Marlborough Weekly 13 February 2024

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Temporary ferry terminal set to stay for now PAULA HULBURT

The temporary Interislander ferry terminal in Picton is set to stay for the foreseeable future.

As KiwiRail staff wind up work on the canned Inter-Island Resilient Connection (iReX) project, programme director David War-

burton says no final decisions have been made.

He adds the terminal is the result of a lot of careful consideration and is a fully functioning terminal building.

“It is modern, spacious, and warm, with good seating and facilities.

“Thought went into creating areas where people can sit together or wait quietly on their own before boarding the ferry.

“Our staff are the same professional, customer-focused people who are always happy to help.”

David says while last year’s decision marks the end of the iReX

project, it is key investment is found on finding an alternative solution for Interislander.

“Everyone accepts that investment is needed to deliver a reliable, safe and sustainable Cook Strait service,” he says.

“Waitohi Picton is a special town with good people who’ve

been extremely supportive of the Interislander and the iReX project.

“We’ll continue to keep in touch with everyone as future options are developed.”

Continues on page 5

Cheers!

The sun shone brightly, and a great time was had by all at the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival at Renwick Domain on Saturday. Hundreds of revellers enjoyed sampling some of the region’s tastiest treats, trying local wines and dancing their hearts out by the main stage. See page 10 for more photos. Photo: William Woodworth.

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Quilt collective’s blanket of care PAULA HULBURT Distributed to more than 18,200 homes and businesses in Marlborough

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Each has been thoughtfully stitched, individual splashes of colour together making a creative expression of care.

Members of the Community Quilt Collective Marlborough will be hosting a special open day next Saturday to showcase their work.

Members of the public will get the chance to see a work day in action as quilters from across the region gather in Blenheim to complete the quilts.

Each will be donated to the local community to help spread comfort and joy to those who may need a boost, organisers say.

Marlborough Quilters convenor Eleanor Cole says the day is a great opportunity to find out more about the art.

This beautiful quilt has been made to raise funds for the Collective and will be raffled on the day. Photo: Supplied.

“We’d welcome anyone interested in the art of quilt making to pop along and watch the various stages of making quilts as they

unfold across the day.

“Special thanks to Connect Church for gifting the use of their building to us for the day.”

A collaborative effort between quilters and quilting clubs from across the district, the Collective held its first work day event in Havelock last year, hosted by Pelorus Quilters.

About 40 sewists were there and some 15 quilts were distributed throughout Havelock and the Sounds.

Set to benefit this year are Idea Services, who supports adults of all ages with intellectual disabilities to live in their own homes and the Awatere Early Learning Centre who need cot quilts.

The Collective has also identified several organisations who will be given quilts to distribute in the community.

The workday will be held from 9.30am-4pm at Connect Church, Beaver Road.

Chinese New Year celebrations WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Members of the Marlborough Chinese Association have gathered in style on Saturday to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year is the first day on the lunar calendar, also known as Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.

It is the time for family reunions and preparing for the new agriculture season, says association

member Xuemei Zhang.

“The New Year’s Eve is celebrated by the family members with generations of the family gathering.

“The first day of the New Year is the time for friends to visit each other and give each other best wishes.”

Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people, no matter where they are in the world.

And the Chinese Association is sending best wishes to everyone in the community.

“We take the opportunity to send our best wishes to all Chinese in Marlborough,” Xuemei says.

“We wish you a prosperous and happy year in the JiaChen Year of the Dragon.

“Our best wishes to the people in Marlborough for a year of good weather and filled with happiness.”

The celebration included traditional Chinese performances including dragon dancing.

“It is so important we can share those special times to follow our tradition here in Marlborough, New Zealand.

“With tears in our eyes, we sing together. Happiness is shared among generations.

“We also like to thank our friends from other ethnic groups who join us and share the cultures.”

Dragon dancers celebrate the Lunar New Year outside Bamboo Garden restaurant. Photo: William Woodworth.

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

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Police search address in homicide case PAULA HULBURT

Police have carried out a search of a Canvastown address in their continuing hunt for missing homicide victim Jessica Boyce.

Marlborough Police carried out a search of the area as part of Operation Largo on Friday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan confirmed officers had successfully executed a search warrant.

But said he could not comment on any findings to help protect the investigation.

“We can confirm the search relates to Operation Largo, the continuing investigation into the disappearance of Jessica Boyce from

Renwick in March 2019.

“The investigation has been active since Jessica disappeared and today’s search is the latest phase of our ongoing enquiries.

To protect the investigation, we are unable to comment on the nature and outcome of the search.”

Jessica was 27 years old when she disappeared in March 2019 and in October that year police declared her case a homicide investigation.

Speaking to the Marlborough Weekly in 2022, Detective Senior Seargent Sloan said police are aware how difficult the ongoing situation is for Jess’s family.

He says yesterday’s search shows investigators are determined to

bring justice for Jessica.

“Police have kept Jessica’s family up to date with these latest developments, and investigators remained determined to bring justice for Jessica.”

Jessica’s family have not released an official statement at this time.

Police encourage anyone who has any information at all which may assist to contact Police on 105 and quote file number 190322/7217.

“We continue to urge anyone who has information about Jessica’s disappearance to contact Marlborough Police,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Renwick woman Jessica Boyce went missing in 2019. Photo: File.

Macrons added to street signs in Marlborough MAIA HART

Local Democracy Reporter

Three years after agreeing to put macrons on more than a dozen incorrect te reo Māori street signs in Marlborough, most of them have been fixed.

It’s pleasing progress, says the person who asked the Marlborough District Council to fix the signs, Corey Hebberd, general manager at Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau Trust.

The iwi made the request in a submission to the Marlborough District Council’s annual plan in 2021. The basis of the submission was that te reo Māori was a taonga, and something that should be treasured, Corey said last month.

“And that the signage could be easily updated to reflect the cor-

PLUMBING

rect spelling,” he said.

“Three years on, it is pleasing to see progress being made on this work.”

Tohutō, or macrons, had been installed on all but five of the names requested by Corey on behalf of Rangitāne in 2021.

The macrons were the main spell-

ROOFING

ing issue Corey had highlighted in the submission. They indicated a longer vowel and were missing from various places in Marlborough.

However, he told the council in 2021 the list of words could be even longer, as other top of the south iwi could know of more.

Some, like Rangitane Drive in Havelock, which was correctly spelt Rangitāne, were put down in recent decades.

The five remaining signs would

DRAINAGE

be completed by Marlborough Roads crews when they were in the area to complete work.

Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said at an assets and services meeting on last week it was pleasing to see the macrons had been added to the signs.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air.

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

Super onion runs rings around competition

News in brief ENVIRONMENTAL WARRIORS

The Zoe Luffman Environmental Fund is accepting applications until 1 March from passionate young women environmentalists. If you’re aged between 13 and 18-years-old and have a project that needs a financial boost, some mentorship or guidance visit www.envirohub. co.nz/zoesfund.

ROAD CLOSURE

Night works are planned for State Highway 1 Weld Pass from 18 to 20 February (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights) between 8 pm and 6 am. The work has been planned as carefully as possible to have the least impact on traffic, and there will be two openings every night to let queued traffic through the work areas – one at midnight and another at 3 am.

These are deliberately timed to fit with ferry schedules.

SEAGULL SAGA

The Blenheim Business Association and Marlborough District Council are leading the call to encourage people to stop feeding seagulls in the town centre.

