With an area of just over six acres, Blenheim’s Harling Park is a nature’s gem in the Marlborough landscape.
Just ask the children of Education Angels who had the opportunity last Wednesday morning to immerse themselves in all things nature. The children looked unified in their pink vest but when it came to individuality, faces were animated with questions posed to fellow peers including, ‘why did that bug do that?’ or ‘is the sun making that tree grow?’
Continued on page 2.
Charlotte Buick was one of several inquisitive tamariki/children from Blenheim’s Education Angels last Wednesday morning to play and explore at Harling Park thanks to the Environmental Education team at the Marlborough District Council. Photo: Chris Valli.
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Understanding the benefits of nature
Continued from page 1.
Robyn Lynn from Blenheim’s Education Angels, an in home childcare company, says the opportunity was for the tamariki to ‘touch, feel and engage with nature’.
“It’s great for locals to know that the Council is doing this as an initiative to let Blenheim children have the opportunity to go out in nature and have an appreciation of this,” she says.
Ramona Millen, an Environmental Educator with the Marlborough District Council, is one of the team of three who support schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) services to integrate and learn about the Marlborough environment and sustainable practice.
One of the recent focuses she says has been to support teachers connecting children with nature.
“With busy lifestyles some children have less time to explore and play in nature. A great quote from David Attenborough is if children grow up not knowing nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it and if they don’t protect it, who will?” says Ramona.
The park’s (named after former Blenheim mayor Sid Harling, 19621977) Japanese themed area was built as part of a sister city project to represent the relationship between Blenheim and Tendo and Otari in Japan.
The landscaped garden pond and pagoda certainly captured the attention of the Education Angels children while some were quite content to grab their magnifying glasses to explore close up the bugs or bark of the trees.
Ramona says in 2023 the Environmental team at the MDC piloted a programme with a Blenheim Kindergarten Association and schools which was successful and a ‘real hit’ with children.
Research has shown that nature connection benefits all areas of our wellbeing - social, emotional, physical and mental and helps with learning. It’s not so much what the children can articulate about the experience, Ramona says, but the developmental stages from a holistic viewpoint.
She believes if children are in a small group it might not be with their peers so they have to build different relationships, in a different environ-
ment which changes the dynamics or their physical ability to do things.”
“By supporting teachers and educators to provide children with more exposure to nature and understand the benefits of being in it, we are reaching a wide number of children and will hopefully see a greater number of people that are interested in taking care of our environment,” Ramona says.
“The children are so curious and interested, I love it,” she says.
Bob Barnes Thelma & Alistair Sowman Barry Holmwood Ethan Williams Terry Ryan Faye Partridge
A TOUGH GIG: Ramona Millen, an Environmental Educator with the Marlborough District Council at Harling Park last week. Ramona says the team piloted an environmental programme with the Blenheim Kindergarten Association and two schools last year which was a real hit with children.
Graeme Dingle Foundation faces cuts
By Chris Valli
Nine roles within Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough have been disestablished.
General Manager Kelvin Watt told the Blenheim Sun, the tough economic climate and rising costs have had a big impact on Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough as a local charity.
Kelvin says they have just finished working through a consultation and restructuring process, and have reluctantly been forced to make some cuts to staffing and programme delivery for now, in what he concedes is ‘obviously a challenging time for us here at Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough and for our staff team’.
“Despite Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough having worked very hard over the last 13 years to develop a strong and diversified set of funding streams, we are still feeling the crunch. We have seen rising costs across the board, coupled with drops in funding across every one of our funding streams, from reduced fundraising event tallies to reductions in availability of charitable grants,” he says.
When asked what programmes would be impacted in Marlborough Kelvin says they are not able to continue to run the Stars Teina programme for the Year 7 and 8s for the foreseeable future. The Stars Teina programme is specifically designed to help students transition into
secondary school while encouraging students to step up and become leaders within their schools.
Meanwhile, due to the recent cease in funding for Toroa Career Navigator specifically, no further courses will be able to be delivered here in Marlborough. The programme is tailored specifically for 15 –24-year-olds in the region who are not currently in work or training by pairing young people with business mentors. Kelvin says, for clarity, their programme commitments to current and past programme participants remain, but sadly no new courses are now possible.
However, their Stars and Career Navigator programmes for college students will continue as before - along with the Kiwi Can programme, which will continue at every current school with the same children as now, just on a fortnightly basis, instead of weekly in what Kelvin says will be ‘as action-packed and impactful as ever’.
One of the staff members impacted by the restructure was Kiwi Can Coordinator Debbie Fisher, who had only been in the job for just over a year. She says the decision came as a huge shock, and in the current climate, needing to look for a new career was really scary.
“It’s not easy out there at the moment. The Foundation will come back even stronger, it is just really sad that it has impacted so many all at once,” she says.
Kelvin says they are grateful for
the tremendous support from the community.
“We’re gutted to have to be scaling back, at a time when we know the need amongst our young people runs so deep - and when our programmes have been proven to make a difference,” he says. “However, like we teach the young people in our programmes, resilience is all about coping with challenges and bouncing back. Rest assured, as an organisation, we’re resilient.”
The Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough is one of many charities around the country doing it tough, with Dave Letele’s South Auckland foodbank closing this month, the latest among the casualties.
Kelvin says, as much as possible, they’re adapting rather than implementing wholesale reductions in service delivery.
“Despite the cuts, our decisions will not greatly reduce the number of young people impacted, with nearly 4,500 students still
expected to benefit from the Foundation’s work in 2025. We’re also 100% committed to continuing to meet the ongoing needs of our tamariki and rangatahi here in Marlborough and to building back up when better times allow,” he says.
“We’re humbled that despite the current economic climate, almost all our sponsors have chosen to prioritise their ongoing sponsorship support. This shows their deep level of support, their belief in what we do, and their desire to work collectively to make a positive difference.”
Last year around 5,000 young people benefitted from the Foundation’s work across programmes and the Future of Work conference.
Kelvin says if Blenheim Sun readers should be in a position to support the Foundation’s work, they can make a one-off donation or sign up to making a monthly contribution online at http://www. bit.ly/ShootingStarsDonate
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Auckland musicians in Picton
Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard are touring in the South Island and will be playing at Le Cafe in Picton tonight at 7pm. Door entry is $20.
Mark plays the blues and his guitar is as expressive as his vocals, and confirms the guitar hero status that he earned several decades ago when his professional music career kicked off in the 1970s.
Brenda has a voice born of true folk, protest and alt country sentiments, and has been greatly influenced by English and American acoustic music. She found her niche as a songwriter during her passionate involvement with environmental and anti-nuclear issues dating from the 70s and 80s.
Rubber latches
Rubber latches are now available to prevent wheelie bins opening if toppled over in the wind.
Anyone wishing to pick up a free latch can pop into Council offices in Blenheim or Picton. The latches are easy to use and are already in place in other places.
Street tree planting
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.
HIGH FIVE? Whitney Street School children with Kiwi Can Leader, Daniel Brunel.
Sun The
Consumer warning over Air NZ
Consumer NZ has found that Air New Zealand flights across the Tasman around school holidays increased 43% - almost twice the rate of rival Qantas.
It says it might not be worth flying Air New Zealand to Australia, with evidence that the national carrier is exploiting its market share and demand during the school holidays, giving travellers cause to question if what they’re paying is fair.
Flying across the ditch is expensive. Stats NZ data shows the cost of international air travel has increased by 50% since 2019 – with the increase due to several factors, including Covid-19 and inflation.
Voluntary redundancy
Health NZ has accepted just over 400 applications from staff to take voluntary redundancy.
The applications come as it tries to cut costs to head off a huge deficit.
Chief executive, Margie Apa, says they were continuing to assess applications.
Health NZ says it was unable to talk about what effect the redundancies would have on budgets while the process was ongoing.
Voluntary redundancy was offered to a limited number of staff working in administration, policy advisory and specialist services.
Junior doctors warned losing admin support would hurt patients as they would have less time to care for them.
Pawprint petition
By Chris Valli
With Guy Fawkes looming next Tuesday night, a Pawprint Petition to ban the private sales and use of fireworks on behalf of the ‘Animals of New Zealand’ is gaining traction.
Animates Vetcare is advocating to stop the sale of fireworks to the public and advocate for safer, controlled public displays.
The Pawprint Petition encourages Marlborough pet owners to sign the petition which is to be presented to the House of Representatives banning private sale and use of fireworks. In a unique world first, pets can sign the petition too by adding a pawprint.
Springlands Veterinary Centre Managing Director Jeremy Forlong says every year they have many of their clients voicing concerns about their pet’s anxiety during Guy Fawkes. In recent years, he says they have an increased uptake of anti-anxiety medications for pets around the time.
