COMPASSION: Caltex Main Street Blenheim employee Reihana Turner-Taylor and Site Manager Kayla Jones. A Halloween raffle has been set up in the foyer of the
Chris Valli.
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‘They had lives ahead of
Continued from page 1.
Tyler Matekohi-Shields, 22, was one of three people killed and was the nephew of Box on Boxing owner and Marlborough Youth Trust Youth Worker Lee Tepuia.
Lee says news of Tyler’s death had been hard and was a matter of ‘having to moving forward’. He says it was heart-breaking for the community, especially the families/whanau.
The other two fatalities were 19 year-olds Brayden Allen and Jamie Cunningham. Brayden was the ‘cherished son’ of Scott Allen and Erin Ellis and was also deeply loved by stepdad Zane Ellis and stepmum Jocelyne Allen. Meanwhile, Jamie’s father Tony Cunningham described his daughter, as an ‘amazing kid and sportsperson’ who loved being with her friends.
The other two passengers managed to escape the car and get to safety. The car went off the road at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Bush Road.
Caltex employee and former Marlborough Girls’ College student Reihana Turner-Taylor’s friend was involved in the accident and at the time of writing was still in hospital. Reihana had spent all day on the Sunday waiting to find out the outcome of her friend’s fate after the crash.
Site Manager Kayla Jones says the idea to raise money for the families affected came about after a conversation with
her Mum while shopping at the Warehouse. She says the fundraiser is a way of people giving back to the families who have lost their loved ones.
“I’ve had a few conversations with customers this week where it’s been said, this is a parents worse nightmare. I’m a big believer that you don’t have to know people personally to show compassion and have empathy,” she says. “A lady came in to say her daughter coached Jamie at netball and the news had rocked all of them – it was a shock.”
“Everybody knows everybody in Blenheim or Picton through three degrees of separation. Honestly, the worse things happen to the good people, they had lives and goals ahead of them. Three families are burying their children and two have lives that will be changed forever.”
Up for grabs is a $200 Halloween hamper which includes ‘almost everything’ says Kayla from Nightmare before Christmas glasses to a Hocus Pocus cookbook to tumblers and skull glasses.
The raffle is $2 per ticket and will be drawn October 25. The money raised will be shared evenly to the families or respective charities concerned.
A Give a Little page has been set up for Tyler Matekohi-Shields at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ in-memory-of-tyler-shields. Police enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Bob Barnes Thelma & Alistair Sowman Barry Holmwood Ethan Williams Terry Ryan Faye Partridge
The three fatalities included 22 year-old Tyler Matekohi-Shields, and 19 year-olds Jamie Cunningham and Braden Allen. Photos: Supplied NZ Police.
Police recover the vehicle after the fatal crash. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee. Kayla says three families are burying their children and two have lives that will be changed forever.
Young entrepreneur travels to Brazil
By Chris Valli
It’s fair to say, Marlborough Boys’ College Year 12 student
Sam Morris had a Term 3 holiday that was all work and a little play.
Sam was one of eight students, selected from across New Zealand through the Young Enterprise Scheme YES as part of his business studies at college to visit San Paulo in Brazil for an eight day trip.
YES is an opportunity for students to unleash their inner entrepreneur and experience the start-up world first-hand, and is an experiential programme where students set up and run a real business. Each YES company creates their own product or service and brings this to market.
Sam says over the course of the trip they met up with four Brazilian students who were also studying business in Sao Paulo. They were put into teams of two New Zealand students and one Brazilian student, completing a business challenge by creating a fictional New Zealand based business and pitching it for five minutes to Brazilian judges.
Sam says he had the opportunity to visit five businesses that were started by New Zealand entrepreneurs and used that ‘know-how’ to get an insight into their own business challenge, which his team won.
“The knowledge from CEO’s of multi-billion dollar companies and how they started and grew their business coming from New Zealand was inspiring and it’s given me my own ambitions,” says Sam.
Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America and the ninth largest globally with many foreign investors looking to the region considering doing business in Brazil. Despite the economic difficulties of recent years, the country is actively positioning itself to attract more foreign investment. To foster a more conducive business environment, the government has pledged to reduce intervention in local markets, fight corruption, encourage foreign participation and streamline bureaucratic processes.
Of course, when you’re a MBC student in South America, it would be rude not to indulge in the local culture and Sam says activities included a samba dance lesson, a Capoeira workshop lesson (Brazilian martial art which includes elements of dance, acrobatics and spirituality) and sampling San Paulo foods.
Sam says one of the key learnings from the trip was that there ‘is so much more out there in the world’ beyond home.
“Sometimes in New Zealand we can be in a bubble. It’s op-
their certificates for
the
portunities like this that teach us there is more. From the business side of things, you often wouldn’t think that Brazil is a place to do business and expand. There are many benefits to operate from Brazil,” he says. “Take the opportunities. I didn’t think this would ever happen to me. My advice is to take it, you never know, it may be an amazing experience like I got.”
“It’s been my first year with
Young Enterprise and it’s taught me so much,” he says.
Sam says beyond Year 13 he is hoping to study a Bachelor of Commerce at university.
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme grew out of an initiative started by the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce back in the late 1970s and aims to inspire young people to discover their potential in business and in life.
Jet boat crash
Sun The
One person was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a jet boat crash in the Wairau River on Saturday. Emergency services were alerted to the crash, near Northbank Road in North Bank, about 3.30pm. St John dispatched an ambulance and helicopter to the scene.
Writers’ walk
Another poem will be presented along the Taylor River Writers’ Walk Walkway helping to spread the message of how precious our waterways are.
This year’s poem is a combined poem from tamariki from the Marlborough Kindergarten Centres.
The poem unveiling will take place on Tuesday October 29, 1:30pm by the Old Mill Park, Beaver Road Bridge and walk up stream on the Nelson Street Side of the river.
Ardern to receive damehood
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will formally receive her damehood from Prince William at a ceremony in Windsor Castle in England this week.
Arden was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to the state, a few months after her shock resignation as prime minister.
Ardern’s official citation listed her leadership in response to the March 15 terrorist attacks, and the Covid-19 pandemic “positioning New Zealand as having one of the lowest Covid-19 related death rates in the Western world”.
Negocios/business 101: Sam, Mount Aspiring College Year 13 student Alexis Harvey-Wills and Brazilian student Nathalia-Meneghini holding
winning
business challenge.
Sun The
Arbuckle pen’s resignation
Marlborough councillor-turned-MP
Jamie Arbuckle will hand in his formal resignation on his last day, October 31.
Arbuckle has spent the last year juggling his role as a New Zealand First MP with his position as a Blenheim ward councillor. While he had sent a letter to the mayor saying he would resign from the Marlborough District Council, Arbuckle said he was not required to give any notice, so his formal letter of resignation would be taken to the chief executive’s office on October 31.
Ferry damages wharf
Bluebridge’s Connemara ferry hit and damaged fendering on Waitohi Wharf in Picton while berthing last Tuesday.
Port Marlborough engineers and workshop team resolved the issue while the troubled vessel waited, anchored in Queen Charlotte Sound.
Picton Harbourmaster Jake Oliver confirmed he had been made aware that a Bluebridge ferry had made contact with the wharf and was being fixed. He said the fender chain appeared to have broken when the ferry tried to dock.
Weld Pass night works
Contractors will carry out essential maintenance work on State Highway 1 Weld Pass next week as Marlborough’s summer maintenance season continues. Night works are planned from 20 to 23 October (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights) between 7 pm and 5 am.
Buller declaration in Blenheim
By Chris Valli
Marlburians concerned with New Zealand’s health system signed their allegiance last week.
Chair of Patient Voice Aotearoa
Malcolm Mulholland, toured the East Coast of the South Island last week with copies of the Buller Declaration on the state of the New Zealand Health System. It was Blenheim’s turn on Friday afternoon for a public signing at Rangitāne House, Main Street.
The Buller Declaration was named after 2000 people from Buller held a silent march to protest against the lack of available healthcare in their region. The Declaration was launched recently in Westport and was signed by representatives from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, and the New Zealand Royal College of General Practitioners.
The declaration says the Aotearoa New Zealand health system is in a state of crisis, and is asking the government to address the crisis, as rural, Maori and low-income families are disproportionately affected.
Malcolm says after stops in Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Ashburton
and Christchurch, the document had 4000 signatures. The Buller Declaration roadshow is the first of a number that will be taking place in the coming months.
“It’s an opportunity for the communities up and down the country to do something about New Zealand’s current health crisis, rather than feel powerless. This Declaration is about the people having their say of what needs to be done when it comes to our health system and about what needs must be prioritised by the government,” he says.
For further information about the Declaration and where to sign, please visit: https://www.mylifematters.org.nz/
Carol Tipene signs the declaration at Rangitāne House on Friday. Chair of Patient Voice Aotearoa Malcolm Mulholland says the declaration is an opportunity for communities to do something about the current health crisis. Photos: Chris Valli and LDR.
Malcolm Mulholland
Fundraiser for polio
By Chris Valli
Blenheim and polio to the uninformed might seem far removed. Yet for Blenheim South Rotary, the advocacy for polio continues to grow every year.
