilient and future-proofed Cook Strait connection. Port Marlborough’s strategic approach is focused on sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term regional prosperity and national connection.
The Cook Strait ferry connection is essential to New Zealand’s transport network, enabling the movement of more than one million passengers, three million lane metres of freight (equivalent to around 500,000 TEU), and 400,000 private vehicles each year between the North and South Islands.
Minister Peters says the marine infrastructure in Picton requires replacement and will be replaced, while the Wellington infrastruc-
ture “has life left in it” and will be modified and re-used. The ferries will include rail decks.
Meanwhile, Mayor Nadine Taylor says it is welcome news to finally understand the scope and nature of the new ferries.
“It gives us greater certainty around what needs to be designed and delivered so we can have the conversations we need to with our community,” Mayor Taylor says. “This decision gives Port Marlborough the certainty it needs to move forward with detailed design to further refine the new port infrastructure requirements and its associated costs. We look forward to continuing the work with Government, KiwiRail and NZTA to ensure all facets of the project deliver the best outcome for the country and Marlborough.”
Mayor Taylor says the MDC had consistently made representation to Government of the need to invest in the safety and resilience
customers and protects the unique environment they operate in.
of this critical national transport connection for the long term.
We have a shared objective of an inter-island ferry service which serves people and shifts goods in a safe, reliable and
Ripcord - not to be missed!
By Chris Valli Marlborough
Repertory’s Ripcord is a wonderful insight into human behaviour, notwithstanding the realm of emotions we all encounter in this thing called life.
Indeed, the Boathouse Theatre’s first instalment of 2025, directed by Rose Platenkamp, is worth the wait with a cast and crew primed for a receptive Blenheim audience to not only respond to an engaging script but the poignancy and empathy the play endures throughout.
Ripcord is written by American playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and is set in a Senior Living Facility, where the warring women are Abby and Marilyn – brilliantly embodied in this repertory production by
Christine Smith and Pam Logan.
Abby is a quiet, curmudgeonly type who likes to read books on her iPad and avoids communal activities. She’s lived at the facility for four years in a twobed room and doesn’t want to share with anyone – least of all effervescent new arrival Marilyn, whose incessant chatter and joie de vivre immediately fluff Abby’s perfectly coiffed aura. Abby shows a defiance throughout and unwillingness to engage in all matters of small conversation with aplomb.
Christine’s disposition is credible and triggers memories of grandmothers from days past who were gruff on the exterior yet intrinsically perhaps just wanted validation and to be listened to. Her performance is a credit to her homework and application.
Meanwhile, Marilyn’s cheery demeanour is a reminder that somewhere, somehow, it matters to be present and supportive, no matter what life throws at us. Pam is delightful and as ‘someone who was wearing the other boot (from director to actor) shows that at 83 – who am I kidding – heck, at any age, vulnerability is a strength in all shapes and sizes. The Boathouse Theatre Life Member did good – bloody good.
The cast for Ripcord brings a collective potpourri of repertory talent from Michael and Debbie Cox (Derek and Coleen) to Jared Wadsworth (Scotty) and Abi Balasoglou (Louise/Hannah). All four brought a fresh dynamic to the synopsis of the backstory and showcased their natural aptitude and abilities.
There are some priceless co-
medic moments from Marilyn hanging from the back of the bathroom door waiting to scare Abby to the wonderful depiction of sky diving and the interlay of gravity, air resistance and quite frankly, facial expressions which are worth the admission price of three Boathouse icecreams at interval alone.
The set is a credit to the team including Karen Dick who transports the audience with seamless transitions from the vaudevillian-style ‘Spook House’ – the electrocution scene is fabulous – to the senior bedroom and ‘bet’ between Abby and Marilyn where recliners moving forward illustrates a country-western saloon showdown. The musical interludes between scenes are a nice technical touch.
Indeed, the show will resonate
affordable manner.”
Blenheim Sun readers can find out more about the announcement at www.beehive.govt.nz/ release/rail-ferries-and-straightforward-infrastructure
with Blenheim’s older demographic with themes of aging and the realm of emotions we all encounter. That it’s okay to be stubborn, angry, disappointed or scared where ultimately, the key message is to not give up on people, especially those near and dear to us. In a world which has lost its ‘humanness’ with screens and devices consuming us all, that’s a poignant message – to indeed be kind and human. Ripcord is a reminder that, whatever we do in life, be kind and don’t sweat the small stuff. And as a line from the show suggests, “Sometimes in life, one has to slow one’s self down and have a look around”.
Ripcord opens tonight, April 2 with ten shows running through to Saturday, April 12, including a matinee on Sunday, April 6 at 4pm. Do not miss this!
Rhys Welbourn, Chief Executive of Port Marlborough says they can now progress with detailed design and commercial negotiations to ensure they have the right infrastructure that meets the needs of their
Advocating for people 50 +
Say hello to our new President, Bronwyn Mogridge
Greetings
Swan
Mogridge
My
For starters, everyone calls me Bron and I am honoured, excited and a bit nervous to be the new President of Marlborough Grey Power. I would like to begin by acknowledging the incredible work Gayle has done for the past four years. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am committed to building on the solid foundation that Gayle has created. I hope to bring my own perspective and ideas to the role whilst striving for the same level of excellence.
Working with a great team makes all the difference to any leadership role and I am lucky to be able to draw on the strengths of the committee – Annie, Murray, Gayle, Graham,
Grey Power Marlborough Committee for 2025
Robyn and Stan. Tamara and Paula, our wonderful office staff, are the friendly faces you see when you enter the office. They are always ready to assist members with any questions, provide guidance and help resolve any concerns.
