Marlborough Weekly 9 April 2025 by TSM Marlborough

9 April 2025

Car-mad LJ’s special birthday

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A mum’s community callout to make her son’s third birthday party special saw Blenheim’s Mary Street become a showcase of many of Marlborough’s coolest vehicles on Saturday.

Catherine Mafi’s post on Face-

book asking for the community to celebrate LJ’s birthday, her car-fanatic, non-verbal son who is on the autism spectrum, prompted many Marlburians to fire up their most treasured wheels and drive across town to ensure LJ had a happy birthday.

“It’s honestly amazing, we are so

very grateful for the turnout from everyone today”, said Catherine, as cars of all shapes and sizes continued to roar past.

“I was just expecting it to flop, or just one or two cars come along, but the community love has been absolutely heartwarming with all sorts of people tagging one an-

other to come down.

“LJ just loves cars and car racing and has been in his little racing suit just astounded and waving the whole time.”

As well as being amazed by the stream of vehicles going past, LJ got behind the wheel of Steve Reed’s Corvette.

Catherine and husband Lance Toala thanked everyone who took the time out of their Saturday to provide a special thrill for their boy and invited many in to share his birthday cake.

“You all really made LJ’s birthday special, and we’re really feeling the love”, added Catherine.

Above: LJ Toala takes the driver’s seat of a Corvette during a special birthday convoy on Saturday. Right top; a VW Beetle drives past as part of the convoy. Right middle; LJ with his mum Catherine, dad Lance and little brother Charles. Right bottom: Cars cruise down Mary Street Photos: William Woodworth.

Picton’s paint party

Picton’s most colourful day saw hundreds of eager entrants get involved with the FreshChoice Picton Rainbow Run around Endeavour Park on Sunday. Entrants started with a drenching courtesy of Picton’s volunteer firefighters to ensure the paint stuck, before visiting six different-coloured stations to turn each entrant into a kaleidoscope of colour. The colourful celebrations ended with all of the leftover paint powder thrown into the air for one final coat of paint. See more photos in Out and About.

Paul Armon pleads guilty to murder of his mother

TRACY NEAL

The man accused of murdering his mother in her Blenheim home last November has admitted he did it.

Blenheim cleaner Paul Thomas Armon appeared in the High Court on Friday morning, where he quietly pleaded guilty to last year’s events and was convicted before Justice Dale La Hood.

The summary of facts was not read out.

However, a homicide investigation was launched after Jennifer Phyllis Sheehan was found dead at her property in Blenheim on the morning of November 25.

Armon was arrested shortly after.

The police charge sheet lists the date of the offence as November 22. The 55-year-old was granted interim name suppression at an initial brief appearance in the Blenheim District Court before the order lapsed unchal-

A homicide investigation was launched after Jennifer Sheehan was found dead in her Blenheim home last November. Her son, Paul Armon, was charged with her murder. Photo: Supplied.

lenged at a later High Court appearance. Armon’s lawyer Rob Harrison called earlier for detailed psychiatric reports to assess his fitness to plea or stand trial, which was scheduled for August 2026. But on Friday that date was removed from the diary with Armon’s guilty plea.

However, Harrison will still seek further reports before sentencing on June 5. Sheehan’s family said following her death they had been left feeling “shocked and utterly lost for words”.

Her nephew, Jarrod, paid tribute to Sheehan in a post online, saying he was “angry” and “con-

fused, but mostly sad”.

“I’m shocked and utterly lost for words about what has happened to my Aunty Jenny,” he said. Jarrod said he still “can’t comprehend” what happened and “probably never will understand” how it could happen, “especially in Blenheim”.

He described Sheehan as having an “infectious laugh”.

“Mainly I’m sad for my kids, who she loved and treated like her own grandchildren ... I genuinely felt the love she shared for our kids and that’s something I will never forget,” he said.

Jarrod said he felt “robbed of time that I’ll never get again”. He said he would think of Sheehan every time he hears a song by Elvis and smile when something “quirky reminds me of her”.

“I hope to remember her stories so she continues to live through them and we can laugh for many years to come,” he said.

Vicky and Andrew Jefferies, Saulo and Emma Camillo, Ed and Christine Wardle and Theo Camillo. Photo: William Woodworth.

