Marlborough Magazine May 2022

MAY 2022

bees

BACKYARD

SWIM COACH’S

HEALTH JOURNEY

LANSDOWNE

SPORTS

HUB OPENING

PLUS: Life lessons | My Home | Home interior trends

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May 2022

What’s inside Features 9 – 12

Backyard bees

16 – 19

Making a difference

29 – 35 Lansdowne Sports Hub 36 – 39 Joinery Awards 44 – 45 The key to healthy living

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29-35 Regular 15

On the Street

23 – 25 My Home 43

Gardening

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Health

52

Arts & Culture

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What’s On

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Editor’s note

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As a child I have two distinct memories of bees. The first was when I was very young and ran out of our family home to get a shirt off the clothesline, as I reached up to grab the shirt a bee stung me on my leg.

The second was a few years later.

Again, I was home, and a bee had got stuck in our swimming pool. I put the destressing clothesline incident behind me and fetched it from the pool, saving its life. It then stung me, ending its life and firmly entrenching bees as an enemy in my mind.

Fast forward 30 years and my attitude towards the little buggers couldn’t have changed more. I love bees and was thrilled to hear that there is a ‘World Bee Day’ to celebrate their contribution to our environment. I’m seriously considering getting bees for my Awatere Valley property to help with pollination, so our feature article on the bee scene was a great read for me and, hopefully, for you too.

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EDITOR Summa Donald summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Dr David Orsbourn

DESIGN Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

MBChB, Dip Obs, FRNZCGP, FACAM Fellow New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine Certificate of Procedural Phlebology Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society for Endovenous Laser Treatment and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

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CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Bradley, Frank Nelson, Tess Jaine, Catherine van der Meulen, Simone Hill, Paula Hulburt, Sarah Brown, Amy Russ, Kat Duggan, Adena Teka, Mark Watson ADVERTISING Summa Donald summa@marlboroughmedia.co.nz Linton Spence from Flaxbourne Honey.

Pages 9 – 12.

Richard Briggs

DISTRIBUTION Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Aberthenthy PUBLISHER TSM Marlborough 52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz

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Headliners What made news in our region Bilingual at Bohally

Starry-eyed

Local woman Pera Wills, who attended Whitney Street School’s first Te Reo Māori class as a child in the 1980s, and then Bohally Intermediate’s bilingual class in 1990, has just started teaching the intermediate’s first Māori bilingual class in ten years. After completing her master’s degree in Māori and indigenous leadership, and working as a relief teacher at the school, Whaea Pera Wills could see a need for the class. Pera says they are already seeing positive changes in ākonga.

A new crater observatory is scheduled to open 14km from Blenheim, in time for Matariki. Visitors will be able to explore the night sky from a specially designed crater, which shelters visitors from the wind as well as light pollution. Established by the Omaka Observatory Charity Trust, the facility will work with a tourism star-gazing business, mobile pop-up tours, Marlborough restaurants and other venues to ensure the observatory is self-sufficient, as well as being free for school children.

The medicinal cannabis industry gets a boost

Too hot for salmon

A $13 million government grant for medicinal cannabis grower Puro is hoped to turbocharge New Zealand’s burgeoning industry. The grant is part of a five-year $32.3 million project aiming to raise the bar for the industry. Managing director Tim Aldridge says the grant is a gamechanger that will provide New Zealand patients with greater access to locally grown and manufactured medicine and pave the way for international export success.

Salmon are dying at a faster rate than ever in the Marlborough Sounds, after a long hot summer that saw warmer sea temperatures lead to record numbers of deaths. Environmental watchdog group Guardians of the Sounds has obtained figures showing New Zealand King Salmon dumped close to 1300 tonnes of fish waste in landfill over a three-month period.

King Salmon says this is one of the reasons they have applied to establish a farm in the cooler Cook Strait, with a decision expected later in the year.

Young athlete’s big win

Weed-cutter croaks

The harder you work, the luckier you get, and one young athlete’s hard work has just paid dividends.

13-year-old Marlborough Girls’ College student Neve McKenzie won a brand-new Suzuki Swift after being randomly selected from a pool of triathlon competitors.

Triathlon New Zealand bosses asked the seven finalists to check their mailboxes for a toy car. Neve was blown away to find a real car at the end of her driveway.

Despite not yet having her license, she says the new car is a perfect trophy for a successful season.

You may have noticed the Taylor River running through the centre of Blenheim has been in flood for the best part of a month, despite there being no rain.

The council has said the overflowing Taylor River is due to a build-up of weed in the lower Ōpaoa River and a breakdown of the council’s weed-cutter boat, which limited the early summer cut. The council say the issues are being worked on and we can hope to see the water level drop soon.

Win Be in to win a double pass to Les Misérables.

The show is on from May 18-28 at ASB Theatre Email hello@topsouthmedia.co.nz

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“I always wanted to have my own business. Turning 50 seemed like the right time to do it. I don’t want to get too old and never have given it a shot. You should never surrender your dreams.”

Jennie Gane Pages 44 45

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Get a buzz out of learning With two Apiculture programmes starting in August this year, you can gain all the knowledge you need for your career or backyard hobby adventures.

> New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) > New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) (Level 4)

nmit.ac.nz/apiculture

Backyard bees Frank Nelson

A bee beats its wings about 11,400 times a minute and creates about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. So it’s appropriate that these hard-working insects are recognised on World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20. Frank Nelson speaks with Marlburians who have either made a hobby, or a living, managing these wonderful creatures.

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ackyard beekeeper Dion Mundy, who turned to the hobby nine years ago to assist pollination of fruit trees on his Tuamarina lifestyle block, now looks after six hives on the property.

He says pretty much anyone who wants to produce their own honey can buy a hive or two, stocking them with a nucleus of bees and a queen to grow into a colony of perhaps 40,000 to 50,000 per hive.

Beekeepers must register and abide by certain rules and regulations designed to protect the bees, the honey industry and their neighbours … and those who eat the honey.

Dion estimates set-up costs of a few hundred dollars for hives and bees, protective overalls, gloves and various tools, and to satisfy regulatory requirements; ongoing annual expenses could be about $100 per hive. If this all sounds a little daunting, there are two easily accessible resources designed to make

the process very much smoother: the Marlborough Beekeepers Association and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT).

Dion, long-time president of the association, says they support hobbyists and the commercial industry.

