Marlborough Weekly 12 March 2024

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Personal growth

Having a blast

Touch season winds up

Sky high celebrations

PAULA HULBURT

A charity that’s helped thousands of Marlborough students is celebrating turning ten – and wants people to leap from the skies to celebrate.

Children across Marlborough have been benefitting from the Graeme Dingle life skills initiative Kiwi Can for a decade.

And to mark the momentous milestone, staff have revealed their popular Drop for Youth

fundraiser will again go to great heights.

Regional Manager Kelvin Watt says the parachute drop is a great way to pay it forward.

“We know that there are many more Marlburians waiting for this opportunity to step, jump, fall or be pushed out of their comfort zone… so we’re bringing everyone together and providing that space again this year.

“What better way to celebrate a decade of making a difference,

than paying it forward for the next decade.”

One of the first to sign up was Marlborough Boys’ College student Manaia Huntley.

After going through a cancer battle, Manaia says Kiwi Can helped him realise his potential.

“I had heard people calling me resilient during my [cancer] treatment, but I didn’t understand what the word meant.

“In Kiwi Can we learned about important values like resilience.

To me resilience is never giving up and trying again and again no matter how hard something might be.

“Kiwi Can helped me realise that I was super resilient, and knowing this is something that will help me for the rest of my life.”

Manaia says he met children during his cancer treatment who did not survive.

By doing the charity jump and pledging to raise a minimum of $1000, Manaia says he is also

honouring those youngsters by making the most of every opportunity.

“I want to do everything I can to make them proud. I can do this by making the most of every opportunity that comes my waylike jumping out of a plane.

“You never know what can happen in life and I think the most important thing is to be a good person and help other people.”

Marlborough Boys’ College student Manaia Huntly with Kandoo Kiwi and Paul Eden from Springlands Lifestyle Village. Photo: William Woodworth.

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Senior Expo experience a hit at home

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A chance to get some hands-on help and discover all Marlborough has to offer its senior community has been a big hit.

Hundreds of people attended the annual Senior Expo last week at the Events Centre.

With more than 45 stalls covering services such as library access and information outreach services to friendship and sporting groups, there was plenty on offer. And organisers and stallholders alike were pleased to be able to get in touch with the people they are there for.

“I think both us and the people we speak with get more out of these sorts of events because we actually speak with the people whose lives we impact through our work at the Community Advice Bureau,” says local coordinator Nathan Hanson.

“It means people we haven’t met yet can come to us so we can help direct them in the right way to get the assistance they need.” The event has become key for many local organisations, with applications coming in as early as

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Jill and Lynda from the local Red Hat Society’s Kiwi Damsels in De-Stress organisation say their goals of creating friendships is always more relatable in person.

“Social connections are so important, especially in places like Blenheim where people come from all over the world and all walks of life to live without

pre-existing connections,” says Jill.

“I think our bright red hats and purple uniforms are really inviting because people are curious as to what we do, which is just providing a place to foster friendships without committees and to grow old disgracefully,” she laughs.

Marlborough District Council

Kiwi Can celebrates 10-year milestone

FROM PAGE 1

In 2014 Kiwi Can began with three part-time staff and around 350 primary-aged students in Marlborough.

By 2023, almost 5000 local young people had benefited from the programme. Blenheim Toyota’s Scott McDermid and Fairfield Construction’s Katja Thompson have also been quick to pledge their support and sign up for the parachute jump.

Jumping out of a plane to help, is a no-brainer, Scott says.

“We’ve been proud to be supporters of Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough for seven years now, and I’m happy to jump out of a perfectly good plane if it helps thousands more of our local young people.

“How can you say no to a good cause like that.”

Katja says her own children have been

Community Partnership Officer Natalie Lawler says they were able to help many people on the day.

“The Expo has been fantastic, we’ve had really positive feedback from attendees and stallholders alike and everyone has been wowed by the amount of people and positive conversations being had.

through the Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes.

“We love the way the team are helping support our young people to find their pathway and become amazing humans.

So, I’m going to be strapping into a parachute this year and helping them raise the funds to keep up this important work.

After all, it takes a village to raise our kids, so we all have to step up and make it happen.”

Kelvin says support from the community has been key to the initiative’s success.

“We’re super proud of the progress we’ve made in the last decade, in meeting the needs of young people across the region, but also in connecting the resources to do that effectively,” he says. “We are very conscious of the high level of community support needed to do what we do.”

“We’re glad to be able to cover a few things, as we’ve had lots of queries about the wheelie bins and showing everything that our libraries can do.

“It’s been really good to have these face-to-face opportunities to explain what we do and help people learn more on what is available for them in their community.”

News in brief

POWER TRUST MINUTES

RELEASED

The long-awaited release of the minutes to the last Marlborough Electric Power Trust 77 days ago have now been released. The minutes describe an involved discussion between current trustees and Marlborough Lines CEO Tim Cosgrove and interested parties from at the meeting on December 19th, 2023. However, Brendon Burns, a current candidate for the Trust in the upcoming election has called them “lame and incomplete”, in a letter to the Marlborough Weekly.

Read the minutes at https://www.mept.co.nz/as sets/img/826079.pdf

FROM BLENHEIM TO BROADWAY

Marlborough Academy of Music is proud to present a fundraising evening for 4 of its students who have been selected to represent New Zealand with the Kiwi All-Stars team travelling to the USA in Jan 2025. Alice and Amelia Kingi, James Dight, and Tommy Phipps have the opportunity of a lifetime to perform on Broadway, learn from industry professionals, and take part in the Junior Theatre Festival in Sacramento, California. Purchase your tickets from https://www.asbtheatre.com/events/ broadway-bound/

The Senior Expo saw hundreds of attendees connect with community group stalls for all of our elderly’s needs. Photo: William Woodworth.

Stopbanks at

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

Two stopbanks protecting a small Marlborough settlement are at “catastrophic” risk of failure. Repairs and upgrades of the stopbanks - along Peninsula Rd in Spring Creek - are expected to cost $8.7 million.

The stopbanks are critical for protecting the township of about 600 people. The town is also near State Highway 1 and KiwiRail’s main north line.

One of the stopbanks started showing signs of cracking after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. Cracks started to appear in the lower section of the other one in the July 2021 floods.

