Pure Events Marlborough’s Katrina Lange and Racheal Kenyon (middle) and Electric Fix band members Alex Dunn, Kim Weatherhead (left), Aimee Moore and Ariel Rohe (right) are ready to put on a show to close 2024 on the Picton Foreshore. Story on page 2. Photo: William Woodworth.
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
The New Year’s Eve annual Picton celebration is set to be bigger than ever before as new sponsors jump onboard.
Ray White and Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries have joined forces with other sponsors BP Computers and More FM.
The boost means there will be more entertainment for children including live music from entertainer Zeelows.
The night, which kicks off at 7.15pm looks like it will be a
great crowd pleaser, says organiser Katrine Lange from Pure Events.
“We’re really excited this year to have Ray White and Bluebridge on board which has enabled us to increase kids’ entertainment.
“Of course, we have a FAB lineup of entertainment to bring in the New Year along with the spectacular fireworks display as a finale.”
Eclectic Fix take to the stage from 8pm and from 10pm The Relatives will help keep the good time vibes going until just before
the big countdown.
The Relatives cover an extensive range of all the big hits. Their repertoire aims to have everybody from four to eighty-four years old, dancing along.
Expect to hear popular tunes from Bowie, The Killers, Taylor Swift, Prince, Bruno Mars, Queen, Ed Sheeran, Journey, and artists spanning many generations.
“We love keeping it fresh every year, so have built a great lineup of fantastic local and national entertainment that only seems
to get bigger each year,” Katrina says.
“Thanks to our new sponsors Ray White and Bluebridge we’ve ensured there’s plenty of entertainment and fun for the kids as well throughout to make an evening for the whole family to ring in 2025”.
The New Year will be welcomed in with flair, as fireworks take to the skies over the water. For more information contact events@pureeventsmarlborough. nz or visit Pure Events Marlborough Facebook page.
Ray White Blenheim are excited to announce the 2024 winners for the Christmas Lights Competition as follows:
1st Place - 19 Hilton Place, Blenheim - Supporting From One Mother to Another 2nd Place - 4&6 Waipuna Street, MayfieldSupporting Hospice Marlborough
3rd Place - 17 McNabb Place, Witherlea - Supporting Victim Support
Best Business - Think Water MarlboroughSupporting Crossroads
Best Theme - 42 Magnolia Drive, Springland (music theme)
Best Solar - 19 Kinloch Crescent, Witherlea
Randomly Drawn - 12 Brydon Street, Renwick
Thank you to everyone who voted, as well as the guest judges – and we hope to see it even bigger and better for 2025.
For 32 years, Cathy O’Malley has devoted her time at the frontline of the New Zealand health service.
Described by her colleagues as an inspirational health leader, Blenheim-born Cathy has been a mentor to many, her service to the former Nelson Marlborough District Health board has been huge. Now after decades of dedication, Cathy is retiring from her most recent role as Group Manager, Regional System Integration with Health NZ to give retirement a go.
“This is a huge decision for me, having been consumed by a passion for my work in the health sector for over 32 years,” she says. “I’m going to deliberately step into nothing feel sand on my toes, and of course spend time with my family and grandchildren.”
The sister of former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, Cathy says she has loved every moment of her career. It is the people who have made it so special she says. “The people that kept me focused; people needing health services, my wonderful staff and my many colleagues in General Practice where my career in
health began, and subsequently in PHOs.”
Her passion for primary and public healthcare started with a ‘PhysEd’ degree before she worked part time as a General Practice manager. She has also had roles as CEO and Deputy Director General in former District
Health Boards, Primary Health Organisations and the Ministry of Health.
Working at the Ministry was her biggest career challenge.
The “machinery of government” certainly took me out of my comfort zone,” she says.
“Some people at the ministry
were very generous with their knowledge and I think it challenged some people too because I hadn’t come with any policy experience at all. The Director General at the time was specifically recruiting primary care and operational experience.
“I listen and give people autonomy. It’s also about integrity. If I say I’m going to do something I will do it.”
A standout memory for Cathy was Nelson Marlborough Health’s response to the Covid emergency.
“I was really proud of the work we did,” she says.
“Everybody across primary and public healthcare came together to stand up community testing and vaccination clinics.
“This showed the partnerships with public health, primary healthcare, Iwi and Pacific providers and leaders. It was the perfect mix, and we got great results in Nelson Marlborough.”
Cathy is firm on her decision to retire, saying it’s the right time to make way for the next generation of energetic, future focused health leaders.