The club has three hives at the NMIT site in Budge Street and hosts regular workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers. A one-day introductory workshop for budding beekeepers touches on everything from the cost and time commitment to the importance of being a good neighbour. Key requirements for backyard hives are a sheltered, sunny spot and access to water which, says Dion, can be as simple as a dripping tap. “You can have a beehive in an urban setting and your neighbours don’t even know it’s there. But a few (wrong) placement issues can mean all the bees go flying over your neighbour’s clothesline or into their swimming pool looking for water.”

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Dion reckons most hobbyists can expect 20kg to 40kg of honey per hive in a good season. However, if they plan to sell, or even give away, any of their honey, it must first be laboratory tested to ensure it’s safe to eat. NMIT runs nine-month courses in Blenheim and Nelson which include two Saturdays per month of practical learning and two Tuesdays of online tutorials.

Dion, a senior scientist at Plant and Food Research, in Blenheim, enrolled in the initial NMIT course which finished in May last year. “Although I was already an experienced beekeeper, I wanted some more background knowledge and information. And I really enjoyed it. We built the hives first as part of the course, put the bees in, fed them, looked after them through the year, got them ready to go through the winter and then took the hives home.”

Students also take home their text books and a certificate. About 30 hives are currently on the Blenheim campus where students experience a very practical, hands-on learning environment.

“All the students can see what’s happening in everyone’s hives,” says Dion. Primary Industries curriculum manager, Pam Wood, says a new Level 3 apiculture course will be offered again starting in August and approval is pending for a second course on rearing queen bees.

There are 31 students on the current beekeeping course and she expects demand to remain strong for both the next courses which will be running in Blenheim and Richmond.

Oh, honey honey Honey is not the sweet business it once was according to some Marlborough producers who, paradoxically, lay part of the blame on the nation’s flagship manuka honey. Manuka has made some producers rich and created jobs in regions where they were sorely needed; the best grade manuka, highly valued for its health benefits, continues to command top dollar.

However, some see manuka as both a blessing and a curse. They say its success sparked a gold-rush mentality: speculators hoping to cash in on the latest trend triggered a production boom leading to oversupply and tumbling honey prices.

According to the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), in 2017, with annual production nudging 15,000 tonnes, beekeepers were getting between $10 and $14 per kilogram for bulk sales of regular clover honey. Three years later MPI stats show production had soared to 27,000 tonnes and the prices had withered to between $2.50 and $5.50 per kilogram … less than break-even for many producers. The huge number of hives in New Zealand tells the same story: the ministry counted 918,000 hives at the end of 2019 while at the end of last year the entire United States had just under three million.

Beekeepers Patrick and Laura Dawkins, owners of Pyramid Apiaries, on Waihopai Valley Road, about 20km west of Blenheim, have responded to the subdued market by diversifying. The couple started with four hives in 2016 and today they have around 400; that means, at the height of the summer season, they could be managing upwards of 20 million bees.

But even at those numbers, it’s hard to make a living just from honey production, says Patrick. So they have branched out into pollination - primarily cherry orchards and various seed crops - and breeding queens for other beekeepers.

Patrick, who is also owner and editor of Apiarist’s Advocate, a monthly e-magazine and website, says honey now accounts for roughly half their income with pollination and queens each contributing about a quarter. “The industry might be on a slow recovery now but it’s been a tough few years,” he says. “Things really boomed on the back of manuka honey… then there was a bit of a change in the rules, the standards, definitions about what could be exported as manuka honey.

“That ruled out a lot of honey as being manuka which created a surplus of non-manuka honey and not a lot of demand for it,” said Patrick, adding there’s now quite a stockpile sitting around in sheds waiting for the market to improve.

And improve it will, says a confident Murray Bush, who with brother Peter is the third generation at the helm of J Bush & Sons Honey, founded more than a century ago and today something of a Blenheim institution. “It’s going through the bust stage of a boom-and-bust cycle,” Murray says, adding that

OPPOSITE PAGE: 1. Operations manager for Taylor Pass Honey, Rex Butt. 2. Murray Bush, the third generation in his family’s honey business, is optimistic about the industry’s future. 3. Bees building honeycomb at Flaxbourne Honey.

4. Patrick and Laura Dawkins, who own Pyramid Apiaries, in the Waihopai Valley, have found diversification helps mitigate the impact of soft honey prices.

Dion Mundy, president of the Marlborough Beekeepers Association, checks on the association’s hives at NMIT’s Blenheim campus.

similar roller-coaster rides have been experienced in recent years by the likes of wine and kiwifruit.

“The industry is basically in good shape … I’m very positive about the future. We’re still producing a magnificent product that is top echelon compared to the rest of the world.”

The Bush brothers have around 2500 hives across Marlborough while another Blenheim producer, Taylor Pass Honey, has about 7000 hives divided roughly equally between Marlborough and Wanaka.

Operations manager Rex Butt says, besides producing honey they do some processing and packing for other producers, export live bees to Canada, breed queens, and provide pollination services for Central Otago cherry orchards. “I’m

definitely optimistic,” says Rex. “I think we’re seeing the industry start to mature a bit. It’s gone through the cowboy phase quite quickly and is now starting to build some strong foundations.”

He also welcomes signs of consolidation, perhaps along the lines shown in the wine industry.

“Those big players do an awful lot to add to our brand value internationally (and) give the rest of us credibility.”

May 20 is the official World Bee Day. On this day, Slovenian man Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734. The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.

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ON THE STREET It’s no wonder Hamish Thomas is always dressed well (except for that one pair of checkered pants), with a store full of clothing to choose from.

Marlborough Magazine catches up with Hamish at Thomas’s.

What are you wearing today?

Ted Baker shirt, Neuw denim jeans R.M. Williams boots.

Do you have a usual style?

Relaxed.

What item do you have the most of in your wardrobe?

Jeans and leather jackets.

What looks or trends do you like right now?

It is great to see the 70’s back, cords, flares and knit shirts.

Where do you buy most of your clothes?

That is a given, Thomas’s! Our suppliers are very good to me as well, which is very nice.

What is your favourite all time buy?

My black leather jacket from Pearly King. I always get asked where I got it from.

Worst clothing disaster?

A pair of World checkered pants.

What wardrobe staple should everyone invest in?

A well-tailored jacket.

Which celebrity’s sense of style do you admire?

Johnny Depp.

Finish this sentence. You would never catch me wearing?

Crocs.

