4 December 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Unconditional aroha

By Chris Valli

If you can remember the 60s, it’s been said, you weren’t really there. However, Linley Te Keeti (nee Macdonald) remembers everything. More to the point, she remembers a charming Maori chap with a friendly disposition and demeanour.

Continued on page 2.

WHANAUNGATANGA: Roy and Linley Te Keeti celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently. “I’m still in love….I’ve always been in love with Roy. I can’t even fathom that I’ve been with him for 60 years,” says Linley. Photo: Chris Valli

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‘She is my partner’

Continued from page 1.

Elegantly combining sharp fashion sense with a love for obscure R’n’B, Dinah Lee had 15 Top 10 hits, including her major No 1 chart success Blue Beat. The catchy chorus drew Linley and her future companion Roy Te Keeti to the dance floor in 1962.

Roy and Linley meet at a social dance held in Rattray Street in central Dunedin where Roy was working for the freezing works in Burnside. A confident Roy initially asked Linley’s twin sister Lynette for a dance. However, Lynette pleasantly declined so he had to ask the “other sister” for the dance. “I’ve always said I was the second-hand rose,” Linley laughs. “They both dressed the same,” Roy recalls.

The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently. Well known in the Picton community, the couple now reside in Witherlea after a recent health battle has given Roy a new-found perspective for life.

Te Keeti (translates to gate or gateway) marae is located on the eastern edge of Otorohanga, in the Waikato region with connections to the Ngati Maniapoto iwi.

Roy is one of 21 children and was educated at Tauranga Boys’ High School while Linley did her education through Taieri High School (now college) in Mosgiel and is one of eight children. A qualified ‘chippie’, Roy has led a life of various occupations including working as a Christian minister and in the viticulture industry where he prunes in the local vineyard in Morgan’s Road.

The couple moved to Picton in 1969. One of Roy’s greatest endeavours (although he is whakama/shy to admit) is the mahi he was involved with in building the Waikawa Marae. In 1982 the first building was opened, it was the Whare Kai or dining hall. It was named ‘Whakakotahi’ meaning united as one. After the Whare Kai was completed work started on the Whare Tūpuna or the meeting house. This fully carved meeting house ‘Arapaoa’ was completed in the mid-1980s.

“We found the place and went through all the rituals and tikanga. They never had a marae there, so we got stuck in and started with poupou (carved post which supports the rafters under the whare nui/marae veranda) that represented the local Iwi, Te Ātiawa.”

The couple have five children with one child, Shelley, Roy’s, to a previous partner before he met Linley. Roy had never known the whereabouts of Shelley for a number of years.

“Our third child Tessa J moved to Tauranga and her own kids went to a school there. Shelley had recognised the surname Te Keeti and went to Tessa J to have a korero and that was how she was found, that was after 40 years. That’s my Dad too,” she says. They have lived in Faulkland Drive for the past two years on the advice from health professionals to live closer to Wairau Hospital. Roy had suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In effect, an enlargement of the aorta, the main blood vessel which delivers blood to the body at the level of the abdomen – potential-

ly life threatening if it bursts. Roy had been crook for a while.

“They had been taking measurements of how big it had become. I can show you if you like,” says Linley. And she does, with an image of Roy’s aneurysm on her smart phone, not looking particularly smart. “You can get them in your head but he had his in his stomach.”

“It was above the kidneys,” Roy says and shows a diagram of the area. “That is the stent that I have in there now – see how big it is? I was up in the air about it because you can have no blood to your legs. I had to go to Nelson to see if they could operate. People at my age, 83, the doctors normally won’t touch ya. I was fortunate to get that operation.”

It’s evident age is just a number after talking to them. Age in many

ways, an attitude and testament to old school values of hard work and getting on with it while enjoying bourbon every now and then. “I do like a bourbon…it helps me sleep.” Linley says when she wakes up in the morning, it doesn’t feel like it’s been 60 years with Roy. “You wouldn’t even notice, it just feels like a couple of years down the track,” she reflects. I’m still in love….I’ve always been in love with Roy. I can’t even fathom that I’ve been with him for 60 years. Has it really been that long? It hasn’t always been wine and roses, ya know?”

When asked what Roy’s greatest strength is, Roy playfully chips in with “when I cooked her tea. She’s my partner and is a wonderful matriarch,” he replies in a soft voice. “I would never leave him,” says Linley.

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Warmly invites you, your family and friends to attend our Christmas Remembrance and Candle Lighting Service. 7PM TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2024

Mayfield Chapel

WHANAU: Roy and Linley with daughter Tania in 1965, two years before moving to Picton. Photo: supplied.

Seymour engaging with local ECE

By Chris Valli

David Seymour got back to his early childhood roots with a visit to Omaka Early Learning Centre in Burleigh last Thursday.

The unique opportunity to host the Associate Minister for Education came about through a former OELC parent who had moved to Wellington to work in Parliament.

Seymour, also the Regulation Minister, (established in March) confirmed the first regulatory sector review into early childhood education in June. He says concerns about affordability and availability of ECE and the complexity of its regulation had led to “urgent calls from the sector” for the review.

“Parents want to know their child is safe and well cared for, but costs and waiting lists because of burdensome rules and regulations put ECE out of reach for many,” he says.

Some Marlborough ECE teachers are worried the deregulation of the sector by the government will put children in “extremely unsafe settings” and potential changes were a risk to the health of the children and the teachers. The changes included reversing a new requirement for supervisory staff at centres to have a full (category one or two) practising certificate.

Co-owner of Omaka ELC Matt

Stevens says the centre is arguably the premium ECE centre in Marlborough. A fifth of their roll identifies as Maori and over half identify as other than NZ European making their community multi-cultural.

Government regulations state an adult child ratio of 1:5 for under twos and 1:10 for two years plus.

Omaka Early Learning Centre’s ratio is 1:4 for under twos and 1:8 for two years plus. “If you have five infants, is that fine for one person? We don’t think that’s ok so we do one to three for under one year olds and one to four for under two year olds,” says co-owner Megan.

Matt says they support the national ECE curriculum, Te Whāriki and the bi-cultural approach it takes, evidence of which is throughout the centre. “It is a solid stepping stone to multiculturalism which is important given the multi-cultural community we serve.” The curriculum allows for differing education philosophies, Matt says. “If potential regulations say you must do it one way such as play-based (Regio and RIE) verses structured (Montessori) some will be upset, there is a space for both.”

Matt says experienced qualified ECE Teachers are not easily affordable within ministry funding. “In Primary and Secondary schools, experience is valued and retained. ECE centres have

GROWING LIFE -

LONG

LEARNERS:

Associate Minister for Education David Seymour talks to Oscar Bird at Omaka Early Learning Centre last week.

Photo: Chris Valli

to employ new graduates and unqualified teachers to meet expectations around adult to child ratios,” he says.

Obtaining early intervention support for tamariki with additional needs is a struggle, says Matt. Some challenges are more easily addressed within the ECE framework, yet funding is more readily available at Primary level. Family Boost has permanently increased the administrative burden on both centres and parents. Minister Seymour says he has heard reports from centres around

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the country where teachers and carers are spending their time dealing with regulators and writing reports.

He says teachers now have to document plans on absurd things like the risk of apples falling from a tree in the playground, the first aid certificate being hung on the right-hand side of the doorframe instead of above it, or a train driver honking the train horn at the children as the train drives past every morning to the delight of the children but the chagrin of noise pollution police.

Sun The

Grey Power welcomes hospital investments

Grey Power has welcomed the additional $42million investment announced by Health Minister Shane Reti last week to fill critical workforce gaps in the struggling hospital system. Waiting times for surgery have ballooned out and current staff is under enormous pressure. However, Grey Power says what Dr Reti did not tackle was how to retain and support those doctors within the system so that they no longer feel compelled to seek a more attractive career overseas.

Blenheim homicide

Police can now release the name of the woman who was located deceased at a property on Muller Road, Blenheim last Monday. She was 78-year-old Jennifer Phyllis Sheehan, of Blenheim. The 55-year-old man charged with her murder has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance in the High Court at Wellington on 13 December.

Future Path Project

Public meetings have been held around Marlborough to discuss the future of visitor industry support services as part of the Destination Marlborough Future Path Project. 59 submissions were received by online survey which closed on November 15. The findings will be presented to Council in December. The Future Path Project was set up to rescope and redesign the future role, purpose, functions, structure and resourcing of Destination Marlborough so it can contribute to Marlborough’s future success.

Alongside our fully automated control system options which also remove soluble soluble heavy metals like hardness, iron and manganese, you can sit back and relax knowing your entire household will be supplied with crisp, clean water from every tap.

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Kenepuru Road restrictions to be lifted

Access restrictions will be lifted for Kenepuru Road from Tuesday 17 December. Marlborough Roads

Manager Steve Murrin says the new status means the complete removal of the resident-only restriction along the length of Kenepuru Road and its side roads.

“Vehicle restrictions will remain at 12.6m length and six tonnes in weight although a permit for a vehicle outside this length and weight can be applied for in advance. Permits may require pilotage, depending on the overall length of the vehicle and the time of travel.”

To apply for a permit, email recovery@ marlboroughroads.com or call 0800 213 213. Please note that a minimum of two working days are needed to process a permit request.

The transport subsidies that have been provided for barging, water taxi and air services will no longer apply from 17 December.

Breakfast with Santa

Beavertown Blenheim Lions are hosting a breakfast with Santa on Saturday 14th December at the Redwoodtown Community Centre, Weld Street, Redwoodtown, at 8.30am.

For children up to 10 years old, make a hat, have breakfast and receive a gift from Santa.

Tickets are $12, but limited. Contact Christine on 027 365 0425 as soon as you can before December 10th.

Thiels donate gift of music

By Chris Valli

Tony and Coral Thiel have donated not only a Roland keyboard piano to Marlborough Library Te Kahu o Waipuna, but also the gift of music.

The donation of the keyboard to the library will be utilised for local musicians whether that is with a school choir, community groups or special celebrations.

“In live music, to get the attention for the people to listen to your sound, it’s a different, unique skill,” he says at the informal handover of the piano last Thursday. “The satisfaction you get when playing music is what it’s all about. We like it in

Judy Bailey Reviews Popular Joint Cream

After stepping away from our TV screens, iconic broadcaster Judy Bailey still has a full schedule with family, work and community projects.

Judy Bailey explained, “Look, I’m in my 70s now. When I get up in the morning, I want to know that my joints are comfortable, flexible and ready for the day.”