A little bit about me - I am originally from Western Australia but have called Blenheim home for the past 40 years. While I still have family in Australia and think of it as ‘home’, I am deeply rooted here. I have two children, three grandchildren (with a fourth on the way) who all live in the South Island.
Retired now, my professional background is in education and adminis-
Tēnā koutou katoa No Australia ahau Ko Swan te awa Ko Mogridge Tōku whanau Ko Bron Tōku ingoa
tration. I originally trained as a high school teacher in the days of shorthand and typewriters in Western Australia. I have spent many years working at the local polytechnic and more recently teaching, facilitating, writing and creating resources for business administration courses online.
In my free time I enjoy playing mahjong (always up for a game), participating in a book group, tending to my garden and trying to keep fit by splashing around in aqua-fitness classes at the pool.
I am truly excited to connect with members and work together to achieve our shared goals. If you would like to meet for a coffee and chat, I’d love to
hear from you. Let’s brew some great Grey Power ideas together!
Many thanks, ngā mihi.
Bron Mogridge
Left to right: Graeme Faulkner (Secretary), Murray South (Treasurer), Annie Percy (Vice President), Robyn Blackburn (committee member), Bron Mogridge (President), Gayle Chambers (committee member), Stan Beavon (committee member).
Advocating for people 50 +
Managing long-term joint pain
On the 20th of February I attended the Grey Power Marlborough Seminar which focused on pain relief. As I am currently suffering from long-term pain, I thought this would be quite useful for me, and I was right, so I thought I would share my learnings.
First of all, it was made clear that pain medications should not be the only way to deal with pain.
Exercise was first cab off the rank. When we are in pain we tend to shy away from doing anything that may aggravate it, but having completed a 10-week physiotherapy course, I now know that you need to assess your level of pain when you are exercising or stretching. A pain level of 3-5, even though uncomfortable, is not going to hurt you. Anything above that is your body telling you that you are pushing your body too hard and it could have a negative effect. Exercise strengthens the muscles around painful joints, which in turn, supports the joint. Any form of exercise is beneficial. It could be going to “Sit and be Fit” classes, exercising in water, or walking to the letterbox and back; anything to keep your joints warm and mobile.
Diet. Ensure that you have a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. This is not to say you cannot treat yourself, but be aware
of the amount you are eating (especially treats) vs your level of exercise.
Fluid. Water is the best fluid you can drink, and as we age we need it even more. Water keeps our bodies hydrated like no other form of liquid and is essential for keeping our muscles and joints lubricated. I know it can be difficult to drink large amounts of water for some people. I myself use a sipper bottle, and then I have a gauge of how much water I have consumed in a day. Taking large sips often will not make you feel bloated and you will be amazed how much your intake is at the end of the day.
Pain Killers are very useful for managing our pain, but we need to be aware of what we are taking and the long term effects. As the WHO Pain Ladder diagram shows, the choice is vast so always get professional advice.
CONTEST
Don’t miss the chance to win in this month’s competition.
A FREE HOUR OF GARDENING!
Thanks to Sheldon Gorter for donating this fabulous prize. Simply unscramble the letters below for the name of his lawn and garden business and you’re in the draw.
A G I E P M
Email your answer with your name and address to office@greypowermarlborough.co.nz or drop your answer into our office. This competition closes on the 15 April and is open to Grey Power members only.
Office Snippets
• Subscription renewal notices have been emailed or posted out. Please check your Spam/Junk folder for emailed invoices. Please get in touch with the office if you have not received one.
• Thank you to all who have paid their renewal subscriptions already. There are thousands of members trying to renew their subscriptions, both in person and online at the moment. Please be kind and patient and we will get to everyone.
• Payments can be made by online banking, or eftpos and cash are available at the office. Sorry, no credit cards or payment by telephone.
• We are trialling a new system this year: if you pay online and have an email address, you will receive an emailed receipt as proof of membership. Should you wish to have a membership card and /or Discount Book, these are available to be collected from the office. If
We encourage you to look through your Discount Book, there are some great savings to be had. Each month we would like to acknowledge the support shown to our members by some of the businesses.
• 100% Herkt Appliances
• Abernethy Pest Control
• Access Mobility
Whanau Hou
Lagoon, Sunday 13 12pm
Blenheim at CrossSt., Saturday
you cannot get to the office, please get in touch and we will post/ deliver them out.
• Be aware, the police have advised that there are a number of fake ‘firewood for sale’ accounts operating on social media. The Firewood Company is advertising in our Discount Book, their telephone number is 027 930 5447.
• Blenheim Petanque Club welcome new members. Go along to the club at 65A Weld St, Blenheim. Open Wednesdays 1-3pm, Sundays 10am – 12 noon. Phone Russell, Club Captain, on 03 579 1952 if you have any questions.
• The next committee meeting will be held on Monday 21 April at 10am, at the meeting rooms in the Marlborough Community Centre (same building as the Grey Power office). All welcome.
• Just a reminder that Office opening hours are 9am – 1pm, Monday to Friday, Ph: 03 578 4950.
• Age Concern Marlborough
• Alba Day Spa
• Ankit Sharma
• Arizto Real Estate
• Aotea Electric Marlborough
• Appliance Technical Solutions
• Artisan Memorials
• Atopsis Skincare
26 April, 9am– 12pm
• Digital Safety Seminar for Seniors, Blenheim Library, Te Kahu o Waipuna, Tuesday 29 April, 10am – 12noon
Hazel Soan’s ‘Racing Colours’. Hazel will be holding workshops at Marlborough Art Society during the week of 30th April to 6th May and giving a live demonstration on Friday 2nd May.