Adena Teka

Making a difference Choosing to see the very best in every situation has become somewhat of a personal mantra to Dr Martina Suleiman. Amy Russ speaks to the successful and inspiring local businesswoman about why she wants to make a difference for the good.

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orn in Slovakia, Martina says life was tough growing up. “My parents and grandparents taught me how to be hardworking and how to have a good work ethic. My father taught me how to manage and look after my money, that was an important thing for him. And it taught me that material things are not as important as the emotional parts of your life.”

Becoming a doctor in her home country was extremely hard but, she says, life is about learning.

Graduating with a post-grad degree in general practice, Martina then worked in emergency medicine in Glasgow and as fellow general practitioner for the last ten years. She has since completed her Advanced Clinical Certificate in Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery and is now an accredited skin cancer doctor through the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and also working towards a fellowship in skin cancer. “You have to keep learning every day, and growing and pushing your boundaries, and trying to improve your skills.

Failures do not stop me from achieving what I want, if I really want it.”

During her years working as a local GP, Martina started to see a lot of skin cancer problems in the region. “I realised that in Marlborough we have the highest skin cancer rates in almost the whole country and not many options for care. People were waiting too long for a hospital, so I started to do more training.”

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Specialising in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, Skin Hub, was opened. “I think to make a difference to peoples waiting times when they have skin cancer is most crucial. It is when they are the most anxious, and I thought we could do something about it so decided to open my own skin hub.”

Amongst her busy life, Martina is an avid reader and makes special mention of South American author, Paulo Coelho, and his classic novel ‘The Alchemist’ - a narrative in which the central character learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself, with the idea that all individuals should live in the singular pursuit of their individual dreams.

Making a difference in people’s lives has been a dream of Martina’s since a very young age, so, naturally medicine became her field of choice. “I had wanted to be a doctor since I was six years old.

I always wanted to do something which will help people in a way that required a special skill and I thought medicine was a great profession for that.

Something that can make a difference to people’s lives makes me feel very fulfilled.”

The freethinking mother of two says becoming a mother was an interesting transition. “It made my life more enriched as an adult. It changed the way that I looked at things, especially with the environment. It made me slow down as a person and made me think about what was more important. To think about things a bit differently, to look after the family and keep them together and safe.”

All clothing and accessories: Thomas’s Styled by: Michelle Bradley Hair: Vamp Hair Boutique Photographer: Adena Teka

Aje Caliente cut out dress Vega Campo Chromefree sneaker Deadly Ponies Poucheroo bag

Unreal Fur So Long coat Rue De Femme Nuk leather skirt Rue De Femme Mesh roll neck top

Getting married and having children was the biggest highlight of her life, along with opening her own business. “When I was a child, success to me was having a loving family and surrounding yourself with people you love. People who are reliable, and love and support you in your decisions. Achieving the opening of my own business was something I never thought I would do, when I was younger. Now I have a beautiful family and a job that I love. These to me are the most meaningful moments.”

Continually learning and remaining extremely optimistic about life, Martina is always trying to think of what the best is that she can take away from any situation. “I am open to different options with my life and business, so I am always trying to learn and go from there.”

She dreams to someday work as a doctor in a third world country, saying it would bring a lot of meaning to her. “I travelled a lot and have seen that some countries are not as lucky as New Zealand, for example. They don’t have access to medical care as good as we do here.”

Feeling that is where she could make a difference, she hopes this will one day be an option. “That will be something which will probably make me feel very, very fulfilled.”

ABOVE: Kate Sylvester plaid jacket, Aga sunglasses, Ice breaker Sphere II tee, Deadly Ponies Mr Sling micro bag, R.M. Williams Lady yearling boots.

LEFT: Rue De femme Columbine pant, Rue De Femme Bine blazer, Kate Sylvester Carolyn blouse.

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FASHION STYLING ADVICE with Michelle Bradley, Personal Stylist.

Create your capsule wardrobe with a few easy steps

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eeping your look fresh and interesting, without feeling as though it has been done a million times before, can be easily achieved with the creation of a ‘capsule wardrobe.’

A capsule wardrobe is a small selection of interchangeable clothing pieces that complement each other. These are typically classic pieces of predominately neutral colours enabling a variety of different outfits with a modest collection of clothing.

Expert personal stylist Michelle Bradley talks us through how to achieve this look by using adaptable items in our wardrobes. “Ultimately, we all need timeless pieces in our closet that mix and match or work together with versatility,” says Michelle.

“These create our capsule wardrobe. The capsule will consist of the most essential items. These are timeless investment pieces that you can wear and rework for years to come.”

Apart from being good staples to wear and accommodate any lifestyle, the capsule wardrobe can be layered or accessorized with a seasonal or unique piece and look different when mixed and matched with other clothes. “Make sure the style and cut fit well and enhance your body shape. Choose neutral or muted colours that suit you. These will work back well with pops of on-trend colour.” Michelle says it is important to invest in quality, “as they will look good and last for years to come.”

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Suggestions to follow for your capsule wardrobe are having a good quality trench coat, overcoat or denim jacket for the cooler months. Along with a real, or vegan, leather jacket depending on your preference.

Invest time and energy into finding the right cut and style of a pair of both black, and blue, jeans that work for you, and team this with some neutral-coloured t-shirts with a complimentary neckline.

Find a good fitting blazer or jacket with a matching pant or skirt, and a couple of shirts in either black, white, navy or neutral colours, help to create a multitude of options for mixing and matching. Style is about highlighting the best features on your body.

“When it comes to the classic well-fitted dress we often go for the little black dress, but navy or a muted green can also work!”

Knitwear is perfect for layering. Michelle says find yourself a suitable cardigan and a jumper, “ensuring the length and shape complement your height and body type.”

Finally, complete your capsule wardrobe with the right footwear. “A sneaker in white, or contrasting black and white, can be dressed up or down. A black or nude heel or wedge are essential along with smart flats and summer slide or sandal.”

As always, “have fun and enjoy the process”, says Michelle.

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Home & living

My

HOME The Kirk family made up of Steve, Nanette and daughter Natalie (along with their family dogs and mixed breed cattle), have lived in their beautiful Tuamarina home for nearly 10 years, and have enjoyed the tranquillity of the property and hosting visitors in their B&B accommodation. Nanette invites Marlborough Magazine in for a glimpse of this historic property.

Sarah Brown

What four words would you use to describe your home?

What do you love about the area where you live?