“That’s why I tried Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition. It’s New Zealand made, natural, fast-acting, long-lasting and has become NZ’s leading topical joint and muscle cream.”

Koru FX is a blend of natural essential oils and ingredients with soothing properties, like manuka oil, eucalyptus, and extracts of arnica.

Koru Nutrition describe Koru FX as an “effective natural alternative that is suitable for daily use on joints and muscles.”

Judy Bailey elaborated, “I really want to make sure my joints and muscles get the best support possible as I age. I want

to be able to play with my grandkids and stay active for several more summers yet!”

“I’d been watching dozens of people recommend Koru FX cream for joints but I’m a sceptic.”

“I’d been a journalist for over 40 years and I often think, ‘Hmm, you hear about these sorts of creams to support joints, but I always want to review them myself to see what they’re really like.’”

“I’d been given a tube of this Koru FX to review so thought I’d give it a go…”

“I rubbed it in when travelling and noticed it almost instantaneously!”

“What was even more impressive was that the effect seemed to be really long-lasting. I didn’t have to apply it again that day.”

“I really like how it’s packed full of high quality, natural ingredients that support joints and muscles quickly.”

Blenheim as the town is amazingly receptive to live audiences.”

Tony says donating the piano and hearing music at the library will provide “an extra nodule” to the library culture and environment.

The couple met in 1959 when Tony, who had moved to New Zealand from Holland three years earlier, was asked to perform at a new night club in Coral’s home town of Christchurch.

The married couple have been influential on the Marlborough jazz scene, having lived in the region for 24 years, and have for nearly 50 years have been making music across the globe.

They have also donated previous

keyboards to both colleges in the past. Tony says they have found there is a need for “transitional knowledge” from the older students to the younger ones, where he says they are receptive in gaining the knowledge. “We’ve learnt a lot from them and they have learnt a lot from us,” he says.

One such student in recent years who has benefited from their musical repertoire is former Marlborough Boys’ College student and talented trumpeter Jonty Zydenbos who has appeared in the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival.

The 22 year-old has a music degree from the New Zealand School of Music and is based in

“Don’t take my word for it though. I recommend you try it for yourself to see if it’s right for you.”

Over 60,913 New Zealanders have already experienced Koru FX for themselves.

Wellington. He’s currently in the process of recording a second album with Boomtown (hip hop band) and Big Sima (aka Lucas Fahey, Christchurch rapper).

“The opportunities and knowledge they have shared with me is irreplaceable. I wouldn’t be anywhere near the musician I am today without their help, support and mentorship.”

When asked how music makes him feel Tony unequivocally believes the art of a musician is to not only enjoy what they play but to gain a reaction from a listening audience. “To capture their attention and allow them to get lost in melody and harmonies,” he says.

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Looking for joint support? Judy Bailey has found Koru FX works well to support her joints.

THE GIFT OF MUSIC: Duncan Mackenzie, Community Learning and Engagement Co-ordinator, Coral and Tony Thiel and Glenn Webster, Marlborough District Council libraries manager. Photo: Chris Valli

Ending the year on a festive high

By Chris Valli

With songs titled Sparklejollytwinklejingly and Nobody Cares about Santa, Te Tauihu Performing Arts Studio (formerly Dance on Grove) end of year production is sure to get locals in the festive feels.

Elf is a musical based on the movie. The musical ran on Broadway in the Christmas seasons of 2010, 2012, and 2024, in the West End in 2015, 2022, and 2023, and has also toured extensively, often during the Christmas holiday season.

Director Elly Molloy says the appeal of the show was definitely around the Christmas vibe and says choosing an end of year show is fundamentally about what is going to appeal to the wider Marlborough audience.

“The whole festivities around Christmas and what it does to people,” she says. “The musical items are just so gorgeous. All the heart and fun which Christmas brings and those special moments.”

Elly says the planning for the show stems from the music - and finding that fit for her broad range and talent of 200 dancers who will be taking to the ASB stage this weekend. The dancing agerange stems from the two and a half years young ‘Thumbelina Ballerinas’ or as Elly called them, ‘Santa’s Sweeties’ - up to the Year 13 college students.

Buddy, is played by Daniel Brunel, a human raised by Santa’s elves, who learns about his origins and heads to New York City to meet his biological father.

Daniel has a natural disposition as a stage character and has shown tremendous growth and natural talent through various shows in recent years such as Blenheim Musical Theatre’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert where he played drag queen Adam/Felicia, and the combined colleges’ School of Rock as Dewey Finn.

The 24-year-old says he is a “big believer in personal growth” and has been privileged to be cast in the roles he has played the last couple of years.

“I am even more privileged to get to work with Elly Molloy,” he says, “an amazing director and friend, some awesome choreographers including Janika Mcnab and an array of multitalented youth through Te Tauihu. I cannot express enough how lucky I am to take part in this fun and bright show to round out the year on a festive high.”

Elly says the coolest thing about Daniel’s involvement is many of the dancers know Daniel as “Dan the Kiwi Can leader” from the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

“They know him from school and he is just amazing with kids. He brings so much out of them, the way he interacts and seeing him performing where he is normally

in a school environment,” she says. Other talent to take the Elf stage will be Eden Somerville as Jovie, Emma Thomas as Emily, and Alice Kingi in the role of Michael - ironically playing the part of the son - and joined by her Dad Spencer Kingi as Walter.

Sun The

Coastguard Old4New

Coastguard’s water safety initiative, Old4New is travelling across the country, visiting 74 boating spots between 30 November 2024 and 2 February 2025. They will be visiting the Picton Yacht Club Hotel Carpark, on Friday, 6 December, from 10am to 3pm.

At each location, people can exchange their old, worn-out lifejackets for discounted brand-new Hutchwilco lifejackets. The Old4New team will also provide lifejacket advice, including fitting and servicing, along with local boating safety tips and information about education courses - making it a one-stop shop for preparing for a fun summer on the water. Over the past decade, more than 22,000 old lifejackets have been traded in through Old4New, meaning 22,000 Kiwis are now safer on the water.

Zero pay offer for teacher aides and support staff

“All the love that Christmas is supposed to bring, that’s what the show does and brings, and that’s the magic - the Christmas spirit and getting that out of people.”

There are three shows with two on Saturday, December 7, 12pm and 6pm, and a further show on Sunday, December 8 at 2pm.

Last week the Government made a zero percent pay offer to the majority of teacher aides and other school support staff. Support staff negotiations team leader Ally Kingi says they asked to make a fair pay offer that reflected how important their role is in supporting the learning of tamariki, and which alleviated the cost-of-living crisis.

“A zero percent pay increase and no offer on other claims for better sick leave and job security clearly says the Government is not willing to step up and commit to improving their working lives and those of the tamariki they support.” The offer to support staff had gone to a vote which closed yesterday.

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THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS: Te Tauihu Performing Arts Studio dancers Betty Levett, 6, and five-year-old Molly Piper at a recent rehearsal.

Spring Creek School celebrated 150 years at the weekend with a tree planting and cake cutting.

a point of difference in the Marlborough education landscape?

2-4 teacher

It’s an amazing educational country environment in which to educate the tamariki of today and set them up for a brilliant future.

Sarah Macdonald Year 3 – 6 teacher

Since stepping into the school as a reliever in 2021, I have been welcomed into the SCS whanau. It’s such an inclusive environment where relationships are paramount.

Bryant New entrant – Year 2

Spring Creek School is a welcoming and inclusive kura which is built on positive relationships and celebrates everyone as a taonga tuku iho (caring for and nurturing treasures).

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

Dear Ed,

Every Saturday morning, a small group of us gather on the green by Blenheim railway station. We wave Palestinian flags to elicit support from and offer support to everyone opposed to the grotesque events taking place in Gaza. Unwittingly or not, we are all complicit in a live-streamed genocide.

In his Letter to the Editor (November 27), Peter Auret states that “there is no

Peter Auret’s letter (The Sun - Nov 27, 2024) states ‘no genocide of Palestinians is taking place’. Really? Has he forgotten ICJ’s ruling about the plausibility of Israel’s actions amounting to genocide? Not heard about ICC arrest warrants for PM Netanyahu and his (now ex-) Minister of Defence on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity?

Mr Auret also takes offence to association

Spring Creek Kura has a reputation for their inclusivity and unique approach to education. It is a “gem” in Marlborough’s educational landscape.

It’s like we are one big family plus we have Fergie and Georgie our kunekune and goat. And I love walking through our native garden.

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.

genocide of Palestinians taking place”.

This is Orwellian mind games. Anyone with eyes to see and tears to shed from them recoils in horror at such statements.

As with Holocaust denial, Peter Aurets Genocide denial is no less repugnant. The vast majority of nations that comprise the UN refer to events in Gaza as a genocide. Even the creepingly slow International Court of Justice deems it a “plausible

of the swastika with victims and survivors of the Holocaust. I agree, but beg to differ when those very same victims and survivors now treat Palestinians with the same deadly contempt.

In any war, schools, places of worship, hospitals, public utilities. etc., not to mention civilians, are protected from attack, no matter the circumstances, yet Israel has bombed

We are a small, inclusive kura with a strengths-based approach, serving as the heart of our community in a unique rural environment that fosters connection to te taiao and ensures all our ākonga are empowered for success.

Dear Ed,

Thanks for running the piece on the Grovetown school pool, the response has been amazing.

The official pool opening is on tomorrow at 2pm. It’s also the opening of the newly resurfaced tennis courts, done in conjunction with the tennis club.

Thanks

Anneka Waters

Grovetown School Parent Support Group

genocide”. If Benjamin Netanyahu were to set foot on New Zealand soil, our police are obliged by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, of which we are signatories, to arrest him for war crimes and crimes against humanity. I hope, in future, our police reflect on this before harassing and intimidating peaceful demonstrators.

Gavin Richards

everyone and everything in Gaza regardless and relentlessly.

I’m sorry to say, Mr Auret’s letter was a litany of lies and half truths which conveniently side stepped the enormous elephant in the room: actual Israeli genocide of Palestine.

Peter Mathyssen, Rarangi

More letters on page 25

Cheryl Alderlieste

Chelsea Bryant Training teacher

Melissa

Jackie Mealings Year

Keaana Millan-Ratima Year 6 student

Skips at Blenheim Recycling Centre to go

The red skip bins at the Blenheim Recycling Centre are being removed due to people abusing them.