Watercolourists descend on Marlborough
Marlborough will play host to a national artful occasion in May 2025. Watercolour New Zealand is celebrating their 50th year with a number of events countrywide throughout the year.... but perhaps the biggest will be in our fair town!
Watercolour NZ is a national society dedicated to promoting and fostering interest in this art medium. Many people will have used watercolour paints at some point in their lives, but the members of this Society are dedicated to improving their skills and showing the results across the country. Over 100 dedicated Watercolourists will arrive in Blenheim from 30th April and will be painting up a storm (hopefully not
literally!) across the district.
Branded ‘Watermark’, the event will reach a crescendo in that week of 30th April to 6th May with:
• Splash 50, Watercolour NZ’s National exhibition at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery from Friday, 18 April - Monday, 5 May and featuring English painter Hazel Soan as the guest artist.
• A Watercolour NZ ‘Paintaway’ weekend where watercolourists from throughout the country invade a town for 4 days painting up watercolour magic, with attendant social occasions and a pop-up gallery.
• Workshops in the MAS studio with Ha-
zel Soan, the internationally acclaimed watercolourist and author of more than fifteen books on the subject.
• A two-day workshop Marlborough Magic with Jacky Pearson, a leading NZ painter and popular teacher who has been at the forefront of watercolour inspiration for her students for many years.
• A one-day workshop Marlborough Landforms with Charlotte Hird, a Wellington based artist with serious design credentials who is blazing a trail both nationally and now in Japan.
• An evening live demonstration with Hazel Soan on Friday 2nd May.
• A plein air painting competi tion on Saturday 3rd May.
• A Gala Dinner at Wither Hills Winery.
The Exhibition is free to the public to view, and while some of the events are already fully booked by Society Members, there are opportunities to attend Hazel Soan’s demonstration, and to see the competition results after Saturday 3rd May, again at the MAS gallery. You are, of course, welcome to stop and see the visiting painters painting ‘en plein air’ (out doors), at multiple locations throughout the district. A good spot to see them painting autumn colour might be the Taylor Dam, or in Pollard Park, or near local vineyards. Painters love to talk about their paintings! Marlborough has been selected by WNZ
for this premium art event due to its central location, stunning scenery, and great autumn weather. Of course, one of the key features of the Marlborough Art scene is the outstanding facility and organisation we have in the Marlborough Art Society, who are hosting this event with Watercolour NZ. Recent WNZ Paintaways have been held in Whangarei, Lake Brunner, Feilding, and Kaikoura. Next, after Blenheim, is Stratford, but the members have been especially keen to visit Marlborough. We are looking forward to hosting them!
Jacky Pearson, a leading NZ painter and popular teacher who has been at the forefront of watercolour inspiration for her students for many years will be holding a two-day workshop Marlborough Magic during the week of 30th April to 6th May.
Brian Baxter’s watercolour of Rarangi Beach.
‘Marlborough Autumn 1 - Mt Royal’ painted by Marlborough’s Pete James.
Marlborough
By Monique Steele - Radio NZ
Marlborough’s wine sector wants its water supply to be exempt from chlorination to protect wine production in the home of Sauvignon Blanc, and warns water reticulation rules will affect the wider industry.
New Zealand’s public water supplies are required to use residual disinfection, most commonly chlorine, unless an exemption is sought from regulator the Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai.
Chlorine is used in drinking water supplies to kill pathogens that may enter the water after treatment to keep drinking water safe for consumption.
Five out of seven of Marlborough’s water supplies are chlorinated, with the one remaining in Blenheim set to be chlorinated when two dosing plants are constructed by late July.
The other remaining was the Riverlands and Cloudy Bay Industrial Estates, an area which was home to around 10 wineries and vineyards, and 30 homes.
In wine production, even small amounts of chlorine used to clean wine tanks, for example, could taint
Wine Marlborough fights water chlorination
the wine by reacting with a specific fungus, causing a corked effect that impacts smell and flavour.
Wine Marlborough, also known as the Marlborough Winegrowers Association, presented the risks it said chlorination posed to the wine industry to the Marlborough District Council and Taumata Arowai in December.
Submissions were heard recently on the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, the third part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
Wine Marlborough advocacy manager Ruth Berry told the Finance and Expenditure subcommittee water reticulation posed significant risks to the wine industry.
“Residual disinfection in the reticulated water supply, which is achieved through chlorination, poses a significant risk to more than 50 percent of New Zealand’s wine production,” Berry said.
“To put that in some context, that represents approximately $1.2 billion in export earnings per annum, and a significant portion of the $290 million paid in wine excise per annum.
“We consider that the impact and cost of compliance with the residual disinfection requirements is disproportionate to the scale, complexity and risk profile of what is essentially an industrial water supply with very few residential households.”
Berry says vineyards were unable to get around the chlorination by using private supplies, as others could.
“It’s specific here in that we have such a concentration of wineries in one place,” she says.
“Most [other] wineries are in a rural location, and they’re able to sink a bore or something similar and excess unchlorinated water. That’s not an option for us because there isn’t a suitable groundwater source available.
“And even if we could use the groundwater that was there, it’s over allocated by the Council already, so it’s just not an option for us to tap into it.”
Taumata Arowai has not yet received an exemption application from Wine Marlborough or the Marlborough District Council. The regulator had previously
Marlborough winemakers are working with the district council to seek exemption for water chlorination at one site serving 10 vineyards and 30 homes.
rejected exemption applications from the Christchurch City Council and Waimakariri District Council among others.
