30 December BlenheimSun by The Blenheim Sun

WednesdaySun The

December 30, 2020

Blenheim Marlborough

The Blenheim Sun office will re-open on Tuesday January 5, 2021.

31 Scott Street, Blenheim 03 972 2799 - OPEN 7 DAYS

Phone us : 03 5777 868

Welcome 2021

With the trials and challenges that 2020 presented, Marlburians will be looking forward to welcoming in the New Year. The Blenheim Sun publishers, Les and Katrina Whiteside, and their staff wish all their readers and advertisers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. The Blenheim Sun Newspaper office is closed. The next publication will be on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. The office will re-open 9am on Tuesday, January 5.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

How to reach us Publishers

Les Whiteside les@blenheimsun.co.nz

Katrina Whiteside katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

Telephone

(03) 5777-868 E-mail

news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Party into the New Year As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks will light up the sky and people will cheer and embrace as they welcome in a brand new year. Every year Marlborough puts on a spectacular display for the public to enjoy and this year, once again it will be held at Picton in what’s been dubbed ‘Marlborough’s biggest New Year’s Eve Party’. The Marlborough 4 Fun team has announced its entertainment lineup and it’s looking pretty exciting, with local and out of town acts taking to the stage. The event will be held on the Picton Foreshore and runs from 7pm – 12am. The public is encouraged to make themselves comfortable and settle in for a “great night.” Grab some chairs and bring your picnic blanket, because this year the New Year’s Eve event in Picton will be on the grassy foreshore area. The focus of the event is to be ‘family friendly’ with music and

entertainment for all ages. Starting off the night is local band Country Pickers who will have you up and dancing in no time with their renditions of country and pop classics, says Marlborough 4 Fun event co-ordinator, Amy Potts. “Following that, Eden Kavanagh, whose recent appearance on The Voice Britain wowed the world, will be joined by Grumpy Monkey,” she says. The headline act for the night will be Christchurch’s six-piece covers band, DangerBaby. The pop/rock band promises to keep the dance floor rocking through into the New Year with covers of iconic songs. Then at the stroke of midnight the highly anticipated “biggest and brightest” fireworks show will welcome in the new year, courtesy of Fireworks New Zealand. “This is a family-friendly, strictly alcohol and smoke-free event. We look forward to seeing you all there,” Amy says. Pack a picnic or check out the

Ignite Marlborough is Marlborough's biggest New Year's Eve celebration, held in Picton from 7pm - 12am.

many food trucks and food vendors that will be set up on the night. Getting to Picton has been made easy with free bus transport, however people must book as soon as possible to avoid missing a seat. Free bus transportation will be available from Blenheim and Picton (and return). The timetable is as follows. 6:30pm - Blenheim to Picton

7:30pm - Blenheim to Picton 10:30pm - RETURN Picton to Blenheim 12:30pm - RETURN Picton to Blenheim Purchase your tickets at https:// www.eventfinda.co.nz/2020/ignite-marlborough-new-years-eve/ picton/tickets. All buses depart Blenheim at the Train Station and will arrive at the Picton iSite.

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Eden Kavanagh, whose recent appearance on The Voice Britain wowed the Headline act for the night - Christchurch’s DangerBaby will see you into world, will be joined onstage by Grumpy Monkey. the New Year with their powerhouse rock/pop covers of iconic songs.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

SH6 Blenheim to Nelson speed review new speed limits map

inbrief

The Sun

Stay fire safe this summer If you’re going away for the summer holidays, Fire and Emergency want you to stay fire safe. “Whether you’re going to your family bach, a festival, your regular campsite or exploring somewhere new in New Zealand this summer, make sure you stay safe with fire,” says Fire and Emergency National Advisor Fire Risk Management Pete Gallagher. “If you’re camping - before you light a campfire or bonfire go to www. checkitsalright.nz to check the local fire danger and fire season.” “A fire permit may be required if it’s a restricted fire season. If the weather’s too hot and windy, hold off lighting that fire so it doesn’t get out of control.” “If you are having a campfire, make sure there is nothing close by that could catch fire and once done, pour water over it and ensure it is completely out.” “Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your bach or caravan. It can be easy to forget when it’s not your everyday home, but smoke alarms save lives.”

New speed limits now in force Despite all of the controversy and disagreement from motorists, the changes to speed limits between Blenheim and Nelson are in place. The new permanent speed limits and variable speed limits for school zones were introduced by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on State Highway on December 18. The introduction of safer speed limits is just one of the ways Waka Kotahi is seeking to reduce the number of deaths and serious

injuries on SH6, including improvements to existing infrastructure. Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships Jim Harland says the changes will make SH6 safer for everyone who uses it and improve safety for the many schools and communities on the highway between Blenheim and Nelson. “We are utterly focused on reducing injuries and saving lives, and no matter what causes a crash, speed is always a factor in the severity of the crash outcomes,” he says.

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“These safer speed limits will not only make our roads easier to access at key locations, the key point is that they will reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on SH6. It will mean more people safely reaching their destinations, fewer people suffering serious injuries from crashes, and fewer families grieving for lost loved ones.” The changes will reduce the existing 100km/h limits to 80km/h in places, introduce new 90km/h

New World refurb complete

speed limits on appropriate sections of state highway, and introduce two new variable school speed zones. Three existing advisory school speed zones on the route will remain unchanged. The 90km/h limits are proposed to remain until June 2023, when they will be reviewed to ensure they are achieving the desired reduction in deaths and serious injuries. Refer to the table pictured (above) for more details or visit www.nzta. govt.nz

Blenheim residents are set to receive an early Christmas present, with New World Blenheim’s store refurbishment complete just in time for the busy summer season. The store has transformed over the past 14 months to expand what’s on offer in a new and modern retail environment. One of the store’s new features includes an ecostore refillery station. The store has also implemented a ‘Food in the Nude’ produce offering; a virtually plastic-free, fresh fruit and vege selection, where produce remains unwrapped from the farm to store shelves. There’s a hydration station where customers can fill up their water bottles, a revamped beer and wine aisle with a specialised wine tasting machine, a new café and salad bar offering, as well as new butchery, seafood, bakery and deli fresh departments, a new entrance, wider aisles and a freezer which has doubled in size.

The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Builder’s gift passed on By Celeste Alexander

Earlier in the year seven local building companies came together as part of a Master Builders COVID acknowledgement project, to gift their services to local essential workers who worked through Lockdown. The project was initiated by Kate Guthrie of George Guthrie Construction and supported by RLA Construction, Peter Ray Homes, Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions, True Vision Construction, Rob Blick Building, Scott Construction and Andrew Pope Homes. Registered nurse with Marlborough Primary Health, Victoria Leov, was one of the recipients who received one day of building services for free. Victoria was photographed by local media carrying out COVID swabbing tests during Lockdown, and as a result received a nomination. However she says she was part of a “much larger team of deserving people”, and opted to gift it on to the Marlborough Community Gardens. “I wanted to give back myself,” she says. Marlborough Community Garden vice chairperson, Deb Healy, who also works in the Green Prescription programme with Marlborough

Primary Health, says the building services came a great time and were used in a way that it would benefit others. The gardens had a tunnel house which was funded by Red Cross Marlborough which would make a great learning environment, she says. “Tori (Victoria) could have given this gift to anyone, so we are very thankful,” Deb says. The tunnel house required tables and bench seats to be built which Steve Koller of True Vision Builders was happy to help with. ITM Blenheim came on board to support the project with supplies. “For us it’s the start of something now,” ITM Blenheim operations trade manager, Tim Dredge says. “We were very happy to support it.” Now the tunnel house seats 14 people and will be where workshops can be held, Deb says. The next addition will be a sink and bench. Representatives from community groups which use the gardens and trustees gathered this month with Deb and Victoria to officially open the tunnel house. The Marlborough Community Gardens was established in 2009 and now provides 74 garden plots serviced by over 100 community people. It also includes organisations

A tunnel house at Marlborough Community Gardens was officially opened this month and will be a new learning space for workshops.

such as Red Cross, Primary Health Organisation, disability groups, the Herb Society and Beekeepers Association Marlborough to name

a few. The focus is to bring communities and cultures together through gardening, where the focus is on

people, sustainable productive gardening methods, learning, teaching, and healthy food choices for the people of Marlborough.

Party in style while watching harness racing

Get your tickets and head along to the On the Green harness racing event taking place at Waterlea Racecourse on January 15, 2021.