Historic, charming, welcoming, country.

The way the light catches the surrounding hills – particularly lovely in the morning and evening light. There is also a lushness to the area with big mature trees including walnut, oak, French lime, willow and kowhai which attract an abundance of native birds. It’s a friendly and helpful community, many of whom have family histories going back generations.

What inspired this look?

Growing up in England, my parents restored and decorated many period homes. I was fortunate enough to live in houses from Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras so I think a love of period homes is in the genes.

I love the feeling of character and history they bring.

ABOVE: Natalie, Nanette and Steve Kirk, with their dogs Paddy and Flynn.

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What piece would you never part with?

My antique camphorwood captain’s chest. Bought by my father back in the 1960’s on the Kings Road in London for 12 pounds.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

Breakfast or coffee on the veranda in the morning sunshine. Especially lovely when the wisteria is in full bloom.

Where do you shop for homewares?

Anywhere from Cinnamon House to Briscoes, Mitre 10 and charity shops.

What’s your decorating style?

Classic English country.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Both. It is worth paying for quality though.

Have you done any renovations?

Recent redecoration of the kitchen/living/dining room and reconfiguration of the pantry area.

Updating the colours from vivid yellow (which had had its day) to a soft, duck egg blue (Karen Walker range) and installation of open shelving has made a huge difference. I am now a big fan of open shelving – it forces you to be organised and you can see where everything is.

What’s your favourite room?

Our master bedroom upstairs. Double aspect, north west facing with stunning views over the surrounding hills and countryside. The house has quite a complicated roofline and in this room you really feel the character of the building.

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What should every home have?

Did any of your purchases cause a debate?

A lemon tree, if you can grow one. There are so many things you can do with lemons. Some favourites are homemade lemonade, lemon drizzle cake and, of course, G & T’s. They also add a lovely pop of colour in the winter months.

We bought an antique Welsh dresser through Trade Me. The sale closed late at night, so I headed off to bed leaving my husband to bid on it, with strict instructions not to go above a certain limit. Of course, he got into a bidding war and went way over the limit. I’m glad he did though as when it arrived, it was perfect.

Best money spent?

Our custom-built sofas locally made by The Lounge Suite company. We were able to have them made in a style and specifications that worked for us and the house – and they found us the most beautiful fabric in the exact colour we wanted.

Fancy a stay at the idyllic Woodside Heritage Homestead? Visit marlboroughbb.nz

Best memory in your house?

There have been so many. I think it’s simply welcoming family, friends and guests from all over the world and seeing them relax and enjoy this little slice of New Zealand.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: The kitchen has been upgraded over the years and more storage added.

OPPOSITE PAGE MIDDLE: The bedroom in 'Adelaide's Barn' has a classic French feel.

OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: The veranda is a perfect spot for a coffee with plenty of morning sun.

ABOVE: The colonial farmstead was built in 1877 by English settlers John and Adelaide Burroughs. The house is one of the oldest in the area and is listed with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category 2 protected building.

HOME INTERIOR TRENDS with Simone HIll, Interior Designer

Decorating with mirrors Mirrors are a great interior accessory; they are so much more than just a practical object in which to check your appearance. They can help steal any available light from windows and adjoining rooms and also create interesting optical illusions of areas that don’t exist. Here are some tips on how decorating with mirrors can transform every room in your house.

Bring the outside in

Double up

We live and play in a stunning part of New Zealand and are lucky to enjoy beautiful views of gardens, beaches and vines. Hang mirrors on walls opposite windows and glass doors to reflect the vista and bring the outside in. A favourite trick of mine in bach’s and homes in the Marlborough Sounds is to hang three round porthole style mirrors on the internal wall behind the dining table, enabling those not looking out to still enjoy a view.

Pairs of mirrors work well to add balance to a room and can be used in unexpected places.

Lean them Mirrors don’t always have to be hung on the wall, they look great sitting on a shelf or console as part of the display alongside favourite treasures. Don’t be afraid to layer it up by placing smaller framed photos or art in front of the mirror. Large mirrors look impressive leaning up against a wall, they can’t be too big as they do the opposite of closing down a space. An oversized leaner in a small entrance really opens it up.

Add a pop of light The dramatic trend of dark painted walls can feel oppressive. A mirror will add a pop of light and push the wall back, stopping it from closing in. A while ago I painted my bathroom walls and ceiling black and hung a collection of ornate gold mirrors all over.

The light is astonishing despite the dark colour.

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In smaller bedrooms use a pair behind lamps on bedside tables to add depth and reflect lamplight for a lovely ambiance. A new build client recently complained that they regretted not adding windows either side of their fireplace, so we added a pair of large leaner mirrors, and the effect was breathtaking. Two mirrors above twin sinks in bathrooms can make the space more symmetrical.

Hang low Height is really important when hanging mirrors, too high and you will not be able to see what is being reflected. A bit like art, eye level should be at the bottom of the top third of the piece.

When hanging a mirror over a fireplace the bottom of the frame should be around 200 ml above the mantel piece. Larger mirrors sit well directly on the shelf with no gap at all.

Using mirrors correctly will help make your home feel bigger and brighter. Enjoy experimenting, and remember, you can’t have too many and they can’t be too big.

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Reach for th e sky

Lansdowne Sports Hub Words: Adrienne Matthews Mark Watson, Robinson Construction Ltd

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t is no surprise that the Lansdowne Sports Hub (Pokapū) has been announced as a finalist in the New Zealand Institute of Architecture Nelson/ Marlborough Local Awards. Since its opening in March it has been widely lauded as an exceptionally well-designed venue for sport with facilities that are a gigantic step up from what was previously available to those in the Top of the South.

spaces for which they have achieved many design awards, their collaborative approach has taken what could have been a functional but boring structure to new heights. The design and documentation was completed in 2020 with work starting in the middle of that year. Sited between the existing main rugby field and the netball courts, it was to be easily accessible to everyone using those spaces.

The idea for the hub was first conceived in 2010 and Arthouse Architects were commissioned late 2017 to create the design. With a long and successful track record of designing both public and private

“Our brief was to create a building that could incorporate all the sport’s facilities required along with spaces for functions and offices. It was an exciting challenge to create a public building that

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“

Our brief was to create a building that could incorporate all the sport’s facilities required along with spaces for functions and offices. It was an exciting challenge to create a public building that is very functional, could meet a tight budget and also be an inspirational design.

is very functional, could meet a tight budget and also be an inspirational design,” says design team member Renée Williamson. “Rather than having a long rectangular building we wanted to come up with something with a much more energised feel to it,” she says. Part of that process involved considerable time designing the roof so that it mimicked the distant hills to the north and the south, a striking feature. “The corrugated roof has a deeper-thanusual profile and the safety glass on the northern side was chosen to withstand attacks from rugby balls,” she laughs.