“It is helpful for pet owners to know where and when the fireworks displays will be so they can plan accordingly for their pets,” says Jeremy. “One of the challenges with backyard fireworks is that they continue for many weeks beyond the Guy Fawkes dates, often waking up pets and children late into the night.
“During fireworks displays you can reduce the intensity of the lights and sounds by bringing your pets indoors. Keep the windows shut, curtains closed and it also helps to turn up the radio or the TV so that there is a background noise for your pets.”
Jeremy says the stance from New Zealand Veterinary Association is to protect animals from direct and indirect harm caused by fireworks and that the sale of fireworks to the public should be banned, and licensing arrangements should be instituted for individuals or organisations to responsibly detonate fireworks in public displays approved by the relevant territorial authority.
Animates CEO Neil Cowie says every year stores and team members are flooded with stories of stressed-out pets and worried owners.
“The loud bangs and flashing lights may be a spectacle for us, but for animals, it’s a source of distress,” he says. “This is the reality faced by countless pets, farm animals, and wildlife come Guy Fawkes. The impact of fireworks on our animals is severe. Horses are known to bolt and injure themselves, while native birdlife and zoo animals are often traumatized by the sudden noise. With nearly three-quarters of Kiwis already in favour of banning backyard fireworks, now is the
NO FIREWORKS HERE: Izzy, a Renwick ‘SPCA special’ who used to belong to the Springlands Veterinary Centre’s Practice Manager hides from the noise of fireworks. Managing Director Jeremy Forlong says in recent years, they have had an increased uptake of anti-anxiety medications for pets around Guy Fawkes.
time to act,” he says.
Jeremy believes the Pawprint Petition is a great avenue to activate change on a wider national scale. Blenheim Sun readers can find out more information at https://pawprintpetition.co.nz, #Guy Fawkes Night, often referred to as Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration observed on November 5 in the United
Kingdom and other countries. It commemorates the foiled plot by a group of conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. The plot was thwarted, and since then, Guy Fawkes Night has been a time for people to remember the events and give thanks for the safety of the King and Parliament.
All in this together
By Chris Valli
Spring Creek School is about to embark on an exciting challenge to walk the height of Tapuae-o-Uenuku.
The Ferry Road kura/school of 44 tamaraki (students) will be walking 9465 feet – in the equivalent of steps - every week for five weeks this term starting Tuesday, November 5. The peak of Tapuae-o-Uenuku can be seen from all over Marlborough and is New Zealand’s tallest peak outside the Southern Alps.
Cheryl Alderlieste says their senior students have been learning about Tapuae-o-uenuku and its associated purakau (stories) as part of their localised Spring Creek School curriculum. She says as a team, they wanted to come up with a fundraising idea that not only reflected this learning but also allowed them to engage in something physical and community-focused.
“The idea of a ‘walk/height equivalent’ came from wanting to incorporate the concept of Tapuae-o-uenuku’s significance into an activity that our students, whanau, and community could all participate in. It gives us a meaningful way to connect our learning with a challenge while gaining support from our wider community,” she says.
The walking will be done daily, says Cheryl, with different step
He waka eke
– we are all in this together. Spring Creek School teachers and students will be walking 9465 feet – in the equivalent of steps - every week for five weeks this term starting Tuesday, November 5.
goals for each age group to ensure it’s achievable yet challenging for everyone.
“Younger students will aim for fewer steps, while older students will take on a higher number, but together, we will reach the target as a collective. By breaking it down into daily steps, it helps build a routine and keeps everyone engaged throughout the five weeks,” she says.
The learning around Tapuae-o-Uenuku is woven throughout the localised curriculum, says Cheryl, especially in literacy and maths. They use the narrative of the mountain and its purakau as a central theme across different learning areas.
“In literacy, students engage with stories, including a picture book about Tapuae-o-Uenuku, which is available in our school library. Through these resources,
the tamariki are developing their ability to articulate the history and significance of the mountain and its story. In maths, we integrate this learning by calculating the height of Tapuae-o-Uenuku and applying it to real-world problems, like the walking challenge we’ve set. This holistic approach helps students connect with both their learning and their cultural heritage in meaningful ways,” she says.
The three teachers will also be joining in as Cheryl says, He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.
“Our teachers will be walking alongside the students, as we believe in working as a team and supporting each other through this challenge. We hope that our wider school community will also join in, whether by walking with us or supporting in other ways. This is a collective effort, and we’re excited
to see everyone come together for this meaningful cause.”
The goal is to raise funds to retain a dedicated classroom teacher, which will significantly enhance the learning experience for all students, especially those with diverse learning needs.
“Having an additional teacher will allow us to provide more tailored support and ensure that every student can thrive in the classroom. This will make a real difference in creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment for our tamariki,” she says.
Blenheim Sun readers can contribute to the fundraiser through business sponsorship or via the Give a Little page or by participating in their online silent auction, which will be launched in Week 4. https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ walk-a-day-in-our-shoes
Sun The
The government is open to discussions around the next America’s Cup being hosted in New Zealand, but is warning economic times are tight, and it may not be high on its priority list.
Emirates Team New Zealand resoundingly defended the Auld Mug with a 7-2 win over Ineos Britannia in Barcelona.
The city hosted the 2024 race after Team New Zealand rejected a bid from the New Zealand government and Auckland Council in 2021.
Times are tight for hosting America’s Cup Record number on benefit
A record nearly 400,000 people are on some form of benefit - almost the same proportion of the population as after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)and there’s a warning that number will increase before it falls again.
The data released last week was part of the Ministry of Social Development’s update for September.
It showed the proportion of the working age population receiving a main benefit lifted to 12 percent, or 391,224 people, up 0.6 percentage points from September 2023. Just over six percent of the population, or 204,765, were on JobSeeker support.
noa
Blenheim’s Fua Creative, a Pasifika Performing Arts group, had a play at the Anderson Theatre (ASB) ‘The Heart of a Father’ last week. The play was inspired by the Dawn Raids of the early 1970s and explored the impact of the Dawn Raids through the relationship between father and son.
We
asked - what have you learnt about yourself and
your own identity after performing in The Heart of the Father?
Lead Actor
I’ve learnt that it adds to my identity and who I am, I’m more proud of being a New Zealand born Tongan and being able to embrace everything that has happened to create a better future.
Nastassia Wolfgramm
Writer/Supporting
Actress
To continue to be courageous in my creativity and that my voice is powerful as a Pacific female artist. Every life experience I’ve had - bad or good can be used within the arts to bring healing.
Vita
Vaka Director/Supporting Actor
I learnt about myself, that I am a hardworker just like the fathers in that time. My identity as a Polynesian is something I cannot change and as a Polynesian male I am responsible to create a space that allows my identity to be nurtured and where I can be unapologetically Polynesian.
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
Comedian and 7 Days TV Host
Jeremy Corbett popped in for a visit at Ritual Café in Market Street last week. Pictured is owner Julie McDonald, Jeremy and employee Megan. Julie says Jeremy ordered their infamous ‘Big Breakfast’. The show 7 Days focuses on current events with Jeremy and other comedians answering questions about stories from the previous week. 7 Days has aired for 16 seasons, with a 17th planned for 2025. 7 Days Live will be at the ASB Theatre on Friday, November 1 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm.
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.
Lead
I’ve learnt to accept what our people have gone through to get our generation to where it is today. Being Kiribati I’m the minority within the minority of Pacific people. I don’t know many Kiribati performers especially at a professional level, so I feel really proud of myself and being able to represent my people and tell these stories through this debut lead role.
Aaron Stage Manager/ Production Assistant
I’m really grateful that we don’t have to go through what our parents went through. They built the foundation for us to stand on. We can stand on what they have done and without them we wouldn’t be here today as we are.
I’m Singaporean/Portuguese and my parents migrated here with a young family. The Heart of a Father reminded me about my dad’s heart for his family, the sacrifice, the overtime, the dreams he had. He would be proud. This is a tribute to our fathers, our parents, our families.
To Chris, Dale, Sue, and the team, Thank you very much for incorporating our photos in the Out & About along with the article on the Vines Village Monthly Market. This market is designed for the community to showcase the great talents here in Marlbor-
Dear Editor
I missed the meeting; didn’t see it advertised. As it happens, the subject is of great concern to me, because I can see my grandchildren being herded into a health system available only to those with private insurance. The ongoing rundown of our public health system, which would have been unimagineable before Rogernomics took control, is at the behest of the cunning ones who see how in the US, for example, private
Dear Editor
If the November 5th election is able to go ahead Trump will win in a landslide.