However, applications were successful at more than 680 Department of Conservation sites where it was unpractical to treat water and
carry out regular testing, and at the Rakaia Huts in the Selwyn district. Marlborough’s wine sector has grown by 300 percent since 2000. It produces about 80 percent of the country’s wine exports and employs 20 percent of the jobs in the region.
eth, hale, halt, ham, HAMLET, lathe, hat, hate, heal, heat, helm, hem, lam, lame, lat,
ahem, ale, ate, eat, elm, eta,
Prime Minister visit – Cuddon Freeze Dry
Prime Minister Chris Luxon was in blenheim last thursday meeting with local wineries and with Cuddon Limited.
Photos: Chris Valli
Footloose rehearsals – Blenheim Musical Theatre the opening night of Footloose is six weeks away on Wednesday, May 14. Cast and
and
FRAMING THE ECONOMY: Cam talks to Chris Luxon about his role.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon discusses dimensions with Cuddon Chief Executive Terry Duff. Looking on is Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith. Engineer Tristan Sean Gregory-Hunt in work mode. The power of dance…
crew are in full swing with rehearsals with wardrobe
set crew working tirelessly behind the scene for the dance musical.
Elly Molloy, choreographer with Claudia Mark (Ariel).
HANDSHAKES: Prime Minister Chris Luxon chats to Cuddon employee and fabrication engineer Dylan Macdonald-Pedersen about heat plates. Cuddon employees Cody Packham and Cam Alderlieste on the tools.
Cats on laps
Vets and volunteers are doing a fantastic job, let down by all councillors. It’s time they got there act together
School lunches
Yesterday’s news now, and as it turns out, there seems to have been a pretty good job made of this, albeit with some teething problems, which any reasonable person would expect.
Re: reply to Disappointed
The original message was a ‘request’ for evidence ‘justifying’ poisoning our drinking water. That aside, MDC knows there will be evidence from the impact of chlorinating source waters used by our vital wine industries which will directly undermine our local economy. Riverland source waters have high levels of naturally occurring manganese, which will slowly react with the oxygen in hyper-chloride, both tainting the wine and driving up industry costs for then necessary remediations, which may further poison our natural resources. Will these outcomes on natural resources and industry impacts be evidence enough?
Supermarkets
The govt are talking about bringing supermarket competition into NZ to help bring down the cost of living. That’s only one part of the equation. What are they going to do about the stand-over tactics the supermarkets use to get suppliers to drop their prices?
And remember when the supermarkets threatened Sanitarium to make them pull their products out of the Warehouse? Not good.
No place like home
A group of us friends have been frequenting a local bar in town , and we all agree that the service from the staff is second to none, though I do have my own favorite, only because he laughs at my stories.
If asked we would certainly recommend this establishment to others for their good homely food, drinks selection, and again, fantastic service.
Petition against chlorinated water
People of Blenhiem, if you are against the forced, non-democratic chlorination of our pristine spring sourced town water supply, please take this opportunity and sign our online petition against chlorination of our Blenhiem drinking water at MCM.ORG.NZ
Confused
Meeting a friend off the morning Intercity bus from Christchurch on Wednesday I was disappointed with the lack of knowledge the staff seemed to have regarding the timetables or whether the bus had arrived or not.
It was over half an hour late getting in.
Google first said there was only 1 bus that day (afternoon) then it showed it had arrived at 12.20 yet scheduled arrival time was 1.10pm. Traffic problems had slowed its arrival past the departure of the return trip to Christchurch at 1.45pm. Staff should have been able to give more accurate information I feel.
Bird canons
I’m home sick today.
Do you think I can get any rest with the noise coming from all the new vineyard neighbours?
Bird cannons going off from before sunrise till well after sunset every single day from January to harvest. Some of them are loud enough to feel!
Why can’t they just net the grapes, like in Waipara?
Certainly makes me less and less likely to pick wine as my alcohol of choice, ever.
Best water
Why are our councillors in Blenheim so afraid to say no. We have the best water in the world here in Blenheim.
School lunches
You are the parent you feed them. I suppose grandad and grandma feed them in school holidays. Self responsibility.
Oh dear me
Winston - you’ve put a bit of a target on your back, and good on you. But these aren’t the days of the Winebox. Reason and logic have taken a second seat to other agendas. Could it be because you stopped their funding? Winston?
Re: Water Chlorination
Even though The Water Services Act was mandated it does not mean that there is no choice. There is always a choice.
I question the right of central government to threaten councils with draconian and authoritarian overreach impositions when councils just do their job of representing the interests of those who elected them! Nothing will change if we/council do not stand up courageously for what is right and democratic!
Great service
A big thank you to 100% Herkt Home Appliances, Blenheim. Great, friendly, helpful, efficient service in supplying a kitchen appliance. They had the product on display and a boxed one for pick up within a day. Unlike the other 3 major appliance stores here in Blenheim.
Re: Four year term.
Three polls in a row show this coalition government would lose an election. Voters are turning away from the current chaotic lot. No surprise, the PM’s low approval rating, services cut, cost of living out of control. This one term government will show voters have no appetite for right wing ideology.
Chlorine & Fluoride: A breach
NZ Bill of Rights, Article 11, ‘Right to refuse to undergo medical treatment’.
Adding chlorine and fluoride to Blenheim water would breach Article 11.
Talk of the week
Thanks Pak’nSave
A big thumbs up to Mark & Andrea @ Pak’nSave for their generosity and support of the local Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s group.
Helpful service
Recently I rang our Marlborough District Council office with a query. The woman who took my call was so helpful and helped me over the phone to the page I needed on their website and to navigate answering the questions before I sent it off. So helpful and pleasant to deal with. Thank you. I am sorry I didn’t catch your name to mention you personally.
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.
Against water additives
We are totally against chlorine and flouride in our pure drinking water. Does the government think our missing teeth will grow again?
Covidism again
Government mandate, vaccinate, flourinate, chlorinate. This is a serious mental illness action from government and councils. What next? Arsenic? We know why government closed most mental institutions, they are all barking mad.
