Cheers to Havelock!
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Havelock had plenty to celebrate on Saturday.
Firstly, its annual mussel and seafood festival welcomed hundreds of people to town and it was annouced that the Havelock Marina and the surrounding aquaculture industry are set to get a $9.9 million dollar boost.
Details of the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025-2030 were announced at the Havelock Mussel Festival over
the weekend.
The move aims to see New Zealand’s aquaculture industry earning $3 billion by 2035.
The dredging improvements to access the marina channel and basin, after being filled in by silt over 2021 and 2022 storms, are funded jointly by a $9.9m RIF loan from the central Government and equal funding from Port Marlborough.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister
Shane Jones, accompanied by fellow MP Jamie Arbuckle and
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, said it was “a pleasure and a privilege” to be able to help.
“It’s a plan that lies at the heart of your own future - not every part of the country is blessed with the opportunity that you have here for this local industry”, said Mr Jones. “There has to be guard rails and sustainability is essential, but economic empowerment is equally as important because economic growth is what will ensure that we generate the earnings and we can afford to live in
our communities, secure, happy and confident in the future.”
Mayor Nadine Taylor thanked the minister, saying Mother Nature had dealt a cruel blow to the region in 2021 and 2022.
“We recognise your ongoing support for such a crucial industry for Marlborough - we have 600 marine farms out there contributing $300 million and 1000 jobs to Marlborough and to New Zealand, and it is poised to grow.
“The Minister has made it clear that the future of this industry
is part of the future of New Zealand, and through the Aquaculture Extension Act, he has given certainty to those marine farms that are out there through our Pelorus sounds”.
The funding will be used to dredge the marina channel and basin to enable safe and unrestricted access for commercial users and residents to make industry processing and maintenance easier.
Grant Bryant, Emma Reid, Nigel and Sally Hodgkinson, Grace Barnett, Dominic Williams, Debbie Priest and Di Priest enjoying the Havelock Mussel Festival on Saturday. More from the Havelock Mussel Festival on page 2. Photo: Anna Simpson.
Digging in for Havelock Marina aquaculture future
FROM PAGE 1
Construction of three replacement jetties will enable increased traffic and minimise impacts of flooding and climate change, while the construction and dredging work will generate up to 54 jobs.
This investment will support the delivery of a $19.8 million project to ensure Havelock Marina remains a fit-for-purpose marine transport hub, supporting the aquaculture industry, Sounds residents, and the wider boating community.
Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn, says the project is vital for ensuring long-term operational reliability.
“Havelock is a pivotal port and marina for aquaculture in New Zealand. The channel is essential infrastructure, much like a road or rail link, and its reduced depth has been causing access constraints for vessels.
“This project will ensure that Havelock continues to meet the needs of the aquaculture industry, commercial operators, and local residents who rely on marine access.”
1 2 3
Havelock Mussel Festival a hit
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
The annual celebration of the Sounds, and the people and products of the Pelorus, filled Havelock Domain on Saturday.
The 21st Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival hosted thousands of eager food fans and music lovers together for the town’s highlight day for the whole family – with many travelling from far afield to celebrate.
And while Havelock saw four seasons in one day, committee member Kara Fielding says the rain didn’t dampen the day.
“It was incredible to see people embracing the festival spirit, enjoying the entertainment, and, of
course, eating loads of amazing seafood – some stalls sold out earlier than expected, which goes to show how much people love our mussels and seafood.
“Havelock is the Greenshell Mussel capital of the world and produces some of the best seafood in the country, but the festival is about celebrating the products and the people out on the water every day.
“It’s always rewarding to see months of planning come to life, and we’re really proud of how the day unfolded.”
Rain forecast for later in the day didn’t put off stallholders or attendees as seafood stalls saw eager foodies from early, while
headliners The Black Seeds kept the dancefloor full during the eager foodies from early, while headliners The Black Seeds kept the dancefloor full during the worst weather.
The mussel opening competition gathered keen crowds for the team and individual competition – including a 100-mussel opening world record attempt by individual winner DeokChan Kang from Talley’s which fell just four seconds short.
Kara’s proud of the efforts from their committee to bring a festival for the whole family each year.
“Our committee is made up of the people who attend the event
who all bring our perspectives to the table to make sure every attendee is thought of to create an atmosphere where families, food lovers, and festivalgoers of all ages can have an amazing time,” she says.
“We’ll be debriefing, wrapping up the budget and seeing what we can give back through our community grants program which is always exciting.
“But before we know it, we’ll be back into planning for the 22nd festival, securing entertainment, sponsors, and working on new ideas to keep the event fresh and exciting”.
More photos from the day are on page 10.
1. The mussel opening competition, here between Talley’s Blenheim and Sanford, saw had many people eager to watch throughout the day.
2. Arleigh Agregado, Deokcan Kang, Jericho Babao and Hyundong Noh Winning team from Talleys
3. Celebrity chef Nadia Lim celebrates with cooking competition winners. Photos: William Woodworth.
MP Jamie Arbuckle, Ngati Kuia chairperson Waihaere Mason, Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announce the Aquaculture Development Plan 2025-2030 at the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival. Photo: William Woodworth.
Grape to get started
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough’s first grape harvests of the year are coming off the vines and heading to wineries across the region.
The earliest grapes to be harvested have started to be plucked, destined to become their 2025 rose.
Two Rivers’ winemaker Dave Clouston says he’s pleased to get
the first crop in, and is looking for a positive harvest.