“It’s time for me to look after my own health, and to enjoy the next stage with my beautiful grandchildren.”
Supporting local community events across Marlborough is something that Patrick Fisher and his team of Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers love to get involved in.
The Rapid Relief Team became a charity after Plymouth Brethren Christian Church volunteers formalised their ongoing efforts after the 2010 Christchurch earthquake.
And whether it’s feeding emergency services during disasters, helping out homeless or supporting community events by raising funds, Patrick’s glad to help.
“I first got involved about two years ago when alongside my brothers when RRT
wasn’t as active here”, he says
“There’s now over 100 all having done our food safety course for catering, feeding first responders at the Yealands fire, free lunches to HopeWalk or fundraising at Hospice Marlborough’s Golf Day.
“It’s not just manning barbecue’s or making coffees, we also have two of New Zealand’s only trailered sandbag machines with volunteers wherever needed during floods”.
“Locally, we’re assisting Hospice Marlborough in purchasing some specialist equipment for patients and donate RRT Food
Boxes for the Police to distribute providing a family of four, three meals a day, over 48
hours, with special treats like a Christmas pudding to people this time of year needing temporary food relief, including victims of domestic violence”.
And while serving the wider community is a major reason Patrick got involved as a volunteer, the feedback what keeps him continually eager.
“Some people may know we are a faithbased charity, but our RRT event volunteer’s motivation is giving back to the community where they live and work serving those in need where needed”.
When you are launching your boat, think about launching in an area with no seagrass/rimurehia present to avoid damage from vehicle tracks.
Be mindful of where you are anchoring or dredging as this can leave scars in the seagrass beds which can also hinder the movement of marine animals living amongst the seagrass.
It’s important to prevent runoff from land developments into our estuaries. Fertiliser run-off typically contains lots of nitrogen which promotes rapid blooms of algae. These blooms deplete oxygen in the water and block sunlight which seagrass/rimurehia needs to survive.
Efforts to slow down erosion and stabilise our coastlines is critical.
Because seagrass/rimurehia can be found in sheltered areas with low water movement, sedimention and run-off or debris from land activities and storms can smother it. It also blocks the sunlight needed for seagrass to photosynthesize.
Don’t walk or drive on seagrass – please keep off.
Keep an eye out for flowering seagrass/rimurehia. If you have seen some, Council’s Coastal Science team would love to know.
Flowering usually occurs in spring and summer. Up close the flowers have a different shape and colour than the blades and are thicker and fuller. Flowering shoots in general are lighter in colour than the blades. For more information on seagrass/rimurehia, contact our Coastal Science team on coastal@marlborough.govt.nz
Help us to protect the treasured ocean meadows of the Marlborough Sounds.
While wine is front and centre for the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, the VIP tents allow Sander De Wildt to highlight the best of his creative culinary mind.
For the 2025 event, Sander will be back in the VIP tent with preparations underway for the dishes he and Kaiaka staff will present to guests throughout the day.
Having staffed the VIP tent kitchen for many past events, he always values the opportunity to stretch his creative legs and collaborate.
“It’s always a great chance for Marlburians and guests from further afar to get their hands on some of the best local produce brought together in one,” Sander says.
“Each hour, we have a different seasonal dish for our guests, which we work on from December with Cloudy Bay Clams, Regal Salmon and Cranky Goat Cheese among others.
“I’m really excited to be working with Pearl Veal too because I love their products and their sustainable goals.
“Our dishes need to be tasty, but also need to be recreated quickly, pair with wines, and make with consistency and scale on the day which is always fun to test alongside Dion Brown and the Festival team.”
However, Sander knows the festival atmosphere is much more than just the VIP tent. He always enjoys taking a little time to visit suppliers, wineries and dancefloors throughout the day.
“I do get the odd chance to visit stalls around the festival, so I usually go to Cloudy Bay Wines and Rimapere who do some exciting
things each year.
“I’m always interested to see what brands bring to the day - I’m glad to see Vinyl in the Vines will be back playing music again throughout the day as well, because that was a highlight of mine last year.
“Connecting with fellow chef’s is always exciting too – last year I went on four days fishing alongside Dion, Sam Webb, Andy Cooks and Michael Meredith which was an incredible insight into Marlborough’s fishing industries before they were using the products for their dishes,
“It’s becoming much more than just the day with events building around Festival weekend too, like Brookby Beats and afterparties in Renwick and Blenheim to complement the Festival, that make it a properly fun weekend for all.
“It’s the best opportunity to show off Marlborough in one place each year and it takes courage by organisers to do this each year, because the more tickets sold and the more locals that embrace the highlight that is Festival weekend, the better for everyone”.
Santa Claus has been spending much of his pre-Christmas time across Marlborough after seeing a big upswing in nice reports. Photo: Anna Simpson.
Just before his busy season got underway, Santa Claus has been making appearances across the Marlborough region due to the lift in nice levels for the region.
“Santa On Tour across Marlborough has been absolutely excellent, seeing all the kids but all the adults too come out and celebrate, but I’ve also seen plenty of good people at Santa’s Grotto at the Renwick Christmas Market and singing karaoke
at Springlands Tavern.
“Lots of kids ask around gift’s delivery, and it comes not just down to Santa’s sleigh speed but also the timezones so I get a full 24 hours to deliver.
“This year we’ve seen an upwards trend in the nice list for Marlborough which I hope to see continue, and I’m looking forward to a couple of days in the Sounds once everyone’s got their presents”
Picton’s plans for summer shredding at the skatepark have just got even more interesting with new additions for the Auckland Street facility.
With assistance from local skaters, Te Atiawa, Sport Tasman, Picton Lions and Skate Marlborough, Marlborough District Council’s parks officer Grahame Smail says he’s been pleased to see the development of the area into a hub for community sports.
“Over the past three years we’ve seen the area really become well used and expanded on it which morphed into something much more.
“We engaged with our local interested parties who said they were keen to get it right, and Skate Marlborough popped up and got me in touch with Shane Naughton from Surface Ramps to put in the new features for skaters”.
The new boxes add more options for technical runs through the bowl for more street
skating grinds and tricks, and the installation has encouraged Skate Marlborough to bring a Skate Jam competition to Picton in 2025.
And with Grahame seeing the development not only for his job but on his route to work, he’s encouraged by what he’s seeing for his local community.
“It’s all coming together well with the moveable seating for the sports and skating, adding in water fountains and shade umbrella, so seeing kids bringing their speakers down with friends, families come to play, and updating it to have more uses has been a great idea and that’s thanks to Pictonites who advocated for it.
I drive past it daily, so seeing more and more people using Auckland Street and organically growing little communities of people around what we have put in and eager for more tells me we’re doing something right here”.
It has been a year of change for the region and not all of it positive. William Woodworth asked Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith for their take on the year that’s been and what we can look forward to.
While he has a break for lunch in the Beehive, Stuart Smith admits over the phone that since the first day of 2024, his Kaikōura MP role has had its challenges. While he shares the frustration some Marlburians feel with how 2024 has played out, he says progress has started to make headway across the region and his wider electorate.
“As an electorate MP, there’s obvious frustrations having come into the year with the ferries project and combined colleges plans both having to go back to the drawing board,” he says.
“That means it will take time to deliver the upgrades for the Marlborough colleges, and especially with frustration around ferry issues putting an exclamation mark on this year given the fact upgrades could have been delivered earlier and at a much lower cost.
“The colleges project was great in concept but significant issues finding a greenfield site, poor management and indecision on building which just made it unsustainable – but we’ve worked alongside our colleges and found targeted ways to support them.”
While Stuart says he carries his role as an electorate MP into his wider roles, he’s hoping more nation-wide impacts
can come out of his role as Chair of the Finance and Expenditure committee for both the region and the country looking to 2025.
“I’m glad to have helped supply some positives to the wine industry with the Cellar Door Amendment Bill, but wine has its own challenges dealing with a significant harvest and wine still in tanks from previous bumper harvests.
“We’re also working with councils on continued needed regional upgrades and continued work on speed limits especially along our State Highways assisting safety and speed.”
Stuart hopes he will be able to continue encouraging the building of Marlborough’s economic ecosystem, with combined local investment and overarching political work that he hopes to undertake in the New Year.
“I’ll be encouraging regional developments like the Technology Hub which aim to create more value within Marlborough’s entrepreneurial realm.
“Personally I’d like to see more regional value added to wine export receipts with bottling happening in Marlborough, instead of Auckland or overseas.
“But before all of that recommences, I wish everyone a happy and safe summer, an enjoyable well-earnt break and a great Christmas and New Year”.
For Mayor Nadine Taylor, 2024 was a “workhorse year” – with the rebuild of Marlborough Sounds and Kenepuru Roads a personal goal.
“Working with NZTA and the Government, and our ratepayers to achieve funding alongside their efforts to help the Hawke’s Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle, I felt we needed to get those roads fixed for that community for this Christmas 2024.
“It became a personal goal for the year and I’m thoroughly happy with it.
“Another highlight was George Street’s upgrade opening in the biggest senior housing investment council has made for decadesbut focusing on infrastructure investments, we deliver the platform so Marlborough can thrive in its own right.”
Adding to the load were a restructure of regional plans for the Cook Strait Ferries and the Combined Colleges project.
“We were expecting significant investment over about eight years between the Port’s
board and council, and Picton had been pulled apart – but I see that the ferries could move at pace in 2025 so we will have to too.
“I’m disappointed for the colleges, and but we’re making the best with developments on both colleges due soon, and Queen Charlotte opening a $23 million upgrade, it’s happening.”
Nadine says council are continuing their efforts to cover the region’s needs in what they believe to be the best way – but with council elections on the way it’s time for people to pitch their ideas.
“With the breadth of work we cover, it is important for passionate, well informed, hardworking Marlburians at the council table - we live in the most beautiful part of New Zealand, where the rest want to come on holiday.
“It has been a tough year, but Marlborough has got an optimism to it. It knows what its job is, knows it’s a great province, and just going to continue to thrive so I hope Marlburians have a wonderful, fun, well-earnt and safe Christmas and Summer”.
A picture can often paint a thousand words. Here we look back at some of the pictorial highlights which made up Marlborough Weekly’s 2024.
January
Ahoy me hearties. Members of the Modern-Day Pirates, Finnian, Aisling, Ruairi and Christopher O’Malley with their entry into the popular Picton Maritime Festival. Photo: William Woodworth
March Spring Creek School pupils Karizma McKenzie, Nia Badenhorst, Louis Booker and Zander Lee join principal Cheryl Alderlieste to implore drivers to slow down. A crossing has since been installed. Photo: Paula Hulburt.
February
Cheers! The sun shone, the drinks flowed, and hundreds of people made the most of the annual Marlborough Food and Wine Festival at Renwick Domain. Photo: William Woodworth.
June
Pride of place. Treasury Wine Estate, a main sponsor of Pride Wairau, had many team members supporting the colourful inaugural event. Photo: William Woodworth.
October
Curls just want to have fun. Isobelle McCulloch had her long locks cut short to raise money for Cancer Society Marlborough in memory of her much-loved nan.
April
Salt of the earth. Dominion Salt’s solar field manager Darren Topless, harvest operators Dylan Honeyfield and Justin McDowell with site operations manager Marcel Wicht on the harvester celebrate a bumper harvest. Photo: William Woodworth.
May
Monocles and Motorcycles. Marlborough Prostate Cancer Support Group and Prost-Fit Co-ordinator Murray Eyles and Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride organiser Paul Knight helped spread the words about men’s health. Photo: William Woodworth.
August
Paw Power. Beth Forrest experiences the power of dry land sledding behind a team of powerful sled dogs. Photo: William Woodworth.
September
Bright delights. Children from Uptown Preschool mark Daffodil Day by seeing the cheering artwork they created up on the walls outside the Oncology Ward at Wairau Hospital. Photo: Paula Hulburt
November
Thyme for a change. Jill and Bruce Rodgerson announce they’re closing the family business, Devon Nurseries. Photo: William Woodworth
July WoW factor. Molly Wilkes and Georgette Herkts with their Toi Wearble Arts winning entry Te-Whekeo-Muturangi.
Photo: Imogen Brophy.
December
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Young gardeners can turn their talents to a special competition this summerand organisers are hoping for some big results.
The Selmes Pumpkin Growing Competition in underway again, with green thumbed growers urged to dig deep.
For $2 each, entrants will get an Atlantic Giant pumpkin plant and an entry into the competition for either the heaviest or best designer pumpkin.
Selmes’ general manager Angel Cooper says it does take specific conditions for the Atlantic Giant pumpkins to grow to their full potential.
“It’s the reason we have the designer category too, so people can come along on the day. We’ll have a decoration station on site in an autumn based themed day with games and give everyone a chance to win.
This is the second year the competition is underway after a successful launch last summer.
Angel says there are tips and tricks entrants can use to get the most out of their plant.
“They grow bigger when you clip off buds of flowers so more of the plant’s energy goes into growing the pumpkin, and the sooner they’re in the ground and able to establish a root system the better.
“They love hot weather and need water, mulch, compost and fertilizer, but not too much as they’ll pre-bud and not grow to their maximum size – so it does take some care to grow a winner because they can get miraculously big, very quickly in the right circumstances.
“But there is some luck in the seedling, the planting site and the care you take, and as we’re open every day except statutory days we hope to see people pop in throughout summer and get their grow
1. Kalani Heremaia, Simon Pompey, Natalie Pompey, Helene Green, Dougal Fergus, Ainsley Harding and Gabriel Fergus
2. Lottie Savage, Andrea Dobbs, Rose Newton, Danique Derksen and Jayd Dobbs
3. Maria Monsalve, Luvia Villaluenga and Millaray Carrasco
4. Olivia Hall and Jamie Howe
5. Tony, Judd and Emily Morris
6. Tayla Edwards, Joseph and Kevin Addley
7. The Salty Lemons
8. Shar yn, Elizabeth, Noa and Warwick Fitzsimmons
We’re looking for an experienced graphic designer for our busy print media business in central Blenheim. Successful applicants will be proficient in InDesign, will need to be able to work well under pressure and be creative.
• Approx 30 hours per week between 8.30am and 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday .
• Based in a central Blenheim office.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Email your CV and cover letter to andrew@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Complete your summer with the
MONDAY
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS BARBERSHOP CHORUS.
7pm, Spring Creek Hall. If you love singing, come and join us. Ph: Chris 021445261.
BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 7pm, Whitney St School Hall. Ph: Heather 02102587325.
BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES 2-3pm & 6-7pm. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph: Judith 5787554 / 0212341095. First lesson free, $7 per lesson after that.
CARE & SHARE A place for creatives to meet, encourage & share their skills. 9.30am fortnightly. Barnies, Nativity. 76 Alfred St. Ph: 5783909.
ROTARY CLUBS BLENHEIM Meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. World-wide service club for men & women doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues. Ph: Blenheim Club Frank Porter 0272781546, or Blenheim South Club Secretary Dean Heiford 0212462642.
STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES, Mon, 10.30-11.30, The Foundry, John St, $2. For info: Ph: 5793457.
TARGET RIFLE SHOOTING, Summer shooting. 2nd & 4th Mon of month, 7.30pm, Athletic Park range, Riverside Club. Visitors welcome. Cost $10.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Meet 1st Tues of each month except Jan, 7.15pm. Cancer Society Blenheim 76a Maxwell Rd. Ph Murray 0276085667
KNITTERS & SPINNERS Meet 10am, Picton library. Bring your knitting for this social catch-up.
TUESDAY BLIND WINE CHALLENGE, Tues, 10:30am
- 10pm, Fidelio Cafe & Wine Bar. Come and try a mysterious wine by the glass every. Wines and questions change weekly. 18+. $14.
PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults 10-12pm. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 Morning tea included. Ph: Ernest 0275888453.
AL-ANON FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP meetings. Help for families/friends of problem drinkers and addictions. Every Tues, 6.30-7.30, Salvation Army, George St, Blenheim. Margaret 0210 260 7468.
MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB MAHJONG, 13.30pm, 12 Battys Rd. Ph: Gail 0272214121. $4.
PERSISTENT PAIN SUPPORT GROUP, Tues, 5-6pm. Dropin group for people with persistent pain & those supporting them. For info Ph: Cindy 0273809120
TENNIS AT MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB, Tues, 8.3012pm, Marlborough Tennis Club, Pollard Park, Parker St. Social Doubles Tennis. Morning Tea at 10am. Non-Members $5. All Welcome. Ph: 0275786436.
JUMP N JIVE FOR UNDER 5’S Come along to our preschool rhythm and music group. 9.30am, The Foundry on John St. Jump n Jive runs during school terms. Morning tea included. Check out tautokotrust.org for more info. Gold coin donation.
RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION, Tues, 1pm, Redwood Tavern, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim. Meet and play EUCHRE and CRIBBAGE. Beginners are welcome to learn and play. $5 per afternoon. Ph: Chris 0272077631.
SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking. Improve your confidence. 6.20pm fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. P: 0276001788 or e: sunbeltblenheim@ gmail.com.
MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB, 8.30-12pm, social, Morning Tea 10am, Parker St. Non-members $5. Ph: 0275786436.
BLENHEIM CHORAL 7pm. Nativity Church Hall. www. blenheimchoral.org.
BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP, 6.30-9pm, RNZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged 13 & 15 years. e: 27sqn@cadetforces.org.nz.
PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK 1st Tues of month, ‘COFFEE & CHAT’ 10-11am, Seabreeze Café, London Quay. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph: Cathy 0210451799 e: picton@ newcomers.co.nz
RED HAT SOCIETY for women to enjoy fun & friendship. We meet 1st & 3rd Tues of the month. Ph: Tina 0211045945.
MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIET Y Meet 4th Tues of month, 7pm. Various locations. To promote use, educate & identification of herbs. e: mhsgarlicpress@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY
VINES VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKET, Sept-May, 3rd Wed of month, 4.30-7.30pm, The Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Rd.
MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL CENTRE hosts newcomers, Wed, 10.30-12pm, Henry St. Opportu-
nities for Newcomers & Marlburians to make friends, practice English & support each other. Ven y practica tu inglés. Te esperamos.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregivers catch up. Wed, 10.30-12pm Town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St.
MARLBOROUGH CHINESE FELLOWSHIP Wed, 6-7.30pm, St Christopher’s Church. 92 Weld St. Chinese Christian group. Interested in the Bible or Christianity, desire to grow in the faith or would like to meet new friends, we welcome you. Ph: Guan 0221642782 | Mandy 0224326886.
MARLBOROUGH VINTAGE CAR CLUB MUSEUM, Wed & Sun, 1.30 – 3.30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph: Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New members welcome.
BLENHEIM PETANQUE CLUB, Wed, 1-3pm and Sun, 1012pm, Games held at courts, 65A Weld St. Ph/Txt: John 021979323.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, Wed, 7.30pm. Blenheim Bowling Club, 65 Weld St. Ph: Erin 0272341709.
PICTON - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING, Wed, 7.30pm, Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. Ph: Lynda 0212600860.
CHEESE & CHEERS is part of the Silent Book Club Aotearoa. 1st Wed of month, 5.30pm, Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Rd. Ph: 035727170 for info.
BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired? Meet 1st Wed of month, 10am. Wesley Centre. Ph: Ann 5787046 | Jan 0226353919.
LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM, Tea Meetings, 1st & 3rd Wed (Feb-Nov). Serving the community for over sixty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s club or are interested in becoming a Lion? Ph: Delphine Lee 0299425004 | Helen Williams 0211458572.
PICTON LIONS, meet 1st Wed on month. Join a worthwhile volunteer group, both female & male members wanted, good fellowship, all money raised goes back to Picton community. Ph: Norman 0274336242.
WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB, 3rd Wed of month, 10am, Picton Library. Meet for fun & friendship. After meeting we go for lunch if you wish to join us. Gold coin donation for morning tea.
BLENHEIM SENIOR CITIZENS 2nd & 4th Wed of month, 2pm, 172 High St. Entertainment and afternoon tea provided. Ph: Shirly 0210388616.
STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES,Wed, 1.30-2.30pm, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, Blenheim. $2 . For info: Ph: 5793457.
THURSDAY
TAI CHI & QIGONG with Nancy. Classes resume 9 Jan. 11am Wairau Valley, 3pm Redwoodtown Hall. Have a happy and safe holiday! lasfronteras@xtra.co.nz or 572 2884 or 027 572 2881
PIC TON BRIDGE CLUB, Thurs, 6.50pm, Port Marlborough Pavilion. Ph: Judy 021685348.
SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs, 9am-12pm, Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. All adults welcome. Ph: Cathy 021503348. $6.
PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults, Thurs, 10am-12pm. Port Marlborough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. Morning tea included. Ernest 0275888453. $4.
THURSDAY QUIZ NIGHT 2nd Thurs of the month, 6:30pm, Fidelio Cafe & Wine Bar. Get your team together to match wits for a fun evening of quizzing with plenty of time for great banter and laughs aplenty. Four Trivia rounds. 18+, unless with a parent or guardian. $20 per team.
KNIT & NATTER, Thurs, 10am-12pm, Blenheim Library. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info Ph: Sue 5785317.
COMPANIONS Ages 60+, 1st Thurs of month 1pm, Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. Ph: Avon 035792440 | Lorraine 035781240 |or Shirley 035783728.
MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, EOC, 4 Wither Rd. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.
COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP Tailored for people with breathlessness. 2nd & 4th Thurs of month, 1.15pm. Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. Ph: Diana 0272105780 | Gillian 0274545102.
PICTON POETS, 4th Thurs of month, 10.30-11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Ph: Lyn 0211294342.
STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES, Thurs, 10-11am, Anglican Church Hall, 54 High St, Renwick. $3. For info: Ph: 5793457.
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY FRIDAY
OLDER PERSONS SEMINAR No Seminar for December.
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS, Every Friday, 6:30pm, Fidelio Cafe
& Wine Bar. Enjoy lively music every Friday evening with rotating musicians from the Top of the South and on tour, with varying music styles and genres. 18+, unless with a parent or guardian. Free.
MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY CLUB INC Meet Fri, 4.30pm, Redwood Tavern. Courtesy Coach available. Wayne Love, Country Ramblers, and many more entertainers. Line Dancers, Rock and Roll Club. Raffles, Lotto draw. Fellowship, meals and drinks. Ph: Margaret 0276238269 for info.
NATIVITY TUNES FOR TOTS music, food & fun for pre-schoolers & caregivers, Fri, 9.30am, Nativity Hall, 76 Alfred St. During term time. Ph: 5783909.
SALVATION ARMY GAMES Rummy O or Cards ‘500’, Fri, 1-4pm. Ph: Moira for info 0284213163. $2 to cover afternoon tea.
BOLIVIA CARD GAME, Fri afternoons. Redwoodtown. Ph: Mal 0273157675.
PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’, Fri, 5-6pm, Café Cortado on the waterfront. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph: Cathy 0210451799 or e: picton@newcomers.co.nz.
LINK, Fri, 1pm, Nativity Centre Lounge, 76 Alfred St. Fun, board games & afternoon tea. Ph: 5783909 for info. Gold coin donation appreciated.
UPBEAT ORCHESTRA All ages. Instruments. Fri, 5-6.30pm, St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd. From beginner-grade 5. e: upbeatorchestra@gmail.com.
MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB ARVO, Fri, 2-4pm, 12 Battys Rd. Guest speakers. Dianne 0212147757. $5.
SATURDAY / SUNDAY
REDWOOD MARKET, Sat, 8-12pm, Redwood Tavern car park, Cleghorn St. Plants, garden products, flowers, crafts including handmade soaps, cards & jewellery. Raising money for your community.
PICTON RAIL & SAIL on the Foreshore. Mini train rides & yachts from 20 cents. Every Sun & the school holiday’s, subject to weather.
MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB, Sun, 3-5pm, Parker St Social Tennis Non-Members $2. All welcome. Ph: Joanna 0275786436.
BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM, Sun Service, 4pm, St Ninians Church, cnr Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. barnabas. org.nz. KETO SUPPORT GROUP meet Sat, fortnightly (approx. beginning & mid-month), 10am, Revival Café, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation but the coffee’s great! For info Ph: 0275057774
BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET, Sat, 8am12pm, Railway Station carpark. Blenheim Rotary Bootsale operating over 25 years, funds to local/international projects. New or used items, plants, food, coffee carts welcome. See bootsalemarket on Facebook.
MARLBOROUGH STROKE CLUB a voluntary organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of those who have experienced a stroke, and to the support of their caregivers. We offer support, friendship & education with various meetings held each month. Ph: Vyvienne Dunlop 5783837 or 021929955.
MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET, Sun, 9-12pm, A&P showgrounds. Local fresh & seasonal produce & products.
SOUNDS ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICE, Sun, 9.30am, St Peter’s - 30 Lawrence St, Havelock.
THE ROADHOUSE BREAKFAST for car enthusiasts of all genres. 1st Sun of month, Riverlands Roadhouse. Coffee cart on site, cafe has great food. 100+ cars at each of first two events.
BLENHEIM HEALING ROOMS open 1st & 3rd Sat of the month, between 11-12.30pm from Feb- beginning Dec. We offer free, confidential prayer for healing or other needs. You can find us at Connect, High St, Blenheim.
MARLBOROUGH QUILTERS, meet 2nd Sat of month, 10-4pm, Marlb Vintage & Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. Join us to learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomer’s welcome. Ph: Liz 0212067382.
REPAIR CAFÉ, 4th Sat of month, 9-12pm, John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. We’ll fix your small repair on site. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. Donations accepted.
BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS, meet, 1st & 3rd Sun of month, 10.3011.15am, Marl Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, 12th Lane. Blenheim. Cnr Farmers carpark. www.bahai.org.
BLENHEIM RIVERSIDE RAILWAY Runs 1st & 3rd Sun of
the month. We have Eftpos. Facebook - Riverside Railway.