The word is ‘too big to rig’, this will annoy many people who follow the ‘Legacy Media’.
Also against public opinion who have had the narrative formed for them through the ‘Legacy Media’, Putin’s Russia will win the war against Ukraine. It will become clear the truth was the first casualty of war.
Also BRICS the Global South have swept
ough. The more we can reach the public, the bigger this community market will get. Thank you, thank you!
Cheers,
Sarah Fix Events Organiser Vines Village
health insurance is a pipeline for money from those in the lower orders to the lawyers and “health” insurance hierarchies. It is a fact that only one third of the contributors’cash gets to provide treatment for the sick and injured; the other two-thirds goes to the aforesaid lawyers and insurance operators. All Kiwis have to do is to keep quiet and that will happen here.
Yours faithfully
B. Holvey
most of the world, and many countries including Europe are pulling out of the western system. The Pero dollar is doomed. The American and Financial systems are coming down. The good news is a better multi polar system, fairer and safer will emerge. Prospects for peace and prosperity will replace the debt riddled Central Bank system which is privately owned and controlled. End of an Empire. Name and address supplied
Nicole Vaka Producer
Terian
Actor
Onetoto
New proposal for annual and long-term planning
Council is changing its annual and long-term planning to streamline the process, find greater cost efficiencies and improve the region’s long-term outcomes.
A report presented by Chief Executive John Boswell and Chief Financial Officer Geoff Blake to the Economic, Finance and Community Committee was supported by the mayor and councillors.
“Our traditional annual and long-term planning process has limitations, reducing the time available for Council to identify opportunities to be both more effective and efficient in delivery of services,” Mr Boswell said. “The new process means we will engage with the public earlier, giving ourselves time and space for a broader assessment of options and more focused analysis of fully costed activities and outcomes.”
The new Annual Plan process proposes:
• Starting this year with the 2025-26 Annual Plan, Council will provide an extended opportunity for public input - primarily online - from November 2024 to January 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
• For the 2026-27 Annual Plan, Council will provide a similar opportunity for public engagement in late 2025
• For the 2027-37 Long-Term Plan, the third year of the revised planning cycle, Council will provide an opportunity for early engagement and undertake full consultation with public hearings
Mayor Nadine Taylor welcomed the new approach.
“A formal Annual Plan consultation with hearings each year is onerous for both Council and the community. There is actually no requirement under the Local Government Act for a formal consultation each year, unless a significant change is proposed to Council budgets. However, Council does consider it important to continue to provide the community an opportunity to have input into the process.”
The proposed new process is subject to ratification at the full Council meeting on 31 October.
Calling all Picton seniors
Nau mai, haere mai – welcome to the inaugural Picton Seniors’ Expo.
Building on the success of the annual Blenheim-based event, Council’s Community Partnerships team are bringing the seniors’ expo format to Picton’s Port Marlborough Endeavour Park Pavilion for the first time on Tuesday 12 November.
Community Partnerships Advisor Jodie Griffiths said the Picton event, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, was aimed at older people in the Picton and Sounds community to help them find out more about services and activities for seniors.
Council’s library and customer services staff will be on hand as well as the Marlborough Community Vehicle Trust, Picton Flower Ladies, Churchill Trust, Age Concern Marlborough, Grey Power Marlborough, Marlborough Community Law, Hato Hone St John and more. “It’s a trial run for us in Picton and we are really pleased with the support from stall holders with around thirty-five different stands signed up for the expo. There will be a performance, homemade scones from Marina Cove with complimentary tea and coffee and entry is free,” Ms Griffiths said.
Calling all Picton seniors – you are invited to come along to an upcoming expo
Awatere Valley Road slip
Recent rain and high river levels in the Awatere River have caused a large underslip on the Awatere Valley Road.
A gabion wall has collapsed along with part of the hill between the road and the river, about two kilometres past the Jordan Bridge.
Marlborough Roads Manager Steve Murrin said options for repairs were being assessed but it was likely there would be road closures in future.
Currently the road is open to one lane with a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.
Travellers using the upper part of the Awatere Valley Road are urged to use caution.
Passion for planting natives
Planting natives on a 30 hectare Arapaoa Island block has become a passion for Toni Halliday (pictured below).
With the help of Council’s Hill Country Erosion Programme, Toni, and her young neighbour Micaela Bowler, planted 500 natives this year including cordyline, mānuka, kānuka and tōtara.
Jointly funded by Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the programme supports farmers, enabling them to combat erosion on marginal farmland. The fund provides advice and financial support to landowners.
The Hallidays bought the property in Te Awaiti Bay in Tory Channel/ Kura Te Au, in 2005, building a house there 10 years later.
Toni had links to the area as her father had been an engineer at the former whaling station in the 1950s and 60s.
The block was regenerating native having once been farmed and in 2022 the Hallidays fenced off previously grazed areas which had become prone to erosion.
“In heavy rain the creek would run brown with sediment,” she said. “Already we are noticing a difference with young plants popping up in the fenced off areas.”
Toni works closely with the Arapaoa Island Kiwi Trust which traps stoats and rats and has noticed an increase of native birds in recent years.
“Our philosophy is to leave the land in better condition than we found it and part of that was planting more trees to stop erosion and improve water quality,” she said.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Hill Country Erosion Programme, please contact Jenny Buck at jenny. buck@marlborough.govt.nz
Hospice Marlborough Health and Meowbeing Officer
Hospice Marlborough provides specialist palliative care services across Marlborough through their dedicated and highly skilled team, meeting the needs of the community through a holistic wrap around service of care. As Chris Valli discovers there’s also a certain cat that is leaving a positive, holistic impression.
Surely, not another cat story, for the Blenheim Sun journalist, in a region where stray or desexed cats are roaming the neighbourhood or a post on Marlborough Cool Cat Chat conveying yet another graphic image of a cat who has met his/her demise.
Hold the press. You had me at Lexie.
The seven-year-old Lexie, a Ragdoll/Burmilla cross, has been ‘a cherished member’ of the Hospice Marlborough family in Hospital Road since she was a kitten.
Lexie’s name comes with a unique and meaningful origin. The origin and context of the name Lexie derives from a medication called ‘elixir’. Her name is inspired by the word elixir, which comes from the Greek xērion, meaning ‘a powder for drying wounds.’ Just as an elixir brings healing and comfort, Lexie brings warmth, love, and joy to everyone at Hospice Marlborough - making her name all the more special.
Comments on the Hospice Marlborough Facebook page recently depict the connection Lexie is making and having with those in care, and have ranged from ‘a beautiful calming, protective, therapeutic presence’ to ‘adore Lexie, doing a wonderful job comforting, so grateful’.
Leigh Somerville, Events and Engagement Lead at Hospice Marlborough says a patient staying with them at the time personally chose Lexie out of a litter of cats bred by a former staff member. It’s a beautiful connection that makes her presence here even more meaningful.
“It is that source of comfort and companionship. Having a cat like Lexie is a daily reminder of how important it is to take a moment to pause, be kind, and find joy in life’s little things and she has an uncanny way of making life’s hardest moments, just a little softer.”
“It is that source of comfort and companionship”
In the interest of transparency, the headline wasn’t this writer’s idea. When Leigh was developing the new hospice website last year and working on the staff page, she knew Lexie had to be included. It was then the title of ‘Health & Meowbeing Officer’ was born- ‘purrfect’.
“You might find Lexie asleep on one of the chairs, lying in our hospice garden in the sun or visiting our patients in their rooms” says Leigh. “She’s got food in her own area inside and she knows when to come in and get her treats. The staff all know to look after her.”
Kerri Hale, Clinical Nurse Specialist says, “All the Hospice staff are fully appreciative of the hauoura/well-being Lexie brings to Hospice”.
“She’s a wonderful stress-reliever for the staff and always keeps us entertained” continues Kerri.
“She does funny things like pulling all our stuff out of our internal mailboxes, leaving it scattered
across the floor. With her huge purr and playful antics, she’s the perfect distraction. When she sits on top of an office in-tray, she’s like a kererū (New Zealand pigeon) perched on a branch, bending it under her weight. She definitely lightens the mood for everyone around here.”
Recently, Hospice Marlborough completed a two-day Spirituality course for staff, which included a visit to Omaka Marae. “When we were at the marae, our Kaiawhina, Lyn Bird, was discussing spirituality and even mentioned ‘the cat,” recalls Kerri.
“Lexie knows when she’s being talked about and often visits the hospital and urgent care, hopping up on their desks to say hello. She’s
incredibly perceptive and seems to intuitively sense when people are struggling.”