Looking for a way to celebrate the arrival of 2021? What better way than to get dressed up in your best, enjoy gourmet food and clink a glass of wine with friends! You will be able to do all of these things thanks to an exciting event being held in Blenheim organised by the Marlborough Harness Racing Club. Race Day on the Green will be an exclusive area set up at Waterlea Race Course where ticket holders can enjoy a great social event while watching some great harness racing. It’s set for Friday, January 15 2021 and tickets are still available. For the affordable price of $45 each

people will be able to experience the thrill of horse racing with live music and great food. The gourmet food and beverage village will be serving up an array of delicacies from Karaka Cuisine and Feast Merchants. There will also be a fashion competition held for those wanting to enter with prizes being awarded to Best Male and Female Dressed. “I really think after COVID that people in Marlborough want to get out, and with the Wine and Food festival being cancelled for the first time after 32 years, a day at the races with fun, food and fashion is a great opportunity,” say event co-ordinators, Cathy Hughes and Genevieve Molyneux.

“The Harness Racing Club has kindly agreed to put this on and we are aiming to make it feel like a real race day event, like going to the Lindauer Lawn in Christchurch on Cup Day. “We want people to make an effort to get dressed up, put their hats and fascinators on, get a group together and enjoy the races with great food and wine,” she says. Tickets can be purchased individually for $45 each. Visit www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/ race-day-on-the-green/blenheim for tickets. PUBLIC AREA: Adults $10, children free.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

W H E N O N LY T H E B E S T W I L L D O !

Dog owners have spoken, and the park pips the beach If you have a dog, it’s likely you’ll spend your fair share of time walking – potentially more than two weeks every year according to new research from TUX1[i]. The average Kiwi dog owner currently heads out at least once a day with their best mate (81%), but more than half (57%) don’t love their current walks. With years of experience fueling active Kiwi dogs, the team at TUX took on the challenge of finding out exactly what makes the perfect Kiwi dog walk to help connect Kiwis and their canine companions. The results are in, and the team can reveal that the ideal Kiwi dog walk takes place at either the park (56%) or beach (48%), is approximately 3km long and takes about an hour. The most important element though? For dog owners the focus is on location, but the priority for their dogs is what happens when they get there - a walk must take place somewhere where they can run off-leash (88%), have fun and burn through some of the fuel in their tank. Many dog owners feel their current walks don’t deliver what their dog wants. For example, half of walkers (48%) want their dog to be able to socialise with other dogs on

their walks, yet just one in three do (33%). At the same time, more than a third (37%) think a swim is an essential component, but just 15% of the nation’s dogs have the chance on their regular walk. Jennifer Chappell, Country Business Manager at TUX said; “We Kiwis like to think of dogs as our best mates. This research revealed just how much they enjoy being outside, having fun and being active, which is really encouraging to see. “With more than a third of dog walkers saying that a desire to spend quality time with their dog was a prompt for walking, we thought we’d have some fun and come up with the recipe to make that quality time the perfect Kiwi dog walk for all involved.” Perhaps surprisingly, dog walkers are slightly more inclined to pick a weekday walk (56%) over a weekend (44%), and the early birds (50% morning) pip the night owls to the post (44% afternoon or evening). So, where is the best place to find the ideal walk? TUX has revealed that here in Marlborough the preferred walk is at Blenheim, Dillions Point River Reserve. This off-leash park gives dogs the chance to run like the wind and make friends with other local dogs.

Machine Washable

In light of this, TUX is offering Sun Newspaper readers the chance to win three 2.5kg bags of TUX® Tasty Bites. The competition runs from 16 December 2020 and closes at 5pm, 1 January 2021 (the ‘Promotion Period’). To be eligible to win you must provide details including a photo of your dog, some interesting info about your dog, your name, a valid New Zealand address, phone number and agree to the competition terms and conditions. All eligible entrants will go into the draw with one (1) winner being selected by the Blenheim Sun editorial team on 5 January 2021. Winners will be notified by phone and the winner is required to collect the prize pack from The Blenheim Sun Newspaper office at 72 High Street, Blenheim, Marlborough within five working days from receiving the notification call. The prize pack consists of: 3x 2.5kg bags of TUX® Tasty Bites Email entries to celeste@blenheimsun.co.nz

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

what’s cooking Barbecue Pork For Satay Kebabs Ingredients: • 500g or 1lb diced pork • 1 fresh pineapple chopped into chunks • 3 shallots • 3 clove garlic • 6 tablespoons soy • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 tablespoons each of ground cumin, coriander and turmeric • 2 tablespoons honey • salt and pepper • fresh chilli (optional) Satay Sauce • 175ml / 6fl oz coconut milk • 6 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter • 1 clove garlic crushed • 2 teaspoons honey • fresh chilli optional Brought to you by:

Happy ear New Y

Put the pork and pineapple to one side in separate bowls. Place all the remaining ingredients in a food processor and blitz to a paste. Fold the paste into the bowl full of pork cubes and allow it to marinate overnight or at least one hour. Remember to soak your skewers overnight so they don’t burn.

Now thread pork alternately with pineapple onto skewers. The pineapple has an important job to do. The heat from the grill will penetrate the fruit easily and therefore the meat cook more evenly. For this reason don’t pack too much onto each skewer. Place the skewers over medium coals and grill for approximately 10 - 12 minutes.

For the Satay Sauce: Place all ingredients in a saucepan, place it over a gentle heat and stir until you’ve got a nice thick paste. Place your barbecue pork satay kebabs on a serving plate and pour over the satay sauce.

If you have tried these recipes and are enjoying them please tell me! I would love to hear from you. Thank you. Anita

ALL YOUR GROCERY LIST IN ONE SPOT Opposite the Fire Station

TUX has named one of Marlborough's off leash areas as being popular with dog walkers, and is giving away three bags of biscuits to lucky Sun Newspaper readers.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

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

Q: With 2020 behind us, what are your hopes for 2021?

Pru Adams, Vines Village Cafe & Deli owner To keep moving forward and find the JOY in each day!

Debbie Webster, Mike Pero Real Estate Marlborough Franchise owner If nothing else, respect those who are not as fortunate as others. A kind gesture costs nothing and the little things we can do for others is priceless.

Brought to you by...

Robyn Simmons, Marlborough Academy of Dance director I hope that 2021 will bring New Zealanders more safety and certainty as we continue on a positive path controlling Covid-19, and that by the end of 2021 we are all able to move more freely around the world so families and friends can be reunited and some of the international activities we enjoy can resume.

DELICIOUSLY AUTHENTIC THAI

Shaloe Lammas, Eastern States Speedway president My hopes for 2021 are to create special memories with my children, partner, friends and family. To slow down and appreciate what we have around us and to work hard towards our home and car goals.

Stuart Smith - MP I hope 2021 will not be as disruptive as 2020 and that we continue to do the things we enjoyed during lockdown, like family time and enjoying our beautiful surroundings that are so accessible.

Tania Godsall, CBD Eatery owner We hope the world gets back to some sort of normality albeit that it has changed. We hope that people are kind, and generous to those that have suffered the most in 2020, and to be grateful for what they have. We hope that Mike and I get a holiday, and if that happens to be in Melbourne then even better. But most of all we hope we have time to spend with the people in our lives who count.

31 Scott Street, Blenheim

03 972 2799 - OPEN 7 DAYS 10.30am – 14.00pm, 16.30pm – 21.00pm

Open for lunch and dinner!

Letters to the editor Letters on issues of community i nt erest a re welcome d. Guidelines are that they should be no longer than 150 words. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. E m a i l t h e m t o n ew s @ blenheimsun.co.nz or send a fax to phone 577 -7863. Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Beach access I am both confused and disappointed the Marlborough District council has sided with commercial interests over the beach access issue along from Marfell’s Beach to Cape Campbell. I note councillor Hope having a lot to say months ago in favour of banning long time vehicle access and siding with the commercial venture.

Of course the likes of councillor Hope will cite environmental; concerns which is hogwash and is a thinly disguised cover for backing a private commercial venture over public access. I am very disappointed. Who elected the councillors? The public of course. “Moki Chaser

Photo by Bruno Cyrillo.

Waves at Monkey Bay

A selection of Bruno's photographs will feature weekly, showcasing the landscapes and wildlife around Marlborough.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

He korero no te Kaunihera o Wairau NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Harbourmaster

Message from the Harbourmaster Summer is here and with domestic travel the only choice for Kiwis it seems everyone with a boat is heading to the Marlborough Sounds. With so much traffic on the water, it’s never been more important to be considerate of other water users so that everyone can enjoy their summer holiday in safety. Our patrol vessels will be out and about to promote safe boating and compliance with navigation bylaws.

the easiest way to reduce risk and ensure you get home safely.

