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Blenheim has been served by the old meters since the 1980s and about a dozen of Marlborough's old ‘lollipop’ parking meters have been sold already. Photo by Local Democracy Reporting

Own a slice of history

Old lollipop parking meters up for sale

By Chloe Ranford, Local Democracy Reporter

Rifling for coins to pay for parking was once a way of life.

But after 30-years in action, Blenheim’s coin-operated Duncan ‘lollipop’ meters were replaced with digital screens and sent to a metal yard to be fed through a shredder.

But before the meters are chopped up for scrap, Trillo Metals is giving people the chance to bring home the unique “keepsake” or “memorabilia” items for $40 a meter.

Trillo Metals co-owner Craig Trillo said about a dozen meters had be sold so far, mainly to women looking to spice up their son’s, son-in-law’s or husband’s “man cave”.

One woman had travelled from Nelson to buy a lollipop meter. Some had even bought more than one, he said.

This did not include the 21 meters purchased by the Ashburton District Council from the Marlborough District Council earlier this year for $3150 to replace its own damaged meter stock, or use for parts.

Those that didn’t find a home before mid- to late-October would be fed through a shredder and sent over to India.

Pay-by-plate meters have been gradually rolled out in Blenheim and Picton since June 2019, after old age and vandalism pushed Blenheim’s lollipop meters to breaking point. The final meter was removed in June.

A statement on the council’s website said the lollipop meters were in “varying condition”. Some had heads but no pole to stand on, while others had two heads and a pole.

“It will be a first-in, first-served system,” it said. “It also pays to note that the meters are surprisingly top heavy ... If you wish to stand these up... the base will need to be concreted in or weighted down.”

The council waived parking fees in town centres during the coronavirus lockdown. It later agreed in May to roll out two-hour free parking in Blenheim and Picton, but decided this month to move to one-hour free parking from October 1.

The lollipop meters were sold to Trillo Metals as scrap metal. Trillo Metals would pay the council the scrap metal value, which was expected to be a small sum.

Meters could be bought from Trillo Metals on 03 578 0340.

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Open Saturday 9am - 1pm | www.blenheim.toyota.co.nz | 21 Main Street, Blenheim Phone: 578 4319 | After Hours: Colin 027 481 6867 Matt 021 502 344 | Malcolm 027 450 0353

Q: Should the government be giving state funding to private schools?

Ken Anderson Blenheim

Yes, I reckon. Years ago we had free education.

Peter Connor Blenheim

Yes, definitely.

Stephanie Grandeza Blenheim

The government should focus on public schools.

Thomas Bassick Blenheim

If they’re struggling, definitely. If they’re asking for money for the sake of it, no.

Tiwai Chesterman Blenheim

Yes, depending on how they are doing. If they’re struggling, give them the money.

Warren Piesse Blenheim

It’s a difficult one. If they have enough money to go around, then yes.

Letters to the editor

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. 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.

Marlborough’s only locally owned funeral home

15 Boyce Street Blenheim office@cloudybayfuneral.co.nz

Ph 578 2004 - 24 Hrs

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or send a fax to phone 577 -7863.

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

Wilding Pines response

Wednesday Sun correspondent Eco-Action asks “what are local authorities doing regarding w ilding pines in the Branch/ Leatham?”

I will attempt to answer that by first stating that both DOC and MDC are supporting the work being done by the South Marlborough Landscape Resto ration Trust which currently has c ontractors eliminating wildings by drilling, and some spraying, in the Awatere and Ferny Gair sectors.

SMLRT was set up in 2016 “to provide strategic oversight, co-or dination, fund raising and national i ntegration for an expanded South Marlborough wilding conifer programme.”

In November 2019 the Trust

The meeting with Minister Eugenie Sage at Greigs Hut. Alastair Shanks, Kevin Callaghan, Ross Beech, Minister Sage, John Oswald, Ket Bradshaw (Trust coordinator) Debs Martin, Simon Fowler. Photo provided.

took Minister Eugenie Sage on a helicopter trip up the Branch, meeting at Greigs hut to explain the complex problems that the invasion of wilding conifers poses in the Branch/Leatham.