As a result, Blenheim South Rotary is holding a Film Evening at Events Cinema next Tuesday October 22. Spokesperson Paul Eden says periodically Rotary is offered film premiers as a method of fundraising and on this occasion it was for their annual End Polio campaign.
Rotary International initiated World Polio vaccination in 1985 and in conjunction with UNICEF and others have vaccinated over three billion children worldwide since then and have eliminated Polio worldwide with the exception of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The film is ‘The Critic’, starring Ian McKellen, a 2023 British period thriller based on the 2015 novel Curtain Call by Anthony Quinn. Polio (poliomyelitis) is a viral disease that spreads in faeces and in saliva. It can also be passed on through contaminated water, milk and food. Polio can cause muscle weakness or paralysis. New Zealand has not had cases of polio since 1977. However, cases are increasing across the world and could potentially come here. Immunisation is the only protection against it.
According to Te Whatu Ora/
New Zealand Health, no cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) have occurred in New Zealand since the oral polio vaccine (OPV) was superseded by the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and withdrawn from the immunisation schedule in 2002.
The polio epidemic that gripped New Zealand for more than two years after World War II was considered the most persistent outbreak of the feared disease that the country had experienced up
to that time. The most deaths in one year were in 1925, when 173 people died.
The World Health Organisation says polio continues to be transmitted between people in three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 and transforms donations into grants awarded to Rotarians for projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
In 1988, Rotary became a spear-
Paul Eden’s late wife Frances giving a polio vaccine to a child in Delhi, India.
Blenheim South Rotary is holding a Film Evening fundraiser for polio at Events Cinema next Tuesday October 22.
Sun The
13 new SNA sites
Thirteen new Significant Natural Area (SNA) sites were added to the programme during the past year bringing the Marlborough total to 782.
The SNA project began in 2000 and involves Council collecting information about natural areas on private land and working in partnership with landowners to help protect them.
Sites in Marlborough include notable trees, tracts of indigenous forest and areas home to endangered or protected flora or fauna.
30,000 seedlings had been planted on the East Coast in the past three years to restore indigenous biodiversity along the coast.
Community Grants Fund
This year’s Council Community Grants fund has had a record number of applications received.
heading partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), along with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 and transforms donations into grants awarded to Rotarians for projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
Blenheim Sun readers can find more information on polio at www/ Rotary.org/ end polio
A total of just under $700,000 has been requested through the fund which has $280,000 available for annual distribution.
Community Partnerships Advisor Jodie Griffiths said there was an extremely high demand for the limited funds available.
“Council’s grants committee meet to consider the applications and their recommendations will be considered by the full Council on 31 October,” she says.
The successful applicants will be advised after October 31.
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Last week, it was one year since the start of the Palestinian genocide. Hundreds of thousands have been killed and maimed. Gaza has been bombed to dust with thousands still buried under the rubble with only bones remaining. This latest holocaust started when Palestinians broke out of their Gaza concentration camp into Israel on October 7 2023 in a desperate attempt to free themselves from the decades of Israeli occupation and terror. A ruthless apartheid regime has been implemented to make them leave, but they have nowhere to go. This mayhem and suffering is encouraged and supported by the West, including the NZ government.
In November last year I asked the Marlborough District Council to fly a Palestinian or NZ flag half-mast to mourn the dead, and as a protest against the genocide. MDC declined. As I don’t believe a reasonable and informed person would agree with genocide, I sent MDC information about the Palestinian situation on several occasions. It all seems to fall on deaf ears.
Most of them don’t even have the decency to engage in an honest dialogue. MDC and Mayor are meant to be our representatives, but they behave like rulers instead. Through their silence and government bootlicking they are complicit in the genocide and NOT representative of NZ values of compassion and kindness. MDC’s moral compass has gone haywire.
I again ask MDC to represent Marlborough and fly a Palestinian flag to say NO to industrial scale murder in broad daylight. Do the right thing, it’s not too late.
Peter Mathyssen, Rarangi.
Marlborough District Council responds. October 11, 2024
New Zealand’s international policy settings are determined by the Government, not councils. Council takes advice on the flying of flags from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. This includes the flying of flags at commemorations such as Guest of Government visits, royal
How easy it is to forget, back in 1946/47 Britain referred to Israelis as terrorists, though they referred to themselves as freedom fighters, fighting to establish their rights to form a new homeland, regardless of the human cost.
Today, those occupied by the said state, are referred to as terrorists. What’s the difference you might well ask? There is no difference, just history repeating itself. If only Israel could have moved to finally and urgently acknowledge a Palestinian state, instead of burning up its capital in trying to destroy it, all this pain and current suffering would have been avoided.
Worse still, while the world watches and continues to supply the weapons required, to keep it going, our acquired karma will continue to accumulate. Sad.
Footnote: Maybe America foresaw it, as it fought against a Jewish homeland as foreshadowed by the Balfour plan back in 1917.
Chris Davies Picton
commemorations, and Waitangi, ANZAC and Armistice days.
Council does not fly the flag of other nations or territories at half-mast without first receiving advice to do so from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. This has been explained to Mr Mathyssen.
Blenheim
Remote/virtual building inspections way of the future
Fifteen per cent of Council’s building inspections are currently completed virtually using an app, saving time and money, and that figure is set to grow.
Building Control Group Manager Dhyanom Gala told last week’s Environment and Planning Committee that virtual/remote inspections were the future of the building industry.
“We were one of the very early adopters of the BRANZ Artisan app and we now have 35 building firms using it,” he said. “Since we started using it in 2021, 1,085 inspections have been completed, saving more than 32,000 kms and 1,000 man-hours.”
The Government recently announced plans to make remote inspections the default approach for BCAs (Building Consent Authorities), an initiative expected to streamline the building consent system, reduce costs and improve efficiency.
While remote/virtual inspections were the future of the building industry, there were several challenges Mr Gala said. The benefits were increased efficiency,
cost savings, flexibility, high-quality digital records, reduced health and safety risks as inspectors were not on site and continuity during emergency events (e.g. road closures).
Challenges included lack of liability sharing framework, resistance to change, staff training, technological requirements and maintaining consistency and quality control.
Mr Gala said Council’s Building Control Group currently undertakes up to 5,000 inspections yearly and is continually exploring ways to promote efficiencies.
The Artisan app is recognising the quality assurance processes of building teams and fostering stronger connections between council and the building community.
The Building Control Group is gradually increasing its uptake of inspections carried out using the Artisan app. “We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of remote/ virtual inspections and make adjustments as needed to adapt to new challenges and regulatory challenges,” Mr Gala said.
Fire risk and erosion control trial
Walkers on the Wither Hills Farm Park will have noticed large-scale works under and around the trees on the lower slopes near walking tracks adjacent to Forest Park Drive.
A trial to reduce fire risk from excessive dry fuel loading has been underway through this tree block.
Previously the area had significant numbers of dead and dying trees as well as fallen branches which formed a significant risk during dry summer periods. Additionally, huge numbers of self-seeded wattles were stunting
and suffocating existing trees, which compromised the sustainability of the block and had resulted in large areas of bare, eroding soil.
Any useful lengths of firewood are being removed and donated to the Blenheim Lions Club for their firewood programme while the remaining brush was mulched into the soil to support existing trees. While the area looks a little bare, grass is starting to emerge under the remaining tree canopy and the area should look mostly recovered by the end of November.
Blenheim’s street tree planting programme
The 2024 winter street tree planting programme is almost complete.
Council has planted 130 trees this year in streets in Havelock, Renwick and Blenheim.
Some streets in the province are unable
to have trees due to narrow berms and the location of underground and overhead services.
Trees planted have gone onto the three year watering program which has 560 trees on it, to help get them established.
Are you ready to conquer Everest?
The Marlborough Mount Everest Challenge is underway, a run/walk event where the goal is to travel the elevation of Mount Everest (8,800m) in seven weeks.
Organised by Port Marlborough Pavilion with the support of Council, this year’s annual event runs from 12 October to 30 November. Twenty per cent of all entry fees will be donated to the Picton Foodbank.
Pavilion Project Coordinator for Council Regan Russell said it took Sir Edmund Hillary seven weeks to climb Mount Everest in 1953. “This is a chance for locals to set their own challenge. We aim to encourage local people to not only use the amazing local walking tracks that Marlborough has to offer but to get fit while doing so,” he said. “Attaining the goal of 8,800m during the seven week period will not be an easy task but we’re sure Marlburians will be up to the challenge.”
Participants can either run or walk the
Tirohanga Track in Picton or the Mt Vernon Track in Blenheim. The Tirohanga Track will need to be climbed 36 times and Mt Vernon 25 times to complete the task.
“You can do it solo or as part of a team to help motivate each other. Get your family, friends and work colleagues to join your team. Put the challenge out there and see what you and your team can achieve,” Mr Russell said.
Those who reach the goal of 8,800m as an individual or a group will receive a medal at a prize giving at the Pavilion on Saturday 7 December at 11am.
For more information and to register go to: www.everestchallenge.nz
So far there has been an overwhelming positive response from local residents and park users.
