Marlborough Weekly - 23 November 2021

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Tuesday 23 November 2021

Wet your whistle

Stretch saves the day

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Page 23

Hunt for seal killer

PAULA HULBURT

paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Eight seals including a pup have been shot dead and 11 other seal deaths are being treated as suspicious.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Rūnanga o

Kaikōura were looking into the deaths of 19 seals when it was revealed eight of them had been shot.

And investigators are imploring anyone with any information to come forward and help catch whoever is responsible.

Within the last month, five adult

seals were found dead at Half Moon Bay and six at Ōhau Point.

DOC’s South Marlborough operations manager Phil Bradfield says the fact the seals died grouped closely together gives cause for considering all 19 deaths suspicious.

“It’s disturbing and deeply disap-

pointing to know someone has deliberately shot and killed at least eight fur seals.”

“Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC take very seriously any harm to fur seals which are a taonga and legally-protected species.

“We’re hoping people will come

forward with information to help us find whoever is responsible for the heartless shooting of at least eight of the seals.”

DOC and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura had appealed for information about the deaths on November 5.

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Since then, eight more seals, including a pup, were found dead several hundred metres north of Half Moon Bay. A Massey University pathologist has determined eight of the seals had died from being shot.

The cause of death was unable to be determined on another two adult seals and the pup.

Due to decomposition or not being able to access them, a post mortem examination was not possible on the remaining eight seals.

DOC explained it had not been possible to closely examine the six dead seals at the Ōhau Point Fur Seal Sanctuary as it would disturb pregnant females and young pups in the breeding colony.

Seals have been re-establishing

Investigations are underway into the death of 19 seals. Photo: File. on the Kaikōura coastline after the 2016 earthquake damaged parts of their habitat.

They are a popular sight, with people driving on State Highway 1 often stopping to look at the seals, including at the Ōhau Point viewing area.

The penalties for harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine mammal under the Marine Mammals Protection Act are a maximum two years’ imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000.

Anyone with information about

the deaths is asked to contact the DOC 24-hour number 0800 DOCHOT/0800 36 24 68 or Kaikōura Police via 105, quoting file number 211103/1981.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

News

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

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A fire alerted police to a cannabis crop late last week.

Fire uncovers cannabis crop Protesters outside Wairau Hospital last week. Photo: Matt Brown.

Patient care crucial

PAULA HULBURT

paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Medical and surgical wards at Wairau Hospital have been hit hardest by unvaccinated staff being stood down.

Sixteen staff abandoned their roles after the government introduced a mandate for all frontline workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

But contingency plans put in place before the deadline mean there has been no immediate effect on care and recruitment is ongoing.

Chief Executive Nelson Marlborough Health Lexie O’Shea says 87 staff have been stood down in Nelson and Tasman and 16 in Marlborough.

She says there has been time to prepare for the stand-downs

which affect both hospital and community-based employees in full-time, part-time and casual roles.

“This is an unprecedented situation that we are trying to support staff through.

“It’s difficult to describe the effects on staff as a whole – everyone handles change in a different way.

“Healthcare workers typically put patients first so many will be focussed on continuing to do their job as best they can – it’s our job as employer to support them to do this and that includes supporting them through changes like this,” Lexie says.

The Covid-19 vaccine mandate came into effect for healthcare workers and teachers earlier in the month Nelson Marlborough along

with Taranaki, West Coast and Northland DHBs have the highest per cent of unvaccinated staff at four per cent.

Lead DHB chief executive Rosemary Clements says DHBs have actively encouraged all staff to become vaccinated throughout this year and have been pleased with the high vaccination rates achieved across the DHB total staff of approximately 80,000.

Of the 80,000 staff, 1309 have been stood down across the country.

Lexie says areas where less than three staff have been stooddown are not included – to protect the privacy of those individuals who might be identified in small numbers.

The no jab no job policy saw about 60 protesters picket the hospital last Monday.

A house that caught fire up Taylor Pass Road is now a crime scene after police uncovered a large crop of cannabis at the property.

Fire crews rushed to the Witherlea house at 1.45pm on Friday afternoon.

But a police spokeswoman says while responding to the fire, police

located a significant number of cannabis plants at the property.

A 39-year-old man was taken into custody and will be facing charges of cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis for supply, as well as possession of a firearm.

The fire is under investigation.

Fire crews extinguished a grass fire on Saturday. Photo: Peter Jones.

Suspicious grass fire spreads Fire crews were called to a fire on the corner of McArtney and Houldsworth Street at about 2pm on Saturday. Fire and Emergency shift manager Lyn Crosson says the fire, which is being treated as suspicious, began as a small grass fire. Two Blenheim

fire units initially responded to the blaze, but a 20 by 5 metre shed was consumed - prompting a second alarm and crews from Renwick and Seddon to rush to the scene. Lyn says the fire was contained by about 3pm.

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TUESDAY 23 November 2021

News

Santa comes to town A special guest at Clubs of Marlborough heralded an early beginning to the festive season.