Andy White, the rivers manager at the Marlborough District Council, said the stopbank also had “significant overtopping” in the flood - the first of back-to-back winter floods - which was the first stage of stopbank failure.

A report prepared by White for the council’s long-term plan budget meeting in February said until the work was undertaken, the stopbanks remained at an elevated risk of failing.

“At the peak of the flood, rivers engineers reported feeling a swelling movement in the bank, suggesting

an internal loss of stability,” the report said.

“Without a timely response, the situation will only worsen, both in repair/upgrade costs, and risk of catastrophic failure.”

Most of the funding would not be needed until after the next financial year, which meant the work had minimal impact on the 2024-25 draft rates rise, which was 12.65%.

The council had consulted with engineering company Beca, and Land River Sea in June last year to complete the required site investigation and survey work, ahead of concept design, White’s report said.

“Initial estimates suggest approximately 30-35,000 tonnes of rock will be required for armouring purposes alone, equating to over

It’s the perfect time to style your home, your way.

half the budget requested. “Reconstruction and upgrade of the stopbanks is expected to cost the remainder of the budget after accounting for design costs and enabling works.”

Wairau-Awatere ward councillor Gerald Hope said the money needed to be spent given the risk to human life.

He reminded council of flooding in 1983, when the Wairau River, north of Spring Creek, broke its banks, and wrecked havoc in Tuamarina.

“Luckily no lives were lost but it was that close,” Hope said.

“So these things have got to be put right. The sooner the better.”

Fellow Wairau-Awatere ward councillor Scott Adams said it was an important piece of work locally, but also for transport that used State Highway 1 and KiwiRail.

“I don’t like spending money but this is a key part of council responsibility. We do have to spend some big dollars,” Adams said.

Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said the upgrades were needed to protect the community, which from her memory had to evacuate during the July 2021 flooding.

The stopbank repairs were mooted as part of the council’s long-term plan 2024/2034 and would go out for public consultation from April 4 to May 6.

The council had submitted to the Government’s “Before the Deluge” for co-investment, but it had been unsuccessful at two previous funding rounds.

Flooding on Chaytors Rd near Spring Creek in July 2021. Inset: Spring Creek, north of Blenheim, borders the Wairau River, where two stopbanks need major repairs. Photos: Supplied.

Seeing smiling faces and cleaner shores

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A week of events celebrating Marlborough’s beaches has seen volunteers give coastal areas a clean.

Seaweek, run by the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre, has been going since 1992 as New Zealand’s annual sea appreciation week.

Marlborough Conservation Events and Envirohub Marlborough joined forces to tackle trash on Rarangi, Picton and Shelley Beaches.

The community groups collaborated to help keep the popular outdoor spaces rubbish free.

Waitohi Sounds Community Ranger Miranda van der Linde says the idea is to get as many groups and individuals involved as possible.

“This year is the 7th of the Massive Marlborough Clean Up, with the aim of getting as many groups and individuals as possible involved in reducing the rubbish in our oceans in a multi-group, multi-location clean-up of Marlborough’s beaches and waterways.”

“Rarangi Beach was cleaned by more than 60 people of all ages, and a trailer load of rubbish was collected that included tyres and

construction materials. The majority [of rubbish] were drink cans, plastic lids and small plastic pieces that fragment in the elements and persist in the environment for many years.”

Envirohub Marlborough’s Ailie Suzuki is incredibly pleased by the community spirit shown.

“We’re involved in beach clean-

ups, the Litter Intelligence Project as a part of our marine conservation efforts and now we have Seaweek backing us in return, we’re also on board the Massive Marlborough Clean Up in whatever capacity”.

Ailie says getting people out in their seaside environments is a major key to a higher environ-

mental appreciation.

“One of our founding goals was to get Marlburians to experience our beautiful backyard, including the ocean and the Sounds, especially those who don’t necessarily can go out and enjoy it.

“Sunday’s Children’s Day Ocean Adventure Cruise takes local families out on water who pri-

marily have never had the opportunity to explore the Sounds fully sponsored out to Lochmara to the underwater observatory and the natural beauty there too.”

However, Ailie says the Litter Intelligence Project, which collects, measures, quantifies and records rubbish to find patterns, has meant she has started looking into what rubbish gets found at different cleanup sites.

“With most beach cleanups in the Sounds or at our Spring Clean, where we get Waikawa Dive Centre divers in the water, you get tyres, lumber, ropes, and fishing refuse but also secluded spots people use as dumping sites.

“The closer to civilisation you get more wrappers, cans, beer bottles, and still a surprising amount of cigarette butts – especially with how they leach into our soil, beaches and oceans”.

“When Picton has a big influx cruises or festivals, or even a windy rubbish day, bins overflow or spill so wheelie bins will be a godsend to prevent that.

“We know most people are good about their rubbish, but part of our mission is also to show people how much waste we make and finding more sustainable options to reduce the need for rubbish in general.”

Part of the Rarangi Beach cleanup’s haul Photo: Marlborough Conservation Events. Inset: Envirohub Marlborough’s Ailie Suzuki.

Photo: William Woodworth.

House to house for Hugo

A doting dad is raising money for the charity which helped save both his wife and premature baby son.

Michael Rea is undertaking the House-to-House Challenge for Ronald McDonald House.

The father of two is aiming to clock up 210km this month through a combination of running, walking, cycling, and swimming.

Families with a child in hospital travel an average of 210km, from their house to Ronald McDonald House.

All monies will go the charity which helped Michael, wife Jess Rea and son Hugo who was born at 32 weeks in 2021.

The family spent two weeks at Wellington Hospital, staying at Ronald McDonald House while Hugo was treated.

“With such a close family connection I felt compelled, because you never really know how vital the work RMHC does until people you care about need it,” Michael explains.

“Lifeflight and the RMHC saved my wife and son’s life, so raising funds for people in the same situation and getting stuck in is the least I could do.”

As Michael approaches the halfway mark of the month, he has been spurred on by community

support.

His original funding goal of $1000 was raised in the first 48 hours of the campaign.

“I’m feeling really good so far with the exercise, honestly the biggest struggle has been fitting it all in between work and family life but I’ve been out there pounding pavement with a really fulfilling reason,” says Michael.

“I set a goal of varying up what I do with running and swimming, but I already know cycling will be a big metre eater because I’ve done a few rides like the Taylor/ Redwood Pass loop before.