“We’ve had some good luck with this spell of recent weather after a hot early summer and a non-existent later summer, so it’s a bit safer to do now while it’s still calm.
“Pinot noir grapes for the Rose is always the earliest, because we want the freshness flavours of grapes - grapes for the actual
pinot noir are left on the vine for the rest of the week to build the tannin and flavour profile we’re after.”
And while Dave looks forward to the next few weeks of work across the region, he knows there’s plenty of work ahead –especially around Marlborough’s famed sauvignon blanc.
“There are quite heavy crops of sauvignon blanc around, but it is
still key to everything Marlborough, it’s our point of difference in the wine world.
“We can’t rest on our laurels especially this year, so we all need to double down on quality.
“So, some of our harvest crops will be earlier, but we’ll still look to keep the sav grapes until a more traditional start of April harvest”.
Marlborough’s One-Stop-Shop
Any pet door installed in March or April will go in the draw to WIN A $50 Animates voucher
Any chip repair completed (insurance or private job) in March or April will go in the draw for a $50 Grove Road Café voucher.
Any retrofit doubleglazing quote accepted in March or April will get a free LOW-E upgrade.
Two Rivers’ winemaker Dave Clouston, left with Andrew Murray take a break from Harvest. Right: the sun rises on a new day and the start of harvest as early grapes at Murray Downs are ready. Photos: Anna Simpson.
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A children’s book to really crow about
PAULA HULBURT
A former primary school teacher has penned a children’s mindfulness book based around a rowdy rooster. Marlborough motherof-five Sarah O’Sullivan has published Calm the Farm, the tale of a cranky rooster who upsets other farm animals.
After a challenging time in her life, Sarah decided to learn about mindfulness to help her cope with grief. Now she is using her experiences to tell how the farm animals were able to regulate their emotions to cope with the troublesome Rooster. Rooster also learns how to manage his feelings.
Sarah, a self-confessed book worm, has five children of her own aged between 22 and six years old. She wanted to find a way to help them all boost resilience and wellbeing while having fun.
It was while teaching a mindfulness programme in
Marlborough schools she got the idea for Calm the Farm Her debut story teaches children steps to manage their own emotions while offering parents and educators a way to introduce these skills. Sarah says she’s acutely aware of escalating mental health concerns among young New Zealanders.
“It would be wonderful if this book could help families understand some of the things they can do to assist their children…
“Once this is learned, it can have a lifelong impact on coping with stress, relationships, contentment, and emotional, physical and mental health.”
Sarah ran a crowdfunding campaign to pay for the book’s illustration, done by Bec Brown from Golden Bay, its design and printing.
Two backers gifted additional funds to enable her to donate a copy of the book to every primary school and kindergarten across Marlborough.
“It would be wonderful if there were any other philanthropic people out there who’d like to help get the book into other places such as children’s wards,” Sarah says.“I think it could be very helpful.”
Published by Little Love (Mary Egan Publishing) and distributed by BookReps NZ, the 36-page book is on sale from 11 March for $22.
To order visit https://sosceramics.co.nz/products/ calm-the-farm-children-sbook
To be in with a chance to win your own signed copy of Calm the Farm, email paula@topsouthmedia. co.nz.
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Writer Sarah O’Sullivan with a copy of her debut book Calm the Farm at Marlborough Library Te Kahu o Waipuna. Photo: Paula Hulburt.
Kapa haka goes viral
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A local kapa haka group has gone viral with an emotional performance which scooped them a coveted People’s Choice Award.
Te Kuru Marutea, with soloists Bailee Tava and Naia Awatea, were awarded the Kohine Ponika ‘Aku Mahi’ Memorial Trophy at the “Olympics of Maori performing arts”.
Their waiata tira (choral performance) at Te Matatini 2025 in New Plymouth last week took home the first ever People’s Choice Award after millions of views worldwide.
“A genuine portrayal of the emotional, uplifting waiata is what we aim for, so the People’s Choice award shows Bailee, Naia and everyone did it proper justice”, says Te Kuru Marutea head tutor Tom Alesana. “Our last practise was our shortest and sharpest, we were clicking at the right time, so stepped on stage with very little nerves and produced something incredible.”
“Next thing we knew we were top 10 for People’s Choice and kept climbing so by finals day morning we had a 1000 vote lead.”
Tom says Te Kuru Marutea has been inundated with praise, a Te Matatini album inclusion, promotional opportunities and member interview requests from around the world. “People from around the world have messaged, “I don’t know what you’re singing, but I can feel it in my soul” – it’s resonated with people
through the language barrier.”
Despite not making the top 12 for the overall 30-minute performance. the impact of their award-winning composition has been massive. “We’ve been practicing for four months, 10 weekends in different parts of Te Tauihu and small group practices across the country where members live, fine tuning our performances – we’re all so thankful to everyone who’s looked after us on this journey. Kapa haka is growing, not only in schools but many competitive and non-competitive groups for people to get involved. “It’s a key door to the revitalisation of te ao Māori, and a great space for people to actively learn more about Māori language and art.”
The next Te Matatini has been confirmed to be hosted in Te Tauihu Nelson/Marlborough in 2027.
New look on horizon for Picton
PAULA HULBURT
Picton’s waterfront is to get a $2 million makeover.
London Quay is to be upgraded over the winter months as part of a revitalisation project.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says the move is an “investment of confidence” in Picton as Marlborough’s premier tourist town. “This waterfront space is such an important part of Picton’s identity with its linkages to the foreshore and CBD.
“It is a high use area with a view loved by everyone who lives in or visits Picton.
“This development will ensure it is accessible and an attractive hospitality and visitor space for all users,”
she says.
Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects have created the concept for the popular waterfront area.
Plans include a larger, more level pedestrian area with dining areas and new public seating. Council has worked closely with the businesses along London Quay to time the work for the winter months.
It will be completed in stages to minimise disruption says Council’s Project and Contracts Manager Maighan Watson.
“We have talked with affected businesses and residents with positive feedback received.”
Picton’s rejuvenation work is being carried out in stag-
es, with the Upper High Street and the Picton library precinct already completed. Once London Quay is completed, Council will continue making plans for other parts of the central business district. “London Quay is an important next step and once that’s done, Council will continue planning for improvements to other parts of the CBD.”
Cultural elements are included in the design, street lighting will be upgraded and there will also be improved water main and stormwater systems. While current road layout and pedestrian areas will remain the same, the development will hopefully slow traffic too.
Te Kuru Marutea brought their best to the stage for Te Matatini at the Bowl of Brooklands. Photo: Supplied
Picton’s waterfront strip is much loved by locals and visitors. London Quay’s development will breathe new life into the tourist town. Graphic and photo: MDC/Supplied
Power boat driver’s wild ride
STEPHEN STUART
With his new rudder installed, Southland power boat race Allan Ballantyne was confident of mixing it with the younger drivers at Lake Rotoiti on Saturday.
The 69-year-old didn’t bargain on the bolts shearing off the rudder on the first lap and his hydroplane, capable of more 200 kilometres per hour, losing its steering.
The fish and chip shop owner wasn’t worried about cashing in his own chips, more the threat his out of control craft posed to a lot of spectators lining the bank.
“Then I was just left there for the ride. The boat hit the bank and surged into a tree,” he recalls.
“No one was injured but a couple of deck chairs were broken. The starboard side of the boat, the wing and nose cone were damaged,” says Allan.
But his safety harness did the job, and it was just his pride left hurting.
“Some people rushed up and couldn’t wait to show me what they had filmed on their cell phones. Someone rubbed my back and talked about buying a lotto ticket,” reveals Allan, who started racing boats 50 years ago.
“I can still run rings around a lot of the young fellows on the water,” declares Allan.
He had travelled up from Riverton to help out with numbers for the South Island GN Championships.
The buckled boat is now back in his workshop after the 13-hour drive home.
“I can’t get it fixed for the next race in Twizel in three weeks, but I plan to be back racing eventually. I am still enjoying it. I am fit and healthy.”
Asked if he was an engineer, Al-
lan responds he was a fitter and turner by trade but had been in the fish and chip business for 38 years, Bay Side Takeaways. “Although I am not out the front of the shop these days,” quips Allan who turns 70 later this year. The Rotoiti Power Boat Club’s 102nd regatta delivered close, spectacular racing across all the classes, with national titles at stake. More on the races on page 20.
Alan Ballantyne’s boat Rage ended up in the trees on the first day of racing. Photo: Shot 360 Photography.
Putting a sassenach through his paces
Reporter William Woodworth takes to the floor
to give Scottish Country Dancing a whirl with some local experts.
It’s a quick turnaround from the desk to St Andrew’s Church Hall where the Blenheim Scottish Country Dancing Club are waiting.
“Welcome, we’re really excited to have you come along today –now, you need to some of these,” Heather says I’m handed a pair of leather slippers, and our teacher Linda runs us through the dances.
The Highland Fair, A Jig for Mrs Dunn, the Waratah Weaver, the Virginia Reel, and The Cumberland Reel are all on the agenda. I keep an eye on the steps as I set up the camera.
“When you’re crossing, the woman always goes first so you must be quick to turn and meet your partner again at the eight counts.
“Then, grab the hands with the next pair and your partner, spin
Woodworth with Blenheim Scottish Country Dancing
members,
zies, Gillian McCloy, Miriam McNamara, Elaine McFarlane, Pat McKinnon, Ange Crompton,
Lamb, Lynda Aitchison, Sue Lindsay, and Linda Glavin.
for four counts with a click of the heels, then back the other way to your start point, and it’s the next pairs turn”.
It feels like a lot of pressure on the newbie but looks like a lot of fun.
I look across to Sue, my first dance partner, as the fiddles, bagpipes and drums of the Highland Fair get started. We skip to the tune; someone occasionally steps forward with the wrong foot at
the wrong time, and it wasn’t Sue.
The patterns, talking, teamwork and weaving through small gaps reminds me of rugby passing drills as a kid.
Between each dance, we have
Time travel on the rails
A throwback to the early days of luxury rail travel comes to Marlborough’s train tracks over the next two weekends,
Steam Incorporated is running an exclusive train journey from Blenheim to Kekerengu and return on Saturday 15 March, followed by a family orientated Picton to Blenheim trip return the next day and Blenheim to Lake Grassmere on Saturday 22 March.
Train Manager Tommy Secker is keen to see a full trip, whether for sightseeing, dinner at The Store Kekerengu, or for the train itself.
“We’re super excited to be bringing a special weekend of unique
rail experiences to Marlborough, and worked closely with The Store, local winery Two Rivers, and Boomtown Beer to create an exclusive experience on the evening for train travellers.
Passengers join the Saturday train at Blenheim just after 3pm for a 70km journey across the Dashwood pass, navigating the Awatere Valley, coming out onto the coast at Wharanui before arriving at Kekerengu for a two-hour dinner beside the ocean.
“Our heritage train will be hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive, beautifully restored to its former glory, and will consist of its Victorian era passenger cars, the eldest of which dates back to 1912.
“These carriages have open viewing balconies on either end, and on a fine day, encapsulate the true enjoyment of train travel in its heyday”
“Not only that, but we’ve created a cost-effective local experience for families to jump on a heritage train the next day between Picton and Blenheim, and the next weekend’s Blenheim to Lake Grassmere trip.
“Our heritage train creates an immersive experience, for people of all ages to get involved in. Take a step back in time and explore how rail travel used to be”.
Book online at www.steaminc. org.nz or ring 0800 783 264
a quick drink. Before restarting you ask your next partner to dance. It’s a lovely touch which encourages everyone to have a go. It’s time to hit the dance floor again. Weaving through and around our fellow couples, we add in a pageant walk and reel around the back of the two lines. Now alongside Joy, away we go, spinning, skipping and sliding along the wooden floors – it’s not perfect, but there’s plenty of smiles on faces around the room. Before I know it, it’s time for the final dance. Being half a foot taller than the next dancer, it’s going to be a bit more of a bend for me. The drums and pipes start for their final time while my hips, legs and ankles wince a bit at the workout. We clap the last couple through, lift our arms into a tunnel, do our final bows, and the fun finishes.
Blenheim Scottish Country Dancing Club is every Monday from 7pm to 9pm at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Contact Heather on 02102587325
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Steam Incorporated Train Manager Tommy Secker is keen to see their heritage train and passenger cars fill up for this weekend of old-school train travel.
Photo: William Woodworth.
William
Club
from left, Heather Men-
Heather
Photo: William Woodworth
Food for thought
As the Ka Ora Ka Ako school lunches model makes headlines across the country, William Woodworth joins Marlborough providers Ngāti Rārua and loclschools to speak about the programme under the iwi-hapu partnership model. Each weekday, Ngāti Rārua’s Scott Street kitchen in Blenheim produces 613 meals destined for children across Marlborough.
Today, serving trays of ham, cheese and spinach quiche are coming hot out of the oven – while separately the 58 special dietary requirement meals are made.
It’s a slick commercial kitchen operation, with happy and fulfilled staff –but does that translate to the meals?
“To be honest, it’s amazing - the quality of kai that comes into our schools is incredible,” Spring Creek principal Cheryl Alderlieste says.
“The kids certainly have favoriteswhen it’s Mac and Cheese day we get full attendances, and they love sausages and mash and the build your own burger or sandwich days.
“Times are tough for many, so knowing that their kids come to school and have a good lunch is amazing for so many whanau.
“… it takes this big pressure off parents knowing their kids are fed well and we either gift leftovers which is well received or feed our animals.”
Ngāti Rārua was crucial in the inclu-
sion of an Iwi-Hapu supplier model to school lunches, with Michelle Lavender pitching the first Iwi-Hapu model adopted country-wide.
“For us, it’s a values decision rather than an economic decision - our motivation is our long-term vision of being kind to all people, so everybody is better off.” Ka Ora Ka Aho Manager Michelle James says. “The shortterm is feeding kids, but long-term the whole region does better when kids eat well, learn at school, practise sharing and learn where their food comes from.”
Cheryl says the benefits are obvious through each school day and beyond.
“…they go into class for with full tummies and are really settled - it’s made a huge difference.”
One new addition is Whitney Street School.
“We can taste the aroha that goes into our school lunches and are so grateful that we have fresh, local food prepared just three minutes down the road by our whānau at Ngāti Rārua,” Principal Christee Dalzell says.
“This partnership is more than just providing tasty meals; it’s about strengthening our community, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our tamariki receive nutritious food. Schools are in the program for good outcomes, so we certainly hope they sort out the program nationally but it’s not easy to do”, adds Richard.
Spring Creek School students Anahera, Noah and Ryley with some of the ham, cheese and spinach quiche for lunch. Photo: William Woodworth.
Out & About
10. W ill Murray, Tom Knowles and Jamie Hawke 3 1 2 7 6 5 4
2. S penser Kingi, Dan Mabey and Phil Black
3. G race Barnett, Emma Reid and Casey Lambert
4. H emi and Kirstie Nohotima
5. Kurt Young, Mya Hopkinson and Oliver Bunce
6. K aren Gibb, Tania Godsall and Sharon Hansen
7. J enny Rush-Broke and Bronya Wainwright
8. S ophie and Ruihana Smith
9. M onique Hatfull, Chantelle Te Haara, Terry Baxter, Antony Page
Anna Simpson
8 9
Thanks to generous community support, New Zealand King Salmon raised $2900 at the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival for local kura, Havelock School.
1. E nika Rood, Sophie Hambleton and Kristen Ward
Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival at Havelock Domain
Photos:
Opinion
Community Comments
NEW LEGISLATION
COULD SEE MARLBURIANS PAY MORE FOR WATER
Charge the blimmin’ vineyards.
Claudia Joy Earthangel
MARLBOROUGH LINES
CLASSIC FIGHTERS 2025: NEW TWIST ON EASTER TRADITION.
Have been practicing out our way, two of them flying together.
Jeanette Maher
4.3 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE ON SATURDAY
Yip had one felt yesterday Blenheim too it’s been to still outside lately.
Nicole Leanne Rose Best
Wow it was a rude awakening.
Dave Martin
Heard it coming in Waikawa a good shake.
Jacquie Bugler
Rattled the wardrobe doors in Picton.
Suellen Beaman
TENANT’S EVICTION FIGHT OVER BOND CLAIMS
Just name the landlords so everyone knows who they are. They don’t have privacy rights under any law, unlike the tenant. Do the right thing and protect future tenants…
Jamarl Thomson
Sound’s retaliatory but who knows … however 60 days would also be the norm unless family are moving in?
Yllek Nomis
If you have a Community Comment you would like to share please
MEDAL WINNERS: Tom Bowskill, 4, pictured left, with his brother Mickey, 6, and Mason Waters, 6, ventured over the hill to Nelson to join 1500 other tamariki taking part in the Weet-Bix TRYathlon at Tāhunanui Reserve. It was Renwick School students Mickey and Mason’s first time competing in the event, and they both took home a medal for their efforts. With an early 7.30am start, the family opted to spend the night in Nelson on Saturday before heading home after the event. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
STREET YOUR WEEKLY TALK
CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...
What did you have as lunches as a kid?
Marg O’Brien
We’d have Marmite, lettuce and cucumber sandwiches on white bread, so not as healthy, but this is 60 years ago.
Char Dudley
Mine get the same as when I was at school – sandwiches, fruit and some snacks in the lunchbox.
Shoob Sathi
I was at school in the UK going back 55 years ago, and the government would pay the schools to supply the lunches.
Markus Birchler
We didn’t have lunches at school in Switzerland, because everyone including schoolkids and parents, get an hour so you go home.
REVIEW: Major music events were magic
DJ DAI
An action-packed weekendwith no less than three major music events - saw top New Zealand bands The Black Seeds, Yurt Party and Young Moon, as well as Dutch blues trio My Baby, get feet a-tappin’ and people on to the dance floor for a boogie. First up on Friday was the soldout Framingham Harvest Concert, now in its 12th year, with 500 people along to celebrate the start of the harvest.
A warm summer’s evening in Renwick saw Young Moon take to the stage first. Band leader and songwriter Trevor Montgomery moved to Nelson from San Francisco five years ago and has continued his dream-pop band’s lunar traverse across the Pacific. Their set moved from early songs to recent tracks released from his Whakatū recording studio. The other four band members are Blenheim-based and experienced musicians in their own right. Emma Toy’s solid drum foundation, along with hubby Jason’s forward bass, provide the perfect foil to Paul Robertson’s dreamy guitar licks. Long may
their moon shine.
Yurt Party are a Christchurchbased Latin, Balkan and dub ensemble, with an infectious folk beat that gets under your feet. With fiddle and saxophone leading the melodic mashup, the six-piece play two sets as the sun goes down, much to the joy of the assembled wine workers. They’re heading off on a 12-date tour after an opening appearance
at Electric
Festival two weeks ago.
Saturday’s Havelock Mussel Festival came of age celebrating its 21st birthday this year, which saw an impressive start with local Tom Knowles knocking off some classics.
It’s a brave vocalist that takes on 4 Non Blondes’ ‘What’s Up’ but Tom makes it look easy, his confident, fun approach immediate-
ly winning over the crowd, who sing along with gusto.
Just as headliners The Black Seeds arrive on stage the heavens open and the rain comes down, but with little effect on the band’s performance, which shone brightly through ninety minutes.
Opener Keep On Pushing sent exactly the right message to the appreciative crowd, as the Seeds powered though their hits and
more, including Turn It Around, Cool Me Down and Fire. It’s been quite a while since they played Marlborough but on this energetic, winning performance they are welcome back anytime.
Saturday night saw My Baby make a triumphant return with a sellout show at 5Tapped. On their tenth tour of New Zealand, the trio deliver a hypnotic blend of psychedelic blues, swampy funk and trance-inducing folk, fused with elements of electronic dance music.
Singer Cato van Dijck’s soulful vocals soar above deep groove-driven rhythms and a mix of vintage and modern instrumentation. The band has a hypnotic, ritualistic feel, combining bluesy slide guitar from Mainlander Daniel de Vries and pulsing beats from inventive drummer Joost van Dijck. The result is a unique fusion that feels both rootsy and futuristic, perfect for festival dance floors and more intimate settings like 5Tapped tonight.
All in all, a weekend of high quality musical celebration that launches Marlborough into its busy autumn of fruit gathering and winemaking.
New twist on old classic
The skies above Marlborough will set the scene for the newly revamped Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters.
Traditionally, the primary flying days of the show, Saturday and Sunday, have followed a similar format, with Sunday’s explosive finale standing out.
In 2025, however, the team is introducing an exciting new approach: each day will feature unique displays, ensuring no two days are the same.
Air show director Gavin Conroy says, “We are always trying to raise the bar and do things differently at Classic Fighters. This trend continues in 2025 with the “Putting on the Ritz” theme and a new show format”.
Attendees heading to the first day on Good Friday can look forward to the Practice Flying & Twilight Extreme. Begin the weekend with an up-close experience of aircraft and classic cars, minus the crowds. With food, entertainment, and trade sites open, visitors can enjoy aircraft perfecting their displays overhead. Then, at 4 p.m., the Twilight Extreme takes centre stage—a thrilling spectacle combining action, music and a fireworks display.
On Saturday, Flying & Scenarios is set to deliver the full Classic Fighters experience, featuring aviation’s evolution from early pioneers to the Golden Age and into the heat of wartime action.
Witness Warbirds launch a dramatic airfield attack and see history come alive with impressive new props—destined for an explosive ending.
Sunday morning kicks off with Big Bangers & Party Tricks, two hours of uninterrupted, high-adrenaline flying displays, followed by a short break before the jaw-dropping “Smoke & Mirrors” segment.
Expect aerial aerobatics, formation flying, smoke trails, folding wings, and waterbombs are on the agenda, culminating in a grand finale.
For the first time in Classic Fighters’ history, attendees can
participate in the action by voting live for their favourite display in the People’s Choice Award.
One lucky voter will take home an incredible prize: a trial flight with the Marlborough Aero Club and exclusive Classic Fighters merchandise.
NZ.
The next show is 18th-20th April 2025, and tickets are available now at www.classicfighters.co.nz
The air show is the primary fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough,
Each day at the show will feature unique displays, ensuring no two days are the same. Photos: Supplied
Avenue
The Black Seeds entertain the crowd at the Havelock Mussel Festival on Saturday.
SPORT Central to go it alone in 2025
PETER JONES
And then there was one.
Marlborough will be represented by just one team when the Tasman Trophy premier rugby competition kicks off on April 5. Central will be the region’s sole participant in the annual battle between the top club sides from Marlborough and Nelson. The writing has been on the wall for a number of seasons.
From the early Tasman Trophy days, when Marlborough boasted six sides (Central, Moutere, Waitohi, Renwick, Harlequins and Awatere) numbers keen to take part in the top of the south exchange have waned.
When Waitohi became the first Marlborough side to claim the trophy, in 2014, they had five Marlborough rivals for company. Awatere dropped out in 2015 but returned for the following season in a coalition with the Kaikoura club, united under the East Coast
banner, restoring the six-team representation.
In 2018, it was Harlequins’ turn to drop out, leaving just a handful of premier teams.
In 2021 that number dropped to four, Moutere and East Coast/ Awatere combining forces and joining Waitohi, Central and Renwick in a four-pronged trophy assault.
A year later the combined side had gone, leaving just the Tohis, Blues and Green Machine involved.
Then, in 2023, Renwick dropped out, Moutere returning to maintain the status quo with Waitohi and Central but, last year, the Tohis were unable to field a team, meaning there were only two Marlborough-based participants. Now a single side remains in the mix. Moutere have been unable to get player numbers confirmed and informed Tasman rugby last week that they are out in 2025. A few of their leading players, keen
to get premier play, will join up with Central.
Five Nelson sides will return –Marist, Waimea Old Boys, John Goodman Shield holders Stoke, Nelson and defending champs Kahurangi. Competition begins on Saturday, April 5.
Kahu Marfell, Tasman’s community rugby manager, described the situation as “disappointing”.
“It’s certainly not ideal. There was talk of creating a Renwick/Moutere combination [to play in the Tasman Trophy], which didn’t quite make it … so now there needs to be some work put in to work out how to attract players and then retain players.”
The drop off in premier teams is likely to have a flow-on effect for the second tier senior A competition, which kicks off on May 3. It is expected that there will be six teams contesting that title (Renwick, Central, Waitohi, Pelorus, Harlequins and Awatere), with Moutere a possible participant.
Roar reverberates around Rotoiti
PETER JONES
Thousands of spectators enjoyed a weekend of high-octane action on Lake Rotoiti at the weekend. The Rotoiti Power Boat Club’s 102nd regatta delivered close, spectacular racing across all the classes, with national titles at stake. Glass-like water conditions allowed the GP Hydroplanes to reach speeds up to 250kph. The weekend’s big winner was Lucas Oils –piloted by Waverley driver Ken Lupton who reigned supreme, winning all his races on Saturday and snatching victory in the AE Baker trophy race on Sunday
by a slim margin.
Jack Lupton, driving his new 1400 hp GP 33 Hydroplane, won the first heat of the AE Baker event but was pipped by his brother in the second heat and the result was decided on elapsed time . Ten clubman boats put on a good show in the entry level class while there was plenty of entertainment in the Mod VP and Prostock and Grand National classes. The Harvey family from Invercargill had a productive weekend, Mike Harvey winning the Grand National title in Aquanaut and niece Hannah Harvey unbeaten over the weekend in The Greyhound. A
lunchtime aerial routine by local pilot Mark O’Sullivan in his smoke-trailing Yak 3 fighter plane provided yet another highlight for the gathered masses. Club spokesman Joe Blakiston said the combination of the great weather and camaraderie between competitors led to a very special event which continues to add to the busy March events calendar.
“The Lake Rotoiti school parents had the best weekend ever with their catering, proving what a great community event this is, with the promise of bigger events to come in the coming seasons,” added Joe.
The Blues, pictured against Kahurangi in the 2024 final, will be Marlborough’s sole Tasman Trophy representative this season. Photo Chris Symes/Shuttersport.
High speed action in the Hydro Thunder PP series, from left, Scott Coker in Howzat, Jack Lupton in GP 33 and winner Ken Lupton in Lucas Oils. Photo Shot 360.
Masters of their game
PETER JONES
Marlborough’s masters’ hockey players showed they can foot it with rivals nationwide, returning from the National Masters hockey tournament in Northland with several titles and, in some cases, national selection.
The annual event, held in the far north this year from February 23 to March 1, attracted players from across the country, teams competing in 15 age divisions, ranging upwards from 35+ to 70+.
Tasman teams competed in five divisions – women’s 35+, women’s 45+, women’s 50+, men’s 40+ and men’s 55+ - winning three of them.
Marlborough players featured in all three victorious combinations.