This trip by the Minister, we believe, was partly responsible for $100 million being allocated to MPI’s National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.

A considerable portion of this funding has been allocated to programmes on Molesworth Sta tion and Waihopai Valley sectors, a nd it is anticipated that future funding will allow us to make a serious start on eliminating conifers in the Branch/Leatham.

John Oswald, Chair South Marlborough Landscape Resto ration Trust

Speed limit signs instead of new roundabout

Attached is a photo of the Redwood Town area. Council have proposed, and I under stand approved, the spending o f $300,000 of Rate Payers money to alter the Alabama/ Weld roundabout to a raised platform.

I have no problem with them doing something about the accident and injury rate, but to spend $300,000 on one roundabout seems to be a bit over the top, when the problem could quickly and easily be sorted with twelve new speed limit signs. A change to 30 km/ hr now would also future-proof us from having to make any further changes for many years.

It would provide a safe and appropriate speed for the road ing environment and support p edestrian and school children movements and assist with car parking.

I doubt very much that anyone would really object to a 30 km/ hr limit in an area of that size and foot traffic would be that much safer.

Three wouldn’t be any com plaints from neighbours as t here would be less trafficnoise.

Even if it was trialled for, say six months, it would be better than rushing out and spending $300,000 on one hotspot.

Rex

NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL DISTRICT COUNCIL

First hour of parking free from tomorrow First hour of parking free from tomorrow - remember to enter your plate number - remember to enter your plate number

From tomorrow, Thursday 1 October From tomorrow, Thursday 1 October the first hour of parking in Blenheim the first hour of parking in Blenheim and Picton is free and drivers now and Picton is free and drivers now have more flexibility on how they have more flexibility on how they spend their fee-free 60 minutes. spend their fee-free 60 minutes. The first hour free parking can now The first hour free parking can be be spread out during separate visits spread out during separate visits to to town. For example, if you park for town. For example, if you park for 30 minutes in town in the morning 30 minutes in town in the morning you can return to town at a later you can return to town at a later time and use the remaining 30 time and use the remaining 30 minutes. minutes. People parking in Blenheim or People parking in Blenheim or Picton are reminded to activate a Picton are reminded to activate a Pay by Plate meter by entering their Pay by Plate meter by entering their registration plate number to access registration plate number to access the free parking, even if they’re the free parking, even if they’re staying for less than one hour. staying for less than one hour. Councillor Brian Dawson, who Councillor Brian Dawson, who holds holds the parking portfolio, says the parking portfolio, says Councillors recently decided to councillors recently decided to extend free parking in Blenheim extend free parking in Blenheim and and Picton to help boost retail sales Picton to help boost retail sales and and hospitality activity to assist hospitality activity to assist Marlborough’s COVID-19 recovery. Marlborough’s COVID-19 recovery. Residents in Renwick and Havelock Residents in Renwick and Havelock will soon receive information on will soon receive information on their water use following the first their water use following the first reading of their meters. reading of their meters. Council’s Operations and Council’s Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says this is a major Rooney says this is a major milestone for the project. milestone for the project. Now that we have completed "Now that we have completed the initial meter reading, meters the initial meter reading, meters will be read on a regular basis to will be read on a regular basis to provide residents with a comparison provide residents with a comparison between winter and summer between winter and summer demand. demand." households in Renwick and Havelock households in Renwick and Havelock will be provided with an information will be provided with an information sheet which will detail their water sheet which will detail their water beginning next year. This lead-in beginning next year. This lead-in period provides water usage data period provides water usage data through a complete summer period, through a complete summer period, prior to charging starting on 1 July prior to charging starting on 1 July 2021,” Mr Rooney said. 2021,” Mr Rooney said. “Water meters are the fairest way “Water meters are the fairest way to pay, as you only pay for the to pay, as you only pay for the water you actually use, giving you water you actually use, giving you control over your bill. Metering control over your bill. Metering helps secure future water supplies helps secure future water supplies by encouraging people to conserve by encouraging people to conserve water.” water.” “Meters also help to identify leaks “Meters also help to identify leaks and get them fixed quickly. We have and get them fixed quickly. We have already found some very large leaks already found some very large leaks - one was showing a loss of water of - one was showing a loss of water of 68 cubic metres a day, compared to 68 cubic metres a day, compared to the average household daily winter the average household daily winter consumption of less than one cubic consumption of less than one cubic metre a day,” Mr Rooney said. metre a day,” Mr Rooney said. Members of the public can contact Members of the public can contact Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 for Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 for further information about the further information about the Renwick and Havelock water meter Pay by Plate Helper Hi Pay by Plate Helper Hi there, there, MDC MDC car car parks parks will will change change to to '1st '1st Hour Hour Free Free Parking' Parking' from from 1 1 October October 2020. 2020.