Prep Check Know

The Harbour Patrol will be out on the water every day over summer. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time so if we see unsafe activity we will intervene. If you’re stopped by a Harbour Patrol for breaching maritime rules or a bylaw you will be asked for your name and address and may be liable for a fine. Encouraging safe speed is a particular focus this summer, particularly in high risk areas. Some of these have been marked with yellow 5 knot buoy markers. You must always operate under 5 knots in these areas. Vessels that operate at higher speeds in high risk areas or within 200m of the shore are putting others at risk and should expect a fine of $200.

Whether you’re on a boat, jetski or kayak it’s important that you prep your gear, check the weather and know the rules. It pays to be prepared because when you’re on the water things can go wrong very quickly.

Lifejackets

Take them - wear them.

Safe speed

Collisions at sea can be catastrophic and wake from speeding boats can be dangerous too. Consider the safety of other water users and always operate at a safe speed. It’s not just good sense, it’s also the law. A safe speed means being able to take action to avoid collision and stop in a safe distance. Slowing down may be

Navigation lights

If you’re navigating at night or in restricted visibility, make sure you have working navigation lights. They ensure other vessels can see you at night and take appropriate action to avoid collision or prevent a close quarters’ situation from developing.

Harbour patrols

Speed cameras

We are also operating radar speed cameras in Picton, Waikawa, Havelock Channel and the Wairau River. These cameras are fully calibrated and are being used for enforcement purposes. More information on navigation

rules and bylaws can be found on the Council website in the Harbours section. You can also use the Marlborough Cruise Guide or Marine Mate apps.

Jetski safety

The Harbourmaster, Maritime New Zealand and Seatech Marine

have teamed up to offer free PWC ( jetski) safety workshops. This is a great chance to learn safe operating tips and tricks from the experts, try out some of the latest machines and get out on the water to learn what you need to know. Contact the Harbourmaster for more details.

Navigating at night Coming home late after a day’s fishing? Heading out late to the bach? The Marlborough Sounds is a beautiful and diverse expanse of waterways and has the largest ‘boat only’ access population in the country. There are a number of reasons you might find yourself navigating after dark. Navigating at night can be challenging even for the most

experienced of skippers. With the right equipment and safety tips you can navigate safely at night time and with confidence.

Night navigation tips Navigation Lights: In the same way that cars are required to have headlights, taillights and indicators, properly fitted and working navigation lights are

means using sight, hearing and essential so your vessel can be all available means (radar etc.) seen clearly. Did you know that appropriate to the circumstances you could receive a fine if you and conditions. Remember, two don’t have correctly fitted and pairs of eyes (and ears) are always working navigation lights? better than one. Lookout: Maintain a proper lookout at all times when Safe Speed: Speeding at night operating a boat andWhat’s take extra New can be very dangerous. Don’t care when navigating at night. rush to get home because it’s After discussions with the Ngakuta Bay Boating Club and It’s good sense and Community it’s also theAssociation starting to get late.District The law the Marlborough Council law. Maintaining a proper lookout requires you to operate at a safe Harbours Office have reinstated a safer water skiing

speed at all times which means being able to take action to avoid collision and stop in a safe distance. SlowingDecember down may be 2018 the easiest way to reduce risk and ensure you get home safe. For more information go to: https://www.marlborough.govt. General Rules nz/environment/harbours/ fororAccess safer-boating contact the Harbourmaster’s office. Lanes

Ngakuta Bay Ski Lanes

environment.

How to Use the New Ski Lanes

GET ON THE WATER Land Based Markers Five Knot Buoy Ski Lane Buoy Water Ski Access Lane

High Risk Area (no more than ﬁve knots)

& learn important personal water craft safety tips this summer Master With the Marlborough Harbour Harbourmaster

Courses running now on Sundays until late summer You’ll get the chance to try out the latest personal water craft from Seadoo Free training, safety advice, snacks and give aways For details contact the Marlborough Harbours Office

Designated water ski lanes have been established by the 03 520 7400 or harbours@marlborough.govt.nz Harbourmaster. These lanes allow high speed access to and A boating safety initiative brought to you by: from the shore for the purpose of water skiing only. Lanes are marked with orange and black posts on shore and orange and black buoys. Refer to the banner on the right on general rules for access lanes.

For more information please contact the

For more information please contact the Marlborough District Council HarboursMarlborough office onDistrict the following: Council Harbours Office or the Phone 03 520 7400 or harbours@marlborough.govt.nz following: Phone: 03 520 7400

• Access lanes are for take off and landing only. • Keep to the correct side of the lane for your direction of travel. • Enter and leave a lane at right angles to the shore. • Always have an observer in the towing vessel watching the skier at all times. The skipper of the boat cannot fulfil this responsibility. • Ensure your conduct within a lane never endangers other persons or vessels. • Never water ski at night.

Wednesday December 30, 2020

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

Couple discovers best of Marlborough Blenheim couple Matt Johnstone and his fiancé Nat Meiklejohn set out after Lockdown to discover what local experiences were on offer, and how they could do their part to support local tourism. They talk to reporter Celeste Alexander about the inspiration behind filming their adventures and how it has created a following. Matt and Nat Travel That – it sounds like a headline fresh out of a travel magazine, but instead of featuring the sandy beaches of five-star resorts or exotic getaways, they’ve spent their weekends exploring the many gems in their own backyard. Where did it all begin? With a wedding proposal! The couple met over five years ago and with Nat’s passion for travel, they had an overseas itinerary beckoning. “I’ve had the travel bug all my life,” Nat says. “I’ve experienced South East Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia, and wanted to share more travel adventures with Matt. “I really wanted to introduce Matt to Bali so we planned our first trip together to be there,” she says. This was in March, just prior to New Zealand going into Lockdown. Unbeknown to Nat, Matt had been planning the perfect proposal right from keeping the ring safely hidden away from sight in his luggage, through to choosing the location in Bali where he would pop the question. “I was watching videos on Bali and saw the Handara Gates which looked like gates that opened up to a temple, but instead it was a golf course,” Matt laughs. “It was a really popular Instagram spot for photos so I knew I wanted to propose there. “I planned to shoot videos along the way and of the proposal so family back home could watch, which is where we got the idea to vlog [video log],” he says. Their Bali holiday was cut short by the pandemic so after returning home and coming out of Lockdown, Matt and Nat decided to vlog their way around Marlborough. “For us it was about supporting local

tourism and businesses so we started videoing different places we visited around the region,” Matt says. “When you watch travel vlogs most people get off the ferry and carry on travelling, missing Marlborough out all together,” Nat adds. One of their first adventures was walking the Wairau Lagoons, then the Cape Campbell Lighthouse route. “We did the 14km round trip to the lighthouse during winter so it was cold, but the lighting was very moody,” Matt says. “It was a real eye opener,” Nat adds. “Plus learning how it was used in the movie Light Between Oceans which we had seen prior… that was amazing. “We had people watching the vlog and comment that it inspired them to go out and walk it too,” Matt says. “So we decided to keep doing it.” “We’ve discovered cool places that a lot of people didn’t know about like the beautiful Essons Valley tracks by Picton’s water dams, the Marlborough Wine Barrel Cabins which are absolutely incredible to stay in, and even the Thirsty Pig in Picton which has a dog friendly area outside,” Nat says. Their vlogs began to gain more and more followers and soon caught the attention of Destination Marlborough, which recently collaborated with the couple to showcase more local tourism and what’s available. “Thanks to Destination Marlborough we are doing eight different weekend experiences,” Matt says. The first was swimming with dolphins with E-Ko Tours. “That was amazing,” Nat says. “We also got to hear about the story behind their conservation efforts; it’s the stories behind these experiences which make them so memorable. “Later I went into a café in Blenheim

Nat Meiklejohn and Matt Johnstone pictured recording a video log after a recent experience swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds. Photo provided

where a girl saw me and asked how the dolphins were. People didn’t realise that you could swim with dolphins in Marlborough,” she says. Their second weekend experience was the White Road Tour at Yealands. “Again, another beautiful experience,” they say. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what’s next.” All of Matt and Nat’s adventures are shared on their Youtube channel. Search for Matt and Nat

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Travel That. They also upload vlogs to their Facebook and Instagram pages. Aside from their Destination Marlborough collaboration, the couple also have a few destinations they’d like to vlog including Furneaux Lodge, Arapaoa Island, and to walk the Queen Charlotte Track over five days staying at accommodation along the way. “And maybe a flight up in a Tiger Moth and visiting gold mining areas,” Nat adds. “The list goes on,” Matt adds.