Providing quality care and education for children aged 3 months - 5 years, Omaka is a space for children to grow, explore and flourish as unique individuals, through a child-led, nature play based environment, where children are given the wings to fly.
Sun The 19
Thursday
Marlborough Camera Club
- meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month at St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rd at 7pm. Workshops are held on the 4th Thursday of the month. Everybody with an interest in photography welcome.
Cancer Society Marlborough Ladies Support Group
- Coffee and connecting. Peer support for women partners of men living with cancer. Every 3rd Thursday of the Month
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Cancer Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road. Next meeting April 24th.
Marlborough Museum
- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.
Picton Poets
- 4th Thursday of the month, 10.30-11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone Lyn 021 129 4342. Next meeting April 24th.
Keep U Moving
- Gentle indoor walking exercise for seniors. 11.30am12.30pm $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz
Older Persons Seminar
– Held 4th Thursday of each month. $6.00. Contact Donna 027 385 2333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz
Table Tennis Summer Season
- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre. Table Tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at front desk.
Social Badminton Club
- 9am-11.30 Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults welcome. For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348.
Ulysses Retreads Group
-11am at Brayshaw Park every Thursday. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.
Library Book Club
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6.30pm-8pm Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks. Next meeting April 24th.
Picton Library Book Club
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6.30pm-8pm - Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register email pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz. Next meeting April 2nd. Knit and Natter at the Marlborough Library from 10am. Come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each Thursday morning. Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters. No need to register, just turn up on the day. Company Café
– Picton Library 10.30am Thursdays. Pop in and spend a while with us chatting, chilling and relaxing. Tea, coffee and snack provided. Everybody welcome.
Friday
Blenheim Family History Group in PICTON, Fortnightly at Picton Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm Need help with your family history research? Meet members of the Blenheim Family History Group. Contact Helen 0210390106. Upcoming dates April 11th and 25th.
Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery Society
- Brayshaw Heritage Park, open weekdays 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and Saturday mornings. For further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022 039 2460. Link Board games and Puzzles
– Fridays 1pm-4pm Nativity Lounge, Church of the Nativity, 76 Alfred Street. A time of board games and afternoon tea. No strangers here, only friends we have not met. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Transport to and from Link can be arranged if needed ph 5783909
Play and Learn
– Blenheim Library 9am-12pm during term time. No cost. Care-giver led play-based learning for children under 5. Books, toys, games, puzzles and activities available for use.
Saturday
Free Palestine Demonstration
- Every Sat 11am. Flag waving, music. All welcome. Blenheim Railway station near roundabout.
Redwoodtown Market
- 8am-12 noon, Cleghorn St. supporting Marlborough Food Bank. Variety of stalls. Something for everyone.
Marlborough Quilters meeting
- every 2nd Saturday of the month at Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. 10am - 4pm. Learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomers welcome. Liz 0212067382.
Blenheim Chess Club
- Meets at Table Top Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.
Ulysses Club
- Every Saturday, coffee at The Runway Café, Woodbourne, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.
The Blenheim Rotary Club Boot Sale Market
- Saturday mornings 8am till midday. Blenheim Railway Station Car Park.
Marlborough Artesian Craft Market
- Cnr Market Street & High Street, 9:00am - 2:00pm Saturdays. Stallholders include local artisans both casual and regular attendees as well as visitors from around the country. Entertainment area for kids.
Sunday
Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station
– Sunday 6th and 13th April. Train is being hauled by a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www.riversiderailway.nz and Facebook for other information.
Marlborough Museum
- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.
Marlborough Farmers’ Market
- 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.
Picton Rail and Sail
- On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!
Blenheim Bonsai Group
- Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm. Next meet up April 13th.
Marlborough Tennis Club
- 3pm to 5pm, Parker Street. Every Sunday - Social Tennis. Non Members $2. All welcome. Contact 027 578 6436 for information.
Ulysses Social Ride
- Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are weather dependent.
Lego Club
- Picton Library@ 1-4pm. Marlborough Library @10am-4pm, Come along each Sunday afternoon to build a Lego kit in the Library. Each week there is an assortment of kits to choose from to build in a designated area. Everyone is welcome to have a go. This free activity is great fun for the whole family!
Marlborough Vintage Car Club
- 1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome
Monday
Target Rifle Shooting winter season
- Athletic Park Range. Blenheim Club 7pm, cost $10, contact 02102464417.
Table Tennis Summer Season
- Tua Marina Table Tennis, every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per person. Contact Janice 027 422 9095
Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club
- 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.
Rotary Clubs in Blenheim
- Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women – doing great things in your community. For further details phone Kevin on 0211 738 784.
Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club
- Every Monday at 7.00pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Corner Alfred and Henry Street, Blenheim. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Heather 02102587325.
Company Café – p icton Library 10.30am Thursdays. pop in and spend a while with us chatting, chilling and relaxing. Tea, coffee and snack provided. Everybody welcome.
Blenheim Badminton Club
- Every Monday, juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike, email blenheimshuttlers@gmail.com.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club Redwoodtown
- Monday afternoons from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome.
Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295.
Beginners Line Dancing
- Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:00-3:00pm & 6.007.00pm. Come along and enjoy the music, make new friends, have fun and learn to dance. You don’t need a partner. All welcome men, women and children over 12. The first lesson is free for new beginner’s then $7 per class. For information Phone Judith 5787554 or 0212341095.
Tuesday
Target Rifle Shooting winter season
- Athletic Park Range. Blenheim Club 7pm. Services Club 7.30pm, cost $10, contact 0276522640.