“I’ve connected with the fami-

ly as well, like a 21 km ride with my brother in Christchurch and planning to finish off the 210km with nine of us doing a hike of Mt Angelus – so hopefully I’ll be fit enough by then to do it,” he laughs.

“There’s still plenty of K’s to cover, so hopefully Marlborough can get behind such a great cause with funds or cheering me or any supporters on out there, because support of any kind is appreciated.”

Support Michael’s Ronald McDonald House to House Challenge fundraiser at https://housetohouse. org.nz/michael-rea

Red Cross paves way for race relations

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Multiple generations have been uprooted from their homes; their stories are varied but the underlaying distress is the same.

Marlborough’s recent migrant families arrive in the region hoping for the best as they prepare to settle in their new communities.

The Red Cross, contracted by Immigration NZ in eight regions, helps with tenancy, schooling, and doctors and more.

informs the Marlborough Red Cross, the local team begins organising a warm welcome for the region’s newest residents.

Case managers are their first point of connection, whether in Auckland or through calls before meeting at Marlborough Airport.

And Marlborough Red Cross Pathways to Settlement Manager Marvin Gorospe says community spirit is more important than ever.

“Marlborough is receiving large families, especially from the Rohingya minority in Myanmar fleeing persecution there, but also settling Colombian and Venezuelan communities here”, says Marvin. “Regions are assigned ethnicities, because it means fostering connections and transitions are easier by having settled communities from the same countries already here.”

When Immigration New Zealand

Marvin says while English lessons, jobs and social services help build a new life, social involvement in a shared passion is key.

“People moving to Marlborough may share basics like where they are from, but everyone has a different journey getting here, and so generally are starting completely new,” explains Marvin. The next step for Marvin is having community groups participating in the community independently, building connections both within migrant communities, and other organisations.

“By building self-sustaining communities, there’s a solid community base which means new migrants can assimilate independent of our help and instantly feel welcome in Marlborough.”

Michael Rea knows firsthand the importance of funding Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. Photo: Supplied.

Marvin Gorospe

Soggy doggies make a splash

Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 hosted a special swim for canine companions on Sunday with their inaugural Dog Day Out.

As part of the Stadium’s community outreach program, which aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles for people and pets, 50 dogs and their owners enjoyed a late summer Sunday swim with funds raised supporting Marlborough Four Paws care for stray animals.

The facility’s outdoor swimming pool was opened for dogs and their

owners to enjoy a sunny Sunday splash around and a swim togeth er, before the pool is closed for the winter season and thoroughly cleaned.

Owners, lifeguards and animal con trol were on hand to ensure all dog gy paddlers were swimming safely and playing properly with one an other.

“Our 50 spots sold out in about four hours, and it’s been a really fun day out”, says Stadium 2000’s Opera tions Lead Jack Foley.

Healing horticulture at root of wellbeing

The origin story of Healing Horticulture comes from Don’s joint love for gardening and work as a mental health advocate.

An experienced horticulture tutor at NMIT’s Blenheim campus, he recalls being called out of a class to help with a severe mental health situation.

Don knew then he wanted to help others struggling with depression and loneliness.

“When we talk about people’s mental health as a cliff, people don’t just throw themselves off it suddenly.

“Healing Horticulture aims to grow a hedge at the top of that proverbial cliff to block that option with another purpose,” he explains.

“Whenever I get overwhelmed, which everyone does, that story is my driver to keep going and Healing Horticulture is about finding people something to drive their wellbeing.”

Healing Horticulture is a series of 6-week Wednesday evening courses which starts again in May.

Don credits the supportive environment at NMIT for ensuring people are in a good space – both mentally and physically.

“I’ve never worked in a more supportive environment,” Don says.

“Whether that’s for people’s learning or openness to ensure that the people here are good in every sense of their lives.

“In both my Healing Horticulture course and my NMIT classes, I start by asking people how they are feeling today on a scale are from one, terrible, and five, brilliant.

“When people say one or two, I know that they aren’t having a great time in some sense of their life.

“I’m conscious when asking someone “how are you, really” it breaks down walls people put up, which is the start to a support journey.”

Healing Horticulture teaches seed sowing, weather, soil, and plant science, composting, tool sharpening and practical gardening skills.

Outdoor horticultural work boosts serotonin, which Don says is why people who love gardening

feel a kind of physiological addiction to it.

In his classes, much of the wellbeing work is done organically by attendees in break-out groups and during the practical sessions.

“You learn so much more about yourself and other people when you work alongside them – I mean, I got to know my now son-

in-law really well painting a roof,”

Don says.

“Working alongside other people builds trust and relaxes people, and relaxed people are more open and honest with themselves and each other.”

Don tells a firsthand example on this in action, where he dressed up as a fairy on Pink Shirt Day and

visited classrooms speaking about anti-bullying.

“I had six people stop me to have a conversation about their own bullying experiences and started to help them work through it.”

However, he also says that Healing Horticulture is also a response to the overwhelmed state of New Zealand’s mental health management systems.

“When there’s a six-month waitlist minimum to see a therapist, communities must start looking after one another by being present, aware, and awake to signs that people around them are struggling.

“Anyone can do it, but there’s so many other things that take up our lives that we forget how vital community, service and putting a smile on people’s faces is.”

“… what seems overwhelming is easily done when lots of people do a little.”

Don is running Healing Horticulture from 1 May – 5 June, 24 July to 28 August and 16 October – 20 November 2024

Go to www.healinghorticulture. org or email doncross@xtra.co.nz

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Don Cross’s horticultural expertise and drive to help people’s wellbeing have combined into his Healing Horticultural courses.

Photo: William Woodworth.

Eire dives in. William Woodworth.

Festival feeling

Blenheim’s Pollard Park was filled with colourful performances, and cross-cultural collaborations as the 2024 Marlborough Multicultural Festival got underway.

Celebrating Marlborough’s many different cultures, the festival proved a big hit with more than 200 performers sharing their talents with delighted audiences.

And organisers, stall holders and attendees have said this year’s festival is easily the largest and most diverse annual celebration yet. In between helping backstage and performing on the well-attended main stage, Marlborough Multicultural Centre’s Marcelo Gonzalez said the day was “fabulous.”

“It’s been a fantastic day celebrating our differences and coming together to learn about each other.”

