Marlborough Weekly - 16 March 2021

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Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, Redwoodtown

Tuesday 16 March 2021

Graffiti welcomed

Netballer denied

Page 5

Page 20

Waiting game for tourism Matt Brown

place.

“In teens, it’s so easy to be fixated on the very present rewards and convenience of the

Local business owners have been kept afloat by domestic tourists but face an uncertain future a year after lockdown.

Nearly one year ago the country was bought to a standstill by lockdown and the threat of COVID-19.

And while business bosses say they’re grateful for domestic tourism, the lack of international tourists has left a huge dollar-shaped hole.

Hop ‘n Grape Tours owner Cameron Clarke says the pandemic has dramatically changed the amount of business his popular tour company does.

“Our sales are down by about 85 per cent.

“Friday and Saturday are busy. There can be some tours on a Sunday if it’s a long weekend.

“But during the week, with no international visitors or cruise ships, numbers are low,” he says.

New Zealand was plunged into national lockdown on 11.59pm on 25 March 2020.

Marlborough businesses joined others across the country and shut their doors until 27 April when some food outlets could open for take away orders.

Alert Level 2 came into effect on 13 May 2020.

Cameron says businesses are still feeling the pinch, and as temperatures start to drop, tourism businesses must diversify.

“It’s tough for everyone; we’re all in the same boat.

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 4

Mackenzie Woolley wants Tuamarina Cemetery to be a place of peace again. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Plea for peace Paula Hulburt Editor

paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A fed-up Tuamarina teenager is calling for a stop to anti-

social antics at Marlborough’s most historic cemetery.

Mackenzie Woolley has taken to social media to take teenagers to task for treating Tuamarina Cemetery as a place to

party.

The 16-year-old, who has generations of family laid to rest there, hopes her actions will help bring peace back to the renowned hilltop resting

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News

The annual Hospice Marlborough Car Display once again attracted a horde of car enthusiasts from across the region. Perfect weather made for a large number of cars and punters. Photo: Matt Brown.

News

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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Respect for final resting place FROM PAGE 1 situation.

“You litter because you can’t be bothered to put your rubbish in the bin. You recklessly speed around the cemetery, showing off to boost your social status,” she says.

“And with the boy-racing, please just let the deceased rest in peace as well as acknowledging that there are neighbours who want to have a quiet night.”

The post on social media last week was met a wave of positive support.

Mackenzie says she was touched by how positively Marlborough

responded.

Publishing the post was a scary prospect she says.

“I believe that change can’t happen without a catalyst … and in this case, I had to be the catalyst for this change.

“It was really daunting to post, as I had no idea how people would react.

“But what I have taken away from all of this is that taking risky paths can lead you to beautiful destinations.”

Set high above the Tuamarina township, the cemetery is the final resting place for generations of local people.

It’s grounds also include the

Wairau Massacre Memorial, erected there in 1869 and is of important historical significance.

Mackenzie says the site is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

The Year 12 student regularly removes bags of rubbish, laughing gas canisters, beer cans and bottles from the cemetery.

Treating it as a place to hangout is irreverent, Mackenzie says.

“The Tuamarina Cemetery is a beautiful place, and I hope to keep it that way. Littering affects our wildlife, damages our waterways, causes soil pollution, takes away the beauty of the area, and disrespects the deceased.

Mackenzie Woolley.

Photo: Paula Hulburt.

“Next time you are at the cemetery please take a step back to get a better perspective of the big picture.”

A police spokesperson says the last official complaint about behaviour at the cemetery was a year ago.

Police take reports of public dis-

order seriously he says.

“The last incident at the cemetery reported to Police was a year ago -13 March 2020 - with a report of youths misbehaving.

“Any further reports to police would be followed up by staff, as we continue to work with communities to prevent crime.

“Police take reports of public disorder seriously and always encourage the community to contact us with their concerns, either by calling 105 if something’s happened, or dialling 111 if it’s happening now.”

Mackenzie’s post can be read in full on our Opinion page on page 11.

End of era for community college Matt Brown A popular education boss has been bid a fond farewell at a special leaving ceremony on Friday.

Community College manager Virginia Archer has been on staff at the Blenheim-based facility for 27 years.

And as she prepares for pastures new, friends, colleagues and students gathered to wish her the very best on Friday.

Virginia first started at the small college in the mid-90’s as Community College manager Virginia Archer, center, surrounded by a reliever teacher. colleagues and students. Photo: Matt Brown.

She had several roles, writing

assessments and in quality assurance, before taking the reins.

The rest is history, she says.

“When I left graduation last December, I said to a colleague, if this was my last graduation, I would leave happy.”

During the farewell, Virginia was described by colleague and friend Carolynn Tipene as a glass-half-full type of person.

“She’s one of the coolest people I’ve ever known.

“Marlborough as a community is going to miss your leadership and guidance.”

Employment placement coordinator Nigel Timpson says it

will be hard to replicate what Virginia has achieved.

“You have been steering this waka, looking after the young adults of Marlborough.

“This organisation is a part of you.”

“It’s been a real honour and a privilege to be a part of it, Virginia says. “I will always support you guys and what you do; it’s just been amazing.

“I know the place is in safe hands, it’s going to go to the next level.”

Virginia has a new role as academic manager with Kalandra Education.

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News

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Counting cost of tourist drought FROM PAGE 1

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“I’m lucky to be able to fall back on winemaking, which is my passion.”

Cameron says during winter he usually picks up part time work.

“During previous winters, there were still small tour groups, but I’m anticipating low numbers this year.”

With borders closed, Marlborough tourism operators have been hit hard.

Moa taproom manager Mark Campbell says the popular brewery will remain open throughout winter, but with reduced hours.

“We want to be there – we don’t want to close and get people out of the habit of coming here,” Mark says.

“We’re not under any illusions – in the middle of July when it’s raining, we’re not expecting to be busy.

“But we have heaters and a sunny outdoor area, we want to make the best of it.”

Mark says the region is lucky to have the wine industry which brings domestic tourists to the region.

“Last year, I think people were disappointed Moa closed. But there were so many uncertainties with COVID-19.

“We’re going back to our roots, a local brewery making good local beer.”

171 on High Motel owner Donna

Hop ‘n Grape Tours owner Cameron Clarke. Photo: Supplied.

Whakatihi says her Blenheim business was lucky to secure a contract accommodating vintage workers during last year’s harvest, but occupancy has been down this summer.

“From a business perspective, it’s almost like the bubble has burst,” she says.

“In February, we’d usually have hardly a unit empty. You would make the money needed for the winter.”

She says this year, as winter rolls around, there’s a lot of uncertainty.

“It’s a line we haven’t travelled before. I think it will be interesting come the end of the financial year. “[Businesses] are really going to have to look at the figures whether their business is sustainable.”