Cancer Society Marlborough Blue Brothers Exercise and Comradery
- FREE exercise and peer support. Every Tuesday, 10 am at Stadium 2000 Kinross Street.
Cancer Society Marlborough Breast Cancer Support Group
- Every second Tuesday of the Month 7pm - 8pm, at the Cancer Society Rooms - 76 A Maxwell Road. Blenheim. Peer support and connection in a safe welcoming space. Next meet April 8th.
Marlborough Museum
- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.
Steady As You Go (SAYGO)
- Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz.
Toastmasters Club
- In Blenheim meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm, Community Centre, St Mary’s, 59 Maxwell Road. Friendly group encourage shy people how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Vivienne 021 0544003.
Marlborough Tennis Club
–Social Tennis Parker Street. Every Tuesday 8.30am to midday. Morning Tea at 10am. Non Members $5. All Welcome. Contact 0275786436.
Lions Club of Havelock
- Providing community service in the Pelorus area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock Hotel. Inquiries to Ian Cameron phone 574 2558.
Knitters and Spinners
- Picton Library and Service Centre from 10.30. Bring your morning tea along and current project to work on. Share your ideas, skills or simply enjoy time with fellow creators. There’s no need to book a spot, simply turn up on the day.
Cheeky Monkeys
- Marlborough Library. Join one of our sessions of fun and creativity for children under five years old. Session 1 - 10am to 10.45am or Session 2 - 11am to 11.45am Sessions include stories, songs and simple fun craft. No need to register, just come along and join in.
Picton Line Dancing
- 10-11.30am. Anglican Church Hall $7 per class. Beginners
welcome. Phone Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484. Renwick Arms Country Club, Card Section 1pm Redwood Tavern, Cleghorn Street. Meet and play EUCHRE. Beginners are welcome to learn and play. $7 Ph Christine 0272077631.
Pencil Pals
- meets at Connect, corner of High Street and Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to 3.00pm. Come and join Sydney and Issie to practice your drawing skills and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Sydney 0211568398; Issie 0204668008.
Wednesday
Blenheim Probus Club
– First Wednesday of the month, 10am Lansdown Hub. For retired or semi retirees looking for fun, friendship and fellowship. Ph Anne 5787046, 0226353919. Next meeting April 2nd.
Indoor Bowls
– Every Wednesday 7pm at The Foundry, John Street, until mid September. Equipment and instruction provided. 0223804730 for more information.
Target Rifle Shooting winter season
- Athletic Park Range. Riverside Club 7pm starts Wednesday 26 March, cost $10, contact 021667746. Cancer Society Marlborough Live Stronger
- Women’s Exercise peer support and wellbeing - Exercise classes for women living with cancer. Wednesdays 6pm6:45 pm - Well & Good - 1 Grove Road. Cost $5 members - $10 casual.
Cancer Society Marlborough Stretch & Breathe
- Gentle strength/balance class for seniors. 10-11am, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz. Lions’ Club of Blenheim
- Like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Meet on the1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 942 5004.
Picton Mahjong
- Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, Picton at 1pm. Phone Adrianne 02102591639 or Kaye 0211312331 for more information.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown - 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. Summer timetable starts October. Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights - 7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time. Phone Erin 0272341709. Death Café
- lifting the taboo: share what is on your mind and heart about death and dying in a safe and open environment. Meet every first Wednesday of the month at 7.00 - 8.15pm, at Speights Ale House (separate alcove). For all ages. More info call Joss 035794771 or deathcafe.com Next meeting 02 April.
Picton Scottish Country Dance Group
- 7.30pm at Picton Little Theatre. Beginners welcome. First night free. No partner needed just a pair of soft soled shoes. Phone Lynda on 0212600860 for further information. Marlborough Vintage Car Club -1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome
Cancer Society Marlborough Support Group. Art For Wellbeing - Expressions of interest open for 2025 classes. FREE therapeutic art sessions. For all enquires or to book contact Dallace - Supportive Care Phone - 03 5794379 email dallacel@cancersoc. org.nz
Marlborough Life Education Trust Duck Derby – 11am Pollard Park Sunday 4th May. Ducks on sale early April.
If you have an event email The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz
Reporter
Are you passionate about your local community?
About the role:
Are you a reporter with a passion for news and a desire to tell compelling stories? The Blenheim Sun is seeking an ambitious and adaptable reporter to join our team.
This full-time position will be based in our Blenheim office, where you will write articles and capture photos for our weekly community paper The Blenheim Sun, keeping the Marlborough community connected through lively, local and engaging news and human interest stories every week.
You should have reporting experience or a journalism qualification, along with a strong interest in news and storytelling. You should be enthusiastic about breaking news, covering community events, and able to work efficiently and calmly under pressure to deliver timely stories.
A valid driver’s license is required for this role.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Journalism skills
• The ability to build connections within the community and engage with a diverse range of individuals
• A genuine passion for sharing the stories of the community
• A commitment to fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive workplace
• Be driven to deliver high-quality work
We offer:
• A permanent position with The Blenheim Sun, Marlborough’s favourite newspaper
• A great opportunity to grow your journalism skills and serve your community
• Supportive on-the-job mentoring
• Flexible hours within a 40 hour week - some weekend work from time to time
• Access to Southern Cross medical insurance
About The Blenheim Sun:
We have been publishing in Marlborough for 22 years and have been the region’s favourite community newspaper for most of that time with a broad and loyal readership.
Recently purchased by family owned Allied Press we are now part of a large group of community newspapers covering the South Island.
As part of Allied Press we welcome your ideas and contributions, as they will help us to continue to expand our services and improve our business for our current and future readers.
Join us and be part of an award winning, supportive team that takes pride in delivering quality products for over 160 years.