Children and parents were treated to magic of both the Christmas and stage variety.

The Clubs’ Christmas Fun Day featured the popular magician Steve Wilbury, and his young assistant Lewis, who astounded the young audience.

The big draw was the jolly fat man

himself, with queues to get a photo with Santa winding out the door.

Clubs marketing manager Megan Smith says the popularity of the event was unexpected but welcome.

“We’re happy to spread some magic this festive season,” she says.

Megan says Santa is scheduled to appear at the Clubs again before Christmas, and to keep an eye out for their upcoming events.

From left, MYT chair Russell Smith, Lakshay Negi, Ereatara Kokiri, Ella-Rose Richards, Zoe Luffman, Sharon Wilson, YES facilitator Aaron Waters, Civil Defence and Coastguard volunteer Justin McKnight and Red Cross volunteer Diego Adams. Photo: Summa Donald.

Emergency graduates celebrate new skills Marlborough youth got a taste of what it takes to be an emergency responder in a special course provided by Marlborough Youth Trust (MYT).

The Youth in Emergency Services (YES) program is a taster

course into the emergency services around Blenheim. Ranging from the fire service to Land Search and Rescue, many people have had their lives saved thanks to Emergency Services volunteers.

Several young people recently graduated the eight-week course, designed to bridge the gap between the services and youth, giving them opportunities to get involved as a volunteer or as a career pathway.

Mari and Christoff Pretorius with daughters Riandre and Liandre pose with Santa Claus. Photo: Matt Brown.

News

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

Hearing issues spark call for kindness PAULA HULBURT

paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A Blenheim man with severe hearing problems is urging others to be more tolerant as mask wearing takes its toll on people’s patience.

David Smith has congenital hearing loss and must wear a hearing aid.

But mandatory mask wearing is making it difficult for him, and other members of the deaf community, as voices are muffled, he says.

David says he has bore the brunt of some people’s impatience when he can’t hear what’s being said.

“It [wearing a mask] makes it hellish difficult as you can’t hear people properly.

“I’d like to others be a bit more respectful of people with hearing difficulties and see it from our point of view.”

The former typesetter was born with hearing problems and has relied on a hearing aid most of his life.

David has experienced hearing issues because of people wearing masks and is calling for more patience. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

He has not let it stand in his way and is a keen musician, working as a pipe organist as St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Blenheim. Living life with deafness means David has also learnt some lip reading but does not rely on it solely.

“I can do a little lip reading which helps but people wearing masks obviously makes that impossible.

“Of course, I’d rather people wear masks but sometimes I’m

finding shop assistants are not very patient.

“The thickness of the masks can make a difference too.

“My hearing aid is an internal one, so people don’t always see it. People wearing the external hearing aids are having problems as they pull them off with the masks.

“A bit more kindness would be great.”

National Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing chief executive

Natasha Gallardo says the hard of hearing community is being denied equitable communication channels that others have.

“It is an incredibly challenging time for anyone who is hard of hearing. Masks are a real barrier to fully understanding what people are saying – especially if you rely on lip reading as a visual queue.

“The deaf and hard of hearing community is becoming more isolated as a result.”

“Yes, it is frustrating when someone doesn’t understand what you’re saying, so imagine if that was happening to your everywhere you went.”

“The foundation has lobbied the government to find a more workable solution for our community - this includes where Covid testing and vaccinations are being carried out.”

“We have ‘buddy cards’ and sell butterfly pins that denote when someone is hard of hearing, to help make people more aware so that they speak more clearly and a bit louder.”

Swell of support

Blenheim was filled with the sound of toots and whistles in support of Sunday’s Groundswell protest. About 100 protesters gathered at Seymour Square, but many more took to their vehicles to convoy through the town protesting unworkable regulations for kiwi farmers and growers.

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NEWS

Funeral help: A Give a Little page has been started for the funeral of Bohally Intermediate student Skylah Hills who died suddenly last week. Family friend Larissa McLean is hoping to raise money to put towards the funeral. Skylah was just two years old when her mum Samantha Hemi, 18, was electrocuted after a car crash on Cravens Rd, Spring Creek on November 22, 2008. To donate visit givealittle. co.nz/cause/for-skylah Emergency status: The state emergency sparked by the July storm has been extended for a fourth time.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett last week opted to push the deadline back for a further 28 days until 15 December. The extension covers the Wairau/Awatere Ward and the Marlborough Sounds Ward owing to the ongoing recovery requirements from the July flood event to give council time to continue planning for the reinstatement of the roading network in the affected areas.

Youth MP Tamara Livingstone.

Youth MP: Congratulations to Marlborough Girls’ College student Tamara Livingstone who has been selected as the Kaikoura Youth MP for 2022. Youth Parliament allows young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand’s democracy and influence decision making by replicating the real Parliament as closely as possible. “I applied to be a Youth MP as I believe it will be an incredible opportunity and open me up to many more incredible things in the future. I have a passion for advocacy and want to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Tamara says.