A comprehensive report on trial results will be done in the spring when the trial finishes.
Building Control Group Manager Dhyanom Gala using the Artisan app to inspect a building
Council planted street trees in Rose Manor in full bloom
The area along Forest Park Drive where a trial is underway to reduce fire risk
Blenheim artist Ana Iti (Te Rarawa) recently won the country’s richest visual arts award, the $50,000 Walters Prize. Ana took time out from her busy schedule to speak to Chris Valli about why visual arts matters to her.
The Walters Prize is New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious contemporary art award. Established in 2002, the prize showcases and promotes contemporary art, and has, since its inception, shaped emergent discussion about contemporary New Zealand art.
The prize is named after New Zealand artist Gordon Walters (1919–1995), a leading modernist who produced abstract art of remarkable refinement and stimulated an ongoing discussion about the interrelationships between European, Māori and Pacific visual art traditions.
As part of the prize, the Auckland Art Gallery presents an exhibition by four artists who have been nominated by an independent jury for their outstanding contribution to contemporary art in the country. The four finalists for the Walters Prize 2024 were Juliet Carpenter, Owen Connors, Brett Graham and Blenheim’s own - Ana Iti.
Her project for the Walter’s Prize was based on the large-scale installation and structure of the car ferry wharf in Rawene, a small town on the southern side of the Hokianga that looks across to Motukaraka where her marae Ngāi Tūpoto is located.
“I got to spend two months in Rawene at the start of this year where I stayed in a former Methodist church which has been converted into an artist residency space. While I was there I worked on the design of my sculptures, sourcing the kauri timber that was part of my work and making field recordings of the area which became an audio track for the installation at the Auckland Art Gallery.”
International judge Professor Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung says Ana’s work stood out because of the ‘radicality of its manifestation’.
“Stripped to the bare minimum, the work shares something in common with great poetry: the ability of accessing multiple universes through the availability of a few words,” he says.
When asked what she planned to do with the $50,000 award her reply was transparent, albeit, the reality of a modern day artist.
“I don’t have a very exciting answer for this one. The prize money is part of my taxable income for the year, so it will run through my business and go towards supporting my work and practice in the future.” Bless.
Ana suggests being an artist can
“I knew art school existed because I saw it in the movies.”
be challenging, saying there is ‘not always a clear path to follow’ and you have to be self-motivated to keep going.
“However this can be good too, it means I am free to ask new questions and follow my own areas of inquiry. I love making things, reading, researching and having new ideas. My work takes me to new places, it is an interesting life.”
After leaving Blenheim in 2007, she moved to Christchurch and Canterbury University in 2008 while completing her Masters at Massey.
“I knew art school existed because I saw it in the movies. I wanted to go because it was a place dedicated to creativity and represented a counter-cultural experience,” she says.
The 35-year-old says she has moved around a lot over the last five years but currently she lives in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawkes Bay.
The stimuli, she says for studying fine arts was as a youngster, saying she loved drawing, plastering her walls with cut-outs from Pavement magazine and watching movies. Her teachers at Bohally and MGC she says definitely made a big impact on her.
“I remember a teacher at Bohally, Brian Badcock who said that I was an artist, as a young person that was a powerful thing to hear from someone. I had an art teacher at college, Ian Fleming who supported me and made me feel confident in my ability to make art, he also encouraged me to go to art school so I’m grateful to him too.
Ana’s pepeha is her Mum’s side of the family settled in Blenheim from England via Canada ‘many generations ago’ and says many of the family still live there. She says this is where her brother, sister and Ana grew up, raised by their mother.
Blenheim-born artist Ana Iti (Te Rarawa) has won the Walters Prize 2024 and $50,000 with her sculptural and sonic work ‘A resilient heart like the mānawa’ currently on show at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Photo: David St George
Ana has been working on a book called, ‘What is that salty voice?’ with a gallery called The Physics Room in Christchurch.
Tour #60
Ana was educated at Whitney Street School, Bohally Intermediate and Marlborough Girls’ College where she was a prefect at Year 13.
AU CKLAND, WELL INGTON OR CHRIS TCHURCH D IRE CT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS
“My Dad’s side of the family is from the far north, we come from Ngāi Tūpoto and Ngāti Here who are Hāpu of Te Rarawa but we have multiple strong connections to the Hokianga, from my Dad. I also have three more sisters and two more brothers,” she says.
“It has writing and images based on a project I made that connect to the salt works at Kāpara te Hau Lake Grassmere.
The book has just been printed so I’m so excited to finally get my hands on a copy,” she says.
As for 2025 she says she will be travelling to the United Arab
Emirates to exhibit her artwork in the Sharjah Biennale (a largescale contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years in the city of Sharjah). Until then she intends to be back in Blenheim with her partner Sophie to spend Christmas with her Mum.
The Walters Prize 2024 exhibition is on at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki until October 20.
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The name Tom Murray and Marlborough are synonymous in the New Zealand rowing landscape. The Blenheim Rowing Club hosted an event for their club member and Double Olympic medallist on Saturday morning. As Chris Valli discovers, success, albeit hard for Tom, came from the support of the wider Marlborough community.
August 2, 2024. If you are a Marlborough rowing fan, you would remember the date clearly. Let me start again, if you are a Tom Murray fan. A vocal New Zealand cheering section was treated to the sight at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris with three rowing medals in the space of one hour.
As well as the men’s silver in the fours, the women’s pair of Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis won gold, while the women’s four bagged a bronze. Needless to say us Marlburians were a tad excited too as one of those medals went to Tom and his mates.
Tom, a former Marlborough Boys’ College alumni, took silver on the podium at Paris with his New Zealand men’s four crewmates Matt Macdonald, Logan Ullrich and Oliver Maclean. The Kiwi four finished just .85 of a second behind the gold medallists USA, having chased them all the way down the 2000m course.
New Zealand have only twice before earned a medal in the men’s four, and not for 40 years, giving Macdonald and Murray a second breakthrough achievement in as many Games. The duo was also part of the victorious eight in Tokyo in 2021.
Recalling the race at the weekend, Tom says he had ‘crippling nerves’ in the starting block while between the start line and the halfway mark the nerves started to come down.
“It was pure excitement in the tank. The reason I was so nervous at the start is that’s where it can go all so horribly wrong. Once we got past the halfway mark it was about who can work harder out there and getting into our rhythm,” he says.
The American crew of Liam Corrigan,
Michael Grady, Justin Best and Nick Mead had who been together since last season, won silver at the world championships last year and gold at the world cup race in Lucerne earlier this year. That experience together, as well as their years of rowing as teammates, proved pivotal in their success.
Tom concedes there were two race plans for the quad heading into the final.
One he says, they could go ‘hell for leather’ trying to catch the Americans and get in front of them which he says, would be doing more than they knew they were capable of. Or, stick to their guns and hope it was ‘enough to keep them next to the lead crew’ through the middle stages of the race, which he says was ultimately enough.
“We were right with them in the last 500 metres and the call comes in that we had to go now, it was now or never. Full credit to them, they saw that coming and they had a little bit more than us at the end.”
Tom says after the second placing, he was told several times that when they crossed the line he didn’t look very happy with the race, which was not the case.
“I was exhausted, trying to bring the breaths in and stay in the boat. It’s not until you get off the water when everything started to settle in, like the wee hours of
the morning until you appreciate what has happened. It still carries on even now.”
Tom was asked by a journalist at the New Zealand house in Paris, why does New Zealand rowing ‘punch above its weight’ especially in rowing. The journalist suggested that perhaps it was a lack of fear in failing on the world stage and set New Zealand apart.
“I know for a fact that is not true. I am shitting bricks constantly, especially when we are getting to those pinnacle events. It’s the support network we get at grassroots levels throughout the country,” he says.
“Even when we are at college and we have to fundraise for trips overseas and holding the fundraiser at Bamboo Garden and send the word out to Blenheim businesses. The support from not only the club but the members and our own parents.”
Tom has continued his allegiance as
a loyal BRC member and has worn the black and white colours whenever he’s competing in national events. The support from not only the club members but his and other parents provides the vehicle for successes on and off the water.
“Past and present members have provided the landscape for all of us and continue to provide to allow us to do what we do. A lot of what I do is for me and I get the medal at the end of the day but I can’t help but feel guilty at times there aren’t more medals printed because there are so many more people than those in the boat that deserve the recognition.
“Thank you. It’s hard for me to express to supporters just how hard some of the times has been and how the support have kept us going and want to keep going. I’m proud to be able to make this about you this time, so thanks.”
Matt Macdonald, Tom Murray, Logan Ullrich and Ollie Maclean with the silver in the men’s four. Photo: Photosport.
Mayor Nadine Taylor acknowledging Tom’s success at the event at the Blenheim Rowing Club on Saturday morning. Photo: Chris Valli.
Retirement villages should be win-win for owners and investors
By Stuart Bilborough Peak Living CEO
Retirement villages are big business in New Zealand, and for good reason. Our population is aging – by 2040 one in four New Zealanders will be over 65 – which means demand for retirement living options is only going to grow. But the current retirement village business model tends to favour the big operators over residents and I don’t think that’s fair.