From 15 December, anyone who uses the bins to dispose of their black Council rubbish bags can take them to the Blenheim Transfer Station.

Entry is through George Conroy Drive, off Taylor Pass Road.

The black Council bags will still be accepted free of charge there.

The removal of the free skips was to stop abuse, Council’s Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said.

“There is no way we can police the red skips and half of what has been going in is non-Council bags,” he said.

“Council bags will still be accepted at the weighbridge free of charge, but doing it this way means we can keep an eye on what people are dumping and hopefully, stop the system being abused by the small minority.”

Mr Lucas pointed out that all ratepayers wore the cost of the abuse.

Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure Award nominations open

Council is inviting nominations for the next Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure.

The award is open to individuals who have made an extraordinary, inspiring and significant contribution to cultural endeavour in Marlborough throughout their lifetime. Ideally, they have also shared their knowledge and passion with the community, helping to inspire future generations.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said she was looking forward to seeing the nominations. “I know there are Marlburians out there who are truly deserving,” she said.

In 2012, the inaugural recipient of the Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure Award was Peg Moorhouse, Waikawabased weaver and fibre artist. Most recently, in 2023, artist Clarry Neame joined the distinguished group.

Throughout the years Marlborough has honoured the contributions of some remarkable living cultural treasures including kapa haka teacher Nan Kahu Chadwick, composer and choreographer Kevin Moseley, weaver Kairaranga Kaiako Margaret Bond, ceramic artist Fran Maguire, artists Clem Mellish, Triska Blumenfield and J S Parker, author Dame Joy Cowley and director and producer Duncan Whiting.

Keep off the seagrass this summer

This summer Council is diving in to highlight the importance of rimurehia/seagrass.

Coastal Scientist Jorgia McMillan is leading the summer education campaign with a new brochure and social media posts. Awareness signs are 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 said.

Seagrass (Zostera muelleri) beds are a crucial part and positive indicator of a healthy estuary and intertidal area. It carries out several important ecosystem functions including providing habitat for fish, shellfish and other marine species.

The beds trap sediment and stabilise the

“Together, these individuals represent a legacy of exemplary service across the arts, culture and creative sectors,” Mayor Taylor said.

The award was established in 2012 by Marlborough Museum in partnership with Council and the Marlborough Express. In 2023, the Marlborough Heritage Trust closed its operations and in early 2024 Council agreed to take on guardianship of the award.

“Our guardianship aligns strongly with Te Atatū – Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy 2024-2034. As the proverb in the strategy says: “Artistic excellence makes the world sit up and wonder.”

ocean floor and carry 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 landbased activities on intertidal health.

“Sadly, this taonga species has disappeared from many parts of Marlborough and we need to look after what is left,” Jorgia said.

The campaign aims to publicise the damage caused by driving over seagrass beds when launching boats or anchoring and dredging on it.

“The moana is important to all of us and we are lucky in Marlborough to be one of the few places in Aotearoa that still has subtidal seagrass. We hope our summer campaign will educate people and make those out on the water this summer more aware of how to minimise their impact,” Jorgia said.

“Te Atatū highlights the important role of Council in celebrating the rich tapestry of local creative talent and acknowledging the invaluable contribution our creative people make to our region,” Mayor Taylor said.

Nominations for the Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure Award close at 5pm on 24 January 2025. The award will be presented at a formal ceremony in April 2025.

For more information go to www. marlborough.govt.nz/our-community/ grants-and-awards/marlborough-livingcultural-treasure-award

The red skip bins are being removed next weekend

Normalising the conversation

Ben Lucas’ life changed in a moment when he was paralysed in a motorbike crash. At the age of 24, he had to start again. He is now the lead advisor for disability at ACC and says, as a nation, we need to keep progressing and creating opportunities for people living with a disability. Chris Valli takes up the story.

Blenheim’s Ben Lucas believes celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is important for people all over the country.

The IDPD is observed every year on December 3. Established by the United Nations in 1992, the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of persons with disabilities, and advocate for their inclusion in all aspects of society and development.

The 58-year-old says it is a significant day, because there is still work to be done around raising awareness and understanding in New Zealand with regards to people living with a disability.

Ben became a paraplegic when he was injured in a motorbike crash in 1989.

“It’s important to celebrate disability. You are disabled by your environment, but you live with your impairment. And so, disability affects all sorts of people in different ways.”

Every year, ACC supports around 7,000 New Zealanders with a Serious Injury and many other disabled people who injure themselves.

Ben says one of the best things about IDPD is there are a huge number of people who have disabilities that you can’t see. That might be sight impairment, hearing impairment, a mental health condition or a neurodivergent condition.

“By celebrating this day, it gives us a chance to normalise the con-

versation and for people to share what their life is like living with a disability, because a lot of people have no idea what their life might be like,” he says.

Ben knows what living with a disability is like. His life changed suddenly when he was 24. He crashed his motorbike into a u-turning van and broke his L3 lumbar vertebrae, which left him paralysed. He has

“I was more focused on what I could do and not what I couldn’t.”

vivid memories of that day in Newmarket and the doctor telling him he would never walk again.

During his rehabilitation, he remembers the physiotherapist saying to him: “You are on easy street now. You don’t have to work again.” Ben just sat there taking it in. It was a reality he was never going to accept.

“That idea never crossed my mind. I was always going to get back into work. Sure, I was now living with a serious disability, but I was never going to let that stop me. I was more focused on what I could do and not what I couldn’t.”

He says for a person who has sustained a life-changing injury in an accident, getting back to work is an important part of their rehabilitation.

“We want to help people to get

Blenheim’s Ben Lucas’ life changed suddenly when he was 24. He crashed his motorbike into a u-turning van and broke his L3 lumbar vertebrae, which left him paralysed. “It’s important to celebrate disability. You are disabled by your environment, but you live with your impairment. And so, disability affects all sorts of people in different ways.”

back into living an independent life. Giving someone hope, something to get up for and purpose in life. That is really important.”

Ben went on to represent New Zealand at two Paralympic Games. He has also had a successful career in Para Sport and was the chief executive of the New Zealand Spinal Trust and has been a key member of the ACC team for the past eight years.

He says the support that is there for New Zealanders with a disability has improved markedly since the time of his reha-

bilitation almost 35 years ago.

“In general life, we need to show that care and respect for one another. Treat people who are living with a disability like you would everyone else and seek out opportunities to include us and to understand what life is like for us.”

Seagull problem a collective responsibility

The Blenheim Sun has had an influx of seagulls on our High Street roof along with Anton James & Co Chartered Accountants, and Blue Penguin New Zealand Gifts in Queen Street. Chris Valli spoke with DOC to gain an insight into our collective responsibility.

There’s a few of them – seagulls, scavengers, causing a wee bit of angst for some local residents while for others it seems to be a ‘who cares’ rhetoric.

In February, seagulls nested behind sun screens on the side of the Marlborough Library and Art Gallery. Libraries manager Glenn Webster said bird poo, and its smell, had become a big problem in the installation, which partly shaded the northern side of the upper floor. In 2020, businesses joined forces to tackle the problem and clean up the roof of Richmond House in Blenheim’s central business district, but they had to stop when they realised red-billed gulls were endangered birds.

Four years later, the Blenheim Business Association and Marlborough District Council lead the call to encourage people to stop feeding seagulls in the town centre. “People should not feed the gulls and take care not to leave food unattended,”

said Lynette Rayner, Blenheim Business Association chair back in February 2024. “This will help the situation on the ground and hopefully reduce the attraction of the CBD to the birds in the long term.” Sound advice.

For those not up to speed on all things seagulls, the nesting season is August to December for the red-billed gulls and October to February for the black-billed.

Steve Brightwell from the Department of Conservation says the South Marlborough DOC Biodiversity Team advises blackbilled gulls/tarāpuka and red-billed gulls/tarāpunga are both at risk - declining.

“Black-billed gulls are our only endemic gull species – they are found nowhere else in the world. Both black-billed gulls/ tarāpuka and red-billed gulls/ tarāpunga are native species and completely protected under the Wildlife Act, which means they cannot be moved once they are nesting,” says Steve.

“Black-billed gulls naturally nest on lowland braided river banks and forage for food in the adjacent lowland plains and coastal environments. As Blenheim is in a lowland area, near the braided Wairau River, they are actually in

their natural habitat even though they are in an urban area.

“Gulls nest in urban areas all over the world and it’s common to have gulls nesting in coastal towns. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions but something everyone in the area can do to help is to make sure no food scraps are left around for the gulls to scavenge, and that rubbish bins are secure from them,” says Steve.

To discourage the gulls from settling in urban areas for the breeding season business owners need to be proactive in preventing birds from nesting on building roofs before the birds build nests and get to the egg laying stage.

“Under wildlife act legislation, once eggs have been laid, the birds cannot be discouraged or relocated and must be left alone to raise their young until the chicks have fledged. Only then can old nesting material be removed,” he says.

A Marlborough District Council spokesperson says everyone has a responsibility to try to deter pigeons and gulls - for example café patrons should not leave food unattended. “All building owners are responsible for maintaining their properties and many have already installed spikes and other protective measures. Council uses

Hitman Pest Management and SafeHire were called on Monday to assist a seagull who became tangled in some line and was hanging by one of its wings from the buildings awning. The bird is now in the care of the Department of Conservation. DOC says to discourage the gulls from settling in Blenheim’s urban areas for the breeding season, business owners need to be proactive in preventing birds from nesting on building roofs before they build nests and get to the egg laying stage. an electromagnetic deterrent at the Marlborough Library/art gallery and carries out regular footpath cleaning throughout the Blenheim and Picton CBDs.”

Former Blenheim ward councillor Jamie Arbuckle asked in February

what the cost was going to be to rectify the ‘latest issue’ and how it was going to be fixed. Council provides wheelie bins to all CBD businesses which mean rubbish bags are no longer left on the street for gulls to get into.

By Chris Valli

The annual New Zealand Winegrowers Mentoring Programme aims to match an experienced and knowledgeable mentor with a mentee who is wanting to progress themselves in the industry.

It is open to everyone in the wine industry working in all roles including viticulture, winemaking, operations, laboratory, sales, marketing, cellar door and general management. Over the years the programme has seen some real success stories as people grow in confidence, set goals, find a new direction and follow their dreams.

Both mentors and mentees gain a lot from the programme as it sparks pride, passion and positivity. “It was great to see the industry and world through the eyes of a younger person. They have a different perspective,” says one of the 2023 Mentors.

transfer of experience and knowledge helps strengthen the wine industry as a whole.