How to Apply:
If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply via SEEK. Applications will be accepted until 15 April 2025. We will be in touch if you are shortlisted for this opportunity. For more information see our website at alliedpress.co.nz/employment for a full position description, or contact Simon Byrne for a confidential discussion (ph. 021 706 936 em. simon@blenheimsun.co.nz)
Alzheimers Marlborough
THANK YOU
Alzheimers Foundation Marlborough would like to thank the following hole sponsors for their generous support of this year’s Alzheimers Golf Tournament:
Mike Greer Homes Marlborough Smart Harvest Ltd
Summerset Retirement Village TC Nicholls Ltd Totalspan
Enrolments
Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details are available from the school office.
The board has determined that 5 New Entrants and 5 Year 7 or 8 places are likely to be available for out-of-zone students for Term 3 and 4 2025.
The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone.
For students seeking enrolment within this enrolment period, the deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is Monday 28 April 2025 at 3pm. Next year there will be 2 enrolment periods. The first enrolment period is 29 January 2026 to 3 July 2026.
Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during the next year should notify the school by Monday the 28 April 2025 to assist the school to plan for this year.
If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out-of-zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 5 May 2025. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.
Details relating to the next enrolment period are as follows. Length of enrolment period: from 29 January 2026 to 3 July 2026. Deadline for receipt of applications: 20 April 2026. Date of ballot: 27 April 2026.
For queries or enrolment details please email office@rapaura.school.nz
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 closed. Public Holidays - phone us to be advised Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am6pm. Closed on Public Holidays. 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.
Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm
In Memoriam
The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868. Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.
Golf Results
Wairau Valley Golf Club
Death notices
LANG, June Frances:
Passed away peacefully on 22 March 2025, aged 97 years, at Bethsaida Retirement Village in Blenheim - formerly of Rangiora. Dearly loved wife of the late Lester James Lang. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Jeanette and William, Robyn and Mark, Tim and Christine, Andrew and Kay. Devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. June was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Balcairn Cemetery. Our family wishes to acknowledge and thank all the staff at Bethsaida, and Dr. Vicki Samuels, for their exceptional care of June. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
Grapes for sale, good quality Sauvignon Blanc, located Rapaura Rd, Renwick. Approx 30 tonnes. Price negotiable. Phone Fiona, 0279186126.
a Flying Nun records and tapes wanted. Will pay Pin Group Coat $1000, Six Impossible Things $700, Surburban Reptiles Sat Night $1600. Anything by 25 cents, Gordons, Builders, Clean, Mainly Spaniards, Playthings, Toy Love or any other Flying Nun and 80s alternative punk bands. Dave 021 222 6144 Pennylane Records, Sydenham, Chch, 7 days.
Lease
7”, 45s, singles, eps records wanted, any amount, top prices paid. Pennylane Records, 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Ring Dave 021 222 6144, 7 days.
p e NN yla N e Records always buying records. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Chch. 366 3278 Open 7 days.
LOVELOCK, Simon John:
Passed away suddenly on Wednesday 25th of March. Dearly loved husband of Barbara (Barb), and a much-loved father and fatherin-law of Steven (deceased), Glen and Teena, Scott and Claire. Loved Poppa to Sam and Shannon, Isaac, Ethan, Anna and Heidi and great grand poppa to Maddy and Penny. His smile will be greatly missed.
VERCOE, Edwin Roland:
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Roland on Friday 28 March 2025. Treasured and loved husband of Marion for 61 years, loved father and fatherin-law of Greg, Fiona and Alan, Kelvin and Annette, Natasha and Brett. He will be very sadly missed by his grandchildren Misha and Leigh, Soren, Rhea, Nathaniel, Isaac, Sam, Riley, and great granddaughter Lena. A close brother to his four siblings and caring uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a good friend to all his extended family and mates. “He will be forever loved and always in our hearts.” Messages to P.O.Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A celebration of Roland’s life will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 35 George Street, Blenheim on Thursday 10th April at 11am followed by interment at the Fairhall cemetery. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funerals website.
Cloudy Bay Funerals
03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.
Hampton 73, John MacLauchlan 74. Putts: Peter Jerram 26. Played Sunday 23rd March 2025 Marlborough 36 V Rarangi 36
March 24 9 holes stableford
20 Dave Dyer 20 Andrew Stowell
Hay Montgomery 20 Hans Fischer 19 Ian
18 Ken Bennett 18 Mike McConnell 18 Leo McKendry 18 Les Boniface 18 Bob Tapp 18 Ray Herd 18 March 26 9 hole stableford Kay Ayson 20 Yvonne Hore 20 Margaret Hamilton 16 Glad Perry Memorial Trophy Open Tournament Overall winner best nett Helen Neame 71 Div1 Stableford 0-25 Elaine Brown
• Central Blenheim location
• Ground floor with kitchen and toilet facilities
• Close to cafes and car parking
• Two offices, side by side
• Office 1 2900 x 2900
• Office 2 3600 x 2900
• Short or long term leases Contact 03 577-7868
DELIVERERS WANTED
Get fit with part time work delivering newspapers and mailers into letterboxes.
Email: deliveries@alliedpress.co.nz Include your name,
Beware of cereal’s convenience
By George Elder
Open the box, pour the cereal into your bowl, add milk and maybe some fruit. It is quick, convenient and you leave for work with a full tummy. Same for the kids, we don’t want empty tummies at school and they love their sweet cereals. Did you ever wonder who invented cereals? Back in about 1906 John Harvey Kellogg was a very dedicated campaigner against lustful thoughts. He was a Seventh Day Adventist and his Corn Flakes cereal was just the thing to dampen down these impure thoughts. He set about advertising this ‘food’ by telling us that breakfast was ‘the most important meal of the day’. It isn’t, but the message seems to have stuck. It is good to remember we don’t just eat to fill tummies. In order to function properly, for growth and development especially in children, their diet must provide all the nutrients that growing bodies need. Filling up on low nutrient but high calorie food like cereal, displaces better quality high nutrient food. The result, your body doesn’t get all the nutrients it needs even if you feel full. This is particularly important for protein needs of growing children.