Dancers, singers and perform-

ers from the region and further afield wowed the large, supportive and vocal audience throughout the day.

A major highlight for all was the Multicultural Parade. It began as an impromptu Latin dance party, alongside the Chinese Association’s dragon dancers backed by a mix of the South American band and Marlborough’s Pipe Band in a tangible show of cross-cultural celebration.

Marlburians from China, Scotland, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Fiji, Vanuatu - as well as Marlborough for Ceasefire under the Palestinian flag joined in.

Visitors could learn about Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chilean arts and crafts, Ukrainian hair braids, or taste-test a range of tasty treats – with Envirohub Marlborough on hand with reus-

able cutlery.

Dr Shilinka Smith and Becky Chin, guest speakers at Friday morning’s Zonta Club of Marlborough for International Women’s Day on promoting diversity and belonging in communities, were thrilled to see what they said

were crucial things that create positive connections within communities happening throughout the day.

“It’s the little moments where you see that spark of understanding between people who may be strangers but want, and general-

ly always do, find something in common I think I and many others really value”, says Becky. “We should want to immerse ourselves in each other’s cultures and give people the opportunity to share the variety that makes us human”.

Marlborough Farmers Market gains momentum

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Farmers’ Markets are a staple of communities across New Zealand, and for National Farmers’ Market Week, Marlborough’s stallholders are making it extra special.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market organisers are putting together a special morning, with a series of spot prizes, including a $200 market package provided by the stallholders.

And with other competitions like loudest shirt, stallholders and organisers are eager to see regulars and newcomers support local small businesses and food producers.

“Marlborough’s Farmers Market is one of 40 across New Zealand, and thanks to people like Jenny Crumb from Windsong Orchard and Chris Fortune who have been

key since its founding in 2001, it’s become a real Sunday morning community gathering each week”, says Market representative and stallholder Simon Lamb. A member of the national Farmers Market NZ organisation, the market is a direct source for Marlborough producers and consumers to meet one another.

It also fosters a spirit of collaboration between the 30 plus stalls, says Simon.

“Farmers Market NZ has three rules – to ensure its food and services comes from nearby defined areas and that locals are involved in the growing and making of the produce, so shoppers know that their money is going directly back

into local providers”, he says.

“Many of the stallholders have the Marlborough market on Sunday, and the Saturday Nelson market, as a key part to their income.

“The community around the Marlborough market is great, and we’re seeing more attendees consistently because more people are noticing the cost of living and seeing the value Farmers’ Markets bring while also helping stallholders flourish as local businesses.

“The majority of attendees are adventurous with trying something new and chat to stallholders about their produce.

“It’s important for us to also be a weekly opportunity to connect with our community.”

Simon says that stallholders value the input they get from their shoppers, with it being an important opportunity to speak with a major

cross-section of Marlborough.

“People are so eager here – we open at 9am officially but the keenest shoppers are here at 8am. “We really pride ourselves on providing variety, because it’s important to make these close connections across our community.

“Alongside our produce, we’ve got amazing places to eat across different cultures, great sweet treats and coffee all from local businesses alongside the produce.

“There’s really something made here for everyone and we hope to celebrate that with as many people as possible this Sunday.”

The Marlborough Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday at Blenheim’s A&P Park – head along to celebrate Farmers’ Market Week this Sunday 17 March.

The Marlborough Farmers Market is going from strength to strength and looks forward to celebrating Farmer’s Market Week this Sunday. Photo: William Woodworth.

A Scottish, Irish and PNG alliance formed. Photo: William Woodworth.

Out & About

Multicultural Fest

1. Carl Villanueva, Zeline Caballero, Shena and Roe Morcilla

2. Osborne Vatora and Paula Boyd

3. Nancy Ofa, Laschaye Promnoy, Newzy Khainkhaow and Kahow Tsuchiya

4. Margaret Western, Becky Chin and Dr Shilinka Smith

5. Sony Kola and Andras Kovacs

6. Qiuqin Huang, Zilin Xie, Yin Liu and Ying Zhiwei

7. Nicolas Vives, Nacho Maldonado, Nerina Castelli and Poli Salvatierra

8. Gina Viti, Ana Durelau, Mau Junior, Dwayne Pereiata and Losaline Siale

9. Alex Skipper, Camela Cabezas, Sebastian Bentancur and Guy Setter

Having a blast through brass

Passionate brass musicians from across the width and breadth of Marlborough are ready to show off their skills on a truly international stage.

Forty three members of the Marlborough District Brass Band have spent many evenings and weekends preparing for their big trip to compete in the B division of the Australian National Brass Band Championships, held in Adelaide over Easter weekend.

However before they go, band members are just as eager to show off their tunes to the community that has supported them at their ‘Off to Oz” special preview concert at ASB Theatre Marlborough at 2pm on Sunday 24th March.

The Australian National Brass Band Championships involves playing two test pieces, a hymn, a stage march and performing in a marching parade on the famous Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide.

And Executive Officer Brian

Nicholas says that the excitement is building after each performance, with the final touches being put on the variety of pieces the band will perform.

“We had the odd practise before Christmas between carolling and other perfomances, but really got into it in January with practices on Mondays and Thursdays, and as we’ve got closer we added in Sunday mornings and done three full band weekends to prepare already – so there’s real time and dedication put in to this”, says Brian.

“Band competitions are just like anything where if you’re competing on a national or international level, it takes another level of training, preparedness, fitness and cohesiveness to be successful.

The set test piece, which each band the Marlburians are competing against will also perform, is ‘Keystone’ by French composer Thierry Deleruyelle - which tells the story of the Odeon theatre of Vriezenveen, a town in the Netherlands.

They will also play a descriptive composition about an explorer enduring storms, strong currents, and icebergs, a twist on a famous hymn crafted by the band’s Musical Director Robin Randall, and marches ‘Glorious Victory’ and ‘Sons of the Brave’. These, alongside some special guest performances from the Marlborough Academy of Dance, will act, as Brian says, as the “final dress rehearsal” before the big competition.

“The test pieces are always set as a stretch for bands to test themselves by learning and playing, but I think the motivations to perform will be different.

“Our “Off to Oz” preview will be for the crowd to appreciate, but at the actual competition it will be directed at the one adjudicator listening to us perform from behind screens listening purely to the music”.

