From karaoke at Fairweathers to winning the 2024 Stars in Your Eyes Blenheim.
29-year-old Amber Wright was still making sense of it all on Sunday morning after a moving performance of Zombie as Dolores O’Riordan, the Irish musician and former lead vocalist of The Cranberries.
Continued on page 2.
‘IN YOUR HEAD’: Amber Wright won Stars in Their Eyes Blenheim on Saturday night at the ASB Theatre singing Zombie as Dolores O’Riordan, former lead
“It was insane, I was not expecting to win – the other acts were so incredible,” she says. “I was so shocked to hear my name, I was like a little kid, and it’s just a big happy dream.”
Second place went to Kim Weatherhead and Matt Allcutt in an outstanding performance as Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper with their performance of Shallow from the 2018 movie A Star is Born. Phil Johnson took out third place with his energetic country song Oklahoma Smokeshow by Zach Bryan.
Back in June after auditioning
Amber says it was a Thursday
night out at Fairweathers karaoke and a conversation with host and former Stars contestant Chris Lippiatt (Eddie Vedder 2021 and Jack Black 2023) which provided the impetus to give the charity event fundraiser, a crack.
The song and performance was supported with a visual montage at the ASB Theatre. Thirty years after a lethal IRA bomb inspired its stark, chilling lyrics, the song experienced an unlikely rebirth as a rugby world cup anthem for Ireland fans in 2023. The song certainly connected with the Blenheim audience singing back what was in their head and with a raw, emotional response.
“Zombie has always been a favourite song of mine because of Dolores’ voice and the message feels so simple yet so angry and the hurt with the tragedies of war. It’s just a big song with those feelings.”
As part of the transition to finding her inner Dolores, Amber cut ‘all her hair off’ and dyed it black to look like one of the more recognizable faces and voices in the 1990s.
“I learnt that I can pretend to have the confidence required to perform and that it’s so much fun to be part of the show.”
Phil says feeling the positive energy from the crowd was electric. This ‘amazing community night’ could not have happened without
the huge work of Liz McKay and her team.
Amber’s number one supporter, five-year-old son Finn, was straight to the point when he woke up on Sunday morning to hear about Mum’s success.
“He said, yay, good job Mum –I’m lucky he’s proud of me,” she says.
Amber’s winning charity is New Zealand Red Cross Blenheim Service, who delivers the Pathways to Settlement programme, helping refugees set up in new homes and connecting with the Marlborough community. Red Cross Blenheim will receive $1000 with Amber winning the charity fundraiser.
Second place went to Kim Weatherhead and Matt Allcutt as Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper while Phil Johnson took out third place with his song Oklahoma Smokeshow by Zach Bryan. Photos: Chris Valli
Fee rise could turn ships off visiting
By Chris Valli
Fewer cruise ships could potentially visit if border levies are increased at short notice as is planned, the sector says.
The cruise industry says proposed changes to the border levy were being made with too little warning and it could turn companies off visiting.
Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries have proposed new border fees, effective from December 1. Consultation opened mid-July with calls for public submissions closed on August 9.
Under the proposal, border levy rates reduce for all air travellers and for sea travellers who do not arrive by cruise ship.
By contrast, arriving cruise ship travellers would face an 88 percent increase in customs fees, from $11.48 to $21.54.
New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd says as cruises are sold at least 12 months in advance and it would be cruise operators - not this summer’s passengers - who will take the hit.
Lloyd says 279,000 passengers were expected this season, so the total increase of $7.82 per traveller would cost cruise operators an estimated $2.2 million.
“That was an extraordinary increase for a faltering sector still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic,” she says.
One operator, Carnival Cruise Line, had been very open about its $30 billion deficit.
“Coming off the pandemic... cruise ship margins are incredibly small [and] anything that hasn’t been budgeted for comes off the bottom line. It can’t be passed on because the passenger has already paid for the fee.
“Cruise lines are very comfortable to include an increased fee but it needs to be in the booking
window that’s appropriate for the travel.’’
Meanwhile, Port Marlborough has been closely monitoring the recent proposals to increase border levies for cruise ship passengers.
“We believe that a balanced approach to cost recovery is essential. Cruise tourism provides a positive boost to our regional economy, with spend in Marlborough of around $500k per day. We are proud to work with our community to facilitate this important industry in Marlborough.
“Port Marlborough continues to secure bookings for cruise calls well in advance, with reservations already being made for the 2026-2027 seasons and beyond. Our port charges remain competitive, and bookings for this season are comparable to previous years, despite last year being a record season for cruise visits and passenger numbers,” a spokesperson said last week.
Lloyd says the rising costs of operating in New Zealand had already been off-putting to the cruise lines.
“We’re seeing a 15 percent reduction in this coming season and we expect an additional 15 to 20 percent reduction for the 2025/2026 season.”
The cruise sector had been “very surprised” by the number of fee increases, when the country needed to entice visitors back.
From October 1 a visitor’s visa will cost $300, up from $190, while the international visitor conservation and tourism levy could jump from $35 to $100.
“That’s $400 in fees before anyone’s even purchased a cruise or flight,” Lloyd says.
Port Marlborough says they support a collaborative approach to cost recovery within the cruise tourism industry and encourages agencies to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that any changes are implemented in a way that supports the long-term sustainability of cruise operations in New Zealand.
Sun The
Marlborough Māori Ward
The Marlborough District Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, September 3 at 1pm to discuss the retention or disestablishment of the Marlborough Māori Ward in line with Government’s amendment to the Local Electoral Act.
This meeting is open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. Copies of the agenda will be made available online and at Council’s Office, 15 Seymour Street. The times and dates may be subject to change, please contact the Committee Secretary, Ph: 03 520 7400 for confirmation.
Air NZ Mayoral forum
Mayor Nadine Taylor flew Marlborough’s flag at the Air New Zealand Mayoral Forum held in Auckland recently. The forum included a panel discussion where Mayor Taylor sat alongside Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell.
“The forum gives invited mayors with airports in their province a chance to share key regional issues with the airline’s leadership group including CEO Greg Foran and hear updates from Air New Zealand’s leadership in return,” Mayor Taylor says.
“It was a great platform for me to be able to share the incredible work already being done in the aviation and aerospace sector in Marlborough as well as to speak to the key issues facing our region.”
Marlborough Airport Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Council and it is a core piece of regional infrastructure along with Port Marlborough NZ Limited, also 100 per cent owned by Council.
Port Marlborough says they support a collaborative approach to cost recovery within the cruise tourism industry.
inbrief
Sun The
Queen Charlotte Drive closer to completion
The road to recovery for Queen Charlotte Drive has taken a large step ahead with the completion of two complex sites between Havelock and Moenui Road on Queen Charlotte Drive this month.
It has been a huge effort from the team to repair these sites, originally damaged in the July 2021 weather event, says Marlborough Roads Manager Steve Murrin.
“The first site near Cullen Point has been under construction since February with temporary works being required before we could start any excavation,” Mr Murrin said.
“Following excavation, the crews have built a mechanically stabilised earth or MSE wall, undertaken drainage improvements, reinstated the road and sealed it last week,” he says.
Works are still underway on Queen Charlotte Drive, with a rail iron wall nearing completion near Ngakuta Bay and two new sites about to start.
Progress is also being made on other Sounds roads, with drilling investigations to inform designs at four sites on Kenepuru Road, programmed for September.
Model Expo
The Nelson-Marlborough Truck Modellers Club 2024 Scale Model Expo is being held on the weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September from 10am both days. Redwoodtown Hall at Oliver Park. Admission is $5, free for under 12s.
$4000 raised by VCC for cancer
By Chris Valli
Around $4000 was raised by the Marlborough branch of the Vintage Car Club with their annual fundraiser for the Marlborough Cancer Society at Brayshaw Park on Sunday.
Secretary Chris Bird says they are still counting but the total will be around $4000 at the gate and sales through the kitchen and BBQ. The VCC will be making a formal presentation to the Cancer Society in October. The event is the National Day for the Vintage
Car Club of New Zealand, and has been a fundraiser for the Cancer Society for six years.
A wide variety of 150 makes and models displayed their automotive wares to enthusiastic vintage car onlookers. Chris says the highlight of the day was the great camaraderie of like-minded veteran, vintage and classic car and bike people, and the public who donated to the great cause.
“There are 36 branches of the VCC throughout the country, most of whom run an event on this day. Some run car rallies
where participants pay to enter while others like us run a car show,” he says.
“We also approach local businesses in Marlborough asking for donations for this great cause, and over the past years we have donated in excess of $50,000 to the local Cancer Society. This does take some organising by a very small group of committee members.”
The fundraiser, Chris says, allows them ‘to put something back into the community’ as many of their members are either fighting
cancer or have family members currently suffering from cancer with many having passed away.
Any vehicle over 30 years of age is eligible to be used in events by members, with different classes for different aged vehicles. The VCC have about 8000 members nationally, and have about 300 in Marlborough.
The Marlborough branch formed in 1958 with 20 foundation members. There is a weekly morning tea every Wednesday. The VCC museum is open every Sunday from 1 – 8pm.
