ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Words: Paula Hulburt

MATT BROWN

Above: Rose Plantenkamp is bringing her talents as a director to the Boathouse Theatre’s production of Boeing, Boeing, Boeing.

As an actress and director, Rose is a natural on stage; quickly switching in and out of character as she poses for photos.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how she does it. Perhaps it’s the poise in a perky white-gloved pinkie, or the jaunty heel kicked up behind her? However she does it, it’s amazing to watch.

Standing under the spotlight, blonde hair topped off with a 1950’s style air hostess hat, Rose Platenkamp is in her element.

Preparing for Marlborough Repertory Society’s newest show, comedy Boeing, Boeing, Boeing, Rose is concentrating her talents off stage, this time as director.

Having read the play at home, she immediately knew it was one that needed to be brought to life.

“When I was reading it alone, I was laughing a lot. I wanted to do this for my own pleasure and luckily the others agreed.

“It’s comedy from beginning to end. I’m happy that in this moment, after Covid, that people can come together and just forget about everything and have some fun.”

The play centres around Bernard, a bit of a Casanova, with three air hostess girl friends on the go; Gretchen from Germany, Gloria from USA and Gabrielle from Italy.

He’s at the top of his game, a great job, money, a gorgeous apartment in Paris and the love of three women. Toss in his godson, Robert, bad weather and some faster planes and you have all the ingredients for comedy gold.

“It’s so much fun because you can come up with the craziest ideas,” Rose says.

“I do get nervous as you don’t know how the audience will react and you really want them [the actors] to do well. Originally from the Netherlands, Rose has been in Blenheim since 2015, making a name for herself as a both a talented performer and director. The founder and creative energy behind Stagelab, she graduated from the prestigious School of Arts in The Netherlands and has been helping others make the most of their creative talents.

She is obviously impressed with the calibre of actors who are breathing life into the play’s characters. But four days before they were originally due to open, the show was postponed as lockdown loomed.

“It was heart breaking and I did cry a few tears. We did the performance for family and close friends so the actors could show what they had learned,” she says. “We had a bit of a party too.” “People will forget about all their sorrows and laugh from beginning to end. “Anything can happen and that’s so much better than Netflix.”

Be sure to check out this fast-paced comedy at the Boathouse Theatre from 26th August–5th September 2020. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

Marlborough Civic Orchestra founders, Linda Lloyd, left, and Ana Panoho.

Hitting the right notes

Words: Paula Hulburt JIM TANNOCK

The notes seem to float briefly overhead before popping in perfect bubbles of purity and joy.

Members of the Marlborough Civic Orchestra (MCO) are together to rehearse in the courtyard of a Springland’s home. Concentration is etched on brows as sheet music flutters and curls in the air of the crisp Marlborough day. The winter sun briefly illuminates the musicians as it tries to settle on a spot to rest as the notes climb and swoop in harmony. Standing at the front, baton poised, world renowned celloist Elgee Leung, 33, is about to begin. Used to performing in front of thousands in his once home city of Hong Kong, the viticulture student is a born performer. He delights in passing on his skills to those wanting to hone their musical talents and is one of the exceptionally 40 committed members of the orchestra. At the age of just three years old, Elgee would sit transfixed watching orchestral performances of Wagner — for six hours straight.

“I love music as much as wine,” he smiles.

“My father loves classical, so I have grown up with Wagner and opera,” he explains.

Arriving in New Zealand on a student visa in 2018, Elgee left behind the political turmoil starting to rear its ugly head in Hong Kong. His wife, Josie, joined him for good shortly before lockdown.

Ready for a change, he did not consider performing in New Zealand, but the pull of the stage proved too strong.

“I saw what was going to happen in Hong Kong and the plan was to leave permanently.

“Music was my profession and it was a very difficult decision to make; but probably the best decision I have made in my life,” he says. Elgee began learning the cello at 9 years old, making him somewhat of a late starter in Hong Kong. From the sleek, crisp lines of his suit, to the carefully tucked silk cravat, Elgee exudes professionalism, but he is quick to class himself as an amateur.

“I do it as an amateur. I enjoy it differently, now, I used to enjoy competing, which is probably the worst thing a musician can do. The competition was not healthy; it was all about office politics. Now, I am student of viticulture who plays as an amateur.”

Arriving in Marlborough to begin studying at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Elgee says he had no expectations of performing again. The beautiful burnished cello he has had for half his life sat encased, silent for months.