She says she’s grateful for the people travelling within New Zealand - a mix

of holiday-makers and corporate travellers.

But one of her biggest costs is rent.

“When you’re running a business, you still have fixed costs.”

She says booking sites also take a chunk of revenue and wants Kiwi travellers to consider booking direct.

Expedia takes a 16 per cent commission, booking.com takes 12 per cent, she says.

“That goes straight out the door.

“I’ve got six check-ins today and four of them are through booking.com.

“For February and March we’ve reduced our rates by 20 per cent and that comes off the bottom line.

“Perhaps some regions have relied on international travel too much, but who would have thought the world would be in this position now?”

Cameron says Destination Marlborough have been proactive with tourism operators in the region.

“I think they’ve done all they can do to generate domestic travel. There’s just such a smaller pool of tourists.”

He says New Zealanders travel differently.

“They have their own style. They have their own vehicles.

“Whereas international visitors are quite happy to hop on a bus and be shown the best places.”

Special screening to help support cancer patients Paula Hulburt A film made to honour the courage of a cancer patient will help raise money for those going through their own cancer journey.

Helen Ngahuia Thomas’s last three years battling pancreatic cancer before she died were captured on film by her uncle and godfather Paul Davidson.

A special screening of Helen’s Story will be held on Wednesday 17 March in Blenheim to help raise money for a local Relay for Life team.

Head chef at The Runway Café in Woodbourne Julie Robinson is joining forces with her boss Lisa Stove to take part in the Cancer Society’s biannual event.

As a cancer survivor, Julie says the support of the society was vital.

“I would simply never have got through it without the support of the Cancer Society.”

Diagnosed with breast cancer, Julie had chemotherapy, radiation and reconstructive surgery.

The screening of the film and taking part in Relay for Life is a chance to give back, she says.

For Argosy owner Paul, the

Julie Robinson and Lisa Stove are joining forces to take part in the Cancer Society Relay for Life. Photo: Supplied. screening of the film, which was first released four years ago, will be a poignant moment.

The multicultural tale of cancer, courage and family was the hardest documentary he has made during his 40-year career.

“Helen was my niece and godchild and that made the threeyear project incredibly personal.

“But although it was emotionally draining, the close relationship between filmmaker and participants gives the film a remarkable warmth and intimacy.

“I am proud of Helen and her whole whanau.”

Relay for Life will be held on

19 March at the A&P Showgrounds in Blenheim.

Event Cinemas in Blenheim has made the theatre available for the screening.

Matthew Scott from the theatre says he hopes to get a full house along for the night.

“The Cancer Society is a fantastic cause to raise funds for,” says Matt.

“Despite the grim subject, the film is an uplifting and inspiring documentary with many unexpected twists and turns.”

The filming starts at 6.30pm and complimentary drinks and nibbles are included.

Tickets are available from the Cancer Society and The Runway Café or at the cinema on the night.

News

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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Guerrilla graffiti street art attack Matt Brown Blenheim town centre could soon be bursting with colour - with sanctioned guerrilla graffiti street art.

The Blenheim Business Association (BBA) have cash, paint, and an artist in mind – they just need walls.

But they’re not wanting a community mural, Blenheim already has plenty of those BBA bosses say.

Blenheim Business Association coordinator Caroline Stone says they have the support to start – it’s just a matter of getting landlords on board.

“Blenheim could use some more colour,” she says. “[Street art] is not just for big, concrete urban jungles anymore.

“Look at Christchurch, Nelson, even Takaka has an awesome one.”

Caroline says a Facebook post gauging interest shows a huge amount of public support for the initiative.

“There are so many people that do want this to happen.

“There will always be people that push back, where they don’t like the style or don’t like change.”

She points out the painted chorus boxes have been popular with Marlburians.

Caroline says they’re not looking to emulate Melbourne’s laneways, they want large, public walls that

Blenheim Business Association coordinator Caroline Stone is calling for landlords to help brighten up the CBD. Photo: Matt Brown. have a lot of traffic; ideally, street art should just appear, she says.

“It’s a guerrilla art.

“Ideally, it should be thrown up, but we don’t have the people that do it here.

So, it has to be done as a formal process, she says.

“We just need someone to step forward and say, yep.

“A lot of landlords are out of town and are fairly anonymous, with property caught up in family trusts.

“But it’s private property, we need permission.”

She says there are a load of potential walls, but the theatre is off the table.

“The theatre has come up a number of times,” Caroline says.

“Since the graffiti, I’ve thought something needs to be done [with the theatre], but not for this project because of the cost and scale of it.

Graffiti street art has a number of benefits, she says.

Koda Murphy rings the bell at the end of the What Now Gunge Runner obstacle course live on television on Sunday morning. A large audience of children and their parents turned out to watch the popular kids tv show filmed live on the Picton foreshore. Photo: Matt Brown.

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“Street Art tends to increase foot traffic to the area with passers-by stopping to look or take a selfie with the artwork,” she says.

“Higher foot traffic can translate into higher values in leases for landlords.

“Public artwork also builds a sense of culture and community, it attracts social media users to share photos, thereby increasing online engagement with your business.

“There’s space for community

stuff, but that’s not what we’re looking to do.”

“There is huge support for this in our community and we cannot do it without landlords willing to offer up their walls.”

The BBA are putting a call out to building owners or tenants of CBD buildings that could do with some creative attention.

Contact the BBA if you have a wall. “If we get one or two walls done, people will see the value in it,” Caroline says.

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News

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

NEWS

Dog surrender costs: Marlborough District Council has agreed to more than double the cost of surrendering a dog to the pound. From the end of June, the cost of surrendering a dog will jump from $40 to $100. This will prevent ratepayers from being stung with the bill if an aggressive dog is surrendered to be put down. Six dogs were surrendered to the council last year. The cost of registering working and non-working dogs will remain the same. The fees still had to be rubber-stamped at full council on April 1 and, if approved, would come into force on July 1.

Earthquake roadshow: The “AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet” is heading to Blenheim on 10 May. The free event features public science talks and interactive classroom sessions designed to share the story of the Alpine Fault, the impacts and consequences of a future magnitude 8 earthquake. The event takes place at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough at 7pm.

Park closed: More rain is still needed before Marlborough District Council will reopen the upper Wither Hills Farm Park. Council’s parks and open spaces officer Robin Dunn says a significant amount of rain is still needed to reduce the fire indices to enable the reopening of the Farm Park.

“Although temperatures are dropping and morning dews occurring, the indices are still very high for the Lower Wairau/Awatere and Wither Hills,” he says. “We will monitor the fire indices with FENZ and look to reopen the park as soon as the fire risk drops...”