Around $4000 was raised by the Marlborough branch of the Vintage Car Club with their annual fundraiser for the Marlborough Cancer Society at Brayshaw Park on Sunday. Pictured is Lloyd Cuthbertson on the right chatting to a Ford enthuiast. The Ford Model A’s from left, 1930, 1931, 1930,1928, and 1930.
Taste of the Regions cookbook
By Chris Valli
Five Marlborough Girls’ College Year 12 business students are not only developing their business skills but promoting the regions ‘hidden gems’ in a Taste of the Regions cookbook.
Within their business class, Mary Hedgman, Kate Woolley, Tessa Unwin, Millie Large and Grace Gamble are participating in the Young Enterprise Scheme for 2024.
The program is run across the country in secondary schools and aims to teach students to learn about business planning and operations, develop a range of personal and business skills, and create networks in their community.
It seems their networking and business acumen is making a positive difference with the group coming up with the idea to create a local cookbook called Taste of the Regions. The cookbook is a carefully curated book of local recipes sourced from the Top of the South’s finest produce.
“Top of the South is often seen as a grape orientated region and as a business group we wanted to bring more attention to the hidden gems that are often overlooked,” says Mary.
The book includes 20 local culinary businesses in the Top of the South Region, showcasing their incredible story and their quality products.
To create the cookbook, they asked each business a series of questions to create a blurb around values, inspiration, sustainability and community support. Each business also provided them with a favourite recipe including their products.
The students plan to donate 10 percent of all profits from each book to the Foodbank Project, a charity that donates food and much-needed grocery items to the Salvation Army’s Food Banks all across the country.
DRINK PERFECT WATER AT HOME
Our filter systems are an excellent solution for households dealing with water issues such as sediment, chlorine, unpleasant tastes and odours.
Sun The
The
Roadhouse Breakfast
Ford Club Marlborough is holding the annual Roadhouse Breakfast on September 1st at the Riverlands Roadhouse, SH1, Riverlands from 8am - 11am. This will be followed by a cruise at 11am to the Pelorus Hotel in Canvastown for the Annual Show & Shine. This is a fundraiser for Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter.
Boot Sale Market
The Blenheim Rotary Boot Sale Market is on every Saturday 8am – 12pm at the Blenheim Railway Station Carpark. Everyone welcome. No booking required, just turn up and choose a site. $5 per site. No sales of alcohol, guns, gin traps or children!
Farmers Market
The Marlborough Farmers Market is on every Sunday 9am - 12pm at the Marlborough A&P Showgrounds rain or shine. Come down and support your local growers and producers and help them support you in your local community. A huge range of stalls, and live music.
Pollution in Springlands
Marlborough residents are being reminded that ‘only rain goes down the drain’ following a series of pollution events in a Springlands waterway.
“We’re asking residents and commercial operators throughout Marlborough to avoid using our waterways as dumping grounds; and to be mindful of what they’re putting down our stormwater drains. These lead straight to our waterways and then the sea,” MDC says.
Alongside our fully automated control system options which also remove soluble soluble heavy metals like hardness, iron and manganese, you can sit back and relax knowing your entire household will be supplied with crisp, clean water from every tap.
MGC student Mary Hedgman says the Top of the South is often seen as a grape orientated region and as a business group they wanted to bring more attention to the hidden gems that are often overlooked. From left, Kate Woolley, Tessa Unwin, Mary Hedgman, Grace Gamble and Millie Large.
Who were you supporting at Stars in Your Eyes?
Jamie Norton Blenheim
Angeline as Christina. She is an exceptional singer and performer and the wife of my good friend.
Jeremy Forlong Blenheim
My beautiful wife Angeline, who will be in blonde tonight, a new look for her.
Letters
Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.
They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.
The editor reserves the right to
Jessie Sawers Blenheim Everybody.
Hydro to the editor
abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.
Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.
Amber Wright – her song is a great choice and sadly still so relevant.
Multiple friends, those that were in Joseph.
Dearest electricity of any OECD
Dear Ed
A solid fact: we pay the highest prices for electricity of any OECD nation.
This is because Rogernomics showed the movers and shakers that the way to wealthfor themselves - was to create scarcity of any essential commodity.
It has worked well with not building homes, and now it is working well with not building electricity generating capacity.
Scotland has demonstrated the value of modular tidal-flow generators.
Some years ago, a company wanted to build a hydro power plant on the West Coast.
Unfortunately, to be viable, it required the use of some conservation land.
The company offered replacement land but there were objections.
Once development is suggested on conservation land, it then becomes bitter conversation land.
We hear of endangered species such as snails, snakes, alligators or frogs that may join the millions of deceased faunas, such as dinosaurs and moas if the development was allowed.
In this case the development was not allowed, and I presume that the objectors are happy to burn imported coal instead.
I have just read that China has built some cheap coal fired power plants in Sri Lanka and the country is having trouble meeting payments.
In many cases countries that get China to build infrastructure, are unable to meet the high interest rates, and China takes ownership and a foothold.
John Vile Blenheim
Our island home has had plenty of chances to emulate the kiwi forefathers who sacrificed in order to build infrastructure like hydro dams and, for that matter, railways through country almost as challenging as
Poor use of funds
As a ratepayer I find it most annoying and I know others do, when our council insists upon needlessly taking a ratepayer to court over an environmental issue that is found against them.
Such is a most recently reported case over Wilding Pines that cost the ratepayers $40,000. I’m hoping MDC doesn’t now go and challenge this judgment and runs up a further deficit.
Likewise, it’s use in the part of an arbitrator who has no expertise of the prior matter in hand, that again costs the ratepayers.
Such as with the recent car wash traffic fiasco, or boating buoy issues. And again, I see in last week’s paper, mention of using an outside consultant to review the council’s aging housing stock. Which I would have thought has to be brought up to date by law?
I’d like to feel that the Council has enough internal expertise and capacity to do its own review. Likewise, whenever an update to London Quay is proposed, an outside consultant is bought in, at great cost, but little has been achieved to date.
GREAT HAIR DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE, IT HAPPENS BY APPOINTMENT.
that in Japan.
I’m here to support the plethora of talent here in Marlborough.
Maybe we just lost too much bloodstock at Sidi Resegh and Cassino, and of course in Bomber Command.
Certainly the Silent Majority has got itself, over the past half-century, hierarchies who couldn’t organize a booze up in a brewery except in making a comfortable packet for themselves of course.
A gap between rich and poor of OECD nations only exceeded in, as you’d expect, the US and Britain.
Great Balls of Fire!
Billabong Bill Bill Holvey Witherlea
Come on MDC you can do better. Our only hope is that the new CEO has more foresight than the last.
Chris Davies Waikawa
Marlborough District Council replies: Thank you for the opportunity to have a right of reply to Chris Davies’ Letter to the Editor.
Council owns 180 Senior Housing Units - all units comply with the Healthy Homes standards. Council’s senior housing is deemed a significant activity of Council. Councils are unable to operate as Community Housing Providers (CHP’s) and therefore our tenants do not receive Central Government income related rent subsidies. Council is undertaking a review to investigate whether there are better ways to operate this significant activity that will produce a better outcome for senior housing and tenants and Marlborough ratepayers.
Tom Hatch Blenheim
Maria Martin Blenheim
Simon Popham Blenheim
Jo Lorraine Debby Arthur
Spring Creek stop bank gets funding
Council has welcomed a $3.6M injection from the government to help get Spring Creek’s stop bank rebuilt.
Mayor Nadine Taylor said confirmation the Beyond the Deluge river protection works will be grant funded was fantastic news.
“It means we can now proceed with confidence with the Spring Creek Peninsular Road stop bank works for which $8.7M has been budgeted for in the Long Term Plan 2024-2034,” she said.
“This is very positive news for the Spring Creek community and it also means Council’s other flood protection rebuild plans can be accelerated. The Government’s commitment to this co-investment in flood protection will benefit projects around the country like ours. It is very welcome and much needed.”
Council’s Rivers and Drainage Engineering Manager Andy White said at a public meeting at Spring Creek the contribution from central government was significant.
“The $3.6M will help offset the overall cost of the project and is warmly welcomed after years of lobbying,” he said.
Recent geotechnical assessments in the area verified the extent of cracking through the stop bank, which occurred during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and were further
damaged in the 2021 and 2022 floods.
“The assessment has confirmed the stop bank needs to be reconstructed using a raft foundation to ensure future seismic stability – we cannot simply raise the stop bank without resolving the underlying foundation,” he said.
Phase one of the physical work started in May and is nearly complete. It involved removing a bar formed on the true left of the river to reduce pressure on the true right of the river which was causing undermining and erosion of the stop bank.
“We have reduced the risk of damage to the stop bank while we prepare for the longer-term solution of rock armouring,” Andy said.
Excavated material has been stockpiled higher up in the floodplain to be shaped and seeded.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones confirmed the Spring Creek funding, and a further $2.8M for flood protection work on the Wairau, at a Nelson Regional Infrastructure Fund summit last week.
“This funding will allow physical work to begin in the 2024/25 summer season, if not sooner,” he said. “Investment in flood resilience provides security for local landowners and communities and is an investment in our future.”