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TUESDAY 23 November 2021

News

Wet your whistle for Westport MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Blenheim South Rotary have joined forces with clubs across the Top of the South to raise funds for floodstricken families.

The July storms, which wreaked havoc in Marlborough and further afield, saw people lose their homes.

And while Marlborough was hit hard, people in Westport came off worse, with many families left homeless.

Now Rotarians are calling on the Marlborough public to get behind their initiative by wetting their whistle for Westport at their local pub.

Blenheim South Rotary club president Kevin Moseley says the initiative will support local bars and pubs while raising money for Westport – so get out with the family, buy a meal and support a worthy cause.

“We’ve had this disaster on our back doorstep – people lost their houses – we should be doing something.

“All the Rotary clubs in the top of the south are doing something and this is our effort.”

About 400 homes were evacuated in the July 17-18 floods, with many

Fairweathers venue manager Ash Longman, Blenheim South Rotary president Kevin Moseley and catering manager Tineka Smith. families still living in temporary accommodation.

More than 20 Marlborough pubs have taken up the mantle offering food deals, drink specials and events to raise funds for the Westport community.

Kevin says he hopes to smash their fundraising goal of $5000.

“We wanted to send $5000 – but the more we raise, the more we’ll send.”

Kevin says there are about 70 disadvantaged families they are aware of, and a local Rotarian with experience in disaster response will manage and distribute the funds.

“Very young families to seniors have been washed out of their houses.

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“Anything floor level is gone.”

So far, the Rotary clubs in the top of the south have raised a combined $90,000 for the cause.

“We want to encourage people to support their local on the day,” Kevin says.

Scheduled for December 1, Kevin says the event will look different at every pub.

“One of the smaller Picton pubs is raffling off West Coast whitebait.

One of the pubs is talking about a special mining brew on tap for the day.”

To find out more, and how to participate, go to rotaryblenheimsouth. org/Westport

New Year’s party cancelled by Covid Marlborough’s much loved New Year’s Eve event, ‘Ignite Marlborough’, held annually at the Picton Foreshore has been cancelled.

Deputy Mayor and Marlborough Sounds Ward Councillor, Nadine Taylor says the signals from Government are clear that event organisers must ensure that only those who are double vaccinated are in attendance.

To safely ensure these criteria events need to be able to control a single point of entry which makes it impossible for the event to go ahead.

“Given that securing a single point of entry is not realistically possible for this event Council and Marlborough 4 Fun, have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Ignite Marlborough,” Nadine says.

“We understand that this news will be very disappointing for all of those involved in the event and for our local community who look forward to the tradition of family-friendly fun and fireworks to ring in the

New Year.”

Marlborough 4 Fun Manager, Taylor Keen says her team, in conjunction with the Council, held off confirming the difficult decision for as long as possible.

“Our team shares in the disappointment that will be felt by many throughout the Marlborough community who look forward to this annual tradition.

“We were very fortunate to have had a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration last year on Picton’s foreshore when the rest of the world was quiet, and we will look forward to planning another great New Year’s Eve event in 2022,” Taylor says.

“We would like to thank our many vendors, bands, and supporters, who have been extremely patient with us as we navigated through these uncertain times.

“Although there have been many changes for this upcoming holiday period, we hope everyone will take the opportunity to enjoy new traditions and spend time among friends and family.”

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TUESDAY 23 November 2021

New old playground for Whitney Street MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A popular playground at a Blenheim school has had a revamp to the delight of staff and students.

Whitney Street School’s adventure playground was designed and built by volunteers 26 years ago.

And Rod McCloy, the original designer, says he is honoured to be invited back to lead the upgrade.

Whitney Street School principal Cheryl Wadsworth says the upgrade began in 2018, when staff decided the wooden playground was looking run down.

“We consulted with the children, the board of trustees and mums and dads,” she says.

As one of the only wooden playgrounds remaining in the region, they wanted to keep the special and unique aspects intact.

They got in touch with The Recreation Company direc-

Children enjoy the revamped Whitney Street School playground. Photo: Matt Brown. tor, Rod, who helped build the playground originally, in 1995.

Rod says it was one of the toughest builds he has been a part of.

Lockdown, rain and a high water table made the build a difficult one.

“You couldn’t get a hole – it would just fill with mud,” Rod says.

He had high praise for Scott Construction, and builder Phil Murrin.

“Phil has been an absolute tiger.

“It’s been wet as a shag, and he’s been working through.”

Scott Construction site manager Brett Molloy says it’s been a great build.

“Every challenge it could throw, it has. But with perseverance we’re happy to have a good result,” Brett says.

Opened by Marlborough Mayor John Leggett on Tuesday, he says it was absolutely outstanding to see the finished project.

Council put $40,000 toward the project, after Whitney Street

School pupils submitted to the annual plan.

“They made a really interesting submission,” mayor Leggett says.