Please remember to enter Please remember to enter your your number number plate at plate at the meter. the meter.

“Offering the first hour free aligns “Offering the first hour free aligns with the average length of time with the average length of time people are parking in the CBD onpeople are parking in the CBD onstreet car parks,” Clr Dawson said. street car parks,” Clr Dawson said. People can remotely pay for parking People can remotely pay for parking by using the PayMyPark phone app. by using the PayMyPark phone app. The Alfred Street car park is included The Alfred Street car park is included in the first hour free initiative. in the first hour free initiative. However, all day tariffs for the car However, all day tariffs for the car park building and all day car parks park building and all day car parks remain at $4 per day. remain at $4 per day. Please phone the Council on Ph: Please phone the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: mdc@ 03 520 7400 or email: mdc@ marlborough.govt.nz if you require marlborough.govt.nz if you require

Renwick and Havelock water use Renwick and Havelock water use information out soon information out soon

Over the next couple of weeks "Over the next couple of weeks consumption prior to charging consumption prior to charging further advice or assistance. further advice or assistance.

rollout. Renwick and Havelock water meter The meters have been trialled since rollout or visit: 2017. www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/ For further information on water utilities/water-supplies/watermetering in Renwick and Havelock metering-in-havelock-and-renwick/ visit: www.marlborough.govt.nz/ renwick-and-havelock-water-meterservices/utilities/water-supplies/ frequently-asked-questions water-metering-in-havelock-andrenwick/renwick-and-havelock-watermeter-frequently-asked-questions

Have your say on dog control bylaw review Have your say on dog control bylaw review