MARLBOROUGH ASSOCIATED MODELLERS SOCIETY miniature train rides 1st & 3rd Sun of month. $2. Model yacht & boat sailing Sun, 1pm-4pm, Brayshaw Park.
BLENHEIM FAMILY HISTORY GROUP, Informal gatherings, 3rd Sun of the month, 1.30-3pm, Family History Rooms, Brayshaw Park. Interested in Family History Research & building your Family Tree? For for advice & assistance. Ph: Lauri 578 8385.
MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM New exhibition The Power of Flowers- how flowers inspired fashion. Open Tues,Thurs & Sun 11am - 3pm. Adults $10 children free.
MARLBOROUGH BRIDGE CLUB, Mon, Tues, 6.45pm, Wed, 12.45pm, Connect Hall, 8 Beaver Rd. Ph: Christine 021315650 (Mon), Ann 0212296933 (Tues), Marsha 02102395252 (Wed).
RENWICK MENZ SHED, Tues, 8.30-2pm, Fri, 8.30-12pm, 54 High St Renwick. Left of church. Morning Tea provided. Ph: Dave 02102282592.
PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED, Wed, 8.30am-3pm, Sat, 8.30-12pm, 2 Market St. Ph: Bill Rogers 5735507.
PICTON DAWN CHORUS, checking volunteer trap lines, walking through native bush. Ph: Jen 03 928 4957 ext 1. e: volunteering@pictondawnchorus.nz.
BLENHEIM MENZ SHED, Sat, 9-12pm, Mon & Thurs, 1-4pm, 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages meet to just chill out or do projects for themselves or the community. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Ph: Dave 0212340057.
SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drive. Tutors for people 50+ needing assistance with computer/smartphone. Ph: Ian Cameron 035742558 to arrange.
BROOKLYN CROQUET CLUB Tues, Thurs, Sat, 1pm, Golf Croquet, Whitehead Park grounds, Brooklyn Dr. Mallets supplied.
MARLBOROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB committed to seeing mountain biking flourish in Marlborough. We hold regular rides suitable for all levels of fitness & ability. Including back-country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. e: marlboroughmountainbike@gmail.com.
MARLBOROUGH TRAMPING CLUB A very active club. Mid-week, Sunday trips, overnight & extended trips. Info at www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or e: marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com
LEARN TO ROW, Sun, 8.30am or from 4.45pm on Tues & Thurs. Give rowing a go, or get back into rowing, with the Blenheim Rowing Club. We’ll teach you the basics and get you on the river with experienced rowers to get you started. More info: blenheimrowing.co.nz.
CUDDON C YCLING MARL Road racing alternate Sats, details on facebook. Loan bikes, coaching & tuition available. Ph: Chris 035780433 | Warren 021663910 for info. www. cyclingmarlborough.co.nz.
SIT AND BE FIT, Tues & Thurs, 1.15pm, Riversdale Community House. Ph: 5780469 | 0223007342. $2. MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS, Mon, 9-12pm & 7-9pm. Wed, Sat, 9am-12pm, 1st Sun of the month, 1-4pm, Brayshaw Park. Wooden toys, projects. Ph: Philip 5705188.
WORKING BEE – TE WHANAU HOU GROVE TOWN LAGOON plant/weed/mulch, Wed, 9.30-11.30am & Thurs, 1.30-3pm. Ph: Rosanne 0210709267. Sun session, every 2nd Sun, 9.30-12pm, Wairau Rowing Club, Stream Wharf Rd, Grovetown. Followed by BBQ. e: justinejohnsonmarlborough@gmail.com.
ULYSSES CLUB, Coffee, Sat, 10am, The Runway Café. For info : marlborough@ulysses.org.nz or marlborough.ulysses.org.nz.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, Thurs/Sat 7-8pm, Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St. MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST Have difficulty getting to medical appointments in NELSON? This trust was created to carry people to Nelson for medical appointments. Ph: 5741311 or e: soundsvehicle@gmail.com.
AA MEETINGS Marlborough area. Meetings: Mon, 7.30pm, Plunket Rooms, 21 Bythell St | Web, 7.30pm, Picton Model Railway, 1 Picton Wharf | Fri, 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Rd, Spring Creek | Sat, 7.55am, Salvation Army Rm, 35 George St | Sun, 7.30pm, Church, 54 High St, Renwick. Ring alcoholics anonymous for help to stop drinking. Ph: 08002296757. www.aa.org.nz.