“We wanted the building to have an energetic and dynamic feel, referencing the sporting activities of the site. Not only is this evident in the roof form and blockwork, but also in the floor plan. Rather than a long straight building, we broke the building down into equal portions which we pushed and pulled to the north and south, creating alcoves to shelter under.”

The roof was one of the trickiest parts of the build, according to Project Manager Mark Watson of Robinson Construction Ltd. “It was a very complicated design with the ceiling following it exactly and, in addition, we had to be particularly careful to keep all the blockwork pristine throughout the whole build,” he says. “It was very demanding working in such a small space between the number one rugby pitch and all the netball courts. We had to be on our toes to keep those spaces from being impacted by the build process.”

Rather than plain concrete blocks, the highly durable structure has been made much more interesting by the choice of coloured concrete in three different shades of grey. Arranged in a random pattern they create a dynamic, contemporary effect and are used both indoors and out. Vibrant shades of green were chosen for the interior doors on the ground floor which add fun colour accents.

Marlborough Netball, with around fifteen hundred registered netball players, is one of the primary users of the hub along with Tasman Rugby. Marlborough Netball Board chair Rachel Tau’alupe is overjoyed

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”

with the facilities. “It’s fantastic to have such modern facilities,” she says. “It’s a beautiful design for the region but also provides great functionality for our sport. It will see us well into the future as our sport continues to grow.”

The multiple changing rooms, toilets, showers, first aid room, storage rooms and tuck shop downstairs will delight everyone who uses them. There are even hairdryers available. “We are thrilled to have a dedicated netball control room and also a specific changing room for umpires,” says Rachel, “and everything right at the edge of our courts so it is easily accessible.”

She is also impressed with the facilities upstairs that include a large function space, offices, boardroom, bar, kitchen and memorabilia room.

“Our staff are really enjoying their work environment and we are looking forward to using the function room for fundraisers in the future and to celebrate the centenary of our association next year,” she says.

“A facility of this quality will also help us to be able to pitch for national and inter-island events in the future.”

Possible future seismic activity in the region has been taken into consideration and the building features a seismic gap to allow for movement during earthquakes. CO2 sensors have also been installed.

These are particularly useful when large numbers of people are in the hub. They announce when windows and doors need to be opened for a healthier airflow.

The function room will be well used by Tasman Rugby, looking, as it does, right down onto the premier pitch below. “The views are outstanding,” says Tasman Rugby brand ambassador Graeme Taylor, “and it is an excellent facility for after-match functions and awards’ nights. So much careful and thoughtful planning has gone into creating what is a brilliant facility and a huge step up from anything we have had before.”

The feeling is echoed by Tasman Rugby community manager Kahu Marfell. As a previous player for Nelson Bays and the Tasman Makos he can

bennett BLENHEIM

appreciate first-hand what the facilities will do to help the teams that use it. “It will provide a great buzz for all of our teams and we are really looking forward to using the spaces upstairs for events, meetings, functions and coaching courses. It will also be a great place to host our VIPs, Life Members and sponsors.”

The building has been designed to be thoroughly future-proofed so it will benefit many generations of sportspeople to come. All materials used are hard wearing and water is even heated with a reticulated heat pump system which runs throughout the whole building.

The attention to detail is evident everywhere, including the way that the carpets upstairs are laid in the same direction as the ceilings above. The stylish plywood walls are glued rather than being nailed or screwed to give a seamless, high quality effect.

Screens have been designed to protect areas such as the memorabilia room from the strong Marlborough sun and are comprised of a weave pattern that is a reference to the coming together of a range of different sports.

From a construction point of view the build was

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both challenging and rewarding, according to Mark

a facility such as this to life. The project even came

Watson. “There were so many shapes, angles and

in under budget.

intricate details to create, but as a company we love challenges and it was an absolute pleasure to work with the architects and to see their vision come to life for the good of the community.”

There is universal agreement that the finished result will be a huge asset to the Marlborough community.

Mark Watson sums it up when he says, “Robinson Construction has been a part of this community

“A particular highlight was the experience the project

for over fifty years. Public projects such as this

gave the apprentices”, he continues. “They got to

really help bring a community together. Any project

undertake so many interesting tasks to a very high

that promotes society, sport and family are such a

specification which was excellent training for them.”

privilege to be part of. With a building of this design

Both architects and builders agree that there

and calibre, I know that I will still feel extremely

is nothing better than a harmonious building

proud in years to come when future generations get

experience where everyone works diligently to bring

to use it for themselves.”

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The Aquanort Pools team at their showroom on Timandra Place.

58 years of installing Marlborough’s pools

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or nearly 60 years, Aquanort Pools has been keeping Marlborough families cool in the summer. Growing with the region and evolving from custom concrete swimming pools to premade fibreglass options and a wide range of deluxe spa pools, recent years have seen a renewed focus on traditional concrete pools.

Owners Greg and Nicola Norton and now Tom and Nicola Norton, the third generation of Nortons to lead the family business, say material shortages as a result of Covid-19 have driven the trend.

“For a while there, our Compass pools, which are predesigned and delivered ready to install, were a quicker option for our clients, while still being high-end,” Nicola says. “However, with recent delays in shipping making materials hard to come by, and timelines difficult to predict, we’ve rediscovered our love for custom concrete pools.”

Known to the company simply as ‘Aquanort pools’, concrete pools are what the family built its name on, creating hundreds of custom-designed swimming pools over 58 years. The beauty of the traditional option is that they can be designed to suit any space. “Covid-19, and the lockdowns caused by the pandemic have led to many people thinking about plans for their homes, and investing money into them which they otherwise might have spent on overseas travel or more short-term investments.

“Now, they’re thinking about how they can improve their homes to make them a place they want to spend much more time,” Nicola says.

Smaller sections and a shift toward a more compact way of living are also contributing to people opting for a smaller swimming pool, many in the traditional ‘family’ size of 8 x 4 metres, others going for a ‘plunge’ pool, a compact option which is ideal for couples who no longer have children to entertain.