But something was missing, says Elgee who is full of praise for the orchestra and what they have achieved.

“I enjoy playing here more from an artistic perspective. It is not about being the fastest, it’s about playing, and I find more of myself in the music. “The audiences here appreciate music more. In Hong Kong they were critical and picked holes in what we did.” Elgee got in touch with Marlborough Civic Orchestra and founding member Linda Lloyd who, alongside Ana Panoho, established the successful civic orchestra in July 2014. “I asked him if he could play above Grade 5,” Linda recalls. “He sent back a yes and a smiley face. Then someone said to me that Elgee was a professional. “He got back to me and said he could play at level 5 and beyond but is so humble he never mentioned he was a professional. “When I first heard him play, I was like ‘wow’.” The MCO is entirely made up of voluntary members whose love for music has helped create Marlborough’s first community orchestra in more than 40 years. From doctors, music teachers and lawyers, orchestra members practice three times a month, usually at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services in Blenheim. Their abilities are wide-ranging, Linda explains. “We have quite a wide range of players, from the accomplished who have diplomas, and others who are adult learners.” Geared towards giving classical musicians of all ages and skill levels a platform to learn and perform together, the orchestra has deservedly made a name for itself. For Ana and Linda, seeing how far the ensemble has come is a delight. “It feels like our baby,” explains Ana with a smile. At their first public concert in September 2014, they were a big hit. Under the talent of original conductor David Brooks, the orchestra played two public concerts a year and an annual free performance for schools, a tradition that has continued.

“Such good support from the locals which we were just so thrilled about. It was just amazing,” says Ana, who now plays the

Celloist Elgee Leung played professionally in Hong Kong but enjoys performing with the Marlborough Civic Orchestra more.

violin after making the switch from oboe. “We got two more oboe payers, both who were better than me, so I thought, right, I’m going to learn the violin.” “It’s like a big family,” Linda adds. “At break time, it’s like lunchtime at school, we all chat and catch up.” The sense of warmth and shared passion for music in the room is clear; together these gifted musicians have achieved something special and new members are always welcome. “Musicians need an audience,” Elgee says. “It is exciting to be with people and play music together.”

Marlborough Civic Orchestra, featuring Elgee Leung, will be performing at the ASB Theatre on 29 August at 7pm, conducted by Anthony Ferner, principal flute of the Christchurch Symphony. Tickets are $35 and $10 for children under 17 years old, available through Ticketek or at the theatre.

For further information, please visit www.marlboroughcivicorchestra.org.

Theatre Marlborough

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BASTILLE DAY

Clos Henri Vineyard

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Ed Kent, Sophie Harvey, Jackson Engen, Christoph Chazot, Stephie Loncar and Patrick Martin

Tommy Mercau and Vicky Olavarrea

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Sandra Mortimer, Gary Mortimer, Tii Paulo and Cooper Mortimer Maighan Watson and Alun Kilby

5. 6. 7.

Ngarita Warden and Guy Tucker Clio Lestable and Zoe Massa

Elain Low and Cyrus Lim

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Lauren Kenyon, Jarrod Midgley,

Eoin O’Callaghan and Erin Kenyon

Fern Mercier and Stephen Russel 10. Denyse, Bex and Matt Healy with

Amanda Johnson

MATT BROWN

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DRUMMOND & ETHERIDGE FIELD DAY

Rowley Cres, Grovetown

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Greg West, Dave McCutcheon, Dennis Hanson and Steve Wilson

Mark Allison and Sam Adair

Adam Best, Ryan Morrison and Paul McIntyre Phil Taylor and Alan Cottington Rodney Wallace, Richard Crowe and Gareth Exton

Georgia Cameron and Darryl Chambers Andrew Hammond, Jonce Zopet and Jason Martin

Scott Bishell and Richard Holdaway

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Paul Baker, Tony Neale and David Price 10. Cody Pelvin, Brendon Wallace and Hugh Jones

MATT BROWN

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INGREDIENTS

Tofu marinade

400g firm tofu 1 T olive oil

2 T tamari or soy sauce Juice of 1/2 lime and a little zest

1 garlic clove, minced ½ t minced ginger Freshly ground black pepper

Pickled vegetables

2 small carrots, sliced into matchsticks

½ small cucumber, seeded and sliced into matchsticks

3 sliced jalapenos ¼ cup white wine vinegar ¼ cup rice vinegar Pinches of sugar and salt 10 ml dark rum (optional)

Tofu Bahn Mi

Banh mi sandwiches are a Vietnamese street food which originated in Saigon. Served on soft French baguettes, they’re a delicious hybrid of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Typically, they contain pickled carrots, chillies, cucumber slices, coriander, mayo, and a protein. Popular proteins include marinated pork and chicken, but this recipe uses tofu to make it vegetarian.

