Dear diary, looks like the lawn mowed itself again today
Love not lifting a finger.
At Summerset Blenheim, there’s no need to worry about the maintenance of your home or garden. That’s our job. Your job is to focus purely on doing the things you love. That’s what retirement is all about.
There are two-bedroom homes available now with flexible pricing starting from $656,700.* And we’ll help you every step of the way. Simply sign a sales application for a selected home between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025, and we’ll add a window furnishings package from our CurtainStudio range. Plus, if you can settle by 30 June 2025, we’ll take care of the heavy lifting with a moving service package, and give you $2,000 towards legal fees.#
Love the life you choose.
Morning Tea and Tour
Every Tuesday in February, 10.30am Summerset Blenheim 183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands 03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim
*Flexible pricing arrangements are subject to a bespoke deferred management fee. Price and stock levels correct as at 7 January 2025, only 11 villas left at this price. # For terms, conditions, exclusions visit summerset.co.nz/blenheim-offer. All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability, and depending on the type of home, care certification and eligibility criteria. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.
What’s inside
As summer lingers into late February, there’s still plenty of fun to be had around Marlborough. The warm days are sticking around, and our event calendar is packed. The Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival is just around the corner – don’t forget to ‘show us your mussels’ for a chance to win tickets! Find the details on page 6.
If you’re looking for weekend plans, we’ve got you covered. If you’re a wine lover, the Tasting Trail is the perfect guide to some of the best wineries and cellar doors right here in our backyard. Or, head over the hill with our Nelson Art Trail feature, where you can explore the top galleries and discover the talented artists behind the work.
Also in this issue, we’re really excited to shine a spotlight on the Marlborough professionals who are shaping the future of our region. These experts are the driving force behind innovation and success in our industries, and we think you’ll enjoy learning more about the incredible work they’re doing to make Marlborough thrive.
Here’s to making the most of this beautiful time of year and celebrating the people who make our region so special – cheers!
EDITOR
Summa Bruning | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
CONTENT MANAGER
Diana Orchard
Marlborough Professionals
Pages: 13-25
Aimée Preston
Tessa Claus | tess@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DESIGN
Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf
CONTRIBUTORS
Paula Hulburt, Aimée Preston, Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, Richard Briggs, William Woodworth
ADVERTISING
Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Anna Simpson | anna@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Alex Roberton | alex@topsouthmedia.co.nz
DISTRIBUTION
Dandy Enterprises – Marlborough
Wendy Abernethy – Kaikōura
PUBLISHER
TSM Marlborough 52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz
issuu.com/marlboroughweekly
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND CUISINE
Celebrating its 21st anniversary on Saturday, March 8, the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival has long been a highlight on the culinary and cultural scene. Established in 2004 to honour Havelock’s reputation as the Greenshell Mussel Capital of New Zealand, the festival began as a community-driven initiative to showcase the region’s rich aquaculture. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant annual gathering, attracting visitors from across the country to celebrate the bounty of the region.
The 2025 event promises a day brimming with delectable seafood, vibrant entertainment, and enriching community engagement. Attendees can indulge in a variety of seafood dishes from over 40 food stalls, each offering unique flavours that capture the essence of the region. The Gascoigne Wicks Stage will feature performances by renowned Kiwi band The Black Seeds, and the festival also boasts a dedicated Kids Zone with family activities, dress-up competitions, and the ever-popular public musselopening contests, including an attempt to set a Guinness World Record.
“The festival is a celebration of Marlborough’s incredible seafood, talented locals, and strong community spirit,” says event contractor and director of Elevated Events, Kara Fielding. “This year, it’s going to be unmissable, not only because it’s the 21st celebration – but The Black Seeds are headlining, Nadia Lim will be doing live cooking demos, and there’s a fantastic mix of entertainment, including
local favourite Tom Knowles and popular covers band, The Relatives.” Nigel Patterson from The Black Seeds, says, “We are very excited to be returning to Mussel Fest. We remember our last time there for it’s great audience, the amazing local hospitality and delicious food! Can’t wait to get back there!”
Beyond its incredible offerings, the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival plays a pivotal role in supporting the local community. As a registered charity, the festival has contributed over $315,000 to various local organisations over the past 21 years. Proceeds from the event are allocated as grants to charitable causes within the surrounding areas. “The festival is more than just a great day out – it’s about coming together as a community, and we’re hoping for one of those classic sunny Marlborough days to make it even better. Not only do we give back through our grants, but the support we receive is incredible from sponsors and community members alike. During the week leading up to the festival, people flock to the Domain to lend a hand with the setup, many of our stalls contribute to local causes, and volunteer groups play a crucial role in bringing it all to life. It all just comes together, and it makes the year of planning so worth it. Supporting our community in this way is something we’re really proud of – it’s what makes this festival so special.”
Saturday 8 March, 10am-6pm Tickets available from: havelockmusselfestival.co.nz
Show us your mussels and WIN a double pass to the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival! Email your photo to events@havelockmusselfestival.co.nz
1. Catch a live cooking demo with Nadia Lim. 2. Enjoy a variety of live music and entertainment.
3. Groove to headlining act, The Black Seeds.
Getting to know... Zara Wills
Zara Wills is one of the newest – and youngest –faces on the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce board, known for her fresh ideas, passion for supporting young people, and a spontaneous spirit that’s already led to some great adventures (like buying a house on a whim!).
As a child, I was really into...
All things music and performing. I first sang on stage at barely two years old. Throughout my childhood, my poor parents had never-ending shows and rehearsals to attend between singing, ballet, jazz, Highland, guitar, and piano. I especially enjoyed the Marlborough Performing Arts Competitions, especially singing in character and costume.
The world would be a better place with more...
Unexpected kindness. I’m a huge believer that small kindnesses go a long way to improve someone’s day. Simple acts like holding the door, sharing a kind word, or stopping at a courtesy crossing can go a long way to brightening someone’s day.
Something I learnt way later than I should have…
The worst they can say is ‘no.’ It wasn’t until recently that I gained the courage to start asking for opportunities and advocating for myself. It is incredibly easy to undersell yourself and sit back waiting for opportunities to find you. Since I’ve started a proactive approach and forced myself out of my shell, I’ve started meeting so many incredible people and have become involved in some great causes.
The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is...
Buy a house. When you think of purchasing your first home, spontaneity definitely wouldn’t be the first thing to come to mind. In February 2024, my partner’s mother got us thinking about buying a house. Within a week we were at the bank getting pre-approval, within two weeks we had put an offer in, and by the end of the month, we went unconditional. We’re now very happily in our home alongside our wonderful flatmates.
A family tradition I’ll never give up...