Rārangi looking smart
Several areas in Rārangi have had a spruce up thanks to Council’s Small Townships Programme.
The entranceway to Pipitea Drive, which provides access to the Hinepango Reserve, has had rock piles removed and new garden beds and paths established.
A sign, built by the Rārangi Menz Shed using timber repurposed from the old Echo site, has further enhanced the area.
The Hinepango Reserve Restoration Group has been supported with community grants including Council’s
Working for Nature Fund and the Small Townships Programme, enabling extensive work including clearing pest species and replanting the significant wetland.
Rārangi resident, and member of the local residents’ committee, James Travers was ecstatic with improvements in the area.
“The Small Townships Programme is great, the management of which supports by pulling things together and really gets things done for the community,” he said.
James said the Welcome to Rārangi signs with their “first to see the sun” tagline and photo of a local family on the beach at sunrise were a welcome addition to the beachside town as was the new sign at the Millennium rock.
“It’s really positive what is being done out here and the residents appreciate all the help we get from Council.”
In future Pipitea Drive will be hard to miss, as the Chorus cabinet opposite has been selected for inclusion in this year’s Chorus Cabinet Art programme, featuring work by a local artist.
Festival an overwhelming success
The Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival, held in Marlborough in mid-August, attracted 18 schools from all over the South Island and featured a sold-out gala finale.
Starting 1 September 2024 Picton Library and Service Centre will open at 8.30am each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The opening time each Wednesday remains at 9am.
This later opening time will allow staff to set up and prepare for the day and aligns with the opening hours of the Marlborough District Council Service Centre in Blenheim.
Books can still be returned via the afterhours return chute.
Picton Library and Service Centre New Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday8.30am - 5pm
Wednesday - 9am - 5pm
Saturday - 10am - 4pm
Sunday - 1pm - 4pm
The hours at Marlborough Library in Blenheim have not changed.
The annual festival, which involved Marlborough Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges, provides an opportunity for young musicians to compete, perform and learn.
Feedback from those involved said the festival was one of the best ever.
Twenty-one bands took part in the Council-owned event, run by Pure Events Marlborough.
A number of free-of-charge public performances were held at venues around Blenheim, Picton, Renwick and Rapaura.
The improved entranceway to Pipitea Drive in Rārangi
Creating Zakaia’s back story
After
establishing her theatre/drama skillset in Blenheim, Zakaia Cvitanovich now works as a lecturer at a university in Abu Dhabi. Home for summer, Zakaia talks to Chris Valli about life’s endeavours beyond Marlborough.
There’s a great deal in a name that can suggest one’s identity, characteristics and or personality.
When this writer was informed there was a former Blenheim Musical Theatre alumnus in town recently, the name Zakaia Cvitanovich required a bit of homework. BMT has a fairly comprehensive back catalogue of past shows and personnel from 1918 – 2024 on their website, the 100 year centenary proving invaluable with such information.
The email subject line sent to this writer was ‘Jenny Dawson’, cueZakaia Cvitanovich.
After struggling with various personal challenges, “I wanted a new outlook, a new me. I found out that if you’re changing your name by Deed Poll, it costs $99 regardless of how many names you’re changing, so I thought I’d get my monies worth.”
“I didn’t want to disrespect my father by changing my family name of Dawson, but Mum did the hard yakka of raising me and I felt that changing my name to Cvitanovich was a way to commemorate her memory and keep her close to me.”
Zakaia, 57, laughs when she says she thought she came up with her first name and was surprised when she moved to the Middle East to find out that there’s an Arabic version of the name, Zakiyah, meaning ‘pure’. But Zakaia quipped that she prefers the Egyptian meaning, ‘intelligent’.
“I was travelling down south with my aunty, and we took some photos by the Rakaia River and I thought, hmm? I then heard the name Zachariah at mass and thought it would make a nice combo.”
A touch of banter occurs when I ask what year the name change was and she suggests around 1996? (I was two years out of high school).
Zakaia grew up singing and the house was never without music. “My Mum used to say that if I was ever
sick, she knew I was on the mend when she heard me singing again.”
Brother Michael – affectionately known as Cyril – a former Marlborough Council candidate, shares the family passion for music.
Her family are originally from Bluff, so most summer holidays were spent in the deep south. On one vacation, an excursion to see The Wizard of Oz in Invercargill left an indelible impression.
“The only time she could keep me quiet was when I was in front of a stage”
“Even though I was only about eight at the time, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was an old, traditional type of theatre, and I spent most of the show looking up at the flys (rigging system) and into the wings, wondering where the house went after it blew away. From that moment I was absolutely smitten. Mum joked later that she almost felt like she had to tie me to the seat because I wanted to get up on stage and be part of it.
“The only time she could keep me quiet was when I was in front of a stage,” she says.
Zakaia used to sing with the Blenheim Country and Western Club back in the day and concedes it was a great place for a young person to learn the craft of singing. In 1983, an opportunity provided the stimuli for an introduction into local operatics, playing the role of mezza, soprano Ensign Cora McRae in South Pacific, directed by the late Duncan Whiting.
“I remember seeing an audition notice and I thought, this was my opportunity. Duncan kept on asking,
Open from midday 31 august
Closing midday 14 September
‘now which one is Jenny Dawson?’ Being shy, all I could muster was a very meek, ‘me sir’, type of answer.” Zakaia, trained in secondary teaching. Her first teaching job was at James Hargest College in Invercargill.
“It’s such a great school, I could see myself working there for years, and that unnerved me a bit so I handed in my resignation. Then I was like, oh my god, what do I do now? I applied for two jobs, one in Hong Kong, the other in United Arab Emirates. I got both, but I felt like the decision was made for me.”
Zakaia is now a lecturer at a university in Abu Dhabi and was back in Marlborough last month, the first time in 10 years, on her ‘summer holiday’. She teaches in the Applied
Zakaia’s dedication to the late theatre director Duncan Whiting in one of her texts/plays she uses in the Applied Media Faculty in Abu Dhabi.
Media faculty sharing her love of creative writing with her students. She also founded a theatre company, Beyond the Veil, and works closely with Emirati playwright, Saleh Karama, staging his plays in English for the ex-pat audience.
She has two Masters, one in Applied Theatre and another in Communication Studies and has recently started her PHD.
Zakaia’s latest artistic endeavour has been compiling the
17 plays she has written over the years, getting them ready for publishing, along with a travelogue and a book of poetry.
Zakaia says being mentored by the likes of Duncan and Pam Logan has moulded her into the director she is today. “I will forever be thankful for their patience and guidance.”
As for how Blenheim has changed in ten years? “There’s definitely more roundabouts,” she laughs.
Reducing the impact of poverty for Marlborough children starting school.
For more information on what we do you can find us at www.ssfimarlborough.nz or contact us via our email: info@ssfimarlborough.nz
Create what your imagination comes up with
By Chris Valli
Katie McDonald of Felt4u says she loves working with wool in its many forms and is heartened to see that natural wool is now having resurgence over artificial fibres.
Felting is a creative art which involves sculpting shapes and figures using wool and special felting needles, a simple yet versatile technique which allows amazing creations.
Katie has been a felt artist for 26 years and is one of 60 artists, craftspeople and specialty collectors who will be displaying their art next month for the third annual Alzheimers Marlborough Art, Craft and Collections Trail 2024.
It will be Katie’s first time exhibiting with the trail and says as an artist it can be daunting putting art and yourself on display.
“I am looking forward to supporting the Alzheimers weekend. It is a wonderful opportunity to see local artists and their work,” she says. “I will be creating either some small felt pieces or some glasswork so you can see the process if you visit,” she says.
“What I have always loved about felting is that there are few rules which leaves you free to create what your imagination comes up with in a way that works for you,” she says.
Katie believes there is ‘something quite magical’ how loose fibres can transform into pieces of felt and says she finds it quite a meditative process.
Before Katie was a felt maker she learnt glass leadlight work which she has just recently taken up again.
“I love all the bright colours and seeing
Katie believes there is ‘something quite magical’ how loose fibres can transform into pieces of felt and says she finds it quite a meditative process. how light shines through the glass,” she says. More recently, she has been taking online courses learning to paint realistic botanical watercolours. “I find this very challenging and requiring lots of patience and many layers of washes but the results are so rewarding when it all comes together,” she says.
The trail helps Alzheimers Marlborough provide services for people living with dementia and their families and carers. This is your opportunity to meet and talk with our exhibitors and learn about the inspiration for their art.
The self-drive event is $25 per person and
Judy Bailey Natural Joint Support
After stepping away from our TV screens, iconic broadcaster Judy Bailey still has a full schedule with family, work and community projects.
Judy Bailey explained, “Look, I’m in my 70s now. When I get up in the morning, I want to know that my joints are comfortable, flexible and ready for the day.”
“That’s why I recommend Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition. It’s New Zealand made, natural, fast-acting, long-lasting and has become NZ’s leading topical joint and muscle cream.”
Koru FX is a blend of natural essential oils and ingredients with soothing properties, like manuka oil, eucalyptus, and extracts of arnica.