TOTS gets top marks from scouts

ELISE VOLLWEILER

The picture-perfect setting of Wairoa Valley’s Gilbert Lodge was packed to the peripheries and brimming with adventure during the recent biennial Top of the South Scouts camp.

The event provided the children with opportunities to gain confidence, make new connections, and develop essential leadership and communication skills.

About 300 people, including children from five to 18 years old, as well as parent helpers and scout

leaders, attended “TOTS”, which was held on 14-16 March.

The camp unified Keas, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers from across the top of the south, including Churchwood Park troop along with various Nelson groups.

The action-packed weekend featured 19 activity bases, including archery, rifle shooting, knot tying, first aid and raft building.

The patrols smashed plates with a slingshot, launched a trebuchet and took had their pick of both a water and a mud slide.

Another unique and much-loved

part of the camp was the opportunity for the children to create their own woggles or looped scarf holders – a significant scouting tradition.

Beyond the activities, the setting offered the intangible yet invaluable experience of being immersed in nature.

Justine McAllister, South Island general manager for Scouts Aotearoa, reckons the camp was very well-run. “I take my hat off to the volunteers. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer these opportunities to our young people.”

Virtual After-hours Primary Health Care 24/7

To access primary health care after 5pm on weekdays, all day at weekends and public holidays, simply phone your General Practice and you will be connected with a health professional who will talk to you about your symptoms and help book an appropriate appointment.

Virtual appointments are safe and effective for many health concerns and have been successfully treating thousands of people every year all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Prescriptions can be emailed directly to your nearest pharmacy for collection.

From 01 April 2025 Marlborough General Practices will have virtual appointment options through Practice Plus for after-hours care.

Tūhonotia te Hapori kei to Ora Connecting Communities for Wellbeing

MINIS ON THE RUN: The 2025 Pork Pie Charity Run travelled through Marlborough on Sunday, with the 50-strong collection of Minis spending lunch in Picton before heading south. The nephew-uncle team Dan Goldsworthy and David McBeth are doing the Pork Pie Charity Run in a Mini with no roof.

Photo: William Woodworth.

Marlborough’s Katlyn Ross, right, with Caitlyn Gerritsen and Lucy McLaren at the recent camp. Photo: Rueben Derrick.

Students’ shot at focused future

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

The year’s biggest opportunity for local businesses to shine a light on career pathway possibilities in their industry to young Marlburians returns on Wednesday, June 11.

Since its 2019 birth out of a Council-led skills and labour shortage summit, the Future of Work conference supports students to discover purposeful pathways, whether they’re headed to university, into trades, or have no idea what they want to do after school. And after realising students didn’t realise what local opportunities were available for future employment, the conference has seen 900% growth in attendance and almost 100% recommendation rates from

involved.

“Last year 90.5% of businesses said Future of Work 2024 helped with a better understanding of, and connection with, young people in our region.

“Comments from businesses involved in previous years have highlighted the ‘talent shortage’ in most industries – and the benefit of ‘planting that seed’ and showing them why their industry might be one they want to consider.

“We’ve already had incredible interest from industry and businesses keen to be involved in our ‘Interactive Workstation Zone’ in 2025”.

The free conference has gone from strength to strength, being attributed to a number of students being employed in

through the expo in one day, we ensure rangatahi can explore industries, meet local employers, and see what’s possible right here in our region.”

“We’re proud to support this event because we know how important it is for young people and their whānau to be informed about the career pathways available”.

Marlborough Youth Council members Matilda Phelps and Lusia Anderson say that while they’re helping organisers understand what local young people want to get out of the conference, they’re just as keen to learn more about their personal pathways.

“I’m interested to explore job options in science and the pathways available locally because it’s what’s been taking my

Port Marlborough’s Nicky Dowling with Marlborough Youth Council members Tylah Newton, Lusia Anderson, Dananar Valdez, Matilda Phelps, Sanjav Singh and Manaia Huntley. Photo: William Woodworth.