Camping at Christmas. I was still in diapers when my family first took me camping over the Christmas break. This annual trip became the tradition I most looked forward to at the end of the year. As soon as I hit adulthood, I started collecting my own kit and dragging along my partner and friends to a variety of campgrounds around the region. Our annual trip has now become a favourite tradition amongst my friendship group.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken…
At 17, I packed up and moved south for study. While this may sound like the standard student experience, it certainly wasn’t so simple. I made the decision to make my way to SIT in Invercargill to take advantage of their ‘fees free’ scheme and get my degree without any student loan. The day before classes started, I arrived in Invercargill. I did not know a single person, had no support, and had never been to the city before. Luckily, everything worked itself out. I never did get used to the weather, especially after having grown up in Blenheim.
I am most passionate about…
Youth advocacy. I was a founding member of the Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group. Through my four years advising on the wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings of youth in Marlborough, I’ve grown to be very passionate about our young community. I have been involved in a significant amount of work around Marlborough youth, including previously running a youth group, helping organise and MC multiple Youth Trust events, contributing to the opening of MYSPACE (including coming up with the name.) I believe we should all be investing in the wellbeing of future generations and giving them all the tools and support they need to grow and thrive.
Running youth events.
The annual family camping trip.
AIMing High
Marlborough’s answer to Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den is the incredibly active and vibrant Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM) group, established in 2017. Connecting investors and business professionals with entrepreneurs and innovators, the group has been drawing attention from around New Zealand for its remarkable level of success. Justin Eade finds out more.
Brian Dawson is the manager of Angel Investors Marlborough and Business Trust Marlborough, and is also an elected district councillor. He handles all day-to-day matters for AIM and its 166 members, as well as running their events. AIM has funded 69 start-ups, and the group’s investment returns have been hugely successful.
The most rewarding part of being involved, Brian says, is helping foster innovation and assisting to create the high-end jobs that New Zealand needs.
“One of the most challenging parts is telling founders that we haven’t been able to secure any investment for their business.”
Brian is most proud of the support AIM is providing to the incredible founders they get to work with –not just money, but also their time, knowledge and contacts. To see these businesses competing on the world stage is very fulfilling.
One memorable project was local feature film Northspur. “We were very impressed by the local filmmakers who pitched Northspur to us. AIM provided 50% of the funding for the production, and the film is now reaching audiences around the world.”
Tracy Atkin is CEO of Marlborough Capital, a local private equity firm, and serves on six different boards in governance roles. She joined the board of AIM in 2019, after relocating to Marlborough to establish the Bragato Research Institute.
Tracy was introduced to AIM through her role at Business Trust Marlborough and found it a perfect way to build a new network and meet an incredible range of people from across the region and the country, as founders come and pitch from all over New Zealand.
As a board member, Tracy helps oversee the management of AIM and their monthly pitch nights, screening investment opportunities for members. She analyses pitches from founders, sometimes working with them to help develop the pitch, and she provides commercialisation advice to help them grow and scale their business.
Tracy’s other key role has been leading capital raises, in particular for The Smart Machine Company, a local company designing and manufacturing autonomous robotic multi-tasking tractors for vineyards, and Cropsy Technologies, AI-powered image capture, providing analysis and insights for vineyards.
“I love to make a difference – to have played a part in helping start-ups survive, thrive and scale. I’m passionate about the wine industry and, more broadly, the agri-tech sector, so I get to combine my love of the industry with a passion for business and entrepreneurship.”
Tracy says AIM has a great model and has worked hard to become one of the most active and wellrespected angel investment groups in New Zealand.
AIM manager Brian Dawson (centre), with board members Rachel Enright and Tracy Atkin. Aimée Preston
A highlight was being approached by Seven Sharp last year to film a segment.
Neil Mulholland is a business and conservation advisor who recently shifted from Washington, DC, to Marlborough with his wife. He wanted to get involved in Marlborough’s business and conservation communities and was referred to Brian Dawson, who invited him as a guest to an AIM meeting.
“I was astonished by the number of meeting attendees, the breadth and quality of the start-up presentations, AIM’s leadership team, the diversity of AIM’s membership, and the total amount of invested capital and number of invested companies. AIM’s scope, scale, and sophistication far exceed community based investment clubs in Washington, DC.”
and everyone is very generous with their time and very welcoming.”
Rachel’s background is in marketing and global corporate partnerships, so she’s able to bring that experience to the table as an AIM board member and contribute to their screening teams to ensure they are bringing quality founders to pitch to their members.
“I love to make a difference – to have played a part in helping start-ups survive, thrive and scale.”
Neil has been with AIM for almost a year as an active member and loves the ‘esprit de corps’ and AIM’s genuine desire to foster innovation in Marlborough and throughout New Zealand. He’s grateful for the opportunity to interact with a diverse cross-section of Marlborough and New Zealand residents, and loves the direction AIM is going in.
Rachel Enright is the digital marketing manager for Marlborough Tour Company and has been involved with AIM since June 2024. As of August, she has become a board member, which she says is an incredible opportunity to step into.
Rachel had moved back to Marlborough from Wellington and wanted to get involved with the local business community. She’d always been interested in innovation and entrepreneurship, so was happy to be surrounded with like-minded people.
“It’s easy to assume that a small town would not be as active as a city, but it’s been the opposite – my business networking life is so much busier than when I lived in the city. The collective knowledge and global connections within this group are inspiring,
Being part of AIM enables Rachel to keep her finger on the pulse for the latest innovations in New Zealand and abroad, and one of the most rewarding aspects is providing guidance or introductions to help entrepreneurs succeed.
As the group continues to grow, Rachel says, “I’d love to see more beginners join our group to help foster in the next generation of investors, and take advantage of learning from our more experienced members.”
Geoff Banks, a consulting engineer, has interesting ties to the Marlborough region, which is how he came to be involved with AIM. His parents retired to Marlborough over 40 years ago, but Geoff operated his business, Structex, from his home base in Christchurch. The business moved into winery design (Yealands was a client), and they established a Blenheim office and bought a small vineyard in Renwick when their home in Christchurch was damaged by the earthquakes. Their vineyard became a base for winery assessment after the Kaikōura earthquakes, so they have spent more time in Marlborough, and Geoff was invited along to an AIM meeting by Brian Dawson seven years ago.
Geoff is hugely enthused by the innovation and energy present in Marlborough and says it has opened up a field of business he was largely unaware of before joining AIM. “I love engaging with founders directly in the early stages of their journey to support and encourage. New Zealand has enormous innovative and business talent, and my observation is that this is particularly powerful in regional areas such as Marlborough.”
Geoff loves the AIM community, or ‘club’ as they describe themselves, and says in his experience it’s unique in bringing a diverse mix of people together who share similar inquiring minds and an enthusiasm for enhancing our region and country.