“People should not feed the gulls and take care not to leave food unattended,” Blenheim Business Association chair said Lynette Rayner. “This will help the situation on the ground and hopefully reduce the attraction of the CBD to the birds in the long term.” A ‘Do Not Feed the Gulls’ campaign through media and social media, and signage could be underway later in the year.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Noel Williams may have found a magic combination for red onions, after his last harvest of his planter box unearthed a few monsters.

The largest of the red onions, weighing in at 650g and approximately the size of a fist, surprised Noel after his largest of last year’s crop was only 500g. Many of this year’s crop, says Noel, beat last year’s efforts.

While the former farmer has a background growing flowers, having won Garden Marlborough awards in 2019, growing vegetables is something new for Gardener Noel Williams has grown some impressive onions him. with a monster crop this year. Photo: William Woodworth. “I bought the house just over two

Friday night’s neat Beats Marlborough’s newest festival has been hailed a big success by organisers and merry makers alike.

Brookby Beats kicked off its inaugural event on Friday at Brookby Hill Vineyard.

The Brookby Hill Vineyard amphitheatre played host to a range of wines from Two Rivers, Corofin, Sorrell, The Marlborist and Vandal, alongside dishes from

Karaka Kitchen, Boom Chef and Cloudy Bay Clams.

According to Shorona McLeay, Marketing Manager at Two Rivers, Brookby Beats was created as “an opportunity to celebrate the best of Marlborough, our love of this place through wine, food, and music while providing an immersive and intimate experience.”

Photo: William Woodworth.

years ago, and when I arrived, I put some mushroom manure into the vegetable planter boxes and then last year did the same with tomato mulch.

“Last year was the first big crop, but everything in there from the onions and beans to mint and rhubarb has just gone gangbusters this year.”

Noel says that he’s not sure what he’ll do with the largest of the crop, or whether he’ll dig into it first or last.

“I’ll lift up all the others and hang them in the garden shed to dry a bit, then I’ll have them ready whenever because red onions are an absolute favourite.”

“The largest one will probably do me a couple meals worth at least.”

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

Review of SH6 speed reduction ‘trial’ never happened MAIA HART

Local Democracy Reporter

A review into 90kph speed limits introduced on Marlborough’s State Highway 6 in 2020 never happened, despite the New Zealand Transport Agency saying this would be done in June last year.

“The reduction of the speed limit from 100kph to 90kph was only a two-year trial,” Marlborough Roads senior transport planner Laura Skilton told the council’s assets and services committee last week.

“That trial finished in June 2023, so the trial was actually finished seven months ago.

“They [NZTA] haven’t done anything ... as a council officer I’ve been chasing up with them. I get no replies.”

The New Zealand Transport

Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) announced changes to speed limits on SH6, between Nelson and Blenheim, following consultation in 2019.

Most of the 100kph route was dropped to 90kph, but some sections of the highway reduced to 80kph.

The Whangamoa Saddle, parts of Atawhai, and the Pelorus Bridge reduced to 60kph.

At the time, NZTA said the 90kph zones would be reviewed again in June 2023.

An NZTA spokesperson confirmed this had not happened, and could not confirm when a review would take place.

However, the spokesperson said early indicators from monitoring showed the reduced speed limits had produced an “encouraging” trend.

“Since the speed limit changes

State Highway 6 is the main highway between Nelson and Blenheim.

Photo: Ricky Wilson/Stuff. were implemented, the number of people being killed or seriously injured on this stretch of road has reduced by 75 per cent,” the spokesperson said.

In the 10 years before the speed limits were changed, 19 people

died and 86 people were seriously injured on the highway, the spokesperson said.

In the two years following the speed limit change, one person died, and four people suffered severe injuries.

The spokesperson said NZTA would continue to monitor the 90kph sections, and the speeds would be reviewed again in the future to ensure they were appropriate.

“At this stage, no date has been set for the 90kph sections to be reviewed again.”

The spokesperson said work was underway to develop a new rule, and NZTA expected to receive more information from the Ministry of Transport later this year.

“This will inform our next steps for speed management planning, and we will share more information after decisions have been made.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air.

Kiwi Rail ferry terminal plans up in air From the front The government’s refusal of KiwiRail’s request for an additional $1.47 billion in funding at the end of last year, saw the project stall.

KiwiRail are working in partnership with Marlborough District Council and NZ Transport Agen-

cy Waka Kotahi on next steps for the transport network around the Port. There are currently 35-40 contractors working in Waitohi Picton on wind down activities and associated works, including environmental compliance, health and safety, and marine mammal observing.

David says the number of staff on the ground will reduce over time as tasks are completed.

“As part of the wind down KiwiRail is committed to making sure all sites are left safe and tidy and completing work that is already underway, which includes the Waitohi Awa Culvert.

“This work was part of the original terminal design to both strengthen and increase flow capacity within the culvert, making it resilient and able to withstand future weather events.

We are ensuring that everything is left tidy and safe and has no negative environmental impact.”

The temporary Interislander terminal in Picton. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee.

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Dancer’s surgery hope PAULA HULBURT

Spinning in seemingly effortless circles, her dark blonde smoothed back in a careful bun, Tyler Barnett is in her happy place.

Her smile is one of pure joy, her spark inspiring as she taps through a complicated routine, watching herself in her mind’s eye from her Wairau Hospital bed.

Battling a series of life-threatening conditions Tyler is currently unable to dance and virtually bed bound. With her health declining, the 16-year-old is preparing for her biggest challenge yet.

The determination and grit that

has seen her dance and teach through pain, exhaustion and even dislocation is now key for Tyler as she prepares for life-saving surgery abroad.

It is a challenge the tenacious young woman is ready for, says proud mum Lorissa Barnett.

“Her pain tolerance is quite high and often people don’t realise just how much pain she is in… she masks it quite well “When she’s dancing, she’s in her happy place and I want that for her again.”

Diagnosed with Elhers-Danlos Syndrome hypermobility type (hEDS), Abdominal Vascular

Theodore McFadden as Lydia and Tyler Barnett as Beetlejuice after their prizewinning performance.

Compression Syndromes (AVCS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) the teen is in severe pain, and fed through a Jejunostomy Tube.

Surgery in Düsseldorf in Germany to fix the AVCS is Tyler’s only option. The surgery isn’t performed in the Southern Hemisphere. The surgery is very new, and the pioneering Surgeon is German.

Having spent more than a month in Wairau Hospital, she will fly out to Germany for open, major abdominal surgery in March.

A transfer to Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital first is also a possibility.

Tyler developed severe sepsis earlier in the month. This makes her family very nervous about keeping Tyler well during the journey, they say.

But determined not to let a serious infection and a lengthy hospital stay spoil an important family milestone, Tyler rallied enough to accompany her younger twin sisters Milly and Lola, 13, for part of one of their first days at Marlborough Girls’ College.

As a close-knit family, the last three years since diagnosis have been tough on everyone.

Lorissa is at the hospital everyday while dad Jason keeps the family business on track. Her sisters visit often as do her older brothers, and their families.

Tyler’s strength and fortitude have proven invaluable in helping the family through some dark days, Lorissa says.

“She’s an eclectic mix of competitive, artistic and intellect. She’s an old soul.

“Tyler loves to learn, to know everything. If she hears a new term, she’ll be on phone researching and deep-diving until she can tell you all about it.