Aquanort’s reputation as a name synonymous with high-end swimming pools in Marlborough, an increase in people looking to make home improvements as well as shipping delays has led to a reasonable waitlist for a new pool. Nicola says the company is making provisions for the delays, but encourages people to get in touch earlier rather than later, and have a flexible timeline if a new pool is on the bucket list for the near future.

Both custom-built and Compass swimming pools remain ideal options, provided the right planning and provisions are put in place from the get go.

Planning for a swimming pool even years down the line is also a smart option, Nicola says. “Make sure your [house] plans have what’s needed to make it easy to add a pool at a later date, ensure the landscaping leaves space for the pool and include things like power for heating or electric covers,” Nicola says.

03 578 5928 Timandra Place, Blenheim aquanort.co.nz

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Joinery & Design Awards

Excellence in joinery design and craftmanship The upcoming regional Joinery and Design Awards (JADA) 2022 offer local Master Joiners the opportunity to showcase the very best of their work in front of their peers. Registered Master Joiners bring innovation to the joinery industry. They encourage competition and the pursuit of excellence between, and from, its members, their employees and apprentices.

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irst held regionally in 2015, to help boost the confidence of local joinery companies prior to entering nationwide events, the awards recognise local excellence in joinery, innovation and design, and encourage the use of best sustainable practice. Philip Thompson is the association secretary of Nelson Marlborough Master Joiners and branch manager of Laminex NZ, and says the awards are about recognising quality and innovation in the industry of which members can then celebrate with customers. “Exterior and interior joinery are premium products, which require a level of protection to enhance the properties of the products.

It is therefore important that you take your time in selecting who designs, manufactures and advises on care and maintenance. Master joiners bring that to the construction industry.”

Philip says since its inception the awards have been going from strength to strength. The event has grown in numbers from just 14 entries in its first year, to 158 entries in 2021, “Both the numbers and the quality has increased year after year.”

Entries are considered by four carefully selected and independent judges. They are critiqued on the level of workmanship displayed, the use of materials,

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the complexity of the project, and its overall visual appeal. The winner of each category will be announced and presented with an award at the event on May 14, at The Granary at Founders Park, in Nelson. “The event is attended by many from the local building industry, joiners and designers.”

The building and construction sector is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy, and despite Covid impacting many local and nationwide industries, building consent numbers nationwide have reached an all-time high. Supply-chain issues and rising fees in materials have hampered many areas, however, the industry remains resilient and the need for specialised joiners and master craftsmanship is growing. “The industry continues to be incredibly busy”, says Philip. “Demand is high, and the residential market in the Top of the South continues to invest significantly in their kitchen and bathroom spaces. There also is an increasing desire for e-sustainable and high performing materials. Thus, timber joinery such as windows, doors and furniture

are in high demand. That vibe of buying local seems to be very strong. Without a doubt, the pains of the global supply chain do have an effect on the industry.

At the core is the availability of raw building materials such as flooring, Gib-board and insulation.

But for many in the joinery industry it is hardware, sinks, and appliances that are causing delays.”

Philip is proud of the level of craftsmanship being created in the region. “It continues to amaze me the standard of work across the industry, true craftsmen, amazing designers, and such innovative cool stuff being made. The concept behind the awards was to get the local industry to peek their heads over the parapet and celebrate what amazing work they do. I had no idea that the industry would grow and gain such confidence in what they do and how they celebrate their work. The professionalism and the attention to detail is truly recognised as the best in New Zealand. Nelson Marlborough performing so well on a national scale - it is great to be a part of.”

Gardening

Time to tidy up May is the month that completes the transition from autumn to winter. Many plants relish this change of season, luckily the bugs don’t!

Kitchen garden •

Sow green crops of lupin and mustard in any spaces you are leaving empty, for digging into the soil for green manure.

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Refresh soil for crops by adding new compost and sheep pellets.

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Plant seedlings: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, silverbeet, spinach and onion. Protect from the cold while they are young.

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Sow seeds: spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, onions, and peas. Transplant to the garden as the weather warms and when they are showing at least two sets of true leaves.

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Watch out for early frosts.

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Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.

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Broad beans can be planted directly into the soil, stagger your sowing for a continuous harvest.

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Plant parsley to replace any plants that have gone to seed.

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Re-plant your pots as necessary with winter annuals, add new fertiliser for the season.

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Dust your cauliflowers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts with derris dust to protect them from the white butterfly and the diamond-back moth.

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•

Cut back herbs as they become straggly and leggy, divide if necessary.

Sow seeds: alyssum, calendula, cineraria, cornflower, lobelia, lupin, nemesia, stock.

Transplant to the garden as the weather warms and when they are showing at least two sets of true leaves.

•

Plant garlic and shallots bulbs; give them plenty of winter sun.

•

•

Tidy up old strawberry beds and prepare for new plants.

Plant seedlings: calendula, cineraria, nemesia, pansies, polyanthus, poppies, primula, snapdragon, stock, viola and wallflower.

•

•

Check your citrus trees as they will be heavy with fruit, remove fruit and shorten any that are bending under the weight. Better to lose a few fruit than the whole branch.

Sweet peas can still be planted just make sure they get plenty of winter sun. Tie them to the support as they grow.

•

Plant lilliums bulbs in a warm sheltered position, they can be left in place for a few years.

Garden colour

•

Remove old fruit from the ground around all fruit trees to break the life cycle of bugs.

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Lift dahlia tubers and gladioli corms, remove any soil and store in a dry place.

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Pruning fruit trees can begin once the leaves have fallen.

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Trim back perennials, divide and replant straight away.

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Grape vines can be pruned once all the leaves have fallen.

•

Plan for roses to plant this winter, prepare the soil by adding plenty of compost.

Jenni Gane places a big emphasis on mental health and well-being as a swim coach.

The key to healthy living Dietician and swim coach Jenni Gane knows better than most the importance of food and fitness. She talks to Paula Hulburt about her own journey as a competitive swimmer and how she overcame the eating disorders that plagued her.

Sarah Brown

F

ourteen-year-old Jenni watched the girl in the window. Shuffling anxiously, the petite brunette tugged at her swimsuit before quickly returning her gaze to the ground. Giving her reflection a last glimpse, Jenni made an instant decision - to stop eating. Her lip curled in shame as she thought of the breakfast she had eaten; of the skinless apple she had crunched on so carelessly.