“Such diversity is powerful when decisions are as much about experience and instinct as numbers and facts. It recognises that it’s all about aligning ideas and people across angel investors, founders, and customers.”
This group of angels certainly is proving a major blessing to their community, and is spreading its wings more every year. Like many of the projects it helps develop, this is a true Marlborough success story of growth and innovation.
For more information, visit angelinvestorsmarlborough.co.nz
Monthly AIM pitch nights bring together investors and entrepreneurs from across the Marlborough region. Aimée Preston
To Liz, with love
Gavin Kerr lost his wife of 61 years following a battle with Alzheimers. He talks to Paula Hulburt about his beloved Elizabeth and the poetry books he has written to raise money for the charity which supported the pair through their darkest days.
In the sometimes silence of the evening, Gavin’s gaze is drawn to a blue chair, positioned just so.
He sees his wife Liz sitting comfortably, gaze captured by the garden she planted. He sees her smile, her heart gladdened, a respite from the confusion. In her smile he sees his beautiful bride in her scalloped, lace-trimmed veil. He sees the attractive student who caught his eye, pencil poised, taking notes in a lecture room at Otago University. He sees the proud mother of three and grandmother of four smiling in delight, and finally, he sees her, at last, at peace.
Blinking back the memories from his mind’s eye, Gavin is again in the lounge of the Blenheim home the two once shared. His memories are a comfort as he sits and pens a poem to “his lost love” – a poem included in his third book. All money raised from the sale of his work goes towards a cause close to his heart, Alzheimers Marlborough.
Titled There’s A Fish In My Garden, a poem of the same name graces its pages. A soliloquy about a pottery fish sculpted by a friend and gifted to Liz one birthday. During her final days at home, she enjoyed watching it from the comfort of her favourite blue chair. Memories of his wife are many, and while he mourns her loss, he is comforted by the thoughts, thoughts that see the two of them together again in his recollections.
It was 1953 at Otago University. Sitting back in his chair as the English lecturer talked on, Gavin’s gaze drifted idly around the room, pencil tapping against loose fingers. His attention was captured by a pretty, blonde student nearby. Sitting up straighter, Gavin tried not to stare, instead casting covert glances to the beat of a joyful heart.
Gavin was studying English and History, while Liz studied languages – French, Latin and English. It was a meeting of minds, of a shared love of language and, he smiles, instant attraction.
“We met in an English class across a not-so-crowded room. It seemed that there was a bit of instant chemistry at work, Gavin says. “From my point of view, I was a friend, a friend with a motive,” he chuckles, raising an ironic eyebrow. “It was a slowburning relationship.”
Their marriage in Roxburgh three years later followed a courtship conducted in part in the rhododendron dell of Dunedin’s Botanical Gardens. The pairs’ dating life was “awash with decorum,” Gavin laughs. It was in Liz’s flat after one such visit the pair became engaged. “From memory, it wasn’t a one-way proposal, it was a similar discussion we had together,” Gavin explains.
A lifetime of discussions and adventures followed. From the mundane to the life-changing, the pair communicated well, sharing ideas, possibilities, and different cultures.
They travelled extensively and lived in Fiji, where Gavin, now a retired schoolteacher and principal, rose to become principal of Queen Victoria School. After long service back in New Zealand, upon retirement, the pair moved to Karachi and Balochistan in Pakistan, where he took on the mantle of principal and education consultant.
“She had a great facility for and retention of grammar and vocabulary usage. My ear for spoken languages was probably better than hers, but my capacity for grammar and vocabulary wasn’t,” Gavin laughs.
Watching the woman he loved struggling to express herself was heartbreaking. Alzheimer’s slowly shrunk their world, finally limiting Liz’s horizons to a quiet, sunny room in a comfortable Blenheim rest home. She forgot so much, Gavin says, but not once did she fail to recognise him.
“One of the more distressing parts of her progression was that she used to sit on her blue chair, and I noted that they [her beloved cryptic crosswords] weren’t being finished, and then, not even started,” Gavin says.
Poet Gavin Kerr with his latest work, in the chair where his late wife Elizabeth enjoyed sitting during her last days at home. Paula Hulburt.
It was a gradual six-year demise, Gavin explains. Returning home to the Omaka Valley from a trip to Europe in 2016, the changes were small to start with.
“It began in the most mundane way imaginable. It was a case of, ‘I told you that – no you didn’t,’ but it became too frequent, and then there were signs of forgetting how to do some of the more mentally demanding tasks.”
Standing in the kitchen, Liz once stretched out her hand, slowly and tentatively, to prod a couple of buttons on the microwave and, as it beeped its dismay, Gavin watched with a sense of growing unease as he watched his academically gifted wife falter over the simplest of tasks.
“She wasn’t aware of it straight away; it took time for her to come to terms with the fact that things weren’t going as they should be. Eventually, we talked about it and went to see her GP, who referred her to a geriatrician at Wairau Hospital.”
“But he was very cautious about making a formal diagnosis,” Gavin says, sighing as he recalls the struggle they went through. “Looking back now, I didn’t understand the stress I was under. You simply do what you have to do at the time.”
“I was anxious about getting a formal diagnosis. I realised I was going to need help, and I couldn’t get that until we knew what we were dealing with.”
Determined to arm himself with as much information on the disease as possible, Gavin signed up to a free online course through the University of Tasmania. Understanding Dementia is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), offering university-quality education about the latest in dementia research and care. It was, Gavin says, “incredibly useful.”
Getting a final diagnosis nearly three years after first seeing their GP was a comfort. “It was a relief to finally get it and be able to channel my energies into finding the assistance we needed. Liz had got to the point where even her demeanour changed.”
Gavin pauses briefly to say hello to a well-fed black and white cat that has just jumped through his sunroom window with a thud. She isn’t his, he explains, but belongs to a neighbour. The cat, Bella, acknowledges his words with a meow and jumps up on a chair, settling down for a snooze.
Outside the window, the flowers Liz planted have bloomed, a colourful assortment and a thriving testament to her impressive talents as a gardener. Surrounded by the shared paraphernalia of their lives together, Gavin is grateful to have shared so much with his much-loved wife.
His poems are both an outlet for his grief, a tribute to the woman he loved so completely, and a way to give back, he explains. The team at Alzheimers Marlborough were there during the bleakest of days and their care and support was invaluable. What would Liz think about all this? I ask. Gavin smiles, his eyes crinkled in appreciation of his wife. “I like to think she’d be supportive and even proud. I think she’d be happy to be part of it all.”
There’s A Fish In My Garden
By Gavin Kerr
There’s a fish in my garden
Swimming nowhere.
A piece of clay so fashioned
To sit upon a pole.