Brian says a unique aspect to Marlborough’s band is that, due to the limited population members are of a wide

cross-section of the community with different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels joined by one passion – to make music.

“It’s a group of really talented individuals working to make something greater than the sum of its parts alongside one another, which really breaks down social boundaries”, says Brian.

“We have people in their teens to their 80’s involved, with a huge vari-

ety from across society with teachers and students to builders and engineers, and that makes fantastic friendships across societal lines all started through the love of playing their brass instruments.

Band will perform “Off to Oz – A Special Preview Concert” at ASB Theatre Marlborough at 2pm on Sunday 24th March. Purchase tickets: eventfinda. co.nz/2024/off-to-oz2/blenheim

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

(L/R) Tenor Horn Charlie Youngman, E flat Tuba Tyrone Onslowe, snare drum Bronson Blissett, Cornet Ariel Rofe and Trombone Cory Clemett are ready to show their skills to Marlborough, and then the Adelaide judges at the Australian National Brass Band Championships. Photo: William Woodworth.

Thinking about your drinking

Have you ever thought about changing your drinking habits? Is alcohol starting to cause problems in your life?

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in New Zealand. Unfortunately, it can cause problems for your physical health, mental health, relationships, finances, and spiritual wellbeing. Some people find that they may be drinking more than they would like to but are not sure how to reduce or stop. Some have tried to cut back but have slowly returned to higher amounts. Whatever you or your loved one’s concerns are, the good news is that there is free support available.

Where to get help:

Visit: www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz to find local support. You’ll find free, non-judgmental information,

education and services.

Call the Alcohol & Drug Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 787 797 to speak to a trained counsellor. The Māori Line is 0800 787 798, the Pasifika Line is 0800 787 799, and the Youth Line is 0800 787 984.

You can also look at the Living Sober website at: www.livingsober.org.nz for support.

Ideas to cut down your drinking might include:

• Plan how many drinks you will have before you start and stick to it

• Eat before you drink and while you are drinking

• Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks

• Try having non-alcohol days each week

• Drink slowly, sip your drink

• Drink lower strength alcohol drinks such as beer instead of wine or spirits

• Let your friends and family know you are trying to cut back and ask for their support

• Spend time with people who do not drink alcohol

• Try an alternative drink such as ginger beer or soda water with lemon

• Contact a local alcohol service for ideas and support

Wondering whether you or someone you know has a problem?

The Alcohol and Drug Helpline have put together a free quiz to assess whether your drinking might be putting you at risk of alcohol-related harm. Head to: www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/problem to take the quiz.

Opinion Community comments

One Forty One spin doctoring

I have noted forestry giant One Forty One’s pathetic attempts to gloss over the almost total closure of access during the last eighteen months to the Richmond Forest Park with a couple of articles in the Marlborough Express over the last fortnight which amounted to little more than spin doctoring. The Crown before the privatisation of the Crown forests put in place “Public Access Easements” to give the local and wider communities legal and enduring access across the then to be privatised forests, in this case to give access to the Richmond Forest Park. I have allowed easements over time across my property, that is I have given the right for these easements to be utilised for the stated purpose which includes legally binding unhindered use for the stated purpose of the easements.

Any future purchaser knowingly accepts the existence and obligations to these easements. One Forty One purchased the forests knowing there were public roads and Public Access Easements throughout the forests which were specifically put in place to allow

free and enduring access to the Conservation Estate.

We now have this foreign owned entity denying the local and wider communities’ access to the Richmond Forest Park for recreational activities. This needs to be challenged and gently addressed as they are not allowing the easements to be legally. It’s now got to the stage where collectively the local and wider communities need to come together to look at legal avenues to address this situation of Kiwis being shut out of our lands.

Murray Chapman

Marlborough alpine tramper

Wheelie bin rollout begins

Ahh so they want us to store them, well I have no room for it, and it will have to stay on the council kerb till July.

Vanessa

Foster

You will have to find room in July so no different. I suppose everyone wanted them on the last day in June. Well sorry logistics doesn’t work like that.

Karyn Runciman

Why are people being so petty about storing the bins?! We moan about having bags when the rest of the country are getting bins, we get our bins (early, I know) and still people whinge! You will have somewhere to keep them come July, so why not now!

STOP MOANING!

Kylie McKendrick

Of course, we pay the storage fee.

Craig Engle

MTB Crew on song in Queenstown

Congrats Maddy & number 1 supporter Neil. Worth all that training and effort!!! You Go Girl.

Lisa Washer

Awesome Maddy. You’ll be very proud Neil and Mil. Great to see such awesome results.

Bronwyn Brown.

Forsyth Barr is a New Zealand, staffowned investment business that started in Dunedin in 1936 and has advised clients throughout Marlborough for over 25 of those years.

The new office, located in Blenheim, means locals can now visit their Investment Advisers locally and create individualised portfolios with a truly personal feel.

Marlborough’s investment advisory team of Brent Street, Nikki Jacobson and Jonathan Davidson bring a combined 80 years of experience. Their investment advice is backed by Forsyth Barr’s thorough research into NZX-listed companies and international markets.

Brent, who has been a long-time Investment Adviser for Marlburians, said, “There was an obvious attraction to move to Marlborough as it’s a region with a thriving economy outperforming many other regions.

“The next logical step was to formally open a branch, with the catalyst of having Nikki as someone with years of financial experience locally, and we’re glad to be here.”

While Forsyth Barr is well-known for sharemarket investing, the business provides a full range of wealth management services including portfolio management, investment research, investment banking, cash management, investment funds, and Summer KiwiSaver.

“In terms of fixed income investments and bonds, it’s a really positive market for us locally, with longer-term bonds with high-

er rates, compared to the last few years but our differentiation is that we take our clients directly into markets instead of investing in collective funds”, says Brent.

“So, we’re effectively the portfolio managers with personalised portfolio construction in a much more direct fashion.

“We’re fortunate to have a large team of investment research analysts who provide an update every morning and cover everything that may impact investment decisions locally and globally.

“That means when we speak to investors during the day, we have the most up-todate information and are ready to make fully researched decisions for them.”

Investment Advisers then go through risk profiles with our clients and establish a clear understanding of their requirements and the level of investment risk they are comfortable with.