“She’s got a great sense of humour and will have frank and open

Tyler Barnett managed a short visit to Marlborough Girls’ College last week. Photos: Supplied. conversations about anything.”

Tyler’s dance teacher Carol Knox at the Marlborough Tap Studio has formed a close bond with Tyler and her family.

She says the “extremely talented” dancer has shown resilience beyond her years, while also dedicating her time to helping younger dancers.

“Her resilience is amazing,” Carol smiles. “She’s totally crazy and knows no boundaries with what she’ll say.

“Sometimes, it’s like she’s older than me and I’ve been teaching for 50 years.”

A Givealittle page has been set up to raise money to help with costs, flights, accommodation and living expenses while in Germany.

Carol is also organising a special dance showcase with dancers from the Marlborough Tap Studio, Dance on Grove and MAD

as well as Impact from Nelson set to perform.

Turn up for Tyler will be held on Saturday 24 February at Marlborough Girls’ College from 6-8pm.

Lorissa says the support from everyone, including the medical team at Wairau caring for Tyler has been wonderful.

‘We are just so grateful.

“Tyler has so much potential.

She’s going to be a surgeon” she smiles, “a tap-dancing surgeon,” Carol adds, with a smile.

“We want her to be out of pain, to be able to do what she loves again by the end of the year.”

To find out more about the recital and to buy tickets visit https:// www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/turnup-for-tyler-fundraising-event/ blenheim To donate visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/our-tap-dancequeen-needs-life-saving-surgery

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HEALTHNEWS

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The new team members will be based across Nelson, Wairau and Golden Bay. Most of our new team completed their Bachelor of Nursing via Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) with some travelling from Waikato or Christchurch completing their placements in Nelson and Marlborough.

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

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Social traffic manager making a positive difference WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A social media savvy traffic manager has been clocking up fans across the region in her bid to bring people home safety.

Vortex Traffic management boss Tash Lutherus is bringing daily smiles to drivers dealing with roadworks.

Her daily work summaries and updates online have captured the public’s attention.

For the mother-of-five whose main aim is to get both staff and drivers home safely, it’s been a big win.

“I never realised quite how much that my little posts impact people’s days until I’ve seen the responses and the happier drivers.

“It’s definitely not for fame – they’re simply to keep us, and drivers, safer,” she says.

Tash updates posts on Facebook’s Marlborough Cool Cat Chat page, letting road users know

Whether it’s on the side of the road or on social media, Tash Lutherus puts smiles on the faces of drivers. Photo: William Woodworth. where staff will be working.

Her highlights, lowlights, and even a song of the day have been welcomed by delighted readers.

But behind it all, there is a serious message, she says.

“We have the speed limits for a reason, because it really is scary on the side of the road when big

trucks roar past or cars speed through without slowing down we’re not trained to dodge metal signs or cones.

“Sometimes when I notice that people are rushing through our sites too fast, we make the cone paths narrower to slow people down when we must.

“However, I’ve noticed so many more positive comments, waves and toots at our sites because local travellers are more understanding of what is going on with our sites, so it must be working!”

Tash, who spent much of her working life in government agencies, says that she never expected

flipping lollypops on the side of the road 11 years ago would become a career.

“I always drove through roadworks and always thought they were interesting, so when I wanted to try something different, I thought it would be way more suitable to my personality.”

Tash credits Vortex’s local team for helping make her posts so positive.

“Roadworkers know that people aren’t happy when they get stuck waiting in roadworks, especially how many of our sites are on main roads in the region.

“When we have emergency callouts, obviously doing the job first is a priority but I try and let people know as soon as possible.

“I thought having more communications with people mean they can preplan their trips which makes everyone’s travel, and our jobs, much safer with happier, informed drivers.”

Power payments disappoint, claims candidate PAULA HULBURT

Eligible Marlborough power customers should be concerned over low returns, it is claimed.

A candidate standing for election to Marlborough’s Electric Power Trust is hitting out at disappointing returns for power customers.

Simon Bishell is one of a trio of candidates contesting next month’s election.

“Disappointment, not delight…” should have accompanied the news of $75 payments to each beneficiary, he says.

Lamenting the low payment, Simon says the Trust have no reason to be happy with the payment.

“He says the comments by Trust Chair Nicki Stretch that “Trustees are delighted to distribute $75 to each beneficiary this year” suggests consumers should feel grateful.

“When Trustees endorsed the purchase of Yealands nine years ago, we were all promised we’d get a month’s free electricity. The latest distribution is about a third of that.

“The chronic underperformance and lost opportunity of these funds is simply dumfounding.

“Unfortunately, this is the result of systemic poor governance and management of beneficiaries’ funds by MEPT.”

Simon Bishell, Belinda Jackson and Brendon Burns are seeking to win all three vacant roles in the upcoming election.

The three have been motivated by the ongoing, chronic underperformance of Marlborough Lines Limited’s (MLL) investment in Yealands Wine Group.

Financial distributions to power consumers have been lacking on what was promised, they say.

“This is not a one-off; the average distribution to consumers over the last four years is $44, which is less than 1 per cent return on funds invested “The top three earning staff at Yealands received a total of $1.5

million in remuneration last year, while the dividend from Yealands back to Marlborough Lines was only $1.3 million” Simon says.

“It is clear to see the real beneficiaries of the Yealands investment are not the consumers, but the Yealands senior executive team”.

A tax-paid distribution of $75 has been paid to each consumers’ electricity retailer, who should apply it as a credit to consumers’ electricity accounts.

Voting papers will be emailed or posted to all eligible consumers from Thursday, 29 February 2024; voting concludes Monday 25 March with results formally notified Friday 29 March 2024.

Simon Bishell is one of a trio of candidates contesting next month’s election to the Marlborough Electric Power Trust. Photo: Supplied.

Small cast brings big characters to life PAULA HULBURT

A cast of talented Marlburians have been working closely together to bring a new comedy to life.

Central Otago Man is based on a real-life character renowned writer Justin Eade met many years ago in Queenstown.

Played by Blenheim performer Chris Valli, Tryfen Gribilco is outspoken, self-centred and happy to share his thoughts.

But the character has a more vulnerable side, which is what attracted him to the part, Chris says.

“The appeal is the backstory to a bungy operator who is that stereotypical southern man who has a strong conviction that his way is the only way and through working on the land, he has the resilience or the aptitude to call a

spade a spade.

“I think his vulnerability is the narrative behind the narrative - why aren’t more people in society exposing or talking about vulnerability? It’s a strength not a weakness.”

Tryfen runs a bungy jump platform with a young, by-the-book offsider Marty Wellings. Untouched by the ravages of political correctness, he has a captive audience in the clients he has trussed up on his bridge.

Billed as the “classic Kiwi Bungyjump comedy”, the cast also features Racheal Kenyon, Billy Rayner, Megan Ponder-West and Vincent van Kuyk.

Directed by Geoff Anderson, the show has been in rehearsal since January.

Working with friends he knows from previous productions has made the demanding schedule a

Central Otago Man cast Billy Rayner, Megan Ponder-West, Chris Valli and Vincent van Kuyk rehearse ahead of the February opening.

Photo: Supplied. pleasure, Chris says.

“The beauty of this play is that there are no harmonies or melodies to learn, and the small cast

are close mates from previous productions like Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Full Monty or Blackadder.