Grin of mouth and bead of eye
It turns valiantly towards the weather
To let me know just Which way the wind is blowing,
Bought as a present for my lost love, A colourful, greeny-blue dead treasure
Among the living in her garden, It came alive in her last days In the place to where I moved it
Beyond the window where she sat, Swung and bobbled to her in the breeze, Messaging to a wandering mind
Such memories of its maker, a friend, as may remain, Such encouragement as may be taken
In her adversity.
The wind comes soft and warm from the north
Today after the rain.
The fish tells me this as I occupy her chair, Viewing it as she did through the same window.
A good sign, I take it, That she rests well.
To order copies of each of Gavin’s three books, email gekerr@slingshot.co.nz. Copies are also available from Alzheimers Marlborough, 8 Wither Road, Blenheim.
Gavin and Elizabeth Kerr on their wedding day in Roxburgh. Provided
Celebrating 30 years of dedication to Marlborough health
Churchill Hospital is celebrating a milestone anniversary, marking three decades of service to the Marlborough community. Established in 1994, Churchill Private Hospital has seen 17,069 procedures through its doors.
Churchill shares a mutually beneficial relationship with Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, supporting Marlborough’s health system by reinvesting profits into medical equipment for public and private use, and maintaining and expanding Marlborough’s private health facilities and services.
The addition of a state-of-the-art modular operating theatre, the first of its kind in New Zealand, was one such outcome. Built in 2013, along with the new private hospital and Specialist Centre, the facility helps attract leading surgeons to our region. The 2013 expansion saw staff numbers at Churchill more than triple, while beds increased from 9 to 22 in a combination of overnight and day-stay availability.
Surgical specialists consult from the adjacent Churchill Specialist Centre and are supported by a dedicated team at Churchill Hospital. They offer 16 different specialties including general and laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery and urology.
General manager Marlise van Staden joined the team 16 months ago. “I love that we can keep our patients within their community for surgeries and procedures,” she says, adding, “But I also love the ability to work within a charitable trust that gives back to its community to enhance wellbeing through sponsorships and educational grants.”
Churchill Private Hospital Trust’s community donations scheme reinvests in the wellbeing of the Marlborough community by way of grants to support local groups. “We support around 30-40 organisations or individuals annually,” says Marlise. Looking ahead, Churchill continues to focus on wellbeing and patient-centred care, underpinned by core values that have earned Churchill Hospital a reputation for excellence.
What are Churchill’s hopes for the next 30 years and beyond? “We are hoping to expand and grow our facility to be able to continue to serve our community and support Wairau Hospital in the best symbiotic relationship possible,” Marlise says.
Churchill holds ACC contracts for clinical services and elective surgery, and is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Healthcare.
Ashlee
Diana Orchard ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER + DIRECTOR PAPER HOUSE DESIGN
A journey from passion to paper
Diana Orchard, architectural designer and director of Paper House Design, has spent over 15 years shaping homes and spaces that reflect clients’ unique lifestyles.
From a high school fascination with interior design to owning her own thriving business, Diana’s journey is a testament to her passion, skill, and determination.
Diana’s passion for design was ignited during her teenage years when she helped her parents renovate their home.
“I realised I had a knack for visualising spaces,” Diana says.
This led her to study at Christchurch Polytechnic, where she earned a diploma in interior design. It was during her studies, while drafting bathroom and kitchen designs, that Diana discovered her love for architectural drawing.
Her first professional role in 2009 with a local architectural and engineering firm gave her a strong foundation.
“Working across departments, from architecture to resource management, helped to build the foundation of my knowledge and skillset.”
Later, as an in-house designer for a building company, she honed her practical knowledge by managing projects from concept to completion. In 2017, Diana launched Paper House Design to offer accessible, personalised solutions. The firm specialises in residential design, including new builds, renovations, and extensions, but also ventures into light commercial projects and even niche work like compliance plans. Her approach emphasises creating functional, future-ready designs tailored to her clients’ stories and needs. “Every project starts with hearing my client’s story and understanding how they live and what they envision for the present and future,” she says. This client-centred philosophy ensures each design is practical, beautiful, and timeless.
Diana cites the success of Paper House Design as a major career milestone. One project that stands out in the beginning of her career involved drafting a coastal home renovation for a renowned designer, which taught her how to transform existing homes while preserving their charm. “It was an inspirational experience, and it reinforced my love for architecture’s transformative power.”
Beyond professional achievements, Diana finds fulfilment in the relationships she builds with clients, saying, “You work closely with them, sometimes for years, and seeing their joy when they step into their finished home is unmatched.” What drives Diana is the blend of creativity and collaboration. “Architectural design is about problem-solving and teamwork. Working with contractors, builders, and engineers to bring a vision to life is incredibly rewarding.”
Diana’s vision for Paper House Design remains clear: to make the design process as smooth and stress-free as possible. By focusing on initial research and understanding her clients deeply, she ensures her designs stand the test of time.
0274 083 152 | paperhousedesign.co.nz
Finding peace in a slower pace
It takes great courage to move from one side of the world to another, and for Stephanie, her husband Stephan, and their two children, the courage required was even greater because they had never before been on a plane. Setting off from Cape Town, South Africa, in December 2023 involved a long and arduous journey, but the result has been completely life changing. Adrienne Matthews talks to Stephanie about the family’s experiences and impressions on arrival in a country that has the same population as the city they left.
My mother had made the move to Blenheim from South Africa five years ago. My sister and I were both adults and living our own lives by then, and she asked us if we were okay with her going to the other side of the world. She’d given her whole life to us as a mum, and we knew she loved it here, so were very happy to support her.
Stephan and I knew that we weren't going to stay in South Africa with so many opportunities available elsewhere, so I started to apply for teaching positions in New Zealand because there were so many vacancies. Eventually we took a chance and just came.
New Zealand is so fantasised about in South Africa. Rugby is a huge part of everyone’s lives. It is a beacon of light that drives us. Everything stops for Springbok games, and children dream about being rugby players. Seeing New Zealand as passionate about a sport as we are made me know that these are my kind of people.
The day we moved here is embedded in my mind. Although it was summer, we were so cold. It took us a month to acclimatise. The contrast from a city with millions of people to Blenheim, with its slow pace and low speed limits, is something we really appreciate.
The biggest difference is that children can play freely outside. In Cape Town, you had to have your eyes on your kids constantly. My nephew had never learned to ride a bike because it wasn’t safe, even if you were behind him in a car. It wasn’t safe to go to parks either because your children could be kidnapped. I had a dreadful experience when I was driving and stopped between what I thought were two taxi vans. Someone lunged at the back door of the car, they clearly wanted to take our child. I cried for two days after that. Just the thought that she would have been gone just like that was so terrifying. Although it will take time to get over the constant fear we lived with, we are so grateful this is such a safe place to live and bring up children.