She felt overly full, conspicuous, and ashamed of her newly developed curves.

Talking about the beginnings of the anorexia and bulimia that she was to battle with for the next decade, Jenni is now healthy and happy. She is candid about what she endured and determined that others should benefit from her experience. The successful Blenheim Swim Club head coach is also fiercely protective of “her kids,” as she fondly refers to club members.

Their mental health and physical well-being will always come before swimming success, Jenni says.

“With my kids, their well-being is the most important thing. There’s been a lot of sadness, stress and worry, especially over the past three years with Covid, and they know they can always talk and I’ll always listen.”

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May 2022

Using her experience as a competitive swimmer and swim coach, Jenni first volunteered at the Blenheim Swimming Club when her daughter Sara started to train. Her love for what she does shines through as she talks. “I make it part of my job to listen to my kids and learn about their triggers. Knowing their body cues is important, even something as simple as asking to get out [of the water] early. “They know I’m there for them, day and night.”

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Jenni showed early talent in the water. With both parents as swim teachers, it was, says Jenni, inevitable that she would follow suit. “We practically lived at the pool.

They’d be teaching and we’d be hanging out at the pool.” So began a life-long passion with a sport that Jenni credits with teaching her the many principles which shaped her life, as a woman, as a wife, as a mother and as a coach. As a discipline, swimming has given her strength, tenacity, and drive, she explains. “The skills I learnt as a swimmer taught me to reach for my goals, manage responsibility, to be respectful and to set the groundwork for other careers.” But competitive swimming had its dark side

“

I don’t want to get too old and never have given it a shot. You should never surrender your dreams.

”

too and sparked a struggle with negative body image for Jenni that she still occasionally wrestles with. “I was always in togs so became more aware of it, of how I looked,” she explains. Eating very little, it was becoming harder to hide her weight loss, Jenni says.

She wore baggy clothes and tried not to think about how much weight she had lost. “I passed out in my tea one night and just told my mum I was training too hard. We were weighed all the time and one of my girlfriends would go for a run so she wouldn’t put on weight and I’d be sitting there trying to eat a chocolate bar.”

Then came the moment when she realised she had gone too far in her weight loss bid. Sweeping the changing room curtain aside, Jenni gave a shy twirl as she showed off her debutante ball dress. She shakes her head slightly as she recalls watching her mum’s face fall. “I hadn’t realised how much weight I’d lost,” she says. Her parents stepped in and she saw a counsellor and a dietitian. For years, Jenni says, she battled on and off with a disease which led to bulimia as she tried to reassure those around her by seeming to eat. “I could eat what I wanted and still control it,” she says sadly. Her experiences mean she understands what many of her clients are going through when they come to her for help.

“Sometimes, it’s still tough and other times it’s cruisy. It’s just something you need to learn to live with and recognise the warning signs so it doesn’t take control,” Jenni says.

It was becoming pregnant that ultimately changed Jenni’s thinking towards food, she says. “My maternal instinct just kicked in. I wanted to be the best role model for my kids.” Diagnosed with postnatal depression after the birth of each of her first two children, Jenni knew she needed help to get her

Jenni is proud to have started her own dietician clinic, Gane Wellbeing.

mental health back on track. “It was realising that I did need some help and accepting that help and assistance,” Jenni says, happy to talk candidly about her recovery journey.

But for years, she says, she told few people what she had been through, even initially, her husband.

Meeting him at a friend’s wedding in Melbourne, Jenni moved to the region 25 years ago and considers Blenheim very much her home, she worked hard to get here, meeting the requirements to register as a New Zealand Practicing Dietitian when she arrived.

Working as part of the Community Dietician team with Marlborough Primary Health Organisation, Jenni has recently started her own dietician clinic, Gane Wellbeing, working out of Body Restore in Blenheim.

“I always wanted to have my own business. Turning 50 seemed like the right time to do it,” she smiles.

“I don’t want to get too old and never have given it a shot. You should never surrender your dreams.”

www.churchillhospital.co.nz

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03 577 7555 caci.co.nz

T&Cs: Bonus gift offer applies to Reformaskin Advanced Photo Rejuvenation Memberships starting in April 2022. Should you cancel your membership before completion of course of Photo Rejuvenation treatments, the value of any ‘bonus’ treatments or treatment extensions will be owed. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Your guide to advanced skin conditioning treatments at Caci For many skin types, a personalised mix of skin conditioning treatments on Caci’s Reformaskin Skin Health plan is perfect. However, for those with more specific concerns, whether it be pigmentation or advanced signs of ageing, a membership upgrade with advanced treatments can help make a big difference. Keep reading to discover the advanced treatments Caci offers and the specific concerns they cater to.

Microneedling

Fractional CO2 Laser

If you are wanting improved skin texture, restored elasticity, softer lines, increased skin tightness, or reduced appearance of scarring (including acne scarring), then Caci recommends Microneedling.

If you’re considering a treatment that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promote smoother more even skin texture, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and scarring, or correct the signs of advanced ageing, then Caci recommends Fractional CO2 Laser.

Microneedling uses micro needles of varying lengths to penetrate the skin, triggering the body’s own wound-healing response. Doing this boosts the production of collagen tissue, which is stronger and firmer than before. Over a course of treatments collagen fibers are strengthened and the skin becomes stronger, smoother and firmer, with improved texture.

Plus, during the treatment, a combination of Hyaluronic acid, multi-vitamins and amino acids are infused to boost further collagen production for firmer, healthier-looking skin.

Photo Rejuvenation If you are looking to reduce pigmentation, age spots, sunspots or redness, or if you’re wanting to improve skin texture and tone while stimulating collagen production, then Caci recommends Photo Rejuvenation.

Photo Rejuvenation uses a Variable Pulsed Light (VPL) system which safely pulses high energy light beams through the skin surface, targeting skin pigmentation in underlying tissue and minor surface blood vessels whilst improving skin texture and overall complexion and encouraging the production of collagen. Once the pigment has been targeted with VPL, it comes to the surface of the skin which then flakes away.

Our Fractional CO2 Laser treatment uses a laser that passes pulses of light down through to the deeper layers of the skin, causing controlled damage to the cells below and triggering the skin's natural healing process.

This process allows the cells in the basal (deeper) layer to be trained to grow back stronger, firmer, and faster, so skin becomes smoother, tighter, and more even in tone.

Interested? Chat to the skin health experts at Caci Blenheim. Their consultations are always complimentary.

Visit their beautiful clinic at 14 Market Street, Blenheim – blenheim.caci.co.nz

47

Health

The facts about food cravings

When was the last time you had a food craving? You know that feeling when you can’t stop thinking about something sweet at 3pm or a late night snack on a bag of potato chips is too tempting to resist? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what your food cravings actually mean? Dr Marissa Kelaher explains how our hormones can help, and hinder us.

P

art of the reason for those annoying food cravings lies in our hormones - in particular, our hunger hormones. While we’ve been taught to believe that hunger is as simple as calories in and calories out, it’s actually far more complex than we think. Hormones control a huge part of how much we want to eat, when we feel hungry, and even what food we choose (or crave). Leptin and ghrelin are the two main hunger hormones. Leptin makes us feel full and ghrelin makes us feel hungry.

Leptin is made by fat cells, meaning our fat stores affect how much leptin we make.

It’s part of the body’s control mechanism to regulate our weight. Leptin controls hunger, satiety, and even affects our willpower. It speeds up metabolism (via our thyroid) and tells our muscles to burn energy.

Leptin also helps immunity and rapid weight loss, or being underweight makes our immune system weaker, making us more prone to infections. Plus, when we lose weight rapidly, leptin levels drop, making it progressively harder to lose more.

It’s why crash diets always fail and we end up often regaining more weight, as our hormones start to work against us. Leptin is also suppressed when we don’t get enough sleep - research shows we eat significantly more calories when we’re sleep deprived. To optimise leptin, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding crash diets are all key.

Ghrelin does the opposite, it makes us feel hungry and stimulates our appetite. It’s normally released

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May 2022

when our body needs more energy, but it’s also released when we see pictures of high calorie food or even imagine this food, which triggers cravings - so don’t shop while hungry. When we eat ultraprocessed (junk) food, this stimulates ghrelin release, making us more likely to overeat and think the food we’re eating won’t fill us up. This means ‘diet’ foods often make us feel less satisfied even if they have similar calories. Ghrelin also acts when we are stressed or sleep deprived. Those carb and fat cravings when you’re tired are real!

Ghrelin is suppressed, helping us not overeat, when we eat food we think will fill us up, or eat whole foods (unprocessed - especially high fibre plant foods, these fill us up faster than high fat, high sugar foods) or eat off a smaller plate (this tricks our brain into thinking we’re eating more.) Wait 15 min before going back for a second helping.

If you struggle with overeating or controlling those cravings, remember your hunger hormones and try to use these tips to have a healthier relationship with food - they really do work.

Dr Marissa Kelaher runs online wellbeing courses via yourlifestylemedics.com. Check out Marissa’s health and wellness tips on Facebook or Instagram @thesimplicitydoctor.

Arts & Culture

LES MISÉRABLES on stage Opening on 19 May, Marlborough audiences will have the opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest musicals reimagined in a new production at the ASB Theatre for a limited season.

B

ased on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, LES MISÉRABLES holds the record for the longestrunning musical in the world and continues to thrill and captivate audiences in every corner of the globe. It has become a cultural, social and financial phenomenon. Epic, grand and uplifting, LES MISÉRABLES is a treasured tale about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score features classic songs that are now staples including, ‘I Dreamed a Dream,’ ‘On My Own,’ ‘Stars,’ ‘Bring Him Home,’ ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?,’ ‘One Day More,’ ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,’ and many more.

From the wrongfully accused hero Jean Valjean and his loving adopted daughter Cosette, to the misunderstood heroine Eponine and the relentless Inspector Javert - Hugo’s characters have proved themselves timeless and contemporary in every country and society in which it plays. Les Miserables is truly an emotional and uplifting story.

From the novel of Victor Hugo, it has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer based on the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with additional material by James Fenton. After years of work and months of

rehearsal, LES MISÉRABLES opened at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985. Despite mixed reviews, the public was drawn to the powerful emotion in the production, a thing rarely seen in theatre of the time.

Local director, Peter Meikle reflects on the chance to bring this stunning musical to life for the Marlborough audiences. With it’s London designed set and costumes, unparalled lighting plot and visual impact everything about this production is utterly lavish. A scale which has not been seen here before.

Blenheim Musical Theatre has a proud tradition of spectacular shows in the ASB Theatre and LES MISÉRABLES sets the bar to a new level.

For the company it challenges them in that the show is entirely sung – so by definition becomes a pop opera which demands a special set of challenges for everyone involved and the local cast certainly rise to and utterly nails the challenge to a level which reflects the outstanding talent the region has to offer a show like LES MISÉRABLES. LES MISÉRABLES ASB Theatre, 18 – 28 May Bookings open at asbtheatre.com

Mike Ponder Gallery

Captivating displays, amazing stories, joyflights and excellent coffee!

Open 9am - 5pm (Last entry atat 4pm) Closed ChristmasRd, Day Open 9am - 5pm (Last entry 4pm) 79 Aerodrome 79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim Ph 1305 (03) 579 1305 www.omaka.org.nz Blenheim Ph (03) 579 www.omaka.org.nz

Check out all the amazing events taking place in Marlborough this Autumn at follow-me.co.nz

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Anzac Day Commemorations Clubs of Marlborough

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Anareia, Scott and Evie Cameron

2. Barolyn and Alan Gibbons

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3. Ben Price, Casey Lane, Spence Lane, Ella Kernick-Harvey and Poppy Lane

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4. Jade, Neil and Tracey Hughes 5. Kerry and Leanne Roberts 6. Marie and Richard Normile 7.

Matteo and Sue Clarson

8. Max and Natalie Pickering 9. Paul, Karen and Georgia Newman 10. Hazel Jones, Sara Blackmore, Same and Baxter Jones

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Marlborough Magazine

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Mosquito Day at Omaka Omaka

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Glenys, Milla and David Wigston

2. Darryn and Des Stweart and Dave Watson

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3. Findlaey Barker and Dave Holmes 4. Hayley, Amalie, Kiara and Michael Bann 5. Suzanne Martyn and Bronwyn Bailey 6. Jayden and Kiran Veluthan 7.

Marcelo Famini and Debora Lopez

8. Peter, William and Neil Hoggarth 9. Steve Dyer, Jill Burrows and Kerry Millard 10. Suellen Beaman, Nicola Beaman, Charlotte Pitt and Alice Pitt

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Marlborough Magazine

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IT‘S A TIGUAN

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THING