“Stay tuned as we discover more of what’s here in our own backyard and support local businesses along the way.” Matt and Nat welcome suggestions from the community. “Particularly places which are dog friendly,” Nat adds. “Being able to get out with your dog during summer is something locals like to do.” To discover more of Marlborough’s brilliant backyard you can also visit www.marlboroughnz. com

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

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MOTUEKA DISTRICT MUSEUM - PUPURI TAONGA We are excited to have the opportunity to host the Imagine spending years in hiding because of prejudice and hate. This exhibition has been viewed by more than 10 million people in 80 countries, it explores what life in hiding was like for Anne Frank, her family, and the other occupants of the secret annexe.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Your gateway to the Abel Tasman and beyond with Nelson within easy reach

193 Kina Peninsula Road, Nelson | 03 526 6840 | 0273322168 www.almyrawaterfrontlodge.co.nz

A community pharmacist is often able to assist with non-urgent injuries or illnesses, such as sprained ankles, sunburn, or hay fever – situations that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening.

NELSON’S ADVENTURE DESTINATION Skywire • Quad bikes • Argo • Paintball • MTB & E-Bikes Licensed Cafe • Free public access to trails & much more! OPEN DAILY 194 Cable Bay Road, Nelson

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Holiday health As the summer holiday season gets underway Nelson Marlborough Health (NMH) wants people to stay well but to also know where to go if they become ill or are injured. People are encouraged to get the healthcare they need while saving the hospital emergency departments for life-threatening emergencies. The ‘Your Healthcare’ webpage on the NMH website (www.nmdhb.govt.nz/ healthcare) outlines the options people have for healthcare in the region, ranging from self-care and first-aid, to emergency care. There is also information about The Plan, an initiative designed to delay teen drinking and reduce the supply of alcohol by parents to under-18s. Visitors and residents are reminded to stay home if they are sick, wash their hands, and to scan or sign into places using the NZ COVID Tracer app or keep a record of where they’ve been. Also to turn on the Bluetooth ability to the app to enable alerts to be sent automatically to close contacts, which will speed up contact tracing and isolation. Injured or feeling unwell? Where should I be? People with non-life threatening, shortterm illnesses or health problems should see their GP, pharmacist, urgent medical centre or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 in the

first instance. It’s free to register or enrol with a GP, and enrolled patients pay a reduced consultation fee at that practice. Visitors to a medical centre where they’re not enrolled, will pay less if they have a Community Services Card or High Use Health Card. All children under 14 are now eligible for free general practice visits, both during the day and after-hours, at participating clinics. If people are not able to see their GP they should go to the Medical and Injury Centre in Nelson or the Urgent Care Centre in Blenheim. Patients can be referred from these centres for x-rays if required. If someone is struggling there is free help available. Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. Pharmacists are part of your free healthcare team A community pharmacist is often able to assist with non-urgent injuries or illnesses, such as sprained ankles, sunburn, or hay fever – situations that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening. A pharmacist can also give free advice about the emergency contraception pill, emergency supplies of ongoing prescription medicines and first aid. PBA.

The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Bamboo Garden Restaurant 31 Maxwell Road | ph 03 579 1118 www.bamboogarden.co.nz

Wednesday December 30, 2020

L cate ME

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The Sun

Find the best of our local businesses right here

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Showcasing the best of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s Over 130 cars on display plus a variety of motorbikes

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Omaka Classic Cars Aerodrome Rd, Omaka Open daily 11am - 3.30pm Ph 577 9419 $15 per adult. One child under 15 free with every paying adult

FARMERS MARKET Sourdough bread available Sunday mornings

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MARLBOROUGH’S HOME OF CAR CARE 10 Stuart St, Blenheim 03 577 6800 WE ARE CAR CARE AT ITS FINEST Details-Blenheim

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103A Carters Road, FOUR Amberley SEASONS 03 314 7441 SHANGHAI RESTAURANT 15 Open Tuesday - Sunday Lunch and Dinner 03 972 3746 Zone 2B 91 Weld St, Redwoodtown

The Sun

14 Wednesday December 30, 2020

‘Slip resistant’ pavers cancel Christmas By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter

A Marlborough woman is being forced to spend Christmas “doing nothing” after a slip on town centre pavers left her with serious injuries. Sandie Wooster was walking into the central business district last Monday when she fell, suffering two fractures to her hip and one to her arm. Since the accident, Sandie had spent her days bedridden, with her husband helping her move about, shower, and go to the toilet. She had to cancel plans to see her son in Christchurch for Christmas, and feared she would be unable to return to work as a receptionist when her workplace

“We didn’t know there had been a fall. We would have helped.” Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) was asked how many people made claims this year after slipping on footpaths in Marlborough, but it did not respond in time for publication. In a separate incident, iHair employee Gail Silcock said she saw a 76-year-old woman take a tumble near the Market Pl clock tower about a month ago. “The tiles took her feet from underneath her,” she said. Gail and others used towels to keep the woman comfortable and warm until an ambulance arrived, fearful of serious injuries. The woman only suffered a bruise to the hip, she said. “But because of that, I tell people to be careful where they walk whenever it’s raining. I, myself, have slipped around the corners.”

Marlborough Roads manager Steve Murrin said there had been no complaints of slippage since the tiles had been upgraded. The product used to make the tiles more slip resistant used an acid-etching system to break down the glaze on the tiles, providing more texture, and therefore more grip, Steve said. Tiles had been tested in wet weather and with different shoes. The product was promised to last five years, and cost $350,000. “If people come across slippery tiles, just let us know, because even though the tiles have been acid-etched someone could drop grease on them, and we would need to clean that off,” he said. The owner of the convenience store outside which Wooster fell said the path out front was cleaned each night. It had also been water blasted the week before, he said.

reopened in mid-January. “It’s taken everything,” she said, tearing up. This Christmas would instead be spent at home “doing nothing”. She would hear on Wednesday, two days before Christmas, whether doctors needed to replace the ball of her shoulder socket. The Marlborough District Council last year scuffed up the pavers in Blenheim to make them “slip resistant”, following reports of injuries. Sandie said she had laid a complaint with Marlborough Roads over the tiles, urging for more to be done on Blenheim’s presentability. “The shops used to be water blasted once a week. Now, they’re not ... There are broken tiles outside [Hotel] d’Urville,” she said. “These tiles were greasy ... The town looks dirty.”

Marlborough woman Sandie Wooster has had to cancel plans to spend Christmas in Christchurch after a slip in Blenheim’s town centre left her unable to walk. Photo provided

Pool inflatables are not for the beach Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is asking Kiwis to consider beach safety when purchasing beach activity-based gifts. “It’s our goal to make sure Kiwis stay safe on our coastlines this summer and you can help by making sure your loved one is set up with the right knowledge and the right gear.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Christmas Shopping List: Sea Kayak: Does your love one own a lifejacket or PFD (personal floatation device)? If not, definitely include one as part of their gift – it could save their life if they get into trouble on the water. They’ll need two forms of waterproof communication as well,

party on the

such as a hand-held VHF radio, a PLB (personal locator beacon) or a cell phone in a waterproof lanyard bag. Boogie Board: Did Santa get the kids a boogie board for Christmas? Make sure it includes an attached leash! A leash that’s attached to the boogie board means your child will have a flotation device if they get into

difficulty in the water. Fishing Gear: Is someone in your whānau keen to try rock fishing? If you’re looking at buying them the gear for Christmas, be sure to include a lifejacket – and make sure they wear it! This will help keep them afloat if they’re swept off the rocks. Inflatable Pool Toys: This includes

inflatable doughnuts, unicorns and flamingos, etc., as well as old-fashioned inner tubes and lilos…but the key word here is “pool.” Every summer, volunteer Surf Lifeguards spend hours rescuing people who’ve been swept out to sea on inflatable pool toys. Please make sure it stays home when you head to the beach.

n e e r G At Waterlea Racecourse

General Public Entry $10

eeting first race 4pm. M t gh ili Tw , 15 y ar nu FRIDAY Ja Marlborough Race Day

1 2 0 2 y r a u n a J 5 1 y a Fr id $ 5.00 4 th

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$45per person Reserv

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(Includes a glass of bu

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Celebrate our regions finest wineries... With borders closed and travel plans halted, there’s no better opportunity than to explore your own backyard. Marlborough’s wine region is revered throughout the world so why not take advantage of the world class offerings? Get a group of friends, your family, or workmates together and visit local wineries, enjoy a wine tasting and learn the stories behind the labels. Expand your tastebuds by trying new blends and varietals, and stock up your wine selection while you are there. Many wineries have restaurants operating, allowing you to relax with stunning views while enjoying a meal or platter paired with a wine.