Out&About

6. N issa, Fizza, Faizal, Hasinah and Ara

7. J ean Clark and Grace McCullen

8. Al iah Ball and Finlay Price heila and Emma Somerfield mma, Mark, Sue, Zoe and Amanda

Photos: William Woodworth

Opinion Community Comments

Ex gang member granted parole for Blenheim killing:

Re the release of the murdering gangster; he is now equipped with a reputation of one with whom ‘not to mess’ that money couldn’t buy, well worth a short spell in the health farm.

This hard-to-believe, and harder to stomach, saga is an example of what happens when a democracy slides into becoming simply a bureaucracy I lost all faith in our “justice” system when I read of a creature who, getting out of his Tesla and taking the samurai sword off the dashtop, Proceeded to literally slash lumps of flesh off the old guy who had had the temerity to thump on the Tesla’s roof as it went by him in the recreation area. The dog-walking victim was left too bloodied to call for help on his cellphone as he lay in the ditch, The “punishment”? Home detention. Bureaucracy. Heartless, soulless, brainless and gutless Yours despairingly, Bill Holvey.

Disgusting abuse of the penal system! He killed a young RSE visitor while in Blenheim on a night out in town with his bikie mates, yet he now walks free! What justice is this? Al Codarado Cod.

Is this a sick April Fools joke? Mike Whittaker.

Not acceptable at all! I hold everyone in the Marlborough courts and judiciary and the local politicians in every party accountable and you should all feel the full weight of the law. Shame on you all ... take a life, serve a life. Anton Wilson.

Should of been charged with premeditated murder since they came to

town with weapons to fight and killed somebody no justice what so ever for this young RSE workers life!

Maia Tuatonga.

The power and passion behind FULL NOISE: Hope the weather plays the game over Easter. Excited about the show. Mark Owen.

Four Paws: Making a difference, one paw at a time. Such a dedicated selfless team. Helen Montgomery. They do great work. Sandra McNeilly.

Record bat numbers counted at Pelorus Bridge: Did not know they were around.... guess I have been under a rock. Elaine Johnson.

Omg I love bats. Thereasa Hawes.

Details of Interislander Cook Strait ferry replacement plan unveiled It was the port-side infrastructure in Picton and Wellington that blew the coasts out last time. Port Marlborough is 100% owned by MDC! Peter Chapman.

I will be eagerly awaiting Winston controlling every single aspect of this project and when costs inevitably blow out, (because they will) will ask where the calls are for them to CANCEL the project. Exactly what they did to Labour, Ports and KiwiRail last year.

Fran Bee.

Red Cross apologises after ‘shocking’ overtake attempt: Shouldn’t be Red Cross who apologise, the driver should be the one, and hopefully the police will prosecute. Chris Bird.

Given what Red Cross do for our communities and haven’t put a foot wrong in that time until now, I think we should cut them some slack. It’s the driver the scorn should be reserved for - it’s not like Red Cross instructed them to drive like that. Aaron Goodwin.

I drive that road daily, shit drivers. Belinda Materoa.

This is terrible on a straight road, you can see you can’t pass here but no just keep going sorry isn’t good enough unless your having a medical emergency u need to hand in your license right away.

Tui Caldwell.

CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...

How long does it take you to adapt to daylight savings?

Sophie Carrick It usually takes me a couple of weeks but at the moment my 2-year-old is waking up at 4.30am.

David James It’s not that big of a deal for me as I wake up early but does mean photography jobs end earlier because ‘golden hour’ is earlier which is great!

Cynthia Neal Honestly, the whole six months.

Michael Pycroft I’m usually pretty quick to adjust my sleep schedule, it’s just that first day or so of light mornings and dark evenings.

Dual celebration planned

The opening of the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre on the Ward Village Green from 10am to 2pm this coming Friday April 11, is going to be a great celebration for the Ward community who have put so much effort into seeing it finally come to fruition following many years of planning.

During the Kaikoura earthquake, Flaxbourne’s local museum was destroyed and ever since, precious relics from the long history of the region going back

800 years, have been stored elsewhere including in people’s homes.

Led by the Flaxbourne Heritage Trust with support from a range of funding partners, local landowners, iwi, community groups, contractors, sponsors and donors, the area’s rich history can now be viewed in a brand-new purpose-built facility.

Also being celebrated is the opening of the Seddon to Ward section of the Whale Trail with a 10km round trip ride from The Whale Trail shelter in Ward to the magnificent Te Ruakanakana/Lake

Elterwater and return.

The spectacular Whale Trail owes a debt to Dr John Forrest of Forrest Wines who conceived the idea of using the earthquake damaged original railway to create what will become a major destination for those who want to walk or cycle in this unique, spectacular, seaside landscape.

that will be a huge asset to the Marlborough region as a whole while also preserving the area’s history for future generations.

The Ward area suffered so much in the earthquake but these initiatives have given it a brand-new heart. It is a remarkable example of how such a small community of just a few hundred residents can mobilise to create projects

Visitors are very welcome to the opening. There will be food and drink available along with plenty of fun and games including a lolly scramble, vintage cars, the Blackstone steam engine, kapa haka, bus rides, and tugs of war.

SPORT

All that glitters is gold

PETER JONES

A golden glow surrounded the Marlborough contingent at the recent Maadi Cup secondary school rowing regatta at Lake Karapiro.

Crews from Marlborough Girls’ and Boys’ colleges picked up three medals at the historic regatta, one of the largest secondary school sports events in the Southern Hemisphere, all of them gold.

The MGC and MBC under-17 pair crews repeated their efforts at the previous South Island secondary school champs, both combinations claiming gold in back-to-back A finals.

Eliza Glover and Anna Hurren underlined their conditioning by surging past the Westlake Girls’ pair, then holding on to claim a narrow victory.

Logan Flight and Aidan Bennett set the early pace in their medal decider, maintaining an advantage throughout to prevail by around two seconds from a Glendowie College duo. Flight and Bennett added further glitter to their gold by recording a course record time.

Their efforts earned all four Marlborough athletes a trial for the under-18 South Island team.

The region’s third gold came from the MBC under-15 coxed four crew, comprising Charlie Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Poppy Fernandez, Emma Eyles and coxswain Hayley Sutherland. After cruising to second in their heat, they stepped it up in the final, rowing away from the Rangi Ruru crew to cross the finish line

over five seconds ahead, underlining the depth of talent among the MGC younger brigade.

MBC coach Clayton Lindstrom said his athletes “put in a big effort in a tough event”.

“They have done a lot of work preparing for the Maadi – up to 11 sessions a week during the second half of the season – it has been a big commitment.”

He had special mention for the under-18 four of Bennett, Flight, Louis Girling and Blake Campbell, with coxswain Jack Shaw, who became the first MBC crew to reach the A final in that event since 2016.

Also noteworthy was the effort of single sculler Bennett, who narrowly missed a medal in the under-17 A final.

“That was a really big effort … it is probably one of the toughest

events at the regatta.”

Clayton was satisfied with the results and is hoping to build numbers, especially in the novice crews, “thereby building a base for the next three or four years”.

MGC coach Joe Bennion said, “I’m pretty happy with the way it went”.

He was pleased with the way his squad performed against the bigger schools and especially the fact that they enjoyed success in different age groups.

“The aim this year was to start building a base at the younger level, without pushing them too far. It was cool to take a group of kids who built on last year and took it to a national level as well.

“The squad as a whole performed well, across all the age groups.

Picking up the two medals was cool, but seeing the growth of the

whole squad was what the coaching group and myself found most rewarding.”

Joe said it took a team effort from all concerned and the coaching team felt very well supported. “It takes more than a couple of people to have success – there were 10 parents who took time out to help us, plus heaps of generous sponsor support as well. A massive thank you to them all … “Marlborough is a rowing-proud region and to be able to contin-

ue that tradition of fast crews is awesome.”

LEADING RESULTS BY MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE ATHLETES: MBC

Boys’ under-17 pair (Logan Flight, Aidan Bennett) – GOLD

Boys’ under-17 single (Aidan Bennett) –4th in A final

Boys’ under-16 coxed quad (Archie Saggers, Toby Randall, Matthew McLeod, Jesse Englefield, Jack Shaw – cox) – 7th in A final

Boys’ under-18 coxed four (Aidan Bennett, Blake Campbell, Louis Girling, Logan Flight, Jack Shaw – cox) – 7th in A final

MGC

Girls’ under-17 pair (Eliza Glover, Anna Hurren) – GOLD; (Georgette Herkt, Paige Wentworth) 6th in A final

Girls’ under-15 coxed four (Charlie Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Poppy Fernandez, Emma Eyles, Hayley Sutherland – cox) –GOLD

Girls’ under-18 coxed four (Eliza Glover, Anna Hurren, Lily Smith, Iris Vavasour, Molly Hoban – cox) – 4th in A final

Girls’ under-17 coxed four (Eliza Glover, Anna Hurren, Celia Spencer, Georgette Herkt, Molly Hoban – cox) – 5th in A final

Girls’ under-15 eight (Charlie Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Poppy Fernandez, Emma Eyles, Ruby Lindstrom, Daisy Lindstrom, Liv Horsenail, Casey Twidle, Hayley Sutherland – cox) – 5th in A final Girls’ under-15 octuple sculls (Charlie Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Poppy Fernandez, Emma Eyles, Izzy McLauchlan, Maggie Clark, Georgie Fissenden, Hannah Kole, Hayley Sutherland – cox) – 7th in A final

Golden glow: Aidan Bennett, Eliza Glover, Anna Hurren and Logan Flight celebrate Maadi Cup success. Photo: Sharron Bennett Photography.

The MGC under 15 four enjoy their gold medal moment. Photo: Sharron Bennett Photography.

Sport shorts

WATERPOLO WONDERS

Marlborough college water polo teams picked up a gold and a bronze medal at the recent South Islands Secondary School division one championships in Christchurch. The Marlborough Girls’ College team picked up the gold, while the Marlborough Boys’ College squad claimed a bronze medal in the nine-team competition.

MGC shaded Villa Maria 7-3 in the final to take out the title in the 11-team

grade, with local player Koko Wong being named tournament MVP and part of the girls’ tournament team. Scott Keay and George Adams were included in the boys’ tournament team.

The MGC team comprised: Koko Wong, India Nathan, Hayley McCormick, Katie Marsh, Poppy Clark, Elizabeth Douthett, Libby Senior, Mia Lindfield and Gabby Miller. They were coached by Alastair Keay and managed by Jo McCormick. The MBC team comprised: George Adams, Hugo Edsall, Leon Edsall, Scott Keay, William McCallum, Liam McIntyre, Jacob McLeish, Finn McNabb, Fyn Russell and Seb Russell.

SOPHIA SELECTED

Marlborough Girls’ College touch player

Sophia Nicholas has been named in New Zealand under-18 mixed touch team. The side will travel to Queensland in May to take part in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup.

ROBBIE CALLS TIME

Robbie Manson, the world’s fastest single sculler, has announced his retirement, for the second time. In 2020 he decided to quit the sport which at that stage had taken him to both the London and Rio

Olympics and saw him set the world’s best time in the single sculls, a mark of 6m 30.74 that still stands. In mid-2022 he decided to give it another shot, progressing through masters rowing, to club competition and nationals, then eventually to a third Olympic Games. In Paris, he made it all the way to the A final, a fitting end to a wonderful international career.

“I’d planned to keep going after Paris, and I did,” said Robbie on social media, “because I felt like there was still more in the tank.

“But competing at this level demands so much—time, energy, stress, and sacrifice—and eventually, the cost starts to outweigh the reward. Lately, the pull to explore new opportunities has been stronger than the pull to keep racing,” he added.

TOUCHING TRIBUTE

Marlborough Touch stalwart Anne Taylor has been honoured with life membership of the local organisation. At the recent rep touch season prizegiving she was presented with the prestigious award.

Anne was an integral part of the crew who set up the local junior touch competition in 1997, a competition which

has grown to cater for around 100 teams. She also took the first junior rep sides to tournament in 1998, beginning 28 years of service to a sporting organisation that has thrived under her stewardship.

COOPER MAKES CUT

Former Marlborough Boys’ College stand-out Cooper Roberts has been selected for the New Zealand under-20 team which will contest the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Italy during

June and July. Cooper was a member of the Crusaders sides which claimed back-to-back titles at the recent Super Rugby U20 championships in Taupo, impressing in a midfield role. He is part of the Tasman Mako wider training squad.