The induction workshops led by Fiona Fenwick, Independent Director and Coach, took place recently at Spy Valley and the pairs will now meet six times over the next few months.

The 2024 mentors are: Mike Horton, Indevin; Mick Hudson, Nga Waka; Lesley Boon, Pernod-Ricard; Patricia Miranda-Taylor, Wither Hills; Matt Patterson-Green, Benton Wines; Peter McLeod, Farmgate; and Rachel Petrie, Otago Polytechnic.

The mentors all volunteer their time and expertise to help their mentee grow.

Mentors a win for wine industry Christmas through the ages

The programme helps networks grow and relationships deepen, which along with the

“It’s so uplifting to see people wanting to help others,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership and Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers, “and a true demonstration of how working together helps strengthen the New Zealand wine industry as a whole.”

By Chris Valli

Blenheim Choral’s upcoming Christmas concert called Christmas through the Ages will offer a full menu of carols for locals.

Songs will include the oldest known Christmas Carol, a Gregorian Chant, which comes from the fourth century. Following that, they move to carols from medieval and later centuries, woven into settings by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. There will also be a poignant moment when the choir will sing Stille Nacht/Silent Night in memory of the tragedy of World War 1, and the time the two opposing armies sang together at Christmas.

“There will be some children singing, and items from other local performers, and the organist, Jonathan Berkahn, will play a solo piece. If you have heard Jonathan play before, you will know to expect an astonishing performance,” says spokesperson Elaine Harmer.

that he was able to source such interesting music.

“He has improved our sound immeasurably and it has helped that he has such a wide reach of contacts through his professional life, that he is able to get wonderful soloists and instrumentalists to come here and perform with us,” she says. “We have reached such a standard with all this support that we have been able to put on shows that we could never have tackled before, such as Carmina Burana, and HMS Pinafore.”

Elaine says the collaboration has allowed local performance groups, such as the Marlborough Brass Band, the Marlborough Civic Orchestra, a local dance school, and children’s singing group, to perform with them and make great shows.

Darwin to Broome 11 days, departs 18 August 2025

• • Extensive sightseeing

• Boat trips and harbour

• Many meals

Elvis Fans Group Tour

Graceland, Nashville, Tupelo

9 days, departs 20 September 2025

Package includes:

•

Graceland day tour

• Memphis attractions and

• Elvis birthplace

5 days, departs 5 October 2025

•

•

•

•

•

Elaine says Blenheim Choral is extremely fortunate to have acquired the services and vocal knowledge in having Robert Tucker as their director for the last nine years. She says the songs come back ultimately to Robert and

“Singing under Robert’s lead is always fun and exciting. Last rehearsal, just when we thought we knew what all the songs for our programme would be, he introduced some more special items.”

The concert will be on December 14 from 7:30pm at the Church of Nativity, 76 Alfred Street. Tickets $20, children are free. Door Sales only.

Blenheim Choral members will be singing Stille Nacht/Silent Night in memory of the tragedy of World War 1, and the time the two opposing armies sang together at Christmas.

Photo: supplied

2024 MENTORS from left: Mick Hudson, Nicky Grandorge, Mike Horton, Fiona Fenwick, Lesley Boon, Matt Patterson-Green, Rachel Petrie and Patricia Miranda-Taylor.

Heat Geek making you cool this summer with Samsung Heat Pumps

Introducing Heat Geek, your go-to Heat Pump specialist and proudly the only authorised retailer and installer for Samsung Heat Pumps here in Marlborough.

What is Heat Geek?

Well Heat Geek is all about bringing the latest technology in Heating and Cooling into your home or business, and Samsung is at the forefront of this technology with an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality.

Technology like WindFree Cooling, a feature exclusive to Samsung that means once your ideal temperature is reached, the heat pump vent closes, preserving the optimal climate through thousands of micro-holes, offering a tranquil draft free experience and operating quietly at only 23dB.

Fast Heating and Cooling - Digital Inverter Boost technology cools the air 43 percent faster and warms the air 39 percent faster than our conventional models. Its advanced design also has a 15 percent larger fan, 18 percent wider inlet and a 31 percent wider blade. So your ideal temperature is dispersed further

and wider, reaching up to 15 meters to cover larger room sizes.

Connectivity with SmartThings - Remotely control your Samsung heat pumps from anywhere, whether you forgot to turn it off before leaving home or want to prepare a refreshing environment before arriving, the SmartThings app keeps you connected and in control. You can even monitor your power consumption in real-time. Track your daily, weekly or monthly electricity usage and set energy consumption limits.

Who is Heat Geek?

Many of you may already know the owner of Heat Geek, Mark Taylor. He has been servicing heat pumps here in Marlborough through the franchise Airify Heat Pump Servicing for many Rental Property managers, Senior Housing and private clients. Mark has been in the industry for many years and is a qualified installer and service technician.

“The opportunity to partner with Samsung means I get to offer a world leading brand along with my many years of experience

ensuring the best product and best installation practices are offered” Mark says. The key to a long lasting heat pump is: 1. Good brand 2. Good install 3. Good servicing Heat Geek offers more than just the usual ‘rule of thumb’ approach for calculating the perfect sized

heat pump for you.

“We calculate using a Heat Loss method, taking into account insulation, window area, single or double glazed, etc. No two homes are the same so your heat and cooling needs will be different than just a ‘width, length and height’ approach’,” Mark says.

Exclusive offer! Heat Geek is offering a SUMMER HEAT Promotion. Purchase a Samsung AR24 6.8kW Cooling 7.2kW Heating with Wifi Heat Pump system for $2599 in December and we will install it for FREE. Terms and conditions apply, back to back installation only, 5 units available.

HEAT GEEK MARLBOROUGH: Owner Mark Taylor has partnered with Samsung to offer world leading heat pumps, backed up by his many years of experience in heat pump installation and servicing.

Advocating for people 50 +

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

From the President’s Desk

In March next year I will be standing down as Grey Power Marlborough President, and I will be doing so with a heavy heart.

I have very much enjoyed the role, and especially the satisfaction of working with such a good and effective local committee. This group has gone from strength to strength, with long term committee members having Grey Power knowledge and wisdom, and recent members bringing in new ideas and enthusiasm. This is a perfect makeup for a strong committee, and I have every confidence in their carrying on their good work on your behalf.

Unfortunately, we have no-one to step into the president’s role at present so if you think of anyone or you yourself would like to consider taking on the role, please leave your details with Paula or Tamara at the office and we will be in touch.

In my role as National President, I recently had the opportunity to visit Auckland to attend the Zone 2 meeting, and I was also the guest speaker at a public meeting for Grey Power North Shore. I was very well received and talked to many people who did not realise what and how much Grey Power did to support our older New Zealanders. (FYI, the worst part of the trip was being driven from place to place on Auckland roads! I was glad to be back in Blenheim with our 5 car traffic jams.)

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a cheerful Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Enjoy being with your family and friends. I know when I was a child, my parents couldn’t afford to give us flash presents so the joy of our day was being together. If you know someone is going to be alone on Christmas day, invite them over to share a little Christmas cheer or take them a festive treat. You will make their day.

All the very best, and a happy 2025.

Gayle Chambers, President

Of note… from the Office for Seniors

The SuperGold team is excited to introduce the SuperGold Information Hub, a new digital platform that makes it easier for SuperGold Cardholders to access key support and services. By offering a wider range of information as well as the savings on everyday essentials, the Hub aims to transform Super-

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is an important legal document. It allows you to choose who will make decisions for you in the future if injury or illness means you can’t make decisions or manage your own affairs. Setting up an EPA now can give you peace of mind and means you can choose someone you trust. A property EPA covers decisions about money and assets and can be put into effect at any time. A

Gold into a more comprehensive and valuable resource. Whether you’re looking for government services and support, or transport information, the Hub looks to provide everything you need to stay informed.

To help improve the Hub over time, the SuperGold team welcomes

personal care and welfare EPA covers decisions about your health, living situation, and care. It comes into effect only if a medical professional or Family Court decides you can no longer make decisions.

feedback. Your input will help tailor the platform to better serve your needs, with future updates bringing more features and improvements. We look forward to growing this resource together and making it the ‘one-stop shop’ for SuperGold Cardholders across the country. https://supergold.govt.nz/support

When you have decided who you would like as your attorney, you will need to talk to a lawyer who will make sure you understand all your options, what the EPA means, and ensure that it is legal.

The Office for Seniors does not

AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

The review of the Retirement Villages Act is progressing, with an amendment Bill expected to be introduced in the next parliamentary term.

The public consultation last year received more than 11,000 submissions, with high levels of agreement on some areas. These included updating the Act to bring

issues.

revolutionary new coding system, TrioCode 128 provides enhanced reliability and security by using three frequencies to overcome interference issues.

it in line with sector best practice, strengthening transparency by introducing a plain language version of the Code of Practice, and looking at changes to increase protections for residents.

The review is focusing on three priority areas:

• maintenance and repairs of operator-owned chattels

endorse any specific law firm but strongly recommends that you research all options and providers carefully before you make a decision. Creating an EPA does cost money but there are a range of ways to bring down the cost. Some lawyers may let you pay the fee off over time, others offer a SuperGold Card discount and Public Trust offers an online only EPA.

https://officeforseniors.govt.nz/

and fixtures

• managing complaints and disputes

• options for incentivising or requiring earlier capital repayments when residents move out of a village.

More information on the review can be found at: https://www.hud. govt.nz/news.

The SuperGold Information Hub

Enduring Power of Attorney

Review of the Retirement Villages Act

Advocating for people 50 +

Ageing well - how to be the best you can be

Growing old is part of life. Most older people live at home independently and make a positive contribution to the community. Their skills and wisdom are an important resource which society needs. While people do change as they get older, old age is not a time of inevitable mental and physical decline. People can slow down many of the so-called age-related changes. Booklet HE1148 (availability at bottom of article) focuses on the physical aspects of keeping yourself healthy and safe as you grow older.

The key topics discussed in this booklet are:

• Mobility

• Nutrition

• Sleep

• The senses: hearing, sight, smell

• Oral hygiene

• Foot care

• Skin care

• Screening for cancer

• Bladder control

• Drugs – medicines, alcohol, smoking

• Sexual relations

• Keeping warm in winter

• Safety and security in and outside the home

Financial security, independence, personal health and safety are certainly factors that determine the lifestyle you have at any age. The quality of life you have as you get older will also depend on your approach to ageing:

• how well you can adapt and respond to changes

• whether you can maintain confidence in yourself as an individual

• whether you can maintain a sense of humour and fun

• how active you are physically, mentally and socially

But it is also important for your total health to think about how you can continue to develop the mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of your life.