“We then ensure our investors own the shares and bonds they want in New Zealand listed companies, and international markets while adhering to pre-agreed limits”, Brent explains.

“We can work with any preferences that an investor may have. For example, we can take into account considerations regarding companies’ Environmental, Social and Governance policies to ensure investments aren’t going into businesses that don’t align

with people’s ethics, or it may be ensuring that money remains liquid for our investors where they can pull out cash monthly or supplement pensions.”

While many of their clients have larger sums to invest, both for and in retirement, their expertise is accessible for smaller investors.

“If people are interested in finding out more about these options, please do call us and we will arrange a complimentary meeting.” Nikki says.

She adds that the Forsyth Barr presence across Marlborough, and the other 24 centres around the country, allows for the increased personal touch many investors are looking for.

“I think clients find being able to speak to their portfolio’s Investment Adviser directly is wonderful, and we’ve been delighted already with the number of people who have popped into the local office interested in having a chat about their financial future.”

Brent Street, Nikki Jacobson and Jonathan Davidson, whose views and opinions are expressed in this article, are Investment Advisers with Forsyth Barr Marlborough. To arrange a meeting to discuss your investment objectives in confidence, call 03 921 5020, email web.blenheim@forsythbarr.co.nz or visit the office at 3 Waters Avenue, Blenheim.

Jonathan Davidson, Nikki Jacobson and Brent Street. Photo: William Woodworth.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

5 MAY2024 25 MAY2024

2014 was a milestone year for Marlborough with the introduction of Kiwi Can to the region, and a decade on, the achievements of this remarkable programme are being celebrated.

Tāne Anderson (Kiwi Can Leader) taking the plunge

SUPPORTING MARLBOROUGH YOUTH

“We’re celebrating awesome impact and results across all our programmes”

Kandoo Kiwi and Fairfield Construction’s Mark Thompson

As a proud supporter and partner of Graeme Dingle Foundation for over a decade, we have loved watching Kiwi Can grow in Marlborough, and seeing its massive impact on the tamariki in our community. Well done, team!

ka pai, Kiwi Can!

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Wairau club claims cricketing double

The Wairau club ended the 202324 senior cricket season in fine style on Saturday, claiming both the senior and second grade 40over titles at Horton Park.

Wairau’s senior team took on a Renwick side which had gone unbeaten through the preliminary rounds but tripped up in the decider, losing by seven wickets.

The second grade final, between Wairau and Celtic, was much closer, Wairau eventually dismissing Celtic with 18 runs required for victory.

On the number one ground, Wairau won the toss and asked Renwick to bat, aware that the top qualifiers were very comfortable chasing targets.

Wairau reinforced their decision with a strong opening in the field, their tight medium pace bowling backed up by a committed fielding effort as Renwick’s dangerous batting unit was kept in check.

Opening bowlers Baxter Croad and Hunter Ruffell showed the way, Ruffell picking up openers Andrew Marshall and Corey Bovey with just 15 runs on the board. Croad accounted for Luke Frankland, playing his final match for Renwick, then spinner Griffin Carter picked up Max Armstrong’s wicket to have the Green Machine reeling at 4-42 after 19 overs.

Rikki Bovey, who anchored the top order with 31 from 54 balls, was next to go, brilliantly caught behind square by Luke Petrie off Andrew McCaa’s bowling and Renwick were looking for a partnership.

Piers Landon-Lane and Richard

O’Shaughnessy provided that, adding 63 together to deliver some substance to Renwick’s innings. However their demise, Landon-Lane for a run-a-ball 46 and O’Shaughnessy for 33 from 47, signalled the beginning of the end, Renwick dismissed for 157 on the final ball of the 40th over. Wairau used six bowlers. Ruffell’s 3-25 from seven overs provided the highlight, while Croad bagged 2-20 from seven, Nick Weaver 0-15 from four, Josh Alexander 1-16 from seven, Carter 1-42 from eight and McCaa 1-34 from seven in a strong all-round effort. Although chasing a mediocre target Wairau needed a solid start and that was provided by Sam Young and Nick Weaver, the opening pair taking the score to 22 before Weaver perished for 10. This brought McCaa to the crease and he combined with Young,

who scored 28 from 34, to push the score to 60.

McCaa, 30 from 37, and new batsman Ruffell then joined forces to take the score to 100, then it was left to Ruffell and Tarin Mason to finish the job in the 26th over, Ruffell ending not out 60 from 47 balls, with Mason unbeaten on 15.

Rikki Bovey, with 2-35 from eight, was the stand-out bowler for a Renwick side who will be disappointed to fall at the final hurdle but can be congratulated on a wonderful series of results which earned them a place in the decider.

Second grade

On the adjoining ground, Wairau’s second team had to battle to get the job done. They won the toss and elected to bat, struggled initially with half their wickets gone for just 46 runs in the

Touch season winds up with finals night

The Marlborough 202324 senior touch season concluded with a series of highly-competitive games at Lansdowne Park on Thursday, February 29.

The men’s division one final was fought out between top-qualifiers Vipers and 7201, with Vipers coming away with solid victory. The open women’s grade was won by Marlborough Girls’ College Gold, who downed 7201.

11th over. However, Josh Harris came to the rescue, scoring a superb unbeaten 75 from 89 deliveries to anchor their innings. Niko Russell’s 23 and a quick 35 from Billy Hurren helped Wairau post 186 before being bowled out in the 38th over. Oliver Kennedy and John Diamanti both picked up three wickets, Ryan Clark bagging a brace. Celtic struggled to form partnerships, teetering at 5-58, until Dave Kennedy and Darryn Stewart came together, taking the score through to 117 before Stewart was

dismissed for 25 from 37 balls. Kennedy carried on but when he was ninth out for 42 from 66 in the 38th over with 27 runs needed the writing was on the wall, Celtic eventually dismissed for 169 in the final over.

Wairau’s attack all contributed, James Crowe bagging three wickets, Hayden McWilliam and Niko Russell a brace apiece, while the economical Nathan Ward and Billy Hurren chipped in with a wicket each.

Quad series

Meanwhile, cricket fans are in for a treat over the forthcoming week with an international age group tournament coming to town.

From Thursday, March 14 until Monday, March 18, a quadrangular series of matches will be staged at Horton Park, featuring over-50 sides representing New Zealand, Australia, USA and New Zealand A.

