20 November 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Marlborough Sounds - Picton - Koromiko - Tuamarina - Rarangi

Spring Creek - Rapaura

Grovetown

Woodbourne

Renwick

Seddon

Photo: Chris Valli

Grovetown School pool

By Chris Valli

Fundraising efforts for an updated school pool will see the Grovetown School Pool with an official reopening next month.

In 2022, the school embarked on an “ambitious project” to save their beloved school pool, which had suffered significant damage during the Kaikoura earthquake. To fund the repairs, they created and sold a school cookbook, with overwhelming support from the community.

Thanks to the collective effort, they successfully reached their goal

of $33,000 and the pool has recently been restored. Fundraising also consisted of selling pies, waitressing at the Garden Marlborough Garden Party and doing stalls and raffles at local supermarkets and the Mistletoe Market. A generous donation was also received from The Rannoch Trust ($10,000) and several school families Anneka Waters is on the Grovetown School Parent Support Group and says the proceeds from an upcoming Christmas raffle will go towards installing heating in their school pool. “ The water in the pool has al-

ways been so cold that the younger children struggle to stay in for long periods. With the installation of heating, their pool experience would be much more enjoyable, and the swimming season would be significantly extended,” she says.

The raffle has some amazing prizes, she says.

“Among the many hampers, you’ll find Mako shirts, and vouchers generously donated by Tyreland, Pak n Save, Kmart, Woolworths, Mitchel Sports and the Waterfront Hotel, to name just a few. These hampers are brimming with an array of treats,

ensuring there’s something special for everyone,” says Anneka.

Anneka says this summer marks the first time the newly repaired pool will be available for use by both school kids and the community. Residents will be able to purchase a pool pass from the school, granting them access throughout the summer season. Raffle tickets are available from the Grovetown School Office, Hakuna Matata Café, and at Woolworths Central from 9 – 2.30pm on December 3. The raffle will be drawn on December 4.

Grovetown School students with their Christmas raffle/hamper to help fundraise and heat their school pool. From left to right: Harriet Holdaway, Jett Waters, Finn Waters, Oli Armour, Siana Borosova-Bradley, Ember Dewar.

Vigilance for Marlborough’s children

By Chris Valli

An attempted abduction incident involving a Whitney Street School student was reported to Blenheim Police last Thursday.

The school/kura says it was deeply concerned about an attempted abduction incident involving one of their students on Thursday 14 November while the student was making their way to school.

The person who tried to lure the child into the vehicle was allegedly a woman. Another parent who was nearby helped the student and supported them to get to school, a statement read.

“We want to assure all parents and guardians that we are taking this matter very seriously and are working with the Police to investigate the incident,” Whitney Street School Principal Christee Dalziel posted at 12:35pm on the school’s website.

Meanwhile, an email sent out to whanau and caregivers from Bohally Intermediate Principal Nicky Cameron-Dunn the same day, urged all whānau to remind their children about following safety tips such as walking with a friend or in a group whenever possible and to be aware of surroundings and ‘trusting your instincts’.

Other safety tips included, if

someone approaches and makes the student feel uncomfortable to leave the area immediately and tell a trusted adult.

The email said, there would be more police patrolling the area to help keep their children safe. Talk with your child about this, and encourage your children to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the Police.

Please reach out if you would like some links or additional information, the email said.

Following the incident, a brochure sent from Blenheim Police to Bohally Intermediate last week outlined the dangers around the topic of sextortion.

Sextortion is a scam and is a type of blackmail when someone threatens to share a nude image or sexually explicit video online unless they provide more sexual content. The information aligned with similar information the intermediate heard from Rob Cope, who spoke to whanau and caregivers at a cyber safety online parent information evening last term.

Constable Charlotte Codlin says sextortion is very much a concern for our young people and Marlborough is not immune to this issue.

“In fact at a recent course I was at, Marlborough got a special mention from OCEANZ – Online Child Exploitation

Constable Charlotte Codlin says Marlborough is not immune to the issue of sextortion. “At a recent course I was at, Marlborough got a special mention from OCEANZ – Online Child Exploitation Across NZ that they had been dealing with victims here,” says Constable Codlin.

Across NZ that they had been dealing with victims here,” says Constable Codlin. Statistics around sextortion include Police investigating an average of 10 cases a week –adding “this is just the tip of an iceberg”. 88 percent of victims

DRINK PERFECT WATER AT HOME

are males and 18 percent are under the age of 17 years.

Constable Codlin encourages whanau and caregivers to view noescaperoom.org which shows how easily young people can get caught up in the offending with the devastating results.

Zonta Says No

Sun The

The Zonta Club of Marlborough is again involved in the Zonta Says No campaign - 16 days of activism against gender-based violence running from November 25 to December 10.

The global initiative by Zonta International is aimed at ending violence against women and girls with the campaign raising awareness, advocates for systemic changes, and supports programs to eliminate gender-based violence.

This year the Marlborough Club is updating and renewing the lists of organisations and phone contacts for use when emergency help is needed.

These have been placed in more than 100 public toilets and offices lighting up the Grove Road Bridge.

Oxygen weed trial

Marlborough Girls’ College students teamed up with Council staff recently to collaborate on a trial to control oxygen weed.

Year 13 students Grace Allen and Mackenzie Goodall led the project for two years, taking inspiration from a field trip.

The aim was to try and control the growth of oxygen weed in Fulton Creek, which runs along the college’s boundary, using weed mats.

The pair designed two different mats - a traditional, black synthetic mat, and a hand-woven, natural harakeke, or flax one.

Having obtained the support of Council and commissioned the harakeke mat, Grace and Mackenzie were able to complete their trial, and results were presented at the Marlborough secondary schools’ Scitec Science and Technology Fair in September.

Alongside our fully

inbrief Sun The

ACC Levies correction

The story which appeared in the Blenheim Sun November 13 edition re proposed ACC increases to motorcycle fees over three years was incorrect

The figure quoted is what motorcyclists pay now, $522.34. The proposed increase for over 600cc motorcycles over three years could mean they end up paying $672.34 or more. That’s an increase of $50 per year over the three year period.

The Blenheim Sun apologises for the mistake.

Have your say on Council annual plan

Got a great idea for the future of Marlborough? The Marlborough District Council wants to hear your ideas and feedback as part of its annual plan public engagement. Simply go online at https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/ haveyoursay and tell the MDC about your big idea or worthwhile project. The engagement closes on 20 January 2025.

The engagement process uses userfriendly software to help people submit their idea. You can also vote on what you think about other people’s ideas. Your ideas on how we achieve our community outcomes will be analysed and presented to the Council’s budget meeting in April 2025.

The next full public consultation will be for the Long Term Plan 2027-37, with a public engagement process expected to begin in November 2026.  Council will continue to consult the community on other proposed projects and service changes, such as the Water Services Delivery Plan.

Helicopter appeal record amount raised

By Chris Valli

This year’s NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal has raised a record amount of $141,086 for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.

NBS Chief Executive Gina Dellabarca says the success of the month long appeal in October was due to the contributions from individuals, businesses, schools and the community who recognise the lifesaving, and life-changing, work of the helicopter crew.

“We are delighted to be involved in giving people the opportunity to give back to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, and to make our own funding contribution too of course,” Gina says.

NBS is a dedicated supporter of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, offering financial assistance and actively participating in the annual appeal.

“In five years the NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal has raised $476,668,” Gina says. “The NBS 10-for-10 push-up challenge was a hit again this year. It’s such a fun way to show your support, and very effective too as NBS donated $10 for every completed

Cathy’s GoTo for Joint Support

Cathy loves her walks, cycling, and staying involved in local sports.

“We became technical officials for Tri NZ and so we officiate at different events. I’ve walked for years. I used to run back in the day but I’ve never been a particularly great runner,” Cathy explained.

Her love for staying active grew as her youngest child got involved in triathlon and cycling. “So I had to get my own bike,” she added with a smile.

In recent years, Cathy has taken up Pilates, finding it a bit gentler on her body as she ages.

“The overall objective is to try and keep healthy and supple, which you never think is going to be a problem when you’re younger, but it starts to rear its head a little.”

“I struggled a little bit and was recommended to try Koru FX,” she shared. Initially sceptical, she decided to give

challenge, raising a total of $10,000 towards the appeal.”

Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust General Manager, Paula Muddle, says that the Trust is delighted with the community response to the appeal again this year.

“Little or big, there were so many clubs, organisations, businesses, schools and individuals who did their part to contribute through donating their time, participating in an event or purchasing products or tickets,” Paula says.

She says that the contribution of survivors who have needed the help of the rescue crew is very important to the success of the appeal.

“Each year, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter responds to at least one call-out a day, and sometimes multiple back-to-back jobs, so we are quite used to seeing it in the sky.

“When a survivor shares their story however, people look at the helicopter and crew in a different light. There is huge range of circumstances for which someone might need rapid, urgent medical attention, and the way that some survivors tell their rescue story means you can imagine yourself,

or someone you love, in a similarly awful, precarious position,” Paula says.

“We are also incredibly grateful for NBS’ support again this year, for the fifth year running, and to our other corporate sponsors who make a real difference in keeping our crew and helicopter ready to respond.”

Paula says the appeal typically

funds the purchase of special medical and emergency equipment, and crew training, when those costs arise and are not covered by government funding.

“The Trust requires ongoing funding to keep our crew working at the top of their game, which is often in rugged terrain, to ensure they operate a world-class service for our community,” Paula says.

it a go because other options hadn’t worked for her. “It’s just handy to be able to put on your shoulder or your neck if you need a bit of support.”

Cathy now uses Koru FX proactively. “I use it in an anticipatory way. If I’m heading out on my bike, I think, ‘bother, I haven’t put any on,’ because when you don’t have it, you miss it and kick yourself for not getting it,” she admitted.

“Having made sure you’ve applied the cream before you go definitely is a plus.”

She finds the cream particularly beneficial for alleviating pressure on her hands from braking and changing gears during long rides. “It’s always good to get a bit of cream on there. You know it’s giving a little bit of support just in case.”

For those considering a natural solution to support their joints and muscles, Cathy recommends giving Koru FX a

try. “If someone was looking for a product, I would say give it a try because you don’t know until you try something.”

But it’s not just Cathy - over 60,913 New Zealanders have already experienced the fastacting comfort and support of Koru FX for themselves. It contains high-quality essential oils like arnica,

manuka, and black pepper, along with others, providing a soothing formulation.

If you’re looking for fastacting, long-lasting, natural joint and muscle support then Koru FX is for you.

Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.

calendula,

Natural Comfort... Cathy explains how she uses Koru FX to stay active and keep up whilst cycling.

Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust General Manager Paula Muddle, left, NBS chief executive Gina Dellabarca and critical care paramedic and winch operator Jon Leach. The NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal raised a record $141,000 this year. Photo: Josh Robertson.

Coffee, friends and a good bargain

By Chris Valli

A local resident has recognised a more efficient way to reach those in need with a two dollar pop up shop at Connect Blenheim every Friday.

Instigator of the project and team leader Ange Forlong says she has a fantastic team and says after acquiring the use of a friend’s clothing bins, she was distributing clothing to families in need through her Connect community.

“I decided there must be a more efficient way to reach those in need and I was already running Connect Coffee (a community social group) in the Connect hall on a Friday so I thought, why not hold a pop up op shop at the same time. Who doesn’t love coffee, friends and a good bargain,” she says.

“I decided to add a safe space for kids to play as well to make it a great place for caregivers to bring the little ones too. Inspired by the past ‘Sip and Shop’ op shop that was here in Blenheim, we added Barista coffee to the mix too. It truly is a place I would have loved when I was a stay at home mum.”

Angela says everyone should be able to access good quality clothing at the community op shop and meet their children’s needs too with warm, nice clothing and shoes.

“Being able to afford these items means that people have some dignity restored when it comes to providing these items for their family. I also believe that when we are able to present ourselves with clean, tidy, good quality clothing, we feel good about ourselves and walk, talk and feel differently,” she says.

“If Connect Marlborough Trust can give that to people, we feel success has been achieved. Furthermore, all the money raised goes straight back into the community programmes we run such as Shine Girl (teaching girls about their self-worth) and Shine Woman, Connect Youth and budget cooking classes. Coming into the Connect Building will help our Marlborough community become aware of all the services we provide too.”

Ange says while in the past they have received grants from organisations such as the Marlborough District Council, Tindall Foundation, Rata, Lotteries, Redwood Trust and Blue Door, ongoing funding is becoming more difficult to secure.”

“If I am being honest, funds have been very tight for our programmes so we are beyond excited that the community came through at our launch (November 8) and helped us raise $534

profit in one day.”

The $2 pop up op shop will run every Friday from 10am-2pm indefinitely. Barista coffee is $5 and in takeaway cups so shoppers can sip while they shop or enjoy a sit down in their cafe area.

Blenheim Sun readers are en-

couraged to donate clean, good condition clothing items and shoes only. The Pop Up Op Shop don’t accept home goods, toys or linens and would love items to be in tied bags into the clothing bins located in the car park of Connect at 8 Beaver Road.

Tutus on Tour

Sun The

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s (RNZB) popular Tutus on Tour returns in February 2025, marking the start of a brand-new year of exciting ballet. Dance lovers of all ages across the country will be able to experience two show-stopping classical duets plus stunning contemporary works brilliantly performed by the stars of our national ballet company. The Blenheim performance is at the ASB Theatre on Tuesday, February 25 at 7pm.

Local water legislation

Work is underway on one of the most significant reforms faced by councils around New Zealand in recent times – Central Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.

At a recent full Council meeting, the mayor and councillors gave approval for staff to work with neighbouring Tasman and Buller District Councils to investigate water service delivery options. This work will allow each council to make the decision on whether to combine resources into a single water entity or to go it alone as individual councils.

The new water services delivery and infrastructure model replaces the previous government’s Three Waters legislation and, as part of the reforms, a Water Services Delivery Plan must be provided to the Department of Internal Affairs by September next year. High level options will be presented to Council’s Assets and Services Committee at the end of January 2025 and regular updates on progress will be provided.

Pop Up Op Shop team leader Ange Forlong says everyone should be able to access good quality clothing for themselves and to be able to meet their children’s needs with warm, nice clothing and shoes.

Ben McLennan Blenheim

When the Xmas Elves appear. Usually end of November.

Jodi McMurtrie Blenheim

My mother in law who lives with us does it on December 1.

Michelle Caldwell Blenheim Mine’s already up.

Not until after December 1.

Lavina Diamanti Blenheim

After December 23 because that is my daughter Deana’s birthday.

Harris Blenheim

December 1. We have our daughters come and put the tree up. It’s even more exciting this year with two granddaughters who will

Colouring-in Competition winners

TOP: Nasis Birch, 9, won the 9 - 12 age category.

BOTTOM: Frankie Rosie, 7, won the 4 - 8 age category.

Letters

to the editor

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 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.

Lucky Little Pig

Dear Blenheim Sun/Chris

Yours in friendship

Helen Faulkner - Secretary The Inner Wheel Club of Marlborough

Thank you very much for the lovely article that you placed for us in The Sun last week. It was much appreciated.

Police raid on pro-Palestine protest

Dear Ed

On Saturday, November 9, Blenheim Police raided the pro-Palestine protest at Blenheim Railway Station.

The peaceful flag waving event is always fun, however it does not pull punches on its intended message about Israel’s mass murder of Palestinians.

The use of a Nazi swastika symbol to depict the current atrocities is controversial and did cause some disagreement amongst our group members.

Regardless, its use is part of our right to free speech (though now removed to lessen potential unease).

The symbol is a well-known and instantly recognisable sign to describe utter evilness.

It is entirely applicable to the Israeli

genocide of the Palestinian people fully supported by the West’s elites, media and those who remain silent, i.e. members of our own Marlborough District Council.

Now the police seem to have joined the fray with an aggressive raid, pulling down signs and vandalising them. Police are meant to protect the rights of citizens, not attack them and do Israel’s and our corrupt politicians’ bidding.

Shame on you!

We will continue our protests and invite the public to join us every Saturday 11am at the Railway Station to demand an end to occupation and genocide. Peter Mathyssen, Rarangi.

Donella

Irene Newport Blenheim

New bridge spans Waihopai River

A new bridge is nearing completion in the Waihopai Valley.

The previous structure was washed away in the July 2021 storm and locals have made do with a temporary Bailey bridge servicing the upper valley since September that year.

Councillor Scott Adams, who chairs Marlborough’s Regional Transport Committee, visited the construction site last week and said he was impressed.

“The new single-lane bridge is 110 metres long with seven spans. It towers nine metres above the river on piles that were sunk 10 metres into the river bed. It’s a very impressive sight and a big improvement on the old bridge infrastructure.”

The new bridge’s location was confirmed in 2022, and land purchase and geotechnical investigations concluded in mid-2023. It was designed and built by Top of the South firm Egypt Ltd.

Marlborough Roads Manager Steve

Murrin said the bridge should be finished early in the new year, if good weather continued.

“The construction has gone smoothly so far, starting in June this year. The reinforced concrete bridge beams - each weighing 24 tonnes - were precast in Nelson and then delivered on a low-loader and placed by crane from the river bed.

“We’re also building 500 metres of new road downstream of the bridge, which is located higher up on the terrace to protect it from possible flooding in future. Gravel from the river was crushed on site for roading aggregate by a local subcontractor.”

He said the new bridge would be suitable for logging trucks with all drivers required to use the priority/ give way system on its single lane.

The cost of the project was $4 million, which was 95 per cent funded via NZ Transport Agency’s Financial Assistance Rate following the 2021 storm.

Wairau River flood damage repairs ramp up

Three areas of stop bank repair work on the Wairau River, relating to 2021 flood damage, are underway.

The main work site is a major rock line rebuild on the Wairau River Diversion near Rarangi. Stockpiling of rock on site has started with construction due to start at the end of the whitebait season in December.

Access to the main freedom camping area at the Diversion will be restricted

during the construction period.

More than 3,800 tonnes of locallysourced rock has been placed at various stopbank repair sites on the Wairau River over the last few months.

The rock has been used to rebuild flood-damaged groynes which are used to divert high velocity water from the bank and prevent erosion.

A further 14,000 tonnes are scheduled to be in place by June 2025.

Why your dog should be microchipped

Did you know some dogs have to be microchipped?

The Dog Control Act requires dogs classified as dangerous or menacing or those registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006 to be microchipped. Only dogs classified as working dogs or dogs that a registered vet has certified as not in a fit condition for microchipping are exempt. Council and Animal Control are responsible for enforcing these rules.

Animal Control Contract Manager

James Clark said Marlborough currently had 8,467 microchipped dogs, with a further 511 requiring one.

“Besides complying with legislation, there are several benefits of microchipping including having a permanent means of identification and providing a deterrent for anyone stealing your dog. Microchipping may entitle you to a lower dog registration fee,” Mr Clark said.

“If your dog is found injured and taken to a vet or the SPCA, or Animal Control finds your dog, you can be traced and reunited with your animal. In a disaster or emergency we can reunite you with your dog,” he said.

Dogs can be microchipped at any local vet. You will need to supply Animal Control with the verification certificate as all dogs and owners’ details must

be uploaded on to the National Dog Database so if a dog is found anywhere in New Zealand it can be reunited with the registered owner.

Failure to microchip your dog or to notify Animal Control that your dog has been microchipped can result in an infringement notice of $300.

For further information please contact Animal Control. Ph: 03 520 9033 or email animalcontrol@xtra.co.nz

For more information go to: links. marlborough.govt.nz/dog-microchipping

The nearly complete new bridge from the air

Councillor Scott Adams (left) and Steve Murrin at the bridge in the Waihopai Valley

Completed groyne repairs on the Wairau River

Together we learn. Together we grow.

Spring Creek School in Ferry Road is celebrating their 150th jubilee on the weekend of November 29 - 30. As Chris Valli discovers the rural school/kura is creating more than just inclusivity.

Education Minister Erica Stanford has given Marlborough teachers until term one, 2025 to overhaul their curriculum in favour of structured literacy, pledging $67 million towards it in Budget 2024.

The money she says will go towards structured literacy professional development for teachers, books and resources, new phonics checks to assess student progression, and additional support for students that need it. Stanford promises the new approach will improve achievement and set students up for success.

Which begs the question? Does Stanford trust teachers to use their own judgement about what is best for their students and more importantly has she visited the gem in Marlborough’s educational landscape that is Spring Creek School?

As Term 4 brings us to the end of the 2024 Marlborough school year, Spring Creek School is looking back on 150 years of education at the kura with a jubilee next weekend.

The primary school for children caters for students from new entrants to Year 6. Their mission is that students/akonga will be actively involved learners who are confident, creative and connected - It seems the ‘three Cs’ are doing just that for the students, the whanau and the Spring Creek community.

Principal/Tumuaki Cheryl Alderlieste is in her second year as a beginning principal at Spring Creek. To provide context, a beginning principal is a school leader who has been in the role for less than five years. It’s a role and kura/school Cheryl felt a strong connection with 10 years ago.