Taste Marlborough’s Award Winning Roots Dry Gin The Gin Room Cellar Door

Open 7 Days • Ph (03) 572 5277 The Vines Village 193 Rapaura Rd theginroom.co.nz

WELL KNOWN FOR RED WINE CELLAR DOOR OPENING HOURS: Dec 23/24: Open 11am-4pm Dec 25: CLOSED Dec 26: SPECIAL BBQ Lunch at the Cellar door, reservations essential. Dec 27–Onwards: Open 11am-5pm daily

NE W !

FRIDAY night at FROMM from 5 - 8pm enjoy the sunset at the FROMM Cellar door with a glass of wine (or Moa beer) FROMM is happy to provide complementary finger food Every Friday from 8th of January until 12th of February

The new

Rock Ferry Cellar Door

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Visit us for organic wine tastings, delicious food platters and our friendly, passionate staff.

Before Christmas Open 5 days Wednesday to Sunday OPEN BOXING DAY Closed Mondays From December 26 OPEN Tuesday to Sunday Hours 10am - 4pm

now open every day from 10am to 4.30pm

Closed public holidays.

Cellar Door Hours

Light Lunches available at the Cellar Door 603 Rapaura Rd, Rapaura, Blenheim • P 03 572 8803

130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim 03 579 6421 or cellardoor@rockferry.co.nz

The Sun

16 Wednesday December 30, 2020

minutes with

Corey Hebberd Kaiwhakahaere Rawa Tauhokohoko (Commercial Property Manager) for the Rangitāne o Wairau Group  What food do you crave most often? Is coffee a food? Ha – no it would have to be Salt and Pepper Squid! It must be one of my favourite foods – something I always look out for on a menu.  When you have had a bad day, what do you do to feel better? I love to spend time with my twoyear-old niece, Arleigha. She is a real treasure and always makes me smile.  Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? My grandparents. They’ve worked incredibly hard during the course of their life (in fact, they still do!), yet they never complain about being tired or overworked – they just get on with it, but they’ve always had time for me. They’ve taught me the value of working hard to achieve your aspirations. It’s a cliché, but… do the mahi, get the treats!  What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? The Bay of Islands! I was there on Waitangi Day this year and it was simply stunning – especially at sunrise.

 What was the last photo you took? A photo of the amazing new pouwhenua at the Ōpaoa Bridge.  What thing do you really wish you could buy right now? An overseas holiday.  What is the best or worst purchase you’ve ever made? Best – a socially distanced REAL coffee from 23 Grove Road Coffee House after we came out of Lockdown. It’s the little things that count!  Favourite programme currently watching? House of Cards – I am a self-confessed political fiend!  If you had to flee the country, where would you choose to live? The Cook Islands – I mean… have you seen photos of Aitutaki? Who wouldn’t want to live there!  What’s one thing on your bucket list? I’ve always regretted not learning Te Reo Māori. It is one of my goals for the next few years.

gardening this week Merry Christmas: By Wally Richards Another year is coming to an end and what an interesting year it has been not only for gardening and its associated problems but for all and sundry in more ways than one would have thought a few years ago. There have been some bright spots such as a lot more people have decided to garden because; standing in a queue for what seemed like eternity, two metres apart (Called Social distancing but really very anti-social) to buy a cabbage from monopoly Supermarkets while independent outlets were banned from trying to stay in business? (I see in the news for their next lockdown small food retailers will be allowed to open. Has JA a crystal ball or tempting fate?) DIY and Home Gardening has taken off with a hiss and a roar to the extent that procuring seeds and seedlings for a while was difficult. The worry is that a number of these new gardeners may have problems then failures, which they then revert back to buying the lessor quality produce. If you know people that are trying to garden then lend a hand, give advice and encouragement as no matter how great a gardener anyone is we can still have disappointments. I am always ready to assist by phone and email plus my books, weekly articles and natural type products have helped novice gardeners to become very good gardeners. I have been gardening for over 70 years and much of what I learnt was from older gardeners including my parents, grandparents and farming relations. I was also fortunate when I started being a nurseryman, there was several old nurserymen still available to chat with and learn. The knowledge that some of these people had would fill many books and a few of them did write a book or two, all of which of course are long out of print. A reader told me recently that they had helped a beginning flower grower that was having problems by showing her some of my products. Then this week my elderly neighbour, who is a long time reader of my columns, phoned me to say that she had a copy of the article

that her daughter in Auckland had sent to her. I was quite chuffed to read it and I will share with you. It is an insert magazine in the Auckland Herald called Viva. (2nd December page 16) The Girl With The Floral Earring, Carol Gibbard, Interview: Expecting the unexpected is all part of the flower-growing business, as are bugs and blight. “During my second season in business, my roses were really sick, they just looked horrible,” Carol recalls as she goes about her business of snipping and clipping, up and down thick rows of heady roses, in her well-worn gum boots. That was when she began searching for more natural remedies for her roses. (Old English, David Austin). “There are so many sprays available at the hardware store, it gets really confusing and I’d found none of them to be that effective.” Another grower tipped her off about Wally Richards, the gardening Guru from the Manawatu whose weekly article on his web site, Gardenews.co.nz offered straightforward advise on dealing with plant problems, as well as natural products to improve soil health. The discovery of two of Wally’s formulations-Magic Botanic Liquid and Fruit and Flower Power revived her roses at the last minute. To save herself the labour of hand spraying, Carol got innovative with an old car battery. “I set up a bilge pump and attached it to a car battery and then loaded it up with Wallys Neem Oil, pyrethrum and Magic Botanical

Liquid” Wallys infusions and Carol’s inventions have done wonders for Carol’s crops in the past few years and apart from applying his potions and compost, she mostly leaves the garden to its own devices. “I’m a bit rip, s**t and bust when it comes to gardening. I kill the odd thing, but as long as the soil is healthy, your plants will grow”. If you would like to see the great arrangements that Carol produces look at https://branchandbloom. co.nz/ The Virus thing certainly has made the importing of products difficult and longer time delays as they keep shoving cotton buds up everyone’s noses at ports. Neem Oil and Neem Powder are to arrive on 4th January so hopefully we will have in our warehouse a week or two after that. We have still a bit of Neem Granules in smaller pack sizes as still rationing out. The new warehouse we are building is progressing nicely and will also have a retail shop in Marton as well as our distribution centre for products. The shop will carry not only our products but also imported Philippine food stuffs which is an interesting new venture for us. We hope to start distributing from Marton by about end of January and after we have settled in then we will look to stock and open the shop. In the meantime we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a better New Year to come.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

txt

Thank you

The Sun

Thank you to the person who handed my mobile phone in to the Redwood Tavern staff Wed 16th Dec. Don’t know who you are, but it was very much appreciated.

talk Spray notification

New Hastings spray court conviction, finally, time for public toxic pesticides and fungicide spray notices. All vineyards are given a preharvest and dated, required spray schedule but the public DO NOT need to know, as they cannot report it officially to anyone here! MDC, MOH or MP all being business compromised! Answer- cyclists and walkers must wear glasses and P2 masks. Fresh air darling?

Traffic lights Blenheim does NOT need traffic lights. The traffic would be banked up even worse than it is now at peak times. The town centre is not built for them. Coming from a big city, where there are of course, traffic lights, and are a necessary curse, everybody hates them. If you’re getting ‘sea-sick’ you should not be driving, you’re a danger on the road.

Good on them Dead flower boxes Got a surprise today to discover the dead flower boxes at Omaka and Fairhall cemeteries have been removed. Must just about be the height of penny pinching I have seen.

Bylaw MDC introducing bylaw banning vehicle’s from beach between Awatere & Ure rivers protecting the public safety & environment. These reasons are a common theme with this council when introducing new bylaws. The stock from the adjoining landowners that escape frequently do more damage than quad bikes traveling below the high tide. What makes horses different. Public safety how many recorded accidents with pedestrians & protected wildlife along this beach. I’m sure the correct people will have this information.