The Quad Series should be very closely-fought. New Zealand and USA both reached the semi-finals of the IMC Over-50s World Cup in Cape Town in March, 2023, and both sides had tight games with Australia in round-robin play.

All three international teams will be looking to finalise their combinations ahead of the IMC Over50s World Cup, which will be held in Sri Lanka later in 2024.

Quad Series schedule

March 14: USA vs NZ A; New Zealand vs Australia

March 15: New Zealand vs NZ A; Australia vs USA

March 17: USA vs New Zealand; Australia vs NZ A

March 18: Grand Final (1 v 2) and 3/4 playoff

PETER JONES

The victorious Wairau senior side. Photo: Peter Jones.

Vipers’ player Buxton Popoali’i confronts 7201 rival Ethan Jones during the men’s division one final. Photo: Peter Jones.

College rowers on song for Maadi

Marlborough’s student rowers completed their preparation for the forthcoming Maadi Cup regatta with a series of strong performances at the South Island secondary schools’ championships on Lake Ruataniwha on March 2-3.

In what was described as “another great hit out for the boys and girls”, athletes from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges featured in plenty of A finals and brought home seven medals.

The MGC contingent reached nine A finals, bagging medals

of all three colours.

Striking gold was the under-16 coxed four of Molly Wilkes (cox), Eliza Glover in the stroke seat, Georgette Herkt, Anna Hurren and Trinity Rose-Locke who rowed superbly to take out the final, shading opposing crews from the big Christchurch schools.

The under-18 coxed four of Molly Wilkes (cox), Jessica Bennett (s), Mila Van Rensburg, Grace Straker and Hazel Glover settled for silver while Grace Straker and Mila van Rensburg bagged bronze in the under-17 double.

The U18 quad of Bennett, Ella Barnes, Abby Craig, Ha-

zel Glover and cox Georgia Marfell finished fourth, as did the U18 eight of Wilkes (cox), Bennett (s), van Rensburg, Straker, Barnes, Craig, Hazel Glover, Olive Patterson and Iris Vavasour.

The 18-strong MBC contingent also enjoyed a highly-successful trip south, reaching eight A finals and claiming four medals, three silver and one bronze.

The under-15 coxed octuple scull crew of Matthew McLeod, Jesse Englefield, Toby Randall, Beau Webber, Paddy Girling, Archie Saggers, Brodie Blick, Jack Taylor and cox Jack Shaw finished second,

while McLeod, Randall, Webber, Saggers and Shaw combined in the under-15 coxed quad to also bag silver. Also finishing runner-up was the under-17 pair of Louis Girling and Blake Campbell, while the under-16 coxed quad crew comprising Aidan Bennett, Willem Rowe, Logan Flight, Hunter Marfell and cox Blake Marfell were rewarded with a bronze in their final. Fourth in his A final was under-16 single sculler Flight. The college contingent heads back to Ruataniwha on Thursday for the prestigious Maadi Cup regatta, which runs from March 18-23.

President’s tennis titles decided

Last season Rapaura Just Move missed out on the Marlborough WK+ President’s Grade division one tennis title on countback.

This time around they also went to a countback of games won after the matches were shared 2-2, eventually beating last year’s winners, Rapaura Masters, 30-23 in a see-sawing final.

All four division finals were contested at the Forrest Wines Tennis Centre on Tuesday evening, two of the ties going to a countback. Rapaura Just Move made a strong start to the division one decider, two solid wins giving them a huge advantage which ultimately decided the tie.

Kyle Heagney and Darin Herd combined superbly to win the men’s double 9-2 against Stu Campbell and Jared Bell. Sisters Emily Stenhouse and Heidi Stenhouse-Allen also dominated, prevailing 9-3 against Donna Clark and Deb Schollum.

The mixed doubles were a different story, Rapaura Masters winning both. Bell and Schollum claimed a 9-7 win over Heagney and Stenhouse-Allen, before Campbell and Clark got up 9-5 against Herd and Stenhouse. However, despite the comeback, the writing was on the wall after the straight doubles, Just Move making up for missing out at the final hurdle last year.

In the division two final Marlborough Volleyeurs (Taylor Keen, Suzanne Sampson, Jim Forbes and Paddy Lankshear) scored a comfortable 4-0 win over club-mates Marlborough Swallows (Elaine McFarlane, Jillian Redwood, Dave Hayes and Brian Martin).

Division three was closer, Rapaura Floorpride Interiors (Joey Beckett, Lorraine Eade, Michael Kamson and Graham Moseley) winning promotion after beating Renwick Re-Strung (Lucy Trolove, Avril Heard, Nic Dillon and Luke Elworthy) 3-1.

The division four decider went down to the wire, Rapaura Mainfreight (Tanya Nieuwoudt, Rhonda George, Andrew Pillans and Cameron Harris) making it three from four titles for the country club with a 2-2 (30-26) countback win over Rapaura Shiraz (Elaine Taylor, Brigid Molyneux, Mike Insley and Nigel Fluit).

The victorious MGC under-16 coxed four, with coach Marion Horwell. From left, Molly Wilkes, Anna Hurren, Trinity Rose Locke, Georgette Herkt and Eliza Glover. Photo: Supplied.

PETER JONES

Rapaura Just Move duo Kyle Heagney, at net, and Darin Herd in action during the division one final. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Three Mako matches for Blenheim

PETER JONES

Blenheim’s Lansdowne Park will host three Tasman round-robin matches this rugby season - two men’s clashes and one women’s game.

In the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, the Mako men’s side will play the Bay of Plenty Steamers on Saturday, August 31, with a 7.05pm kick-off. The second match at Lansdowne Park is their clash with the Wellington Lions on Sunday, September 15, this time with a 2.05pm start.

As usual, three Mako matches will be hosted at Trafalgar Park in Nelson. First-up is Canterbury on Saturday, August 17 (kick off 2.05pm), followed by a late season ‘Storm Week’ double-header – Tasman taking on Auckland on Wednesday, October 2 (7.05pm start), then backing up against Taranaki on Sunday, October 6, with a 2.05 kick-off.

The Mako women play a Farah Palmer Cup match in Blenheim on Saturday, August 31, their opponents being Manawatu, with a

4.35 kick-off.