Koru Nutrition describe Koru FX as an “effective natural alternative that is suitable for daily use on joints and muscles.”
Judy Bailey elaborated, “I really want to make sure my joints
and muscles get the best support possible as I age.”
“I want to be able to play with my grandkids and stay active for several more summers yet!”
“I’d been watching dozens of people recommend Koru FX cream for joints but I’m a sceptic.”
“I’d been a journalist for over 40 years and I often think, ‘Hmm, you hear about these sorts of creams to support joints, but I always want to review them myself to see what they’re really like.”
“I’d been given a tube of this Koru FX. It was natural and New Zealand made so thought I’d give it a go…”
“I rubbed it in when travelling and noticed it almost instantaneously!”
“What was even more impressive was that the effect seemed to be really long-lasting. I didn’t have to apply it again that
tickets are on sale from September 2 at the following places: Marlborough Alzheimers Centre, 8 Wither Road, Blenheim, Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm; Fidelio Gallery & Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station, Blenheim, Tuesday-Sunday: 11.30am-late; Marlborough Art Gallery, Te Kahu o Waipuna (Library Building), 15 High Street, Blenheim, Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 4pm, Weekends: 1pm – 4pm
The Alzheimers Marlborough Art, Craft and Collections Trail is on Saturday, September 21 from 10am – 4pm and Sunday, September 22, 10am – 4pm.
“I really like how it’s packed full of high quality, natural ingredients that support joints and muscles quickly.”
“Don’t take my word for it. I recommend you try it for yourself to see if it’s right for you.”
Over 60,913 New Zealanders have already experienced the comfort and support of Koru FX
for themselves. Since launching, Koru FX has become New Zealand’s leading natural joint and muscle cream in community pharmacies.
If you’re looking for fastacting, long-lasting, natural joint support then Koru FX is for you. Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.
Looking for joint support? Judy Bailey has found Koru FX works well for her joints.
Before Katie was a felt maker she learnt glass leadlight work which she has just recently taken up again.
Alzheimers Marlborough to face HNZ service caps
By Chris Valli
Alzheimers Marlborough was formed to assist and support carers and families dealing with dementia, allowing the person with dementia to live with dignity in their own homes.
So it was unsettling and somewhat of a surprise recently that Health New Zealand/ Te Whatu Ora has decided to cap the number of clients that can attend Alzheimers Society Marlborough’s day centre on a daily basis.
Manager Catherine Donnelly says an example of this is the previous fortnight they had 205 attendances.
“Health New Zealand is looking at only funding us for 160. What we are upset about, is that they are not looking at the increase in new clients that we have had over the past six months, or the fact that Dementia is on the increase,” says Catherine.
HNZ have suggested that clients either private pay, or use the Carer Support allocation, but this she says, still won’t cover their daily costs.
“Not all clients have this allocated, or some who do, use it for other respite services. What this means is that our clients and carers may
not be able to access the services they are used to receiving and the number of days that they can attend. Health NZ says they are trying to keep people in their homes for longer, but this isn’t doing that,” says Catherine.
Catherine says a letter was sent to carers/ clients last week and at the time of writing, they had not been given all the information required. A meeting was held last Thursday at the Society in Wither Road to discuss the potential impacts on personnel concerned.
The centre could have up to 30 clients a day through its doors, enjoying activities such as walking groups, singing, exercise and crafts.
Helen Knapp was a founding member of the Marlborough organisation in 1987, and has filled roles as a volunteer, daycare supervisor and community worker.
“We were the first Alzheimer’s Society in New Zealand to own our own facility. I’ve seen it grow from very tiny beginnings – it’s great,” she says.
Alzheimers Society Marlborough will lose around $100k over a year if Health NZ continues as they are.
Their current contract is due to roll over on October 1, 2024, so any changes to their day programme service will come into effect then.
Painting Picton yellow
LEFT: This drift of daffodils in Boons Valley Road was in perfect condition to be picked on Wednesday.
ABOVE: The Picton Bookshop’s eye catching display was first up as the town got in behind the Cancer Society’s Paint the Town Yellow week.
By Glenise Dreaver
When Picton businesses agreed to support the Marlborough Cancer Society’s Paint the Town Yellow week they wasted no time.
The Picton Bookshop in High Street was the ‘first cab off the rank’, with their window, adorned with bright yellow banners and a huge selection of yellow-covered books. It was ready days before the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Week began on Monday August 26, with the fundraising Daffodil Day fundraiser to be held on Friday August 30.
Bookshop owner Megan Bruce led the charge, while their bright yellow banners were courtesy of mother Diana Craig because no commercially-made ones were available.
The window design was created by staff member Autumn Lawlor, with the project supported by another staff member Rachel Beran. “We all love Daffodil Day for different reasons,” said Rachel.
The Marlborough Cancer Society’s Picton coordinator Wayne Stokes said Picton businesses were enthusiastic as soon as they heard about the theme, with plenty of decorated workplaces and workers for the big task of gathering fresh flowers. “Wednesday picking, Thursday bunching, Friday selling.”
They pick from drifts planted around Picton some years ago, but Wayne says the early spring has meant some have bloomed already. However, there are plenty of other daffodil themed products available.
Manager Catherine Donnelly says Alzheimers Society Marlborough will lose around $100k over a year if Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora continues as they are.
MS, Parkinson’s fundraising dinner
By Chris Valli
The Marlborough Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Society’s is having a fundraising dinner early next month.
The fun filled evening consists of a delicious two course meal combined with an auction of various items which have been kindly donated by local businesses.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition involving the central nervous system. People with MS have their immune systems attacking the myelin, which is the protective layer around nerve fibres.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand around 12,000 people have been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease. It has a long latent phase and patients are not usually diagnosed until symptoms – like involuntary shaking and slowed movement – become obvious. There is no cure for the disease and the damage to the brain cannot yet be reversed.
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Society Marlborough Secretary/Treasurer Lorraine Bensley says they have 100 plus members but there are many more in the community with MS and Parkinson’s.
The fundraising dinner is at Bamboo Garden on Monday, September 9 at 6:30pm with tickets $50 per head. Blenheim Sun readers can contact Lorraine on 578 4058 or by email at mmss@xtra.co.nz to book tickets.
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Society Marlborough Secretary/Treasurer Lorraine Bensley. The Society is
Welcoming Week set to celebrate Marlborough’s diversity
A series of events is set to celebrate Marlborough’s newest residents during Welcoming Week/Te Wiki o Manaaki 2024, which runs from 6 - 15 September.
Welcoming Communities Coordinator Heather Barnes says the week is an opportunity to celebrate the region’s diversity and is a chance for newcomers to learn about the groups and support networks that exist within Marlborough.
“We want new members of our community to feel welcome and included, and we want to make sure they know about the wonderful people and organisations around our region who are here to help them settle in,” Heather said.
“This year, we’re introducing the Welcoming Week Community Expo with support from the Marlborough Multicultural Centre. The aim of the expo is to showcase such organisations and connect newcomers with them.”
The expo will be held on 10 September from 3 - 6pm at the Marlborough
Events Centre, next to ASB Theatre. Other events planned for the week include a multicultural performance evening, a business seminar, a youth sports day and a conservation activity for kids, as well te Tiriti o Waitangi workshops hosted by Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau.
“Moving to a new country can be hugely unsettling, and Welcoming Week is just one way we can embrace our newcomers and make them feel at home in our region,” Heather says.
“It’s about creating inclusive environments where all residents can thrive and belong, and about saying, ‘no matter what language you speak, who you worship or where you were born, we’re glad you’re here’.”
Welcoming Communities is a nationwide initiative aimed at welcoming newcomers in New Zealand. Visit the website for more information and the Welcoming Week Event Guide: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/ our-community/welcoming-communities-te-waharoa-ki-nga-hapori
Wendy Iguaran, Cinthya Iguaran, and Catalina Suarez perform during the Marlborough Multicultural Festival 2023.
having a fundraising dinner at Bamboo Garden next month.
Add a pop of colour
I have assisted with over 30 weddings and look forward to meeting with new couples to make their day run smoothly and without stress.
Flowers add a pop of colour to any wedding or event. They personalize a venue and bring it to life. So where do you get your flowers from? Depending on time, skills, and budget, there are a few different options. Fantail Fields is a Cut Flower Farm in Spring Creek and we have a unique offering of flowers for your next wedding or event. Whether you need a handful, an armful, or a bucket full or two, we sell undone flowers for you to fill bud vases along tables, create an elaborate
archway, or an arrangement at the entranceway, the list goes on. You can even create your bridal party bouquets and buttonholes, or there’s the option for us to make them for you and you take care of the venue flower arrangements. We offer Wedding bouquets and button-holes or corsages made here in the studio and Undone Bloom buckets full of florals in your chosen colour and style for you to take to the venue and arrange as simply or elaborately as you choose. A spring bouquet.
GMW Jewellery
Having a ring custom made is a wonderful way to make your special day even more special!
And as unique as you want it to be.
At GMW Jewellery we custom make wedding rings to sit neatly with engagement rings and we make sure that the ring is fit for purpose as a ring that is going to be worn everyday needs to be designed with this in mind and crafted with the appropriate amount of material ensuring that it is able to cope with everyday life.