Plan for the future, live in the present.

Booklet HE1148 is available FREE in PDF, MP3 (Audio) and hard copy (free delivery) at: https://healthed.govt.nz/products/ ageing-well-how-to-be-the-best-youcan-be or call 03 520 9914.

Fake news on Pension Reform

Please be aware that an article being circulated on-line about the Government’s plans to abolish state pensions is fake news. The original news item is very alarming and appeared to be on the NZ Herald website, by a Herald Journalist. One hint that it is false was that the web address is not the genuine NZ Herald website address: https:// www.nzherald.co.nz/.

The Financial Markets Authority warns about this scam. This scam uses fake news stories, spread through multiple websites and advertisements, with the names of investment schemes and websites used to promote the scam changing

frequently. Some recent examples include images of the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with accompanying text falsely claiming, ‘pensions payments will be cancelled’. This is not true and designed to alarm readers into clicking on links included with the content.

FMA Director responsible for Scam Prevention and Co-ordination Peter Taylor said the recent imposter digital content seen by the FMA was very sophisticated. “It can be very difficult to detect that some of these news stories are fake; they have the exact look and feel of legitimate online news

content. But they are actually paid advertisements, used to alarm people, gain attention and get them to click on a link for more information. These latest scams are pretending to be about the New Zealand superannuation regime, scaring people into thinking they may be losing retirement income. The use of political leaders faces and deepfake video to boost these claims is a particularly worrying development.”

Please be assured that this is a fake news item.

David Marshall, Vice-President Grey Power Federation New Zealand Inc

Office Snippets

The office will be closing for Christmas from 1pm Friday 13 December, re-opening at 9am on Monday 6 January 2025.

We sell hearing aid batteries sizes A10, A13 and A312. $6 for 6 batteries if you need to stock up for the holidays.

Please take care paying your Grey Power Electricity (aka Pulse Energy) bills online over Christmas. There will be no-one in the office to refund your money if you pay Grey Power Marlborough by mistake.

Thanks to everyone who entered our “Guess the Sweets” competition at the Seniors Expo, in Picton. Congratulations to Kevin.

A reminder that if you have a Mobility Parking Permit, it entitles you to use the mobility parking spaces around town, but you do still need to put your licence plate into the parking machine and pay for the parking. The first hour is free. Parking tickets are now $70 if you forget!

Scenic Hotel dinner offer: Savvy Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner 7 days a week. Grey Power members can now enjoy 10% discount valid for your table, maximum number of people dining is 6.

We do encourage you to look through your Discount Book, there are some great savings to be had. Each month we would like to acknowledge the support shown to our members by some of the businesses: Solutions 93, Springlands Vet Centre, Summit Real Estate, Tall Poppy, Triton Hearing, Vet Marlborough, Vetlife, Viridian Glass, Wairau Pharmacy.

We would like to specially thank Geoffrey T Sowman for being long-time sponsors of Grey Power Marlborough. Without them providing our printing solutions, we could not operate as efficiently and economically as we do.

This year Grey Power along with Council held a number of free seminars and would like to continue to do so next year. This year the topics included Why Keep it Secret?, Life Without a Vehicle, and Planning for the Future. We would love some ideas for topics for future sessions. Please contact us via email, phone or post with your suggestions. office@greypowermarlborough.co.nz T: 03 578 4950.

Grey Power Marlborough would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

10 years of Mag and Turbo – ‘a model that suits’

A large supply network

Mag & Turbo is New Zealand’s largest privately owned wheel and tyre retailer offering the best range of both wheel and tyre brands within the country. Mag & Turbo was established in 1993 and has been going strong for over 30 years.

The Blenheim store on Grove Road is owned by Darrell and Tina Bate who started the business by bringing the franchise to Blenheim, opening December 5, 2014. At the time of opening, the Blenheim store was one of 13 in the national franchise – this has since grown to 20.

All stores are 100 percent locally owned and operated and they are all car people living their passion through their work.

“Unlike some of our competitors, we are not owned by any tyre manufacturing company, meaning we can provide a better range of options throughout our large supply network,” says Darrell.

Local difference

Darrell, a born and bred Marlburian, has been involved in the automotive industry for most of his career of 33 years, a lot of this within tyres, automotive parts and service. Meanwhile, Tina has called Blenheim home for over 25 years, and their team of six including Asaph, Mark, Andrew and Brodey are all locals with over 130 years of motor industry experience between them..

“Having been associated with another Mag & Turbo store owner, the suggestion for us to bring it to Blenheim was thrown about for many years before the decision was made to give it a go, and having our own business was something that we knew we wanted to achieve. This model just suited us and still does to this day.”

“We have been well supported by the Marlborough community and have created a large base of loyal and amazing customers, and we’re trusted with many business vehicle

fleets. Our core values are built around being known, liked and trusted by our customers.”

Return on customer’s investment

Darrell says providing the right tyre to suit the application is critical in getting the best mileage, safety and reliability out of the investment made by their clients, be it trade or retail.

“We like to offer a good, better and best option to the customer after asking questions to qualify what the customer is using the vehicle for, what they need from a tyre, and what budget they are working with.”

BELOW: NOT TO BE MISSED! A Ford Sierra RS500 DJR6 which holds the lap record of Bathurst for Group A class, driven by Dick Johnson, will be on display for the opening week of the new retail space.

EXCITED TO LAUNCH THEIR NEW RETAIL SPACE: Mag & Turbo Blenheim owners Darrell and Tina Bate are celebrating 10 years in business this week and are looking forward to the opening of their new retail space on the corner of Grove Road and Nelson Street. Come on down and check out the newly expanded and interactive showroom this Saturday from 9am - 3pm. Celebrations will continue with awesome in-store specials right through until December 31st. NOT TO BE MISSED!

New retail space

Darrell, Tina, and the team are excited to be opening a new and expanded retail space next week located next to Coupland’s Bakery in the old Blue Penguin store.

A famous Ford Sierra RS500 DJR6 will be on display for the opening week and locals are encouraged to come along and have look, get your photo taken.

The Sierra holds the Bathurst lap record for Group A class, driven by Dick Johnson. The vehicle has also been driven by John Bowe, Paul Radish, Greg Murphy, all motorsport royalty from New Zealand and Australia.

It was the last Ford Sierra to be constructed by Dick Johnson Racing who soon became known as the team that could build the quickest Ford Sierra in the world, with some of his cars beating the best on the European circuit.

The new retail showroom boasts a comfortable customer waiting area, as well as

a hot desk for any professionals who want to set up at a desk, get their laptop and cellphone operating and get some work done to minimise downtime while the Mag & Turbo team get their vehicle sorted.

Having Coupland’s right next door, the 23 Grove Road Coffee House nearby, the CBD a short walk away, and a fresh interactive sales space on site, this expanded showroom space certainly will have a lot to offer customers.

Point of difference

There is no shortage of products and services at the Grove Road franchise. Mag & Turbo Blenheim offer alloy and steel wheels, tyre sales and repair, punctures, tyre pressure management systems, wheel alignment, a Mobil Service Centre – Vehicle Servicing, suspension, brakes, vehicle accessories, towbars, and 4X4 accessories.

They also provide Elite Drive throttle controllers, performance upgrades, diesel advantage economy improvement upgrades, and ute hard lids

“We are the place to come and find the tyre best suited for you - we’ll ask the questions to provide the best product. We can sell replacement tyres, you do not have to buy them as a wheel and tyre package,” says Darrell. “Our Tyre Service Promise is comprehensive, offering 10,000km inspections, balancing and rotation FREE of charge, and FREE puncture repairs for the life of any tyre purchased from us. Instead of a one-day sale transaction, we want to build a relationship with the customer to provide the best return on their investment.”

Mag & Turbo is so much more than a wheel and tyre retailer. They are also community focused, supporting sportspeople, clubs, schools, non-for- profits and charities. A model which fits everyone.

Photo: Chris Valli

Boost for vine canopy programme

The government is backing a new, world-leading programme set to boost vineyard productivity and inject an additional $295 million into New Zealand’s economy by 2045, says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

The Next Generation Viticulture programme will transform traditional vineyard systems, increasing profitability by $22,060 per hectare by 2045 without compromising wine quality.

The government is co-investing $5.6m over seven years in partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers Incorporated and several vineyards to drive profitability through innovative canopy management systems.

“This initiative is about ensuring New Zealand’s wine industry remains a global lead-

er in both quality and sustainability. We are providing the sector with the tools to boost productivity and long-term profitability,” McClay says.

Building on success in the kiwifruit and apple industries, the programme employs a renewed approach to canopy management and growing configurations, enabling vines to intercept more light.

“This programme will increase productivity and ensure the long-term viability of our wine industry, all while maintaining the exceptional quality we are internationally known for,” McClay said.

Seven vineyards, supported by the Blenheim based Bragato Research Institute, will trial the programme.

Resource: Farmers Weekly

Kawasaki Ridge

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

Spring Creek School 150th Celebration

Connection, collaboration, resilience

Spring Creek School celebrated 150 years of education at the weekend, a milestone that was about more than reflecting on their history. Indeed, it was a celebration of the people who have shaped, and continue to shape, the Ferry Road kura.

Throughout their journey, the school has been more than a place of learning - it has been a hub of connection, resilience, and collaboration.

One of the most meaningful projects they’ve undertaken as a kura is the native planting project, which embodies the spirit of togetherness. Over the past two years, with the support of the wider community, they have worked tirelessly to create a pathway that connects them to the taiao and honours the tangata whenua.

On Saturday, they celebrated the final stage of this journey by planting the last tree - a tōtara. This moment was made even more special by the pres-

ence of Stella, a remarkable woman who attended the old school site in the 1930s. Stella, alongside their young est student, Tarn Duggan, with AJ Gardener, a Year 6 student; and Tim Newsham, who has worked tirelessly to support them in realising their vision of a native forest, all took part in planting the tōtara.

The planting symbolised the unbroken bond between generations and the enduring connection between Ngāti Rārua and the kura.

The tōtara and their native forest were blessed by Shane Graham, CEO of Ngāti Rārua, further reinforcing their shared commitment to honouring the land and its people. The tōtara stands as a legacy for their tamariki, whānau, and community - a living reminder of their role as kaitiaki of their whenua.