The Denise Lloyd-coached 35+ women went unbeaten, taking out their four preliminary matches then accounting for Wellington 6-2 in the final. In that side were
Pip Lunn, Stacey Curry, Yvonne Boyd, Rosie Dowling, Millie Milton and Kate Morrow, the latter selected to represent NZ in the trans-Tasman series against Australia in Cairns in May. Pip Lunn was the top goal scorer in the grade with eight.
Three Marlburians, Jules Maltesen, Loren Hickin and Jo Jones, who also gained national selection, were in the Tasman women’s 45+ crew who also claimed gold. They went unbeaten, although it took a penalty shootout to decide the winner of a final against North Harbour which ended 2-2.
The other Tasman team to win gold was the men’s 55+ combination, including Marlborough’s Sandy O’Connell. They beat Wellington 2-1 in the final.
The Tasman men’s 40+ side, featuring Andrew Nation, plus Mike and Andrew Mitchell finished fourth, Mike Mitchell getting the nod for NZ selection.
Several Marlborough players were dotted among other teams.
Jo Campbell played for the seventh-placed Otago women’s 40+ crew while Rosie Lamain and Robyn Rowe turned out for the Denise-Lloyd-coached Otago women’s 55+ side, Rowe gaining NZ selection.
Nigel Fraser was part of the win-
ning Tauranga men’s 60+ team, John MacKinnon played in the second-placed Wellington men’s 55+ side while Kelvin Read turned out for the Nelson men’s 65+ outfit, who finished fifth, all three making the cut for NZ teams.
Marlborough stalwart Jenny Hair was the umpire manager for the event.
Local season starts Meanwhile, the 2025 Marlborough hockey season kicks off with a fun Top of the South Fast Fives tournament on Saturday, March 15, followed by a high-performance Tasman Districts coaching camp with Canterbury Hockey’s Chris Leslie.
Isabella tops in Tokoroa
PETER JONES
A trip to Tokoroa quickly turned into a highlights reel for Marlborough shooter Isabella Adams.
The 22-year-old ventured north for a shot at glory in the recent National Smallbore Outdoor and Air Rifle Championships and enjoyed what she describes as “an epic week”, claiming two national titles.
“I learned so much and had such a fantastic time shooting with lots of new people,” she said. Among the many high points were a place in her first-ever 3P
final, then going on to win it; ending her victorious air rifle final on a 10.9 score; making the NZ women’s team for the first time; earning a place in the NZ Wakefield team (top 10) and being top scorer; being ranked third in NZ in the hotly-contested .22 50m prone competition and scoring two personal bests.
She was especially chuffed with her improvement on the 50m prone range. The highest possible single shot score is 10.9 meaning, in a 60-shot match, the maximum possible score is 654.
“I was shooting around 610,” Is-
abella explained, “then I had this one day when my score jumped up to 619 and I thought, ‘oh my goodness, this is amazing – what’s happened?’. “Then the next day I got 620.2, followed by 620.1, which was very exciting.”
Along the way she set a new record for C grade competition, a grade she will soon be moving up from given her stellar results.
Another highlight of the trip was the results of her partner, Jamie MacKenzie, who she shaded for top spot in C grade.
Jamie made it into the New Zealand men’s and NZ Open top 20
Slazenger teams, efforts Isabella said she was “super proud” of. She feels she is shooting better than she ever has, a good situation to be in with a trip to Australia looming in July for an air rifle camp and having gained the two minimum qualifying scores for the world champs in Cairo during November.
She needs one more designated match, the South Island champs in Christchurch next weekend, to gain final qualification. “After that the ranking lists come out, then I will make some travel decisions,” she adds.
The victorious Tasman Districts women’s 35+ side. Photos supplied.
Smallbore shooter Isabella Adams is a double national champion. Photo supplied.
Ripping into it
The Tasman Rugby Union’s 2025 Mako Rippa competition kicked off at Lansdowne Park on Thursday afternoon. Seventy-five teams from various primary and intermediate schools lined up to play their season openers, numbers rising considerably from previous years. The competition runs every Thursday until April 10. 1.
1. Zavier Hughes
2. Ariki Materoa
3. Archie Bray
4. Mitchell Sigmund
5. Kobe Stewart-Smith
6. Indie Tai Rakena
7. Chloe Vallely
Photos Peter Jones.
Sport in brief
PRECIOUS METAL
Marlborough college rowers picked up seven medals at the South Island secondary school champs at Lake Ruataniwha last weekend. MGC rowers claimed three golds and two bronze, MBC oarsmen winning a gold and bronze. Medal winners: Golds - MGC under-17 coxed four (Eliza Glover, Anna Hurren, Celia Spencer, Georgette Herkt, Molly Hoban – cox); MBC under-15 coxed four (Charlie Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Poppy Fernandez, Emma Eyles, Hayley Sutherland – cox); MGC under-17 pair (Glover, Hurren); MBC under-17 pair (Aidan Bennett, Logan Flight). Bronze – MBC under-17 single (Bennett); MGC under-18 four
(Glover, Hurren, Lily Smith, Iris Vavasour, Hoban – cox); MGC under-15 octuple sculls (Bennett, Shenfield, Fernandez, Eyles, Izzy McLauchlan, Maggie Clark, Georgie Fissenden, Sutherland – cox).
HART HEROICS
Rising golf star Kobe Hart provided a highlight of the Blenheim 1000 tournament at the Blenheim course on Saturday, setting a new course record. Kobe shot 63, a gross course record, while the overall net winner was Mike Guillemot, also with a 63.
ATHLETIC PROWESS
Eight Marlborough athletes won overall
titles at the recent Tasman children’s athletics championships, staged in Nelson. They were: Lily-May McCarthy 7 girls; Tahn Heng 7 boys; Reeva Macdonald 9 girls; Ollie Gaudin 9 boys; Greta Foote 11 girls; Brooklyn Smidt-Robinson 12 girls; Alyssa Haronga 13 girls; Ryleigh Gale 15 girls. Records were also set. LilyMay broke the Tasman 7G long jump record while Reeva set a new mark in the 9G 400m and Ryleigh broke the existing Tasman record in the 15G 100m.
NZ CHAMPS
Marlborough athletes showed their met tle at the New Zealand track and field championships in Dunedin over the weekend. Wearing Tasman’s colours were Remy Le Brun, James Hansen, Dale (DJ) Arbuckle and Ryleigh Gale. James provided the highlight, picking up a bronze medal in the senior men’s 400 metre hur-
dles, equalling his PB of 53.50 seconds. He was second in his 400m heat and almost pulled off another bronze medal in the final, being run down in the last 50m for fourth. DJ finished fifth in the senior men’s high jump with a new PB of 2.03m. Ryleigh narrowly missed qualifying for the under-18 100m hurdles final while Remy also missed advancing to the 100m final but ran strongly to finish in 11.36
CRICKET SELECTION
Former Marlborough cricketers Scott McHardy and Wayne Robbins have been named in the New Zealand over-55 cricket side which will travel to Mackay, Queensland to play against the Australian Over-55s and an Australian Indigenous Over-50s side in mid-April..
vs DRUA CRUSADERS vs FORCE CHIEFS vs BLUES REDS vs WARATAHS
TRADES + SERVICES
ACKNOWLEDMENTS
DUDLEY, ROSS
Passed away Monday 3rd March 2025.
Very much loved husband of Carmen.
Loved and adored father of Tracey and partner Dan.
Strong and supportive father of Reuben and wife Lisa.
Poppa to the proudest granddaughter Tessa and partner Billie.
Cheeky and cherished Poppa to Cody and Jesse.
Proud and honoured PopPop of Jonah Ross.
Bad Influence but loved brother of Susan.
Loved Brother, Brother-in-Law and favourite Uncle to many.
A memorial will be held on Saturday 29th March 2025 at Kartsport Nelson, 208 Moutere Highway, Redwood Valley, at 3pm.
DEATH NOTICES
NORMAN; Alan Thomas
On 7th of March 2025, Alan passed away at home, aged 86 years. Dearly loved partner of Tania Moanaroa. A loved Husband of the late wife Ngarongo (Pat) Norman. Father and father-in-law of Lee, Warren and Nelly. A loved stepdad to Maria, Tama, Brittney and Justin. A loved grandfather of Swan, Regan, Monique and Callum. He was a loved great-great grandad. A loved brother to Beverley and the late Gordon. A dearly beloved Uncle of Alan and Marion and many more. Thank you to the Picton Medical Health Centre, Dr B Scrimshaw and Emergency Services for their care of Alan. Thank you to Cloudy Bay Funeral Services. Messages to c- PO Box 9, Blenheim, 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. A funeral service for Alan will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim TODAY, Wednesday 12 March at 2pm followed by a private cremation. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
PRUDEN: Deborah Mary (Deb) On 3 March 2025, Deborah passed away peacefully after a horse-riding accident - doing what she loved, surrounded by her loving family.
Dearly loved partner of Andrew, mother and mother-in-law of Ben and Mikaela, Jacob and Shannon, Nic and Kyra, and Rahkia. Treasured nana to Layken and Maddison. Adored daughter of Shirley and the late Alan. Sister of Cheryl, Tony, Veronica, Shona and the late Caroline. A loved aunty to her nieces and nephews.
Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Westpac Chopper Appeal would be appreciated via their website. A Funeral Service for Deb has been held. The service was livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.
TABAK: Carl 17/1/62 - 1/3/25
A romantic, funny, outrageous, smart man with intelligence in spades. A man of the sea, gone too soon. Loving husband to Karla Rodgers, father to Nadine Tabak and brother to Karina (KT) Tabak. A service to celebrate the life of Carl has been held.
Messages to www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website would be appreciated (Ref: Tabak)
“The soul is unfettered and free, I’ll set my sails to a western wind, and beat my course to the sea.”
WATSON: Cedric Gary (Garry)
Passed away peacefully on 13 February 2025 at Hospice Marlborough, aged 80. A private cremation has taken place as per Garry’s wishes and a Memorial Service will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Tuesday 18 March at 2pm. Messages to the Watson Family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Marlborough Hospice Trust would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to Account No. 03 1369 0365207 00 Ref: Watson. For the full funeral notice please refer to the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
WOODFIELD: Geoffrey Keith
On March 6, 2025, Geoff passed away peacefully at the Redwood Retirement Village in his 93rd year, surrounded by family. Loved by his late wife Peggy and daughters Jan, Sally, Robyn, Sue, and Linda, son in-laws Mark and Robert and grandchildren Emma, William, Nicholas, Victoria, Josephine, Ashleigh, Kathleen, Edward, Melanie, Luke, Tyler, Tūī, Ruby and Nieve and his great and great-great grandchildren. Family wishes to thank the Redwood Retirement Village for their care and support especially over the last few days. Messages to be sent to the family c/- 19 Forest Park Drive or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremation will take place with a memorial service to celebrate Geoff’s life to be held at Springlands chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 28 March at 1.30 pm.
Locally Family Owned - Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ
Phone (03) 578 2004
www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
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