Experience a Luxury Wellness Honeymoon at Maruia River Retreat!
A wellness honeymoon at Maruia River Retreat is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and each other as you begin your life together.
Nestled within a tranquil 500-acre nature estate and just a 2.5-hour drive from Blenheim, our all-inclusive 2-night Lovers Luxury package offers a unique blend of relaxation, romance, and rejuvenation.
Stay in your private villa, savoring fresh, gourmet meals that include breakfast, lunch, and exquisite 3-course dinners, all designed to nourish both body and soul. Your honeymoon experience is elevated with exclusive
Try something different
Celebrate with the Vino Van!
The Vino Van is our beautifully restored 1962 Roadmaster caravan.
Fitted with a wine and beer fridge at one end and a push out bar with two keg taps at the other, The Vino Van is available for hire for any celebration or event.
The Vino Van is suitable for a wide range of mobile bar services and a variety of event types including weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, Christmas parties and product launches.
The options are endless.
• Every Vino Van outing is different. We work with you to ensure your event is tailored to your specific needs
• We are not just a mobile bar service, we will ensure that your event runs smoothly, empties are removed, tables are cleared and your guests are well looked after
• You need only to provide the alcohol and glassware – no corkage,
no inflated bar prices and you get to keep what’s left over
• We can serve champagne, wine, bottled beer, keg beer or cider, cocktails – pretty much any liquid beverage you require to ensure your event is exactly what you
want it to be
• We supply ice, fruit infused water and non-alcoholic punch as part of your package
Talk to The Vino Van team today about adding fun and free flowing good times to your next event.
access to our river hot tub, forest sauna, hydrotherapy spa, and magnesium pool, inviting you to unwind in nature’s embrace.
Explore the beauty of the native forest with a guided nature walk, deepening your connection with the natural world and each other. Rejuvenate with soothing massages, letting the stress of wedding planning melt away.
A honeymoon at Maruia River Retreat is more than a getaway—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and start your journey together in harmony and peace. Find out more at www.maruia.co.nz or call 0275633143.
The Marlborough Wedding Fair
Hosted by Perfect Wedding Planning I am hosting this wedding fair to provide a platform for engaged couples to meet wedding suppliers face to face. Find out more online at www.themarlboroughweddingfair.com
Sunday 20th October
Concerns for tamariki/children
Funding cuts to Family Start Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough means they potentially will have to exit up to 50 tamariki and their whanau from their service, and front-line jobs would be lost. Chris Valli speaks to whanau workers at the coal face.
Family Start Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough Manager Rebecca Ravenscroft believes insinuation from Ministers they are not performing shows they have no understanding of the Family Start programme, the increasing challenges their most vulnerable whanau are facing or Family Starts proven outcomes, such as a significant reduction in infant mortality from all causes in their first year of life.
Family Start is asking Oranga Tamariki who will support their most vulnerable babies and their whanau after funding cuts to their intensive home visiting programme. The early intervention, home visiting programme aims to assist children’s health, growth and learning environment with whanau workers visiting Top of the South families once a fortnight, making goals for safety and wellbeing of the regions tamariki/children.
Oranga Tamariki has slashed
funding for the Family Start programme by 14 million dollars a year amid revelations OT spent more than $800,000 on contractors and consultants in relation to its job-cutting plans.
Rebecca says they found out about the cuts on July 31 with a follow up meeting informing them cuts would happen with their FTE employees going from 12.75 to 10. She says her initial reaction was one of shock with no indication of potential cuts as the service is well utilised.
“We received one additional FTE for rural and isolated clients which covers the cost of travel as we cover such a large geographical area in the Top of the South - this too has been cut,” she says. “We currently support 184 families and we estimate we would have to exit up to 50 of those whanau. There is no other service that does what we do, there is no back up plan, we will no longer have the capacity to service all those that need us.
“We’re asking where are these babies and their whanau now going to go? Our service has acted as a safety net so whanau don’t end up at Oranga Tamariki. You have to have community services to catch and support those whanau that
are on the cusp,” she says. “Our service is in limbo and it makes it really hard to focus on what we are actually there to do.”
Rebecca says they still don’t know what their funding will be or what the intention is for the babies and whanau who will have to be exited from the service. They have not received a new contract and have had limited communication from the government department responsible for the well-being of children.
“We want respect and open communication,” she says. “The local level of collaboration with Oranga Tamariki is really good, we partner together for better outcomes for baby and whanau, it’s the bureaucracy where there are problems.”
Family Start Marlborough currently has two whanau workers. Jaimee Redshaw visits whanau from Picton to Seddon to Havelock and says they walk alongside them and support them in whatever they need in order to reduce risk for those children.
“We drive to these isolated locations and bring clients into town who don’t have transport options,” she says. “We set goals with clients and we are keeping children safe and receiving an education for
This special Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre fundraiser will kick off at 10 am. The ticket price includes entry to the museum, flying and static aircraft displays, and some gorgeous classic cars! The flying displays will begin at 11 am and continue throughout the day. There are so many highlights that it isn’t easy to know where to start! Just confirmed is that the Auckland-based Corsair is back and will fly. Canterbury-based pilot Andy Love will be up in the Pitts Special, delivering an aerobatic routine that will have all
dollars a year amid revelations
contractors and consultants in relation to its job-cutting
their development, we become part of that whanau support system through trust and respect.”
A report conducted in 2021 by Oranga Tamariki found the nationwide program significantly reduced the chance of babies dying in their first year of life. Participation in the Family Start programme was estimated to have reduced overall post-neonatal mortality by 42 percent. The government long maintains cuts won’t hurt the frontline.
eyes on the sky! The world’s only flyable Mk.1 Avro Anson, Reno racer Steadfast, and a variety of WW1 aircraft rarely seen outside of Omaka just to mention a few! Rehydrate at the Omaka Cafe, or grab a burger, doughnut, or ice cream from one of the food trucks. Bring your picnic rugs and deckchairs, and settle in for a day of fun!
Get your tickets now—book online for the best price or tickets available at the gate. Make Dad’s day with this great adventure! www.omaka.org.nz
The Wings & Wheels Event in February this year drew a huge crowd.
PHOTO: Gavin Conroy
A SERVICE IN LIMBO: Family Start Blenheim whanau workers Jaimee Redshaw and Mel Vallance with Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith. Oranga Tamariki has slashed funding for the Family Start programme by 14 million
OT spent more than $800,000 on
plans.
Men in business
Woodfired pizza / Bottomless Brunch 2 for 1 pizzas Wednesday’s and thursday cocktails / private events / outdoor dining
Jamie Bowles
Having worked in the air conditioning and heat pump industry since 2008 I moved to New Zealand in May 2016 working for Mint Air Ltd as a lead technician.
After a couple of years I became the Manager of Mint Air and I am now a proud Co-owner/Director.
I am a family man and together with my amazing wife Georgia, we have three beautiful young children.
I have a good work/life balance and even manage to fit in refer-
Owen Rarity
Owen Rarity jokes if you come to his place for a dinner party he will serve you lasagne.
“Its my go to dish because you can pre-cook and put it in the oven when the guests arrive and be part of the fun yourself” Owen is the owner of Dolce Cafe, Restaurant and Bar.
After his OE and a decade working in hotels in Auckland, the born and bred Marlburian returned to the province he grew up in five years ago.
“It could’ve been seen to be the
Alun Carter
Thriving local Marlborough based renovation business, Creating Homes, is expanding its operations to meet the increasing demand for high-quality home renovations. Led by Alun Carter, a seasoned professional in the renovation industry with over 2 decades of renovation experience. Alun has honed his skills in project management and execution ensuring that every project meets his clients’ highest expectations.
Creating Homes specializes in transforming houses into homes
Simon Byrne
“Keeping the Marlborough community connected is one of the most rewarding aspects of we what we do,” says Blenheim Sun advertising sales manager Simon Byrne.
“We get to meet some incredible people and tell some pretty cool stories.”
eeing local senior Marlborough football games.
I’m also able to enjoy snowboarding at rainbow ski field and I can’t wait until my children can come along.
I take pride in my role at Mint Air and I have a fantastic hard working team.
Mint Air is a well-respected business, providing a quality service to the Marlborough community.
Contact us today for all your heat pump needs! 03 570 2298
worst time to go out and be your own boss” with a series of challenges lying ahead, but he has worked hard to continue to improve and evolve the offerings available at Dolce.
“Dolce’s woodfired pizza has always been its signature dish, but we have continued to offer new points of difference such as our Bottomless Brunch and our extensive range of unique cocktails”.
“Hospitality is a tough industry, but I still enjoy it, and of course its nice to be my own boss”.
and offers a wide range of services. From minor updates to full-scale renovations, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Alun’s approach to renovation is rooted in quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. He has successfully created a team of professionals that work closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. A dedication to customer satisfaction has earned Creating Homes a loyal client base and a reputation for excellence in the Marlborough region.
and working in this amazing part of the country.” says Simon.