Labour has to come to an end I’m sorry to text this but mark my words JACINDA. The people of our country will take you out next election!! Payments, compensation deals of huge amounts of money. Law breaking that the people get away with. It doesn’t go down well. Personally for me as lifelong voter for Labour has come to an end. We Are One??

Freedom campers If you think this country is boring then pack your bags and leave, freedom campers are a disrespectful dirty grubby foreign scourge on New Zealand.

Good on those large businesses that paid back their COVID subsidies or didn’t even claim for it. That is impressive. Well done.

Wilding pines Nice to read about the Blenheim 4WD Club eradicating wilding pines at Spaniards Flat. Thank you. I wish you all a great Christmas and an even better New Year

Town parking wardens Thank you to our caring Town Parking Wardens, ensuring our vehicle parks are kindly shared and overseeing the health and safety of our vehicles while there. Your attentiveness is appreciated. You go about your tasks in all weather’s; you dress smartly in your uniforms (although must be hot for you in warmer temperatures); you Listen Astutely; you Watch Closely; you Speak Wisely. Thank you. Best Wishes to you all for a Safe & Happy Christmas Rest.

Global change Dilemma Friday last, clear sky, little wind as we drove to check on the ‘new completed’ roundabout at Rapaura. But, alas no, hundreds of cones, dozens of men in formal Blenhiem flouro, reduced speed signs and net minit BANG, a decent smash. Do we stop and help; then, White Island precedent charges from OSH, H&S, LTSA, MDC Roads and many other Govt agencies, struck litigation fear for helping-learning to drive on.

Oh dear, I presume you are having a laugh. Surely you have heard of many more famous & reliable cartographers who explored Antarctica not long after Piri Reis dubious discredited chart & found only ice, icebergs and penguins. As for Greenland Eric the Viking called it that because it wasn’t! so he could attract gullible settlers like you. Spouting misinformation or alternative facts makes it harder for those already suffering the effects of climate change.

Road bumps

A credit Gina @ ‘Renwick Medical Centre’ - you are a credit to the business. I always get a warm welcome and a smile on arrival when visiting : )

Thumbs up Thumbs up to all the businesses/employers who survived Covid and I hope their employees appreciate the efforts some went to, to keep them in jobs.

Labour-labor-laborious 1.Chris Hipkins forgets we have C130 Hercs, that, like Countdown, will deliver cargo. Fridges in days; not months stuck on a ship! 2.Ishimata-bought by the government for ALL, quote “not a treaty deal”. Not a racist move! It’s actually everyones land. 3. Vaccines for ‘all NZers’, and all Pacific nations, that’s fantastic, so straight to any NZ embassy overseas, as an NZ citizen, Cindy promised my ‘free’ prick, please.

The slowing down of traffic was somewhat mitigated by the construction of roundabouts at some of our major intersections. Then we had the ‘humps’ in the CBD. And now the suggestion of judder bars near roundabouts or intersections. Has anyone given thought to judder bars and ‘humps’ with their impact on people who have spinal or back injuries? We don’t need the creative construction solution - we need a more appropriate monitoring process whereby road behaviour is addressed to ensure a safer and more comfortable community for all drivers.

Fairhall Cemetery To the person who let their dog leave a “deposit” on Monday 21st at entrance of toilet’s and never picked it up. Take a visit to an optometrist ,then you maybe able to read sign saying “No dogs” You wouldn’t even consider how well cemeteries are looked after. Oops!!!! You won’t be able to read this. Bugger.

txt talk

of the week

Kind act Last week waiting in line at Whitcoulls, a lady purchasing beautiful Christmas crackers on a 3 for the price of 2 deal gifted me her surplus box of crackers. I was really blown away by her kind act and she will be thought of from our Christmas dinner table. A big Merry Christmas to her! We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266. Limit to 70 words please. Name supplied please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

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Hopes for 2021 Merry Xmas Marlborough. Let’s hope 2021 is COVID free and jobs are safe and people less angry and stressed. Be kind and treasure your loved ones.

Deserve a break Awesome service today (Sunday 20th) at New World. Staff all friendly and happy despite being so busy. Merry Christmas to you all. You all deserve a break .

No care for animal wellbeing I have absolutely no bad feelings towards farmers or the farming community and what has happened at the Jordan’s is a terrible thing. I do not condone the theft of anyone’s property be it living or dead BUT it’s surprising to me the reaction people are having to the POOR mother sheep being in such distress and the well being of the animals mental state. At some point in their lives they will all be loaded onto a huge truck in the stinking heat of summer and transported to the meat works which is if you think about it, terrifying for any animal not used to a vehicle, then they all get to watch each other be slaughtered...if this isn’t traumatic for animals I don’t understand how you are all so shocked and appalled because it happens daily with no care to the well being or mental state of those animals involved.

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We will be available for emergency call out over the Christmas and New Year period to ensure our customers can have peace of mind that we are only a phone call away should the unexpected happen!

Call: 03 570 2926 or 027 601 3858 Grey Power discount available • office@paragongp.co.nz

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a relaxing new year!!

You’re safe in our hands

18 Wednesday December 30, 2020

The Sun

Looking Back on 2020

Looking back – COVID in Marlborough By Celeste Alexander

I think we can all agree, learning to live in a world threatened by a global pandemic has made 2020 a year we won’t forget. On February 28 the first case of COVID-19 was reported in New Zealand. Then on March 19 the Government announced all indoor gatherings of more than 100 people were cancelled and borders closed to all but New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. The reality of the pandemic threat hit home even harder when on March 25 the country woke up in Alert Level 4 and the entire nation was in self-isolation. Sadly four days later the first COVID-19 related death was reported.

The Alert Levels dropped to 3 on April 28, then to Level 2 on May 13, and finally to Level 1 on June 8. In the Nelson Marlborough region there were 50 recorded cases, 22 of which were in Marlborough. The first recorded case was on March 20, and the last active case was discharged from isolation on May 21. There were no deaths in Marlborough. During the Lockdown period all businesses, except those deemed essential remained closed during Level 4. Gradually as the Alert Levels dropped more were able to begin trading – with restrictions. Aside from the effect on businesses, a number of events were cancelled in Marlborough including the annual Anzac Day service It was the first time in NZ’s

history that Anzac Day services had been cancelled. Despite this the community still honoured the fallen, remembered veterans and acknowledged the service of serving Defence Force personnel. The ‘Stand At Dawn’ initiative was embraced by Marlborough and saw people of all ages stand at the end of their driveways at 6am on April 25. Many homes put out poppies, displayed children’s Anzac craft, and left wreaths at war memorials while staying in their ‘bubbles’, including Blenheim resident Denise O’Malley-Grey who featured on the Sun’s front page, dated April 22. Denise made her own Anzac Day crosses and flag which she displayed on the roadside near her Weld Street property.

Blenheim couple Monty Grey and Denise O'Malley-Grey marked Anzac Day by exhibiting a collection of crosses outside their home, which they placed before the dawn service at 6am. File photo

Looking back – Waterlea milestones By Celeste Alexander

Labour candidate Matt Flight and his wife Dallas visited the National headquarters to congratulate Stuart Smith and wife Julie on Stuart's third term win. File photo

Looking back – Historic election results By Celeste Alexander

In a year that was in no way ordinary the 2020 General Election was no exception. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic had been an unexpected event this year the 2020 General Election produced historic results. The Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern who was seeking her second term in office, had its greatest support in 50 years, as well as historic numbers in younger voters. It was dubbed the ‘Labour landslide’ and saw the party achieve the numbers to govern alone – the most any party has achieved under MMP. Labour went on to sign a cooperation agreement with the Green Party. Here in Marlborough the election results were also a surprise to many. After months of campaigning the candidates for Labour, Matt Flight, and for National, Stuart Smith, ran a close race. There was no clear winner until late into election night. In the

end Stuart took a 2,295 vote lead, holding onto his blue seat for a third term. While Stuart celebrated his third term win, Matt celebrated the rise in Labour support for the region. Stuart received 18,069 votes and National 13,007 (30.1%) for the electorate, while Matt received 15,774 and Labour 19,159 (44.3%) for the electorate. A total of 43,206 votes were counted. Compare this to the 2017 General Election; Stuart received 20,954 total votes and Labour’s candidate Janette Walker received 10,401. A total of 39,781 votes were counted. In that General Election National party votes were well represented in the Kaikoura Electorate with 52.6percent, and Labour 29.1percent. At the end of election night Matt visited Stuart at the National headquarters and congratulated him on the win. Both men were in good spirits and stated they had “great respect” for one another.