One of Lexie’s classic adventures was the time she got stuck up a tree in the visitor car park! Luckily, a visitor who had come to see a loved one just happened to be a firefighter, and Lexie was rescued in true heroic fashion.
Another one of her signature ‘Lexiisms’ is sitting by the double electric doors at the hospice entrance, waiting to greet people as they walk in. “It’s as if she’s a little concierge,” Leigh suggests.
When asked what makes her so special Leigh says Lexie has an incredible ability to form deep, personal connections with their
patients, whānau, and staff. “Lexie remind us of the power of compassion and the healing that comes from connection - whether it’s with a loved one or a furry friend. She actually looks after the health and well-being of all of us,” infers Leigh. “She’s got a lot of mothers,” laughs Kerri. “Some are a bit softer than others.”
A book potentially planned for release in 2025 about cats in the workplace may also feature Hospice Marlborough’s very own Lexie. The opportunity arose when a publisher working on the book reached out to Hospice Marlborough after seeing Lexie on their staff website page. World famous in Blenheim - how clawsome is that!
Lexie, a Ragdoll/Burmilla cross, has been ‘a cherished member’ of the Hospice Marlborough family in Hospital Road since she was a kitten. “She is perceptive when people are struggling, she is intuitive,” says Clinical Nurse Specialist Kerri Hale.
Steam is supreme
The ultimate achievement - a story of success
The Steam Team at Marlborough Vintage & Farm Machinery Society, recently featured in The Country (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/ the-country/news/marlborough-farming -museum-boasts-five-hectares-of-vintagefarm-machinery/VPT76TKMXZBS3KOM FSXMMRMVPM/), has promoted another member to its coveted ranks.
Oliver Duncan, one of our esteemed members has been working with steam for a while now, and recently set about gaining the required formal training and qualifications to operate, drive and manage a steam powered vehicle, in general, and as a Licenced Operator on our roads.
Steam powered vehicles derive their power from water, heating it in a specifically designed vessel (boiler). The hot water tries to expand, but it can’t in the boiler, and so pressure increases, and valves allow that to be transmitted to the engine to create power. To fire a boiler, operate and drive a steam-powered vehicle on the road requires learning, work, intense training, and exams. Oliver, age 19, has completed and passed all stages with flying colours and demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and professionalism in operating and maintaining steam powered vehicles. He has also learnt to drive miniature engines at the age of 10 and started his training on full sized engines aged just 12. Marlborough Vintage & Farm Machinery
are privileged enough for Oliver to have completed some of his learning and experience with us. Resulting from our desire to support advancement and learning in vintage machinery, the Committee made a significant financial contribution toward his training, and examination fees.
Naturally the result is fantastic, and we are now able to run even more steam-powered equipment and keep our steam fleet in top condition.
Visit our upcoming Open Day on Sunday 3 November (10am-3pm) to celebrate Marlborough Anniversary and see steam vehicles (and much more!) in action.
A fun family day for all, we will be showcasing Crawler Tractors and Steam, with agricultural demonstrations, stationary engines and tractors galore. The BBQ will also be in full swing, so drop in for an hour, visit for the morning, or stay for the whole day. There is something for everyone – and don’t forget to wave to the steam drivers, they might even sound the steam whistle!
If you want to learn more about earning your Steam Ticket, drop in to Marlborough Vintage & Farm Machinery Society in Brayshaw Park, and ask for the Steam Team – they will be only too happy to show you our steam-powered vehicles and tell you more about becoming a certified steam operator.
A retirement village first for Blenheim
By Stuart Bilbrough, Peak Living CEO
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve looked at some of the problems of retirement village living and how to make it fairer. It’s now time to translate that into Peak Living’s first village. And we’re building it here, in Blenheim. You probably know why we chose Blenheim -- you live here. You understand the appeal. But Blenheim is not just a great place for a new retirement village with a fresh approach, it’s also a great place for a new, secured investment offering based on two simple pieces of data.
Retirees love Marlborough
In the 2023 census 23.9% of Marlborough’s population were over 65 years of age. That’s one of the highest percentages in New Zealand. And it’s rising -- up from 22.3% in 2018.
There are not enough retirement village units
Nationwide, the average ratio of 65-yearolds to available retirement village units is 15 to 1. In Marlborough it is 37 to 1. It will reduce to below 30 to 1 with new builds underway, but that’s still not enough units. There are long waiting lists for people looking for a retirement village in Blenheim which must be frustrating if they are ready to move now.
Resident pods in a magnificent location
We’re developing Peak Living’s first village beside Mount Riley Vineyards, in the heart of grape growing country. The design will include a minimum of 60 two and three-bedroom duplex style villas
nestled in six pods. These innovative pods feature central courtyards with luxuriant gardens and local plant species in each pod, creating a small community while providing each villa with an abundance of both private spaces and secluded areas. Full range of care
The village also includes a combination of serviced apartments and a full range of care including hospital and dementia level care. Our 20-room dementia care house is designed in keeping with the innovative Dutch care village, The Hogeweyk, the global benchmark for this type of care. Peak Living’s range and scale of care will ensure you can continue to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in the community you know and love, surrounded by friends and family.
Next week I’ll take you through a case study of your entry into the Peak Living Blenheim community and how your style of occupancy adapts to meet your changing needs.
Br EaKFast from 7.30am 7 days lUNCH from 11am 7 days DINNEr from 5pm tHU, Fr I, sat
THE STEAM TEAM from left: The late John Johnson, Ollie Duncan, Jeff Rowberry, and John Griffin.
Stuart has been a Chartered Accountant for over 30 years and held
Rapunzel – a Tangled Tale
By Chris Valli
Robyn Simmons is a bit of an advocate for watching movies with her grandchildren. Mind you, there is an artistic purpose behind spending quality time with her loved ones/mokopuna.
“I sit with them and see what stories they love, or we’ll look through You Tube and audio books. We often need a show that is able to be modernised but I like something that has a bit of a message, it needs to be family friendly and something the children and dancers will enjoy,” she says.
Late November will see the Marlborough Academy of Dance
once again performing their end of year dance show.
This year’s show is ‘Rapunzel –a Tangled Tale’ where audiences will be transported to her fairytale world in the hair-raising tale, brought to life by the 400 dancers. The toe-tapping music will feature a wide variety of dance styles with the show guaranteed to captivate Marlborough families.
MAD Director Robyn says over the years, there have been the classic or popular ones such as the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Choosing Rapunzel she says was about finding a fit for the respective roles and dancers available, especially the senior dancers.
“Often that lends itself to us building a story to all the different types of dance that we have,” she says.
Playing the lead of Rapunzel is senior dancer and Year 13 student Mya Blackmore who has been with MAD since she was a pre-schooler and has danced various genres including highland dancing, jazz, ballet, and hip hop.
The four show season of Rapunzel is at the ASB Theatre from Friday, November 22 – Sunday, November 24. The junior dancers will be divided into two casts performing two shows each. Tickets are available at www. eventfinda.co.nz/2024/rapunzel-tangled-tale/blenheim/tickets
MDC seeks Play Professional
By Chris Valli
A text talk to the Blenheim Sun in the October 23 edition headlined ‘Waste’ is indeed not a waste and an opportunity to ‘transform Marlborough’s streets’.
The text read: Waste - job at Council for play advocate. What does the Council think they are doing. A total waste of taxpayer money. Stop the madness now.
However, Marlborough District Council Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jane Tito says the position is part of a national programme with 18 play advocates being set up around the country.
The position is tasked with transforming Marlborough’s town centres into urban playgrounds, making public spaces more creative and fun for all ages. The Play Advocate role is fully funded by Sport New Zealand for two years; they are investing
$4.3 million nationally into the programme.
Jane says the aim is to transform Marlborough’s streets from car dominated environments to places for people, ‘bringing a strong focus on children and young people to enjoy playful moments regularly in their local environment.’
The first project will be the development of a district-wide Play Strategy considering both larger and smaller areas which will form the basis for planning and empowerment in conjunction with the Local Play Advocate workforce project.
Sport NZ Play System Lead, Scott Mackenzie, says the aim of the position is to highlight the importance of local councils in building community wellbeing through play. The new council roles will add to the current workforce of Regional Play System Leads based in Regional Sports
Trusts (RSTs) across the country.
“Play is the easiest way for our tamariki to stay active and is a vital component in their physical, social, emotional and spiritual development,” he says.
The first cohort of the Local Play Workforce Project is already in place in a number of regions including Palmerston North and Christchurch. Christchurch Play Advocate Louise Van Tongeren says it is interesting and extremely rewarding work.
“One day I might be working with the Parks team to develop a nature play space in an empty park or with the Transport team to improve outdoor spaces to make walking and scootering to school more appealing,” she says.