“There is a trust already installed and that is a healthy place to develop the narrative and push beyond the deeper message or theme.

“A comedy allows people to hear some uncomfortable dialogue, to tell it like it is - in a world that is politically correct.

“Sometimes honest conversations are needed for transparency and developing all forms of relationships.

“Folk need a laugh and an escape - live theatre does this through an organic process where people can make connections and react.

“Theatre is about an opinions this show showcases opinions and then some....”

Central Otago Man is on from February 22 to March 2 at ASB Theatre Marlborough. https://www.asbtheatre.com/ events/central-otago-man/

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Business

Tuesday 13 February 2024

Business World-leading technology will aid Tory Channel mariners WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A groundbreaking system has been developed to provide real-time guidance for mariners regarding the currents in Tory Channel/Kura te Au, with the goal of making e-navigation safer.

The world-leading technology is the result of more than two years of work as part of Council’s Tide and Current Project, run in conjunction with marine and oceanographic survey experts Oceanum, Calypso Science and iXblue.

The final project is now launched on the Marlborough District Council’s website.

“The Tory Channel is a complex waterway that has both tidal and non-tidal forces acting on it. It is also part of our State Highway 1 and therefore critical to our national transport infrastructure,” says Oceanum managing director Dr Peter McComb.

“The project was conceived to improve the safe passage for ferries, who need to know in advance what flow conditions can be expected particularly near the open ocean entrance. Here, the currents are the strongest and they also make a 90-degree turn, creating a complex and turbulent flow which makes it very hard to install and maintain current meters.”

Instead of installing a current meter, the oceanographic team at Oceanum developed a unique prediction system using water level gradients, a hydrodynami-

World-leading technology will provide boaties with real-time guidance on the complex tides and currents of Tory Channel/Kura te Au and has potential for applications far beyond a navigational tool.

Photo: Supplied. cal model and machine learning to solve the problem. The idea was tested on some historical data with good results, so the Marlborough District Council decided to commission it for operations.

At the heart of the system are two very precise tide stations located at Te Weka Bay and Okokari Bay. The real time data gives readings of water height and gradients to within a few mm along the length of the channel.

Tory Channel/Kura te Au, the main trunk line for travelling between the North and South Islands, has long had a reputation as a complex waterway, Harbourmaster Captain Jake Oliver told the Marlborough District Council’s Environment and Planning

Committee.

“Actual currents and expected currents are not always the same which means mariners cannot be certain of the conditions until they have entered the channel,” says Jake.

“With the new system, there is now a high degree of accuracy, and we have confidence in the predictions. We can project 24 hours ahead and look back at the previous 24 hours as well.”

The Tide and Current Project was funded with $250,000 received from KiwiRail, given to Council as part of an enforceable undertaking imposed on the ferry service following an accident on the Kaiarahi Interislander ferry in April 2019.

Cawthron Institute were also

contracted to undertake independent current measurements to validate the performance of the model, and data from the ship computers on some of the interisland ferries was also used.

Another factor that made the development possible was the Council’s investment in the HS51 multibeam survey of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in 2016/17 which captured detailed bathymetric data. “The multibeam survey and tide gauge data was freely available, so we were able to rapidly prototype the concept and them move forward into the system development with confidence,” says Peter.

“It applies very simple oceanographic physics at its core, but with modern data science and

robust engineering we can blend measurements and models to solve complex problems and make this waterway much safer.

“Marlborough District Council showed great initiative when we approached them with this novel idea, which we believe is a worldfirst. We’re glad it’s now available for all to use, and the Council has an open data policy to ensure the maximum outreach to mariners.

“The technology has the potential to be much more than a navigational safety tool,” Captain Oliver agrees.

“Without the multibeam data we would not have been able to understand the shape of the Tory channel. Now we will begin looking at the feasibility of expanding the project to encompass the whole of Queen Charlotte Sound/ Tōtaranui.”

Tory Channel/Kura te Au sees currents up to seven knots (13 km/h) having been confirmed in full flood conditions, which add complexity to the challenge of navigating safely in this narrow and winding channel.

In the past 20 years there have been at least five serious grounding or near grounding incidents at the Tory Channel/Kura te Au entrance involving a large ferry or another type of ship.

The most recent ship grounding was the grounding of the cruise ship Azamara Quest in January 2016.

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Forsyth Barr is now in Marlborough

Opinion

Tuesday 13 February 2024

11

Opinion STREET

YOUR WEEKLY

TALK

CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...

To the girl working at the Grove Road greengrocer, I think we’d make a great pear. I know it’s corny, but I think you are a-maize-ing! Peas be mine this Valentine’s Day? <3 <3 <3 I love you berry berry much xoxoxox .............................................................................

What’s something that has piqued your interest at the Blenheim CBD Summer Market?

To my sweetheart. What a journey it’s been but there’s no one else I’d rather be walking beside in this crazy world. Love you with all my heart my little Ratfink, always xxx .............................................................................

Dan Turner

Jenny Corrigan

Windsong’s fruit was delicious with lots of tasters of their plums, I was keen for more fresh fruit and vegetables if possible.

I’ve just arrived, but I’m always interested in the food stalls. Will have to give Sweet Creations a visit.

To my Snookie Cookie Wookie , Happy Valentine’s Day to you, thank you for all that you do for our wee family. You really are a blessing to each of us. We love you so much xxx Jesse ................................................................................

Roses are red and violets are blue but they don’t matter if I can’t be with you. Amanda, I’m sorry, I love you and need you. Please give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me. All my love xxxx ...................................................................................

To the cute checkout guy at Countdown with the great hair. You’re always so happy and smiley, it makes my day when I see you. I’d like to get to know more about you and hope you’re not already spoken for, don’t leave me on the shelf! ...................................................................................

Greta Williams

Louie Vaughan

I’ve been interested in the earrings, the food stalls and the Woofles dog treats stall too.

I haven’t quite seen everything but having music at both ends have brought a great vibe to the market and the town.

Darling James, not a day goes by without me giving thanks for having met you. You’re always my number one. Love Rach xxx ...................................................................................

To my darling bunny, you are so special to me and having you near makes every day better.

Other people can look, but they can’t touch! All my love and tail wags, Griffin. ...................................................................................

Joshua, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me and I love you heaps. Here’s to our first Valentine’s Day together, the first of many more to come, I hope. Love your washing fairy who always scrubs up well! Xxx ...................................................................................

This Valentine’s Day is extra special as not only are you my partner for life, but I’ll finally be able to call you my husband when we seal the deal this weekend. Xxx ...................................................................................

To my incredible partner, as we start another year on the other side of the world I’m still in awe of your passion and care you take in everything you do. Sending lots of love as always on Valentine’s day xxxx ...................................................................................