Consultation on the Marlborough District Consultation on the Marlborough District Council Dog Control Policy and Bylaw is Council Dog Control Policy and Bylaw is underway and will run for six weeks, closing underway and will run for six weeks, closing at 5.00 pm on Monday 9 November. at 5.00 pm on Monday 9 November. Animal Control Contract Manager Jane Animal Control Contract Manager Jane Robertson says the new draft bylaw Robertson says the new draft bylaw proposes including making some parts of proposes including making some parts of the Taylor River Reserve on-leash instead of the Taylor River Reserve on-leash instead of the current off-leash. the current off-leash. “Instead of the Taylor River being totally “Instead of the Taylor River being totally off-lead the proposal suggests that dogs off-leash the proposal suggests that dogs need to be on a lead on the section of need to be on a leash on the section of the the Taylor River Reserve from The Quays, Taylor River Reserve from The Quays, near near Raupo café to the Burleigh Bridge. Raupo café to the Burleigh Bridge. This area This area is popular with a wide range of is popular with a wide range of people, not people, not just dog walkers, and is where just dog walkers, and is where we see the we see the most conflict between different most conflict between different users.” users.” “We have had instances of uncontrolled “We have had instances of uncontrolled dogs and also owners not cleaning up after dogs and also owners not cleaning up after their dogs in this area,” Ms Robertson said. their dogs in this area,” Ms Robertson said. The attached maps show the proposed The attached maps show the proposed changes to the Taylor River Reserve. changes to the Taylor River Reserve. Other proposed changes in the draft bylaw Other proposed changes in the draft bylaw include allowing dogs into Blenheim’s CBD include allowing dogs into Blenheim’s CBD Mayor John Leggett recently attended the Mayor John Leggett recently attend the giving - a special ceremony to celebrate giving - a special ceremony to celebrate the commitment and determination of the commitment and determination of students before, during and after the students before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Throughout COVID-19 lockdown period. Throughout the evening there were performances the evening there were performances if they are on a leash and under control, if they are on a leash and under control, and increasing the restricted area around and increasing the restricted area around playgrounds for dogs from three to 10 playgrounds for dogs from three to ten metres. Prohibiting dogs from Blenheim’s metres. Prohibiting dogs from Blenheim’s Pollard Park and Ward Beach, is also Pollard Park and Ward Beach, is also proposed. proposed. “We want input from dog owners and the “We want input from dog owners and the general public to make sure our policy and general public to make sure our policy and bylaw works for everyone in our region,” bylaw works for everyone in our region,” Ms Ms Robertson said. Robertson said. Following the consultation period hearings Following the consultation period hearings will take place in early December when will take place in early December when submitters will have the opportunity to submitters will have the opportunity to speak. speak. For more information and to make a For more information and to make a submission, visit: submission, visit: www.marlborough.govt. www.marlborough.govt. nz/your-council/bylaws/dog-controlnz/your-council/bylaws/dog-controlbylaw-2010/proposed-dog-control-policybylaw-2010/proposed-dog-control-policyand-bylaw-review and-bylaw-review Submission forms, copies of the Statement Submission forms, copies of the Statement of Proposal, and the draft proposed policy of Proposal, and the draft proposed policy and bylaw are also available at the Council’s and bylaw are also available at the Council’s Blenheim office, the Picton Library and Blenheim office, the Picton Library and Service Centre and from Animal Control at Service Centre and from Animal Control at

LEFT: The green area on the map outlines where dog are currently allowed off-leash LEFT: The green area on the map outlines where dogs are currently allowed off-leash along the Taylor River. RIGHT: The orange area on the map outlines the areas along along the Taylor River. RIGHT: The orange area on the map outlines the areas along the Taylor River where dogs must be on a lead, under the proposed policy and bylaw. the Taylor River where dogs must be on a lead, under the proposed policy and bylaw.

Cultural prize giving celebrates students’ hard work Cultural prize giving celebrates students’ hard work

Marlborough Girls’ College Cultural prize Marlborough Girls’ College Cultural prize 56 Main Street, Blenheim. 56 Main Street, Blenheim.

(Left to right) Back row (Left to right) Back row - Alex Brown, Pipi Bell, - Alex Brown, Pipi Bell, Rene Christian-Roddick, Rene Christian-Roddick, Maryanne RemeneMaryanne RemeneSolomon. Third row Solomon. Third row - Te Ao Marama Nepia, - Te Ao Marama Nepia, Kelis Rarere, jahvantae Kelis Rarere, jahvantae Pirika, Aroha Ward, Pirika, Aroha Ward, Asherlee Rarere. Second Asherlee Rarere. Second row - Mayor John row - Mayor John Leggett, Anne, Sarayah Leggett, Anne Best, Casey, Kelsi Hart, Louisa Sarayah Casey, Kelsi King, Teri Climo, Faith Hart, Louisa King, Teri Te Whiu. Front row - Climo, Faith Te Whiu. Raumati Rogers, Nga Front row - Raumati Whatatoitu Heemi Rogers, Nga Whatatoitu Heemi

from the Girls’ College Jazz ensemble, from the Girls’ College Jazz ensemble, Pasifika Dance Group, Kapahaka and Pasifika Dance Group, Kapahaka and Maori Performing Arts, along with Maori Performing Arts, along with individual performances from multiple individual performances from multiple students. The final award of the night students. The final award of the night was presented to Michelle Brown as the was presented to Michelle Brown as the Cultural Achiever of the Year. Cultural Achiever of the Year.