“My journey with this school started

over a decade ago when I did a placement here during my teacher training, and I immediately felt a strong connection to both the kura and the community. Five years ago, I was thrilled to join as a kaiako (teacher) and had the privilege of working alongside Debbie Stanger, an incredible mentor and friend. That experience deepened my connection and commitment to this special place, and it’s been an honour to step into the role of principal and continue supporting our students and whanau,” says Cheryl.

All principals are advocates for their kura, their students and the community they represent. However, Cheryl is empathetic when it comes to the Ferry Road culture and ethos.

“My journey with this school started over a decade ago”

The kura offers smaller class sizes, which continue to be a point of contention for teachers in recent strike action in previous years. Teacher to student ratios for children in years 4 to 8 is the highest for all student age groups, with one teacher to 29 pupils.

The kura currently has a roll of 41 students, with the capacity to grow to 73. There are three classes within a large, flexible learning environment, allowing for smaller class sizes. The Awhi class, for NE-Year 2 students, has just 11 students, while the other two learning spaces each have 15 students. The school is not zoned, so

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“The learning that happens in the real, as opposed to the virtual, classroom is unparalleled ”

they are open to enrolments for any year level.

“In recent years, our roll has reached the mid-50s, but ideally, we’d like to be around 63 students. This size allows us to maintain the individualised programs and small class sizes that are so important to us, ensuring each student receives the support and attention they need to thrive,” she says. “The school offers a truly unique learning experience, with small class sizes that allow for a personalised, strengths-based approach in both our classroom and outdoor learning environments,” says Cheryl.

“We’re well equipped to support students with neurodiverse or additional needs, creating a truly inclusive space. A special point of difference is our school pets, Fergie the kune kune pig and Georgie the goat, whom are beloved members of our school and add to the warm, family-like atmosphere.”

As part of the jubilee celebrations a cake will be made and presented. CEO of Ngati Rarua, Shane Graham is planting a tree and then blessing their native planting project, which was completed recently. The project has been ongoing for the past two years and has been a collaborative effort supported by both the school and the local community.

“We’re now completing the final stage, a pathway that stands as a lasting legacy for our whānau and community. The significance of this tree goes beyond its roots,” says Cheryl. “It symbolizes our deep connection to the taiao (environment) and the tangata whenua. A kaumātua from Ngāti Rārua will

have the honor of planting it, reflecting our respect and enduring relationship with the land and our local iwi.”

On Saturday, November 30, health and well-being services provided by the Public Health Organisation will be utilised, encompassing the ‘wrap around’ support for whanau and community.

Cheryl says in 2023 they hosted a whānau wellbeing day, inviting

services from the PHO and local iwi, which “created a truly special, community-centred experience.”

“I saw the incredible value in bringing our community together and knew that our 150th celebration should reflect that same spirit. I wanted this milestone to be about whānau, about understanding our place and honouring those who came before us, while acknowledging the unique character of Spring Creek School.”

Principal/Tumuaki Cheryl Alderlieste is in her second year as a beginning principal at Spring Creek School.

Celtic Illusion prompts heart-warming reactions

By Chris Valli

Home-grown talent, albeit from Christchurch, made its way to the ASB Theatre in Blenheim on Saturday night.

Blenheim’s older demographic basked in the Celtic Illusion Irish dance experience, reminiscing about their own dancing and tour participations. Marketed as a Grand Illusion sensation, Celtic Illusion has taken Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm - add Blenheim to that mix.

Indeed, the Marlborough audience witnessed a breath-taking fusion of Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style.

Catherine Hay, a Christchurch based professional singer and actor is the singer for the show, singing four songs including Artemis, Black is the Colour, Spancil Hill, and The Parting Glass. The show also starred former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance illusionist Anthony Street.

After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Canterbury, Catherine went on to retrain in performance at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

Catherine says the point of difference with Celtic Illusion is that you get a bit of everything with the show, with phenomenal performers from all over the world - as well as home-grown talent.

“We have had wonderful conversations with audience members after the show and it is heart-warming to see how much it has touched people - from young kids who show us their Irish Dancing after the show, to older patrons who have reminisced about when they themselves used to tour in dance shows.”

She says the best part about the tour, is getting to travel to towns like Blenheim while doing what she loves every day.

“Singing and performing has been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and getting to visit the most wonderful towns and cities has been such a gift. I have especially loved the opportunity to show our

Fun filled evening

By Chris Valli

Looking for something to do tonight?

Wednesday is the new Saturday for the Vines Village with a monthly market featuring Marlborough artisans on the third Wednesday of the month. The Wednesday market from 4:30- 7:30pm features local producers and entertainment along with the retail and tasting rooms.

Event Organizer Sarah Fix says this month their friends at Marlborough Four Paws is the community focus fundraising with special animal themed merchandise, photo opportunities, adoption and volunteering advice, raffles, and prizes.

“Bring along your whole family, fur babies and all, to enjoy this lovely evening in the beautiful Village gardens.”

The monthly market is an opportunity

to provide a mid-week activity for the local community and regional visitors alike as a lot of events are focused on the weekend. Sarah says the Vines Village businesses wanted to reconnect with the community as many changes have happened over recent years.

Sarah says each month the activities, entertainment, and theme or community focus will change accordingly. In September, they focused on the Marlborough Alzheimer’s Society and their Art Trail while October was a Halloween themed market with a costume competition and a spooky treasure hunt.

Tonight’s musical line up will include local musician James Gropp and the Marlborough Pipe Band. The monthly market is from September 18 2024 - May 21, 2025, third Wednesday of the month.

international cast the amazing countryside, scenery and brunch spots around the country. We have cast members from England, Ireland, Germany, the US, Canada and Australia, and it has been wonderful to see New Zealand fresh through their eyes.

Catherine’s performance highlights include As You Like It (3rd Bear), Jesus Christ Superstar (The Court Theatre), Waiting in the Wings, and He Says, She Says (Blackboard Theatre Collective), and We Will Rock You (Broadway Hitmen), Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch).

The New Zealand tour will finish in the picturesque venue at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Sunday, November 24.

The Kimberley Group Coach Tour

Darwin to Broome

11 days, departs 18 August 2025

Package includes:

•

Extensive sightseeing • Boat trips and harbour cruise • Many meals

Elvis Fans Group Tour

Graceland, Nashville, Tupelo

9 days, departs 20 September 2025

Package includes: •

Las Vegas Group Tour

5 days, departs 5 October 2025

Package includes:

Catherine Hay, a Christchurch based professional singer and actor is the singer for Celtic Illusion and says the best part about the show/tour, is getting to travel to towns like Blenheim while doing what she loves every day.

Tonight’s musical line up will include the Marlborough Pipe Band pictured at the 2023 Blenheim Christmas parade. From L – R: Paul Smith (rear), Noel Frater, Neil MacDonald (Pipe Major). Maisie MacDonald (child in front), Don MacKay (rear), Barry Brown, Mackenzie Woolley, Doug Mcdonald (partially obscured in rear), John Nicol, Allan Cameron (Drum Major with mace), Ron Monk (piper on far right).

When a checklist isn’t enough

By Stuart Bilbrough, Peak Living CEO

Certainty of price and flexibility of timing in the location of your choice

Checklists are useful when you’re making an important and complex decision. As best-selling The Checklist Manifesto shows, they’re essential tools for everything from surgery to space flight.

They’re also useful in selecting a retirement village. And it’s easy to find comprehensive checklists that will help you. They suggest you look at location, access, services, activities, staffing, maintenance, communications, quality of amenities and options for transition as your needs increase. All these are important. But even if you can confidently tick “Yes” to all, you are left with three fundamental problems: flexibility around timing, certainty of occupation and certainty of pricing.

So, think of this as a critical counter-checklist. It addresses the things that you can’t be confident about under existing retirement village models and their checklists.

Flexible timing

You expect that you will, at some stage, live in a retirement village, but you’re not yet ready to make the move. The problem is, if you wait until a life changing moment forces the issue (a fall, an adverse diagnosis, loss of a loved one, family moves away), you will be at a significant disadvantage. As we know, demand is increasing, so a villa or apartment may not be available when you want it.

Further, a villa may not be available in your preferred location. If you’re enjoying living in Blenheim today in a community you know, I doubt that you want to move away and start afresh. Particularly when life has just become more difficult and uncertain. Your chances of finding place available in a village in Blenheim at the very time you want to move in are not high.

Certainty of occupation

If you’ve evaluated your options and know exactly the village you’d like – eventually -- to move into, that’s great. But under existing models, you can’t pre-book. Your Occupation Rights Agreement gives you exactly what it says: the right to occupy, but that right has to be exercised immediately.

Stuart has been a Chartered Accountant for over 30 years and held CFO and CEO roles in the retirement industry before establishing Peak Living (www. peakliving.co.nz)

It’s not a right to occupy at some time in the future. You can’t book ahead, so you don’t know whether it will be available.

Certainty of pricing.

Finally, what will it cost? Under current retirement village models you can be confident that you will have to pay more in future than you would today. And, if you need to sell your home in order to move in, you’re putting yourself in a difficult position: you are, as real estate agents like to say, a highly motivated vendor. In other words, you’ll likely end up selling for less than you would if you had time on your side. I know as I am experiencing this with my mother, Jan, right now. You can read about Mum’s difficulties in Peak Living’s Blenheim village offering brochure which you can download at www.peakliving.co.nz.

The answer

No surprise here. If you’ve been following this column for the past few weeks, you’ll know that Peak Living is offering a different model, one that addresses these three issues. You can buy a “Ticket to Occupy“ now, exercise it at any time of your choosing up to a fifteen-year period, and know that you’ll pay no more to enter. And, until you enter, you will receive a return on your secured investment.

That’s fair. That’s certain. By investing now you’re choosing because you want to, not because you have to.

Keep off the seagrass

The Marlborough District Council is highlighting the importance of seagrass this summer.

Coastal Scientist Jorgia McMillan, a member of the Nautical and Coastal team, is leading the summer education campaign with a new brochure, social media posts and awareness signs planned for specific sites around the Marlborough Sounds.

“Our message is simple - don’t walk or drive on seagrass – please keep off. This will help us to protect these treasured ocean meadows,” Jorgia says.

The local education campaign was launched at last Thursday’s Environment and Planning Committee in conjunction with a presentation from Dr Anna Berthelsen on the ‘seagrass restoration blueprint’ called Restore the Meadows, recently released by Cawthron Institute.

Cawthron Institute is working with businesses, government, industry, environmental groups and mana whenua to help restore seagrass to support biodiversity, improve water quality and mitigate climate change. The new rimurehia/seagrass blueprint offers a step-bystep guide to seed-based seagrass restoration for interested groups and organisations to help

ensure as many people as possible can get involved.