FEB / MAR 2024

Tom Knowles

takes the stage BRIAN Murray Not just skimming the surface

SPORT STARS

Doing it their way

d | Climate Action Week

PLUS: Twenty Years of Seafoo

| My Place

The only magazine dedicated to Marlborough

FEB/MAR OUT NOW

d Publishe hly bi-mont REE F get your ow copy n

Grab your free copy from one of our drop locations, or subscribe to get a copy delivered directly to your letterbox - only $49.95/year Subscribe with your details to hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia.co.nz Countdown Redwoodtown | Countdown Blenheim | New World Blenheim | Farmlands Westwood | Mitre 10 Mega Blenheim Subway Stadium 2000 | Seddon Supermarket | Super Value Renwick | Sweet Creations | Haven Café | Life Pharmacy Vines Village | Picton Mariners Mall | Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries | Interislander Ferry Terminal | TSM Marlborough office

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

Feature

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WEEK 2 1 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 3 Mar

Highlanders v Blues Rebels v Force Moana v Drua Crusaders v Waratahs Chiefs v Brumbies Hurricanes v Reds

20.00 22.10 19.05 21.35 16.00 18.30

WEEK 3 8 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 9 Mar 9 Mar 9 Mar

Moana v Rebels Waratahs v Highlanders Drua v Crusaders Brumbies v Force Hurricanes v Blues Reds v Chiefs

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 4 15 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar 16 Mar 16 Mar 16 Mar

Crusaders v Hurricanes Rebels v Reds Force v Moana Highlanders v Brumbies Chiefs v Drua Waratahs v Blues

19.05 21.35 00.00 16.35 19.30 21.35

WEEK 5 22 Mar 22 Mar 23 Mar 23 Mar 23 Mar 23 Mar

Hurricanes v Rebels Brumbies v Moana Drua v Waratahs Chiefs v Highlanders Blues v Crusaders Force v Reds

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 6 29 Mar 29 Mar 30 Mar 30 Mar 30 Mar 30 Mar

Crusaders v Chiefs Waratahs v Rebels Drua v Force Moana v Blues Highlanders v Hurricanes Reds v Brumbies

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 7 5 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 6 Apr

Blues v Force Rebels v Drua Chiefs v Moana Brumbies v Waratahs

19.05 21.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 8 12 Apr 12 Apr

Moana v Reds Waratahs v Crusaders

19.05 21.35

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Feature

Tuesday 13 February 2024

GBY PACIFIC DRAW

FINALS

DATE WEEK 8 Continued 13 Apr 13 Apr WEEK 9 19 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 20 Apr

MATCH

KICK OFF

Hurricanes v Chiefs Rebels v Highlanders

19.05 21.35

Drua v Hurricanes Reds v Highlanders Blues v Brumbies Force v Crusaders

19.05 21.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 10 26 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 27 Apr 27 Apr 27 Apr

Crusaders v Rebels Waratahs v Chiefs Drua v Moana Brumbies v Hurricanes Highlanders v Force Reds v Blues

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 11 3 May 3 May 4 May 4 May 4 May 4 May

Hurricanes v Waratahs Rebels v Blues Moana v Highlanders Crusaders v Reds Chiefs v Force Brumbies v Drua

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 12 10 May 10 May 11 May 11 May 11 May 11 May

Moana v Chiefs Reds v Rebels Blues v Hurricanes Highlanders v Crusaders Waratahs v Brumbies Force v Drua

19.05 21.35 16.35 19.05 21.35 23.55

WEEK 13 17 May 17 May 18 May 18 May 18 May 18 May

Hurricanes v Moana Rebels v Chiefs Drua v Reds Brumbies v Crusaders Blues v Highlanders Force v Waratahs

19.05 21.35 14.05 16.35 19.05 21.35

WEEK 14 24 May 24 May 25 May 25 May 25 May 26 May

Chiefs v Hurricanes Brumbies v Rebels Moana v Waratahs Crusaders v Blues Reds v Force Highlanders v Drua

19.05 21.35 16.35 19.05 21.35 14.05

WEEK 15 31 May 31 May 1 Jun 1 Jun 1 Jun 1 Jun

Crusaders v Moana Waratahs v Reds Drua v Rebels Hurricanes v Highlanders Blues v Chiefs Force v Brumbies

RESULT

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Feature

Tuesday 13 February 2024

Retirement

It’s not retirement – It’s starting a new chapter ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Volunteering is a great way to stay connected with your community and meet new people outside of your work circles. Photos: Supplied.

Going by the lifestyle of many people over the age of 65 these days, the word ‘retirement’ needs retiring with many of them busier than when they were in the traditional workforce.

Various dictionaries give it an array of surprising meanings such as ‘retreat’, ‘withdrawal’ and ‘disengagement’.

In this country we mostly understand it as a time when we stop paid work, receive NZ Superannuation and supposedly enjoy the fruits of our labour after four decades or more of graft.

Many people over 65 need to keep working and many others want to keep working.

“It’s a strange concept to me to be doing a job that I adore and suddenly, because I have had a certain birthday, be expected to

stop,” says registered nurse Jan. “I’ve still got plenty of energy and being able to care for people is such a privilege. I want to keep going as long as I can.”

My own parents didn’t end their working careers until they were in their early seventies. Both teachers.

They relished the roles that so many years of experience had given them and even when they finally handed in their notice, were able to keep mentoring young people from home with results that helped teenagers go into exciting careers that had previously seemed unattainable.

Others who reach our traditional retirement age relish the opportunity to change the pace of their lives, refresh their spirits and take on new challenges and adventures. Jill and Simon have taken up cycling and are seeing NZ from a new perspective.

“We both cycled to our respective schools when we were younger,” says Jill.

“Friends had bought themselves e-bikes and offered us a ride on them. One ride and we were hooked.”

Purchasing their own, they started exploring the Marlborough bike trails and are now off whenever they can throughout the country.

“Biking provides such a wonderful sense of being close to nature and seeing places from a whole new perspective,” says Simon.

“It’s been of great benefit to our health, keeping us fit and feeling good.”

Some see their post-work years as a chance for reflection, renewal and recalibration.

Jean had always wanted to pursue a career in art but tough times while bringing up three children on her own had shelved

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Feature

Tuesday 13 February 2024

15

& better living

Retirement can be a time to give new things a go, or dive into hobbies that you previously haven’t had time for. that dream.

“I needed to keep working but was able to switch to part-time and that has opened up a whole new world for me,” she says.

“It took a few months to pluck up the courage but I retrieved my old paint materials that were in a box in the garage and started drawing again.

“I can’t remember feeling such a sense of joy that this brings me. It is like there is a whole new world just waiting to be explored.”

Many of the volunteers is our community are those who have

left the paid workforce and enjoy doing what they can to help others.

Volunteer Marlborough is an outstanding resource for those who are looking for somewhere they can match their skills to.

Diane has found a level of happiness and companionship she had never expected as a volunteer helping people with special needs.

“I get far more back than what I give,” she says. “When I was working, there was so little room for friendships. Life was all about

work and family.

“Volunteering has made me feel so useful and valued. It has also introduced me to a group of wonderful new friends.”

It can be hard to make the transition away from a busy working life for some. John took giving up a lifetime of physical work as a mechanic hard.

“It was a real shock to not be putting on my overalls every morning and going to do a day’s work,” he said.

“I became a person I didn’t know I was; grumpy, frustrated and depressed. My wife was getting fed up with me.

“One of our grandsons was having a few problems at school so she suggested I ask if he was interested in coming and spending time in my home workshop where I tinker with a few old cars.

Being able to spend time with family is one of the many great parts about retirement.

“He now comes twice a week and absolutely loves it. I really enjoy his company and that I can teach him many of the skills I’ve learnt and we have a lot of laughs.

“There has a been a big improvement in his behaviour at school and it feels like he has turned a really positive corner.

“Knowing that I am helping him

has given me a new lease of life.”