I am blown away by the facilities available for children in schools and the community support that wraps around newcomers like us. Children have freedom to learn and play at the same time, to work and grow at their own pace. I’ve watched my daughter become so much more confident in herself due to the support. Schools in South Africa are heavily secured, so they are really the only safe place for children, but they are under-resourced, and teachers can’t necessarily teach their speciality.
I teach at Marlborough Girls College and am constantly amazed at the opportunities for students and teachers, and the sisterhood and support between the students. We probably would not be here without the incredible efforts of my principal, who really backed us when there were issues with my visa, and we thought we would have to go home. I will be forever grateful to her.
The thing I miss most is the incredible variety of food available in South Africa. Although our family came from a Christian background, the food we ate was more Cape Malay (Muslim), with lots of spices and curry powder. Cape Town has been voted the number one food city in the world. One of the first things I noticed here was how much less sugar there is in the Coca-Cola. In fact, there’s less sugar and less salt in most things. We are actually eating healthier, although the food here is very expensive. It’s also amazing to be able to drink water out of a tap.
I was sad to discover that there isn’t the same passion for rugby as I thought there would be. I’m yet to find anyone as passionate about the sport as I am.
My colleagues laugh at how amazing I think everything is here. I still have my googly eyeglasses on, and everything is fantastical. We gave up everything we had in South Africa, but I would do it again for the peace, security, and stability we have here.
1. Stephanie (right) with her sister Stacey, in South Africa. The sister were the first two in their family to have graduated.
2. Stephan and Stephanie with their children, Isaiah and Aurora Grace.
3. The couple have found happiness and security in Marlborough.
Artist: Ronnie Baker
Finding balance
Balancing the roles of mother and entrepreneur, Kate Guthrie shares her journey of pursuing wellness, creativity, and purpose. From growing up on a sheep and beef farm in the Waitaki Valley to building a life driven by passion and determination, she talks to Adrienne Matthews about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons along the way.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m hardworking, energetic, and always ready for a challenge. I’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong sense of loyalty. I love having an organised space – it helps me feel calm and in control. In fact, I’d rather risk running late than leave the house in a mess!
Where did you grow up, and how has that shaped your perspective on life?
I grew up in the Waitaki Valley, on our family’s sheep and beef farm, which has been in the family for over 110 years. My grandfather, Bob Cameron, was a big influence – he was not only a skilled farmer but also a squadron leader amongst other things, and a generous man. From him, I learned the value of hard work, respect, and community. Life on the farm instilled a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the outdoors. I still return with my kids during school holidays to recharge.
What did you do before meeting your husband?
I helped establish vineyards in Central Otago, worked on various farms, did my OE in London, and opened an organic shop in Queenstown. I also helped a friend’s adventure company by setting up hot air balloons at 4am.
How did you meet your husband?
We initially crossed paths through my sister, but it wasn’t until a few years later during a wallaby-shooting adventure that things clicked. I shot 10 out of 10 wallabies, and I think that impressed him. I like to think that was a bit of a “wow” moment for him!
What surprised you about being a mum?
The highs and lows are much more extreme than I expected – one minute you're on top of the world, and the next, you're down in the dumps.
How has becoming a parent changed your perspective on life and work?
Parenting is much more challenging than I anticipated. Luckily, my husband shares the load, but I find it hard to switch off, especially with my active brain. Being selfemployed has flexibility, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
What have been some of your biggest challenges?
Trying to start a family in my thirties was mentally and physically tough. The loss of one of my best friends nearly two years ago also profoundly impacted me. It’s made me realise the importance of cherishing the people around me and prioritising what matters.
What inspired you to start your own business?
In January 2021 I attended the Food + Health + Happiness
Retreat and met Stacey Fraser, whose creativity and knowledge resonated with me. That encounter sparked an idea, and a few months later, I thought of creating a product to help me stay alert during long drives. That idea eventually led to the creation of INXHALE, a modern extension of aromatherapy.
What is your business all about?
INXHALE offers natural olfactory wellness products designed to boost physical and cognitive performance. Our two products, Calm and Alert, offer relaxation and mental clarity, respectively. They’re science-driven and grounded in research. My husband and I also created REAL Workspace, a wellness-focused co-working space.
How do you unwind and take care of yourself amidst the demands of family and business?
Exercise and spending time outdoors are my main ways to recharge. I’ve also attended wellness retreats and connect regularly with a therapist based in Australia who focuses on breathwork and visualisation. It’s been a life-changing practice that helps me manage both family and business.
What are your personal values?
Family is at the core of everything I do. I also believe that kindness and respect go a long way in life. These values guide my decisions and interactions.
How do you balance family and business?
Balancing family and business is a work in progress. Every day is different, but I remind myself of what’s truly important – my family and staying grounded.
How do you maintain meaningful relationships?
I’m naturally drawn to positive, energetic people. I find it easy to connect with others, both personally and professionally.
Is there any advice you wish you’d received when you were younger?
I wish I’d known the importance of staying true to my values, especially when dealing with rude or unkind people. Kindness and integrity always win. I also wish I’d learned to say ‘no’ more confidently – it’s not about being unkind, but about respecting my boundaries and managing my energy.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself and your family in the next five to ten years?
I’ll let you know in five years once I’ve figured it all out! Right now, I’m focusing on living for the moment and enjoying the journey as it comes.
Find out more about Kate’s wellbeing journey at inxhaleworld.com/the-inxhale-story
My Style
Gabriel Bertogg’s style is a bold celebration of individuality, creativity, and conscious choices. As a photographer, Pride Wairau trustee, and champion of slow fashion, she weaves stories into her wardrobe – from op shop treasures to community stand finds, every piece reflects her spirit and love for breaking the rules of convention.
What are you wearing today?
I am wearing pink flared trousers that my friend Liss found for me at an op shop in London. She was my personal stylist for a day, and these were selected for my wedding five years ago. My mum gave me these loafers, and my delicious crop top is handmade, designed, and dyed by the wildly talented Josephine Cachemaille – a wondrous artist and friend from Whakatū. My earrings are made by local artist Hannah Thomass, who can be found under HanHanThomThom.
What is your style?
I don’t necessarily have one style, I change, a lot. If I had to describe it, maybe I would say my style is simply rebellious. One consistent thread is that, like a magpie, I’m drawn to shiny things. I love colour, and I enjoy layering to create silhouettes that obscure my body shape. Not sure if magpies do that, but I like to imagine so.
I am also a huge fan of an oversized old T-shirt found from the dump shop, and worn with with bike shorts and a cap. I love the gender fluidity of clothing and how the way you style the garments together can help people understand who you are. I like to flip that idea upside down and inside out. In saying all this, I have been leaning into clowncore – without truly knowing it. Look up Club Kids… wow, what I would do to be born in that era!
What is most of your wardrobe made up of?