Meat alternatives are becoming extremely popular this year as people realise the current consumption of meat is having a detrimental effect on our environment. If you haven’t tried tofu, it’s a great way to get your protein and nutrients. Place the tofu in a shallow container heat. Add a little oil to the pan and place between each so that they’re not too coriander, and serve with sriracha.

Complete ingredients

4 T mayonnaise Few sprigs of coriander 4 baguette pieces Siracha (optional)

METHOD

Make ahead - Place the carrots, cucumbers, and jalapeños in a medium jar with the white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. If the liquids don’t cover the veggies, add about 2 tablespoons water and more vinegar if necessary. Let chill for at least an hour, or store in the fridge for up to a week.

Drain the tofu and slice it into ½ cm slices. Place it on a towel and gently pat dry to remove excess water.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tamari, lime juice and zest, and pour the marinade on top. Flip the tofu to fully coat it, adding more tamari if necessary. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Heat a non-stick pan to medium-high the tofu pieces with enough space crowded, working in batches if necessary. Without moving the tofu slices around too much, let them cook for a few minutes per side until they are deeply golden brown and caramelised around the edges. Remove from heat and season to taste.

Assemble sandwiches with the baguette, mayo, tofu slices, pickled veggies, and garlic, ginger, and pepper.

Chef’s tip: Lightly toast the baguette to add a slight crunch to the meal.

www.little-amigos.co.nz

Little Amigos Mexican Food

Based in the 5 Tapped bar, Blenheim. Our Mexican and Tex Mex food is prepared fresh with vibrant tastes of real Mexican flavours. We offer daily specials and cater for vegetarian and vegan diet requirements including gluten free selections. We can provide tastes ranging from mild–hot to suit all tastes. Open Tues-Wed 4pm till 8pm Thur–Sat 11am to 8pm (9pm Sat). Pre order takeaways via our website or Facebook. 30 Scott Street, Blenheim (behind Harvey Norman)

Ritual Cafe

Come visit our comfy, homely, retro cafe which is centrally located. If you’re looking for breakfast or brunch, call in and check out the wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free food available from within the cabinet or on the menu. Whether you want savoury or sweet, you won’t be disappointed with the selection. Get your caffeine fix, fuel your body and start any day off right with Ritual Cafe. Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 7am–4pm Sat: 7am–3pm | Sun: 8:30am–1:30pm 10 Maxwell Road, Blenheim Ph: 03 578 6939 Ph: 022 506 5386

littleamigosnz www.harvestrestaurant.co.nz

Harvest Restaurant

Our philosophy is to showcase the exceptional produce of New Zealand. Picking seasonally from our gardens and sourcing locally from the best suppliers and producers. We use classic techniques with a modern twist and a rule of no more than 5 flavours on a plate. This allows the produce to be the hero and we are merely the ambassadors. Winter Hours: Dinner: Fri & Sat, 6pm–Late

776 Rapaura Road, Marlborough Ph: 03 570 5700

The GOODHOME. There is a place like HOME.

A Gastropub in the centre of town, The Good Home Marlborough offers something for everyone, whether it’s fresh seafood, great steaks or the best burgers in town. A wide selection of craft beers on tap, Marlborough wines, barista made coffee, extensive cocktail list and the largest gin selection in Blenheim. Weekly food and drink specials and live music on the first Friday of every month. Open 7 days 11:30am till late.

www.biddykates.com

Biddy Kates Bar, Restaurant & Cafe

All your entertainment needs are right here. With our exciting line up of weekly specials, there is always a good excuse to spend time with us. Roast 7 Days per week, Half $15, Full $20 Wed: Quiz Night Thurs: Happy Hour, 6–8pm. Pizza and Pint $20, 5pm til late Fri: Happy Hour, 5–7:30pm Sat: Happy Hour, 6–8pm Now open Sunday, 10am–4pm Regular fixtures: Live music, sport, Electronic darts, Pokies, Pool 2 Market Street, Blenheim | Ph: 03 578 3299

www.goodhomebar.co.nz

Biddy Kates Cafe and Bar

Mollies Bar & Eatery

Mollies Bar & Eatery

Located in sunny Marlborough, the newest restaurant is in the heart of Marlborough, offering a welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu.