What we knew as retirement last century is certainly being re-evaluated as many realise it is an exciting and invigorating new chapter with an abundance of choices and opportunities to make use of all the years of life experiences to create a rich pocketful of new adventures.

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16

Feature

Tuesday 13 February 2024

From clutter to treasure ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

How many times have you gone to do a tidy up at home and found yourself exhausted before you start? Fortunately, help is at hand.

Most of us have accumulated an enormous number of possessions and the prospect of sorting them is often overwhelming. How do we choose what we keep or what is worth donating?

Let’s face it, the country has been flooded with many cheap goods and clothing over the last 20 years.

It hasn’t been until recently we have really grasped the effects of pollution and wastage and their contribution to climate change.

Fortunately, the number of organisations and businesses that deal in recycled, upcycled, re-purposed and second-hand goods has escalated as more of us realise the benefits to be gained by not always buying new.

Blenheim Rotary Club Far ahead of their time is the Blenheim Rotary Club who began their Bootsale Market on Saturday mornings from 7am to midday in 1993. The late Brian Simpson who had leased what was locally known as “The Grain Store” on the site now occupied by Marine and Outdoors, had a vision for the Blenheim Rotary Club of which he was a member to operate a Boot Sale to raise money for local community projects.

As president of the club Steve Metzger says, “Many would remember that his building was somewhat a treasure trove and housed a plethora of Brian’s Collectibles including two early 50’s Chevrolets.

"Stall holders set up their sites outside the building and as Rotarians we ran our own stall inside the Grain Store selling various items that often included things that Brian didn’t want to keep.”

The initiative was so successful

The late Brian Simpson is the visionary behind the Blenheim Rotary Club's weekly boot sale. Photo: Supplied. that it has raised over $400,000 to date and is a practical outcome of Rotary’s motto of “Service above Self.”

“Our enormous gratitude must go to Brian for his vision, his belief in this project and his hard work over many years,” says Steve.

“Hardly a Saturday went by when he wouldn’t turn up to the Bootsale whether he was rostered on or not, complete with wicker basket, coffee and biscuits.”

HAVELOCK

CHARITY SHOPS

The Bootsale, now held at the Railway Station carpark, continues to be a great opportunity for the region’s occupants to pass on no-longer needed goods to others to be used and treasured.

The many other businesses in the region who have realised the benefits of recycling and the demand for it are also contributing in a positive way to keeping our unwanted possessions out of landfill.

Havelock Charity Shop Also playing an important role in repurposing and recycling are volunteers at the popular Havelock Charity Shop.

With two separate shops next door to each other on the township’s Main Street, there is a huge

range of preloved items to choose from. One store specialises in clothing and accessories while the other features homewares and plants.

Dedicated volunteers take pride in the fact they help prevent preloved items ending up in landfill. Everyone lends a hand to wash, mend, fix and repair donated items before putting them up for sale.

Furniture is also a popular draw, with many items being repaired and repainted before going up for sale.

Even items which don’t sell get given a new lease of life thanks to some innovative thinking. Unsellable clothes are turned into rags which are given to local businesses, while donated materials are cleverly turned into tote bags.

These beautiful bags are then used by the Lions as part of a special pack welcoming new people to the area.

Volunteers also turn their hands to making pickles, jams and preserves from extra fruit and vegetables donated from local gardeners.

A tasty soup is sometimes made too and donated to people across the community.

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Out & About

Tuesday 13 February 2024

17

Out & About 2

1

3

Marlborough Wine and Food Festival 2024

4

1.

Camille Durand and Miguel Lopez

2.

Colin Fitzgerald and Fern McKenzie

3.

Dan Music, Don Johnson and Luke Clatworthy

4.

Grace Rodger and Shorona McLeay

5.

Tom Sutherland and Ainsleigh Wills

6.

Kate and Steir Brown

7.

Sharee Vitale and Oscar Schluter

8.

Jules Richards, Jan Sorenson, Karen Tattersall and Francesca Crossley

9.

Libby Proctor, Maia Nimmo, Teri Smith and Emma Malcom

6

8

CHEF ZENNON WIJLENS, BRAD STALEY, LOCAL ARTISTS, NIWA KIDS ZONE & MORE

5

7

9

EARLYBIRD TICKETS From $40+b/f www.havelockmusselfestival.co.nz

18

Sport

Tuesday 13 February 2024

MBC teen claims Coast to Coast crown PETER JONES

peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Marlborough’s McKenzie family wrote their name across the 42nd edition of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast multisport race on Saturday.

Marlborough Boys’ College student Finn McKenzie took out the overall two-day individual title, while his father, winemaker Jeremy McKenzie, combined with Nelson’s Dan Busch to claim the two-person two-day crown.

Finn headed south this week with his sights set on the new elite youth (23 and under) title after winning the schools’ section and finishing fifth overall in the two-

day individual last year.

However, this time around he left all the individual racers in his wake, eclipsing his 150 rivals who started the gruelling 243km race from Kumara Beach on Friday morning. Consequently, he landed the two-day individual title, the elite youth section and the schools category.

“Obviously, the goal was to go down and try to get on the podium. We are all racing to win so to tick that off was good,” said Finn.

“I knew there was some strong opposition, guys like Sam King and Campbell Gray, and they definitely made me work for it.

But I managed to have a strong run yesterday and a decent pad-

Finn on the start line of the cycle leg.

dle today and a quick bike ride home to finish it off.”

He led the field overnight, covering the first part of the journey in three hours 24 minutes 49 seconds, then maintained his edge to the finish line at New Brighton Pier, coming home in 11:39:51.

Finn held off King who finished second in 11:43:19, a similar margin to that which separated them overnight.

“I had a lead of just under three minutes on the first day … then I paddled with him today and we biked together as well, so I was able to maintain that [overnight] lead to the finish,” explained Finn.

The experience gained in 2023 was used to good effect by the 17-year-old, who changed up a couple of things this time around.

“I decided to sit in on the first bike leg this year and save myself for the run, which I executed well. I also trialled some different footwear.

“I used carbon foot plates on the bike, rather than bike shoes which made my transitions quicker because I could use the same shoes from the start to the finish of day one. They helped me get to the lead straight away and I didn’t look back.

“The atmosphere down here was awesome, you just can’t beat the Coast to Coast, it is just such a well set-up, well-run event with so many people involved all trying to achieve the same goal.”

The winning margin was more pronounced for Jeremy and Dan. In a field of 62, they came home in 11:27:28 to head off the second-placed duo by around 47

Coast to Coast two-day champion Finn McKenzie at the finish line.

Photos: Supplied. minutes.

Jeremy, an experienced Coaster-to-Coaster and Godzone competitor, and Busch, a top paddler and adventure racer, formed an unstoppable combination across all three disciplines.

They also led overnight, recording 3:36:25 for the first day’s action.

For winning the new elite youth section, Finn received a trophy, a cash prize of $1500, a NZSKI 3 Peak Pass for the winter season and a $1000 Interislander voucher.

Apart from the obvious rewards, Finn felt the introduction of the elite youth title was a welcome

addition this year.

“It means us younger guys, instead of going all out for the one-day race and blowing ourselves up, we can save that wee bit extra and go a bit harder in the two-dayer. I think it’s a great initiative,” he added.

So, what is next on the multi-talented teen’s agenda?

“Probably crack into some school work actually,” he suggested with a smile.

“I’ll probably just race locally for a while … the mountain bike nationals are at the end of March so I will see if I recover for that in time … I’ll just keep ticking away.”