The Blenheim Sun was established in 2002 and operated by owners Les and Katrina Whiteside for over 21 years before being bought by Allied Press Limited earlier this year. “It’s been business as usual for us, nothing’s changed. We’re still all locals living
“We are now part of a group of over 20 community newspapers around the South Island, doing what we do best - focusing on our community. Our readers love this newspaper - they tell us all the time. And this means we deliver some real value to our advertisers who know that they are getting the best print exposure in Marlborough. So it’s a real privilege to be part of an organisation that means so much to so many in our community.”
the 2024 version of Stars in Your Eyes blenheim showcased 10 performers including the children from Stagelab who opened the show with Jackie Clarke. the Creative Kids trust and Fulton Foundation Marlborough fundraiser also profiled the contestant charities.
Photos: Chris Valli
Patrons ready for a night’s entertainment of talent from
locals.
- 11pm • 7 days
Rowan McKay-Simpson as Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits.
Tristan Sean Gregory-Hunt as American saxophonist Dave Koz. Peata Panoho as Avril Lavigne.
Natalie Joubert as Duffy.
Marlborough’s
Angeline Forlong as Christina Aguirela. Shirley Cootes and Ainsley Bell in good spirits before the show.
Jo Harper, Courtney Capener, Emma Tempest and Lucy McIlraith as Irish girl band B*Witched.
Evelyn Duncan as Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine.
Jackie Clarke and the children from Stagelab opened the show with the song ‘Never Gonna Not Dance Again’ by Pink.
5 minutes with...
Johnny Joseph
Council’s KaihautūManager Māori Partnerships
Are you a dog or cat person?
Dog.
My friends would say I… Have a big heart.
The best advice I ever received was?
“Be the best version of you that you can be.”
What would you buy if money was no object?
The rebuild of Wairau Pā Marae.
Local coffee haunt? CBD Cafe.
Favourite takeaway? Roti Canai.
The shop you can’t walk past is...? KC’s Café - Wellington.
What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received? Every Taonga I own.
Where is your happy holiday place? Anywhere involving the Moana.
Favourite programme or series currently watching?
The Mysteries of Aravos.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To get back to Canada to see my Canadian Mum.
gardening this week
Tomato time: By Wally Richards
I have been hounding the garden centres in Palmerston North and Marton for the last couple of weeks looking for the first tomato plants for the new season; low and behold in Marton at the local Mitre 10 they had just arrived from Zealandia, the new seasons tomato plants.
Three varieties to select from in 6 packs or individual potted seedlings. My two favorites for this time of the year are Russian Red and Early Girl.
Also available was Sweet One Hundred, a tomato which I grow sometimes for small early ripe tomatoes for use in salads.
I prefer larger varieties and the two mentioned, Early Girl and Russian Red are the first in the cab line because they will produce pollen and set fruit during the cooler early season weather.
Now if you have a glasshouse it is easy to get an early start growing tomatoes without having to muck around moving plants till the possible late frosts have passed.
If you have a glasshouse which you grow in the soil my recommendation is don’t plant into the soil at this time, instead plant seedlings into a pot that is about 15cm across and deep and if possible a black pot which will attract more heat into the growing medium.
Obtain a good compost and half fill the pot with compost then place in it about a teaspoon of Wallys Secret Tomato food with Neem powder which is available in 750g or 2kg packs.
Cover that with a little more compost and then top up to about a couple of centimeters from the top rim of the container. Make a hole in the centre of the mix with your finger deep enough to bury the seedling up to the first leaves.
This allows the trunk of the plant to form roots right up to the first leaves making for a much bigger root system.
Then sprinkle about a teaspoon of Wallys Secret Tomato Food With Neem onto the top of the mix but not against the trunk of the plant.
Sit that on the soil in the glass house or if you do not have a glasshouse on a porch or a place where there is ample sunlight and still sheltered.
Late afternoon you can bring the plant inside or put in a shed till morning and then bring back out till weather settles.
You must be careful not to over water and the best time to water is in the morning up till midday so that the mix will be drier going into a cold night.
Now this is very important: To ensure good growth dissolve a table spoon of molasses into a litre of hot water then when cool add 10mils of Magic Botanic
Liquid (MBL)
Put the mix into a 1L trigger sprayer and have it sitting near the plants out of direct sunlight. Each day when you check the tomatoes give the foliage a spray with the products.
When the plants in the 15cm container get up to about 50cm tall they are then ready to be planted out into the garden or into the soil in the glasshouse.
If you are growing only in containers in the glasshouse then repot up into a 30 to 50 litre container or Grow Bag.
Once again place some of Wallys Secret Tomato Food with Neem in planting hole and also on soil surface.
Last season I did an experiment having two glasshouses well apart I decided to only grow tomato plants in one and in the other one, cucumbers, capsicums, chili and egg plants.
I was working on the assumption that it is the tomato plants smell that attracts the whitefly and I was right.
So in the glasshouse with the tomato plants I hung half a dozen sticky white fly traps and I obtained some small gauze gift bags from the $2 shop and in them I placed naphthalene flakes (Wallys Cat Repellent) and hung them from the roof of the glasshouse hanging down to about head height.
The smell of the naphthalene over rode the smell of the tomato plants and I did not have any white fly in that house all season. The sticky pads caught other flying insects but no whitefly.
Plus I was right; in my other glass house I used no prevention treatments but did hang a few yellow sticky pads to see what was flying around. Once again I caught a few flying insects but no whitefly.
So it is the tomato plants smell that brings the whitefly in and then when they are established they colonise the cucumbers and other plants.
A point to consider in this is: my other glasshouse is next door behind my warehouse and we are in a commercial area where there are no gardens over the fence.
The only gardens are my own in raised gardens growing vegetable plants.
People that have neighbours with insect problems over the fence will always have to be spraying their plants with Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil and maybe combined with Wallys Super Pyrethrum to prevent the pest populations from getting out of hand.
Spreading Wallys Neem Tree Granules over the soil can help as the smell of them will over ride the smell of the plants you are protecting.
Also gauze bags made out of curtain
netting or purchased placing the Neem Granules in the bags and hanging that on a stake or on the plants will help disguise the plant’s smell.
The naphthalene could be used but in rain it would wash away very quickly out of the bags and into the soil underneath which you don’t want to have happening.
Make a roof from the bottom of a plastic bottle be it a milk or cordial bottle. Simply cut off the bottom of the bottle with a sharp knife a couple of centimeters before the bottom so you have an umbrella like shape.
In the middle make a small hole that you can feed a bit of string or nylon fishing line through.
Have that long enough to tie your bag of naphthalene to near the plastic roof and up though the plastic sufficient to tie onto a branch or similar.
The naphthalene in the bag will be protected from the weather and the smell will last for several weeks.
If you stop and think about it, this camouflaging a plants smell with a stronger smell could be used on plants where in the past you have had problems with pests and on fruit trees against the Codlin Moth and Guava Moth.
A lady gardener in Auckland told me she used old tea bags with naphthalene in and stapled closed hanging on her fruit trees. Result no damaged fruit.
You do need the umbrella made out of plastic to prevent weathering then the naphthalene smell will last about all season slowly evaporating.
Dont forget to spray your stone fruit trees with Wallys Copper Nutrient to help prevent curly leaf and also try it on trees which have had brown rot in the past.
On tomatoes and potatoes to prevent blights and on roses to help with leaf diseases.
All good and natural, and healthy for you and your gardens.
Coro St
People may laugh but I have to say the acting on Coronation St after all these years is still outstanding.
Truck drivers
They seem to think they can park their trucks wherever they like.
ie: in the middle of the street outside Co op Bank Queen St.
Or outside Raupo còffee shop where they do a U turn & hold up Traffic. There is a Roundabout 200 metres down the Road.
Worthwhile stops
We stopped in at Pelorus Bridge on the way to Nelson. New coffee and food cart at the old cafe. Great coffee, good chef, very much appreciated. Such a lovely place to stop. To top the day, stopped at the Havelock Hotel and had a great fish supper. Both places deserve high accolades and long may they last and be patronised.
Kiwiland
A fair sentiment from Mr Orman I guess, but it would have no recognition overseas.
I’m all for Aotearoa New Zealand. We can have both names, can’t we?
Refreshing
How refreshing to hear our Prime minister say the Councils will have to “Reign in the fantasies and get back to basics”. Hopefully it’s not all talk and finally someone is looking after the rate payers. We’ve been an ATM for them for too long.
Coaching staff
Just how many assistants does the new AB coach need. With 1 quitting that leaves 9. Don’t ever remember any previous coach needing that many. If he doesn’t get the results I suppose he’s got plenty to blame.
The Treaty Bill discussion
Let’s have it. We are all New Zealanders. We all should have our voices heard. Give fairness a go. Give all our children a fair go.
Public toilet heroes strike again
I saw Fist Puncher and Foot Kicker on social media talking about the lack of public toilets at Westwood.
Looks like we are barking up the wrong tree by complaining to MDC. Keep it up lads.
Kiwiland?
I can see what Tony Orman is trying to get at and I do like the way we are called ‘Kiwi’s’ around the world.