The tamariki and staff have recently embraced the Tapuae-o-Uenuku challenge, which is nearing its con-

clusion. The initiative deepened their understanding of what it means to be stewards of the land.

“We are immensely grateful to the businesses that have supported this endeavour, helping to make it a memorable experience for all involved.

As we honour

the people who make Spring Creek School special. Here’s to continuing our legacy of connection, learning, and care for generations to come,” says Principal Cheryl Alderlieste.

AN ENDURING CONNECTION: Tim Newsham, Stella, Principal Cheryl Alderlieste, Tarn Duggan, and AJ Gardner.

Shane Graham , CEO of Ngāti Rārua watches on as Stella and Tarn Duggan cut the 150 jubilee cake.

Try it

Fantastic column by George Elder. Anyone struggling with low energy or extra weight should try his advice - I have and it works. Keep it up - the Sun.

Stadium 2000

Does anyone else think the outdoor pool hrs are ridiculous through the summer? And charging $5 for a gold card owner? For one hr only?

In the middle of summer?

Medical costs

Want lower medical costs? Start at the top. Working in the Beehive must be bad for health. Just watching the staged dramatics there can really put the blood pressure up!

A higher standard of health & safety in Parliament could save the taxpayers megabucks.

Not a cricket ground

Sheps Park is not a cricket ground. Horton Park, Lansdowne Park, Oliver Park, School grounds have cricket pitches too, & others. Sheps Park was never intended for cricket purposes.

Cricket users abuse the park, drive over the black bollards crushing them & onto the grass. They yell, they scare away regular innocent park users.

Please cricketers move to one of the many other sports grounds designated for your use and leave this one park peaceful. It’s not too much to ask.

All your designated other parks have more car parking spaces too, so if you can’t read a “no parking” as Sheps has & you choose to drive onto the grassed area at Sheps Park, causing damage, Sheps Park will be better looked after.

Thank you

Again a big thank you Marlborough for your generosity in our recent appeal which helps us continue to take care daily, of the 2500 children who are in our care.

Love from Sharon, Sue and Orphans Aid International.

Phew!

Summer is here with gusto! I heard we are headed for temps that will be 8 degrees above the average. Water restrictions will surely follow. Garages/bottlestores - stock up on ice!

Fireworks

Thoughtless idiots still letting fireworks off at 10pm. Spare a thought for the very young, the elderly, ill folks and pet animals. Time to ban fireworks?

Extortion of children

Watched TV1 Monday at 7.30 Extortion of Children, made me sick and the fact it is big in NZ made me feel even worse. These so called human beings should be strung up.

Re: Stealing

I haven’t had a belly laugh like the one I had reading your text for a very long time. The naughty potato scanner got you hook, line and sinker.

Re: Stealing

If you’re going to call me out for stealing, please get your facts right. Scanning potatoes as mushrooms would be criminal in this current financial crisis.

Signage

I was gutted to see that propalestine signage back at the railway station on Sat morning surely that lot can find something better to do with their time.

Rapaura Rd/S.H. 6 roundabout

The Rapaura Road / Highway 6 roundabout is an absolute overgrown eyesore.

Surely if it is not going to be maintained, make it maintenance free! It’s not rocket sciencecommon sense needed please!

Picton Parade

What a fantastic turnout on the weekend on Picton. Was great to see all the floats and everyone dressed up. So exciting for the kids. Well done Picton, you always turn it on.

Supermarket’s trolleys

I saw today at Springlands, two trolleys outside chemist, just left against bollards. Two people came out of cafe. Obviously taking two wheelchair people for a treat at cafe. I stood aside and was thanked. To see the unnecessary manouvering these people had, made me send this txt to those LAZY mobile people who could have taken their trollies back. I guess you were probably in a hurry to have a cuppa with ease.

Tribute to Abba

I was lucky enough to be able to go and watch this on 26 Nov in Blenheim. They were fantastic, great evening had by a lot. But what was a disappointment was the group of women joking about, laughing out loud. Then filming others dancing and making out as if they were a joke. You lady’s know who I’m talking about. You’re adults so show some respect for others.

Old age drivers

The speed limit between Picton and Blenheim is 100 km. If you’re only driving 60 km you make me late for work! If you’re not confident to drive please catch the bus!

Re: Car service

I recommend Mag & Turbo in Grove Rd. I take my car there and they are really good.

Wonderful legacy

A big heart and a wonderful legacy from Bill Shadbolt about Jack Checkly, so much I feel from your story, thank you for sharing.

Phones in cars

I see so many people looking down at their phones while driving. Saw a lady in a late model matte black SUV the other day. I gave way to her at a busy roundabout. She was mucking about as she made her way round the intersection, holding others up. I had a close look and she was texting or doing something on her phone. Once through the roundabout, she must have finished her social media admin, because she resumed driving with purpose and sped away. Clearly whatever was happening on her phone was more important than the busy roundabout. When, oh when will we have a proper punishment for stupid stuff like this?

Talk of the week

Rapunzel

What a great show by the Marlb Dance Academy recently. Locals to be proud of children performing and looking so happy. I have no doubt a lot of work and practice goes into these shows each year so I’m taking the time to say well done!

Ducks?

What’s happened to the ducks at the corner park at Springlands? Loved walking through there and seeing them, but they seemed to have moved on, or were they removed?

Beautiful

The hanging flower baskets in the CBD are beautiful, but they are so high that many people will miss seeing them. They need to be lower so that their beauty can be seen.

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.

Thank you

A huge thank you to Nick and the team at Blenheim collision repairs for all the help you gave me with my suzuki swift, much appreciated guys.

Shambles

The Kaianga Ora homes on Charles street and the corner of Henry and George street, what a mess, why have lawns and gardens if they cannot maintain them.

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The same (L) (5)

Blemish (5)

Across: 1. Science fiction, 10. Apron, 11. Scientist, 12. Sashimi, 13. Twin tub, 14. Relic, 16. Avalanche, 19. Disinfect, 20. Trait, 22. Succeed, 25. Passive, 27. Unrelated, 28. Alibi, 29. Blood poisoning. Down: 2. Chrysalis, 3. Ennui, 4. Castigate, 5. Faint, 6. Confidant, 7. Idiot, 8. Notable, 9. Hawser, 15. Concealed, 17. Antipodes, 18. Coalition, 19. Disturb, 21. Thesis, 23. Cargo, 24. Ditto, 26. Stain. age, aim, amp, ape, game, gamp, gap, gape, gem, gimp, image, imp, mag, mage, magi, MAGPIE, map, mega, page, pea, peg, pie, pig. Proud

DECODER

Sparklejollytwinklejingly

te tauihu Performing Arts Studio (formerly Dance on Grove) end of year production Elf the Musical this weekend is sure to get locals in the festive feels.

Photos: supplied.

Christmas through the Ages

blenheim Choral’s upcoming Christmas concert called Christmas through the Ages will offer a full menu of carols for locals.

Photos: supplied

Picton

Christmas Parade the annual parade took place on Sunday in warm conditions with the street parade starting at 2:30pm. Locals lined the streets for this annual Christmas spectacle.

ELF THE MUSICAL: Madison Jones, 12 and Georgie Clouston, 11 at a recent rehearsal.

LEFT: Marlborough District Brass Band percussion team from left; Aimee Moore, Bronson Blissett, Ella Kernick-Harvey and Kathy Moseley.

Quartet with Cellist Marta Barhma, and Ellie Brooke, Alex Smith, Jenny Somerville and Gemma Amsler. Trio Gemma Amsler, Ellie Brooke and Megan Rosene.

Savour in the Park the third Savour in the Park musical event was staged at Churchill Glade, Pollard Park recently.

Photos: Chris Valli

MARLBOROUGH’S MORE FM: Pat Norton, Lee and Leigh Wright, Leigh Norton and Tasha Knox.

Locals get their dance on to Danger 80s.

Dance buddies Peyton Carmody, McKenzie Wynggaard and Alice Kingi.

Let’s chat with…

Kyra Barnes

Owner of Beauty Within

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I love both equally but I am a cat mama!

 Favourite global cuisine?

Italian (I love ALL the Pastas)!

 What would you buy if money was no object?

All the Lego sets I like, and a house I suppose.

 Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?

Jason Momoa, Nick Jonas, Tom Hardy and Jack Harlow, all the eye candy at one table!

 Veggies or fruit?

Fruit 100%!

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

A Crystal Shop!

 If you didn’t live in Marlborough where would you choose?

A tropical island.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I’m a big CSI programmes type but I am currently watching Yellowstone.

 What do you do for your own mental health? I do peaceful projects like puzzles, diamond paintings etc.

 What’s your favourite colour? Black lol, it goes with EVERYTHING!

 If you had to choose another job what would it be? I would be a cruise ship entertainer.

 What truly matters to you? My friends and family, and to always be kind and caring in everything I do.

 The best advice I ever received was? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

 My friends would say I am... Very cheeky, always up to mischief, and a bit of an egg.

Come check out

gardening this week

Simple things: By Wally Richards

Some times it is the simple things that can make a big difference to your plants and gardens.

In recent times we have explained the virtues of using Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Magic Botanic Liquid, Aspirin, hydrogen peroxide, the list goes on and each of these can improve and make a difference.

Plants like a range of minerals and elements besides the standard NPK food which is the basis of plant food whether it is natural or man made.

There are 114 known minerals and elements and if they are applied to the soil or sprayed over plants then the plants can take in the ones they require and that increases the health of the plant and it grows faster and better.

For instance I read some where that a tomato likes and requires 56 minerals and elements, but it did not say which ones these are.

So what happens if a plant needs a little selenium or boron? It either suffers and does not do so well, or it may take other available elements into its little chemical lab and convert these to what it needs.

If that is the case the plant is using energy and growing time to manufacture an element it needs.

So if we were to apply all the 114 known minerals and elements to growing medium then the plant can take up all the ones it needs and not waste growing time or energy.

Where do we find the 114 minerals and elements? Simple, Wallys Ocean Solids.

I have had gardeners come back to me saying that they used the Ocean Solids in their gardens or sprayed plants with it and what a difference it made in growth and health.

I learnt about this many years ago reading about Sea 90 by a Doctor Maynard Murry and the experimentation that he did to prove the tremendous value of the 114 minerals and elements that are in perfect balance as in Wallys Ocean Solids.