Everything. I need to have collections of clothes suited for all of the versions of myself. Needless to say, I have more garments than you can shake a stick at (what a ridiculous saying, but I love it), from vintage gowns to sweatpants.
As I wear many hats here in Wairau, my clothing reflects my varied roles. I’m a photographer –PeanutButterVibes – and a proud trustee for Pride Wairau, where we’re currently planning this year’s Pride celebrations. I also help run House of Pluto, a community-focused charity that celebrates creative expression. We host touring bands in obscure venues and are helping organise the multicultural Popurrí Fest on 28 February.
What are you loving at the moment?
I love to see how Aotearoa is standing up for Toitū te Tiriti, with all of the beautiful wearable art coming from Māori artists such as Hori from Ōtaki and Miriama Grace Smith from Te Whanganui ā Tāra. I was so inspired that I painted a Tino Rangatiratanga flag on my jacket.
What are you dressed for today?
I felt like wearing this as it is something I would wear on the street; I just haven’t left my house yet as
I am on aunty duty this afternoon. I will be back in my bike shorts ASAP to head to the diversion to try to catch a kahawai with the kids.
Where do you buy most of your clothes from?
We have a Share Stand (a free community stall) on the fence outside our house, where the community leaves all sorts of things. I originally put it up to share the excess seasonal kai we grow in our garden. I help manage it and go through everything, and I’ve ended up scoring some amazing pieces. One day, I found a peroxide kit left in there. I took it as a sign that I was to go blonde for summer. Huge respect to the Redwoodtown crew who keep this stand alive!
I am also a regular at the Blue Door and the reuse centre. And lastly, people tend to give me pieces that they have found but feel are too dramatic for their wardrobe – I welcome this with open arms!
What is your approach to shopping?
I believe strongly in slow fashion. Shop ethically, learn how to repair, think about the impact of where you spend your money. If clothing is incredibly cheap, it likely comes at the cost of exploited labour, and that’s something I refuse to support.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My camera, I know it’s not clothes, but I wear it like an extra limb most of the time. I love it with all my heart. The best camera is one you have on you.
What has been your worst clothing disaster?
I used to wear tiny clip-on hats when I was a teenager, and my friend Clo McFadyen never lets me forget it.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A dressing gown. Hands down. I basically live in mine.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
I obey my own moral code: ethical fashion choices and dressing in a way that feels as fabulous or as practical as I feel. Not by what society says I should do based on the gender norm.
If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?
The great Vivienne Westwood, or Iris Apfel.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Anything from labels that exploit labour in exchange for cheap, low-quality garments. I know you can find ways to be uniquely stylish; you just need to be patient and do some research! Kowtow is a brand from Aotearoa that proudly operates ethically – you can start by buying local if you can’t wrap your head around second-hand shopping.
Aimée Preston
Te Awamutu
Eketāhuna Macetown
MAKE IT WORK THE SKIRT EDIT
As the work calendar fills up and office life settles back into full swing, the question on everyone’s mind is: What do I wear? Back to work fashion is working overtime to hit the style mark this season, with skirts taking centre stage for polished yet comfortable office looks. From timeless tailoring to relaxed silhouettes, there’s a style to suit every professional wardrobe.
The power of the pencil
A pencil skirt is a workwear classic for a reason – it exudes confidence and sophistication. This season, opt for a fresh take on the staple with high-waisted styles, subtle slits, or textured fabrics like tweed or ribbed knits. Mix things up with a printed blouse or statement heels for a dash of personality. For a modern edge, look for midi-length pencil skirts that hit mid-calf, balancing form and function.
A-line elegance
If comfort is key, the A-line skirt is your ultimate go-to. Universally flattering and effortlessly chic, A-line skirts create structure while offering ease of movement – perfect for those days that involve dashing between meetings. Opt for soft pleats or a flowy midi in versatile neutrals like beige or navy. Pair it with a tucked-in shirt and ballerina flats for a look that’s sleek yet practical.
The statement midi
For those who like a little flair, statement midi skirts are having their moment. Think bold prints, asymmetrical hems, and vibrant hues that lift your office wardrobe and your mood. A floral or geometric print skirt paired with a simple ribbed top strikes the right balance between fun and professional. Don’t shy away from mixing textures – a satin midi skirt with a lightweight linen shirt can create an ontrend contrast that works just as well in the boardroom as it does for after-work drinks.
Structured meets relaxed
The beauty of skirts lies in their versatility – structured pieces can still feel relaxed with the right styling. A tailored skirt with a blazer creates a power pairing, while swapping the blazer for a cardigan can soften the look. For those embracing a contemporary vibe, try pairing a sleek, structured skirt with sneakers or loafers – a nod to modern workwear trends without compromising on polish. This season, skirts are proving they’re far from basic. Whether you lean toward classic lines or prefer a playful edge, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate your work wardrobe with a fresh skirt edit. Let your style step confidently back into the office – one hemline at a time.
are balanced with
Try a new take on the pencil skirt.
Add structure with a tailored blazer.
Mix it up with asymmetrical
Te Awamutu
Eketāhuna
Macetown
MyHOME
When Sharon Hill and Jason Henry found their property, known as St Leonards Vineyard Cottages less than a year ago, it felt like the perfect match – offering a charming homestead, space for Sharon’s pottery creations, a well-loved accommodation business, and a dream family lifestyle surrounded by animals and vineyards.
Aimée Preston
Our story
We are located just five minutes west of Blenheim, right in the heart of the vineyards. I live here with my husband, Jason, and our 17-year-old son. Our 19-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son join us when they’re home from university. We’ve lived here for just six months. We also have one cat, two dogs, two deer, four ducks, twelve sheep, and 25 chickens –we’re all mad about animals, thankfully.
The house was built in 1887 as the original St Leonards farm station homestead. It has been redecorated by previous owners over the past few years, and the property now sits on five acres, including four character cottages that form St Leonards Vineyard Cottages – our accommodation business. Through our marketing agency, we have worked with many tourism clients over the years and had been looking for a business like this for some time. The bonus was that it came with the beautiful homestead, which we get to call home.
Sharon Hill and Jason Henry bought their 1887 homestead and cottages six months ago.
Style and decorating inspiration
Our home’s high stud, Victorian features, and neutral decor provide the perfect canvas to display my pottery, art, and artifacts that I’ve created or collected over the years. I would describe our style as elegant, homely, creative, and characterful. It’s also influenced by a modern retro vibe – an eclectic mix of thrifted, created, and inherited pieces that hold sentimental value.
Shopping secrets
I love hunting for treasures at second-hand shops, flea markets, online, and even by the roadside! And now, with my SHUP pottery, I’m on a mission to create more of my own unique homewares.
I would never part with… I pretty much never part with anything – especially if it falls into one or more of the useful, beautiful, or sentimental categories. I could definitely never let go of my green sgraffito ceramic bowl. I love it, but I’ve never managed to recreate it since I forgot the exact method I used. The perils of not writing things down while experimenting!
Another cherished piece is our rustic wooden seat at the front door. It was made with love by my father (who sadly passed away last year) using wood from his Taranaki farm. It will stay with us forever.
Save or splurge?
I’m all for investing in the important things – floor and window coverings, kitchen cabinetry, and bed linen. For furniture, I’m all for sourcing unique vintage pieces, and recovering or refurbishing them if and when required.
Next on the list
Shutters for the windows are arriving later this month. Updating the kitchen and the main bathroom is on the list, and we also have plans to renovate our cottages over the coming years to enhance our offering to guests, but without losing the wonderful rustic luxury character they already have.
On the wish list is a new dining table –although the ones I covet are outrageously expensive – paired with a giant artwork as a backdrop, just as the previous owners had. We’d also love to put our new landscape design from Kate at Vavasour Landscapes fully into action as soon as possible.
Favourite spots
Sitting at our kitchen leaner, looking out to the garden, our stunning entrance with my SHUP
1. Two artworks by the late Fane Flaws hang beside a sinker, an early ceramic piece by Darryl Frost. 2. The green Rayburn range is a visual feature of the kitchen, heating the radiators throughout the house all winter. 3. Sharon’s favourite pottery piece. 4. The hallway features a collection of books and pottery, with views to the gardens and Wither Hills.
5. Eggs collected from the family’s hens. 6. The couple are loving country life at their ‘little slice of paradise.’
7. The rustic wooden seat sits at the front door. It’s a piece the family would never part with, built by Sharon’s late dad.
pottery, and at the end of the hall with views to the tennis court and Wither Hills beyond.
I also love to spend time in the garden, surrounded by trees and birds, and watching as new plants, fruit and flowers emerge as the months pass.
Every home should have…
Practical things like an HRV system – it’s a must for clean dry air circulation, and soft-close cupboards and drawers. Beyond that, every home should have plenty of cosy, creative indoor and outdoor spaces – perfect for relaxing alone or spending time with family and friends.
Our neighbourhood
Our little slice of paradise amongst the vines is so rural and peaceful, yet just a stone’s throw from town – it’s just perfect.
Best memory
We’re still new to the property, but we’ve already created so many fun family moments here. Recently, we hosted a large group of friends from out of town and loved being able to offer everyone their own cottage.
A new life for old bones
In the heart of Blenheim, Ben Stace of Design Marlborough Architecture has breathed new life into a century-old villa, blending heritage charm with modern comfort.
Words: Adrienne Matthews | Richard Briggs
Ben Stace of Design Marlborough Architecture has enjoyed working on a vast array of architectural projects over the years, including both new builds and renovations. He has recently completed a superb renovation on the Weld Street property he owns with his fiancée Alex Rankin.
Built in 1912 by a farm worker at the Wither Hills farm, the home had been added to in the 1960s and 1980s.
“We fell in love with its character and the big section,” says Ben. “I could see it had so much unrecognised potential and, after living in it for a year, I had a clear vision of what was needed to make it something really special.”
The original front bedrooms are characteristic of the times and have been left as they were, apart from the addition of extra insulation to the roof space. “We beefed up the layer of batts already there. It is the most cost-effective way you can improve a home’s comfort insulation-wise,” he adds.
“A lot of time went into the framing,” says Sam Newman of Marlborough Building Services, who was charged with undertaking the building work. “The floor was out of level in places, and because we were taking out the structural wall between the dining and living rooms, we needed to add some new piles in order to be able to support the roof properly.”
“The renovation certainly brought its challenges but has been a fantastic success. It’s so exciting to see clients’ visions come to life and bring life back into an old home.”
The floor was cut up so the plumbing and electrical systems could be replaced, and underfloor insulation was installed. It was quickly discovered that the foundations for the 1980s addition, which included the bathroom area, were well below standard, with bricks used as footings.
“This kind of thing is to be expected with extensions that were carried out around that period, and we had a contingency plan in place. You always have to plan for these types of ‘surprises’ when cutting into walls and floors,” explains Ben.
“We were happy to keep the kitchen as it was. It had been refurbished relatively recently and, although not our style, we've just changed out the cooktop and the taps and added a tile backsplash using the same tiles as in the bathroom.”
Flooring throughout is a combination of timber laminate and wool carpet over existing floorboards.
“We’ve chosen to use a rich wool loop pile carpet because it’s fitting for a villa such as this and is also a sustainable product,” says Ben. “I grew up on a sheep and beef farm, so that probably has something to do with it too,” he laughs.
Many original features have been kept, which give the home its character – not least of which are the leadlight windows, which were fortunately still in
good condition. The back door, with its rich ruby-red glass panel, was originally in the former laundry and now brings a wonderful glow to the walls when the afternoon light shines in.
Timber throughout is a mixture of rimu and tōtara, and there are many beautifully carved skirtings and architraves. “Being the age they are, they can become prone to splitting, so I actually took a lot of them off myself before the work was carried out, and the builders put back what they could,” says Ben.
Fortunately, the chimney had been replaced by the previous owners post-earthquake and now boasts a smart new granite hearth.
With four bedrooms (two used as offices), one with a new ensuite that has replaced the former laundry, and a beautifully remodelled main bathroom, the whole effect is of a house that has had a brand-new lease of life. The main bathroom even has a distinctive flutedsided bath, adding an extra touch of luxury.
“It is a fabulous house to live in,” says Ben. “I had worked with Sam before on projects, so knew this one would be a success. The key to any successful build or renovation is planning and communication. It’s really helpful to live in a property for a while to get a feel for anything that needs changing. Then, if you plan well, the renovation can take place as quickly as possible.” Ben and Alex moved out so the work could
take place in earnest and were back in their home 12 weeks later.
The renovation certainly brought its challenges but has been a fantastic success. “It’s so exciting to see clients’ visions come to life and bring life back into an old home,” says Sam.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the planning that went into this project, and the results are everything we had envisaged,” adds Ben.
Pollinatorfriendly planting
As summer turns to autumn and nectar begins to dwindle, how can we support our buzzing and fluttering pollinator friends through the cooler months? Bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators often struggle to find food during autumn and winter. Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystem, ensuring the reproduction of many flowering plants and contributing to our food supply. With a little planning now, your garden can become a lifeline for them year-round, providing the nourishment they need to thrive.
Blooms for hungry bees
March is an ideal time to plant late-flowering varieties. Consider dahlias, salvias, and asters, which provide vibrant colours and nectar-rich blooms that are irresistible to bees. Another excellent choice is sedum – its star-shaped flowers are a favourite for many pollinators.
For those with a vegetable patch, let a few plants, like broccoli or coriander, go to seed. Their flowers are a surprising and much-appreciated treat for pollinators.
Winter wonders
While winter may seem like a barren time in the garden, several hardy plants can bridge the seasonal gap. Hēbe varieties, native to New Zealand, are a must-have, offering shelter and sustenance. Winter-flowering camellias and hellebores also provide bursts of colour and essential nectar during the colder months.
Don’t forget shrubs and trees; kowhai trees, known for their golden blooms, are a favourite of tūī and other nectar-loving birds, while manuka and rewarewa can attract bees with their winter blossoms.
Planting for diversity
One of the best ways to support pollinators yearround is by planting a diverse range of flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees that bloom at different times. The wider the variety, the more likely it is that something will be in bloom when pollinators need it most. By mixing seasonal plants with evergreens and choosing species that flower at different times of the year, you'll ensure a constant supply of nectar and pollen to support these valuable creatures.
Create a haven
In addition to planting, consider creating a welcoming environment for pollinators. Leave some fallen leaves and twigs to provide shelter and set up a shallow dish of water with small stones for safe drinking spots. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm the very creatures you’re trying to support.
A garden that gives back
By planting with pollinators in mind, you will not only enjoy a flourishing garden through autumn and winter but also contribute to the health of the environment. With a bit of effort, you’ll see your garden buzzing with life and beauty, even in the cooler months.
framingham.co.nz
Framingham
At our boutique winery in the Wairau Valley, we craft expressive, individual small batch wines with new world purity and old world complexity. We’re big believers in doing what you love. So when it comes to making wine, we just make wine that we ourselves want to drink. Enjoy a tasting or stay longer with a glass of wine, build a platter and relax in our underground cellar or courtyard.
Open 7 days: 10.30am- 4.30pm Bookings recommended via our website
19 Conders Bend Road, Renwick Ph: 03 572 8884
Beef short ribs in a red wine sauce
A DELICIOUS WAY TO BARBECUE SHORT RIBS
Try this rich and hearty dish of NZ beef short ribs slow-cooked in a red wine, garlic, and herb-infused tomato sauce. Perfect for entertaining, these tender short ribs are simmered to perfection, absorbing the deep, robust tastes of the wine and herbs. The garlic adds a fragrant punch, while the tomatoes bring a hint of sweetness to balance the rich meat.
This recipe is ideal for a family gathering or a weekend feast, as it can be prepped in stages. The slow-cooked ribs develop even more flavour when made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, and enjoy a meal that’s full of bold, comforting flavours.
• 4-5 quality mark beef short ribs (individual ribs not whole)
• salt and pepper
• olive oil
• 2 cups tomato pasta sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup red wine
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 50g fresh thyme
• 50g basil leaves
METHOD
Remove your beef short ribs from the oven 1 hour before cooking. Coat your beef short ribs with olive oil then season with salt and pepper.
Heat your open fire to a high temperature then sear off each side for 1-2 minutes. NOTE: if cooking in the oven sear in a pan with olive oil on a high temp for the same period of time.
Add your beef short ribs into a Dutch oven with all remaining ingredients. Place the lid on then cook over a low indirect heat for 4 hours. NOTE: if cooking in the oven, cook for 4 hours at 140˚C
Once cooked remove from the oven and rest for 15 minutes with the lid off before serving.
This recipe is courtesy of James Smith - The Tattooed Butcher.
What’s On
For updated information visit follow-me.co.nz
7 Feb
BROOKBY BEATS
Get ready for an epic night with some of the best wine producers from the region’s Southern Valleys, top New Zealand musical talent and delicious food. R18 event
9 Mar
HOSPICE VEHICLE DISPLAY
Popular annual vehicle display organised by the Classic Motoring Society of Marlborough. All money raised donated to Hospice Marlborough.
Waterlea Raceway, Blenheim
14 - 16 Feb
MARLBOROUGH
QUILTERS’ EXHIBITION 2025
If you love quilting, don’t miss this exhibition showcasing quilts and objects from talented patchwork and quilting members, with demos offering new tips and tricks
Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000
8 Feb
MARLBOROUGH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL 2025
Celebrate all that we love about Marlborough’s wine, people, food and landscapes at New Zealand’s longest running wine and food festival, right in the heart of wine country. R18 event
15 Mar
MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
Head to this year’s festival to celebrate our rich and diverse community. Enjoy delicious ethnic foods, wonderful dances and immerse yourself in the variety of cultures that call Marlborough home.
Churchill Glade, Pollard Park, Blenheim
7 Feb
BLENHEIM CBD SUMMER MARKET
Pure Events Marlborough are excited to bring back this iconic market – there will be a vast array of stalls offering something for everyone and cool summer vibes from fantastic local musicians and entertainers.
Blenheim CBD
8 Mar
HAVELOCK MUSSEL & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Spend the day with family and friends celebrating the best of the Marlborough Sounds, savouring the flavours of the sea with over 40 food stalls, cooking displays, and Kiwi music legends The Black Seeds.
Havelock Domain, Havelock
Brookby Hill Vineyard, Blenheim
Renwick Domain, Renwick
Rapaura Tennis Club 46th Annual Doubles Tournament
Marlborough Tennis Club
1. Ben Burridge and Cathy Kitto
2. Mike and Andrew Mitchell, Sam and Luke Hansby
3. Annabelle Fluit and Eveline Apthorp van der Linden
4. Amber Lyons and Caroline Cornelius
5. Glenn and Dene Wilson
6. Josh Joseph and Glen Cameron
7. Ruth Seeman, Renny Spruijtenburg, Kerry Noble and Jeanette Marston
8. Terry, Ella and Lynley Sowman
Anna Simpson
Vinyl in the Vines
Lawson’s Dry Hills
1. Daniel and Christelle Orchard
2. Deb and Bill ‘Digger’ Hennessy
3. Deb Lee and Shelley Ruhen
4. Debbie Waring-Jones and Rochelle Clamp
5. Fran Nolan and Castel King
6. Rachel Tau’alupe and Sally King
7. Will Murray and Kristen Ward
8. Lucy Hooper, Rhi Long, Tom Cohen and Alice Caro
9. Carol Reid, Lucy Wheaton, Belinda Jackson and Julia Ames
5.
1. Jorgia McMillan and Brittany Hamilton
2. Carli, Oscar, Zara and Hayden Lewis
3. Elysia Hartley and Connor Buckley
4. Lilly Coates, Noah Cowie and Alex Coates
Sage Henderson and Fynn Tipene
6. NZKS Team members: Sally-Nina Moore, Kristin Spaetzel, Graeme Aldridge, Chantelle Te Haara, Anna Morgun, Terry Baxter, Antony Page and Monique Hatfull