But Kiwiland? No. New Zealand is my preference and no need to change it ever.
Elevation 70 kph
Perhaps the road can’t be repaired to class 1 standard. Could NZTA provide an explanation.
Flash buildings
What the prime minister said to councils about spending money on flash buildings instead of core services for instance in Wellington, I just hope MDC councillors were listening, the Mayor especially.
Rates delay
Will be interesting to see if the rates payments are pro rata’ed due to MDC’s delay. You would hope so, as it is not the ratepayers’ fault for the delay!
Bringing in rock
Why do the council have to get rock from outside Blenheim for the Spring Creek stopbank when there’s thousands of tons in the quarry up Brookby Road.
Wishful thinking
I was shocked to hear the rise in rates needed to pay for repairing the Sounds roads but it needs doing.
What I’m really looking forward to is the rates going back down once the work is complete. Wishful thinking?
Funds for uni
Re Sun article about Blenheim woman accessing funds for uni fees for her grandson by proving to Ngai Tahu that he has a tiny amount of Maori blood in him. Good on her, don’t blame her, but how fair is it that some other NZ kids can’t afford to go to uni because they happen to be pakeha?
Show prices
Just reading this weeks issue of your fabulous FREE newspaper. Chris Valli’s comment regarding low numbers at the Rocketman vs Pianoman concert has me commenting on the prices charged. Maybe they should introduce last minute sales to enable those of us on low income to put “bums on seats”. Just a thought.
Re New World Order
The document you’re referencing was a thought experiment, not a manifesto. The conspiracy crowd have worked themselves into a froth about exactly nothing while ignoring the actual threat to us all that is spelled out in the 900+-page Project 2025 document. That you are concerned is worthwhile. You should have more care for the target of your concern. We would love to have you back in the real world.
Sheer lunacy
The actions of the rider of the mini motorised skateboard style scooter (very wobbily) negotiating the New World Roundabout & then travelling off at speed late on Thursday morning, 22 August.
The absence of any safety device on these ‘vehicles’ (& on this occasion, your safety helmet) mean the users are prime candidates as customers for Funeral Directors. In short, these ‘vehicles’ are not designed for, or suitable for use on roads. Think of your Families & Friends who will miss you and the victims (legal & responsible road users) you are highly likely to crash into. Stay safe & alive. Stay off the roads! There have already been far too many deaths attributable to these ‘fun toys’.
Town asset
Horrified reading last weeks txt talk re moving A&P park to Witherlea racecourse. It is part of Blenheim’s history and so well utilized with sports, farmers markets and so much more. A real asset to the town.
Stars in Your Eyes
Another fantastic Stars in Your Eyes show this year! Well done Amber - a brilliant performance! And Kim Weatherhead and Matt Allcutt were outstanding as Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. You’ve done yourselves proud and supported some great charities.
Re: Courteous drivers
Thanks for acknowledging my courteousness for stopping at the courtesy crossings, but you kind of have to in some cases. People just dash out, or my favourites are the ones who wander onto the crossing with their heads down, buried in their phones.
Re: Speed Zones
The elevation is at 70kph temporarily until summer when contractors can chip seal over the new part of the road, then it will return to 100kph.
We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.
Limit to 70 words please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.
Specsavers
Cannot rave about Specsavers more highly. My first ever visit and the service and professionalism was beyond compare. Should’ve gone to Specsavers, too right!
Re more housing
I was horrified at the suggestion of touching A & P show grounds. It’s a much used/well supported beautiful green space. Not to mention the history. It would be devastating to touch it. Hands off.
Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge Street, requires an Administrator for 12.5 hours per week. We pay the living wage.
Starting date: Monday 23rd September 2024.
Applicants need to be familiar with Xero and be able both to work alone and to connect with House users.
Send applications with CV by email to avonmoore@xtra.co.nz or in writing to Community House Position, PO Box 1182, Blenheim.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th September 2024.
Marlborough Returned and Services Association (Incorporated)
Annual General Meeting Blenheim Bowling Club 65E Weld Street Blenheim 2pm Sunday 8th September 2024
Fostering Health & Well-being within the Pelorus Area Local Solutions for Local Problems
Pelorus Area Health Trust AGM
Saturday 28th September at 3.30pm at the Havelock Pavilion
Everybody is welcome. Come and get the skinny on PAHT’s year and activities. Guest Speaker. Afternoon Tea provided. The Board is welcoming nominations for new trustees. We are particularly keen to get nominations from people living in the Marlborough Sounds and out to Okiwi Bay so that all of our area is represented. For nomination forms and agenda contact the Administrator at secretary@pelorusareahealthtrust.co.nz
Pi NE , 3cu/m $260. No texting, no
0273267416
FiREwood 2.5m3
0275970492.
STAmP collections, coin collections, old toys, post cards etc. Cash paid. Ph 021 138
Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377.
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.
AGM
Grovetown Tennis Club
7.00pm Tuesday, Sept 10, 2024 at the Grove Tavern Meeting Room. All players and intending players for the up-coming season are encouraged to attend and support your Club.
Gordon Lang - Secretary/treasurer 021 341 204
Tuesday 3rd
Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.
Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.
Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.
Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm Picton:
HENSON Robin (Ferrett): 09.04.1942 - 30.08.2023 Its been a year since we lost a husband, father, grandad, brother, uncle and a friend to many. We miss you and think about you every day and we specially miss the daily phone calls and yarns you liked to tell. We all know that Ferrett will have a few Ales with his mates in heaven.
PALMER: Frederick George: 3/02/1952 - 28/08/2023 It’s been a year since you left us. I miss watching the rugby together, going for road trips around Marlborough, and sharing meals together. I miss you very much my Freddy Bear. One of your best friends, Isobel
Acknowledgements
NOAD: Norma Maria,
The family of Norma would like to give their heartfelt thanks for all the support, messages and condolences we received on the loss of our much-loved Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma. We truly appreciated all the warm words of comfort. Special thanks to Terry Terrill for his wonderful humour and compassion, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services for looking after our Mum and special thanks to Bethsaida Retirement Village for the wonderful care she received there.
Sun The Sun The
Death Notices for August 2024
HALL, David James: July 21, 2024
PRICE, Valerie Marguerite (née Butzbach): July 29, 2024
O’CONNOR, Shirley Catherine Mary: July 30, 2024
LYALL, Ian Flett: August 1, 2024
HAZELDEN, Christopher: August 2, 2024
BOYD, Gordon Thomas (Gordy): August 3 2024,
JOHNSTON, Grant, MbChB: August 5, 2024
MORAN, Patricia Anne: August 5, 2024
BRIGGS, Michael Graham: August 8, 2024
PORTEOUS, James Bowie (Tad): August 15, 2024
LEOV, Yvonne June: August 19, 2024
FRIEND, Pauline Mazie (née Clarke): August 22, 2024
GLEN-ORCHARD, Sandra Caroline (née Glen): August 24, 2024
BARLOW: Patricia Mary (Trisha): On 24 August 2024, peacefully at Redwood Retirement Village, Blenheim, aged 80 years. Dearly loved wife of Len and a muchloved mother and mother-in-law of Stacey (Melbourne); and Gareth and Chantal (Blenheim). Loved Nana of Marlee, Quade, Maddox, Lacey; and Koby. Messages to PO Box 245 Picton 7250 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Redwood Retirement Village for their wonderful care of Trisha. A Funeral Service will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services on Saturday 31 August at 11.00am followed by private cremation.
Death notices
FRIEND, Pauline Mazie (née Clarke):
Passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side, Thursday, August 22, 2024, aged 87 years. Loved wife of Geoff (deceased), and longtime partner of John (deceased). Much loved and cherished mother and motherin-law to Johnny, Susan, Wendy and Steve. Very special nana to Mark and Minnie, Lisa (deceased), Amanda and Brendan, Kelly and Aaron, and Krystyna. Loved GG to all her great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be kindly appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref FRIEND. In accordance with Pauline’s wishes a private celebration of her life has been held.
HEENAN: William (Bill):
BEVANS, Colleen Ethel (nee Webb): Passed away on 20 August 2024, aged 78, after a short illness. Loved wife of Ashley (Ash), treasured mother of Gareth and Merryn and mother-in-law of Raewyn, and adored Gran of Katie. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Les (dec) and Lyn Webb and family. A funeral service for Colleen has been held. The service was livestreamed and is available on our website. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society, account number 06-0601-0044826 00 Ref. Bevans would be appreciated.
GLEN-ORCHARD, Sandra Caroline (née Glen):
Reg No: 1321 RNZN On 25 August 2024, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle, aged 90 years. Dearly loved husband of Val. Dearly loved father of Robyn Montgomery and Toni Heenan. Loved grandad of Adrian and James and a loved great grandad of Ella, Ari and Diz. Loved step-dad of Rodger and Denise, Alastair and Nerina, Sally and Meric. Loved “Bill” to his step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special friend of Ann Heenan, Russell Montgomery, Rocio Levings and family. Messages to 15 Murphys Road Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz At Bill’s request, a private cremation has taken place with a Memorial Service to be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Saturday 7 September at 1.00pm.
COLLINS; Karl Roald Charles: 82 years, 24.1.1942 - 20.8.2024 Late of Aberleigh Village Blenheim, formerly Wellington and Murchison. Passed away peacefully. Loved father to Lyrene and Michele and brother to Brett - Rest in peace. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremation has been held.
DROWLEY: Marion Isobel: Marion passed away peacefully on 20 June 2024 at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, Blenheim with her family by her side, holding her hand. Marion was in her 92nd year. Loved wife of the late Stuart. Dearly loved Mum of Chris and Denise, Leah and Grant, Adam and Shari and Cindy. Beloved Granny of her 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and her great-great granddaughter. A private cremation has been held. Messages to 6A Huia Street, Waikawa, Picton 7220 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Thank you to the team at The Oaks for the wonderful care Mum received. On Saturday 31 August 2024 at 11.30am there will be a graveside ceremony at Kaikoura Lawn Cemetery to inter Mum’s ashes with Dad. Anyone that knew Marion and who would like to pay their last respects, are more than welcome to attend. This will be followed with some light refreshments at Donegal House. Cloudy Bay Funerals
Passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, after a very brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. A patient sufferer at rest. In her 65th year. Loved wife of John Orchard. Loved mother of Kate, Sarah, Charlotte, and Grant. Loved grandmother of Lachlan and Lucie, the late Gio, and Grace. Loved sister of Peter Glen (Christchurch), proud great-granddaughter of the Whaling Captain, Lewis Acker and Princess Mari Pii. Special thanks to the many wonderful, caring staff of St John’s Ambulance, Redwoodtown Medical, Wairau Hospital, Hospice Marlborough and Ashwood Park Kowhai Wing, over the past 10 months. Messages may be sent to the Glen-Orchard family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to The Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust would be appreciated and may be made at the service or to a/c 03-1508-0132199-000 Ref. GLEN-ORCHARD. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www. sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals. A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 2.00pm on Saturday, 31 August, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.
LEOV, Yvonne June: Passed away on Monday August 19, 2024 at Maxwell Lifecare. Aged 83 years. Beloved wife of the late Donald Cyril Leov, much loved mother and grandmother of Michael and Fiona, Craig and Kellie, Anna and Bill; Phoebe and Sam, Henry and William, Shinae and Alex. Great grandmother of Maci. Messages may be sent to 14D Burden Street, Blenheim 7201. As per Yvonne’s request, a private service has been held.
MARTIN: Neil Arthur:
FLOYD: Curtis Alan: On Tuesday 13 August, unexpectedly at his home, aged 65 years. Loved by Kerin and family. Loved son of the late Lillian and Archie and a loved brother of Donna-Lee and Diane (USA). Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz A private cremation has been held.
True Aussie Legend. Transited this dimension Friday morning, 23rd August 2024 Respectful innings of 89yrs. Father, grandfather and mentor to many. Gentle, loving and caring man. Always in our hearts and minds. Will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to have known him. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz A send off for Neil has been held.
MARFELL: Richard:
Passed away on Monday 19 August 2024 at the Marlborough Hospice, aged 67 years. Much loved husband of Rachel. Treasured father and father-in-law of Samantha and Ryan, Hugh and Sommer. Messages to PO Box 4 Spring Creek 7244 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz At Richard’s request, a private cremation has taken place. A farewell for Richard has been held.
SETTER: Helen:
On August 20, 2024, passed away at Wairau Hospital in her 87th year. Much loved wife of the late Kevin Setter. Dearly loved mum of Sharon, Jacqui and her partner Andrew, Daryl and his wife Sharon. Loving nana to her grandchildren and their partners and her great grandchildren. Messages to 61 C Nelson Street, Springlands 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with Helen’s wishes a private cremation has been held.
VEALE; Richard (Dick) Oliver:
On 22 August 2024, at his home, aged 71 years. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Rachel, Geoff, Gordon and Debbie, Son of the late Rosemarie and Arthur, Father of Jane Nuttal, Uncle to Dan, Sam, Nick and Juliet. A legend in his own lifetime. Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by all his friends and family. Messages to c/-Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremation has taken place with a Memorial service to be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 30 August at 3.00pm.
WILLIAMSON: Brian John Arthur:
On 23 August 2024 at Wairau Hospital, aged 83 years. Dearly loved partner of Leah Mexted and a loved father and father-in-law of Alan and Pam (Australia), Judy and Mark O’Donnell (Blenheim) and Steven (Australia). A dearly loved Grandad and treasured friend of Leah’s family. Messages to 116 Budge Street Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz A service for Brian will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 30 August at 10.30am followed by private cremation.
Marlborough mountainbike park harder than advertised – auditor
By Maia Hart Local Democracy Reporter
An independent auditor has found 35 of the 37 Wither Hills mountain bike trails are under-graded for their ability level.
But the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club disagrees, or rather argues it depends on who you ask, and warns out-of-town riders might be “sorely disappointed” if the gradings are changed.
The Marlborough District Council last winter carried out an audit of the trails in the Wither Hills, which the council owns, because there had not been a formal audit of the tracks in recent history.
The council hired Simon Noble, of Envisage New Zealand, to carry out the review.
The council contacted five different auditors but the council thought Noble’s proposal was the most thorough.
Noble and Kiri Whiteman, the council’s parks and open spaces manager, presented the audit to council last week. Noble found only two of the park’s 37 mountain bike trails were consistent with their advertised grade.
He used grading guidelines from the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Tracks were generally graded from one to six; one being flat and easy, and six being steep and for
experienced riders.
However, in New Zealand, because there was more than one grading system, there was often a lack of consistency in national standards.
A coroner’s report into the death of Clinton Handcock, who died in Rotorua in 2019 after mountain biking on a grade three trail, criticised those grading inconsistencies.
It was believed Handcock’s handlebars clipped a tree on a jump.
The coroner’s report released in April this year recommended an overhaul of the entire grading system.
Whiteman said she left it up to Noble to pick which guideline to grade under.
Noble told the assets and services committee while it was not uncommon for trails to be under-graded, Marlborough’s were out by more than what he considered the national average.
His 90-page report said the closest thing found to an explanation of the grading system at the Wither Hills park was a map, and its associated key. It was also on the council’s website, and brochures were available too.
However, some of the trails did not have signage, which he recommended the council fix.
He told the committee the audit was important to get the service and expectation right.
“I applaud the council for going
ahead and doing it,” he said. Grades were having to go up across the country, Noble explained.
“Across the hill in Nelson, the city council over there went through a process like this and increased all of their trails by pretty much one grade.”
The main driver of grade disparity was said to be track slope and width, and the radius of the turns.
Some maintenance had been undertaken since the assessment, however did not change any of the grading recommendations.
The council sought feedback on the audit from the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club, which argued the tracks should have been assessed using different guidelines.
“By following the New Zealand
High five for MBC First XV
By Chris Valli
Five members of the 2024 Marlborough Boys’ College First XV have been selected for a Junior Crusaders camp.
Anru Erasmus, Ben Gibbons, Leo Marfell, Mason Nicklin and Rico Nicklin are five of 53 players selected and is a reflection of their individual ability after the MBC team made the semi-finals of the Miles Toyota Premiership, before losing to Nelson College, the first time in 10 years.
MBC coach Tonga Taumoefolau says it’s awesome and the most representation the team has had in years. There were
three players, Cooper Roberts, Jake Pacey and Hugh Robinson who made the team in 2022.
Head coach and former Crusaders loose forward Johnny Leo’o says the group was a very promising and exciting group of young men
The players will attend the three day camp starting Monday, October 7 with a focus on field skills as well as building an understanding of professional off field skills. The group includes 16 players who attended the 2023 camp.
Coaches will select 35 players to play the Hurricanes U-18 team in Wellington on Friday, October 11.
cycle trail guidelines, if one feature on the trail doesn’t meet the specifications for the grade the whole trail is lifted to the higher grading,” the feedback said.
This meant the trail was pigeonholed, the club said. The group said they were concerned local riders would not be able to handle certain grades at other tracks, even at Whites Bay in Marlborough, if the new higher grades were introduced at the Wither Hills.
Out-of-town riders might also be sorely disappointed because the tracks were not as challenging as advertised.
Wairau-Awatere ward councillor Gerald Hope said the feedback from the club looked critical.
He asked Noble if a second auditor
was a good idea, and Noble said that question hurt. Noble had graded 200 trails nationally, and had experience in managing trails, he said.
“Believe me, I'm sensitive to my legacy.”
The committee agreed to have the council’s parks and open spaces consult directly with the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club regarding the key differences to their submission and Noble’s recommendations.
The council’s chief executive, property and community facilities manager and assets and services chairperson would make the final decision on grade changes.
The committee approved up to $30,000 in funding to upgrade signage, subject to full council sign-off on September 19.
An independent auditor thinks most mountain bike tracks at the Wither Hills have the incorrect grading.
PHOTO: MARLBOROUGH EXPRESS
Ben Gibbons (front) and Leo Marfell (behind) two of five Marlborough Boys’ College First XV players who have been selected for a Junior Crusaders Camp in October. PHOTO: Chris Valli.