GOODY GETS NOD

Former Tasman Mako coach Andrew Goodman has landed a role with the 2025 British & Irish Lions team which will tour Australia later this year. The New Zealander was last week announced as one of Andy Farrell’s four assistants. Andrew joined Ireland as backs coach last summer after a two-year stint as Leinster assistant coach and helped Ire-

land to a third-place finish in the 2025 Six Nations. Andrew said: “When Andy phoned up, I was silent for about 30 seconds and he even asked if I was still there. I was shocked, excited - all the emotions. It was pretty special, calling my family back home in New Zealand.”

NEVE NAILS IT

Marlborough multi-sporter Neve McKenzie scored a breakthrough victory at the 2025 Pacific Radiology NZ Schools Triathlon championships at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka recently.

Neve, racing for Auckland’s St Kentigern College, claimed the senior (under-19) title. Second was Charlotte Chiles from Rangi Ruru, with Leah Kilmister third.

MGC and MBC water polo teams.

Robbie Manson.

Anne Taylor.

Andrew Goodman.

Sophia Nicholas.

Cooper Roberts.

Neve McKenzie.

Blues well beaten in Tasman Trophy opener

PETER JONES

Central made a shaky start to their 2025 Tasman Trophy premiership rugby campaign, losing heavily at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on Saturday.

The Blues, last season’s losing finalists, were beaten 56-14 by a Marist outfit who made the most of the chances that came their way.

On the other hand, Central were unable to convert their opportunities, leaving them trailing 22-0 at the halftime break. They man-

aged a couple of tries in the second spell, to front row replacement players Quinn Harrison-Jones and player/coach Quentin MacDonald, but generally struggled for combinations as they seek to introduce a slew of new players to the side.

Quentin said, “[the result] obviously wasn’t ideal. Our forwards mixed it up well though, but their backs were pretty classy and they got the bounce of the ball on a few occasions which didn’t help. Having said that, our physicality and defence wasn’t where we wanted

it to be ... but they are easy fixes.

“We do have to go back to the drawing board, but there were definitely enough positives to build on ... we have a very new team so it will take some time.

“As we said, ‘you don’t win the Tasman Trophy in the first week’ so we just have to front against Kahurangi next week in Blenheim and just keep getting better with each outing.”

He singled out the inside back trio of halfback Logan Philip, first five Clyde Paewai and second five Ben Filipo for special mention, along

College capers: Rugby at Marlborough Boys’ College kicked off on Saturday with a trifecta of matches. In what the college termed a “Region of Origin” series, MBC sides took on their under-14, under-15, and 2nd XV rivals from Nelson College. The visitors came out on top in the U14 and 2nd XV clashes, winning the U15 match-up. Above: MBC under-15 player Eli Lambert charges through the Nelson College defence on his way to the tryline. Photo: Peter Jones.

with tough-tackling loosie Jack Kelly.

Last season’s Tasman Trophy winners also crashed to a heavy defeat.

Defending champions Kahurangi

PETER JONES

A large contingent of Marlborough Boys’ College riders made their presence felt at the recent South Island Secondary Schools MTB championships in Methven.

The Mount Hutt Bike Park was packed with around 650 competitors from throughout the South Island, MBC being represented by a team of 30. Over the four days of racing there were 1000 entries across the three disciplines - cross country, downhill and enduro.

Mountain biking at MBC is growing in strength and popularity, under the guidance of PE teacher Paul Molyneux.

There was also one entry from MGC, Margot Davis, who placed fifth in the under 15 girls

The most successful MBC performer was Kobie Madsen who finished first in the under-14 enduro, among a field of 34, and third in downhill. Alex Craig was eighth in the under-20 enduro and ninth in downhill, Liam Harcus finished ninth in the under-17 enduro while Jono Planthaber came 11th in enduro and 12th in downhill

Alex has also been selected by the Cycling New

had 12 players on debut and, after a promising start, were overwhelmed 43-15 at Sports Park, Motueka. It was much closer at Greenmeadows where Stoke held off Nelson 29-24.

Zealand schools executive for their schools focus group.

The focus group is for a selected group of school cyclists who, on behalf of their fellow riders, provide feedback and advocate for the continued development of the schools cycling programme. The nationals will be held in Nelson from September 29 to October 2 this year.