Wednesday September 30, 2020 one on one with the Sun

Pottering about

Sun Reporter Frances Chin speaks to local potter Kaja Jungersen about the revival of ceramics in New Zealand.

From the earthy, muddy colours of the ‘70s to the intensely colourful, bright pots of the 90s and now the to more abstract sculpture of the 21st century, ceramics is a constantly changing art-form, says potter Kaja Jungersen – and one that is currently experiencing a revival.

“In the 70s there was a huge amount of beautiful, functional pottery in gorgeous beautiful colours,” Kaja says. “Then craft and handmade items went out of fashion.”

“It’s different now. Last year there was the most amazing pottery exhi bition in Wellington, as part of the F estival of Arts. It showcased the most amazing range of wacky, unusual ceramics - ceramic art, as opposed functional day-to-day pottery.”

Ceramics has long been an interest of Kaja’s. A weaver for 40 odd years, the artist became introduced to arts and crafts through her training as an oc cupational therapist. Despite deciding t o specialise in weaving and textiles, Kaja retained an interest in pottery, travelling to Mexico in the ‘70s to see the ceramic art and weaving there.

“Wherever I’ve been in the world, I always gone to the folk art and contemporary crafts museums to see traditional arts and crafts.”

After retiring, Kaja decided to take up pottery again. The artist initially worked with Picton based potter Sara Scott. She and others just “played with clay” initially, getting the feel for it, and being generously mentored by Sara.

“Then I just went out on my own, bought clay, and made stuff.”

Kaja uses her garage as a workshop. The artist builds her pots from the bottom up, utilising stones and other discarded kitchen tools to shape, smooth and flatten the clay. “I love form and shape. I make a base. As it grows, I coil it. I wait for it to show the shape, and see what emerges from the piece of clay.” “They’re all unique. Nothing is the same, which I like.”

“You have to be able to let go of the idea of it, being straight, smooth, and

Potter Kaja Jungersen says that ceramics is an art and a science. symmetrical. Japan has the most extraordinary ceramics. Some bowls are lopsided, with lumps of glaze dribbled down the sides, and they are interesting and quite beautiful.”

Kaja says the biggest challenge for her is how to decorate and finish the pot; preferring a “raw” look to her pottery.

“I quite like unfinished work, or slips that go under the glazes. I’m beginning to experiment with scraffitti, scratching on the body of the pot.”

“Pottery is an art and a science. You have to know about chemistry and oxides and all the things that produce colour, but you also need the creativity to make it unusual, unique.”

“It’s been difficult to reproduce things, particularly glaze effects. It’s quite methodical, trying to remember how you did it.”

The artist is adamant that she does not create to sell.

“I’m indifferent about selling. I didn’t want to be on a treadmill of producing pottery for an audience. Now, I make what I want, how I want. The creative process is enormously satisfying.”

“Selling isn’t the intent; it’s about the creative process.”

Kaja praises Marlborough’s art scene, saying that the Art and Wine Fair currently taking place at the Wine Station is a “fantastic concept.” Kaja and Sara Scott will soon be opening a pottery gallery in Picton with two other potters – Rebecca Hill and Nicci Neilson. The space will be called PowerHouse Pottery, and will also be a workshop to give people a chance to learn pottery – something a lot of Marlburians are very keen to do, says Kaja. “There’s a huge amount of talent and creative industry in Marl borough. Marlborough is just as c reative as Nelson.”

Some advice Kaja offers to potters starting out, is to not be too critical of their work.

“Sometimes when you just start out producing your own work it has a certain “something” you can never reproduce again. There’s something special when you’re playing. As you go on, other people’s expectations and judgements can get in the way of being spontaneous.”