Seagrass (Zostera muelleri) beds are a crucial part and positive indicator of a healthy estuary and intertidal area. Seagrass carries out several important ecosystem functions including providing habitat for fish, shellfish and other marine species. The beds trap sediment and stabilise the ocean floor, as well as carrying out nutrient recycling which in turn improves coastal water quality. Seagrass acts as a buffer between land and sea and can minimise the effects of land-based activities on intertidal health.

Rimurehia/seagrass is a marine flowering plant that can be found on intertidal flats and some subtidal areas throughout Marlborough. The campaign aims to educate the public and highlight the impact of damage caused by driving over seagrass beds when launching boats as well as anchoring and dredging on it.

“We want people to launch boats in areas with no rimurehia/seagrass to avoid damage. It’s also important to be mindful when anchoring or dredging as this can leave scars in the seagrass beds which can also hinder the movement of marine animals living amongst it,” Jorgia says.

Thoughtful Care and Pure

Pampering

Escape to the Ultimate Summer Retreat for Moms – $500 Off Black Friday Special!

For busy, hardworking moms, a moment of true rest can seem out of reach. At Maruia River Retreat, we’ve thoughtfully designed our Personal Restoration Retreat to provide exactly that – a nurturing experience where every detail centres around care and relaxation. Set within New Zealand’s pristine natural beauty, this retreat is a sanctuary for moms needing time to decompress, reconnect, and be pampered. Our retreat experience has touched the lives of many, including Sarah from Nelson, who shared, “Such a relaxing experience and allowed me to reground myself and fill my batteries. Every part of my weekend retreat experience was just beautiful. The food was absolute top notch. Thank you for having me and allowing me to love myself and my own company again. Busy working mum needed this trip to be alone with myself and nature.” From the moment you arrive, we focus

on restoring your mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy peaceful moments with guided forest bathing sessions, soothing spa treatments, and mindful meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. This Black Friday, enjoy $500 off our Personal Restoration Retreat when you book by December 31, 2024, for stays throughout the New Zealand summer season. Gift yourself the thoughtful care you deserve, and return home renewed and cherished. Learn more at www.maruia.co.nz or call us at 0275633143. PBA.

Rimurehia/seagrass meadows in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound. Council’s new campaign aims to educate the public to avoid damaging practices such as driving on seagrass.

Helping people live better lives

The Omaka Classic Cars team presented Marlborough Riding for the Disabled with a $1000 donation last week. Over 80 percent of RDA riders are children and teenagers while 37 percent have a physical or intellectual disability. Chris Valli takes up the story.

There was something special happening for Blenheim’s Ella Honey last Wednesday morning. From an outsider’s perspective it looked like just another kid on a horse.

However, after further discussion and subsequent understanding, there was trust, a relationship and the three dimensional movement of the horse Goldie, transmitting through Ella’s body, promoting muscle strengthening.

Ella, 3, has Phelan McDermid Syndrome and has been riding with Marlborough RDA since June 2024. Phelan McDermid Syndrome is a rare, genetic condition and symptoms can include low muscle tone, absent speech and developmental delays.

MRDA Manager Jo Ross says when Ella first arrived she had very low muscle tone and says seeing her sit up like she did today, is a huge improvement, adding that sitting on Goldie helps Ella to engage her core and improve balance and tone her muscles.

Goldie, a 10 year-old gelding, is a Kaimanawa x Welsh horse and has been with MRDA since 2020. Goldie, like most Kaimanawa horses is known for being calm and inquisitive and is currently sponsored by the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative.

Last Wednesday, MRDA received a $1000 donation from Omaka Classic Cars. The OCC team have launched a community initiative which involves them making a donation to a respective Marlborough community group or entity.

“I feel that MRDA fly under the radar. This donation helps lift their profile and make people aware of

what they do,” OCC founder and owner Ron Stewart says.

The goal of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association is to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs, and to enable and support them to achieve good lives including meaningful participation in, and contribution to, important life activities and roles in their community. Marlborough RDA is one of 48 groups nationwide.

Ron says one of the things he has learnt about MRDA’s early intervention programme is that it helps parents and caregivers as well, giving them the opportunity to network and share experiences, there is empathy and understanding, a space to engage with others in the same situation.

Meanwhile, MRDA President Belinda Jackson says there is a perception they “only give pony rides to kids in wheelchairs.”

Belinda says MRDA is “proven therapy work with qualified coaches”.

“These coaches are trained and fully qualified. Everything that we do is about improving the quality of life for the riders and for their families and therefore their community. If you have an individual who can achieve more there is a flow on effect from that.”

Belinda says it’s not just the people in their team that are trained, it’s the horses too. “We choose our horses very carefully and they then undergo training.

RDA life isn’t for every horse and some sadly have to be retuned or sold, but most adapt and enjoy

their work.”

MRDA increases ability through participation in goal-based riding activities. Each rider has goals tailored to their specific needs and their achievements are recorded every week. For example, it might be as simple as being able to hold the brush and make the arm movements to groom a horse. They also use the horse as a tool to help with educational goals.

“Some of our riders don’t learn well in the classroom, but you put them on the back of a horse, the dynamic is so different…and it provides a bigger opportunity for learning,” Belinda says.

Therapeutic horse riding de -

velops, improves many aspects, such as balance and co-ordination, muscle tone, concentration, self-discipline and self-esteem, perception and spatial awareness. It also helps with communication and social skills, independence and encourages decision-making.

Each RDA session is supervised by a coach and assisted by volunteers. They have three core riding programmes - Education, Therapy/Rehabilitation, and Sport and Recreation.

There are currently around 35 volunteers helping at MRDA and a team of 12 horses.

Jo says Ella being on Goldie and the joy and progress which comes

with the relationship/interaction is a great example of the outcomes MRDA receives.

“She was a shy, quiet wee thing only a few months ago and now you can see the excitement and the joy when she arrives, not to mention the improvements in her physical condition. That’s the wow moments,” she adds.

Ron says the donation is about investing in the future of Marlborough and supporting organisations such as the MRDA to ensure that they continue the excellent work they do.

“If we as a community don’t do that, then they disappear,” Ron says.

Omaka Classic Cars Owner Ron Stewart, MRDA President Belinda Jackson, MRDA Manager Jo Ross, Grant Stubbs Volunteer at OCC, Noeline Stewart, Ella Honey on Goldie, Mandy Macfarlane (coach/volunteer) and Ruth Daudjee. The vehicle is a 1965 Ford Mustang Fast Back and just one of 60 or so cars form the 50s to the 80s on display at Omaka Classic Cars, next to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Photo: Chris Valli

Tough news with NZME closures proposal

By Chris Valli

A proposal last week that New Zealand Herald publisher NZME is to close 14 community newspapers with the loss of 30 jobs is not only a blow for the print journalists who are the voice for their respective communities but a blow for local news.

Job losses are expected before Christmas across editorial, sales and operations. The titles are all in the North Island and “no longer profitable” in the face of a changing media landscape and rising costs. One such masthead is the Te Awamutu Courier, stretching back for more than 100 years of telling local stories.

As a local community paper - formerly owned by publishers Les and Katrina Whiteside for over 20 years - and now owned by Allied Press Ltd, Dunedin (who publish the family owned Otago Daily Times and twenty community papers) - this writer doesn’t take for granted the role and privilege that comes with being a ‘collective voice’ for locals who share their stories.

In many regions, these titles are the ONLY source of local news, covering local councils and public bodies. Look at the role the Blenheim Sun plays here with the Marlborough District Council, non-profit and charity organisations, and the many community groups who not only seek fund-

ing but rely on the Blenheim Sun to be their local voice. Locals reading about locals.

The 13 other titles proposed for closure are Hauraki-Coromandel Post, Katikati Advertiser, Te Puke Times, Taupō & Tūrangi Herald, Napier Courier, Hastings Leader, CHB Mail in Hawke’s Bay, Stratford Press, Bush Telegraph in Tararua, Whanganui Midweek, Manawatū Guardian, Horowhenua Chronicle and Kāpiti News.

The proposed closures come amid a tough economic environment, a downturn in advertising and as the Government wavers on its plans to introduce the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, in the wake of threats from tech giant Google. Over the past year, hundreds of jobs have been lost as the media industry has sought what it calls an even playing field to compete with the international tech giants.

In the announcement NZME says it had presented a proposal to staff to close the papers, on the basis they were no longer profitable.

“Unfortunately, our community publication network has suffered from a decline in advertising revenue and increasing costs to the point where it is no longer profitable. On top of this, we have seen a 45-55 percent cost increase in distribution of our print products driven by factors out of our control,” says Chief Executive Michael Boggs.

“As we know, our community publications do not have a subscriber base. They

are provided free of charge and funded purely through local print advertising, which is in decline overall. With our communities having no sustainable digital pathway we have had to make the tough decision to propose to close most of our communities network.”

In February 2024, former Blenheim Sun owner Les Whiteside said the paper developed a trust with the Marlborough community “that has been evident with loyal readers and advertisers alike. Our stories are all about local and we are sensitive to the community when the need

arises,” Les said.

Former Marlborough District Councilor Jamie Arbuckle believes the Text Talk page is the “only piece of freedom of the press” left in the Marlborough region.

It remains to be seen what the local community news landscape will look like moving forward.

The Blenheim Sun will continue to fight for accuracy, brevity and clarity for all our readers and those whose stories are told through the masthead that is the Blenheim Sun Newspaper.

Local people – local views – local news.

Chlorination plant to be built

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s water chlorinating supply has engaged plenty of reader interest in the Blenheim Sun Text Talk pages in recent months and now there is a next step with a design beginning for the town’s water supply.

National water regulator Taumata Arowai (formerly Water New Zealand) requires a residual disinfectant, typically provided by chlorine, to be added to water supplies by 31 December this year. According to Marlborough District Council, that deadline won’t be met, but systems should be in place by mid-2025.

Council’s Planning and Development Engineer Stuart Donaldson says Taumata Arowai had reinforced the need for Blenheim’s water supply to be chlorinated to ensure it met the Water Services Act and the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules.

Blenheim’s water delivers water to 10,700 households and is currently treated for protozoa and bacteria. However, there is no chlorine dosing.

Taumata Arowai has outlined that the Water Services Act 2021

requires suppliers to use a multi-barrier approach to managing risks to protect drinking water from contamination.

Stuart says a permanent chlorination plant would be built, for which design was already underway.

Chlorine is a safe, simple and inexpensive way to disinfect drinking water, capable of killing most common bacteria including campylobacter and norovirus. It’s generally used alongside other processes such as protozoa barriers which remove or inactivate single-celled parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia.