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Sport

Tuesday 13 February 2024

19

The victorious Celtic crew after the senior T20 final on Friday evening. Photos: Peter Jones.

Celtic win final-over T20 thriller PETER JONES

Celtic added the 2023-24 senior Twenty20 title to their one-day crown on Friday evening, getting up the final over to overcome Wairau.

Needing 12 runs from the final six balls, bowled by left arm paceman Nick Weaver, Celtic reached their target with two balls to spare to win by four wickets at Horton Park.

Steering them home were talented youngster Luke Holdaway, who ended on 14 not out, and experienced hand Ben Blackman, who contributed a timely 10 runs, including a sweetly-struck six off his legs, to get the job done.

Wairau put a respectable “par score” of 134-4 on the board after being asked to bat.

They made a steady start, Aidan Lavender and Weaver, who topscored with 40 from 32 balls, pushing the score to 35 in the sixth over before Lavender perished. The arrival of Mike Hood (14 from 10) lifted the run-rate and took Wairau to 70-2 at the halfway stage. Andrew McCaa joined Weaver and the pair began to score freely before Celtic applied the brakes. Some intelligent bowling by spinners Tom Sutherland (1-17 from four), Josh Poole and medium pacer Greg Knowles slowed Wairau’s charge and ate up some valuable overs.

Harry Boyce entered the fray at the fall of Weaver’s wicket and began to form a dangerous partnership with McCaa before the latter was run out for 21 from 24.

Boyce (a run-a-ball 26) and Alex Kennedy (11 from 9) saw out the overs but a superb final six balls

from Blackman, which conceded only four runs, ensured there was no late surge on the scoreboard.

Unlike Wairau, Celtic made a rapid start to their innings, 23 runs coming from the first three overs as Greg Knowles (21 from 15) hit out.

When he departed fellow opener Tom Sloan took over, maintaining a solid scoring rate before he fell for 16 in the eighth with 47 on the board.

A period of consolidation followed, Sutherland (25 from 35) and Poole (28 from 25) pushing the Celtic total past the 100-run mark in the 17th over before both departed.

With the vastly-experienced duo of McCaa and Weaver to bowl the final three overs, and 28 runs required, the odds were slightly in favour of the bowling side.

However, the Celtic batsmen held their nerve and, despite losing two wickets in two balls during the penultimate over, they wrapped up the senior club double in exciting fashion, Blackman slamming a six before he and Holdaway scampered through for a leg bye to send their vocal band of supporters home happy.

McCaa finished with the figures of 4-26 from four, while Hunter Ruffell bagged 2-21 from his allocation.

Earlier in the season Celtic won the one-day title, beating Wairau Valley in the final.

Second grade final The second grade T20 final was contested on Thursday evening, with United Country and Vineyard taking the honours, albeit narrowly.

Bryn Cotching top scored for UCVC in Thursday’s final.

They beat Celtic Green by one run, the match coming down to the final ball of the last over.

UCVC batted first and set a moderate total of 123, being dismissed with two balls to bowl.

Paul Hickman, with a run-a-ball 22 got the ball rolling, Bryn Cotching contributing 23 from 18 and Duncan Grigg added a steady 17 to help UCVC to a total that they could defend.

Celtic’s fielding was secure, Tom Sloan taking a couple of fine catches, while Luca Turnbull, with 3-15 from three overs, led the bowling attack along with Liam Young who claimed 2-19 from 3.4.

UCVC made early inroads with the ball and had Celtic under immediate pressure. Led by

Simon Muir, 1-6 from four, and Dan Campbell, 3-21 from four, they had Celtic reeling at 4-28,

needing around nine runs an over at one stage.

However, 30 off 28 from Liam Young steadied the ship and, along with a solid 15 from James Croker, slowly hauled Celtic back into contention.

Number seven batter Ollie Lawson’s arrival was a turning point.

After struggling to find his timing initially he took a liking to the UCVC bowling. A string of boundaries meant his side needed 19 runs from the final over for an unlikely win.

Lawson did his best, scoring 16 runs from Hickman’s over, which included a no ball, but could only manage two from the final delivery, leaving UCVC to breathe a collective sigh of relief and celebrate a hard-earned victory.

Lawson ended unbeaten on 45 from 22 balls.

20

Sport

Tuesday 13 February 2024

Repeat win for mixed doubles champs PETER JONES

Donna Clark and Stu Campbell are back-to-back senior mixed residential champions.

After winning the 2023 title, Donna and Stu repeated the dose in the Yealands wine-sponsored event on Sunday.

The top seeds overcame fourth-seeded Ben Burridge and Eveline Apthorp van der Linden 6-1, 6-4 in the final.

Both the afternoon’s semifinals were tight affairs, coming down to a super tiebreaker to decide who played in the title decider.

Donna and Stu defeated third seeds Stephen Dempster and Stu Campbell and Donna Clark on their way to the Marlborough residential Anna Simpson 6-7, 6-1, 10-4, while Ben and Eveline eased mixed doubles title at Rapaura on Sunday. Photo: Peter Jones.

past second seeds Glen Cameron and Jane Davidson 6-1, 3-6, 11-9.

The plate event was taken out

by Nic and Sarah Dillon, who defeated Nigel and Annabelle Fluit 9-6 in the decider.

Sixteen pairings contested the tournament, which was played on the grass courts at Rapaura.

Super Series On Wednesday round the latest chapter in the Wine Brokers NZ Super Series was played out.

Division one leaders All Boks (Jared Bell and Koos Richter) took on Net Ninjas (Ant Walkenhorst and Issy O’Brien) and came away with a 2-1 victory at Rapaura.

Walkenhorst won his single over Bell, but Richter won the

other single then combined with Bell to take out the doubles and the match.

The other division one game featured Team Sowman (Max and Ella Sowman) up against Spring Blacks (Chris Nott and Michael Kamson), who prevailed 2-1.

Ella Sowman beat Chris Nott 5-4, 4-0, Kamson defeated Max Sowman 1-4, 4-1, 5-4 then Nott and Kamson took out the doubles 5-3, 4-0.

In division two, Triple Fault (Scott Booth and Tony Fenemor) won 3-0 against Mattelle (Matt Sutherland and Jo Campbell) while Ben and Leon (Ben Preece and Leon Marusaki) replicated the scoreline against Papa Pow-Pow (Emily Preece and Josephine Walkenhorst).

GrapeRide on ice again PETER JONES

One of Marlborough’s iconic sporting events has been shelved for the third consecutive year.

Organisers of the 2024 Whitehaven GrapeRide, which covers a 101km loop course - taking in Blenheim, Picton and Havelock – announced last week that the Queen Charlotte Drive section of the course was not safe enough for large groups of cyclists at this stage.

The event was canned in 2022 due

to COVID issues, then, following severe flood damage and the ensuing repair work, the GrapeRide was abandoned last year.

This time around, although road works have progressed, GrapeRide director Duncan Mackenzie said the state of the Queen Charlotte Drive, with its many one-way sections, meant running the race as planned on April 20 was not viable.

“It’s just not practical at the moment,” he said. “I have had people say, ‘why don’t you just make Queen Charlotte Drive one way’ but there is no way that would be allowed.