“All the councillors decided it was a very good project.

We were happy to grant some money toward that.”

Cheryl says staff and pupils are thrilled with the final result.

“We’re really grateful for the problem solving of the engineers, Rod and the builders.”

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Thanks for the support In the now immortalised words of Rodgers and Hammerstein, ‘so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night, I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.’

Almost three years ago, I had the great privilege of joining the team at Top South Media and becoming the founding editor of the Marlborough Weekly.

From December 1, a new adventure awaits me and a new job and it’s my pleasure to congratulate Matt Brown on his appointment as editor, I have no doubt he will do a wonderful job.

The Marlborough Weekly, the Marlborough App and the Marlborough Magazine continue to go from strength to strength and I am proud to have been part of the awesome team that have bought such quality publications to our region. I know you will continue to get the same high quality of in depth local news and features you have always enjoyed.

Thank you to the many of you who have supported our journey, it will only get better!

Best wishes Paula Hulburt

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News

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

Wilding pines funding bonus The battle against wilding pines is breaking records in Marlborough.

A boost from the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP) funded through Biosecurity New Zealand has today been announced.

It comes at the end of a recordbreaking year which saw 130 workers log more than 33,000 hours across the region.

More than $5 million is being spent this year to eradicate wilding pines across the district in collaboration with Government, landowners and community partners.

That’s a 10 per cent increase in spend over last year, which led to 108,000 hectares of control area covered by ground and helicopter in Marlborough.

Marlborough District Council

Biosecurity Manager Jono Underwood says a handful of wilding pines can spread seeds for miles in the wind.

“With a collaborative effort, we can contain the spread by 2030.

“Last year was the largest effort for wilding pine control across the country. A large chunk of it happened here in Marlborough, and we’re on track for the same results this year across the district.”

The Council is now in its second year of increased funding over a four-year period, which has sped up existing programmes and the launch of new initiatives in the community.

Wilding pines refers to a dozen species of conifer, fir, larch and pine trees that, without management, spread widely in areas where they shade out native veg-

Wilding pines spread widely and outcompete native vegetation. etation.

They affect farmland and recreational areas and if left to spread, they could take over more than a quarter of New Zealand within 30 years.

While $4.5 million of this year’s $5 million in funding has come

from NWCCP, the Council’s role is to lead the biosecurity efforts in coordinating this funding for initiatives across Marlborough.

Control work for these invasive pests has been ongoing for years in Molesworth and the Marlborough Sounds, including collabo-

rations with the Department of Conservation, Pāmu New Zealand (formerly Landcorp), the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust and landholders.

“While much of the four-year funding boost has been allocated to Molesworth, this increase has also allowed for additional work in the Marlborough Sounds and for two new programmes in Waihopai and Te Hau/The Ned to get underway,”Jono says.

In Te Hau/The Ned the new initiative has been led by the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust who are working with landholders in a 20,000 hectare area.

In Waihopai, a landscape-scale programme was launched, spanning the Ferny Gair Conservation area, Upper Waihopai and Wye catchments.

Sawmill set for multimillion dollar windfall Kaituna sawmill bosses have pledged to plough $11 million dollars into the business over the next three years.

OneFortyOne has committed to invest the money to buy new equipment and help boost local timber produced for New Zealand’s housing market.

General Manager of Kaituna Sawmill Tracy Goss says the boost consists of three major projects to increase the sawmill’s drying and treating capacity.

“By purchasing new equipment, we will be able to extract greater value from each log, meaning more local timber can be produced for New Zealand’s housing market.”

“With an improvement in our processing capability onsite, it also means 20 less trucks on the road every month, reducing our emissions by nine per cent annually,” he says.

Kaituna Sawmill is set for an $11 million dollar investment boost. Photo: Supplied.

Kaituna Sawmill has been in operation since 1985. Australiabased OneFortyOne purchased Nelson Forests (including Kaituna Sawmill) in September 2018.

The sawmill has increased its capacity by 40 per cent over the past two years with 70 per cent of product sold domestically.

There have also been some major environmental changes, Tracy says.

“In the past 10 years the sawmill has achieved a 46 per cent reduction in the site’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“A suite of environmental improvements has been made, from

small to significant. A state-ofthe-art Biomass Energy Centre and continuous drying kiln installed in 2016 has reduced the sawmill’s carbon footprint by 934 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year.

“Reducing our footprint by another 265 tonnes annually is sig-

nificant and a great example of where actively deciding to monitor and invest in reducing our carbon footprint leads to better business and community outcomes.”

Speaking at the announcement regional MP Stuart Smith welcomed the news, congratulating the business on making such a significant investment in Marlborough.

“I congratulate OneFortyOne and Kaituna Sawmill for making this significant investment in our region and in New Zealand’s timber industry which will increase supply and create local jobs.”

“The majority of the timber products will be consumed by the local building and construction industry.”

The project is scheduled to begin in April 2022 and will create four jobs.

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NEW ZEALAND

SHEETMETAL

Art & Community

Remembering Kaikōura book give away Photos capturing the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Kaikōura in 2016 have been collected in a new book.

Remembering Kaikōura Earthquake began as a gesture to document some of the earthquake recovery stories for the local community.

Released on 21 November, the 28page book is a visual representation of the incredible camaraderie and unbreakable spirit of the locals, and their tireless commitment to return the small coastal town to the paradise it once was.

Author and local photographer Andrew Spencer was there from the beginning.

He says the idea of documenting the aftermath through photographs became a way of connecting with people.

The earthquake that struck Kaikōura just after midnight on 14 November 2016 was unique in so

The aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit on 14 November 2016 has been captured in a new book. Photo: Paula Hulburt. many ways.

Andrew’s lifetime fascination with photography became an occupation in the early 2000s.

Moving to Kaikōura in 1996, he was inspired by the inspiring light and landscape of this unique coastal town It became a project born out of deep connection to the place Andrew calls home, to record and share what happened with the community, the country, and the world.

“There was no such thing as a quick ‘hello’ in the street or in the queue to get into the supermarket.

“We experienced so much, we needed to share, we needed to connect. Those stories, often repeated multiple times, became part of our whakapapa as a community,” he says.

The book is on sale now for RRP $29.99. We have a copy of the book to giveaway to one lucky winner.

To be included in the draw, email matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz by 5pm 30 November 2021.

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

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Winery’s crafty boost A Marlborough winery has stepped in to help local artists hit hard by covid closures – and spread some joy at the same time.

FROMM Winery will be hosting a special artisan market in the wake of the cancellation of the popular Mistletoe Market in Blenheim.

Winery co-owner Stephan Walliser says the idea is to give artists somewhere else to sell their crafts.

The addition of food stalls and wine tastings will also help make people happy at a time when Covid-19 is making event organisation more difficult, he says.

“Now this market is cancelled and we from FROMM thought, we should offer a platform for a few of the exhibitors to show their artisan products.

“We believe it is important in difficult times to offer people some attractions like this small market just to get out of

FROMM Winery co-owner Stephan Walliser is helping organise an artisan market.

Photo: Jenny Sterchi. the house.

“Life with COVID 19 is very hard for a lot of people and we hope, with this small offer to make some people happy.”

Social distancing rules apply for the market which is free to stallholders to attend.

It will be held in the winery’s covered production area in case of wet weather and members of Blenheim Lions Club will oversee the parking and benefit from a donation.

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Out & About

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

Out&About

HAVING A PARTY OR EVENT: Call our photographer

PH 928 4121

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Parent & Child Expo 1. Maree van der Burgh with Summer and Chelsea Sowman.

2. Kayla Wallace and Kelsi Symons.

3. Mila and Kate Webb.

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4. Dagmar van Antwerpen and Tania Miller.

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5. Haidee Collins, James Mitchell and Mollie Collins.

6. Ashleigh Mulligan and Samantha Pilcher.

7. Hannah Williams and Sara Foot.

8. Richie, Rob and Madison McGrath.

9. CJ and Cohen Nickerson.

10. Nick Giles, Charlotte McGruddy and Graeme Steel.

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HAVING A PARTY OR EVENT? Call our photographer 03 928 4121

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Opinion

Well read...

Dear Ed, I took this great photo of my son, Matheson, while waiting for Wairau Valley school bus.

We enjoy opening the paper and reading the local chat questions and the people’s response...it’s a good way to pass the time!

Leisha MacKenzie

Police discover cannabis grow op at house fire I knew there were far too many cop cars for just a fire.

Vanessa Searles

New Year’s Eve event canned It could be done like a ticketed event 2 or 3 entrance vaccination passports became tickets, pre register your passports, use colour bracelet system. Times are changing so much and I agree, with what a year everyone had as a community events like this are needed. No one knows how long these rules are going to be in place for. It could be for the next few years. Gone is how it used to be done, but with a bit more organising and thinking outside of the box events like this can happen.

Alana Cairns

Cat compound a dream realised Great stuff! Another fabulous local company helping you!

Pru Adams Love your work team!

Wendi Hamilton Congratulations. You guys rock xoxo Dale Milne

Science fair project reveals cost of Renwick recycling Wow! Amazing work! Very clever girls!!

Hakuna Matata Cafe Excellent work highlighting this huge issue girls!!

Lucy Walter

Protesters picket at Wairau Hospital A lot of them were dial a crowd that are always at protests. Do we really want health care workers and teachers that don’t trust science?

That don’t care enough to protect themselves to protect others.

Donee Gee We have had it so so lucky in our little bubble... going to be an interesting wakeup call for many I think when this things goes rampant and people actually see what damage it can cause to not only peoples health but our ICU system etc.

Nicci Fitzgerald So why not employ the unvacinated nurses to work in special departments with unvacinated patients, problem solved.