The Marlborough role requires someone with excellent organisational and initiative abilities, strong community engagement and collaboration experience,
The Marlborough District Council is advertising for a ‘Play Advocate’ ‘tasked with transforming Marlborough’s town centres into urban playgrounds, making public spaces more creative and fun for all ages’. The role is fully funded by Sport New Zealand for two years, investing $4.3 million into the project.
relevant tertiary qualification relating to play, active recreation, sport sectors or youth development and a proven experience in leading and managing change. It also states the person sought has
a ‘genuine passion for the power of play with a child-centred focus’. The fixed term, part-time position has a potential salary of $79 - $87,000 and applications close on October 27.
Sara Bishell with the ‘first fitting’ of Palace Horse, Maximus. Photo: supplied.
Garden Marlborough’s Stihl Shop Garden Fete
Garden Marlborough’s ever-popular STIHL Shop Garden Fete, on Sunday 10th November, promises to be a fantastic day out, with the site jampacked full of fabulous stalls! There is a fantastic variety of vendors joining the fete this year, offering the perfect opportunity to stock up on all things green and get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Located in the picturesque Churchill Glade on Parker Street inside Pollard Park, the Fete runs from 9am - 3pm and there is a fantastic line up of local musicians to set the vibe including the Marlborough Girls’ College band - No Clue, Danielle Coles, and Eliza Brown.
Stihl Shop Blenheim will be in
their usual spot with their expert garden tool sales team onsite, ready to advise on all things garden power tools! They’re particularly excited to share their new battery powered secateurs with fete visitors, the perfect tool for pruning and trimming small shrubs and trees.
All the regulars will be back, many who have been attending for 15+years, plus several new stalls, many of whom travel to Marlborough especially for the event to tempt you with their wonderful array of products. The popular ‘Eat Street’ will be packed with stalls offering delicious food from various cuisines around the world. A second ‘Eat Street’ has been added this year,
ensuring plenty of delicious options for everyone.
There are three exciting nature craft workshops for the kids, hosted by Rachel Clare author of ‘Play Wild’. Kids can learn how to make wristbands and magic wands from nature, a pressed flower lantern or a pinch pot with pressed flowers. Tickets can be booked through the Garden
The key to thriving trees
“It’s easy and fun to plant native trees, but it’s really hard to get them to survive to maturity – this product solves that issue.”
Southland farmers have invented a simple tree guard that reduces work and ensures more newly planted trees survive and thrive.
Garto Tree Protectors are sturdy guards that create a weed-suppressed area around each planting, meaning each tree can grow without any human intervention – no more time-consuming, costly weeding or spraying.
Trees protected with the Garto guard will have grown faster and larger than under
Visit Mt Fyffe Distillery at the garden fete, something for everyone from their story inspired gins made in Kaikōura to 'Merry Ginmas' crackers... the perfect stocking filler.
standard methods, due to the warmer microclimate and moisture retention the guard provides.
As the most robust plant guard on the market, the Garto guard will not shift or deform, harming a planting, providing planters with great certainty of protection. Being a long-life product, they can then be collected and reused on future plantings, unlike current practices, where single-use products are generally disposed of.
“Being new on the market this year, we have seen remarkable uptake with planters all over the country this season - They absolutely love it.”
Marlborough website. It really is the perfect spring day out, bring a picnic rug and find a quiet space alongside the stream or under the canopy of magnificent trees, and take in the special atmosphere on the day with friends and family.
Experience the perfect brew made with passion and care
At the Ritual Coffee Cart,we’ve got some seriously amazing brews! From creamy flat whites to cozy gingerbread lattes, refreshing iced coffee, and iced tea, we’ve got your cravings covered! Come sip with us!
Hugh Baird with Garto Tree Protector.
Summer Dining Directory
Dine in these great local restaurants this summer!
Quench
lookinG For the perFect place to host your christmas Function?
Look no further! Marlborough’s top bar and bistro! Quench is the ideal venue, offering versatile indoor spaces and a fabulous outdoor pool area to accommodate both large and small groups including music every Friday night. Enjoy our festive Christmas menu crafted from the finest local ingredients, ensuring your team’s celebration is truly memorable.
call us on 0800 752 275 or email quench@chateaumarlborough.co.nz quenchrestaurant.co.nz carnmore chateau marlborough, 95-117 high st, Blenheim
Fat tony’s
the heart oF community Flavour
We pride ourselves on our diverse menu, crafted with care to encompass the best of comfort food, artisanal bakery delights, and innovative drinks.
As the sun rises, our café comes alive with the chatter of happy customers enjoying breakfast or brunch with friends and family.
As day turns to night, Fat Tony’s transforms into a lively bar and restaurant where flavours truly come to life.
5 mills and Ford road east, Grovetown info@fattonys.co.nz | 022 131 6176
Grove tavern
your local Family-FrienDly tavern
Best pub meals in town and live music every second weekend in summer with grumpy monkey.
Facilities include:
• TAB • Pokies • Pool table
• Meat raffles: Wed/Fri/Sat
• Happy hour: 4.30-6pm Wed and Fri 1.3pm Sunday
We pride ourselves on providing quality meals and efficient and friendly service.
open 7 days 11am till late 03 578 5502 77 Grove rd, Blenheim
catalyst eatery
moDern contemporary caFe
Join us for lunch, aperitivo or dinner
Relax in our beautiful garden setting
Indoor and outdoor dining
Come and our experience our award winning food & beverage and enjoy our genuine hospitality
Pull up a seat in the sun or dine indoors, the choice is yours at the Catalyst Eatery.
The new summer menu features simple, delicious kiwi classics served up in a fresh modern space.
Whether you’re after a quick coffee or a leisurely dining experience, the Catalyst Eatery is open 7 days for breakfast and lunch, and dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
BreakFast from 7.30am - 7 days
lunch from 11am - 7 days
Dinner from 5pm - thu, Fri, sat Westwood avenue, Blenheim ph 03 972 2722
cork & keG
enGlish puB, restaurant & motels
Hearty Drinks - Tasty Eats
- Great Hosts
Everything YOU want in an Old English Pub....and then some!
Fantastic food & atmosphere... dine indoors or out in own private beer garden!
Pop in for a quick pint, or a leisurely meal!
Craft beer - local wine - fresh pizzaawesome pub grub!
mon-Fri 3pm-late | sat-sun 12pm-late see you at the cork!
33 inkerman st, renwick | ph: 03 572 9328
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Alcohol
Re texter last week on glorifying the alcohol industry. What about the drug industry?
Reduced see Sentence
The reduction by a judge of non-parole term for a gymnastics coach who admitted 60 charges of sexual offending against young girls is wrong. As a parent of two daughters such predators potentially cause lasting psychological damage. I have no sympathy for such creeps. I despise them.
Abused worker
This business of Andrew Bayley abusing a worker and denigrating him in front of an audience by calling him a loser, happened here in Marlborough on September 24 at Spy Valley Winery. Our MP, Stuart Smith accompanied Bayley on that visit. What does he have to say about it all? Despite all the excuses it seems like a great big power trip to me.
Cats
I see an article about cats being good for our health.
True for us. They are so loving, cuddly and loyal. Great companions with limited fuss. Wouldn’t be a home without one - or two!
Sun
I couldn’t be without my Sun every week. I look forward to all the articles and the text messages page with topical thoughts from locals. This paper serves our community well and I wouldn’t want to lose it.
Friends
Thanks to friends (they know who they are) that helped me through a difficult time recently. A friendly smile, words of wisdom and compassion can go a long way. I hope to pay it forward.
Jamie?
What’s happening with Jamie Arbuckle having to step down as a Councillor? He should be able to do both. His experience be missed from the council.
Mowing costs
I think we should all stop mowing our berms until they drop the price off dumping grass it’s such a rip off and seems to go up every week
Monopoly money
Councils play advocate what the hell next, I suppose Council has to spend the rate increase some how, roll on elections. Just monopoly money to them.
Project Who
Received 2 pamphlets regarding the re-surfacing of part of our small laneway, both pamphlets starting date October 22 which is a Tuesday, but without notice they arrived 10AM on Monday with their heavy machinery not leaving till 6.45 pm that evening, maybe I suggest the project manager have another look at a calendar as to what date fits what day of the week
Poor baby Ru
If the mother knows who hurt this boy, her own child, why does she not speak up? How sad for this little boy.
Trump
Will he get elected or not? On a recent visit to the States we found a lot of folk we talked to were still in favour of him. Or will a woman at the helm be what’s needed? What a thankless job it is, so good luck to them and their country.
Kaikoura races
Love this yearly anniversary weekend event. Hoping for another show of warm weather, fun, food and maybe a winner or two.
Thanks to the organisers.
Donating back
Good to see Omaka Classic Cars donating back to the community. This superb venue attracts people from far and wide.
Bad manners
MP Bayley should have been demoted to the back benches for his arrogance. I also cannot believe he is remorseful other than suffering Luxon’s wrath. But, what about the workers boss. Did he stand up and demonstrate the ministers bad manners.
Alienating changes
We have had great support from the same medical practice for over 20 years. Disconcerting was the recent message on their phone. A strong male voice began the instructions with an abrupt unfamiliar greeting. What? Other changes are alienating enough. This couple of dinosaurs feels at ease with common old-garden English. Thank you.
Plate problem
Small things granted but yes I agree at cafes & restaurants, don’t start clearing plates til everyone has finished eating. But also I find a lot who don’t clear plates for quite some time after everyone has finished.
Long weekends
Thanks to those cafes that open over the public holiday weekends. It must be costly sometimes and tiring. But it’s appreciated by me for one.
The joy of owning a business.
Grandparents
Generally these special people in our lives are a godsend. Helping, advising. Their knowledge is invaluable even in a time where a lot has changed from their day. And the joy on my child’s face when they walk in to visit is priceless.
Good idea
I see rubber latches are on offer from the council for our wheelie bins to keep the lids opening in the wind. Makes sense, thanks Council. Chalk that one up.
Entrepreneur
Good to see young William a 12 year old starting life as a young entrepreneur. We need more like him. Nice article.
Talk of the week Events
We generally have some good events in Marl. Looking forward to the mistletoe market again and the Santa Parade, assuming it’s still a happening thing.
William Gifts
Great read about local boy William and his entrepreneurial head on his shoulders. This boy will go far I’m sure. A small business making candles, workshops along with his other interests. Well done young man.
With Xmas looming, does anyone have any bright or new gift ideas? I’m sure it gets harder every year. Doesn’t have to be costly, something novel would be a thought.
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.
Quote
I saw a great quote the other day. “The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.” Probably a lot of truth in that. Made me stop and think.
Sporting
It’s great to be a New Zealander when you see the sporting accomplishments by the large range of achievements recently. From yachting to men’s/women’s cricket.
now at Guthrie Bowron, get 20% off selected Roller blinds and Venetian blinds, plus FREE motorisation with
the Rapaura School Spring Show was held thursday, October 17 with the star of the show barbie the lamb who adorned in pink, was aesthetically pleasing for all concerned. One of the more unique pets this year was a reptile gecko bought in by student Charlie.
Springlands Lifestyle Village Variety Show
A variety show to raise money for Alzheimers Marlborough was held recently with a number of items including singing, skits and poetry. Photos Supplied.
Marlborough
the
Special Olympics swim team
to Christchurch for the regional games recently. they
Photos: Chris Valli
Student Benji Leslie feeding Marshall, the lamb.
William Forbes, a Year 7 Bohally Intermediate student, featured on the front page of the Blenheim Sun, October 23 edition – his Mum Sara sent in these pictures, saying he was ‘so excited’. Will and his Mum have a candle making business called Wick + Thread.
Student Clara Dowling with the star of the show, Barbie. Also pictured is Mum Georgie Dowling and Grandad, Richard Dowling.
swim team travelled
did outstanding coming home with 8 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals. All of the 11 swimmers have now qualified for the National games in November 2025 in Christchurch. Photos: Supplied.
L to R: Jake Heard, Adrian Wells, Josh Cook, Brad McLennan, Jessica Tyson, Ryan Tankard, Amy Fitzgerald and Adam Shatford.
Back row L to R: Josh Cook, Phyllis Heard(manager), Adam Shatford, Ryan Tankard, Adrian Wells, Cameron Rowe, Juan Pilapi and Jake Heard. Front row L to R: Tracey Sawyer, Jessica Tyson, Jen Shields (support), Amy Fitzgerald, Jenny Wills (coach) and Sheryl Armstrong (coach). Absent: Brad McLennan.
Cowboy, Allan Butland.
Ken and Shirley Marfell, and Doreen Hester enjoying the entertainment.
Sara’s friend’s son was also excited to see William on the front page.
Let’s chat with…
Fergie (Fergalicious)
Spring Creek School
‘Grounds Maintenance’
Are you a dog or cat person?
Neither. I prefer goats as Georgie the goat is my best friend at school.
Favourite global cuisine?
Quite partial to fresh kale with carrot slivers topped on crusty bread.
What would you buy if money was no object? A mud bath!
Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?
Pumbaa from the Lion King.
Veggies or fruit?
LOVE my fruit!
The shop you can’t walk past is...? Farmlands. That’s where I buy my yummy pig nuts!
If you didn’t live in Marlborough where would you choose?
The Bahamas – cos there is a beach there where the pigs go swimming - I love swimming!
Favourite programme or series currently watching? Animal Planet.
What do you do for your own mental health? Nothing quite like wallowing in mud for my own wellbeing.
What’s your favourite colour? Greenish brown.
If you had to choose another job what would it be? Child Therapist – I love the kids at school.
What truly matters to you? Food!
The best advice I ever received was? If you can be anything in the world, be kind.
My friends would say I am... A bit bossy but really loveable.
Plant diseases: By Wally Richards
Plants, like ourselves, catch a disease or fungus problem when they are in stress; like we are more susceptible to a cold or other illness when in stress.
If fact we are told one of the major contributing factors to heart disease, cancers and mental disorders is stress.
In nature pests and diseases are nature’s cleaners - their job is to take out the sickly plants to make room for the healthy.
So plants need a good foundation to thrive in, which means a growing medium or soil that has an abundance of soil life, microbes, beneficial fungi and lots of earth worms.
Our chemical NPK fertilisers, chemical recovery sprays, and watering with chlorinated tap water during dry times makes our plants more prone to problems.
We know that using natural products such as Wallys Neem Tree Granules or Powder and Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil plus Wallys Super Pyrethrum will safely keep most insect pests under control.
But what to do it a plant gets a fungus disease which mostly happens during a period when temperatures are fluctuating and it’s moist or humid. Temperature changes cause stress in plants and thus we see some problems like black spot, rust etc.
Lack of sufficient sun light also can cause stretching and a weakening of plants.
To control and prevent plant diseases we have some safe to use products which I will describe:
Wallys Perkfection can safely assist the home gardener with many problems of their plants.
The active ingredient of Perkfection is ‘Phosphite ion’ or Phosphonic Acid. Perkfection is safe to handle and spray, though all care of oneself should be taken. It is a product that you do not have to use with extreme measures, as one should do, with many other garden sprays of a chemical nature.
The next important thing is “There is NO WITHHOLDING PERIOD” when used on food crops.
However if you pick something that you have sprayed that day, wash it as you may have a ‘tainted’ taste. Perkfection is used extensively by commercial growers (as PerK Supa)on produce and fruit as it’s safe and effective control.
Excellent for root rots and silver leaf disease.
We have suggested Perkfection for roses and other plants as an alternative to more toxic sprays, for the assistance in recovery from/or prevention of, the following problems, Black spot, Downy Mildew, Phytophthora Root Rot, Canker, Heart Rot, Damping Off, Crown Rot, Leaf Blight, Silver Leaf, Late Blight, Collar Rot, Pink Rot, Brown Rot, Armillaria, and Gummy Stem Rot.
Now that’s quite a list of diseases and it also means that many of your disease related problems can be overcome with this safe to use product.
Besides using Perkfection over your roses for the likes of Black Spot and Downy Mildew you can also use it as a spray over all your fruiting plants and trees including your strawberries. Dry Berry is Downy Mildew by another name.
It can be used also over your potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, cucurbits (cucumbers etc) lawns, onions, passion fruit, Cauliflowers, cybidium orchids and ornamental plants and vines.
In fact there is no where you cannot use Perkfection to advantage.
Being ‘Synthetic Organic Phosphates’, what you are doing is placing this valuable material onto the foliage of your plants where it is very readily absorbed and transferred through the whole of the plant.
This fortifies the plants cells, increases the plants immune system and makes your plants less susceptible to invading pathogens. Try it for garlic rust and stone fruit leaf curl.
There is however a down side, as with any good thing, you can have too much and the recommendation is to use Perkfection at 5ml per litre of spray once a month and only for about 5 times in a season.
Note: a season is the normal period of time for that crop or plant. Roses are from Spring till Autumn. Most annuals 5-6 months.
The reason is that, you can over load your plant with organic phosphates causing a clogging of the cells and halting growth until the system clears.
Prevention is better than cure and by spraying your plants in the spring you give the greatest protection to leaves and fruit - autumn spray will give greatest protection to roots and tubers.
I have suggested that on the 1st of the month to spray your roses and other plants with Perkfection, Wallys Mycorrcin and Raingard. 14 days later (15th) spray with Wallys Mycorrcin, MBL and Raingard.
Another most effective spray to control diseases spores is potassium permanganate commonly called Condy’s Crystals.
The 125ml spoon that is inside the container measures the right amount to add to 1L of water.
That makes a purple color which you can spray over plants and soil underneath to neutralize disease spores. Potassium permanganate is not expensive to buy in the 150 gram or 200 gram containers that we sell and has many uses such as fungus toe nail and athletic foot on people. Also very good for staining wood or
dear antlers which is the only reason we are allowed to sell it for.
We used to have a recipe to use it to help control club root on brassicas but another company that has a chemical product for that purpose complained to the Government and we had to remove the information from the label. It was simply dissolving three quarters of a tea spoon of potassium permanganate with a table spoon of salt into a litre of water and then adding that to another 9L of water making up 10L of which you would put 1L into the planting hole where you were going to plant a cabbage etc.
It would sterilizes the immediate area and give the brassica a chance to reach maturity before its roots became too badly effected by the club root disease. Of course we cant have that at point of sale and this information is for your interest only as things like this are interesting if you are a gardener.
Other safe disease controls we have are Wally Liquid Copper which can protect plants from the outside and the new systemic copper; Wallys Super Copper Nutrient which works from the inside of the plants.
Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil also has fungal benefits and it is the best one I know to Clean up powdery mildew immediately turning the white on the leaf back to green immediately.
Use Magic Botanic Liquid regularly on preferred plants and food crops as it helps prevent diseases by keeping plants extra healthy. Add a table spoon of molasses per litre of spray to increase Leaf size and plant growth and have better results.
Ideal on garlic to get bigger bulbs at harvest time - have potassium permanganate and Wallys Perkfection on hand in your garden shed so that when a problem happens you can treat straight away.
Wednesday
30 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 the 1st 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.
Thursday 31 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: 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
Thursday Quiz Night:
Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30pm, R18+, $20. Get your team together to match wits for this weekly ritual. Categories include general knowledge, food &
Blenheim Chess Club meets at Table Top Cafe, 4 Scott Street, every Saturday 10am - midday. All welcome.
drink culture, music & arts, and more! Fidelio Café and Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station.
Friday 1 November
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.
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!
Vintage Farm Machinery:
Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. Phone John 577 7442.
Live Music Fridays:
Every Friday 6:30-8:30pm, R18+, unless with a parent or guardian. Free. Enjoy live music with rotating musicians from the Top of the South with varying music styles and genres. Fidelio Café and Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station.
Saturday 2 November
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 Table Top Café, 4 Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – midday. All welcome.
Ulysses Club:
Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Café, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.
Sunday 3 November
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. 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.
Monday 4 November
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 5 November
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: Vivienne 021 0544003.
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 Tuesday Blind Wine Challenge: Every Tuesday. 11:30am to 9pm. R18+ $14. Challenge yourself to a mysterious glass of wine. Wines and questions change weekly. Great for the novice to the enthusiast! Fidelio Café and Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station.
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.
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.
Art Trail thanks
The recent third annual Alzheimers Foundation Marlborough Art Trail was deemed a great success, this year raising approximately $13,000 to support the work of the local Alzheimers Society.
Alongside the Trail ticket sales, raffle ticket sales, art sales commissions, sales tables and donations also contributed to their final total.
Spokesperson Helen Hannay says without the continuing support of the participating artists and exhibitors none of this would have been possible and they would like to thank them accordingly.
“So many people contributed to the event and we would like to thank them most sincerely including Craig’s Investments Partners Blenheim, Prisma Print, and Mike Newman,” says Helen.
“Of course, the Arts, Crafts and Collections Trail could not happen without the generous support of all the exhibitors who gave their time so willingly and in many cases made generous donations from the sales of their works. Many of the artists have supported us from the very first Art Trail and we have been delighted that each year we have had new exhibitors join in supporting the work of Alzheimers Marlborough.”
Helen also wanted to thank the generous members of the community who supported them by buying the Trail tickets, raffle tickets and the Devonshire teas at the Alzheimers Centre, or who made kind donations.
The Art Trail was promoted through the Blenheim Sun Newspaper, local radio stations, and other print media.
by having a fundraiser ride from Havelock Marina to Brayshaw Park. Organiser Andy Noble says it was a very successful event with the weather being fine and warm on the day, and over 90 motorbikes, riders and pillions taking part. Back from left: Andy Noble, Phil Bishell, Don Forbes, Colin Simpson, John Roger, Heli Rescue Winchman, Nick Martin, Malcolm Taylor, John Sinclair.
Front from left: Bob Moss, Neil Dixon, Ali Windleburn, Joan Robinson, Dave Knipe, Donald Soper, Gary Tyson and Malcolm Honour.
Join us for a film screening inside the plane. Watch its epic 23 day journey from England to New Zealand following the route of Jean Batten’s first flight in 1936. Duration 45 minutes
Reservations are a MUST ph 021 0234 7170 or moremland@gmail.com
Adults $20 | Children up to 18 $10
Vacant AIRSCAPADE DC3 COMING TO TOWN!
On Saturday 19th October members of the Ulysses Marlborough Branch rode over to Nelson/ Marlborough Heli-Rescue Headquarters at Nelson Airport to officially hand over donations they had raised previously
Marlborough Ulysses Heli-Rescue Fund Raiser
URGENT services
Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.
After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm. Marlborough Anniversary Weekend Hours: Saturday 2nd 9am-5pm, Sunday 3rd 10am-4pm , Marlborough Anniversary Monday 4th 10am-4pm 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
P ENN yla NE Records always buying records. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Chch. 366 3278 Open 7 days all records wanted by local bands, will pay Chants r & b $500, Jason and the Melting Pot $1000, Blitz St Fuzz $2000, Smoke RCA $1000, Secrets on Allied $1000, Dark Ages $1000, Tomorrows Love $1000 etc, many more 7” wanted. Dave 021 222 6144. Pennylane Records, Sydenham Chch, 7 days.
Death notices
BROADBENT, Kathleen Gwendoline (Gwen). On 21st October, 2024, Gwen passed peacefully at home with family, aged 97 years. Loved wife of the late Jim Broadbent, cherished mother to Dennis, Vivienne and the late Paul, Geoffrey, Christine & Lloyd, Kelvyn & Christine, Yvonne & Derrick, Maureen, Lester & Joanna, Jill & Brian. Loving Nana to her 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Emily Marfell, Hospice and Nurse Maud staff. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice would be gratefully received. Messages can be made out to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. As per Gwen’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a time yet to be determined.
HURREN: Robyn (née Toyer). 02.10.1943 - 20.10.2024. Our bright and colourful mum joined our dad in the presence of Jesus. Dearly loved wife of the late James (Jim); loved mum and mum-in-law of Linda and Alex, Geoff and Erin. Wonderful Grandma to Toby, Samara, Johanna, Beth, Jeremy and Laura, and Maci’s adored great grandma. Messages to www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz or email tempoconcert@hotmail.com
A private interment has taken place.
HARRis, Gregory John (Greg): 30/12/1975 – 22/10/2022. Late of Mount Adde. It is with great sadness that we announce Greg has passed away at Nelson Hospital after a long journey. He was the most loving, compassionate and hard-working son of Ron and Helen. Much loved brother and brother-in-law to Tracey and Vaughan Currie, Angela and Regan Senior (Deceased), and Pip and Duncan McLane. Greg was the proud uncle of Ella, Zoe and Amber Senior, Alice and George McLane, and Angus and Colby Currie. A loved nephew and cousin to the Harris and Collins families. A mate to many. To the NMDHB team, especially the Dementia team and Tasman House team, for their huge love and support to Greg and us all, THANK YOU. A service for Greg will be held at 11am on Friday, November 1st 2024 at the Marlborough Convention Centre followed by a private interment. The service can be viewed online at https://sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals/ In lieu of flowers please honour Greg with a donation to the Marlborough Rural Support Trust. This can be made in person at the service or online at account number 03-0751-026619200 ref: HARRIS. Messages to the family can be sent to 6 Kim Crescent, Witherlea, Blenheim 7201
WALDRON, Merle:
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday October 27, 2024. Aged 89 years. Loved wife of the late Steve, loved mother and mother-inlaw of Karen and Nick, Kevin and Karen, Sue and John, Maggie and Steve. Loved grandmother and great grandmother. A dear friend of Graham. Messages may be sent to the Waldron Family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A funeral service for Merle will be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 2.00pm, on Thursday, October 31. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www.sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals
WALLACE: John Bruce (Bruce).