In a typical retirement village, capital gains on the value of a villa or apartment usually go to
the village operator.
Contracts are often complex, which can lead to misunderstandings about financial obligations, ongoing fees and end-of-residency charges. Residents usually sign an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) when they move into a village. This gives them the right to occupy the villa or apartment, but they don’t own it. Residents also pay ongoing fees to cover operating costs. When residents leave the village, the operator retains what is known as a deferred management fee (DMF). This fee
is usually around 30 percent, calculated on the initial price at entry into the village.
The combined effect of DMFs, ongoing maintenance charges, and the loss of capital gains can make it financially difficult for residents to move elsewhere if their circumstances change. Meanwhile as property values increase, the cost of entry into a village also increases, making it more difficult for some retirees to afford to move in.
If getting to grips with the fundamentals of entry into a typical retirement village is not complex and stressful enough,
the decision to move to a retirement village tends to start with failing health or the loss of a life partner and the need to be somewhere that provides company and security.
In my view, there is a better and fairer way for people to plan and prepare for their retirement. One that ensures they receive a greater return on their investment than the existing retirement village model allows.
Over the coming weeks I’ll write more about Peak Living and our plans to revolutionise retirement villages, starting with our first location right here in Blenheim.
Farmers demand banking reform
By Chris Valli
Marlborough’s farmers are angry about a rural banking system that isn’t working properly, poor bank behaviour, and Reserve Bank rules that hamstring the agricultural sector.
The Federated Farmers submission to Parliament’s banking inquiry includes more than 1500 comments from farmers fed up with paying over the odds for banking services.
“Lack of competition in rural banking, unfair practices, unjustifiably high interest margins and overly cautious Reserve Bank restrictions are seriously disadvantaging the nation’s food producers and export income earners,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.
Federated Farmers believes farmers are currently paying up to 1.7 percent more in borrowing costs than they should in a fair and open market.
“We’re calling for urgent banking reform in the agricultural sector, where $62.5 billion in lending means even a 1 percent difference in margins represents $625 million,” McIntyre says.
One of Federated Farmers’ key recommendations is for the Government to revise the Reserve Bank’s stringent one-in-200-year financial shock standard, which significantly raises borrowing costs for farmers.
Moving to a one-in-100-year standard would still ensure stability while lowering costs for rural borrowers, McIntyre says.
As well as the extensive feedback from farmers, Federated Farmers’ 140-page submission to the inquiry includes experts’
opinions, former bankers’ perspectives and research.
More than one in five farmers says their bank isn’t allowing them to structure their debt to minimise interest payments as much as possible. Too many farmers are pressured to use overdrafts to manage debt repayments or fund capital projects - tasks overdrafts were never intended for.
12 percent of farmers say their bank has asked them to fund capital work using an overdraft.
“This is unacceptable,” McIntyre says. “Overdrafts are designed for managing seasonal cash flow, not to burden farmers with higher-interest debt to boost bank profits.”
Wedding Directory
VANiLLA HAyeS
Take your pick from our timeless, semi-custom, wedding stationery designs and we’ll personalise them with your special details. We print them locally on lightly textured card with matching envelopes so that we can turn your order around quickly, and larger orders for big guest lists are surprisingly affordable.
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corALie HoLDAwAy
Being a Marriage Celebrant is a real privilege to me. As an experienced celebrant, I am committed to ensuring your day is both relaxed and enjoyable, while still honouring the special nature of the occasion. I like to work alongside couples to ensure their wedding day is memorable and most importantly, a celebration of their love and commitment to each other.
021 136 6909 | coralie.celebrant@hotmail.com
gMw JeweLLery
We specialise in handcrafting exquisite and unique jewellery of the highest quality. See our range of rings available for your special day or talk to us about designing the ring of your dreams. One-of-a-kind jewellery that will be sure to impress. We welcome your enquiry or visit us instore.
91 weld St | redwoodtown Ph (03) 577 9340
ALbA DAy SPA
Enjoy top-of-the-range treatments that rejuvenate the body and foster a deep sense of belonging and peace. Our spa wedding packages can offer exclusive use of the spa on the day of the wedding, creating a serene and private setting for your special day. Tailored packages include professional makeup and hair services with delicious nibbles.
03 572 8478 | www.albadayspa.co.nz
DeAr HeArt
Our luxury handcrafted soaps contain a hidden soap heart in the centre of each bar and have randomly selected inspirational quotes tucked into the back of each box.
Perfect for wedding favours or bridesmaid gifts. Select your own inspirational quotes for that personal touch.
www.dearheart.co.nz
DArLeNe KeeNAN
registered celebrant and member of cANZ. (celebrant Assoc NZ)
I am available for Weddings, Funerals, Vow renewal, House/ Business, Blessings, Rituals and personal Celebrations.
get in touch today! Ph 579 1032 or 027 534 0688
Everything you need to plan your dream wedding! We have over 30 professional wedding suppliers attending. Lots of ‘on the day’ draws and discounts to be won. Sunday 20th october | 11am-4pm tickets $10 Door sales available on the day or buy online now at
www.themarlboroughweddingfair.com
FANtAiL FieLDS
Fantail Fields is a Cut Flower Farm in Spring Creek and we have a unique offering of flowers for your next wedding or event.
• Bouquets, done for you or DIY
• Buttonholes & corsages
• Fresh flowers for you to decorate a venue - DIY
• And more...
www.fantailfields.co.nz
tHe ViNo VAN
Our beautifully restored 1962 Roadmaster caravan is available to help you celebrate your big day! Fitted with a wine and beer fridge at one end and a push out bar with two keg taps at the other, we’ll ensure your event is tailored to your specific needs. Talk to us today about adding all the fun and free flowing good times of The Vino Van to your next event.
www.thevinovan.co.nz
“weddings are not about spending the least amount of money or the most amount of money, they are about spending good money on the elements that are most important to you and your partner.”
Kristi Richardson - Bloomed to Last
Plea for Marlborough volunteers
People in Marlborough are being encouraged to sign up as a volunteer for Breast Cancer Foundation
NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal this October.
Volunteer collectors are needed on 18 and 19 October to raise funds for breast cancer research, education and patient support programmes.
Breast Cancer Foundation
NZ’s chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner, says the donations made to the Pink Ribbon Street
Appeal are vital to continue the charity’s work: “We don’t receive any government funding, so we rely entirely on the generosity of our incredible volunteers and donors to keep our vital programmes going.
“Breast cancer affects one in nine New Zealand women, but the good news is it can be successfully treated if detected early. The money raised through the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal will help to support pa-
tients going through treatment and make sure more women can get an earlier diagnosis.”
Around 120 women are diagnosed with breast cancer across the Nelson-Marlborough region every year. The survival rate for breast cancer if diagnosed early is 92 percent.
Breast Cancer Foundation
NZ is urging all women to be ‘breast aware’ to give themselves the best chance of surviving breast cancer – that
Breast cancer and mammograms
It’s free
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer and thanks to New Zealand’s breast screening programme, was caught early.
Davidson says regular mammogram screenings had given her the best odds of getting rid of it and urged other women to get screened.
BreastScreen Aotearoa is New Zealand’s free national breast screening
programme for women aged between 45 and 69. This will soon be extended to 74. To make an appointment, all you need to do is freephone BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200 and they’ll schedule you in for a mammogram. Screenings are free every two years, all the way through the eligible age range. Women have a 95 percent chance of surviving breast cancer five years or longer if the cancer is detected by a mammogram.
means getting to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, regularly touching and looking for any changes, and getting changes checked by a GP as soon as possible.
For women aged 45-69, free mammograms are available through BreastScreen Aotearoa every two years.
To sign up for a two-hour collection shift for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, visit pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz
Davidson says regular mammogram screenings had given her the best odds of getting rid of it and urged other women to get screened.
OCTOBER 24th
Blenheim turns pink for Breast Cancer
landmarks in
are turning pink this October to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As part of the Global Illuminations campaign, more than 80 landmarks, streets and prominent buildings all across New Zealand will be lit up in pink to help Breast Cancer Foundation NZ spread the message that breast cancer is most survivable with early detection. Participating in Blenheim this year are the Clock Tower and Seymour Square Fountain.
The campaign also draws attention to the charity’s annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, taking place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October this year. Around
the country, thousands of collectors will be shaking their pink buckets, collecting donations for breast cancer research, education campaigns and patient support programmes.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner, says they’re grateful to have Blenheim helping us to raise awareness and vital funds this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Every dollar donated to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal will make a massive difference to support Kiwis undergoing treatment and aid us towards our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer,” she says.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging all women to be ‘breast
aware’ to give themselves the best chance of surviving breast cancer – that means getting to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, regularly touching and looking for any changes, and
getting changes checked by a GP as soon as possible. For women aged 45-69, free mammograms are available through BreastScreen Aotearoa every two years.
Funding of breast cancer drug Keytruda
Patients with the most aggressive form of breast cancer will no longer have to re-mortgage their homes, launch public appeals or move overseas, now Pharmac is moving to fund their treatment, say advocates.