Bamboo Tiger Jazz & Cocktail Bar

This 1930’s Asian fusion Jazz & Cocktail lounge will be sure to tick all of your boxes. Great tunes, vibrant staff, elegant decor, live music and exquisite cocktails. Both Mollies and Bamboo Tiger are situated in the iconic building Hotel d’Urville. Open Tues–Sat from 5pm Ph: 03 577 9945 | info@hoteldurville.co.nz

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Marina Magic

It’s time to start preparing for one of the region’s most popular events as the countdown to the Marina 2 Marina running adventure begins.

Whether you’ve braved the cold and kept your fitness levels up over winter or just want to try something new and have some fun, this scenic event is for everyone. Making the most of the picturesque trails between Picton, Waikawa and Anakiwa, Marina2Marina offers a variety of courses for all fitness levels and is a big drawcard for families.

The courses take you through native bush and along waterfront trails. A key feature is the panoramic views of the Marlborough Sounds that this event provides. You will finish at the event hub on Picton waterfront where a festival atmosphere will welcome you home.

Courses Include:

The Link, a 24km run (with optional boat cruise) from Anakiwa to Picton.

The Snout a 13km run or walk from Picton Marina to the end of the Snout and back.

Marina 2 Marina a 9km run or walk from Picton Marina to Waikawa Marina and back.

Kids Dash a 2km dash around Picton Marina for 5 to 7-year olds.

Marina2Marina will be held on 10 October. For further details and to register visit marina2marina.co.nz

10TH OCTOBER 2020

MARLBOROUGH’S MOST SCENIC RUNNING EVENT

The Link Run 24km | The Snout Run/Walk 13km Marina 2 Marina Run/Walk 9km | Kids Dash 2km

www.marina2marina.co.nz

I didn’t believe hypnotherapy could work – until it changed my life

Lorraine was pretty overweight, had 40 to 50 kilos to lose. She told me that a few years ago, she had had a lap band procedure, but had ‘bust the band’, in her own words. And I was not particularly surprised. The human mind has a wonderful ability to retain information and learned patterns of behaviour. And if these learned patterns are unhealthy eating habits, then, unless they are replaced with good eating habits, inevitably, the weight goes straight back on. What hypnotherapy can do, is exactly that. While people are extremely relaxed, the bad habits can be reprogrammed and the client can happily be sent away on a new lifelong journey of health, and, just as important, self-confidence and self-esteem. This is not a question of the hypnotist taking control, rather facilitating the client to make the desired change. Smoking is another case in point. Statistics worldwide would indicate that 5% quit with nicotine replacements, and 6% quit cold turkey. Les, a 65 year old man who had been smoking since he was 14, was totally convinced that he could never give up — but he really wanted to. So he came to see me a couple of years ago, as a last resort. Two hours later, he walked out of my clinic and has never touched a cigarette again. And surely hypnotherapy can’t work for self-confidence? Well, it can and it does.

Pam was facing an inheritance issue and was becoming severely depressed, unable

to stand up for herself and her mother. She felt utterly powerless when talking to her brother and her brother’s lawyer. Under hypnosis, she was able to realise that she was actually a very strong woman, and able to hold her own in any situation. She went home, drew up a list of points for the meeting, and called me a couple of days later, and told me that her brother and his lawyer were so stunned that they accepted all her demands, realising that what she wanted was completely fair. What about phobias? A friend of mine would not swim in a pool, fearing sharks. And believe it or not, this is a common fear. What, a shark would swim out of a filter? Luckily, irrational fears are pretty easy to get rid of. Fear of flying, of public speaking, of spiders are common phobias — and totally unnecessary. So, believe it or not, hypnotherapy can make amazing changes. What have you got to lose, other than ‘that thing’ you want to get rid of, or failing to make the change you want?

So give me a call, and we can have a quick chat. I’m looking forward to it! Chris Steadman, Ntrance Hypnotherapy –021 671 195

TYLER REDMOND Collaborative Kiwi Studios

P: 027 612 8657 E: CollaborativeKiwiStudios@gmail.com

Collaborative Kiwi Studios

What do you love most about Marlborough? I love the lifestyle and the community support for local businesses. What are 3 words that best describe you? Passionate, calming and intriguing. What is unique about what you do? I look at life through a camera lens always finding a different perspective on a subject. What is something about you that people may not know? That I missed out on an internship for a Hollywood movie because I didn’t have a drivers licence.

What do you love most about what you do? Being able to tell other peoples stories through the medium of film. What 3 celebrity or special people would you like to have a coffee with and why? Taika Waititi, Jon Favreau and Ari Robbins — each one of these guys have inspired me. Taika — for the way he is able to tell a story, Jon — for being able to pull off one of my favourite movies, Chef, and Arri — for showing me a new way to look at the craft through colour contrast in lighting and the amazing stedi cam work he did on La La Land!

What has been your biggest achievement? Honestly I don’t think I can answer that as I’m still only at the start of my career and I’m learning more and more every day.

Where does the inspiration or motivation for your business come from? Ever since I was young I always loved film. When I moved up to Blenheim I found a group of local film makers who really inspired me.

I wrote and directed multiple short films including the film Rise Up which was made locally here in Blenheim.

For me I always was thinking about camera angles and how to best tell the story and I thought hey why don’t I open my own business and do what I love, but instead of fictional characters that I’ve written, these would be real people asking me to help assist in there marketing strategies and create videos to help promote there companies. It’s been nearly 2 years now since I started working as a videographer and I can happily say I don’t think I’m going to lose my interest in it anytime soon! What’s next on your wish list? To move to Wellington to work in the feature film industry. What’s your favourite way to spend an “Idle Moment”?

Editing the amazing footage I’ve shot and seeing the film come to life!

d ream l ego job p age 14 Part of the family

t uesday 16 July 2019

p age 20 p age 12 - 13 Hockey sides finish on top

p age 20

Ross Broadbridge in the 1966 S-Type Jaguar that once belonged to his father. full ST o R y page 6 . Photo: Supplied. Soaring water bills are causing a headache for some Seddon resi dents - and a thief could be to blame. Bills as high as $3,000 a quarter have been sent to some homes using water metres in stalled after the Kaikoura earth quake in 2016. Frustrated homeowners are call ing on Marlborough District Council to act. But one resident says a construc tion firm brought in to investi gate the issue, have revealed the water could be being siphoned off deliberately. Fed-up resident Sara Grigg says she was billed the equivalent of one year’s normal use in one quarter alone recently. “We just had our second bill since moving in, all our water usage yearly allocation was used on the first account first bill of High water bills mystify Paula Hulburt Editor paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz See page 2

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JULY 2019 MARLBOROUGH’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION A look behind the clothing racks Small tips to help you live more sustainably

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d ream l ego job p age 14 Part of the family

t uesday 16 July 2019

p age 20 p age 12 - 13 Hockey sides finish on top

p age 20

Ross Broadbridge in the 1966 S-Type Jaguar that once belonged to his father. full ST o R y page 6 . Photo: Supplied. Soaring water bills are causing a headache for some Seddon resi dents - and a thief could be to blame. Bills as high as $3,000 a quarter have been sent to some homes using water metres in stalled after the Kaikoura earth quake in 2016. Frustrated homeowners are call ing on Marlborough District Council to act. But one resident says a construc tion firm brought in to investi gate the issue, have revealed the water could be being siphoned off deliberately. Fed-up resident Sara Grigg says she was billed the equivalent of one year’s normal use in one quarter alone recently. “We just had our second bill since moving in, all our water usage yearly allocation was used on the first account first bill of High water bills mystify Paula Hulburt Editor paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz See page 2

locally owned and operated Cnr Stuart & Main St, Blenheim Ph: 03 578 8002 Bathroom Solutions 3n1 Commode Over toilet aid and safety chair combo Incl Bucket, Lid and Splash Guard Removable back for use as a toilet frame Toilet Risers Allowing the user to lower and rise from the toilet with ease Heights start from 2” Also available with handles www.marlboroughweekly.co.nz www.accessmobility.co.nz Cosy Seat Warm, soft, hygienic toilet cover seat Will not absorb moisture Washable Will fit most toilets Grab Rails Ranging in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs HELPING SAVE OUR PLANET Group urges locals to act now

JULY 2019 MARLBOROUGH’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION A look behind the clothing racks Small tips to help you live more sustainably