Two major milestones for Waterlea Racecourse were celebrated this year. A century of harness racing at Waterlea was marked with a two-day meeting in January. The Marlborough Racing Club and Marlborough Harness Racing Club once raced at Riverlands before purchasing the property in 1919. They established a racecourse and in 1920 it opened with the first thoroughbred meeting held March 10 and the historic trotting meeting two days later. Waterlea was soon developed as a spectator-friendly venue, and the new members and stewards stand was completed in 1977 with the public stand being developed in the late 1980s. The second milestone was in August this year with the announcement that the highly valuable 31 hectares of green space, race tracks, grandstands and facilities that is Waterlea Park had its ownership gifted to a new trust. Waterlea was a freehold prop-

erty shared equally between the Marlborough Racing Club and the Marlborough Harness Racing Club. Earlier this year the Waterlea Park Charitable Trust 2020 was established, registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, and will hold onto the property long term and to use for public benefit. Representatives from each club, Michael Rangi (Marlborough Harness Racing Club vice-chairman) and John O’Brien (Marlborough Racing Club president) said their clubs were 100 percent behind the handover, for the future of Marlborough. The Trust released a statement stating that the property has been “held by the clubs through good times and bad and extraordinary past efforts have been made to keep it for the people of Marlborough, and for the Marlborough racing community”. “Now, in further changing times, the clubs have decided to pass this asset over to the wider community of Marlborough for future com-

munity use. “The clubs and the Trust envisage a transition where Waterlea Park will increasingly be seen and used as a community asset and community park. “The new Trust committee will now develop strategies for the future of this attractive space.” The next event to be held at Waterlea will be the Marlborough Race Day (harness racing) set for Friday, January 15 and Sunday 17, 2021. The Friday event will be the Twilight Meeting with the ‘Race Day On the Green’, an exclusive area set up where ticket holders can enjoy a great social event while watching some great harness racing. For the affordable price of $45 each people will be able to experience the thrill of horse racing with live music and great food. Gates open at 1.30pm. V i s i t w w w. e v e n t f i n d a . co.nz/2021/race-day-on-thegreen/blenheim for tickets. Sunday’s race meeting with be a Family Day.

Michael Rangi (Marlborough Harness Racing Club vice-chairman), John O'Brien (Marlborough Racing Club president), and David Sim (Waterlea Properties chairman) celebrate the gifting of the land to the newly formed Waterlea Park Charitable Trust 2020 with Ken Hart (trust chairman) and trustees Ben McLauchlan and Stephanie Hole. Absent: Paul Hickman and Petrina Shutkowski.

The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

EVENT: Christmas Street Party

Local gathered in Blenheimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD recently, and enjoyed food, music, and good company at the Christmas Street Party. Father Christmas made an appearance and met with children, spreading festive cheer.

This group of friends paused for a quick picture during their evening.

Niamh and Arwen Attridge.

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Daniella Arcos and Sebastian Rocha.

Whirie Hills and Destiny Edmunds.

Jennifer Mattison, Jack Linch, Caty Lincrow and Sam Vindler.

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Wednesday December 30, 2020

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Professional lighting thanks to grant Thanks to a grant from Marlborough District Council’s Community Grants scheme, Havelock Theatre are able to upgrade the theatrical lighting system (pictured) in Havelock Town Hall for the benefit of all users of these lights. The previous lights were obtained second hand when the first show was staged in 1999. The new lighting system, which Marlborough Light & Sound began installing last Monday, will provide state of the art LED lights that allow multiple colour washes and provide significant creative flexibility for future pro-

ductions in primary variations of red, green, blue, and white. The lights are cool, use 60% less power and have a life span of 15 – 20 years. The news is especially exciting for all involved with A Bunch of Amateurs as they will be able to incorporate the new lighting into their rehearsals after next week. A Bunch of Amateurs plays in the Havelock Town Hall 20 -30 January. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 Concession and $10 children under 14. They can be obtained from Bow to Stern phone 574 2194 or https:// trybooking.co.nz/FFM

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Public Notices

Craft Fair, Havelock Town Hall, December 31st, January 1st and 2nd, 10am - 4pm daily, Free entry, Supporting Simply The Breast Dragon Boat Team.

Clothing Alterations: by Lynette Atkinson-Parker For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010

HEATPUM P supply, service, install. Free quotes. Call now 0284052863

Quality Service Guaranteed

Police checkpoints To ensure everyone is driving sober, Tasman Police be operating checkpoints across the district over the New Year period. If you’re driving, choose water or alcohol-free drinks – that way you’ll have a 0% chance of a positive breath alcohol test. If you’re drinking and need to get home, ensure you and your mates have a plan to do so safely so you arrive alive.

Situations Vacant

WANTED JOURNALIST COMMUNITY WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR As our well-known Community Welfare Co-ordinator is leaving us next year, we require an experienced staff member to fill this vacancy for the Marlborough area. Age Concern Marlborough Inc is a registered charity which seeks to preserve and promote the wellbeing, rights, respect for and dignity of older people in our community. We do this by providing support, information, advocacy services, advice, friendship and social services. We are looking for a self-motivated person with demonstrable experience working with older persons, and preferably with appropriate social worker qualifications. You will need an empathetic manner, the ability to work with clients from a diversity of backgrounds, the ability to prioritise and adapt, and to be a team player. You will also need some knowledge of contract budgeting and commit to fulfilling contract reporting requirements, as well as the ability to learn in-house computer systems. We envisage this position would be 35 hours per week, but could be managed on a job-share basis. A job description can be obtained from our Treasurer, email p.clay@xtra.co.nz Please send your expression of interest and supporting documentation to our Treasurer at p.clay@xtra.co.nz by Sunday 10th January 2021.

The leading community newspaper in Marlborough is looking for a new journalist to join our team. Based in our office in Blenheim this position is full-time with flexibility if needed for the right applicant. A great opportunity to make your mark in this field, with a newspaper that is well respected in our community.

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We prefer the applicant has a tertiary qualification in journalism and is proficient at hunting out story leads and breaking news in our region. You must be accurate, ambitious and hungry for an interesting story. Also capable of taking a good photograph. Join our local team who publish our weekly newspaper. Start date in January/February to be decided.

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The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020 In Memoriam

URGENT services

Community donations support animals this Christmas

John Robert Chauval 09.03.1935 - 31.12.2019

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 579 4870. After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm, Public Holidays 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Ph 578 2271. Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline. Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939. Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757. Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am 4pm. Phone 578 4272. Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 11.30am-7.30pm, children under 12 may visit parents only. Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward. Picton: Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870. Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

When our lives came together Eleven years ago We always knew one of us Would grieve again Not realising the degree of pain You made me laugh You made me cry Still I will love you until I die You spent time with all Members of my family and They embraced you as their own My youngest daughter so glad That once again she had a Dad You will always have a special place In our hearts Rest in Peace Johnny Boy Dawn and Family

By Celeste Alexander

support of Vet Marlborough with veterinary services, but when it comes to vet bills, medication, food, bedding, and supplies for volunteers, Marlborough Four Paws is always in need of funding and donations. Thanks to the kind donations from the community, the Sun Newspaper was proud to hand over bags and tins of food, bedding, toys and accessories for cats and dogs, as well as some gifts for volunteers. Michelle was thrilled with the donations. “I was just blown away by the generosity of the community. Thank you very much for all you have donated. “These donations will help not just the animals we have fostered, but also families with pets who are finding it hard this Christmas. Once again, we are so grateful,” she says. For those who would still like to support the organisations visit the Givealittle page at https://givealittle.co.nz/org/marlborough-four-paws or the Facebook page for bank account details.

The Sun’s annual Christmas Appeal has now finished and wow, the community has once again shown to be very generous. This year’s charitable organisation benefiting from the appeal is Marlborough Four Paws (formerly Marlborough Dog Pawz). It was established in 2017 by Michelle Madsen and Leslie Hamersley and has a dedicated team of volunteers. Marlborough Four Paws began with the aim to help support responsible dog ownership within the community through initiatives such as subsidised desexing to dog owners. This need quickly grew to include help with desexing of dogs and cats, and with the help of the volunteers Marlborough Four Paws also assists with rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of unwanted, abandoned and stray cats and kittens. The organisation receives the generous

In Memoriam Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

Jenn Ruffell of Marlborough Paws pictured with the pet food, bedding and toys donated by the community for the Sun Newspaper's annual Christmas Appeal.