Emma Henderson I’m fully vaccinated and will stand with them any day any time any place. The right to choose what is or isn’t put in our bodies is ours individually to make no one should be mandated to be part of a science experiment. Joanne Goulding

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

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Sport

Tennis players kept busy PETER JONES

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

Marlborough Forrest Wines were the big movers during the latest round of the Wine Brokers NZ premier interclub tennis competition on Wednesday evening.

The Marlborough crew scored a comprehensive 6-0 win over Rapaura Wairau River Noir at the Marlborough Tennis Centre.

The men’s double between Hamish Morrow and Chris Nott for Marlborough, against Hamish McRae and Hugh Robinson from Rapaura, turned into a tight encounter. The Rapaura duo took the first set 6-4, but dropped the second 6-1, necessitating a tiebreaker, which Morrow and Nott won 10-7.

Morrow then set the tone in the singles, beating McRae 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 in the top men’s clash. In the other matches, Nott defeated Robinson, Stephen Dempster beat Ella Sowman and Amber Lyons downed Jacqui Swanston.

In the other division one clash, Rapaura Wairau River Blanc kept themselves in the contest with a 4-2 win over Renwick, also at the MTC. Clyde Sowman and Jared Bell had a good night, winning their singles then pairing with Ant Walkenhorst and Eveline Apthorp respectively, to take out their doubles encounters.

Mieko Kimura and Cameron Lyons scored Renwick’s points with singles wins over Apthorp and Walkenhorst respectively.

Division two saw a 6-0 win by Marlborough Next Gen over

Renwick Jana and a 4-2 victory

by Marlborough Nga Hau Wha over Rapaura Wairau River Rose.

Koos Richter and Sandy Stubbs picked up singles and doubles wins for the winning side, while Hiro Kishida did the same for Rapaura.

Shield goes west Marlborough’s tennis juniors relinquished their grip on the Malcolm Shield, being unable to fend off a strong challenge from their Nelson counterparts at the Pollard Park courts on Sunday, November 14.

The Malcolm Shield is considered one of the most prestigious trophies in top of the south tennis. Marlborough won it back off Nelson in 2011 after an absence of nine years and successfully defended it from 2012-20.

However, a strong Nelson side travelled over the hill time and came out on top of a closelyfought encounter, prevailing 9-7.

The Marlborough team comprised: Dan Clarke, Lilly Walkenhorst, Theo Sandford-Jury, Jemimah O’Donnell, Jimmy Rumble, Lauren Fisher, Josh Harris, Ruby Glackin, Oliver Clarke (R1), Ana Eradus (R), Flynn Weaver (R2).

Marlborough led 3-1 after the doubles, Fisher and Eradus combining well for a straight sets win.

The boys singles were shared 2-2, Ben and Oliver Clarke scoring vital victories to keep the home side in the hunt, then Nelson prevailed 3-1 in the girls doubles, Fisher picking up Marlborough’s sole win.

Going into the four mixed

Alex Herd in the quarter finals, winning 6-5. His semi, against Leon Marusaki, was also close, won 6-4. The final was a tight affair, Max prevailing 9-8. The consolation draw was won by Flynn Weaver. The girls 5 & 6 round robin winner was Harriet Cornelius, who won all her matches.

Mia Harris was runner-up.

The girls 7 & 8 draw of eight went with seedings, Isobel O’Brien [1] beating Emily Preece [2] 9-6 in the final. On their way to the final Isobel beat Pippa Sowman 6-2 and Emily Preece beat Gussy Macfarlane 6-0. Josephine Walkenhorst won the consolation draw.

Marlborough player Jemimah O’Donnell reaches high for a lofted return during the Malcolm Shield fixture. Photo: Peter Jones. matches the tie was level at six matches apiece, however the visitors picked up three matches to Marlborough’s one, a victory to Rumble and Fisher their sole success.

Primary champs Competition was fierce when the annual Primary School Tennis Tournament was staged at the Marlborough Tennis Centre on Tuesday, November 2.

The event, for years 5, 6, 7 and 8, was run by Rapaura School.

The boys 5 & 6 grade was played as a round robin competition and taken out decisively by talented youngster Hunter Wong, who won all his matches. Runner up was Joseph Gilhooly.

A strong group of 16 boys contested the 7 & 8 draw. Winner was fourth seed Max Sowman, with third seed Kobe Hart runner-up. Max won his first two rounds 6-2 and 6-0 then took out the number one seed Josh Harris in an exciting semi-final, prevailing 6-5. Kobe had a battle against

President’s grade results from Tuesday.

Division 1: Renwick Racketeers 0 Rapaura River Rats 4; Rapaura Wairau River 3 Marlborough Power 1; Renwick Netsetters 3 Rapaura Just Move 1; Marlborough Chilli 0 Rapaura Masters 4.

Division 2: Renwick Rookies 1 Marlborough Volleyeurs 3; Marlborough Swallows 4 Rapaura Newhawkes 0; Marlborough Tennis the Menace 0 Renwick Mighty Four 4; MTC Roger Townley Construction 3 Rapaura Pinot 1.

Division 3: Renwick Miss Hits 3 Rapaura Chardonnay 1; MTC Boom Boom Time 1 Renwick Restrung 3; Renwick Rebels 2 (24) Rapaura Matador 2 (27).

Division 4: Renwick Rascals 0 Rapaura Syrah 4; Grovetown Grove Tavern Turf & Tackle 4 Renwick Racquets 0; Grovetown Grove Tavern Platters 3 Rapaura Shiraz 1.

Sport

TUESDAY 23 November 2021

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Stretch century keeps Falcons’ flag flying PETER JONES

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

The succession of topsy-turvy results for Marlborough-based sides in the Tasman Premier League cricket competition continued at Horton Park on Saturday.

In week one, Dolphins won and Falcons lost, a week later the situations were reversed, then on Saturday Falcons pulled off a hefty win while Dolphins were sunk without trace on the number one wicket.

Falcons batted first against WTTU, racking up the daunting score of 309 from their 50 overs, then dismissed their rivals for 125 to win by 184 runs.

Their total was based around a mammoth fifth wicket partnership of 225 between Matthew Stretch, who scored 142 from just 109 balls with 18 fours and four sixes, and Tarin Mason, who amassed a more sedate 75 from 98.

After Stretch and Mason both

went in the 42nd over, Tim Petrie chipped in with 18, while Greg Stretch contributed 22 at the death.

Earlier, Falcons were in some strife. Sitting at 25-4 during the eighth over it seemed their recent batting woes may have returned, before Stretch and Mason took over, mixing belligerent attack with clever placement and sharp running.

WTTU opening bowler Sam Baxendine, who did the early damage, ended with the remarkable figures of 6-36 from his 10 overs, especially as the runs flowed so freely around him.

Chasing such a formidable score, WTTU were always behind the eight ball. Opening bowlers Sam Boyce, 2-18 from six, and Joel Pannell, 2-30 from seven, both snared a brace to leave WTTU at 48-4, before their fellow bowlers joined in to ensure the visitors never came close to chasing down their target.

Petrie and Matthew Stretch also bagged a brace of wickets, while

Matthew Stretch took a liking to the WTTU bowling attack at Horton Park on Saturday.

Photo: Peter Jones.

Cameron Collins grabbed the other.

In the other match, a belowstrength Dolphins side lost to Wanderers-Motueka by six wickets. The local side batted first and struggled to create any momentum. Opener Hunter Ruffell and skipper Tom Sutherland shared

the top score with 18 apiece, while Kirk Nicholas added 16 as the Dolphins battled their way to a total of 105 from 27.1 overs.

The wickets were shared around, five of the visiting attack bagging a brace.

A 53-run opening partnership between Jack Morris, 19 from 48

balls, and Joe O’Connor, 31 from 39 balls, saw Wanderers-Motueka well on the way to their target and, although they lost four wickets before they reached 106 in the 31st over, they were always on track.

Ruffell and Liam Young both grabbed two wickets.

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Sport

Woodcutters shine

PETER JONES

Marlborough sawyers and axemen displayed their considerable skills during the South Island Championships, staged recently at A&P Park.

Geoff Hocquard won the single saw title as well as the Jack & Jill Saw crown, with Kerry Mahuika from Canterbury. He was third in the underhand chop, fourth in the standing chop and third in the double saw, with Finn Sloan.

Willie Abel won the veterans underhand chop, finished fourth in the underhand chop and third in the axe throw. Robbie Brownlee finished third in the veterans standing chop.

Finn Sloan picked up four wins, taking out the junior underhand, junior standing, junior single saw and junior double saw titles, the latter with his brother Billy. Finn also finished third in the double saw and fourth in the Jack & Jill Saw with Emma Riddell from Nelson.

Billy Sloan won the junior double saw and was fourth in the junior underhand.

Alex Greig won the boys handicap underhand chop and was third

in the junior double saw, with Jack Simpson from Buller.

Ollie McKenzie was second in the boys handicap underhand chop, Louie Greig placed third in the boys handicap underhand chop while Charlie Robinson came fourth in the boys handicap underhand chop.

The Nelson/Marlborough team came first in the Interprovincial Teams Race. Finn Sloan took out the Hateley Trophy for most points in the junior section.

The Nelson/Marlborough axemen’s team that competed against Southland/Otago, and won by over half a block was Willie Abel, Adam Lowe (Nelson), Geoff Hocquard, Finn Sloan, Emma Riddell, Stu Cunningham and Bill Nicholls (Nelson).

The Nelson/Marlborough combination, with Ray Biggs (Nelson) coming in for Nicholls, also took on Canterbury.

The southerners held the lead into the two sawing disciplines where Nelson/Marlborough caught up to draw equal. Eventually Nelson/Marlborough claimed victory on the second standing by a blow, providing a nail-biting finish to the event.

William Exton with the Marlborough Young Sportsman of the Year Trophy at the Blenheim Kart Track. Photo: Peter Jones.

Award winner plans to change gear PETER JONES The need for speed may see Marlborough karting ace William Exton try his luck abroad next year.

The 17-year-old, who has just finished year 13 at Marlborough Boys’ College, was last week named Marlborough Junior Sportsman of the Year.

He has enjoyed a stellar season, picking up some hugely prestigious national and South Island totals at senior level.

Now he has his sights set on a change of scene.

“I’ve done most of the things I

would like to do in New Zealand in karting, so next year I am hopefully going to do some racing in Australia … we are in negotiations at the moment and trying to get with a good team over there.”

William is keen to carry on his burgeoning karting career but has further pursuits in mind.

“In 2023 I would like to have a go at racing cars in Aussie.

My goal would be to race in the Porsche series over there.

I like them more than openwheelers, such as Formula One, Formula Two and F3, because they are more like a proper road car. They just interest me

South Island wide

a bit more. Even V8 Supercars, which are also in Aussie, would be a good option.”

The 17-year-old found out about his recent accolade in a roundabout fashion.

“A teacher at college came up to me and congratulated me on winning a sports award, I said thanks, but I didn’t really process it that much.

“Then, after school, my Dad called and said ‘do you realise you have won the Marlborough Junior Sportsman of the Year?, go and watch the livestream’ so I did and it was wow … I was quite shocked and excited.”

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TUESDAY 23 November 2021

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Quentin MacDonald in action for the Tasman Mako. Photo: Shuttersport.

Tasman Mako stalwart’s career comes full circle PETER JONES

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

The wheel turned full circle when Quentin MacDonald ran out to play his 100th game in Tasman colours on Saturday.

In September 2007, aged just 18 and fresh out of Marlborough Boys’ College, the rookie hooker trotted onto Lansdowne Park in Blenheim, making his first appearance against Waikato’s Mooloos.

On Saturday, 14 years further on, he tackled the same opponents when Tasman attempted to complete at ‘threepeat’ of NPC premiership titles at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.

The 33-year-old vividly recalls his first game for the Mako.

“I think I played around five minutes off the bench,” he said. “I remember I weighed about 93kg, and was up against Aled de Malmanche, who was one of the strongest players in NZ rugby.

“It was an awesome day … we only just lost, but playing my first game in Blenheim in front of a packed house was a great memory.”

Another milestone match that holds special memories for the MacDonald family was his 50th. It came against Hawke’s Bay at Trafalgar Park in 2013 and saw Quentin front up against his younger brother Jesse, who played hooker for the Magpies that day.

“It was fun to play against Jesse … we got the win that day and it was great

that we were at home among family and friends,” said Quentin.

Since his debut match, he has become an integral part of the Mako mix, missing only the 2010 season with a knee injury, then playing his trade in France from 2016-19.

With Covid spreading uncertainty worldwide, he decided to return home in 2020 and the Mako coaches eagerly returned him to the fold.

Tasman’s only other centurions are Robbie Malneek, with 104 appearances, and Alex Ainley, who played exactly 100 matches.

Quentin is well aware he will be joining exalted company on Saturday, especially after figuring his time at the Mako was over when he set off for France, having played 78 games.

“When I left I knew that I would need a couple of seasons [to reach 100 games] so didn’t think I would get there. But it has all panned out well.

“My body is good, I’m still enjoying my rugby so I will just keep chipping away and see how long I can keep going.”

He is also grateful that the formation of the Tasman union allowed him to continue to play the sport he loves at home and in front of his family and friends.

“When Tasman first formed no-one knew quite what to expect but I knew as soon as it happened that I didn’t have to leave home to play professional rugby.

That was a big drawcard which was always going to mean a lot to me.”

A stream of coaches and fellow players have come and gone during Quentin’s Mako career, the durable hooker singling out Kieran Keane, Leon MacDonald and current coach Andrew Goodman as the most influential mentors.

“I have just taken little bits and pieces from each [coach] but KK [Keane] taught me heaps about the game … he had a huge influence.”

Playing alongside such influential teammates as Kade Poki, Joe Wheeler, Liam Squire and David Havili, plus sharing the hooker’s role with brother Jesse for a couple of seasons, were highlights.

“We have also had such awesome leaders. Goody [Andrew Goodman] was one of my favourite captains, along with Shane [Christie] ... just the mana they possess, I was always ready to follow them into battle.”

Much has been talked about the ‘Mako culture’, which has propelled the nation’s newest union to the top of the NPC tree.

Quentin said it took some time to grow, but now it is “the people that make the culture work”.

“When I came back from France I asked, ‘what is [the culture] like these days’ and I was told that it is exactly the same, the only thing that is different is the faces.

“I am indebted to Tasman for giving me the opportunity to reach this milestone … from my first game to my 100th game my love for the game and for this region hasn’t wavered, in fact it is probably stronger now than it has ever been.”

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