Following its big budget boost, the government’s drug funding agency plans to fund Keytruda from October 1 for advanced triple negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer
and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition chairperson Libby Burgess described it as “fantastic news”.
“This is the first targeted therapy to be offered to New Zealanders with this aggressive form of the disease. The recent boost in funding for Pharmac to give access to more effective modern medicines will make a huge difference to the lives of many patients and their families.”
Iconic
Blenheim
An illustration of how Keytruda stops cancer cells hiding from the immune system.
LEFT: Libby Burgess
VEIN CLINIC
A symphony of flavours
our
Healthline, Pharmacists, GP or GP Practice Nurse, and Urgent After Hours GP offer professional health advice. If you arrive at Wairau Hospital’s Emergency Department with a non-urgent health concern you may be referred to your GP.
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With less than 10% sugar levels, our products support a healthy lifestyle for those with diabetes.
Gluten-Free: Allergy-friendly, all the way.
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Enjoy the fullness of flavour without the calorie load.
Source of Fibre: Our delicious products are not just about taste, they’re also a good source of fibre, promoting digestive health and well-being.
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“Never thought healthy could taste this good!”
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Youth voting rights
Taylor Swift
As a caring community that we live in here in Marlborough, it was also heartwarming to read that Taylor Swift has donated a large sum to the relief efforts needed in Florida. Good on her.
Any councils allowing unelected youth to have voting rights needs scrutiny. Ratepayers are forced to pay rates and now they seem to be expected to accept a change like this without having a say. It’s a dangerous precedent, especially when a mayor, as in Hastings, uses a casting vote to push it through.
Helmets
Just seen three boys on bikes no helmets riding on footpath. One of these boys hit two wheelie bins and fell off the bike. Then one of the other boys got onto handle bars on other bike while his friend was riding it. How stupid are you!!!!!
Wake up call to Government
Here’s a thought for the Govt in this country to consider. You wonder why people might be crossing the proverbial ditch? Well here is something that MAY surprise you.
In Australia, there is this thing called BULK BILLING, you apply for a MEDI CARE CARD, then at any doctors surgery who bulk bill, or optometrists etc etc, flash your card, and you pay nothing.
It’s time this country gets its act together, pay people properly, treat people properly. I could go on, but maybe this is a starting point to improve things in NZ.
Kiri Allan
So Kiri Allan felt the need to display her backside to all of New Zealand. Words fail me....
Speed
Could pleasure boaters on Lower Wairau show some consideration for baiters and others. Cut back speed law is 5k knots within 200mtrs of shore and a gap of 50mtrs plus 5 knots passing other boats on all waterways. Hope the four chaps with two dogs who roared up and down river harassing all on Saturday are proud of themselves. You almost tipped a kayaker out and really stressed him. Show some brains!!!
Re: Government funded school lunches
I’ve always disagreed with this. If you have kids feed them yourselves. I’d much rather have my hard earned tax dollars going to anything but this.
Roundabout smell
What’s up with the smell with the new Middle Renwick Rd/ Bells Road roundabout? Smells like mould/mildew or stagnant water!
Chlorinated Water?
Why? With well researched disadvantages overwhelmingly outstripping the one small advantage, again why?
Our rates are already extremely excessive without adding this unnecessary cost. And then there’s the cost of boiling or installing expensive equipment to remove this contaminant.
MDC Councilors seriously need to re-think (or simply think) this proposal through thoroughly and then dump it. Remember, it’s Election Year in 2025!
Luxon?
Dear, whoever you are, you obviously didn’t go to school, you can’t spell. And no, you dear, have no idea what you’re talking about.
Others do AS much if not more than he does, the difference is he is rewarded with mega $$$ for his job.
This is the man telling others to do without. He is a shocking role model. Flaunting his wealth. A man of integrity uses discretion. Not Mr Luxton! He’s yet to learn about humility. A foreign concept to him. As the prime minister he should be a servant leader, an example to others!
Quakes or hurricanes?
We may have earthquakes in NZ but I feel for Florida with the recent hurricane. Equally as frightening I’m sure. We must always spare a thought for others.
Pretty Street
Lee Street looking pretty with all the blossom trees.
Re Vape Stores
You’re right, I don’t vape. But that’s where your assumptions stop being correct. I don’t drink either, and I’m not a parent, not to any dependent children anyway. I’m just an observer of NZ society who is becoming increasingly concerned with the state of our nation. And I wasn’t telling anyone what to do, I was simply pointing out the folly of letting vaping slip through like synthetic cannabis did. If you think the number of alcohol outlets is justification for having vape stores everywhere, what sort of argument is that? ‘They’re allowed their poison, so we should be allowed ours’? Here’s where I will tell you what to do: grow up and get a clue!
Hunted
How come the Police can’t find the Phillips kids and yet on the program Hunted people are found within a day?
No customer service
What’s with the lack of customer service in the evenings at Woolworths Redwoodtown. No customer service counters open after 7.30pmish. As people say we aren’t paid to scan our groceries. Trying to put through a $100 of groceries through the self checkout is not easy . I have advised them via feedback no change. Some of us don’t get paid till after dinner.
Brain connection
I wish people who make stupid statements would find out some facts and put their brain into gear before opening their mouth or getting on social media and making stupid statements. eg, ‘Shield Loss’ statement made last week. To put you right, the shield has to be played for on all home games, not when away.
Nice One
Compliments and Thank You to the Residents who are keeping the Southern Public Entrance to Harling Park so tidy and presentable. Strangely, this routine Council task seems to have been omitted from the relative Mainte-
Talk of the week
Korean association
Congratulations to those involved in Korean Assn launch. We need to celebrate our broader ethnic base.
Worth a visit
What a stunning show of colour in Seymour Square. Thanks to all the people involved. The gardeners and the designers of the displays. You have done Blenheim proud. To anyone who has not seen the gardens they are well worth a visit.
Please do your homework
If your child has a personal device please follow Rob Cope on Our kids online we all need to be educated about the dark side of the WWW before it is too late for our kids.
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.
Car park
At the top end of Howick Road we have a doctors they have a car park out the back no one uses it. Staff and patients park all over the road sometimes across our driveways it is so dangerous but council and Marlborough Roads don’t care .
Why is this allowed someone is going to get run over or crashed into soon great look for health professionals.
Slanting (8) 17. Lineage (8) 18. Restrained or repressed (4-2) 20. Gather (6) 22. Hold gently (6) 24. Pretence (4)
Crossword arm, army, art, arty, mar, marry, mart, MARTYR, mat, may, ram, rat, ray, tar, tarry, tram, tray, try, yam. WordBuilder How
Sudoku
DECODER
Historic season for Mako
the tasman Mako had an historic season winning the Ranfurly Shield from Hawkes bay. However, the Mako lost to a good Canterbury side at Lansdowne Park on Sunday losing their quarter final of the national provincial championship, 62-14.
Photos: Chris Valli and Shuttersport.
Night Fever hits ASB Theatre
Trip to Brazil
MbC Year 12 student Sam Morris was one of eight students, selected from across New Zealand through the Young Enterprise Scheme as part of his business studies at college to visit San Paulo in brazil for an eight day trip.
Tom Murray receives honour the blenheim Rowing Club hosted an event on Saturday morning for club member tom Murray to celebrate his success in the men’s four at Paris.
Photos: Chris Valli
Photos: Supplied.
the bee Gees Night Fever, tribute band, ASb theatre, tuesday, October 8.
Photo: Chris Valli
Flanker Johnny Lee makes a break and sets up David Havili to score.
A group of Canterbury fans show their true colours before the game. From left; Heather Algar, Jordan Skelt, Meg Schmack , Tommy Lamb, Hannah Philips, Zac Topping, Grace Steinmetz.
BRC members left to right: Seb Bacchus, club president Barry Sayer, Willie Parker, Shanbe Rohloff (at rear), Keith Nelson, Tom Murray, Mouse Taylor, Cynthia de Joux, Bill Campbell (at rear with cap), Sarah Lissaman, Wayne de Joux, and Mayor Nadine Taylor.
Sam (middle back row, black t shirt) listening to the CEO of Santo Grao Brazil at one of his cafes.
Sam – back row, third from right and the group at the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise office in São Paulo.
BRC President Barry Sayer welcoming everyone to the celebration.
HANDS UP WHO LIKES THE BEE GEES?: The iconic voices of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb were recreated by Australia’s Zac Coombs (far right) and South Africans André Behnke and Warren Vernon-Driscoll. The trio were joined by a live band and full concert production.
Let’s chat with…
Michelle Dawson
& Decorates/The Sweet Life
Are you a dog or cat person?
Definitely dog.
Favourite global cuisine?
I’m a bit of a foodie so that’s tricky . . . . Love French cuisine- especially the desserts! But love Italian food too - especially gelato which is why I set up The Sweet Life.
What would you buy if money was no object?
It is going to sound daft but a dog retirement home. I foster for the Retired Working Dogs NZ charity. They rehome older working dogs and I would love to be able to see a retirement home for these beautiful dogs - somewhere where they can see out their days relaxing, well fed, lying in the sun or beside a fire with other older dogs and kind caring humans . . . That would take megabucks!
Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?
So easy! Amaury Guichon, the super duper French-Swiss chocolatier. Serious talent and serious eye candy! And Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, the grande dame of champagne …. But tricky because she died in 1866.
Veggies or fruit?
These are hard questions! I love both but because so many fruits are seasonal I think I will go with fruit; juicy peaches, passionfruit, raspberries, tamarillos ….
The shop you can’t walk past is...?
Independent book stores, op shops and Bartolini in Florence which is a keen cook/ baker’s dream.
If you didn’t live in Marlborough where would you choose?
An island somewhere that is warm but not too hot, doesn’t have masses of people and has really great food. Where is that place?
Favourite programme or series currently watching?
I don’t actually own a television but go to the movies regularly. I really enjoyed The Bike Riders, Fly Me to the Moon, and The Taste of Things. I am going to get the streaming channel so I can binge watch The Bear on my laptop.
What do you do for your own mental health?
I used to go tramping a lot but post accident it is now a more sedate walk. I love the NZ bush and the beach and find spending time at either great for mental health. And laughing.
What’s your favourite colour?
I like to wear blue but love bright cheerful colours.
If you had to choose another job what would it be?
I used to be a teacher in a former life and it had changed from a career I loved with passion to one that I didn’t. Now I bake and decorate cakes and serve gelato and ice cream from my restored caravan. People always smile when they get yummy cake or ice cream so I don’t want to change - I like making people smile.
What truly matters to you?
Kindness - I believe it is truly underrated and sadly there isn’t enough kindness in the world. . . Also standing up and speaking out. That takes bravery!
The best advice I ever received was?
Peace of mind is worth more than figuring out why people behaved the way they did - let it go.
Business Owners
this week
Getting more from your home grown fruit: By Wally Richards
We can spend a lot of time growing fruit; feeding, spraying, looking after and harvesting but are we getting the best results from our efforts?
A good question and your taste buds will give you the answer when you eat your own home grown fruit.
I am continually amazed when any of my fruit trees ripen how incredible the difference the taste is to the fruit I can buy in the supermarket. It’s like it’s totally different fruit and there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, commercially grown fruit is harvested before it ripens so it does not get the flavour of tree ripened fruit that will have more carbohydrates, sugars or Fructose. Fructose naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables, honey, sugar cane, and sugar beets.
This is what our taste buds appreciate.
Fruit sold in the supermarket must look perfect with no holes or blemishes which means the commercial growers are having to spray the crop often and thus you have a range of chemicals that are in the fruit you eat.
Now there are a number of things you can do to improve the health of your fruit trees, vines and berry fruit plants.
Bear in mind that the term fruit is applied to anything that has seeds on the inside which includes tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, cucumbers etc. Strawberries, though we call them fruit are actually vegetables if classified correctly as they have their seeds on the outside on the skin not inside.
Best practice by far is to use only natural foods for any plants including fruiting plants, which means animal manures, chicken manure, fish fertilisers, blood & bone, and compost.
That’s the basic food then we need to apply potash which is very important for the flowering, fruiting cycle as it not only helps the formation of the fruit but adds to the flavour and juiciness as well.
I know for instance, citrus when ripe, if they are fairly dry inside it’s a good sign of insufficient potash in the growing medium.
To overcome this use a handful or two of Wallys Fruit and Flower Power which is a combination of potash and magnesium. Applied once a month during the fruiting cycle will make the world of difference to any
fruit crop.
So once the flower buds start to appear, a sprinkling every month till harvest.
Another one that I wrote about in March in 2022 was from a reader about using apple cider vinegar as a regular spray over your fruiting plants. Here is what was said back then.
I use Apple Cider Vinegar to keep fungal diseases away, including brown rot, curly leaf, black spot, powdery mildew, bladder plum, sooty mould, scab, allium rust (for garlic, onions, shallots), etc.
For fruit trees, vines, and plants. Vegetables and herbs, including garlic. Also for roses and other ornamentals.
I’ve been doing this since 2009 for my stone and pip fruit trees, berry and grape vines, citrus, garlic, shallot and vegetable plants throughout my large garden, and for roses. Vinegar kills mould, which is what fungal species are.
It also prevents mould growing back in places that are prone to having fungal problems, so helps avoid ongoing fungal problems.
I use 250ml Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) mixed with 5L of non- chlorinated water into a 5L sprayer I keep just for ACV.
I spray the mix when fruit tree buds are only just beginning to show in Spring as small bumps.
I don’t spray when blossoms are showing, leaving them to bees, bumblebees and other little critters for pollination..
Once blossoms have finished, I spray fortnightly on the fruit trees and plants which are prone to fungal problems ie, brown rot on stone fruit, sooty mould on citrus, black spot on roses, rust on aliums, etc.
I stop once all the fruit on each tree are harvested.
Spray the mix in the evening when the sun has just gone off your trees or plants, so the sun isn’t heating/ burning leaves through the liquid spray droplets on them, and there’s time for the spray to dry before nightfall.
Spray the whole tree, vine or plant, under and over leaves, the trunk, branches, twigs, fruit, everything.
No need for gloves or coverings as it’s good for us too.
I keep a 5L sprayer filled with the ACV and water mix, so I can pick it up, pump it to build pressure, and
I’m ready to spray this mixture that is good for my garden.
The ACV mix works as a foliage food through the leaves, plus fungal problems not being an issue, the trees, vines and plants grow strongly, a healthy, strong tree or plant will repel disease.
It’s interesting. I’m continuing to observe. This is why I use ACV throughout my garden, and have continued since trialing with it in 2009..
Decided to try ACV due to the goodness of the apples that it’s made with, had excellent results and have continued since for brown rot, black spot, curly leaf, allium rust, sooty mould, powdery mildew, etc, all the fungal problems that occur often in our NZ gardens.
When my trees were producing well, I contacted the head tutor of the horticulture course at the local polytech, asking if I could swap a box of freshly picked Golden Queen Peaches in exchange for him showing me how to Summer prune. He also has a 6 acre home orchard. I showed him around my garden. He kept saying, ‘how have you got your trees so healthy?’
I told him about using the ACV mix and why.
As he left, he picked a Golden Queen Peach out of the box, bit into it, said, now that’s how a Golden Queen should taste and I’m off home to start using Apple Cider Vinegar throughout my garden.
Bakes Cakes
what’s on in marlborough
Wednesday 16 October
Stretch & Breathe
Class for Seniors. 10-11am, St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St, Ph 0273852333 donna@ stchristophers.co.nz.
Lions’ Club of Blenheim:
Like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Meet on the1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 942 5004. Picton Mahjong: Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, Picton at 1pm. Phone Adrianne 02102591639 or Kaye 0211312331 for more information.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown: 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. Summer timetable starts October.
Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights: 7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time. Phone Erin 0272341709. Vines Village Monthly Market:
Every third Wednesday of the month, 4:30pm to 7:30pm, September to May. Featuring the Village retail and tasting rooms, along with local Marlborough artisans. Stroll our garden village full of entertainment, local producers, and savor the delectable food and drinks on offer. Each month will have a community focus or unique theme. TONIGHT Halloween Costume Competition or bring in your home-carved pumpkin for a Pumpkin Carving Competition. Various gift pack prizes to be won.
Thursday 17 October
Picton Poets:
4th Thursday of the month, 10.30-11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone Lyn 021 129 4342. Keep U Moving:
Gentle Walking Exercise for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz
Older Persons Seminar:
Every 4th Thursday of each month. Contact Donna 027 385 2333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz Table Tennis Summer Season:
Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre run a table tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at front desk.
Social Badminton Club: 9am-noon: Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults welcome. For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348.
Ulysses Retreads Group:
11am: Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share. Library Book Club:
6.30pm-8pm. Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks.
Picton Library Book Club:
6.30pm-8pm: Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register please email pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz. Community Choir:
Vines Village Monthly Market is on tonight! Dress up for the Halloween Costume Competition or bring in your home-carved pumpkin for a Pumpkin Carving Competition.
Thursdays 7-9pm, during school terms. St Ninian’s Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Redwoodtown (opp church). Come and join the community choir Creative Voice. All musical abilities and new members welcome. liz@creativekids.org.nz
Friday 18 October
The Halberg Foundation Golf Tournament: Rarangi Golf Course TODAY. Entry fee $25.00 per person. Enter as a team of four (playing together on the day), or we can put you in a team. Please email your entry to: jancla@xtra.co.nz or contact Jane Ingram on 021 224 9677. Blenheim Family History Group in PICTON: TODAY 1.30-3.30pm. Need help with your family history research, come to the Picton Library and meet members of the Blenheim Family History Group. Contact Helen 0210390106. Vintage Farm Machinery: Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. Phone John 577 7442. Play and Learn:
Blenheim Library, 9am-12pm. Care-giver led play-based learning for children under 5 years old based around a variety of fun themes. Books, toys, games, puzzles and activities available for use in the library. Term time only. Free and no need to register. Come along and connect with other families!
Week of Prayer for World Peace - 50th Year:
Interfaith meeting on 18 October hosted by Baha’i Faith at St Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall, 5 Henry St 5.30pm-7pm. Bring your favourite prayer for peace. Fellowship and refreshments to follow.
Saturday 19 October
Crop Swap:
2:00-4:00pm, TODAY, Crossroads - 2 Redwood Street. $2 koha to our hosts - Sharing abundance from our gardens: Fruit, vegetables, preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, recipes, eggs, flowers, seedlings, baking; - Giving generously and mindfully taking. Further details 027 372 2897
Marlborough Quilters meeting:
Every 2nd Saturday of the month at Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. 10am - 4pm. Join us to learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomers welcome. Liz 0212067382 Blenheim Chess Club:
Meets at Delicia Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.
Ulysses Club:
Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Café, 10am. Handover of Ambulance Ride Funds to Nelson/ Marlborough Helicopter in Nelson. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.
Sunday 20 October
Marlborough Farmers’ Market: 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.
Picton Rail and Sail:
On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm, operating every day during school holidays. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!
Blenheim Bonsai Group:
Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm.
Marlborough Tennis Club: 3pm to 5pm, Parker Street. Every Sunday - Social Tennis. Non Members $2. All welcome. Contact number is 027 578 6436.
Ulysses Social Ride:
Depart Railway Carpark at 11am to Kekerengu. All rides are weather dependent. Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station. Vintage Diesel engine operating on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www.riversiderailway.nz & Facebook for other information. Next open day 27 October.
Monday 21 October
Target Rifle Shooting:
Summer shooting at Athletic Park range, visitors welcome, all gear provided. Riverside Club 1st and 3rd Mondays of month, 7:30pm, cost $10, contact 021667746. Blenheim Club 2nd and 4th Mondays of month, 7:30pm, cost $10, contact 02102464417. Table Tennis Summer Season:
Tua Marina Table Tennis, every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per person. Contact Janice 027 422 9095 Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club: 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.
Rotary Clubs in Blenheim: Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women –doing great things in your community. For further details phone Kevin on 0211 738 784. Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club: Every Monday at 7.30pm at Whitney Street School Hall, Whitney Street. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Miriam 928 4479.
Blenheim Badminton Club:
Every Monday: Juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike, email blenheimshuttlers@gmail. com.
Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown: Every Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295. Summer timetable starts October.
Tuesday 22 October
STEADY AS YOU GO (SAYGO): Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm,St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. At 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 donna@ stchristophers.co.nz.
Toastmasters Club:
In Blenheim meets 6.30pm every second Tuesday. Friendly group encourage shy people how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Brian Morris 0211922936.
Persistent Pain Group: Meet every Tuesday at Biddy Kates, 2 Market Street, 5pm-6pm. For people with persistent and chronic pain and their supporters. All welcome. Picton Line Dancing: Anglican Church Hall, Wairau Road, Picton from 10.00 to 11.30am. Entry $7, beginners welcome. Enquiries to Carol 021 2125252 / Raewyn 021 715484.
Marlborough Tennis Club: Parker Street. Every Tuesday 0830 to 12 Noon, Social Tennis. Morning Tea at 10am. Non Members $5. All Welcome. Contact number is 0275786436. Lions Club of Havelock : Providing community service in the Pelorus area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday at Havelock Hotel. Next meeting 19 Nov. Inquiries to Ian Cameron phone 574 2558
Coming Up:
Working Bee Dates for Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon: Working bees for tree planting, propagation and maintenance). Every second Sunday of the Month (excluding Easter and December). Meet at the Wairau Rowing Club at 9.30am. Dates: 10 November.
Sika says he is ‘stoking the fires of his creativity and is inspired by the music and stories of his ancestors and the gods’.
A unique journey of sound
By Chris Valli
What do you call a didgeridoo and a sound artist from Golden Bay? A soundscape to heighten the senses.
Sika, a sound artist from Takaka, Golden Bay, is dedicated to making music and paintings to enhance our spiritual relationship with nature.
He has performed worldwide for over 30 years and is highly recognised for his unique sound journeys, and he has just embarked on a national tour of New Zealand which includes Blenheim on Thursday, October 17 at the Redwoodtown Community Centre at 7pm.
The didgeridoo forms an important foundation for his music, alongside drums, native flutes, voice and natural instruments. Other sounds such as water, fire, trees, animals and wind are skilfully added to the mix and together with loops and even Sika’s own orchestrated compositions, build soundscapes that enable listeners to
enter a deep state akin to meditation.
“I’m stoking the fires of my creativity.
Inspired by the music and stories of my ancestors and the gods I have reshaped my performance into a new Sound Journey.
I feel like the wheel has gone full circle and I have returned home to where it all began,” he says.
Sika has recorded eleven solo albums and played on numerous collaborative projects.
As a collection these projects tell the story of a man who has followed his yearning to create a life grown from the roots of the past, but sowing the seeds of the future.
The performance he says is something between an ancient ceremony and a movie soundtrack.
Sika suggests locals can bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or anything else needed to sit or lie down comfortably. Chairs will be available if you prefer to sit up.
Blenheim Sun readers can get tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2024/sound-journey-with-sika
URGENT services
Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.
Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.
Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.
Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.
Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.
Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.
Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm
In Memoriam
The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868. Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.
Death notices
CLAUSEN: John Herbert Thomas.
On 6 October 2024, at Wairau Hospital, aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Margaret and a loved father and father-in-law of Richard and Michelle (Blenheim), Peter and Sue (Dovedale), David and Kay (Nelson). A respected grandad and great-grandad, and friend of Venessa Frew. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust (Acc. No. 03 1369 036520700 Ref: Clausen) would be appreciated. Special thanks to the caring staff at Wairau Hospital. In accordance with John’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. An informal service for John has been held.
Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.
CUNNINGHAM, Jamie;
ALLEN, Brayden:
A celebration of Jamie and Brayden’s lives was held at the Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park, Picton on Monday October 14. The service was livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www. sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust would be greatly appreciated and may be made online to a/c 03-1354-0462100-00, Ref. CUNNINGHAM & ALLEN. Messages may be sent to the Allen, Ellis and Cunningham families, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240.
T: 03 578 4719
E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz
W: www.sowmans.co.nz
PLANT: Eleanor Elsie.
On 8 October 2024, peacefully at Bethsaida Rest Home, in her 80th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Gerald and a much-loved mother and mother-in-law of Mike and the late Megan (Picton), the late Christine; and James (Rotorua), Andrew and Helena (Murapara), Matthew and Mereina (Wanaka). A loved grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with Eleanor’s wishes, a private service has been held.
Cloudy Bay Funerals
Waikawa Marae planting
Last month, Whenua Iti Outdoors’ (WIO) Manaaki Tāpoi Level 3 students had a truly mīharo (wonderful) stay at Waikawa Marae. Over the course of two days, the group of rangatahi (aged 16-19) planted over 200 native seedlings around the marae and at Pete and Takutai Beech’s Waikawa Bach. These seedlings, provided by the Whenua Iti Community Nursery, continued a relationship established two years ago when another Manaaki Tāpoi group helped clear soil from the Beech’s land after a landslip. This was the fourth and final week of this year’s Level 3 Manaaki Tāpoi cultural tourism programme, which enables students to gain NCEA credits while deepening their understanding of Te Ao Māori and Māori tourism.
Building on the foundations of the Level 2 course, the programme enables rangatahi to develop new skills and perspectives. “This programme is kaitiakitanga in practice,” says Instructor Linda.
“It supports whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, and kaitiakitanga of the places we visited and the people we meet.” The focus on these core values fosters a strong sense of connection to both the local whenua and the wider community.
The adventure began with a pōwhiri at Waikawa Marae on Monday, where the rangitahi were warmly welcomed by the haukāinga (local hosts). After settling into the whare tupuna, Arapaoa, they were joined by Pete and Takutai Beech for dinner, further strengthening
HODSON, Sandra Mary:
Passed away quietly on Saturday October 12, 2024 after losing her long fight with brain cancer. In her 62nd year. Sandra is the daughter of the late Ross and Eveline Hodson. Sandra is also the mother of Angela, Ben, Kelly, and Scott, and sister of Robert, the late Gary, Carol, Lyne, Debbie and Leeanne. Sandra was also the partner, confidant and best friend of Steve, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Messages may be sent to the Hodson Family, c/- 12B Ferry Road, Spring Creek 7202. Sandra has requested a private cremation and asked for those who knew her to donate to the Cancer Research Trust NZ, instead of flowers, and may be done via their website https://www.cancerresearchtrustnz. org.nz/donate
T: 03 578 4719
E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz
WERNER: Barbara Jean 30/9/1938 - 7/10/2024. Loving mother of Niall. Loved wife of Bill (deceased), mother-in-law to Alison, nana of Shannon and aunt of Lynda. Good friend and colleague to many. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
WIN: Bettany (Bette).
On 30 September 2024, peacefully at Bethsaida Rest Home, aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Harry and a muchloved mother and mother-in-law of Simon and Debbie; and the late Mandy; and David Evans. A loved grandmother and friend. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Thanks to the staff at Bethsaida for their loving care of Bette. In accordance with Bette’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z. Cloudy Bay Funerals
LIDDICOAT, Marilyn: 18/10/2020
My eternal love. Thinking of you today. Miss you my twin sister. Neroli Edwards
their connection with the local community.
Tuesday saw the group complete their Noho Marae assessment, welcome manuhiri and practice mau rākau. Later, the group visited the Beech’s bach to complete a restoration planting project. For three of the 13 students, this was a meaningful return to a place where they had worked previously, adding a sense of continuity to their experience of kaitiakitanga. “It was so good to see the enthusiasm on their faces,” says Pete Beech. “The rangatahi have great energy and focus.” Pete and Takutai were complimentary of the WIO staff. “Much of this of course must be attributed to a very capable team of tutors. I have taken part in many planting projects over the years — they
queen sized beds, coffee table, nest of tables, kitchenware and appliances, upright freezer, vacuum cleaners, fridge, men’s shed stuff, whitebait nets, chainsaws, duck decoys, auto duck feeder, compressor, BBQ and lots more. Saturday 19th, Turner Place off Budge Street. Sign out 8am.
From leF t: Sophie, Josh, liani, Isy, Aatea, Jordan, laQuinn, Waimana, Honey, rangimarie, Nele, te orahi, ella, Blaze. are only as successful as the people leading them and giving instructions on where and how to plant.”
On Wednesday, the group travelled back to Whenua Iti, pausing at Te Hoiere (Pelorus Bridge). Their journey concluded with a beautiful graduation ceremony on Thursday, which was well attended by whānau and friends
who gathered to celebrate the success of the students.
Whenua Iti Outdoors would like to thank all the whānau and supporters who helped make this journey possible, especially Waikawa Marae and the Beech whanau. Your generosity has created lasting impacts for these rangatahi, both in their learning and their lives.
Picton:
Marlborough’s Young Navigators set to fly
The Pacific Series Rugby League Tournament is in Christchurch next month from November 14 – 16. Charlie Tikotikoca talks to Chis Valli about raising the profile of rugby league in Marlborough and what the sport is doing for the region’s youth.
It may be the start of Term 4 and an impending summer holiday but rugby league is firmly on Blenheim’s Charlie Tikotikoca radar.
The Fijian is staunchly passionate about raising the profile of rugby league in Marlborough. When this writer turned up last week to see his chargers for training at Lansdowne Park, Charlie was in his element, nurturing a new generation of rugby playing Polynesian boys and encouragingly, a few girls too, keen to be part of something special.
That ‘special’ is an opportunity to represent the Marlborough Youth Navigators at the Pacific Series Rugby League Tournament in Christchurch next month. The Navigators, named after their Polynesian ancestors who were experts at navigating the Pacific Ocean by working off the stars, were having fun, engaged in the technicalities of holding tackle bags and running back into the defensive line with enthusiastic aplomb.
The Christchurch tournament is being marketed as an extraordinary cultural and sporting spectacle brimming with excitement and camaraderie. The tournament will see the Navigators potentially playing four – five games and with that comes preparation.
Luke Hope, coach of the Belconnen United Sharks in Canberra no less, (home of the mighty Canberra Raiders and Winfield Cup winners in 1989 and 1990, 1994) says what they’ve learned at the Pacific Series is that ‘they hit a bit harder and everything seems a bit bigger’.
Charlie works as an aviation engineering instructor with the Royal New Zealand Airforce at Base Woodbourne. There’s no irony lost he wants his rugby league students to fly. “It’s about trying to find an alternative for these guys after rugby,” he says. “In some ways we are trying to promote participation and a sense of belonging, the kids have come together closer over the three years and it’s something the kids are looking forward to. They were already asking when the league season training starts while playing rugby,” he says.
The Christchurch tournament will see all
ages taking part Charlie says from Under 6s to open men’s grades. Charlie admits in previous years – this is the third tournament – they have had support from local businesses. However, this year he says the fundraising has become more of a focus while ‘using sport to teach life lessons’.
Indeed sport, league included, is a powerful vehicle for inspiring positive change – none more so than in the Marlborough community. Charlie concedes it’s his responsibility to unite that community and to lead and inspire his players to be the best they can be by providing opportunities.
‘We’ve got to work for it rather than just sitting back and asking for a hand-out. We’ve got a fundraiser coming up on October 26 with climbing Mount Vernon (322 metres and 4.7 km) so the guys will have to get some sponsors,” he says. “It will be a bit of team bonding.”
Working at it is a great life lesson yet it’s not always about the work – there is the skill, the resilience, the disappointment of not making a team and for these Marlborough tamaraki, emulating their heroes such as Samoan-born Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Most of the older boys are at Marlborough Boys’ College and have played for the First XV and some come to training from Picton for the opportunity to rub shoulders with their mates.
Marlborough Dragons
By Chris Valli
With the name dragons affiliated to the word Marlborough, one infers there is a story behind the story.
The Marlborough Dragon Boat Club –the Dragons – are a group of like-minded people who train on the Wairau River and was established in 2018.
Paddler Jaimee Johnson is in the ‘engine room’ (the middle) of the dragon boat and is on the MDBC Committee. She says after a very successful 2023/2024 season where their mixed 10’s team took home two bronzes and one silver at the Aoraki Regatta, they have been having a quieter winter with fundraising drives and Saturday paddling.
Jaimee says the first few weeks of the impending summer season is when they ‘really drive their recruitment’.
“We’re always on the lookout for new members and paddle on Monday and Wednesday during our summer season. Our goal for this year is to field a 20 person boat at regattas but we have been paddling as a 10 person for some time,” she says.
When asked how many people fit on a boat Jaimee says including the sweep (the person at the back who steers the boat and indicates our paddling rate) and the caller (who goes at the front of the boat with a drum to keep us in time) it’s 22 people.
“When we compete we do so in teams of 10 or 20 paddlers and the sweep and the caller but when we practice we can
“It’s about offering them something they can look forward to. I remember the first year, a couple of our boys was their first time out of Blenheim. Going down to Christchurch was massive. This tournament is an opportunity for our older boys to step up and teach and build their own confidence.”
Charlie says some of the older players will be immersed in referring courses in the next few weeks with the upcoming Simon Mannering tournament in Blenheim. Mannering, educated at Motueka High School and Nelson Boys’ College, was a former New Zealand (Auckland) warrior and played for the Kiwis Rugby League team.
In 2023, Renwick was the only school team from Blenheim in the tournament, taking out the competition in Motueka.
“I’m proud of the fact that through the skills my son has learnt from playing for the Navigators the last two years, he was able to guide his team to winning the competition where he was also awarded player of the tournament,” he says.
“The name and the meaning of the Navigators is something they can fall back on, knowing where their ancestors have come from and in their DNA. If they are stuck in a dark place, they know their ancestors travelled the South Pacific, and can get their way through it.”
Sun The
Journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton and Blenheim rugby referee Ben O’Keeffe are engaged
Taking to social media, the pair shared snaps showing O’Keeffe, 35, on one knee, Shrimpton, 34, flaunting the ring on her finger, and the two in an affectionate embrace. The Instagram post also revealed where O’Keefe, New Zealand’s most capped referee, popped the question: the location tagged was Chapmans Peak in Cape Town, South Africa.
Caution for summer boating season
Marlborough District Council, Marlborough Sounds Marinas and Biosecurity New Zealand hosted an event in Picton on Monday to mark the beginning of the summer boating season.
Sounds Ward Councillor Barbara Faulls says that with warmer weather and Labour Weekend coming up, boaties start to get out on the water more.
“The Marlborough Sounds is a very popular boating area, with 1700km of coastline. We have a lot to protect here including tourism, aquaculture and our unique environment that we all want to continue to enjoy.”
Information about Protect Our Paradise can be found at: www. biosecurity.govt.nz/boaties
Golf Results
Sat 5 Oct Nett-Aaron Wilson 68;Jeff Pascoe 69;Jerome January 72;Paul Lane 73,Trevor Gullery 73,Wayne Pratt 73,Ian Johnson 73,Jelle Keizer 73; Tues 8 Oct Nett-Anita McCaffrey 69;Dido Harper Joyce Allen 78;Margaret Frisken 79; Thurs 10 Oct S/F-Jeff Pascoe 39,Jerome January 39,Ian Johnson 39;Ian Aldridge 37,Leigh McGlynn 37;Mike Ashworth 36, Fri 11 Oct S/F-Ellie Gillies 22;LizTaylor 20;Jack Frisken 17;Margaret Frisken 17;
Oct 7th 9 hole Stableford Glen Hurcomb
have anything up to 20 paddlers. Less than around eight makes it difficult to get the boat in and out of the water though,” she says.
The Dragons are funded through their own fees and fundraising and support from The Grovetown Hotel as well as funding grants - this year they’ve been successful with a grant through Blue Door.
Over 50 million paddlers participate annually in dragon boating competitions worldwide and it has become one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. Its roots are deeply imbedded in Chinese culture dating back over 2000 years.
If Blenheim Sun readers are keen to get out on the water contact Jaimee Johnson at jaimeelouisejohnson@gmail.com
Players Justin Prescott and Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono delivering their skillset to local rugby league enthusiasts at Lansdowne Park last Tuesday morning. Photo: Chris Valli.