Supplies in Renwick, Picton, Havelock, Wairau Valley, Seddon and Rural Awatere are chlorinated. For more information, see the frequently asked questions on Council’s website at: links.marlborough.govt.nz/Chlorination-FAQs Taumata Arowai is a Crown entity with a Ministerial-appointed board. Alongside the independent board is a Māori Advisory Group. Blenheim Sun readers need to notify Taumata Arowai if they have any issues which could affect the safety or compliance of the drinking water.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Robin Millard (pictured in June) tests out the new Renwick water treatment plant, which became operational. The plant already supplies treated chlorinated water to all properties in urban Renwick.

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in Blenheim

This Week

Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting Blenheim this week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “This week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in Blenheim this week (see details below).

As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Blenheim this week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue . Mr Grant is in Blenheim this week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound

banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.

Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant.

Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant

Mr

(Tony)

Test of Time

time by always delivering high-quality service at a fair and reasonable price. Today, Dan Riddell is the second generation to have owned Superior Carpet Cleaning and with years of experience, he provides a true ‘superior’ service.

The Blenheim Sun first appeared on the local publishing scene in 2002. Twenty two years later we continue to bring you a bright, bold paper with strong editorial and pictorial content. Our friendly experienced team is on hand to discuss your advertising needs and story leads.

Delivering every Wednesday plus online. We have the news that really matters!

Test of Time

“If you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time”

- Steve Jobs

Local Businesses who have stood the test of time

work, offers practical advice and is continually evolving their services with the latest technologies to provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of each project – from family homes to large commercial sites.

A company which not only stands the test of time, but continues to grow and become industry leaders is something special to celebrate. Viridian Glass Marlborough is doing just that! The company began its journey in 1972 as Norm Fowke Glass and 12 years later branched into auto glass. It has continued to evolve over the years, merging with Viridian Glass in 2012, and keeping up to date with modern technology and glass options. Today, Viridian Glass Marlborough specialises in residential, commercial and auto glass. Call the team today.

COME TO US FOR THE RIGHT ADVICE

We have created new glass solutions specifically for Marlborough conditions to provide superior insulation for your home, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. For superior double-glazing

BUILDERS

SteamCleanz started in January 2010, initially focusing on steam cleaning ceilings and walls. It quickly grew and stabilized with 35 staff members regularly cleaning schools and business sites across Marlborough, from periodic to twice daily, across all industry types. They also provide builder clean services for local commercial builders on big builds in the province. Manpreet Aulakh (Nick) joined Roger 10 years ago and is a major shareholder in SteamCleanz, with Roger stepping back to semi-retirement.

14years

GMW Jewellery began 14 years ago and we have continued to thrive and grow with the support of our wonderful community here in Marlborough enabling the opening of our retail store in 2018.

Our team has a passion for Jewellery including specialising in handcrafted items and remaking rings and necklaces from customers own jewels.

If you are looking for something unique or a gift for someone special pop in, we’d love to see you. Our range is well worth a look!

Unique Custom Designs

Owner Gina Botham.

New team of community midwives

By Chris Valli

A new team of community midwives has been established at Wairau Hospital to support pregnant women living in Marlborough in response to growing demand for community maternity services.

Associate Director of Midwifery Operations Manager Debbie Fisher says they currently have a limited number of LMCs (Lead Maternity Carers) in the community and have established an employed team of community midwives based at Tatau Pounamu, the midwifery community hub centre located at Wairau Hospital who can offer community maternity services.

“Our team will provide continuity of care during their pregnancy and during their first six weeks after having their baby which includes visiting them at home too. We also have dedicated staff midwives who provide care for women during their labour and birth or planned caesarean section births.”

The dedicated maternity unit provides 24/7 maternity care, and all services including antenatal classes for women who are eligible for publicly funded health care. Antenatal classes covering topics like the birthing environment, childbirth, breastfeeding, new born behaviours, parental wellbeing and practical parenting are held regularly.

“If you are pregnant and haven’t been able to book in with a LMC in the community, please book in with us as soon as possible so you can get to know your midwife. We can

Lap the Map best one to date

By Chris Valli

130 people took part and a total of 541 kilometres was covered on the Taylor River Reserve for the Lap the Map Diabetes event recently. The event coincided with world Diabetes month to raise advocacy for diabetes prevention.

enrol you into our free antenatal classes as well as provide you with all the information and care you and your whānau need during this special time,” says Debbie. For more information and to book in online, please go to Maternity Services - Te Whatu Ora - Nelson Marlborough.

Blenheim Lions spokesperson Helen Williams says the most popular distances were 2kms, 4kms or the round trip of just over 7kms. Purkiss Street and The Quays were the busiest entry/exit points and also produced the winning lucky tickets for two $50 fruit and vegetable vouchers.

Lions Clubs across the country hosted family friendly walks by walking a combined distance surpassing the perimeter

Marlborough Electric Power Trust

News – November 2024

Welcome to the Spring Update! Each quarter we will bring you news of what’s happening at the Marlborough Electric Power Trust (MEPT).

As a reminder, Marlborough Lines is owned by the beneficiaries - that’s everyone in Marlborough with a power connection. The job of the Trust is to hold all the shares on behalf of the beneficiaries and ensure that the value of the investment is protected, enhanced and applied for their benefit, as defined by the Trust Deed.

It is important to understand that the Trust does not have any influence on the operations or day-to-day running of Marlborough Lines or its subsidiaries or investments. That role rests with the Marlborough Lines Board of Directors

New website

We’re pleased to unveil the new Trust website. All relevant documents are available including details about Trustees, annual public meetings, news updates, elections and some interesting history and great photos. The new website is smartphone friendly and provides a cleaner, more intuitive browsing experience. Head to www.mept.co.nz

An earlier Annual Reporting Meeting

We are pleased to confirm that our 2024 Annual Reporting Meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday November 25 at Stadium 2000 in the Programmes Room. Copies of

the Marlborough Lines Annual Report and Marlborough Electric Power Trust Annual Report will be available on the night. You can also read them via the new website from 19th November.

New Directors for Marlborough Lines

The Trust was delighted to receive many strong applications for two positions up for rotation on the Marlborough Lines Board. It is heartening to see the enthusiasm there is for Marlborough and the critical infrastructure delivering our electricity needs.

The newly appointed Directors are Matt Kerr and Matt Todd. Matt Kerr will be known to many locals as a former Director of WK Advisors & Accountants. He has strong community ties as Chair of Marlborough Stadium Trust and serving on the Marlborough Hospice Trust. Matt is also currently chair of Marlborough Airport and Marlborough District Council Holdings and a grower director for the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative.

Chair of the MEPT, Domenic Romano said,

“Our Trust believes Matt is an outstanding candidate who will bring a proven set of skills to our lines company board and its investments.”

Matt Todd has an equally impressive set of credentials to serve Marlborough Lines.

“Matt stood down in May after 20 years as Chief Executive of the Eastland Group in Gisborne/ Tairawhiti which owned and

of the New Zealand coastline at 15,000 kilometres.

Helen says she would like to thank all the participants for taking part, engaging with the Lions volunteers and helping to bring awareness to Diabetes. She says Blenheim Lions Club look forward to the next Lap the Map for Diabetes event in November 2025.

“Hopefully the cumulative total from all the Lions Lap the Map events in the country will reach our goal of 15,000kms, the perimeter of New Zealand,” she says. All funds raised go towards diabetes awareness, prevention and research. It is predicted that within the next 20 years, the number of people with type 2 diabetes (controlled by diet) will increase by 70-90 percent.

operated the local lines company, a renewable energy portfolio, local port and airport and property holdings. He was instrumental in helping develop this diverse range of businesses and investments.”

Mr Todd also chairs GisVin, a winery service provider which processes a large share of Gisborne’s annual vintage.

“This background, along with that in

the lines business and a proven capacity to look for new opportunities confirmed for trustees that Matt Todd will be an excellent addition to the Marlborough Lines board,” said Domenic Romano. Mr Kerr and Mr Todd will next month replace retiring directors Jonathan Ross, who has served on the Marlborough Lines Board since 2014 and Steven Grant, who joined the Board in 2017.

Wairau Hospital midwife Aimee North with baby George Moore pictured in December 2020. Due to demand a new team of community midwives has been established at Wairau Hospital.

Helen Williams far left with Amanda Deans, Nelson Diabetes Youth Coordinator and participants.

White Ribbon Day November 25th

White Ribbon Day, 25 November, is the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women.

It was started by a men’s movement in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign was introduced to New Zealand by UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women).

In this country most violence by men against women takes place in the home –with an average of 14 women a year killed by their partners or ex-partners. Each year there are over 3,500 convictions recorded against men for assaults on women and one in five women will experience sexual assault or sexual interference at some point in their lives.

White Ribbon Day celebrates the many

men willing to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families and encourages men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that are abusive.

White Ribbon came to New Zealand in 2004 and the Families Commission became the lead agency in 2006. The White Ribbon Committee provided the advice on which the campaign acted. In 2014 the White Ribbon Trust took over the responsibility for the campaign.

Blenheim Event

Maataa Waka and Marlborough Violence Intervention Project are partnering with other community organisations and will be set up at the Quays (opposite the library) on Monday 25 November 11am – 1pm. There will be a sausage sizzle, and resources and information available. Come along, talk to the team and find out more.

Ribbon Day event attracted a good number of locals.

Picton Christmas Parade

Ho Ho Ho Santa Claus is coming to Picton Town on Sunday 1st December 2024 for the annual Picton Christmas Parade.

For those wishing to enter a float in the Parade, entry is free but you must register so parade organisers can plan a visually stunning event.

Registrations forms can be picked up from The Picton Book Shop, High Street, Picton or email bowers@xtra.co.nz or megan@pictonbookshop. co.nz, or phone 573 6885/027 488 6824 for more information.

While picking up your entry forms from The Picton Bookshop you can post your wish list to Santa in the Red-Letter box outside the front door. All letters will receive a reply from Santa himself. The businesses in Picton town centre are being asked to decorate their shop windows in a festive theme. The winner will receive a basket of goodies.

There will be lollies galore from the Marlborough Lines Santa Float which will be filled with local children and will be the last float in the parade.

Parade organisers extend a big thank you to Marlborough Lines for their continued support of the Parade.

The Prize Giving will be held on the Picton foreshore starting at approximately 2.45pm with the Highland Pipe Band performing while everyone waits for Santa to arrive to give out treats and photo opportunities for families.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the Best Com-

munity Float 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Best Business Float 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

Local schools have been invited and this year the Marlborough Academy of Dance will be performing. Local group ‘The Bells’ will sing Christmas Songs and encourage the crowd to sing along with a few favourite Christmas Carols - song sheets will be provided.