Let’s look at protein. Your body doesn’t store protein, so should be eaten at every meal. Everything in the mirror is made from protein. For growth and for maintenance of your body, hair, nails, eyes, skin etc it is absolutely necessary. But not just any protein. Protein is made up of amino acids
which are each used in different ways. Very few ‘plant based’ proteins have a full array of essential amino acids. Each body function is dependent on specific amino acids, without which these functions cannot occur. For example, the hormone serotonin, an important neurotransmitter for brain function requires the amino acid tryptophan. Highest levels come from animal foods. Low levels can lead to anxiety. Most cereal has zero tryptophan, is high carbs but low in protein because only about 40% of the protein in plants is available for humans to absorb. The nutrition panel, on the box, may ignore this protein bioavailability problem.
Many cereals are desserts or candy posing as healthy food with high sugar but often are so nutrient poor that they are fortified with calcium, iron, folate, vitamin B12 and other additives. These are then advertised as a benefit. Eating only cereal almost guarantees that you will be hungry again in about 3 hours. Cereals also come with a serving of anti-nutrients including gluten, lectins and phytates. Phytates contribute to tooth decay and chelate minerals such as zinc, copper and iron in your food making them unavailable to you. Gluten in grains, made into cereals can be very inflammatory in the gut even if you are not allergic to it. For more free reading like this go to www. takebackyrhealth.com Seek professional medical advice before making dietary changes, particularly if on medication. Contact me for diet advice. Good health, George Elder, Diet Research Reviewer, Dip. Nutrition.
GaraGe Sale: 38B Monro Street. Parking on Lee Street Saturday 5 April all day. Quality furniture including 2x sofas, queen bed suite, bar fridge, several small tables, mirrors, grandmother clock, 9ft Christmas Tree and much more.
Shakespeare Festival
By Chris Valli
The prose and relevance of William Shakespeare will come to fruition this weekend with the Shakespeare Globe Centre of New Zealand (SGCNZ) Victoria University of Wellington Shakespeare Festival held at Marlborough Girls’ College. Entries for the 2025 festival have come from Marlborough Girls’ and Queen Charlotte Colleges and Marlborough Children’s Youth Theatre (MCY). MGC English teacher Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart believes Shakespeare is, more than ever, relevant in today’s society.
Plays such as Much Ado About Nothing, which is set in Messina, Italy, tells the comedic story of Beatrice and Benedick, who are always arguing. Their friends plot to make them fall in love with each other.
“It’s one of my favourite plays. When you come down to it, Hero (the innocent and obedient daughter of Leonato) is judged on appearance and that judgment creates slander that absolutely destroys her. That is happening all the time now with
social media and misconceptions of what has taken place.
“When you sit down with students and dissect and understand the back story – they realise the themes are talking to them and are contemporary today,” says Shalom. “Love Labours Lost is another one (four young men who fall in love against their wills) which examines the ideas of making promises to your friend(s) but then life happens and circumstances take place.”
To partake in the regional competition, students have to be at secondary school or a student enrolled in education and is open to home-schooled students and community theatre groups. Year 7 and 8 students can participate if they are in a group performance, such as a group of four, and only make up 25% of the group.
Judges will pick one five minute and one 15 minute extract to put forward to the national weekend.
The Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Festival is in Wellington, King’s Birthday Weekend, 29th May to June 2nd.
The regional festival is very much student-led with interpretation, costuming and context driven by the students themselves. Shalom says Marlborough is unique with selected pieces also coming from “non-judged” students at primary school and intermediate level. Last year, Year 2 students performed a piece from Hamlet.
The festival is a wonderful opportunity not only to promote the arts locally but allows a greater understanding of the stories Shakespeare penned over 500 years ago.
“It’s his ability to take a story such as Romeo and Juliet and create characters and situations which are true human experiences. A lot of us have experienced love or heartbreak which we can relate to,” she says. “He takes those everyday scenarios and tells them in a way which speaks to us now.”
The festival is this Saturday, April 5 at Marlborough Girls’ College Hall. Entry is $12 for adults and $7 for students. All profits go towards the winning groups going to Wellington.
Let’s chat with…
Dale lee Hayles
Are you a dog or cat person? Both- depends who is behaving.
Favourite global cuisine?
To date.... Japanese, but going to Vietnam so that may change.
What would you buy if money was no object?
I’d build my dream house on a lifestyle block down the sounds.
Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?
P!NK, hands down , Graham Norton and Gordon Ramsay.
Veggies or fruit? Veggies.
The shop you can’t walk past is...? Decjuba.
If you didn’t live in Marlborough where would you choose?
If it had to be in NZ then Bay of Plenty but first choice would be Hawaii.
Favourite programme or series currently watching? MAFS, and The Night Agent.
What do you do for your own mental health? Walk, cook, facetime calls.
What’s your favourite colour? Pink.
If you had to choose another job what would it be? I always wanted to be a forensic pathologist.. but retiring is a good option.
What truly matters to you?
My family and friends.
The best advice I ever received was? Don’t sweat the small stuff, pick your battles.
My friends would say I am… Kind.
Footloose Production/Stage Manager
THE POWER OF THE BARD: Marlborough students from last year’s regional Shakespeare Festival. The festival is on once again this Saturday at Marlborough Girls’ College starting at 5pm.