Here is the basis of the story that I read: The deep blue water of the ocean is rich in minerals and elements, in fact all the 114 elements known to man. These elements are also in perfect balance for living organisms, health and well being.

Back in the 60’s/70’s a Dr Maynard Murry did an incredible amount of research into ocean solids and wrote the book ‘Sea Energy Agriculture - Nature’s Ideal Trace Element Blend for Farm, Livestock and Humans’.

Maynard dissected hundreds of ocean creatures and never once found tumors or disorders in their organs. Doing the same to fish from streams and lakes, many were found to have tumors etc.

In one case he dissected a 100 year old whale and found its organs in pristine condition, as good as a newly born whale. Maynard realised it was the ocean water, rich in minerals that allowed the creatures living in it to be so free of the ills that

effected land creatures.

We know that at various times, all land masses were for periods of times, under the sea.

When a land mass arises from the sea it is mineral rich and once plant life establishes on the land it too is rich in minerals. But over time through rain, erosion and leaching, a lot of the minerals gained by the land are lost back into the sea.

It is interesting to note that in isolated pockets on the planet, where because of the terrain, that leaching does not take place. People living in these pockets more often than not live to over a 100 years of age, in excellent health.

The reason, Maynard says, is because of the mineral rich diet they have, which allows the cells of the body to replicate perfectly, slowing the aging process right down and maintaining very healthy organs.

Maynard believed that if you give a plant all the possible minerals and elements it may need to grow as it should, then that plant would not be so susceptible to diseases common to it.

Trials proved this point by supplying Ocean Solids to nectarine trees in a row.

Every second tree received the solids, the others being the controls. Then curly leaf disease was sprayed over all the trees.

After three years the controls had all died and the Ocean Solid trees never showed any signs of the disease. A number of similar trials were done on various plants with the same results.

Maynard took this a stage further by growing various crops of grains and feeding them to 200 female mice (C3H) which had been bred to always develop breast cancer which causes their demise.

200 more of the same C3H mice were fed conventional foods and all died within the normal 9 month period that their condition dictated. During this time they produced the normal two or three litters, all of which died later.

The Ocean Solid fed group were sacrificed at 16 months and a definitive examination revealed no cancerous tissue.

This group also produced ten litters and no sign of the cancer in the off spring.

The Ocean Solids foods had removed the cancer.

If we take this to the next stage then people that grow their own vegetables and fruit with Ocean Solids will be able to have in their food chain all the minerals that those vegetables are capable of taking up.

Maynard found that vegetables were capable of taking up about 20 to 40 odd elements dependent on the type of plant.

On the other hand wheat and barley are capable of taking up all the 114 odd elements if available. This is why wheat grass juice has become a very important plant in our health/food chain.

Two aspects of this have become very important in my concerns for plant health

and people’s health.

If we use Ocean Solids in our gardens along with other natural plant foods, building up the soil life populations, including the worms, then we will have very healthy plants that will not suffer from diseases unless they become stressed for some reason, or reach the end of their days.

If we grow our own vegetables, fruit and wheat grass with Ocean Solids our health can greatly improve, markedly reducing the possibility of many ills such as cancer. Think of it, healthy roses, plants and gardens along with better health for you and your family.

OCEAN SOLIDS, USE AT: New or existing gardens - 35g per square metre on gardens, sprinkled on and watered in. Use at the above rate for first year and then at half the rate for years 2 to 5. No further applications then for 5 years. Scoop supplied is 70g when filled to slightly heaped.

For trays or container plants use at a tablespoon per 4.5 litres of mix. Scoop does 18L mix.

SPRAY APPLICATION: One tablespoon to 4.5L of water, spray over foliage to run off. The purpose for the spray is as a natural insecticide, fungicide and foliar feed.

Use only bi-monthly and late in the day when the sun is off the plants.

PLANT FOOD: Use at 1g per litre of water.

Wheat Grass For Juicing: A must to be added to a good animal manure based compost, at the table spoon per 4.5L. Unlocking Your Soil can be added also and watered in with MBL. (Magic Botanic Liquid).

Wallys Ocean Solids are solar dried only with no further refining to ensure that as many of the mineral and elements possible, are present in this product.

Bear in mind that the above use rates on to gardens will over time, with other natural products, bring up the health levels of the plants.

Some plants will respond fairly quickly where others may take a season or two to see really good changes. Plants in stress because of lack of moisture etc can still have problems, even with this program.

Good gardening practices are also needed.

Your gardens, Your health.

Wallys Ocean Solids are available in 1.3kg pouches or in bulk 10kg bags.

Wednesday 4 December

Death Cafe:

Lifting the taboo: share what is on your mind and heart about death and dying in a safe and open environment. Speights Ale House (separate alcove) Dec 4th 7-8.15pm. More info on deathcafe.com

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 5 December

Marlborough Museum:

New exhibition -The Power of Flowers-how flowers inspired fashion. Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 11am-3pm.Adults $10, children free. 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 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.

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

Categories include general knowledge, food & drink culture, music & arts, and more! Fidelio Café and Wine Bar, Blenheim Railway Station.

Friday 6 December

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 13 December 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 Friday:

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 7 December

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 8 December

Marlborough Vintage Car Club: Wed & Sun 1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome.

Marlborough Museum:   New exhibition -The Power of Flowers-how flowers

inspired fashion. Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 11am-3pm.

Adults $10, children free.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market: 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Picton Rail and Sail:

On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm, operating every day during school holidays. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group: Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm.

Marlborough Tennis Club: 3pm to 5pm, Parker Street.  Every Sunday - Social Tennis.  Non Members $2.  All welcome. Contact number is 027 578 6436.

Ulysses Social Ride:

Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are weather dependent.

Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station: Train is being hauled by a Vintage Diesel Engine 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 operating 26 December.

Monday 9 December

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 10 December

Marlborough Museum:   New exhibition -The Power of Flowers-how flowers inspired fashion. Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 11am-3pm.Adults $10, children free. 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 Dance Group who meet on a Tuesday 10am till 11.30am at the Anglican Church Hall in Picton are going to take a 6 week break from the 10th December, restarting on Tuesday 28th January.

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 Railway Station.

Coming Up:

MenzShed GARAGE and BIKE Sale: 9am to noon on Saturday 14 December at the Bright Centre, 4 Dillons Pt Rd, cash only. Adult and children’s bikes from $10, woodworking and garden tools, nails, screws, fittings, wood, pottery and bric a brac. Family Picnic and Sports Day: Saturday January 04 2025. 10am onwards, Admission $5pp, kids 12 and under free. Please bring cash for entry fee. More information on Facebook www.facebook. com/HopaiSports or phone 035798232. Vines Village Monthly Market: Next market December 18th from 4:30pm.

Removal of swastika

Dear Ed

I would be interested to know on what legal basis did the police request the removal of a sign at a Palestinian rally in Blenheim. I personally decided not to continue standing under the sign containing a swastika but didn’t think it was illegal.

The Hamas attack on 7th October last year was atrocious. The treatment of the Palestinians over many years is atrocious. So where does that leave us? Killing does not create peace, only more hate. I can only hope that somehow the killing will stop and a peaceful solution can be found.

Alison Fletcher

Lack of understanding

Dear Editor

In reply to letter to Ed, 27 Nov. Did you wake up on October 7th? Every day is October 7th for Palestinians! What’s “obscene” is your lack of understanding. This is the holocaust of our time.

Firstly, nothing’s more important than stopping a genocide! We peacefully call: “Ceasefire Now!” Google: ‘NAKBA 1948’.

Yes, some resistance fighters/Hamas wear clothes, Israeli Army have protective lethal combat gear. Fortunate for them. The Apartheid State of Israel is committing Genocide. (ICC Ruling). Starvation used as a weapon. 90 percent of Palestinians displaced, 80 percent buildings destroyed, approximately 45,000 70 percent of woman/children massacred (1 child every 30 minutes), 140,000 injured, 200 doctors, 200 journalists killed, 10 children daily made limbless. Worsening daily, barbaric, deplorable!

100 Israeli hostages, 10,000 Palestinians hostages in notorious Israeli jails.

75 years of apartheid, oppression, crushing Palestinians inalienable right to self determination, food, water, shelter, gas, electricity, sewerage systems, meds, their home and land. The world has AWOKEN! Thank you Palestine!

Brenda Suleiman

Grape Harvest Truck Drivers

Applications are now open for seasonal grape harvest truck drivers. Commencing in the middle of March 2025. Class four and Class five drivers required. If you have been away from driving for a while, we can provide some additional training to get you up to speed, or help you get your class four or five licence. Pay is reflective on skills and experience. Launch your driving career with our Truck driver apprenticeship program.

You will gain your full Truck and Trailer licence as well as other endorsements. Intakes start in January and February. You will need to be fit, healthy, motivated and drug free.

Email mickayla@heagneys.co.nz for further information. Or phone 03 5781878

MenzShed Blenheim are holding a GARAGE and BIKE sale from 9am to noon on Saturday 14 December at the Bright Centre, 4 Dillons Pt Rd, cash only.

Adult and children’s bikes from $10, woodworking and garden tools, nails, screws, fittings, wood, pottery and bric

Beavertown Blenheim Lions

Beavertown Blenheim Lions

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday 14th December at 8 30am at the Redwoodtown Community Centre

Saturday 14th December at 8.30am at the Redwoodtown mmunity Centre

Weld Street Redwoodtown.

Weld Street Redwoodtown.

For Children up to 10 years old

Make a hat

For Children up to 10 years old

Beavertown Blenheim Lions

Beavertown Blenheim Lions

Make a hat

Have Breakfast

Have Breakfast

Receive a gift from Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Receive a gift from Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Tickets - $12

Saturday 14th December at 8.30am at the Redwoodtown Community Centre

Tickets - $12

Saturday 14th December at 8 30am at the Redwoodtown Community Centre

Tickets limited - Final date 10 Dec

Tickets limited - Final date 10 Dec.

Weld Street Redwoodtown

Saturday 14th December at 8.30am at the Redwoodtown Community Centre

Weld Street Redwoodtown

Contact Christine on 027 365 0425

For Children up to 10 years old

Contact Christine on 027 365 0425

Weld Street Redwoodtown.

For Children up to 10 years old

Make a hat | Have Breakfast

Receive a gift from Santa

Make a hat

Have Breakfast

Tickets - $12

For Children up to 10 years old

Receive a gift from Santa

Make a hat Have Breakfast

Tickets limited - Final date 10 Dec.

Tickets - $12

Contact Christine on 027 365 0425

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for caregivers.