Picton Fresh Choice will once again have the FREE food raffle. The tickets will be given out at the parade. The prizes will be drawn on the Foreshore – so be there to collect your prize!

This year there will also be a sausage sizzle, coffee cart and Mr Whippy, plus FREE face painting for the children.

So come along for the afternoon with your camp chair, hat, blanket, and sunscreen as it will be a beautiful sunny day.

The Parade would not happen without the sponsorship of Marlborough Lines, our main sponsor, Marlborough District Council, Port Marlborough, O’Donnell Park Barging, Kenny Barging and other support in kind, Picton Lions Club, Signs Now Picton, The Picton Book Shop, Fresh Choice Picton and Simcox.

And the Parade would definitely not be possible without the voluntary committee and helpers who put this event together each year for the enjoyment of our community.

Don’t forget: Picton Christmas Parade, Sunday December 1st - see you there!

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

Deedee Wickens (Champions Coordinator) champions@mvip.co.nz

Deedee Wickens (Champions Coordinator) champions@mvip.co.nz

Nikki Brown (Administrator/Coordinator support) info@mvip.co.nz

Nikki Brown (Administrator/Coordinator support) info@mvip.co.nz

Last year’s White

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Thank you

HUGE THANKS to the wonderful person who found my earring lost at Garden Marlborough Fete and handed it in to the organizers. Yip amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

New Senior Housing Complex

Nice to see 12 new housing units for the elderly but why upstairs units? Everyone knows that as you age, one’s mobility decreases and stairs can become a difficult obstacle.

Or is there an elevator for the residents? I hope so.

Total Convert

Wow, What a Summer of Cricket we’re looking at. With the phenomenal historic Test Series result in India & the incredible start to the T20 Series in Sri Lanka, it’s definitely ‘Our Game’. No more slow code stop/start scrums & lineouts, it’s Cricket all the way now.

As the song goes...I don’t like Cricket, I love it’.

Offensive title

Paddy Gower’s news show title is normalising offensive language. Disgraceful that it’s allowed but that’s the way society seems to be going unfortunately.

Street gardens and traffic islands

Recently had friends in town for the Garden Marlborough who pointed out the state of our street gardens and traffic islands. Is MDC no longer maintaining these gardens they seem to be a shambles either full of weeds or dead.

Great article

Great article about rethinking your diet in last week’s Sun. It is a shame it is not inline with the current out of date guidelines and plant based propaganda.

Just a thought

Hearing it’s going to be a big vintage 25. Will there be a town wide rollout of sawdust at each roundabout for the inevitable grape spillage daily? Just a thought.

New Airport roundabout

Start work at 9.00am. All gone by 4.00pm. No weekend or night work and the left turn into the roundabout will be unlikely to accommodate a truck and trailer! Harvest trucks beware! Watch this space!

Breezy on Thursday

Safe to ride river track. Too windy for spraying. NOT! Spray operator in action, against council rules, spray mist billowing, in the nor’wester. Adjusted my ride to stay upwind of the carnage, warning other walkers and riders. Where, in vineyard adjacent to Meadowbank Road. If council won’t enforce their rules they should supply free gas masks to all track users, keeping residents SAFE.

Over zealous

Great day out at the A&P show this year as always, despite the wind, however was really disappointed with the over zealous religious stand in amongst the other stands. The men were very aggressive in their approach. Shame on them for bailing up teenage girls asking them if they were “good people” and questioning another persons dearly held faith by asking if they were born again or if it was just words and titles. Pretty judgemental attitudes as not a good advertisement for whatever church they belong to. Does that kind of stand really belong at the show? What a shame.

Re: No service, no sale

Can I say, I do not go to the supermarket to serve myself.

If they can’t find staff, would it be an idea to ask themselves why?

What do they pay their staff, what conditions are they required to work in? Just a thought.

Re: No service, no sale

Have you seen the price of mushrooms lately? I love self service. At least I can scan these as potatoes! No service, No worries.

Sleeping bag

To whom it may concern, I am broke enough without others stealing my sleeping bag. Thanks a lot, from the guy outside kiwibank.

Tackle laws

Just about over rugby and the one sided dangerous tackle laws. The ball carrier can lead with head and shoulder and tackler gets the blame. Does this play not have the same danger content.

Appreciated

Many thanks to person who handed my lime green fitbit in to pool lost and found.. greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Wheelie Bin ties

I learnt how to attach through photo in Wednesday Sun. Had my doubts if they would work. Thought I would end up with still complete recycled. Worked a treat. What I think should be enforced Bins with lids not down flush, not picked up. Before it was recycled everywhere rubbish will be worse. By the way txter, you grateful for MDC giving these tabs 4 nothing. Ha Ha you can’t be paying Rates.

Wonderful

How nice to find the Catalyst Eatery at Westwood now open on Friday nights. Wonderful service and food. Thank you we will come again.

RE: Tree-huggers, Onamalutu

In letters to the editor 13th November. On reading that extremely interesting article, it brought back many happy memories of when I was a child.

Over the Christmas break my parents would take me and my brothers to Onamalutu for a family picnic and game of cricket.

Us children also enjoyed walking the river shallows and exploring though the trees. So clearly the running water, bird song came back to me, also the quietness. The quietness from humans, as one lay between the trees, in a sunny patch looking up to the sky.. hearing just the soft sound of busy insects. It is time I went back to that joyful spot.. yes ‘we must look after the trees that are left’.

Talk of the week

Re planter pots

Options abound which would have prevented said pots having to go into the landfill. If they were good enough to recycle, Vinnies, the Hospice Shops, the ReUse Shop at the Blenheim Transfer Station, Blue Door or Salvation Army store would have taken them. Alternatively, put them outside your gate with a ‘free’ sign on them. They would be gone in no time.

Fran

I saw a lovely memoriam notice in the Sun for Fran.

A special lady fondly remembered in our community.

Shelly Beach

Great to see deputy mayor David Croad speaking up about the mobile sauna on Shelly beach. How about bringing paddle boats and bumper boats back sometime for the tourist and locals.

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.

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Rapaura School Learning Celebration

Marlborough Lines Lights Over Marlborough

Lights Over Marlborough is the major fundraiser for Whitney Street School organised by the school’s Parent Support Group and proudly sponsored by Marlborough Lines. the event first started with a small crowd on the Whitney Street School grounds more than 35 years ago and has grown to be a big annual event.

As part of their Financial Literacy Inquiry, students at Rapaura School shared their Learning Celebration with whanau and friends last Wednesday night. the Coleman Room shared their learning with a pop up market. Photos:

THUMBS UP: A keen climber about to tackle the wall climb in the good hands of Marlborough Youth Trust Youth Worker Maxine Sweeney.

MBC band ‘Speed Bump’ members Asher Gotty (vocals), Nico Kenyon (bass guitar), and Angus Walter (lead guitar) entertain the crowd.

MBC band ‘Speed Bump’ members Niko Russell and Nico Kenyon are all smiles after playing on the main stage.

Sally, Jimmy and Jason Neal.

Trish Weaver

Photos: Chris Valli

Marlborough Youth Trust and their climbing wall was a big drawcard for the region’s children/tamariki.

Proud Mums Lucy Walter and Racheal Kenyon getting their rock on watching MBC band Speed Bump.

Anneleise  Herkt and Amelia  Rojas Beque selling their adopt a pet stall.

Kiko Haereroa and her little sister sell her playdough and lucky dips. Mika Burkhart, Alivia Low and Isabella Thomson at their Pop Up Market stall.

Let’s chat with…

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Visiting for Garden Marlborough Festival Weekend

 Best finds at Garden Marlborough Fete?

Woolen Yoga mat from Kaipara Downs. Also very impressed with the pad thai from Aurai Thai! Great friendly service.

 Best bit of recreation over the weekend?

Great to get out for a run on the trails at the Wither Hills farm park.

 Best local find while in Marlborough?

You can’t beat the generosity (size!) of the real fruit ice creams at Seddon Supermarket.

 The best advice I ever received was?

You have two eyes and two ears, but only one mouth. Try to use them in that proportion.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Complete a restoration project – a boat, truck or tractor – not sure yet.

 A Southland gem you would recommend?

Check out Davaar & Co woolen jerseys. Spun and knitted from Southland wool.

 How did your tree planting product come about?

From a need — planting natives on farm proved to be difficult —none of the products on the market were good enough to keep planted trees alive.

 Best tree planting advice you can give?

Make it a long-term habit – commit to a few planting days each season rather than trying to do too many in one go. Repeat every year. Learn and adapt to what works best for your conditions.

gardening this week

Going bananas: By Wally Richards

I remember years ago when one of the house plant nurseries put out Lady Finger Type banana plants to have as house plants - not likely to flower and fruit indoors unless in a conservatory situation with amble sunlight onto the plant.

Bananas are easy to grow and are fairly hardy, so they will do alright in many parts of New Zealand with a little care and the right situation. I have heard suggested that after they flower and have set fruit you can help the development and ripening by putting the bunch into a plastic bag tied at top where the bunch is connected to the parent plant.

I have grown them in Palmerston North in containers and here in open ground in Marton.

Going into winter when I sprayed all my more tender plants with Vaporgard I forgot about my banana plant and on the first good frost it took out the foliage and a young pup plant growing from the base. I was recently happy to see that a new green leaf is starting to form from the top and around the base many pups are developing - all good signs that it is alive and well. Bananas have lovely big leaves that unfortunately get shredded in the wind, spoiling their appearance from exotic to tatty.

A few months ago a nursery from Northland contacted me asking about stocking Wallys products in their shop. I had not come across this nursery previously so looked up their web site.

https://landofthelotus.nz/

Located just 15 minutes from central Whangarei, Land of the Lotus has bananas for sale (plants and fruit), pineapples, other tropical fruit plants and lotus.

Having thought I had lost my banana plant here was an opportunity to replace.

The web site says: Our banana stems are growing everywhere from the Far North to Invercargill! It’s completely possible to grow bananas in New Zealand although you may have to do it in a greenhouse if you are further south.

We can advise you on the best varieties to plant.

At Land of the Lotus we have a boutique collection of different

varieties of bananas, and we specialise in rare and unusual plants.

Come for a visit and walk in amongst the plantation areasmany who have been overseas say it’s like walking through a plantation in Asia! Ask us about the different types available - we ship all over New Zealand.

I did I asked for a list which was emailed to me and the range of banana types was very impressive.

So I asked my Filipino partner to choose ones she knows best from the Philippines, of which 3 types were selected - Lakatan, Pisang Raja, and Saba.

They arrived last week along with planting instructions.

The instructions said if planting into a container it should be at least 10L in size.