The

Dental Prosthetic SPECIALISTS IN THE MARLBOROUGH REGION

Rail firm and iwi make history Paula Hulburt History has been made in Marlborough as a landmark partnership between iwi and transport bosses becomes official.

A formal relationship agreement between KiwiRail and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust has been signed at Waikawa Marae.

It is hoped the Kawenata will help pave the way forward for Kiwirail’s relationships with other local iwi across the country.

It was signed on Thursday by KiwiRail’s chief operating officer capital projects and asset development David Gordon and the chair of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-aMāui Rachael Hāte, and the Chair of Te Roopu Manaaki Ron Riwaka.

KiwiRail Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Miller says while this was the first formal Kawenata signed with an iwi or hapū, it would not be the last.

“We are working to improve and sustain our relationships with all iwi and hapū impacted by our projects, so the Kawenata signed with Te Ātiawa today is an exciting milestone.

“We expect the Kawenata signed today will be the first of many.”

Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust represents Te Ātiawa whānau who

From left, Ron Riwaka, Chair of Te Roopu Manaaki; Rachael Hāte Chair of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui; Ray Brown, KiwiRail Te Kupenga Mahi Liaison; David Gordon, KiwiRail Chief Operating Officer Capital Projects and Asset Development. Photo: Supplied.

Recently, KiwiRail and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui through its Te Roopu Manaaki, have been working together on the plans for the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment.

The time felt right for the close relationship to be formalised, says Te Ātiawa o

Te Waka-a-Māui Trust chair Rachael Hāte. “As manawhenua of Kura Te Au, we acknowledge and value the effort, contribution and mahi that KiwiRail has afforded us as Kaitiaki.

“This agreement further celebrates how a partnership can work.”

Hundreds attended the annual St Mary’s Gala at the weekend.

The school fundraiser had something for all ages, and proved popular with Blenheim locals, with food and activities including bouncy castles, white elephant, chocolate wheel and raffles.

Casey Twidle, Dakota Webb, Samson Pine and Freda Duan, pictured left, were busy selling their Lovely Lemonade, which also came in concentrate.

Photo: Matt Brown.

or email paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Rural

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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‘Eye-watering’ costs or ‘peanuts’: Depends what side of the freshwater fence you’re on Chloe Ranford Local Democracy Reporter Millions of dollars have been set aside to help farmers in Marlborough meet new freshwater rules.

Farmers drove hours to meet with Marlborough District Council staff at Blenheim’s Farmlands recently to discuss the Government’s new National Environmental Standard for freshwater management.

Many were upset over an “eyewatering” proposal to charge farmers $155 an hour for a council officer or $103 an hour for a “student” officer to check if they were sticking to the new rules.

Council environmental scientist Matt Oliver told attendees, who were Federated Farmers members, there was money available to them to help get their farms compliant through the ‘Catchment Care Programme’.

The programme had so far been allocated $2.7m from the Government and $1.7m from the council. It was hoped farmers would contribute another $1.3m in cash or through “in-kind” work.

Matt says farmers could use that money, and that would essentially balance out any costs they might incur in getting checked.

The money could be used to help landowners fence their stock from waterways, plant natives, or purchase poo-eating dung beetles.

“Because if the rest of New Zealand has voted for a Government that wants to improve the quality of freshwater everywhere, then they should actually stump up for it,” Matt says.

Part of the funds could also be used to survey properties for potential clashes with the new freshwater rules, with informa-

tion passed back to landowners for free.

The council was currently undertaking surveys in the Te Hoiere/ Pelorus and Kaituna River.

But the $155 an hour check-ups were not set to be covered by Government or ratepayers.

Matt says a fellow staff member had estimated the monitoring fees would cost farmers up to $100,000 a year across the region.

“It’s peanuts, really,” he says.

Charges applied even if a farmer was compliant with the new freshwater rules, and more charges were heaped on if a farm was non-compliant.

If a neighbour complained about a farm, but the farm was found to be compliant, the farmer would not be charged.

One audience member, a farmer from Avon Valley, south-west of Blenheim, said fees became “eyewatering” on an individual level.

Federated Farmers Marlborough chair Phillip Neal. Photo: Chloe Ranford/LDR. He says the cost of checking compliance should be paid from rates, as everyone benefited from farmers improving their waters.

“It would only equate to a couple extra bucks per ratepayer ... otherwise you’ll have 100 farms paying $1000 each.”

Federated Farmers Marlborough meat and wool chair Scott Adams says the proposed fees came as “a

bit of a kick in the guts” because the council had promised to communicate with farmers.

Matt says the council submitted on the new rules when consultation opened, in 2019, including on the definition of low slope land. Farmers with low-lying land had to fence cattle and deer off from streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands by mid-2025.

“You guys didn’t see the first draft.

If you think the proposals are bad now, man alive, the draft version of it was terrible,” Matt says. “[The low slope proposal] still looks like bollocks to me, but they’ve said, ‘We got it wrong, and we’re going to do something about it’.”

He said just 50 per cent of New Zealand’s new freshwater rules had been completed, and there were still “major pieces” to come.

Feedback on the monitoring fee closes March 29, at 5pm.

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Rural

Doubling Up at Te Whare Ra Courtesy of Radio New Zealand/ Country Life Anna Flowerday of Te Whare Ra in Marlborough says she has a thing about even numbers.

Anna and her husband Jason bought the vineyard nearly two decades ago and over the years set about reinvigorating its soil and vines while raising two sets of twin girls.

Their four cows can be found munching hay and making manure for the property under the shade of four oak trees while a pair of vineyard dogs lead the “best life imaginable”, Anna says.

But there are a few odd numbers about the place: the couple grow seven different varieties of grape on 11 hectares and some of their vines are the oldest in the region planted back in the 1970s.

“People said, ‘oh that old vineyard’s past it - you’re going to have to pull that out and start

again’ and we said ‘no, no, no that’s what we’ve come here for’.”

The Flowerdays have vineyards in their blood. Anna’s family planted grapes in Australia’s McLaren Vale in the 1850s and Jason was brought up in Marlborough.

They weave organic and biodynamic techniques into the winegrowing while swimming against a tide of mechanisation in the region’s vineyards.

“We’ve had to bring the soil back to life, to then, in turn, bring the vines back to life,” Anna says.

“We don’t like adding flavour. We like growing it,” Jason says.

But it has been tough in the global pandemic. Restaurants and distributors in the UK take 40 percent of their wine and that market has crashed.

Without a second-tier wine aimed at the supermarket trade, the Flowerdays have taken a massive hit.

“There’s all this talk about ‘pivot’

Jason and Anna Flowerday. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round. and I actually hate that word right now,” Anna says.

“You can’t totally reinvent yourself.”

Other niche markets have opened up, though, and they’re heartened by support at the cellar door.