Tickets limited - Final date 10 Dec.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for caregivers.

Receive a gift from Santa

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for caregivers.

Contact Christine on 027 365 0425

Tickets - $12

Tickets limited - Final date 10 Dec.

Tea, coffee and biscuits

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.

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.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Death notices

BALLINGER: Pamela Marriott (Pam).

On 25 November 2024, peacefully at the Marlborough Hospice, aged 73 years. Dearly loved mother of David and Richard and loved sister of Jan Sharp, Murray Bishell and the late Alan Bishell and daughter of the late Marjory and Mervyn Bishell. Loved by her nieces and nephews. Messages to The Ballinger Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust would be appreciated and may be made at the service or to Acc. No. 03 1369 036520700 Ref: Ballinger. A Funeral Service for Pam has been held.

HILL, Dawn Hilda Maud (née Nicholls). Passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Wairau Hospital. Aged 86 years. Cherished wife of Alex, very loved mother of Beane, Kevin, Karen, and the late Lyne; and mother-in-law to Monique and the late David. Loved grandmother of her 11 grandchildren: 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Loved sister to Paula, Peter, Dallas and the late Ian. Special thanks to Rachael, the staff at Wairau hospital and Maxwell Lifecare. Messages may be sent to the Hill family at PO Box 3407, Richmond 7020. In accordance with Dawn’s wishes a private cremation has taken place.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

WILSON, Lynette Ann. Neil, Nicky & Joseph, Christine & Damian would like to thank everyone for their comfort & support given to us following Lyn’s passing. We appreciate all the expressions of love & kindness shown in the many messages, cards, visits, Flowers & food we have received. We are grateful also for the ongoing care & support. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.

MORAN, John Charles. 20 July 1931 Kilbirnie - 3 Dec 1964 Blenheim. “Dad” Johnny, We love you always. Beloved husband of Marion, Beloved Father of William.

COOTES, Harry:

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, after a long battle with cancer, sadly passed away at Wairau Hospital. Aged 76 years. Beloved husband of Shirley, cherished father of Angela and Kimberley, adored papa to Etta. Brother to Becca, John and Di and the late Hetty and Pat. Much loved uncle and friend. A special thank you to staff at Wairau Hospital and Hospice Marlborough for all of their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be greatly appreciated and can be made to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref. COOTES. A small service for Harry was held at Otamawaho Urupa (Māori Island) Grovetown on Tuesday December 3, followed by the interment of Harry’s ashes.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

CROFT, Karen Joan:

Passed away at home on Monday November 25, 2024. Aged 68 years. Dearly loved mother of Owen and Erica, nana of Sam and Liam, sister and sister-in-law of Kevin (deceased) and Kerry Ellis, daughter of Arthur and Valerie (both deceased). A loved mum, sister, nana, daughter, aunty, and friend of many. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Life Flight would be appreciated and may be made online to a/c 03-0578-0048481-000 Ref. CROFT. A private cremation has been held.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

STEVENSON: Mark Anthony.

On 28 November 2024, at Hospice Marlborough, surrounded by his family, aged 68 years. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Mentor and Art Collector. Lovingly missed by his family Bernie; Nick and Katherine; Pip and Jaque; Tim and Jess; George and Gus; Rita and Sylvie; and Walter. Messages to PO Box 308 Picton 7250 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust would be appreciated and maybe made at the service or to Acc. No. 03 1369 036520700 Ref: Stevenson. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hospice Marlborough, Wairau Hospital and St John for their wonderful care and compassion. A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the Port Marlborough Pavilion, Picton on Wednesday 4th December at 1:30pm, followed by private cremation. The service for Mark will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

LOCKE, Murray Ian:

Passed away peaceful at Christchurch Hospital surrounded by family on Friday, November 15th, 2024, aged 81. Dearly loved husband of Carol for 54 years. Much loved father of Stephen and Sarah, father-in-law of Alisa, devoted Grandpop to Cheyenne, Dylan, Trinity, Lachlan and Holly and loved brother to Barbara. Special thanks to the teams at Life Flight and Christchurch Hospital ICU. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Flight at lifeflight.org.nz Messages may be addressed to The Family of Murray Locke, c/o PO Box 5164, Springlands, 7201, Blenheim. In accordance with Murray’s wishes, a private cremation has been held.

RIDDER: Beverley Dawn (Bev).

On 26 November 2024, passed suddenly at Wairau Hospital, aged 73 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Brian and a much loved mother of Craig, Vicky, Simon and the late Philip. Loved sister of Gary, Gaye, Jimmy, Brian and Joy. A loved grandmother and aunty. Messages to c/- Po Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with Bev’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

R EC o R d S wanted by local bands 60s to 2000s. I will pay Serenity Piece of Mind $2000, Mantis Turn into Music $2000, Butler Ip $700, also wanted Ticket, Lutha, Space Farm, Farmyard, Little John, Bari and the Breakaways, Taylor, Pleazers, Dr Tree, Underdogs, posters, tapes, photos, acetates etc. Dave 021 222 6144 Pennylane Records, Sydenham, Chch 7 days

CHR i STmaS 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

SHEEHAN: Jennifer Phyllis.

On Friday 22 November 2024, aged 78 years. Dearly loved mother and mother-inlaw of Brent and Fiona Armon, and Paul. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Brent and Sue. A treasured Aunty of Todd, Jarrod and Julia, and a treasured great aunty of Fel, Mateo and Benicio. Grateful thanks to the Blenheim Police CIB for their outstanding work, help and compassion at such a difficult time. Messages to the Sheehan Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with family wishes, a private cremation has taken place with a Memorial Service to be held at a date to be confirmed.

lE aRN 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

S T C HR i STo PHER ’ S Market Morning 16 November. On behalf of the parishioners of St. Christopher’s, I wish to thank the public for supporting our Church Market Morning. There was a happy atmosphere in the hall that morning, and the Committee acknowledges the financial and outreach success of the event. The profit is to be used for our Older Person’s Activities, as well as the maintenance of hall and buildings we have. God Bless you. Vivienne Peters Convenor

WEBSTER, Lorraine Margaret (nee Edgington).

On November 28, 2024, peacefully at home in Darfield. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Diane & Roger Thompson and loved aunty of Amanda & Greg Collins and Penny Thompson, also loved great-aunt of Finn and Poppy. You will be sadly missed Lorraine.

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1920 Honda 4 stroke boat motor, runs well. Can be heard running. Offers. Phone 035789982

K ElviNaToR fridge freezer $150, 3-seater couch $60, single bed with electric blanket $40, Tv cabinet $40, double bed $100. 021 0251 0407

Marlborough aviator helps Pasifika youth soar

By Chris Valli

Working with the Marlborough Pasifika community, with a focus on youth wellbeing, has earned Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne metalwork instructor Sergeant Charlie Tikotikoca Lal the New Zealand Defence Force Volunteer of the Year award.

“It caught me by surprise, but I’m definitely honoured,” he says.

Sergeant Lal’s volunteer work comes naturally as he sees the people he works with akin to his extended family.

“If I can do it for my family, why can’t I do it for others? I’m just trying to offer opportunities here. I work off the mind-set of, if I could I should.”

After establishing a structure for a local community committee to look after welfare issues and initiatives among Pasifika people, he focussed his attention on sports and wellbeing of the youth in Marlborough. He established and runs the Navigator Sports club, which promotes youth involvement in

sports, mentorship, coaching and community development.

Sergeant Lal saw a need in the community for involvement with local youth and is supported by his family.

“They understand the goal behind it as well. We do it as a family – my wife is always there for me. But I think being able to think a little bit deeper in the sense of, I’m in a place where I can help where some may not be able to, so why shouldn’t I do it?”

A couple of years ago he saw the local Pasifika children had a lack of activities in the area when the rugby season ended.

“It gave them time to get up to mischief and labelled as trouble-makers. Most Pacific families are first generation, they are either straight from the islands or they haven’t lived in New Zealand for very long.”

So he directed his attention in their direction and now feels like an “adopted dad” to some of the young people.

“I’m like a taxi driver,” he laughed. “They often have mums

and dads who work later on shift work, so I make sure they get home after sports practice before it gets dark.”

One of the opportunities Sergeant Lal has made available for some of the local kids was to take part in a rugby league tournament for under-14 and under-15 teams in Christchurch. Those types of activities needed subs and tournament fees to be paid for.

“So we do a lot of fundraising. Part of what we do is teach the kids not to depend on handouts, so we enforce the mind-set of working for what you want. For example, as part of fundraising for this tournament, we did a walkathon. We walked up Mt Vernon. We got the kids to go out and look for sponsors and each kid raised about $100. Some kids raised more. When we got up the top most of them were feeling the heat, some muscles were hurting. But when we go to Christchurch they know they’ve done the hard work to get there and they won’t let the opportunity slide and will do their best at the tournament.”

Sergeant Lal uses his sports work as a way to teach the kids some life skills.

“I’m hard on them if they can’t make it to training. They need to give me a good reason, so they are prepared for when they start working, they know how to communicate. Also, just teaching them to be respectful and being aware of who’s around them and being mindful of the things they say.

“We’ve got quite a few good people around who help out. It takes a village to raise a child and we work quite closely with schools. At times I get called upon to have a chat with some of the kids because they see me as independent from the school and from the household.”

Sergeant Lal is grateful to be able to do his voluntary work and enjoys seeing what the youths get out of it.

“I think my role as an instructor definitely helps and coaching has helped my instructing as well. Being able to understand how people retain information and absorb how they are taught has helped me in both aspects.”

Golf Results

Picton Golf Club

Sat 23 Nov Par-Andrew Sunley +5;Jeff Pascoe +4;Ricky Ashworth +3,Phip Hawke +3;Damiem Pollard +2,Wayne Pratt+2;Wayne Pratt+2; Richard Avery +1,Barry Slater +1;Alistar Holt 0,Ian Aldridge 0,Mark Ivamy 0; Thurs 28 Nov S/F-Mike Ashworth 42;Ian Johnson40;Andrew Sunley39,Ron Peters39;Jock Mannington38,Brian Carver38;Alistair Holt 37;Nick Wright 36,Gary Aldridge 36; Fri 29 Nov 9H S/F-Liz Taylor 20;Lin Stone 17, Ellie Gillies 17, Lyn Pawson 17,Sharyn Eden 15.

Blenheim Golf Club

Nov 25 9 Hole Stableford

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Sergeant Lal says he feels like an “adopted dad” to some of the young people.