Well, having a few 200L drums (which the Neem Oil I buy from India comes in) they would be great cut in half making 100L containers.

I have use the same in the past for fruit and citrus trees and being made of a thick tough plastic they will last for several years before starting to break down in sun light.

Check around, used they can be obtained free sometimes or for up to $50.00 each. See Trade Me.

After cutting in half with a electric jig saw, I then drilled some 50mm holes at the cardinal points about 50mm up from base leaving a reservoir for water at the bottom of the drum about 50mm deep.

Do not think of having bottom draining holes as they are no good for draining on a flat surface like concrete.

If on soil then the roots will find their way out of the bottom drainage holes and you end up with a big tree that can’t be moved without cutting the roots that have got into the ground.

That can be alright if you want to have as a permanent feature in that spot.

The instructions said fill container with rich compost or if planting in open ground, a hole not less than 250mm deep. Or sufficient so only the top of the stem shows. Fill around the plant with rich compost or untreated sawdust.

In my case I took my favorite compost and put that in the bottom

of the drum filling to about half full. Then off to my hen house which was due for a muck out of chicken manure.

A good layer of this was added on top of compost along with some BioPhos, Ocean Solids and Unlocking your soil. Bananas are gross feeders having a shallow root system which can reach up to 1.5m radius around as the clump forms. Later on a liquid manure tea would be a nice way to feed them over the years.

Keeping the plants weed free and well mulched is the secret to success.

They also suggest that creating a circle of banana plants around a compost heap which can provide the best fruiting conditions. One on the interesting aspects of gardening is the challenge of growing something that, because of your conditions and weather, is not easy to do.

When you are successful in beating the elements you have a great award in doing something many could not do.

Contact Land of Lotus and obtain a list of plants available, if you have a water feature or lake then a Lotus plant or two may be worth a go. Pineapples are very hardy and easy to grow - the challenge is to obtain the flower and fruit.

A Christmas present for a keen gardener could be a banana plant you have potted up into a bucket size container for them to grow outdoors or in a larger container. There is ample time to have it ready to give just before Christmas.

Sun The

Wednesday 20 November

Vines Village Monthly Market: November 20th from 4:30pm. All the Village stores and tasting rooms will be open, alongside 20 local food trucks and artisan vendors, a Paint & Sip session furry-friend focused, and live music from James Gropp and the Marlborough Pipe Band. This month our friends at Marlborough Four Paws is our community focus fundraising with special animal themed merchandise, photo opportunities, adoption and volunteering advice, raffles, and prizes!  Bring along your whole family, fur babies and all, to enjoy this lovely evening in the beautiful Village gardens. No cost to enter. 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.

Thursday 21 November

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: Please note: November Christmas Lunch has sold out.

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

what’s on in marlborough

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:

2nd Thursday of the month 6:30-8:30pm, R18+, $20. Categories include general knowledge, food & drink culture, music & arts, and more! Fidelio Café and Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station.

Friday 22 November

Blenheim Family History Group:

In PICTON, 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. Next meeting 29 November.

Play and Learn,

Blenheim Library, 9am-12pm. Care-giver led playbased 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 23 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, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.

Ulysses Club:

Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Café, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.

Sunday 24 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

NOT TO BE MISSED: The Marlborough Academy of Dance end of year production of ‘Rapunzel - a Tangle Tale’ is on at the ASB Theatre November 22 - 24.

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: Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. 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 day 1st December.

Monday 25 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.

Tuesday 26 November

Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough: Is offering instant support from our counsellors to new mums and mum-to-be. The sessions are completely free, with no booking or referral needed. The sessions will be held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, at Plunket room in town, 5th November to 3rd December.

STEADY AS YOU GO (SAYGO): Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm,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 8.30am 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. No meeting Dec 24 and Jan 25. 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

Coming Up:

Winter Indoor Craft Market: Saturday 30th November 10am-3pm Nativity Anglican Church Hall, 76 Alfred Street (Red brick Church across from Scenic Hotel). All welcome. A large variety of stalls. Please bring cash as not all stall holders will have Eftpos.

South African Dessert Night:

Saturday, November 30th, 4-9pm. All ages. Indulge in an evening of gourmet desserts at Fidelio Cafe & Wine Bar, starting at 4pm. Delight in a variety of traditional desserts paired with sparkling and dessert wines from South Africa, or choose from our selection of coffees, Rooibos drinks, and teas. Meet the Artists

Wednesday, November 27th at 6:30pm. Free for all age. Meet the artists and get to know the making behind this new and seasoned works from local artists Sam Proffit and Glynn Davies with pieces created from oils, acrylics, embroidery, and other mixed-mediums. Book at: https://www. fidelio.co.nz/up-coming

2024 Annual Reporting Meeting

(Pursuant to sections 100-102 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010)

The Trustees of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust advise the Trust’s Annual Reporting Meeting for beneficiaries will be held on Monday 25 November 2024, 7.00 pm at the Programmes Room, Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.

The meeting is to:

• Report on the operation of the Trust and Marlborough Lines Limited (the Company) during the preceding financial year and on the financial statements of the Trust and the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2024.

• Confirm appointment of auditor and set their remuneration.

• Enable general discussion and information to beneficiaries of the Trust.

Copies of the Trust’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2024 will be available from Tuesday 19 November 2024 to download under the Documents section of our website www. mept.co.nz or obtained from Blenheim Accounting Ltd, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim (office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday).

Brenda Munro Trust Secretary

Proficient in Xero, Word, and PowerPoint. This is a permanent, sole-charge office position, handling booking enquiries, producing a weekly bulletin etc, with emphasis on finance. 12 hours per week Tues to Fri. Office opening hours currently 9am to noon, but negotiable. Be the face, voice and network hub of the Wesley Centre. Complete job description available on request by email or collect from 3 Henry Street, Blenheim. Applications close Wed, December 4th. Ph 03 578 5796, email wesley.blenheim@xtra.co.nz

your lost loved one on their anniversary.

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.

St. Marks Society Annual General Meeting

Thursday 28th November 2024. 6pm, at St Marks AOD Treatment Centre, Koru Room, 61 Main Street, Blenheim.

RoPe dog lead with 2 collars. Burleigh Bridge area. telephone 0272522592.

Pennyl A ne Records always buying records. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Chch. 366 3278 Open 7 days

All Flying Nun records and tapes wanted. Will pay Pin Group Coat $1000, Six Impossible Things $700, Surburban Reptiles Sat Night $1600. Anything by 25 cents, Gordons, Builders, Clean, Mainly Spaniards, Playthings, Toy Love or any other Flying Nun and 80s alternative punk bands. Dave 021 222 6144 Pennylane Records, Sydenham, Chch, 7 days.

le AR n Te Reo Māori in Blenheim! Join ‘He Waka Kuaka’ workplace PLD programme. 10-week blocks, flexible hours, 1hr/week. $280+GSTpp. Visit www.tereomaori.org

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS – Want something different, unique or wacky – JUST BROWSING, 26 Battys Rd. Crystal, porcelain, gold/silver jewellery, 70’s 80’s records, N.Z. art, gardening tools, thousands of NZ Books (hunting, regional NZ & Maori etc), old toys, collectables and the unusual. Gift Vouchers available. Open 10am to 4.30pm Mon to Sat. Always Buying. (03) 5775402

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

• Central Blenheim location

• Ground floor with kitchen and toilet facilities

• Close to cafes and car parking

• Two offices, side by side

• Office 1 2900 x 2900

• Office 2 3600 x 2900

• Short or long term leases Contact 03 577-7868

Saturday 23 November, Dawkins Place. Washing machine, fridge freezer, furniture and more. From 9am.

ESTATE BUSTERS. Saturday 23rd, King single beds, chairs, kitchen ware, china, mens tools, garden items, fridge/freezer, smaller BBQ and more. Pelorus Place, off Nikau Drive. Sign out 8am.

Wither Road, Saturday 23 November 9am-12noon Make us an offer, all must go.

Wednesday 27 November 11am4pm, 3A Taylor Crescent, house christmas things. BBQ. No change given. Bring-ya-Mama.

Saturday 8am household and garage items, 37 High Street Renwick.

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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 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 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.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

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.

Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau Hospital 5209999.

Picton:

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

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.

ANDERSON, Gweneth May (née Weir)

Passed away on Monday November 11, 2024, at home with family at her side. Aged 75 years. Devoted long time partner of the late Frank Robertson. Much loved Mum of Murray and Rachel, and Brent. Cherished Nana of Akeira, Kayne and Luke, and StepNana and Step-Great-Nana of Ruby and Finn. Special thanks to Hospice Marlborough, Nurse Maude and Gwen’s friends. Messages may be sent to the Anderson Family, 29 Rousehill Street, Renwick 7204. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref. ANDERSON. A private family farewell has been held.

BARCLAY, Alan David 24/11/1946 to 8/11/2024. Alan passed into peace on Friday with his daughter by his side, after a short battle with cancer. Was a loving Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle. He is survived by his three children Cheyenne, James and Michele and their kids. Many memories and lots of love. Rest easy Dad. A private cremation and service has been held with Family.

Death notices

HAVILL, Ann Margaret (née Pender)

On Saturday, 9th November 2024 at Maxwell Lifecare, aged 83 years. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Tony, Paul and Cristina, Sheryl and Malcolm, Lynda and Andre, and Aaron. A much-loved nana of Sarah, Kyle and Chloe, Jacob, Samuel, Briana and Josh, Zachary, Lucas, Jonti, and Jessika. A loved great nana to Iyla and Hudson. The family wishes to thank the carers of Seaview rest home and of late Maxwell Lifecare. Messages to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, PO Box 9, Blenheim, 7240 or www.cloudybay funerals.co.nz A private cremation has taken place.

MAZENGARB, Grant William

Passed suddenly at his home in Blenheim on 12th of November 2024, aged 73. You are loved and will be deeply missed. Rest well Pa. A private cremation has been held. Messages can be sent by email to family at jess.mazengarb@gmail.com, or Cloudy Bay Funerals PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

BROADBENT, Kathleen Gwendoline (Gwen)

On 21 October, 2024, Gwen passed peacefully at home with family, aged 97 years. As per Gwen’s wishes, a private cremation has been held and a memorial service will take place at St Ninian’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday 23rd November at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice would be gratefully received.

HOPKINS, Russell Douglas

Passed away Tuesday November 12, 2024 at home. Loved husband of Jennie, loved father of Stef, and Tim, father-in-law of Rebecca and loved grandad Russell of Oscar. Special thanks to First Responders, Ambulance crew and Dr Wegener. Messages may be sent to the Hopkins Family, 60 Beaver Road, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Abbeyfield Foundation Charitable Trust would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-0703-0418892-000 Ref.

HOPKINS. A private family service for Russell has been held.

INDER, (Walter) Ross

FORMAN, Betty Lola (née Hix)

Passed away peacefully on Friday October 4, 2024 at Springlands Lifestyle Village. Aged 97 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Gerald, treasured mother and mother-in-law of Sue and the late Bill (Blenheim), Margaret and Mark, Robert and Therese (all of Australia). Adored Nana Betty of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Karla, Julian (Ashburton) and the late Tamra, Alicia, Justine, Bridget, Tara and Joscelyn (all of Australia), Ella and Hamish (Ashburton), Chloe, Benji and Sullivan (all of Australia). Betty was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and a special friend to many. Her wise counsel and love will be missed immensely. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Springlands Lifestyle Village for their care, and friendship, and to Dr Victoria Samuels for her support and compassion. Messages may be sent to the Forman Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Child Cancer Foundation would be appreciated and may be made online to a/c 12-3191-0041879-01 Ref. FORMAN. A memorial service for Betty will be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 2pm on Monday November 25.

NEAL; David George (Dave)

Passed away suddenly, November 9th November. Aged 83 years. Dearly loved husband of Janice. Much loved father of Bary and Wendy; and Geoffrey. Loved grandfather to his grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Upholding Dave’s wishes a small private funeral will be held to celebrate his life.

PICKETT, Gail Judith

Passed away peacefully Monday, November 4, 2024, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, aged 68 years. Dearly loved sister, aunt and friend. Special thanks to the staff at Ashwood Park for their care of Gail. Messages may be sent to Pickett family, 634 North Eyre Rd, RD5, Rangiora 7475 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A memorial service to celebrate Gail’s life will be held at The Nativity Church, Alfred Street, Blenheim on Friday 22 November at 11.30am.

Passed away peacefully in the care of Marlborough Hospice, November 17, 2024 surrounded by family, aged 87. Loved husband of Wendy, father of Jacqueline, Andrew and Deborah and Pop of Max, Austin, Finn, Scarlett and Daisy. Loved brother of Geoff (Brisbane), Sam (Naseby) and the late Laurie. Rotarian, lawyer, golfer, amateur aviator, fisherman and story teller: Ross was community minded contributing to a number of community organisations in the Marlborough area. A private cremation has been held and will be followed by a family service in line with his wishes. Any donations to Marlborough Hospice (www.Marlboroughhospice.org.nz ) would be appreciated and messages to 4a Clouston Gardens, Blenheim or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

PLUMMER, Thelma Susan (Peggy) Sumner 12 July 1925 - Blenheim 13 November 2024 - in her 100th year. Passed peacefully at Wairau Hospital. Dearest Mum and friend of Trudy Pearson. Treasured Grandy of Nick, and Tom Pearson, and her ‘greats’ Eli, and Maddie. Loved Peg of Pauline Delore, and Sue Ball. Our heartfelt love and thanks to Mum’s incredible friends and support crew who made sure she could live independently at home until the last day. A long, happy and healthy life. Well lived and well loved. Messages gratefully received via email at tapearsonnz@gmail.com or the Pearson Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. No service.

MACKAY, John Anthony

On Friday 15 November 2024, unexpectedly at his home, aged 80 years. Dearly loved husband of Carol Ann and a loved and respected father and father-in-law of Michael and Gaylyn, and Shane and Alicia. A loved stepfather of Darrin, Tracey, and Kris. Adored Poppa John of Danielle, Josh, Ticha, Kyle, Kiara and Keisha. Loved Grandad of Marshall, Amber, Nathan and Savanah. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Special thanks to the Blenheim Police for their care and compassion. In accordance with John’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

WILKINSON, Mavis June (née Sutherland) 26.6.1931 - 14.11.2024. Passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough. Loved wife of the late Irvine. Mother and mother-in-law of Noel and Lyndy, Alan and Rata (and the late Annette), the late Trevor, Ian and Deb. Nana of James, Alice, Rob, Tom and Grace; Kerry, Janna and Scott; Danielle, Gareth and Kerrilee; Andrew, Stu and Anna. Loved great-grandmother. A graveside service for Mavis will be held at Homeview Cemetery, 183 Parnassus Road, Cheviot at 1pm on Friday November 22.

An amazing gesture

By Chris Valli

The power of the local community paper has left a positive impression for the students of Linkwater School.

Riverlands School student Taylor Costello, at nine years young, won the 2024 Silver Fern Farms Kartsport South Island Sprint Champs held in Dunedin last month. The event, held over Labour Weekend also included fellow Marlborough racer cadet, Jett Randall and Will Finch racing in the Vortex Mini.

After reading about Taylor’s success and his picture on the front page of the Blenheim Sun in the November 6 edition, Dad Pete says Taylor brought home an envelope from school that he had received in his class.

Linkwater School, in Queen Charlotte Drive, is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a school roll of around 35 students.

“The students saw his article in the paper and put together congratulations letters and cards for his racing down south and sent them over to Riverlands School,” says Peter. “This will be something he will hold very special and is an amazing gesture” “It was pretty amazing what they did, he was blown away. He’s had a lot of attention from the article, had some people stop him in the street on the weekend congratulating him.”

2024 has seen Taylor racing go karts at a national level with some ‘pretty awesome’

results. The Sunbelts Champs held in Blenheim and Nelson in June, he finished P1 (position one) and also won the Fair Play award chosen from all competitors from the weekend for driving at a high standard and showing respect to fellow competitors and officials.

Caleb Cross, a multiple New Zealand Championship winning driver and Taylor’s driver coach based in Christchurch, says Taylor is following a familiar pattern to current international motorsport stars such as Callum Hedge, Liam Lawson and Louis Sharp by winning his respective island championship by a huge margin.

Taylor’s win was the largest winning margin of a South Island championship by a cadet in over a decade.

After reading about Taylor Costello in the Blenheim Sun, Linkwater School students put together congratulations letters and cards for his racing down south and sent them over to his school, says Dad Pete.

Golf Results

Wairau Valley Golf Club

Saturday 9th November:Summer Stableford: Sharon Giles 39, Yvonne Wallace 38, Jimmy Moselen 36, Mike McKenzie 33, Mike Collins 33, Tim Latter 33, Bill Lacey 32, Lee Johnson 31. Saturday 16th November:Summer Stableford:Lee Johnson 38, Jimmy Moselen 36, Sam Rutherford 35, Bevan Roughan 35, Jan Rutherford 35, Yvonne Wallace 34, Pete Jerram 34.

Blenheim Golf Club

Nov 11th 9 holes Bernice Arnold 22 Dawn Walker 22 Jenny Evans 20 Colleen McLeod 19 Elaine Brown 18 Maree McLauchlan 17 Men Mike McConnell 22 Dave Dyer 22 David Horrell 20 Ian Hatcher 19 Levi Mano 19 Dave Menzies 19 Bob Tapp 18 Graeme Barsanti 17 Dan Crawford 17 Nov 13 Nett Medal 9 holes Jenny Adams 31 Jenny Evans 33 Margaret Hamilton 33 Men 9 Holes Stableford David Horrell 20 Mike McConnell 19 Bob Tapp 19 18 holes Nett Medal Ray Herd 67 (shot under his age) Blue Arthur 68 Don Lamond 68 Graeme Barsanti 68 Don March 68 Nov 16 Par Ezra Kahaki 2 Don March 2 Nigel Smith 2 NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Don March.

Automatic irrigation system to replace water man at Marlborough Equestrian Park

By Maia Hart Local Democracy Reporting

Marlborough’s equestrian park is a step closer to ditching its labour-intensive manual watering for a new automatic irrigation system.

A request was made to Marlborough District Council's Long Term Plan earlier this year for $325,000 for a new automated irrigation system at the Spring Creek equestrian park.

That request was not approved at the time, but was instead referred back to the assets and services committee for further investigation.

At an assets and services committee meeting on Tuesday, the committee was asked to approve a grant of $250,000 for a new irrigation system, slightly less than previously thought after further quotes were sought.

The grant was to come from the council’s land subdivision account.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Marlborough District Council parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito told the council the project met the criteria for funding

from that account, which came from development contributions.

The account currently had $6.16m, so approving the new system would decrease that to $5.91m.

Tito said the park had turned into an asset for Marlborough and attracted local and national events.

It would host the South Island Show Jumping Championship, New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championship and the World Dressage Challenge Series in 2025.

The Marlborough Equestrian Park, an incorporated society, opened a decade ago.

Internal fundraising and a council grant funded a yard big enough to house 54 horses, an ablution block, a shed and two judges’ boxes.

Its development was first proposed in council’s 2010 Outdoor Sport Facilities Plan, according to a report prepared by Tito for the meeting. The park’s independent chairperson Tim Crawford said during long-term plan consultation that irrigation was the last thing that needed sorting.

The park had employed a groundskeeper who watered the arenas, usually twice a day,

and keeping the grass green also required volunteers pitching in too, Crawford said.

“It involves somebody running around with a travelling irrigator,” Crawford said.

“This last year has really highlighted the issue. We were so dry, we’re just not able to cover the amount of area that we need ... and it involves a lot of labour, which is something we don’t have a lot of.”

The submission to the longterm plan said automated irrigation was needed to ensure the park was safe, successful, and popular. The aim was to create “New Zealand’s most popular equestrian park”.

At the meeting on Tuesday, deputy mayor David Croad said he was “slightly torn” when he first saw the $250,000 request.

“If I think back to this inquiry in the long-term plan and in the context of this paper today, the decision at that point in time was to decline because we wanted to look at this particular inquiry in relation to the other long-term plan inquiries," Croad said.

He listed a number of those projects and requests; a new A&P Park pavilion, ongoing work with Cricket Marlborough and upgrading Horton Park,

upgrades to the Blenheim skate park, and a request for a roof over Lansdowne Park netball courts.

“The list went on and on and on,” Croad said.

“When these things were referred back to assets and services, it was my view that they would be referred back in the context of looking at everything holistically.

“I am very keen to see that happen ... however I think we need to treat this paper in its own merits and look at the equestrian park and the incredible time and effort that's gone into developing the park.”

He thought if this was the last

piece of the puzzle, it should be approved.

Blenheim ward councillor Deborah Dalliessi said she supported Croad’s view and added that it raised questions about the process of the long-term plan and “cherry-picking” projects to fund. The committee approved the request for $250,000 from the land subdivision account, although Blenheim ward councillor Matt Flight voted against it and did not say why.

If full council signed it off next month, the council would work with the club to have a $250,000 automated irrigation system installed.

Marlborough Equestrian Park is currently manually irrigated.

Photo: Robb Duff

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