A new young batch of customers

are visiting, buying and asking pertinent questions about organics, sustainability and the people working at Te Whare Ra.

Rural

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

9

Open day fun at award-winning farm

A recent extended dry spell means all of Marlborough’s rivers are at low levels. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Dry conditions widespread The New Zealand Drought Index (NZDI) map shows that dry to very dry conditions are widespread in the northeastern South Island, with small areas of dry conditions in parts of the south.

Weekly rainfall totals are likely to exceed 100 mm in parts of West Coast and western Southland, while the Canterbury ranges could see 20-50 mm. Eastern ar-

eas of the South Island may only receive 15 mm or less.

The recent extended dry spell means all of Marlborough’s rivers have been at low levels over the past few weeks, impacting on irrigation water availability.

Of the major irrigation rivers, there are, or have been restrictions on the Awatere and Waihopai, as well as restric-

tions on several smaller water sources.

“The Wairau River, the largest irrigation source, was very close to shut-off last week, but the rain mid-week brought enough of a lift to delay that by about another week, and eased restrictions in other areas as well,” said Council hydrologist, Val Wadsworth.

A month after it was cancelled due to a change in COVID-19 alert levels, a Marlborough family are set to open their doors to the public.

As part of Open Farms Day, The Pyramid farmer Richard Dawkins and his family will be welcoming people to their sheep and beef farm on Sunday 21 March.

The family-friendly event is part of a nationwide free initiative aiming to connect people with host farms in a fun and informal way while finding out more about a working farm.

There will be a huge range of family-orientated activities to enjoy including a chance to meet some animals, tractor and trailer rides, farming themed games, a shearing demo, farm tour, machinery display and bouncy castle.

The Pyramid farm won the su-

preme award in the Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards in 2019, with judges describing it as a ‘great example of land use well matched to land capability.”

“We are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation farmers at The Pyramid, originally purchased by Jack Dawkins in 1954,” he says.

“Our passion lies in animal health and performance, best environmental practice and building positive relationships with rural professionals, staff and the public.

“Come along for a day of fun with the kids and learn a few things about rural life and farming in dry land Marlborough.”

Visitors are welcome to drop in anytime between 9am and 3pm.

Visit www.openfarms.co.nz/ event/the-pyramid-2 to book a place and to get the location of the farm.

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Out & About

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Out&About

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Opinion

Opinion

TUESDAY 16 March 2021 facebook.com/marlboroughmedia facebook.com/marlboroughapp www.marlboroughweekly.co.nz www.marlboroughapp.co.nz 52 Scott Street, Blenheim

Opinion: Teens, look at the big picture Dear teenagers/young adults who loiter around the Tuamarina Cemetery, You know what I am about to say.

Before you jump to the conclusion that I’m a green, vegan Karen or Greta Thunberg, I’m going to say that I’m a teenager just like you.

I understand the thrill and excitement noisily speeding up and down the cemetery gives you. I know that littering your laughing gas canisters, cans, beer bottles and lynx sprays around the area makes you feel gangster and socially superior. But you need to use your knowledge to see the big picture.

Think about it like this: You are at an art gallery viewing a famous $1M painting. You stare intensely at the painting, scratching your head and thinking, “Ummm I don’t get it. How can this canvas of random splodges be so dear?”.

Meanwhile here I am, viewing the beautiful painting from a long distance and admiring how it actually resembles a Maui Dolphin.

I watch you stare closely at the painting while talking to your

mates about how shitty it looks.

At this point, I’m internally laughing my socks off. You look like fools, and the funniest thing is that you are completely oblivious to the fact that you look like fools.

You aren’t able to understand the painting. Only if you see it from my perspective, you’ll understand and see the dolphin I see.

This analogy perfectly explains this whole situation. Taking a step back from the present moment to view the facts on the situation helps you to see the big picture. In this case, it is the rubbish you litter around the place and the many times you speed around in your cars.

Take a step back and think, how does this affect the future environment?

Am I listening to my morals? Is this respecting the deceased at this cemetery?

You guys are so caught up in the present moment. You are staring at the painting too close. Being aware of the facts and future consequences gives you a better understanding of the painting.

How you interpret the painting, is up to you.

Knowledge is power.

11

Mackenzie Woolley wants other young people to think before they litter. Photo: Supplied.

My point is that to see the big picture, you need to step back from the present rewards and convenient ways of living and focus on the facts.

In teens, it’s so easy to be fixated on the very present rewards and convenience of the situation. You litter, because you can’t be bothered to put your rubbish in the bin.

You recklessly speed around the cemetery, showing off to boost your social status.

You don’t acknowledge the future consequences.

I find that many people have the tendency to put their walls up and let anything to do with the environment go right through one ear and out the other.

I totally get it, even hearing the word ‘enviro’ signals you to turn

your ears off.

It’s definitely not as exciting as the topic of alcohol/sex.

But the truth is, as boring as it sounds, it is an important issue.

The Tua Marina Cemetery is a beautiful place, and I hope to keep it that way. Littering affects our wildlife, damages our waterways, causes soil pollution, takes away the beauty of the area, and disrespects the deceased.

And with the boy-racing, please just let the deceased rest in peace as well as acknowledging that there are neighbours who want to have a quiet night.

Next time you are at the cemetery please take a step back to get a better perspective of the big picture.

You KNOW the consequences of littering. But knowledge is of no power unless you put it into perspective.

I hope that one day you will develop gratitude and appreciation for New Zealand’s beautiful nature and wildlife, and develop more awareness of others.

For now, please have trust and faith in me. It is a learning process and we will get there.

Thank you.

-Mackenzie

Lock it or lose it Russ Smith Senior Community Constable Theft is a bit like rust. The potential for it to happen is always there, whether it can happen depends on whether the right type of prevention has been put in place or not.

We as police officers see the effect that theft has on victims and the numbers of offences that are reported to police every day, so we know it’s an issue that is costly and stressful for many people.

Commonly a large number of valuables are stolen from insecure vehicles. Often drivers think their vehicle and contents are safe if left unlocked down a driveway or on a property off the road.

They are not.

Increasingly rural properties are becoming the target of these opportunist thefts too, and in some cases items stolen from rural properties are extremely valuable, including quad-bikes, four-wheel-drive vehicles, large quantities of fuel and expensive power tools.

Police advice is that you always lock your vehicles, whenever and wherever you leave them unattended.

This includes rural vehicles left in open-sided implement sheds, keys should never be left with the vehicle.

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Business Update. Adv.

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Feature

Come and see us and try one out for yourself — you’ll love them too!

Bikes and Scooters Marlborough is the region’s newest bike shop.

Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, Redwoodtown Mon to Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm | Sat 9am - 1pm

Bringing bikes to Blenheim Recently opening in December 2020, Bikes and Scooters Marlborough may be a little shop in Redwoodtown, but local owners Chris Lang and Lisa Erikson have a lot to offer.

“We noticed there was a gap in the market for servicing bikes,” says Lisa.

“We have a very active biking community in Marlborough which covers a wide demographic needing a whole range of different bikes.

“We developed our brand to fill the space that was missing, sourcing a wide range of bikes from all over the country and bringing them here.”

The locally owned and operated business stocks over twenty different brands of bikes, as well as accessories and clothing such as helmets, gloves and reflective gear.

“One size doesn’t fit all and we want to be able to offer our customers choice,” Chris says.

Chris has more than 20 years’ experience working in the IT industry; those two decades of finding vendors, stock and solutions has helped inform the decisions he makes today.

“We’re not affiliated with any one brand so we can really find the right product for the customer.

“We can customise a bike for any kind of use and provide a bespoke service,” says Chris.

“Merrick Thompson is our awesome, in-house mechanic,” says Lisa, “he has worked as a bike mechanic in Marlborough for over a decade.

“We’re really pleased to say that in the last three months since we’ve been open we’ve serviced all of the bikes within a 24 hour window.

It’s pretty much a same day or next day service.”

Chris and Lisa have opened Bikes and Scooters at a time of a huge global surge in demand for bicycles, particularly electronic bikes.

“We are the supplier of many major e-bike brands. So many people are ditching their cars for environmental reasons, and e-bikes help to make cycling more accessible to everyone - as well as being great fun too!

“In Blenheim we’ve got wonderful bike trails and being so flat it’s the perfect spot for cycling.”

As well as bicycles, they also stock mobility scooters and are the sole suppliers of Shoprider in Blenheim.

“We want to show people that they can find the perfect bike or scooter in Blenheim, and we’re here to help guide them through the process.

“We provide advice from the start right through to after purchase with warranties.

“People are genuinely stoked about having a local bike shop in Redwoodtown. There was a longstanding tradition of having a bike shop here and it’s great to be able to provide that again,” says Lisa.

Bikes and Scooters Marlborough can be found at the Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, 91 Weld Street.

Book a service online at www. bikesandscooters.co.nz or give them a ring on 03-578 0433.

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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Come and support Relay for Life This Friday 19th and Saturday 20th March Marlborough’s Relay for Life will be taking place at Blenheim’s A&P Showgrounds. From 6pm on the Friday night until sunrise at 7.30am the following morning, teams of 10 will be taking it in turns to carry the baton for cancer.

Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither does the team baton as dedicated participants take turns walking (or running) around the track for over 12 hours.

Come and support the teams in their worthy cause while also enjoying some wonderful local food, music and entertainment throughout the night.

“This is the biggest fundraiser for Cancer Society Marlborough,” says Event Manager Deedee Bancroft Wickens.

“We’ve got 34 teams signed up which means 340 people are getting sponsored to raise as much money for the charity as possible. We’ve got a few wineries taking part even during harvest time, such as Cloudy Bay, Allan Scott and Delegat’s who have put forward a day and a night time team.”

During the night there will be challenges the teams can take part in to win prizes, as well as spot prizes for fancy dress costumes worn during themed walks.

The Kete Kai Street Market will be taking place between 6pm and 9pm, a community market with food, arts and crafts from a range of different cultures in our region.

There will be 10 food stalls selling a delicious assortment of food options including hāngi, fried bread, polynesian food, Boom Sauce, Grill Republic and The Swiss Butcher to name a few. Among the arts and crafts stalls there will be handmade soaps, art, pottery, plants, taonga and woven crafts for sale.

“The market will really help to boost the fundraising. Help 4 U Group have donated our time to organise it and the stall fees go towards the Cancer Society Marlborough. It’s also a really great feel-good thing to enrich the event,” says Deedee.

“Everyone and anyone can come along, buy some dinner and support small businesses as well as the participants. We all really come here to support Cancer Society

Relay for Life is a great opportunity to support the Cancer Society.

Marlborough with the important work they do for our community” MediaWorks will be putting on a kids zone inside the paddock and there will also be people doing hair cuts and hair shaving, as well as massages. On the musical side of things, local singer Carolyn Tipene will be performing, J&D Duo,

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Linda & the Eclectics as well as a couple of ukulele groups and a group from Marlborough Boys College among others.

“In the afternoon there will be a Zumba class which anyone can take part in,” says Deedee, “as well as Tai Chi Energy the following morning.”

On the Friday evening between 9.30pm and 10.30pm there will be a Candlelit Ceremony in remembrance of loved ones who have been lost to cancer.

“We encourage people to buy a candle bag for $5, decorate it and place it on the course. We’ll then turn all the lights out and do two laps in silence after which a lament will be played.

“The cultural advisor from the Rangitāne composed the piece two years ago when his mother passed away and he has allowed it to be used after the silence. It’s a really powerful, beautiful song,” she says.

The fundraising night plays an important part in supporting the crucial work that Cancer Society Marlborough does, which includes support services, health promotion programmes and contribution to cancer research.

Felicity Spencer is the Cancer Society staff partner and highlights that their services are totally free for the community.

“We’re a non-government organisation, so we’re not party to people’s private information which means we have to rely on people self-referring or being referred by their health professionals.

Feature

Relay for Life encourages everyone to come and get involved.

“We provide support and information to people and have amazing resources to help them. On diagnosis they receive an information pack providing them with lots of information on their specific type of cancer.

“We support the families who are affected too, giving them information and help for those seeking counselling,” Felicity adds.

“We really work across the entire cancer continuum, right from prevention through to dealing with loss.”

Relay for Life encourages everyone to come and get involved, so gather your friends, whānau and workmates and join your community because no one fights cancer alone.

“Small steps can make a remarkable difference for people affected by cancer in our community. Join us for Relay For Life and let’s do something remarkable together!”

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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Kerry Moor

Staff Solicitor at Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers Kerry Moor joined Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers in Blenheim in June 2020, after having worked for three and a half years as a litigator for a global law firm in Wellington.

Growing up, she initially wanted to be the next David Attenborough and considered pursuing a career in environmental science.

It was her mum who suggested that a career in law would be better suited to her personality, and she went on to study a joint Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science, graduating from the University of Auckland in 2016.

“I found that with law I could learn about a lot of different areas and have more scope than I would have had with a career in biology. It’s a really interesting job,” says Kerry.

When her plans to travel abroad were derailed by the Covid-19 outbreak early last year, Kerry found herself moving to Marl-

borough.

“My mum lives here and with everything that’s going on in the world right now it felt like the right decision to stay in New Zealand.”

Being relatively new to the region, she is making the most of the beautiful surroundings on her doorstep and goes on hiking trips at the weekend when she can.

“I’ve really settled into living here. Everything is so accessible, whether it’s the Nelson Lakes or the Queen Charlotte Track.”

For Kerry, the most rewarding part of her job is getting to work with ‘real people’ on a day to day basis.

“The difference between working in a city and working in a town is that you really get to know the people behind the businesses here. You see them face to face and see how they are genuinely positively affected by the work that you do.”

Although a role as a solicitor

Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers staff solicitor Kerry Moor. clearly is a demanding one, Kerry always tries to find time to do things that she enjoys, including regularly practicing jiu-jitsu.

“I always make sure I can fit in jiu-jitsu, that’s really important to me,” she says.

“That’s another big positive with

working in a town like Blenheim as opposed to a city - you do get Tasman the chance to have a bit more of a work life balance.”

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

‘Brutal’ course tests local Godzone team to the max Peter Jones Reporter

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A warm pie and a cold beer awaited Team Go Fence Marlborough as they cycled across the finish line at the end of the gruelling 2021 Godzone adventure race late on Thursday evening.

The Marlborough-based team of Kieran Hickman, Glenn Blackmore, Jeremy McKenzie and Mandy Macfarlane completed the 666km race in six days, 14 hours and 25 minutes, claiming 14th place in the hugely-competitive Pure section.

The ninth chapter of the iconic event was staged in the Rotorua area and involved 12 stages of trekking, cycling, pack rafting and kayaking across diverse wilderness terrain.

Glenn, the Go Fence spokesman, described the event as “epic”.

“That was a long, brutal course.

We went through four different provinces, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Waikato and Bay of Plenty – there was so much different terrain to be covered, it was pretty crazy.

“Our goal was to finish the full course and we have done that … in a pretty good time as well.

“We are over the moon, stoked.

Some of the places we went through were just so remote, areas very few people get to lay eyes on. Just magical.”

Glenn said the team had felt rela-

tively comfortable throughout.

“We had to use a bit of strategy at times … there were a few areas we weren’t particularly strong at, especially around the technical navigation, so we made a plan around that.

“And when we had to work hard we did ... Macca [Jeremy] pushed us pretty hard all the way, which was good. We were always in a positive space and felt we were ahead of the eight ball.”

The team pushed particularly hard over the first few days, making sure they reached the start of transition point five before the cut-off time, which would have relegated them to a shorter course.

“We were well ahead of the game at that stage, then we got lucky on the hike/rogaine which we managed to work our way through with another team.”

Bad weather blighted the latter stages of the race.

“The weather was terrible over the last two days,” said Glenn.

“On the massive 88km hike, which covered 6000m vertically, we were on top of the Kaimanawa Range and you could barely see 10 metres in front. You had rain and wind coming in sideways, we had no dry gear, so if something had gone wrong you would fear for your life out there.

“We actually started shuffle running to try and keep warm.”

Immediately after finishing at around 11pm on Thursday, Kier-

Team Go Fence Marlborough, from left: Glenn Blackmore, Mandy Macfarlane, Kieran Hickman and Jeremy McKenzie at the finish line. Photo: Supplied. an described the course as “bru- All four of the Team Go Fence contingent have previously tacktal” on social media.

“But it was amazing at the same led the country’s highest-profile time … the pack rafting was in- adventure race. Glenn, Kieran and Mandy were part of the 2019 credible.”

Mandy added, “it’s been a big team who completed the Pure journey, a big job. Cheers to Marl- course in Canterbury but were borough for all their support, and ultimately unranked after their fourth team-mate, Andrew Jones, to our amazing support crew.”

Glenn said having such a fo- was forced out with injury. cussed support crew attending to The previous year, in Fiordland, them was a big advantage, along Glenn, Andrew, Kieran and Bec with the fact they got to many of Scherp finished third in the Purthe transition points late at night suit section, the second-tier race or in early morning, meaning that allowed support crews to atthey could grab some food and a tend to their athletes, Proud to provide height Jeremy safetyisproducts also an experienced quick sleep. and services for this local project.

He estimated the quartet slept for adventurer. He was part of the a total of 15-18 hours during the Absolute Wilderness team which took part in the 2014 Godzone, six-and-a-half day adventure.

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based around Kaikoura. They finished third overall, becoming the event’s surprise package.

For the first time, racers in the Pure section were allowed the input of support crews.

Go Fence Marlborough’s support crew this year comprises Danielle Blackmore, Tim Macfarlane, Ben and Thomas Blackmore and Finn McKenzie. The 12-stage course, the longest Godzone course ever, comprised around 14,000m of vertical climbing, around 190km was on foot, 330km on bike and 130km on the water, pack rafting or kayaking.

The local team’s main sponsors are Goldpine, Liquid Action, Drummond & Etheridge, Starborough Wines and Osgro Seeds.

There were other Marlborough connections in the event.

The Victory Vets Nelson team, which finished 10th in the Pure section, included Brendan Hickman and Anthony Oswald, both born-and-bred Marlburians, while Kendra Roddis [nee Titheridge] is part of the Otautahians team in the Pursuit section.

The Pure category was won by the world-class adventure racing team of Nathan Fa’avae, Sophie Hart, Chris Forne and Stu Lynch, their fifth Godzone victory. The Isport team, which included Richie McCaw, finished second, MS70 eight hours and 50 minutes back.

FIXED VERTI Of the 72 teams that started the LADD Pure event just 23 made the long course cut-off.

Sport

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

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Fingers crossed for Maadi regatta Peter Jones Marlborough’s Maadi Cup contingent have their collective fingers crossed that the iconic rowing regatta will go ahead later this month.

With the country yo-yoing in and out of various Covid alert levels, nothing can be taken for granted regarding the viability of large gatherings.

The South Island and North Island secondary school champs, traditional lead-ups to the Maadi in early March, were suspended due to a recent shift in levels, denying the young crews a chance to fine tune their boats.

However, hopes are high among the local college contingent as they prepare to travel to Lake Karapiro this week, ready to take on the nation’s best from March 22-27.

Last year the Maadi Cup, the country’s largest rowing regatta, was cancelled with the country in the grip of a level four lockdown.

However, if the level one alert re-

mains in place, it will go ahead this year. Over two and a half thousand competitors from 122 schools are expected to compete, in front of over 8000 spectators.

Marlborough Boys’ College head coach John Robinson said his charges had continued to train hard and, despite the disappointment of missing out on the South Island champs, “there would be no excuses”.

The MBC contingent will head north tomorrow with a group of 26 athletes and coxswains, seemingly unaffected by the ongoing uncertainty.

“They are all pretty resilient … they are quite positive, that’s never been an issue.

“We are in a better position than we were in last year. Because they are older, we have upped the ante a bit and they have certainly responded,” said the former Olympic coach.

John said there had been suggestions that the South Island champs could be staged after the Maadi Cup, but MBC had decid-

MGC rowers in action on the Wairau River.

Photo: Karmyn Ingram Photography. ed not to support that proposal, provided Maadi went ahead.

However, if the Karapiro showpiece was cancelled, they would support a rescheduled SI event.

He felt that the South Islands could have gone ahead as planned, despite level two restrictions, with the organising bodies having put together a comprehensive plan to keep rowers in their respective bubbles all around the course. “I

can’t see why we couldn’t have had [the regatta] down here … but the powers-that-be said no.”

Former Olympic rower Sean O’Neill, head coach of the Marlborough Girls’ College contingent, said his charges were “good to go” for Maadi.

“We are in our final preparation phase, doing some speed work, finalising some crew selections,” he said.

Speedy students show prowess Peter Jones

The burgeoning reputation of Marlborough’s college mountain bikers moved to another level at the weekend.

The Cycling NZ Schools South Island Championships were staged at the Mount Hutt Mountain Bike Park, with riders from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges, Queen Charlotte College and Bohally Intermediate achieving top results and making regular appearances on the podium.

The championships featured cross country events on Friday, followed by the downhill on Saturday and enduro on Sunday.

Neve McKenzie and Cam Anderson claimed South Island cross country titles in the U14 Girls and U16 Boys respectively.

Neve showed determination, reclaiming the lead in her race after slipping behind following a mechanical issue on the first lap.

Marlborough dominated the U16 podium, picking up four of the six available medals.

MBC riders took all three podium positions with Cam

joined on the podium by second-placed Finn McKenzie and Lachlan McNabb. Maddy Sinclair, representing MGC, finished second in the girls’ section.

Adam Bidwell picked up a bronze in the U20 boys’ race, while there were many other top 10 results achieved.

On Saturday, the downhill race was staged on a technically demanding track that featured a steep slippery section, step downs and a number of steep, rocky shocks.

Marlborough achieved two podiums with Ben Sziranyi missing the gold medal by only 0.1 of a second, while Maddy claimed a bronze medal. Tom Morrison, Lachlan McNabb, Jonty Burfoot, Nate Washer and Cam Clemett all racing well and achieving top 10 finishes.

The Enduro was raced over a four-stage course featuring rocky sections, drops and steep clay shoots.

Podium results in the Enduro were highlighted by a gold medal for Ben who avenged his narrow downhill defeat.

Neve and Finn completed a great day for the McKenzie household, both taking silver

Sean said the MGC crews had been “a little bit down in the dumps” about not getting to the South Island champs but said they were in a positive frame of mind now.

“They are just pretty keen to get on with it, especially after missing out [on Maadi] last year.

“There are a few unknows for us, with not racing at the South Islands.

“Perhaps there would have been a few things we might have changed, but we are just going to be confident in our decisions and roll with them, which is exciting because we don’t really know where we are at with some crews.

“Let’s just see what happens,” he added.

The 25-strong MGC squad travels to Karapiro next Friday.

Two rowers from Queen Charlotte College are also travelling to Karapiro.

Charlotte Lightfoot and Jamie Cunningham will row the under-17 pair and under-18 double.

Their coach is Cynthia de Joux.

Young athletes dominate at Saxton Peter Jones

Four Marlborough riders featured on the under-16 cross country podium. From left: Finn McKenzie, Maddy Sinclair, Cam Anderson and Lachlan McNabb. Photo: Supplied. medals. Top 10 results were again achieved by Alex Craig, Lachlan, Tom, Maddy, Nate, Jacob Herd and Cam Clemett.

On the back their consistent performances across all three categories, MBC claimed the bronze medal for overall schools performance.

Marlborough racers also featured in the coveted overall championship, which is awarded to riders contesting all three disciplines with points assigned for each race.

Ben won the U16 boys overall

title, while Maddy won silver and Finn bronze. Consistent riding from Nate saw him bag bronze in the very- competitive U17 boys’ category.

There was an unfortunate ending to Cam’s participation. Following his outstanding win in the XC on Saturday, he had an accident in the downhill, breaking both wrists.

The Marlborough Mountain Bike Club will host the National Secondary Schools MTB Championships in October.

Marlborough’s young athletes ensured their trip to Nelson for the recent Tasman junior athletics championships was well worthwhile, producing a string of personal bests and setting three new records.

Fifty-five athletes from Marlborough crossed the Whangamoas for the two-day event, staged at Saxton Field on February 27-28.

James Hansen and Brooke Harper were the Marlborough record-setters. James broke the previous 15 boys 400m mark with a time of 52.51 seconds and the 110m hurdles record in 15.73 sec, Brooke eclipsing the 13 girls long jump record with a leap of 5.12m.

Several Marlborough athletes picked up overall Tasman champion titles. They were: 5 girls - Ellie Morley; 6 girls - Charlotte Cornelius; 9 girls - Flo Paula; 11 girls - Hannah Harper; 12 girls - Isla Tilbury; 13 girls - Brooke Harper; 9 boys - Harry MacNeil; 11 boys - Callum Rayner; 12 boys - Drew Materoa; 14 boys - Ronan West; 15 boys - James Hansen.

The organisers did a great job to avoid the second day being cancelled as the country moved into level two Covid restrictions.

The next event for the top Marlborough athletes will be representing Tasman in Palmerston North over Easter in the interprovincial championships, a national event for 12 and 13-yearolds.

Marlborough athletes selected are: Isla Tilbury, Neve Mackenzie, Drew Mataroa, Alex Hansen David Potts, Elijah O’Connell, Brooke Harper, Bella Rayner and Alex Craig.

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TUESDAY 16 March 2021

Feature

Blues keen to go back-to-back in 2021 Peter Jones The big question for the Central premier rugby side is, ‘how do you follow an unbeaten season’?

The Blues Brothers went through the Covid-blighted 2020 season undefeated, on their way to claiming the Marlborough subunion crown.

With there being no Tasman Trophy play last year, Central’s path to the top was considerably smoother than it is expected to be in 2021, although they will field a side capable of giving both the Tasman-wide and local competitions a good shake.

Up front, they will again field most of the pack that paved the way for their 2020 championship victory.

Evergreen hooker/loose forward Jesse MacDonald is expected to be joined by his older brother, Quentin, during the season.

Quentin has been involved in the Highlanders’ wider training squad but has signed up for another season with the Mako and should be back in blue at some

stage.

Props Tino Vakaloa, Lockie McCormick and Dusty Foley will provide a solid base up front, while loosies Matt McCormick, Crusaders under-20 prospect Setaleki Baker, 2020 Mako opensider Braden Stewart and the hard-working Jone Lasaganibau will form an integral part of the fast-paced game the Blues favour playing.