1936 - 2024. On 24 October 2024 at the Springlands Lifestyle Village. Loving husband of the late Audrey Wallace and Ann Wallace. Loving brother to the late Reg Wallace and Joan Bright. Loved by his nieces and nephews and extended families. Messages to www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Cancer Society of Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to (Acc. 06 0601 004826 00 ref: Wallace)
A Funeral Service for Bruce will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Thursday 31 October at 11.00am followed by interment at the Picton Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
Sun The Sun The
Death Notices for October 2024
PATCHETT, Ian Graham: September 19, 2024
SMITH, Mervyn John: September 21, 2024
BAYS, Mervyn Allen: September 21, 2024
STEGGLE, Janet Margaret (née Perkins): September 23, 2024
MOREL, Arthur Desmond (Des): September 25, 2024
HUTCHESON, Alison Ann: September 27, 2024
WILSON, Lynette Ann (Lyn): September 28, 2024
HODGE, Allen Wayne (Hodgie): September 28, 2024
SADD, Kevin Edward: September 29, 2024
WILKINSON, Annette Dawn (née Teague): September 30, 2024
CORBETT, Ashwin Alex: October 1, 2024
HILL, Ian Michael (Mike): October 3, 2024
FORMAN, Betty Lola (née Hix): October 4, 2024
CUNNINGHAM, Jamie: October 6, 2024
ALLEN, Brayden: October 6, 2024
ROWE, Aileen Rona: October 7, 2024
HODSON, Sandra Mary: October 12, 2024
CAIRNS, June Margaret (née Washington): October 17, 2024
SIMPSON, Grant Royston: October 18, 2024
STEVENSON, Noelene Nellie: October 20, 2024
H ARRIS, Gregory John (Greg): October 22, 2024
WALDRON, Merle: October 27, 2024.
GEBBiE, Jennie
Memoriam
‘I love the game’
By Chris Valli
Blenheim’s Grant Craig loves the sport of squash and his mates at the Marlborough Squash Club.
The 58-year-old picked up second place at the New Zealand Masters Squash Champs held in Wellington recently. The year’s event saw 200 players competing as individuals with Grant competing in the 55-60 age group.
“As you can imagine we play the same group of players who are all very competitive every year,” he says. “It does change a bit with people coming in and out of age groups. Me old mate won it this year, Craig Endres. We play most years with 50/50 results between us. This
year he was unbeatable on the day.”
Craig is an ultra-distance runner as well so very fit, and that was his first title.
Grant says Craig was third seed going into the Masters while he was fourth and says any one of the eight players competing could have taken out the title. The team’s event follows the individuals where Grant plays for Canterbury, boasting two titles no less, one in the 40-45 age group and one in the 50-55.
“I love the game. My father in law, the great Barry Gardiner, a world squash masters champion described it as a game of chess on a court. I love it. I was a tennis player till I was 22. I had a game of squash and never played tennis again. It’s so
intense, fast and exhausting, but a shower and a beer after and life is good,” he says.
Grant, who works as a joiner at Max George Joiners, grew up on the east coast of the North Island in Tikitiki, near Gisborne, arriving in Marlborough in the early 1990s. His daughter is Megan Craig, who Grant coached, and was a New Zealand professional squash player who reached a career-high world ranking of 39 in July 2015. While, son Chas a golf professional, took part in the prestigious Clutch Pro Tour in Britain in 2023.
Grant says he likes playing both sports but his passion is squash and plays upstairs at the Stadium, with the Marlborough Squash
Club. This year, he was made a life member of the MSC.
Next year’s Masters Games are in Nelson where Grant says there will
be a tough eight games over four and a half days - a battle of attrition and skills - especially in the older age groups he says.
Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon 10th anniversary
It’s a boutique, unique half marathon. It’s picture-perfect running; birds and bays and forests. Its challenging; track running and exciting. And it’s finish is the stunning Lochmara Lodge with lunch and a bay to swim in.
With competitors tripping into Marlborough from around New Zealand, for the 10 th Lochmara Lodge Half marathon runners will have already cruised the bays for an hour to the start at Anakiwa with Beachcomber Cruises. A great way to start the
Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon Event. Organisers have a spread of charities they support helped by local businesses, Fresh Choice Picton, Beachcomber, and the SBS Bank Blenheim amongst its event partners.
Whilst some front runners
compete strongly for a faster time or a podium place, other competitors will be running their first half marathon and will be just satisfied to finish the course well. Cracking the event record that speed bunnies hope for (just under 1.5 hours) is dependent on
track conditions on the day and their preparation for the rolling uphill and downhill sections. Marshals will alert other track users of the activity from 8.30am to 12pm on 9th November between Anakiwa to Lochmara Lodge. Peter Yarrell - Race organiser
Talanoa - The Heart of a Father
By Chris Valli
Nicole and Vita Vaka had a vision to share with Marlborough audiences unspoken stories about the Dawn Raids and how those stories impacted people who fled their Auckland homes for the South Island.
Their vision came to fruition last week with a play at the ASB Theatre called ‘The Heart of a Father’, inspired by true events. The play explored the impact of the Dawn Raids through the relationship between father and son, restoring lost identity and breaking the power of shame and fear over a family’s future.
Nicole says often when people hear about the Dawn Raids, they think of Auckland and while the majority of the events happened in Auckland, the impacts she says were far reaching. “We wanted to share some of those unspoken stories that impacted people in the South Island. We want our Marlborough community to know more about the Dawn Raids and the impact this had on generations of Pacific people,” she says.
The synopsis of the play was set in 1976 with a Tongan father and his family feeling Auckland, ending up in Invercargill.
The couple run Blenheim’s Fua Creative and work in collaboration with primary and intermediate schools as well as
the colleges in Marlborough to provide a Pasifika Performing Arts Programme.
The Dawn Raids of the 1970s was a time when New Zealand Police were instructed by the government to enter homes or stop predominantly Pasifika people on the street to ask for permits, visas, passports and any evidence that proved the person’s right to be in the country. In effect, Pacific people were discriminated against. In August 2021, then New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden on behalf of the Government offered a formal apology to Pacific communities impacted by the Dawn Raids.
“Today I offered, on behalf of the Government, a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of immigration laws that led to the Dawn Raids,” Jacinda Ardern said. “The Dawn Raids period cast a shadow over our shared history. Upholding immigration laws is one thing, but the Dawn Raids went well beyond that.”
The play featured Nastassia Wolfgramm, Writer/Co-director/ Supporting Actress; Vita Vaka, Director/Supporting Actor/Set/ Costume/Production, Nicole Vaka, Producer; Onetoto Ikavuka - Lead Actor; Terian Tenoa, Lead Actor; Aaron Kitekeaho , Stage Manager/Production Assistant and Kimi Young, Lighting/Sound
Operator/Production Assistant.
Years ago when they worked with a group of 40 young people, they asked the question, “who knows about the Dawn Raids?” out of the 40 only one person put up their hand. “This was a big reason we created and staged this show to help raise awareness for the young people.”
Three matinee performances took place last week with Marlborough Boys’ College, Bohally Intermediate, Marlborough Girls’ College and Queen Charlotte College involved. Two evening shows on the Wednesday and Thursday night were ticketed to
the public.
In March 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Heritage through Creative New Zealand launched a $1.9 million fund the Niu Dawn Raids funding. Fua Creative was one of 28 organisations that received a share of the fund.
When asked if the Dawn Raids were discussed at home or part of their upbringing, Vita says his parents never discussed the turmoil.
“Only in recent years I asked my parents and they told me about it, but this highlights how Pacific parents/elders didn’t want to talk about this. A lot still don’t
due to the shame, trauma and fear associated with this time,” he says.
As part of the formal apology, the Government committed to honouring Pacific ways of reconciliation which provided $2.1 million in academic and vocational scholarships to be available to Pacific communities and $1 million in Manaaki New Zealand Short Term Scholarship Training Courses for delegates from Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Fiji.
The Heart of a Father was scheduled to have a show in Invercargill tonight, October 30.
FOR THE LOVE OF SQUASH: Grant Craig and Craig Endres – second and first respectively at this year’s New Zealand Masters Squash Championships held in Wellington recently. Photo: supplied.
TELLING THEIR TALANOA: Back row from left: Aaron Kitekeaho, Nastassia Wolfgramm, Linda Kula, Vita Vaka. Front row from left: Kimi Young, Onetoto Ikavuka, Terian Tenoa ,and Nicole Vaka.