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.

fact of the week Starfish don’t have brains. Special cells on their skin gather information about their surroundings.

Quick crossword Across 1. Fretted (7) 5. Swindle (7) 9. Deceives (5) 10. Choice (9) 11. Travel schedule (9) 12. Popular fast food (5) 13. Grip (5) 15. Feeling of ill will (9) 18. Pampering (9) 19. African animal (abbr) (5) 21. South American rodent (5) 23. Building (9) 25. Blasphemy (9) 26. Iron (5) 27. Entourage (7) 28. Playhouse (7)

Down 1. Marriage ceremony (7) 2. Rebuke (9) 3. Point of dispute (5) 4. Contrasting (9) 5. Dawdle (5) 6. Flannel (4,5) 7. Excuse (5) 8. Line of heredity (7) 14. Contamination (9) 16. Burial (9) 17. Unwise (9) 18. Tooth (7) 20. Supervise (7) 22. Sailboat (5) 23. Strain (5) 24. Thicket (5)

Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

S A

A S

H L S

Last week

Across: 1. Circumnavigate, 10. Khaki, 11. Shipshape, 12. Trouble, 13. Silence, 14. Stand, 16. Architect, 19. Blaspheme, 20. Gloss, 22. Skewers, 25. Chalice, 27. Adulation, 28. Penne, 29. Impressionable. Down: 2. Inamorata, 3. Climb, 4. Misbehave, 5. Alias, 6. Insulting, 7. Again, 8. Element, 9. Skates, 15. Deprecate, 17. Crescendo, 18. Emotional, 19. Basmati, 21. Shekel, 23. Equip, 24. Spins, 26. Alpha. Puzzles © The Puzzle Company

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

A E

C A K

E S

E N I

S C R E E A R E N A

A E

5x5

Last week

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

S L A P S

M A N S E

A N N A L

S C U L L

H E L M S

168

The Sun

sport

Wednesday December 30, 2020

sports talk With Jacob Page

Nigel Owens a rare breed Nigel Owens’ retirement from international refereeing leaves behind a blueprint for other whistle-blowers to follow in the future. So often, sports officials are classified as having done a good job if they haven’t been seen during a game. Somehow, the Welshman was able to turn that cliche on its head during his 17-year 100 test career. Owens was relatable as a human being and that wasn’t just because he

publicised his battle with depression or the fact he was openly gay, he came across as someone who genuinely loved the game of rugby. Yes, he was funny and entertaining but most importantly, he got the calls right when they mattered most. Owens was able to be respected during a game without talking down to players or acting like a school teacher reprimanding an ill-disciplined child. A personal perception of mine

is that officials have begun to use yellow and red cards to maintain discipline. The tone of chats with players during a game has been poor at best and I think the standard of rugby is hurt, in part, by the interactions between players and officials. Owens was able to command respect while also having a laugh at the same time. He has been good for the game, he

has provided a positive light to shine on refereeing and has, I’m sure, turned many people on to grabbing a whistle themselves. Hopefully, Owens maintains a high profile for referees in the coming years. I grew up with referees like Paddy O’Brien and Colin Hawke, both were well respected but both were disciplinarians. However, they were the most

inbrief

Memories honoured with action packed racing By Celeste Alexander

On December 19 the last race meeting for 2020 was held by Eastern States Speedway featuring the Remembrance Champs. This is a particularly special event on the calendar as the club honours those who have passed. As part of the prizegiving a special trophy was given out in the stockcar class – the Dallas Reeves Memorial Trophy. Dallas passed away in November, 2018 and was a well-liked and respected stockcar driver and club member. After his passing his wife Nicky Reeves asked the Y Knot Racing Team to continue racing his blue 59E car. The trophy was designed to be

about the spirit of the recipient, reflecting the incredible sportsmanship shown by Dallas. It is awarded to someone within the stockcar class who has shown the same sportsmanship and commitment to their class and club mates. This year that trophy was awarded to 22E driver Brandon Schumacher, who says he was “honoured” to receive it. The 19th’s race meeting also saw the Gerald Flintoft Memorial Streetstock race held in memory of Gerald who passed away in 2016. Streetstock drivers attached black and yellow balloons to their cars in his honour. Another feature race was the MotoX class run, adding a great meeting to finish off the year.

MARLBOROUGH WATER BLASTING marlbwaterblasting@gmail.com www.marlboroughwaterblasting.com

Rarangi Golf Club Results

Then the following day on January 30 will be more great racing from the production class, the SIMCA Midget Series and the Stockcar & Youth Ministock Best Pairs.

The 121C streetstock car from Christchurch was rolled onto its roof during the meeting. The MotoX riders put on a great display for the crowd.

Call us today for a free quote Ben Webb 0277536981 Grace Andrews 0277422489

The Sun

The 59E stockcar which belonged to the late Dallas Reeves. Dallas was part of the Y Knot Racing Team and designed and built the car before passing away in 2018. This season it has been raced by Riley Keen (to the right). Pictured on the car is Madi Morgan and young Madison Lammas, and inside the car are Scott Alexander and young Cooper Lammas. Photos by SK Photography

Eastern States Speedway will resume racing in the New Year with dates set for January 29 2021 featuring the Precision Tyre & Auto Streetcar Series and Grass Karts.

ew n r e d Un rship e n w o

consistent referees in the country. Steve Walsh junior was another who had more charisma but was always defined as a ref who was easily swayed by the hometown crowd. It’s always an extremely fine line for any official to do their job to a high standard and remain human under the intense scrutiny of television and technology. Owens has walked that line well and it is a rare achievement.

December 16, Men’s Midweek Christmas, Medal, Net. Har Eradus 65, Bob Penington 68, Terry Grant 69, Neil Reeves 69, Barry Masters 70, Terry Lane 70, Alan Hogg 71, Alan Rutledge 71, Dick Hubert 71, Arthur Ross 71, Mike Walker 71, Maurice Soper 71, Hans Bloemberg 71, Clarry Neame 72, Dennis Wye 72, Graham McCarthy 72. December 17, Ladies Stableford: Margaret Tapp 41, Wendy Moffat 40, Joanne Prescott 37, Dale McCrindle 37, Denise Hodson 36. Congratulations to Margaret Tapp who had her 7th Hole In One on Rarangi’s No 12 hole. December 19, Men & Ladies Christmas Competition, Hidden Partners, 4BBB Stableford: Dick Hubert/Bruce Curgenven 48 on c/b from Terry Lane/Bruce Verry 48, Owen Gibbs/Pat Olliver 45, Iain Berrie/Sue Lang 45, Hans Bloemberg/Gordon Lang 44, Susan Greenstreet/Mark Milne 43, Ray Tomlinson/Maryann Best 42, Margaret York/Terry Allen 42, Laurie McGlone/Tony Nichol 42. December 20, Men & Ladies Medal, Net: Paul Sainsbury 66, Alan Rutledge 67, Terry Allen 70, Sue Lang 72, Shane Weaver 73, Paul Silke 73, Brian Gill 73.

• High & low pressure water blasting • Exterior building cleaning • Pre-paint house washing • Gutter cleaning • Roof cleaning • Wineries • Domestic and commercial

The Sun

Wednesday December 30, 2020

Marlborough Harness meeting • 2 Days Public area $10.00 entrance for Adults children FREE

RACES DAYS • FRIDAY (JAN 15) Party on the Green • SUNDAY (JAN 17) FAMILY DAY

m p 0 .3 1 t a n e p o s e t a G . a re A N E E R G E H T n O

LY Tickets for Party N O g n ti e e M t h ig il w T , 5 uary 1 n a J Y A ID R F y a D e c a R Marlborough Reserved AREA. son in r e p r e p 5 4 $ s t e k ic GET YOUR T verage) (Includes

er or non alcoholic a glass of bubbles, be

ale & Male m e F d e ss re d st e b r • DRESS UP - Prize fo erage village • Gourmet food & bev ket umbrellas ar m & g in tt se g in at • Garden se Security • R18 entrance only d& Tickets must be printe

ce presented on Entran

Organise a group of friends

0 .0 per person

e table or get your own privat for 10 people @$650.

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Purchase your tickets N

VENT FIN E t a ’ n e re G e th n o y rt OW ‘For Pa

im -on-the-green/blenhe ay -d ce ra 1/ 02 /2 nz o. www.eventfinda.c