Halfback Ethan Jones was a big improver last year, while Liam Duncan, Nigel Satherley, Mitch Smith and Jake Cresswell offer attacking impetus wider out.

However, the man to watch in the Blues’ backline will be centre/wing Timoci “Jim” Tavatavanawai, who is firmly on both the Mako and Crusaders’ radar.

His availability will depend on how deeply he is involved with the defending Super Rugby champs.

Newcomers to the Central ranks are lock Jack Powell from Christchurch and midfielder Jack Griffiths, who has been playing abroad.

Mitch Smith has become a reliable source of points for the Blues. Photos: Peter Jones.

Baz Henare, operations manager at Central, and assistant manager of the premier side, is happy with the make-up of the 2021 premier squad.

“We may lack a bit of size up front … but we will use our speed again this year. The game is con-

tinuing to get faster each season so I think that will favour us and our style of play.”

Baz feels that the Tasman Trophy competition will be more of a “local on local” competition this year due to the fact clubs will not be able to bolster their sides with

imports.

“I think some of the big blow-out scores that we have become used to seeing between the Nelson and Marlborough clubs may not exist this year, especially if the Marlborough teams get their players clicking.”

Feature

Riki Winitana joins Dave McCormick in the coaches’ box this year.

The Central club will field a men’s division two side, hoping to extend that team’s winning unbeaten record to three consecutive seasons.

There will be no Central women’s side this season.

Central’s main sponsors this season are Cairns Electrical, JT Contracting, Crafar Crouch and Biddy Kate’s.

Cairns Electrical Central 2021: Jesse MacDonald, Quentin MacDonald, Tino Vakaloa, Ollie Lawson, Lockie McCormick, Matt McCormick, Jesse Eising, Setaleki Baker, Braden Stewart, Dusty Foley, Jone Lasaganibau, Ethan Jones, Nigel Satherley, Glen Smith, Jake Cresswell, Jack Powell, Jack Griffiths, Florent

Braden Stewart will be key to Central’s premier hopes this season.

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

19

The victorious 2020 Central premier side.

Reniaud, Mitch Smith, Liam Duncan, Gareth Smith, Timoci Tavatavanawai. Coaches: Dave McCormick, Riki Winitana.

Manager Kerry Maxwell.

Central’s 2021 Tasman Trophy draw April 10 v Wanderers (away) April 17 v Kahurangi (home) April 24 v Moutere H

May 1 v Marist H May 8 a bye May 15 v Renwick A May 22 v Waitohi A May 29 v Nelson H June 5 v Awatere H June 12 v Waimea Old Boys A June 19 v Stoke A Tasman Trophy semis Tasman trophy final

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Sport

TUESDAY 16 March 2021

HURRICANES vs CHIEFS

MARGIN

BLUES vs CRUSADERS

MARGIN

Top goal shooter denied dispensation Peter Jones

Gene Simmiss - 9pts

Ross Bisset - 9pts

Brendon Price - 9pts

Grant Craig - 8pts

Rob Hellstrom - 8pts

Brian Powell - 8pts

Chris Hughes - 8pts

Chris Elliffe - 7pts

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Marlborough Netball’s 2020 player of the year will not be turning out for champion club Tokomaru this season.

Sixteen-year-old Haze Tepuia, a stand-out in the Marlborough premier competition over the past two seasons, has been denied dispensation to continue playing in the top grade.

Marlborough Netball Association rules allow boys to play at any level until they are 15, then they must apply for dispensation to continue.

Beth Tester, Marlborough Netball chair, explained the process.

“Tokomaru sought a dispensation for Haze last year. It went to the dispensation committee.

The competition committee’s recommendation to the board was no dispensation due to physicality and safety of other players.

“In early January [Marlborough Netball] got a call asking that the decision be reviewed.

As a board we agreed we would review that in a forum with our members early in the new year.

“That occurred in February.

There was mixed feedback, pros and cons, so it was agreed to put it to a vote among the [netball] community … so a survey was sent out and people voted. A majority of the members came back and said no dispensation.

“But [they] acknowledged that we needed to look at how male players could be included into the more senior levels, or into competition, this coming year.”

Beth said Marlborough Netball were talking with Nelson Netball, who do not allow male players in their premier grade, about the possibility of creating a top of the south mixed competition.

“We are working with [Nelson netball boss] Leigh Gibbs and her board … to get a competition starting a bit later in the season.

“We also have to establish that there is a desire and enough people to do that.

“We fully support Haze, he’s a talented player, but we are a small centre and we don’t have enough males for a men-only

Haze Tepuia was Marlborough’s 2020 Player of the Year.

Photo: Peter Jones. competition,” Beth added.

Haze, a Year 13 pupil at Marlborough Boys’ College, is a qualified umpire and has already achieved higher honours in his sport. He is a member of the Nelson men’s team, the Christchurch mixed under23s and was named in the New Zealand men’s under-20 side.

Ang Tepuia, Haze’s mother, said she had hoped Marlborough Netball would change their rules, allowing boys to play while they were still at school.

“Ideally it would have been best if [Haze] was able to finish his schooling off here while playing, before moving out of the region to continue his sport.

But it hasn’t happened like that, so we will just have to see how we go. If [Marlborough Netball] are encouraging and promoting the sport, there has to be a pathway for them to go on … these kids put so much into their sport and you can’t let them get to 15 then say, ‘there’s nothing else for you until you move out of the region’. [The MNA] haven’t looked at the bigger picture.

“They are men when they have finished school, not while they are still kids and in high school,” she said.

“Kids are being encouraged to keep playing sport, plus stay in school, so it would be an incentive for them if they are able to continue with their sport while still at school. That would be a pretty good outcome.”

Haze is emphatic that he will continue playing the game he loves, although he will not have a regular weekly competition to take part in. He drives to Christchurch every second weekend to train with the mixed team and is investigating the possibility of playing senior netball in Kaikoura.

The lofty goal shoot says the situation he has found himself in “sucks”.

“I’m a little angry and frustrated … there are a lot of emotions right now. But this is definitely not going to stop me getting to where I want to in my sport.”

Ang said that when Marlborough Netball got a mixed competition up and running, Haze would relish being involved.

He has been moved by several messages offering support, notably from NZ men’s goal shoot Junior Levi.

Jackson McLaren, a young man who has competed in premier grade for Harlequins over the past two seasons and is also Year 13 at MBC, has decided not to play this year.

Under Netball New Zealand rules, males can play the sport without restriction until they are 12. In Marlborough, that age limit is raised to 15.

An all-male team featured in the local premier competition from 2007 until 2014, when they were removed from the grade at the request of the other teams after their matches became uncompetitive in the men’s favour.

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