They face a five-match round robin schedule, with just one other home match. On Saturday, September 7 they play Taranaki at Trafalgar Park, with a 1.05pm start time.

Club dates

Meanwhile, club rugby is set to kick off on Thursday, March 28 with a full round of Tasman Trophy matches.

Three games will be played just prior to Easter Weekend, with the seventh premier side having a bye.

On opening day, defending champs Central will host Moutere, Marist are at home to Stoke and Waimea Old Boys play Nelson. Kahurangi have a bye.

The Marlborough division two competition begins around three weeks later, the first round scheduled for Saturday, April 20. First up, Harlequins host defending champs Renwick, Pelorus are at home against Central and Moutere play Waitohi at Spring Creek. Awatere have the bye.

Mike Renner

William Woodworth

Glenn Kirby

Paul O’Donnell

Richie Marsden

Greg Somerville

Warren Cairns

Michael Winkler

Matt Ryan

Brian Powell

Mike Newman

The Mako men met Auckland at Lansdowne Park last season. Photo: Shuttersport.

ON THE BALL: The skilful Takena Nuku-Komene, from Nelson Court Jesters side, was one of many standouts during Saturday’s Marlborough Basketball Association’s Junior 3x3 tournament at the Stadium. Twenty six teams, from both Marlborough and Nelson, took part, players spread across Year 5/6 and Year 7/8 boys and girls grades.

Peter Jones

Kate Thompson

Antony Clark

AGM

2024 Trustee Elections

Voting is now underway for three trustee positions on the board of Marlborough Electric Power Trust.

Retiring Trustees Nicki Stretch and Cathie Bell have been nominated for a further term. Nominations have also been received from Simon Bishell, Brendon Burns, David William Richard Dew, Belinda Jackson, Brian Nicholas and Philip Taylor.

Voting papers will either be emailed or posted to all eligible consumers named on the consumer roll and identified as connected to Marlborough Lines Ltd network as at 5.00pm on the 22nd January 2024.

Consumers may vote by:

• Voting online (using the unique voter credentials shown in their email or on the voting paper); or

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• Posting their completed voting paper to the returning officer using the pre-paid envelope; or

• Hand delivering their completed voting paper to a ballot box at Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim.

To be counted all completed voting papers must be in the hands of the returning officer by 12 noon, Monday 25th March 2024.

If you require to confirm that you are on the consumer roll or require a special vote paper contact the Election Helpline 0800 666 033 or assistance is available at the offices of Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim

DEATH NOTICES

GODSIFF Ivan Arnold

1936 - 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ivan on the 4th March , 2024 aged 87 years at his home surrounded by family. Dearly loved husband of Jan and treasured father of Tania and Warren, Clive and Amy, Marise and Graeme, Anne and Mike, and Brian and Annie.

Proud and adored Grandad and great Grandad. Loved brother of Joan and the late Pen, and Noel. Messages to 5 Brownlee Close, Havelock 7100 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz. A funeral service for Ivan has been held.

Locally Family Owned

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 2004

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

MacDONALD, Taane William

Passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Wairau Hospital. Aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Eileen for 68 years. Cherished father and father-in-law of Garry and Lesley, Dianne and Tom, the late Geoffrey, and Donna, Johnnie and Marie, Deb and Johnny. Adored grandfather and great grandfather. Special thanks to the caring staff of Wairau Hospital. Messages may be sent to the MacDonald Family, 1/9 Newbourne Crescent, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 7201. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 03-13690365207-00 Ref. MacDONALD. A farewell was held at Ūkaipō (Rangitāne Cultural Centre), Grovetown on Monday, March 11 followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium. The service was livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www.sowmans.co.nz/ upcoming-funerals.

Respectfully cared for by

Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 4719

www.sowmans.co.nz

TAYLOR, Elaine

Departed this life to greater glory. Dearly loved wife of Geoffrey, mother and mother in law of Malcolm and Wendy, Julie and Bruce, Wayne (deceased) and Chantal, Conway and Kath, and cherished Nan of her 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Messages can be sent to PO Box 148 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz At Elaine’s request a private interment has taken place.

Locally Family Owned

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 2004

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

THOMPSON, Richard Gerald (Dick)

RNZAF Flight Sergeant

Passed away peacefully with family nearby, on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at Waterlea Lifecare. Aged 75 years. Dearly loved husband of Ariel, loved father of Ricky (deceased), and Kelly. Stepfather of Sharlene, Ken, David, Susan and Colin. A loved grandfather. Messages may be sent to the Thompson Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A funeral service for Richard was held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim on Friday March 8, followed by interment at Fairhall Cemetery.

Respectfully cared for by Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 4719

www.sowmans.co.nz

YOUNG, Karen Victoria “Cookie”

Passed away on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at Wairau Hospital. Aged 67 years. Loved daughter of Maxwell and Moana, loved sister of Lance, Doug, Eugene and Cody. Loved mother of Jason (deceased). Special thanks to Wairau Hospital HDU unit for their loving care of Karen. Also special thanks to her loving friends Maude, Kay, MJ for caring and being there for Karen in her final moments and their support to her family - much love to them. Messages may be sent to Maude, 12 Clifford Street, Seddon 7210. A service for Karen was held at the Cosy Corner Cafe, Seddon on Saturday March 9.

Respectfully cared for by

Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 4719

www.sowmans.co.nz

HILL, Bruce Irwin 1947-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce on the 6th of March 2024 aged 76 at Bethsaida Retirement Village surrounded by family. Dearly loved life partner of Raewyn, father to James, Mildred, Timothy, Theresa and William, and a proud and much loved grandfather/ Daba. Beloved son of the late Owen and Faye Hill, and brother to James and Malcolm. Also, a treasured father in-law, brother in-law, son in-law, uncle and friend to many.

In his earlier years, Bruce travelled to and lived in many different places but always held a special place in his heart for the people of Papau New Guinea. Bruce will be fondly remembered for his many stories about his incredible adventures.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Bethsaida Retirement Village for all their help and support they have given to Bruce and our family throughout these past few months. We will be forever grateful to the staff for all the love and care they showed Bruce in his final months and to his family.

Messages to 2274 SH63, RD1 Blenheim.

It was Bruce’s wish to not have a funeral and instead his ashes will be scattered privately by family later on.

Locally Family Owned

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ

Phone (03) 578 2004

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz