Wednesday 12 February 2025
Sublime times at Wine and Food
The sun shone, the wine flowed and there was plenty of local food to tempt the taste buds as people enjoyed Marlborough’s iconic Food and Wine Festival.
Good vibes and plenty of smiles saw Saturday’s event go without a hitch as famous chefs and great tunes made for an entertaining day out.
Thousands of people dressed in their summer finery arrived at Renwick Domain to celebrate the special day in summer temps topping 27 degrees.
Music from Ladyhawke, Mitch James, Sweet Mix Kids, NZ Army Band, Jaydin Shingleton and Hello Sailor got the crowd on their feet, while cooking
masterclasses kept culinary fans fascinated.
More photos from the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival on page 9.
A huge crowd enjoying the music on the main stage at the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival at the Renwick Domain on Saturday. Photo: William Woodworth.
HERITAGE HAPPINESS: Past times have been celebrated in style as Brayshaw Park welcomed hundreds of people to its recent Heritage Day. Diane Ross, Ian Close, Vivienne Silken and Graeme Sword were dressed to the nines as people flocked to the park to make the most of both the past and present. Held on Waitangi Day, the day celebrates Marlborough’s pioneer heritage skills, showcasing lost trades and unique collections. From vintage vehicles and fire engines to model boats and trains, there was plenty of fun on offer for all ages as people made the most of the sunshine. More photos on page 10. Photo: William Woodworth.
Havelock team member Finn Tito, with team members Lauren Hill, left, and Ryan Grenfell, right. Photo: Sara Hollyman.
Pirates rule the day at firefighter challenge
of physicality, putting teams through their paces.
Havelock Volunteer firefighting team the Pelorus Pirates were some of more than 75 competitors at the Nelson Marlborough Provincial Firefighter challenge on Saturday.
The event, hosted by a Nelson brigade, involved a course
Competitors ran up four-storeys of stairs wearing a full firefighter kit and breathing apparatus, hoisted a 20kg hose pack up the same tower, ran a slalom course and ran out a charged hose before busting through doors to hit a
target with the water beam. Dragging an 80kg dummy 30 metres backwards was the final challenge.
Finn Tito and Ryan Grenfell placed fourth in the Open Men’s division, while Ryan placed second in the Over 40 men’s category. The team also placed fifth in the relay.
News in brief
Coastguard course: Find out more about the vital role coastguard has in the community and get some hands-on maritime training with Coastguard Marlborough’s youth programme. Open to those aged 13 to 18 years old. First meeting is February 20. Contact the youth programme co-ordinator on 021 194 8070 for more details.
Prototype pen: A special new mooring has been installed by Plant & Food Research, to the southwest of D’Urville island in Tasman Bay. The mooring will be home to the first prototype fish pen that is part of Plant & Food Research’s new open ocean aquaculture system being trialled this year. The prototype pen and its supporting technology will get a test drive before fish are introduced to the pen later in the summer.
Creative catch up: An idea has been brewing for a while to bring together Marlborough’s creative community. Café Create is a new bi-monthly breakfast gathering designed to celebrate Marlborough’s unique blend of creativity and community. The first get-together will be held at Karaka Café from 7.30am to 8.45am on Thursday 27 February. Each café catchup will feature light refreshments, a guest speaker, Q&A session and networking. Future dates are 27 February, 1 May, 26 June, 28 August and 30 October.
Engineers’ excitement: Congratulations to Marlborough Boys’ College Year 10 students Tāna Barron, Luke Bourgeois and Sam Molony. The talented trio have been selected to compete at an international competition in the USA. The young engineers, who came second in the national Aquabots competition last year, will head to Washington DC for the RoboNation SeaPerch competition with their self-built underwater remotely operated vehicle.
SARA HOLLYMAN
Handbags and hope a silver lining
PAULA HULBURT
Handbags, hope and finding a silver lining are at the heart of a Picton landlady’s bid to help women when they need it the most.
Oxley’s owner Amy Cragg is supporting this year’s Love Grace Handbag Appeal.
And she is so committed to making the appeal a success, she was planning from her hospital bed while recovering from cancer surgery. “It’s really amazing that Grace’s family managed to find a silver lining out of all they’ve been through
“I watched the documentary on TV, and it was pretty horrendous. The Love Grace appeal is an amazing cause.
“It’s a positive way to deal with a loss that helps people when they are vulnerable and not in a safe space.”
Held in memory of British woman Grace Millane, the appeal was arranged by her family and the idea garnered support from across the globe.
Grace was a tourist visiting New Zealand in 2018 when she murdered in Auckland.
Her love of handbags inspired her family to help others in her name.
In 2024, the NZ appeal aimed for
1,500 bags but received 5,269 donations.
The appeal is entirely volunteer run, with 35 coordinators and 55 local businesses involved last year.
This year more than 50 coordinators and over 90 drop off points have been arranged so far. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024, Amy has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation.
She has just undergone surgery and is now home recovering. Ensuring the appeal is a success is important to the mum of two, she says.
But she couldn’t have organised the appeal without the help of her hard-working team, she says.
“The whole team have been involved pushing it at work and putting up displays which is really nice.”
Amy says she hopes the appeal, which begins on February 14 and runs until 8 March will be well supported by locals.
It is just the start of her support for the event which she hopes to be involved with every year from now on.
The bags symbolise hope and a fresh start for women often forced to leave everything behind. These bags are then donated to local women’s refuge centres.
“Being able to help make sure people are aware about what’s
going on hopefully means more donations,” Amy explains.
“I’d like to think how I can make this even better for next year.”
Usually found behind the bar or chatting to customers, Amy will be taking six weeks off to recover from surgery.
Her eldest son Tremain has flown from Australia with his partner and their children to be by her side and take on roll of manager.
“I’ll still drop in to see the team,” Amy says. “I’m very grateful for all their support.”
Donations can be dropped off at Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen at 1 Wellington Street in Picton.
Amy Cragg, supported by her son Tremaine Cragg-Love hopes Picton locals will get behind this year’s Love Grace Handbag Appeal. Photo: Supplied.
Inspiring exchange for students
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Marlborough students have been broadening their horizons, spending two weeks in Tokyo getting to grips with a different way of life.
Leaving a region of 50,000 people
to live and study in Tokyo, with a population of 50 million, proved an eye opener for students from both Marlborough Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges
New Year 10 and 11 students Emily Preece, Maysie Ferguson, Alex Heard, Justin Prescott and George Mason, accompanied by teacher Alia Malik, joined classes at Jissen Gakuen Junior and Senior High School in Japan.
“It was amazingly different, because it was as big of a change as it could have been,” Emily explains.
“Going with our host families, just out into the open world of Tokyo and walking through Shibuya to see the sheer scale of people and buildings was a
wild, amazing feeling.”
From new foods, new buildings and taking a bullet train to go skiing, the exchange is the first to be held since Covid.
Living with a family in their own home gave students a better insight into life in Japan, says Alex.
“When you’re actually staying with them, you have to wake up early, take the trains to school with them, and see more of the home cultural side you appreciate it more.”
For Justin Prescott, the experience of visiting Japan was one he
was eager to do due to his passion for Japanese cartoons.
“I couldn’t believe even just going to school in the morning, just because it just reminded me of anime, so it was strange to live it for a while,” he says.
Maysie Ferguson says she learnt sharing a language was not the only way to make a connection.
Living with a family who spoke almost no English, gave her a chance to forge new friendships, she explains.
“It taught me you don’t really need to speak the same language
to connect.
“It was beautiful seeing Mount Fuji at sunset, and being taken to places that locals love, it was wonderfully crazy.”
Marlborough Girls’ College Principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch says exchange trips with Jissen Gakuen have seen the college expand their whanau over the last 26 years.
“It brings a richness to our school in terms of what the world is about.
“Building understanding between different cultures, learning about other kids and speaking to other people in different environments is hugely important…”
Marlborough Boys’ College Principal Jarrod Dunn echoed those sentiments.
“The feedback from our boys is just glowing, and with geographical isolation that we’ve got here in Blenheim we’re lucky to send students over to fully immerse in Japanese culture over there.”
The trip also gave students a better appreciation for living in Marlborough, Maysie concluded.
“The first night I got back I was just looking over the vineyards and putting everything into perspective - but it was also amazing to go somewhere with so many people and see how they live.”
Japan-bound students, from left, Justin Prescott, Alex Heard, Emily Preece, Maysie Ferguson and George Mason. Photo: Supplied.
Cook Strait traffic key to jetskier search
PAULA HULBURT
Vessels using Cook Strait are playing a vital role as the search continues for a jetskier missing since last Monday.
People using the Cook Strait have been asked to keep a look out for items of interest which may belong to the missing man.
Hundreds of search hours have gone into finding a missing Cook
Strait jetskier and police said on Monday the search remains ongoing.
Marlborough Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Peter Payne says the man left the Tasman District on the morning of 3 February, bound for Plimmerton, north of Wellington.
The alarm was raised when he did not arrive as expected.
Hundreds of search hours have
been put into finding the man, with air, shoreline, and water-based assets.
“Sadly, no further items of interest have been found since the man’s jetski was discovered on the day he went missing,” says Senior Sergeant Payne.
“This remains an active investigation and the search for the man has not been suspended.”
By the end of Friday, search teams
had covered a very large area of the Cook Strait and outer Marlborough Sounds.
“At this stage, no new search areas have been identified and no physical search assets were deployed over the weekend,” Senior Sergeant Payne added.
An independent Search Coordinator will now conduct a peer examination and make any recommendations on the search to date.
“This is standard procedure and will help inform our next steps, including identifying any new search locations,” Senior Sergeant Payne says.
“The coroner has been notified and police are continuing to support the man’s family.”
This is an incredibly difficult time for the man’s whānau, and they have requested not to be contacted by media at this early stage.
The beat goes on at Brookby
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
Friday night in the Southern Valleys was full of the sounds of fun and lit up by lasers as hundreds of people gathered for Brookby Beats.
The Two Rivers team, alongside many of the Southern Valley subregion’s fellow wineries and local foodie favourites, brought their finest drops, delicious dishes and their dancing shoes, with hundreds of eager partiers enjoying the hospitality.
2XM, Murray Sweetpants, Pete Green and Mausili filled eardrums and kept the dancefloor full throughout the evening, while Bec Staples added her acoustic sound for those keen for some more laidback soundtracks.
While Two Rivers hosted the evening, important local connections were crucial within the event with local southern valleys vineyards and Hortbus providing transport. Two Rivers’ marketing manager Shorona McLeay was over the moon with how their second highlight evening went and credited all involved for a smooth organisation of another great event.
“It’s been fantastic - everyone’s had a great evening, and we love to have not only brought a great new event to the Marlborough calendar,” she says.
“Brookby Beats has proved really popular, we’ve been able to make a couple little improvements this year, and we’ll definitely be keen to bring everyone back again”.
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The crowd at Brookby Beats enjoyed the music and good time vibes as the sun went down on a second successful event. Photo: William Woodworth.
Tapping in to creativity
WILLIAM WOODWORTH
A mother-son connection is behind a new art exhibition gracing the walls of one of the Blenheim’s busiest bars.
Il Tragitto (The Journey) is a series of ten paintings by Cora Ingley unveiled at 5Tapped on Wednesday.
Now her work is hanging together for the first time, thanks to bar owner and Coral’s son, Hadyn Mearns.
For the one-time art school student turned business academic, picking up a paintbrush again has been fulfilling.
“It’s a great use for the space and Hadyn’s 5Tapped is a wonderful spot for exposure in a completely new surrounds compared to the central Auckland apartment they were painted in,” she says.
“Setting them up here was the first time I feel they had the space and breathing room, espe-
cially for a series painted over time being able to step back and see them all together has been very refreshing.”
The paintings, which are available to buy, are the result of using colour to reflect Coral’s emotions over a year.
The abstract angle is a change for Coral who says she was once committed to photorealism.
“It’s an interesting change to the abstract, because I’ve also found that you can overwork them, go too far and ruin the emotional connection I feel for them,” she explains.
“I loved photorealism and the detail-orientated nature of it when first painting taught by Colin McCahon, but I’ve now found I no longer have the patience for fine work anymore.”
The show will run for a month at 5Tapped, at 30 Scott Street until March 7. Each of the original artworks will be available for purchase at the end of the exhibition.
Air
to a flying start
Air cadets from across the country are off to a flying start after new skills and handson experience saw some gain their solo wings.
Fifty-two students on the National Aviation Course (Power) were given the chance to train with the experts at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The New Zealand Cadet Force students were immersed in a range of specialised activities, with 23 students achieving their solo wings.
National Aviation Course (Navigation) students developed their skills in air navigation, training in navigation chart reading and plotting and practical air navigation techniques, with all students achieving their navigation brevet.
The January course provided an opportunity for all the students to gain aviation experience, while also providing an opportunity for them to interact with other Air Cadets from across the country.
Coral Ingley and Hadyn Mearns with some of the paintings featured in Il Tragitto. Photo: William Woodworth.
Air Cadets from across the country assembled at RNZAF Base Woodbourne in January. Photo: RNZAF.
‘Are we
being tough enough?’: Wineries fall short on wastewater compliance
MAIA HART, LDR REPORTER
A dozen wineries failed to meet wastewater compliance rules during harvest 2024, with high staff turnover partly to blame, a new report shows.
It’s led a councillor to question whether council staff are being tough enough, with multiple wineries failing to submit reports on time, and others discharging wastewater incorrectly.
Every harvest, the Marlborough District Council monitors wineries that discharge winery waste and grape marc to land, either with a resource consent or as a permitted activity under the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan. During last year’s vintage, 39 wineries were monitored, and deemed either fully compliant, technically non-compliant or non-compliant. There were 22 deemed fully compliant, and four technically non-compliant.
Twelve wineries were deemed non-compliant.
Of those, 10 broke one condition or rule and two wineries broke two or more conditions. One winery was significantly non-compliant. The council does not name non-compliant wineries.
Marlborough District Council environmental protection officer Tonia Stewart told the council’s environmental and planning committee last week that winery wastewater had a high salt concentration, mainly due to chemical cleaning products and grape marc waste.
Components such as salts, nutrients and organic load could negatively affect soil, plant and
aquatic health if not disposed of properly, she said.
“Wastewater needs to be treated before it can be disposed of to land,” she said.
This could include removing solids and making pH adjustments, among other things.
“Many wineries have moved to an automatic system where pH is monitored constantly and automatically dosed with citric acid and caustic soda, and the system will not allow wastewater to be discharged when pH is outside the permitted range,” she said.
“Wineries either have a designated waste disposal area that is planted with vegetation which helps keep the soil healthy, or they have areas of vineyard that they irrigate to once harvest is complete.”
Wineries deemed technically non-compliant had issues such as reports and samples submitted outside the required time frames.
Wineries deemed non-compliant had issues with wastewater ponding, discharging in a sensitive soil area, exceeding daily discharge volumes, exceeding wastewater or soil sampling limits, and exceeding discharge volumes, a report prepared by Stewart for the meeting said.
“Two infringements and one abatement notice were issued for ponding and exceeding soil moisture and density,” Tonia told the committee.
The significantly non-compliant winery, which was not the same winery deemed significantly non-compliant during the 2023 harvest, also received an infringement and an abatement notice.
Marlborough Sounds ward councillor Ben Minehan ques-
tioned if the council was being tough enough.
“This is going on and on and on. Do we need to get harder?” he asked.
Tonia said she believed the council were tough enough, and thought they were getting better compliance through education and getting wineries on board so they were open and honest about their practices.
“If there are significant effects we certainly would act on it. As you can see, we have served infringements and abatement notices.
“I believe working with these wineries individually will have more benefit.”
She later added the wineries had a lot of staff turnover.
The council’s consents and compliance manager Gina Ferguson agreed with Stewart and said they recognised harvest was an incredibly busy period for wineries.
“We have been working with the industry for a number of years and the priority is given to the management for these wastewater systems,” Gina said. “That tends to be what lets them down and what leads to the non-compliance.”
Toni said the 2025 harvest was looking like it would be a “big one in terms of volumes” which would lead to more winery waste.
“Council will continue to work closely with the industry with supportive involvement in pre harvest workshops to address industry related issues such as solid waste disposal and management for the 2025 harvest.
“Wineries will continue to be monitored with site visits conducted to the wineries.”
There were 395,000 tonnes of grapes crushed in New Zealand during the 2024 grape harvest. Photo: Supplied/Marlborough Express.
A tractor sprays grape vines in a vineyard off Stump Creek Lane, Rapaura. Photo: Supplied/Marlborough Express.
Wine and Food fest hits the spot
1.
2.
3. Mikaela Norris, Aimee Maurice, Shannon Henderson, Ami Hammond and Grace Eaton.
4. Ashden Pihema, Josh Reece, Darrell Rarere and Keelan Murrell.
5. Lucinda Butler, Abby Elwood, Teagan Hansen, Aimee Bartle, Olivia Kemp and Poppy Taggart.
7.
8. Kiel Soper and Hannah Carter.
9. Candice and Caroline Bowron.
10.
Ilah Beattie and Demi Johnston.
Matthew Clark and Cheryl Clark.
6. Krystel Ross, Alina Filipo, Russ Smith and Amo Katu.
Jules Kolk, Jenn Kolk, Andrew Goult and Lizzy Goult.
Team Hamilton
Photos: William Woodworth.
Out & About
1. LJ and Stacey Collins, Amali Tahuri, Mitch Avery, Rachael and Manaia Tahuri, Ellae Collins and Lyn Tahuri.
2. Henr y, Jim, Bec and Emma Webster.
3. Olivia, Charlotte and Phil Elworthy.
4. Nigel Tyson and Julie Parry.
5. Jazz and Manaia Jones.
6. Cade and Stella Grice.
7. Grace Van Hensbergen, Archie, Cooper and Denise Roberts.
8. Bec Staples, Woriik and Iwikau Deer.
Photos: William Woodworth
Marlborough Heritage Day at Brayshaw Park
Opinion
Community Comments
Are we being tough enough? Wineries fall short on waste water compliance:
Why aren’t these wineries named? I’d certainly think twice before buying their products.
Steve Tankard.
Being grapes the carpet will be lifted and swept under you can’t knock anything to do with grapes. Brendon Styles.
Of course it is water usage, waste, chemical use and overspray, council have always turned a blind eye because they love the rates they collect. Ben Jones.
Bird poo causing a stink in town I agree they are the equivalent of sewer rats in the sky. Scavenger nastiness. Dropping their waste on council and other authoritarian businesses. There is something that changes though because if you see them soaring majestically above Omaka at sunset, gliding and serene, they fill their bellies on the flies of our twice monthly emptied bins and I thank them. Nature is a blessing.
Lynda Copping.
Put one of those electric owls like Dunedin airport. I’ll try and find a photo of it; they have three huge fake birds there and the owl’s head turns. CJ Hall.
I totally agree. Blenheim town centre is disgusting. Sally Billington.
Quite disgusting walking on that corner. With all the tourists Blenheim has at the moment not a very good look. Smelly, noisy and slippery. Carol Anderson.
Surely the Council must be aware of this problem and is it not their responsibility and care to keep the CBD and Opaoa river clean and pristine? As most businesses and the general public are certainly not receiving a fair and proper response from the local council at the present time, Ray MacDonald.
State Highway maintenance continues in Marlborough Great to see things getting done! One thing though… if the work is on hold, workers gone home for the day, public holiday or weekend, put away the 30km signs. The road is safe to go back to normal until they resume work. Anton Wilson.
STREET YOUR WEEKLY TALK
CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...
Road speed limits are being looked at again along SH6 Blenheim to Nelson road, what do you think?
David Mehrtens
It comes down to the state of the road and the conditions when you’re driving. But right now I’m in an classic car doing 50 miles at most so high limits don’t impact me.
Murray Coomer
Some of the lower end speed sections could do with a change, but overall I think it’s fine.
Demelzia Robertson
Having driven it at first then again more recently, I like it better now – 60 is a little slow but 80 and 90 are fine. Dropping Bells to 80 is silly though.
Chris and John Stratton
We used to drive and stay at 90 with cruise control anyway, because there’s less pressure.
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From Papa New Guinea with love
A former missionary and teacher in Papa New Guinea forged links which have spanned generations. Blenheim woman Beverley Kater sits down with William Woodworth to talk about the legacy she is proud to be part of.
Upon arriving in Port Moresby in the late 1960’s, Beverley Kater had no idea her work and kindness would one day make her an unofficial New Zealand grandmother to the country of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Alongside husband Howard Furlong, Beverley worked as a teacher and missionary throughout the island nation.
Travelling to some of the most isolated parts of the region from 1967 to 1981 – with three kids in tow, and another two born on mission, Beverley made more than friends, she forged ties which would endure.
During her 14 years in PNG, almost nine years at Guala Station, four running a hostel for missionary children and two teaching future pastor couples - Beverley and Howard’s work continues to reverberate down the years.
“The children and now grandchildren have come to New Zealand, whether it’s in Marlborough working or training at university to be teachers, doctors, lawyers, and choose here because at least a little of the work we did,” Beverley smiles.
“I passed down the passion for PNG to my son Bruce, who has been instrumental in helping to get Papuan’s come here and work, so Papua New Guinea comes to me now.”
Howard’s sister had gone to Papa New Guineas as a missionary nurse. Her stories captured Howard and Beverley’s interest and
the pair made the big move.
“It was a big culture shock – arriving at Port Moresby airport there were bare breasted ladies feeding their babies as we disembarked, and I told my husband don’t look!” Beverley laughs.
“But I didn’t mind it, because we just had to adapt to what we had – the kids made their own toys, played around the grounds and found their interests in engineering and flying because of our travels by plane because they knew no different.”
The couple broke down educational barriers across the country.
“The final training role was originally for just the men, but my husband said that he would only take the role if they included the women, so that’s what happened which was quite revolutionary at the time,” Beverley explains.
In 1981, Howard was diagnosed with bowel cancer and died not long after the family returned to New Zealand.
However, the connections they made as a family endured both distance and time.
“We promised to return when the couples graduated from college,” Beverley explains.
“With Howard passing away those same couples raised $800 NZD to buy my flights back for
their graduation. It took so much sacrifice considering they would only be earning money from selling crops and chickens.”
Upon walking up the hill to Guala again, the community had made a huge “Welcome Home” banner – and Beverley says the family still feels that pull ‘home’ to PNG as well.
“I went back probably six or sev-
importance of their land traditionally, so I take so much pride in stories like that”.
For the many Papuans who move to New Zealand for education and jobs, Beverley is an unofficial grandma, and she loves it.
Papuan and Marlborough resident Burie Lilly says after being told of Beverley’s connection to her home, she was eager to meet and have become fast friends.
“She’s just like such a lovely grandma; I was so excited to meet her and share from stories from home.
“But when I met her, I thought that’s such an incredible legacy for a real pioneer to Papua New Guinea,” Burie says.
“I think she was incredibly brave, generous and maybe a little reckless at the time, but she’s given so much and continues to be appreciated.”
en years ago now, and it was incredible how many remember.
“A lady told me ‘My father said I couldn’t go to school, and your husband came to him and persuaded to let me go - and now I’m a schoolteacher.”
“Another man told me that should I pass away, he has land for me to be buried on which is such an honour because of the
Beverley describes her time overseas as a privilege, remarking she got just as much back from the people she was sent to teach.
“It’s a privilege that God sent me there, because even now many have nothing and they’re always smiling, they’re always happy, “We went there to teach them, but from them, I continue learning to this day and it’s formed me into the person you know.”
Howard and Beverley with three of their children pose for a family photo. Photo: Supplied.
Beverley Kater with Burie Lilly. Photo: William Woodworth.
Beverley Kater at Guala Station with local students. Photo: Supplied/Howard Furlong.
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SPORT
Wairau claim T20 crown
PETER JONES
Wairau are the 2024-25 senior Twenty20 cricket champions after dethroning Celtic at Horton Park on Friday night.
After setting a testing target of 148, Wairau defended it superbly, holding Celtic to 136-8 when stumps were drawn, a victory by 11 runs.
After winning the toss Wairau elected to bat first, keen to get runs on the board and predicting the pitch would be easier to bat on from the outset.
Their plans backfired early, Celtic medium pacer Liam Young picking up three quick wickets, including the prized scalp of rep player/coach Andrew McCaa for 14 from 12 balls.
However, this setback merely brought Griffin Carter and man-of-the-match Harry Boyce together, the pair initially taking their time but eventually combining in a vital 44-run partnership to consolidate the Wairau innings. When Carter went for 24 from 27 balls in the 15th over, the Blue and Whites were well placed to push on towards a defendable total at 4-73.
However, Wairau needed to dramatically lift their scoring rate and Boyce, who had scored just 19 from 30 balls when Carter departed, was the man for the big occasion as the overs ticked by.
A 17-run 16th over provided plenty of impetus as he claimed centre stage, adding 73 runs alongside Joel Lavender. Boyce personally added 58 runs from the final five overs, racing to an unbeaten game-changing 77 runs from 52 balls, with six fours and
four sixes.
Celtic’s bowlers, led by Young’s 3-18 from four, toiled hard but had few answers as Boyce continued to find the gaps in the field.
Luke Holdaway claimed 1/21 from four, while Greg Knowles was reasonably economical, conceding just 21 from his four overs at the start.
The Green and Golds needed a solid start and got one, Greg Knowles and Tom Sloan, 16 from 13, taking the score through to 26
before Sloan was bowled by Zariab Karkaria. Ben Holdaway followed soon after with the score at 34, before Tom Sutherland joined Knowles for a 35-run partnership which saw the Celts on track at the halfway stage.
However, within two overs the game turned, Knowles falling to Carter’s off spin for 41 from 35 runs then, in the following over, Sutherland departing for just nine runs.
At 4-71 from 12 overs, and need-
ing over nine runs an over for the remainder of the game, Celtic required someone to replicate Boyce’s middle order heroics and club stalwart Ben Blackman stepped up.
A couple of big overs brought the defending champs back into contention, Blackman smashing 47 from just 31 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
However, when he was bowled by Karkaria in the 18th over, Celtic still required 23 runs from the fi-
nal two overs.
With the experienced duo of Mike Croad and McCaa to contend with, Celtic’s batsmen could only muster another 11 runs, leaving their rivals to celebrate a well-deserved victory.
Karkaria was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4-32 from four overs. Baxter Croad bowled economically, conceding just 14 from his three overs, McCaa was also parsimonious, taking 1-14 from four, while Carter claimed 2-25 from four.
Third grade final
Wairau’s third grade side added to a good weekend for the club, claiming the grade’s T20 title on Saturday afternoon.
On Horton Park’s number one wicket they took on Celtic and came away with a comprehensive 43-run victory.
Sent in to bat, Wairau amassed a formidable 158-6 from their 20 overs, opener Billy Hurren leading the way with 53 from 37, Fionn Heagney adding 41 from 37 and Dom Alexander 27 from 26. Maui de Wildt bagged 2-37 while Oliver Kennedy claimed 2-24.
Celtic were always behind the eight ball in their run chase, eventually ending at 115-7. Oliver Kennedy scored 29 from 20, Kobi Kennedy 22 from 24 and de Wildt 19 from 21. Wairau’s bowlers were economical. Hurren bagged 2-23 from his four overs, Thomas Heagney 2-21 from four, Fionn Heagney 1-16 from four, Aiden Batty 1-9 from two and Eddie Russell 1-7 from two. Both second grade T20 finals are on Thursday.
TOP: Wairau were winners of Friday’s senior T20 cricket final. Left: Harry Boyce hits out on his way to a quickfire 77. Right: Aiden Batty bowling in the third grade final for Wairau. Photos: Peter Jones.
Godzone resurrected
PETER JONES
One of the nation’s iconic events is back on the radar, and Marlborough may be set to benefit. It was announced last week that a new adventure racing charitable trust, fronted by Richie McCaw, will facilitate the return of One NZ Godzone, New Zealand’s pre-eminent expedition adventure race.
The Trust [PACT] aim to put Godzone, which has twice been staged in Marlborough, back on the sporting calendar after a twoyear hiatus. They plan to host the iconic eight-day event in the next 12 months.
Up to 100 teams of four would hike, bike, kayak and pack raft through remote regions for up to nine days, covering around 600km, in an ultimate test of navigation and survival.
The first Godzone began in Milford Sound in 2012, and the race became revered in New Zealand
and internationally, showcasing the country’s wilderness and athletes.
However, in 2023 it all fell apart. Firstly, the planned 2024 event, to be hosted in Marlborough, was cancelled five months out, then, a day later, organisers pulled the plug on the event, at that stage for good.
Now, it is back on the sporting calendar.
A group of high-profile sportspeople and past Godzone competitors have instigated PACT, which will be a registered charitable entity. This includes former All Blacks legend McCaw, current New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol, world champion adventure racer Sophie Hart, One NZ GODZONE race director Adam Fairmaid, triathlete Michele Frey, AWS Legal lawyer and representative rugby coach Damien Pine and Southland adventure racers Chris Stewart and David (Ginge)
Burnett.
Richie has competed in four Godzone chapters. He is front-footing PACT alongside Rob to see the event return to its glory days.
“One NZ Godzone represents the ultimate New Zealand adventure that, over a five-to eight-day period, absolutely tests you both mentally and physically,” says Richie.
“It’s a gruelling and rewarding challenge – one of the toughest out there - where team dynamics are critical to everyone in your team crossing the finish line which is something I personally enjoy. Godzone has impacted my life in so many ways and continues to be an inspiration.”
Planning for the twelfth chapter of One NZ Godzone is well underway, with PACT engaging with high-profile sponsors, regional councils and the Department of Conservation to support the event delivery.
The
One athlete delighted to see Godzone revived is Marlborough adventure racer Jeremy McKenzie, who has been involved in four editions. In 2014, as part of the Absolute Wilderness team which raced in the Kaikoura-based event, he finished third.
“It is super exciting to have Godzone back on the race calendar,” he said.
“It has built into an iconic event with what it has created for so many people. [Godzone] is inspi-
rational across young, old, male, female, including those who are out for an adventure or at the pointy end to win.
“The team dynamics, mental and physical requirements create true resilience and character which are essential for life.
“Hopefully we can see it one day back on the doorstep here in Marlborough where we can showcase world class scenery with, wine, seafood and Marlborough hospitality,” Jeremy added.
Smithers registers sea swim double
PETER JONES
Choppy seas tested both the stamina and strokes of participants in the annual Hipkins Cup sea swim from Rarangi to Whites Bay on Sunday, February 2. Despite calm seas prevailing prior to setting the course, as the race start approached so did the southerly change which brought with it some very testing conditions including white caps, a good amount of chop, and a reasonably strong breeze going against the outgoing tide.
As often happens, an hour after the race finished the water was flat calm again. Twenty swimmers took the plunge with an age range of 14 to mid-70s, including a couple of brave souls with no wetsuits. Due to the conditions three swimmers pulled out early into the swim and returned to the start at Rarangi Beach.
From the start Chris Smithers, last year’s winner, set out strongly and rounded the first marker ahead of the field before pushing on to finish first in a time of 27 minutes 11 seconds, followed by previous race winners George Glover (28.48) and Paul Sell (31.39). Sell was followed closely by young guns Scott Keay (32.00) and Ryan Marfell (32.06), making a tight finish for third to fifth.
In seventh place was the first female finisher, Koko Wong, with a time of 34.33.
Hannah Gilhooly took out the youngest swimmer trophy with a respectable time of 41.51 at the age of 14 while at the other end of the age spectrum Peter Colbert, creeping closer to the early 70s managed a good time after a battle with the tides, finishing in 44.06.
Sponsors included Meaters of Marlborough, and Pak ‘n Save Blenheim.
HOMES CHECK
For all new rental property clients, we will provide a free independent Healthy Homes check and the
Marlborough-based Go Fence team at Godzone Rotorua in 2021. From left: Glenn Blackmore, Mandy Macfarlane, Kieran Hickman and Jeremy McKenzie. Photo: Supplied.
Trophy winners, from left, Chris Smithers (first overall), Koko Wong (first female), Hannah Gilhooly (youngest), Peter Colbert (oldest). Photo: Supplied.
Virginia Taylor Blenheim
Viv Smith Blenheim
Stacey Tredo Picton
Brown Blenheim
Rowers return with 10 medals
PETER JONES
The Wairau Rowing Club contingent returned from the recent South Island championships at Lake Ruataniwha with five gold medals, three silvers and two bronze.
Wairau’s potent mix of senior athletes, plus rowers from Marlborough Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges, enjoyed the superb rowing conditions and a chance to put their training into action as they prepared for bigger regattas further down the track.
Wairau RC coach Mark James described it as a “fabulous regatta”.
“We were a little bit worried that we were in the big time but [the crews] really fired, which is great.
“With the school rowers still in holiday mode you wonder how they will perform, but for them to
be properly refreshed and excited to be back together again, I think that makes a difference. They have a month or so before going back to Ruataniwha for the South Island schools champs so there is a lot of work for them to do.”
Among the senior crews, Mark said one in particular stood out.
“Mark Stallard’s crew of Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk were outstanding, just outstanding, which bears testament to the hard work they have done. They have certainly worked harder than anybody else in the club.”
He also pointed to the efforts of the men’s club pair of Liam Kirkland and James Ripley, who picked up their first gold medal at this level, a reward for perseverance. Also of note was the feat of former MGC rower Lexi Timpson, who picked up bronze in the
Sport in brief
Neve at the double Marlborough cyclist Neve McKenzie, pictured speeding towards the finish line in the road race, is a double national champion after winning both the under-19 road race and time trial at the Elite Road National Championships in Timaru. On Thursday, Neve claimed the time trial title over the 14.8km course by an 18-second margin, in a time of 25.01 minutes. The following day she went back-to-back, winning the road race in a sprint finish by five seconds. The 69km race, contested over three circuits, remained tight until the final climb, where Neve proved the strongest. Neve’s brother Finn also competed, finishing 10th in the under-23 men’s time trial. In the elite men’s road
women’s senior single.
“It was fantastic to see her in the individual event really putting it out there,” said Mark.
Next up for the senior Wairau contingent is nationals at Ru-
race former Marlburian Ethan Batt finished 29th while Lachlan McNabb, soon bound for another season in Europe, came 39th in a world class field.
Rower calls time
ataniwha from February 18-22.
SI champs medal haul
GOLD: Men’s premier pair (Fred Vavasour, Henry Kirk)
Women’s senior pair (Daisy Vavasour, Mila van Rensburg)
the Tokyo Olympics. In 2020 Tristan won gold in the men’s premier single sculls at the South Island champs, then followed up in 2023 with victory in the men’s club singles sculls and silver in the men’s eight.
Men’s senior double (Ashley-James Fitzgerald, Fynn Allison)
Women’s club pair (Eliza Glover, Georgette Herkt)
Men’s club pair (Liam Kirkland, James Ripley)
SILVER: Girls under 15 quad (Charlie Bennett, Poppy Fernandez, Izzy McLauchlan, Emma Eyles, Hayley Sutherland - cox)
Women’s intermediate four (Bennett, Maisie Shenfield, Fernandez, Eyles, Sutherland – cox)
Women’s under-19 four (Glover, Herkt, Lily Smith, Iris Vavasour, Molly Hoban – cox)
BRONZE: Women’s senior single (Lexi Timpson)
Girls under 15 octuple sculls (Bennett, Eyles, Shenfield, Daisy Lindstrom, Ruby Lindstrom, Fernandez, McLauchlan, Georgie Fissenden, Sutherland – cox)
Wairau rower Tristan Gregory-Hunt has called time on a successful career, which earned him national honours. Health issues prompted him to hang up his oars after 14 years on the water. He began his career with the Hawke’s Bay Rowing Club, then rowed for the Victoria University club in Wellington, gaining a place in the NZ University team which took on Australia. In 2016 he moved to Marlborough and hooked up with the Wairau club, winning his first national medal in 2017, in the club single. The following year he joined the Central RPC squad as an elite lightweight and had a stellar career thereafter, coming close to making the cut for
Dr Dave does it
Dave Edgar has claimed the Triple Crown of New Zealand long-distance swimming, crossing Foveaux Strait on Saturday in nine hours 52 minutes. Dave started at 8am from his foothold on Stewart Island, touching down on the Mainland around 5.50pm. Although the swim distance was 28km, point-to-point, with prevailing tides and sea conditions Dave covered 32.6km. He said he saw no sharks as he surged through the 14 degree water. To achieve the Triple Crown, swimmers must cover the length of Lake Taupo, cross Cook Strait and complete the Foveaux Strait journey.
Old Boys basketball
Two Marlborough Boys’ College Old Boys basketball teams relished taking on their Nelson counterparts in the inaugural Old Boys Cup tournament, played in Nelson on February 1-2. Teams played three pool games before meeting to decide final standings. Both MBCOB teams won two out of three pool games and then met each other in a play-off for third and fourth, the Blue team prevailing. Final standings: 1 Nayland, 2 Nelson College OB, 3 MBCOB Blue, 4 MBCOB White. Marlborough players Toby Baker, Blake Love and Leon Wightwick were selected for the under-23 Tournament team while Matt Pigou, pictured above, was chosen in the All Star Tournament team.
Daisy Vavasour, left, and Mila van Rensburg won the women’s senior pair. Photo: Supplied.
CRUSADERS vs HURRICANES
WARATAHS vs HIGHLANDERS
DRUA vs BRUMBIES BLUES vs CHIEFS FORCE vs MOANA
TRADES + SERVICES
or
DAVIES: Thirza
Passed away on 23rd January 2025, aged 93, at Ashwood Retirement Village. Wife of the late Nick Davies. She was a loving Mother and Mother-in-Law to Craig and Di, Coral and Shane, Arron and Jenny. Beloved Grandmother to Jade Davies and Tiffany McLeod. Great Grandmother to Jordan, Taylah, Mela, Eva, Cooper and Mackenzie. She will be sadly missed by all. At peace now. Messages can be sent to 1/22 Lane Street, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremation has taken place.
JOHNSEN; Moana
Suddenly at home on the 5 February 2025, aged 62. Wife of Michael, loved mother of Tiri, Meriana, Wiremu, and Hane. Stepmother of Sapphira, beloved nana to Isabella, Sam, Piper, Madison and Heath. Mother-in-law to Jess, Tim, Gabe, Rachael, and Pikihuia.
A friend to anyone who saw her smile, a huge heart, lover of horses and most importantly of her whanau. Messages c/- 41 Weld Road, RD 1, Seddon 7285 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A service has been held at the Mangamaunu Marae, north of Kaikoura.
BELL: Ruth Anna Margaret
Passed away peacefully on 8 February 2025 at Redwood Lifestyle Village, aged 85 years. Much loved wife of the late Stan and a loved mother and motherin-law of Dennis and Dawn (and the late Gretchen); Marilyn and Steve Day; Christine and Rex Weaver; Trev and Coral; Doug and Rachael; and Ken and Orr.
A cherished Nana, great Nana, great-great Nana and a loved aunty and friend to many. Messages to the Bell family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Very special thanks to the incredible staff and management at Redwood Lifestyle Village for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 5 Henry Street Blenheim would be appreciated or may be made at the service. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at St Andrews Presbyterian Church TODAY, Wednesday 12 February at 2.00pm followed by private cremation.
Locally Family Owned - Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ
Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