“Every year since we began to run the event we have ap-

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plied for a closure and it has been turned down. The big worry is that if we even got closure on the one-way sections … all it takes is one local resident who doesn’t get the memo and is travelling the wrong way, and we have cyclists believing that they are the only thing on the road and we could end up with a situation similar to what happened in Le Race many years ago when a cyclist was killed in a collision.

“That’s just too big a risk to take.”

Looking ahead, Duncan said the organisers may have to explore other options.

“If the road isn’t ready by next year we may have to look at alternatives – which may be on or offroad because, quite frankly, the cost of traffic management these days is huge.

“People scream about the cost of entering an event but there is a lot

Sport in brief LOCKIE SNARES SILVER

Marlborough cyclist Lockie McNabb warmed up for his forthcoming trip to Europe, and a place in a Spanish club road team, with a gritty second placing in the under-19 section at the national road champs in Timaru on Friday.

Locky was part of a four-person breakaway with 50km to ride. They were caught by a group of five with 10km to go and, although an attack reduced the leading group to three, Lockie was unable to reel in winner Reef Roberts dur-

Whitehaven GrapeRide competitors gather at the start line in 2021, the last time the event was run. Photo: Supplied. of overheads to be met …traffic management, medical and public liability insurance are three of the big ticket items and they are all intertwined.”

Duncan said that a decision on next year’s event will have to be made by September and, “if we can’t do that by then we are exploring other options, including an off-road option.

“How that would sit with the riding public, well, we have just got to ask the question and see what pans out, but I know there

are a huge number of riders out there who feel the event just has to survive and are committed to it.

“We are certainly not wanting to kiss goodbye to the event, Queen Charlotte Drive is a magical part of the GrapeRide, and will do everything we can to make it happen … getting all the stars to align.”

The first GrapeRide took place in 2005, with the next chapter set to be the seventeenth, whenever and wherever that should be.

ing the final, frantic sprint for home.

Lockie covered the 122.5km course in three hours five minutes and 56 seconds.

Several walking and biking tracks in and around Victoria Domain will close to the public from 7am to 5pm on the day of the event.

PICTON’S THE PLACE FOR MTB SERIES

BRADEN ON BASE

Mountain bikers from around New Zealand will converge on Picton this Sunday, February 18, for round four of the Mountain Bike New Zealand National Cross Country Series 2024. The Marlborough Mountain Bike Club is hosting the event which was due to take place in Blenheim but has relocated to Picton due to the closure of the Wither Hills Farm Park because of fire risk.

Saints’ and Marlborough softball regular Braden Healy has been chosen for the Southern Pride side which will contest the National Fastpitch champs in Auckland on February 15. His club side, Saints, will host Stoke Eagles in a double-header at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, February 24, with the Seddon Shield tournament, against Nelson opposition across several grades, taking place on Sunday, March 3.

Trades

Tuesday 13 February 2024

21

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22

Community Notices

Tuesday 13 February 2024

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARLBOROUGH’S HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT • THE LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS • SNACK BAR • FAMILY MOVIE DEALS MONDAY

Argylle

Madame Web

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS BARBERSHOP CHORUS If you love singing, come and join us. 7pm Spring Creek Hall. Ph Chris 021445261.

BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. Ph Heather 02102587325.

BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES Starting Mon 29th Jan 2024. 2-3pm & 6-7pm. First lesson free, $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph Judith 5787554 / 0212341095.

CARE & SHARE A place for creatives to meet, encourage & share their skills. 9.30am fortnightly. Barnies, Nativity. 76 Alfred St. Ph 5783909.

ROTARY CLUBS BLENHEIM Meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm.

World-wide service club for men & women doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues.

Ph Blenheim Club Secretary Andy Rowe 021842928.

Blenheim South Club Secretary Dean Heiford 0212462642.

WITHERLEA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Our first night is March 4. We meet weekly at 6:50 for 7pm start. Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Cleghorn & Weld St. Please wear soft soled shoes. Contact: Chris 0272722739 or Heather 0273106675 for more info.

TUESDAY

The Colour Purple

Force of Nature – The Dry 2

Drive Away Dolls

Bob Marley: One Love

For up to date session times and to buy tickets visit eventcinemas.co.nz

PRIVATE CINEMA HIRE PRIVATE SCREENINGS - BIRTHDAYS - SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES FUNDRAISERS - CONFERENCES FOR DETAILS CONTACT BLENHEIM_MANAGER@EVT.COM 4 KINROSS STREET, BLENHEIM 03 577 8273

ENTER TO WIN MARLBOROUGH WEEKLY DOUBLE PASS MOVIE TICKET GIVEAWAY TO ENTER: pop into the office at 52 Scott St, or email by midday Friday with your name & contact number to hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia.co.nz & the subject line

“WE LOVE THE MARLBOROUGH WEEKLY & EVENT CINEMAS BLENHEIM”

WINNER OF THE 6TH FEBRUARY MARLBOROUGH WEEKLY DOUBLE PASS MOVIE TICKET DRAW

Chris Davies

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION 1pm every Tuesday we meet and play EUCHRE and CRIBBAGE at the Redwood Tavern, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim. Beginners are welcome to learn and play. $5 per afternoon. Ph Chris 0272077631.

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month, 7pm. Various locations. To promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Email: mhsgarlicpress@ gmail.com STEADY AS YOU GO Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Last class will be Tues 19th Dec. Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking. Improve your confidence. 6.20pm fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Ph 0276001788. E: sunbeltblenheim@gmail.com RED HAT SOCIETY for women to enjoy fun & friendship. We meet 1st & 3rd Tues of the month. Ph Tina 0211045945.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. 8.30am12pm. Social Tennis. MT 10am. Non-members $5. Ph 0275786436 BLENHEIM CHORAL 7pm. Wesley Centre, Henry St. www.marlboroughsingers.org.

BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP 6.30-9pm RNZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged 13 & 15. E: 27sqn@cadetforces.org.nz PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK 1st Tues of month ‘COFFEE & CHAT’ 10-11am, Seabreeze Café, London Quay. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph Cathy - Coordinator 0210451799 picton@newcomers.co.nz KNITTERS & SPINNERS Meet 10am, Picton library.

Bring your knitting for this social catch-up.

PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults 10am-12pm. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 Morning tea included. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

PICTON LINE DANCING 9.30-11.30am. Picton Anglican Church Hall. $7 per class. Beginners welcome. Ph Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.

MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB MAHJONG 1-3.30pm $4. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Gail 0272214121.

WEDNESDAY CHEESE & CHEERS is part of the Silent Book Club Aotearoa and we are hosting a meeting every first Wed of the month. 5.30pm at Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Rd. Ph 03 5727170.

WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB meet 10am Picton Library, every 3rd Wed of the month for fun & friendship. Gold coin donation for M T. After meeting we go for lunch if you wish to join us.

PICTON LIONS Join a worthwhile volunteer group, both female & male members wanted, good fellowship, all money raised goes back to Picton community.

First Wed of the month. Ph Norman 0274336242 ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 7.30pm. Blenheim Bowling Club, 65 Weld St. Ph Erin 027 234 1709.

BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired?

Meetings 1st Wed of the month. 10am. Wesley Centre.

Ph Ann 5787046/Jan 0226353919.

PICTON - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 7.30pm.

Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. Ph Lynda 0212600860.

STRETCH & BREATHE Class for Seniors. 10-11am, St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Last class will be Wed 20th Dec. Ph 0273852333. Email donna@ stchristophers.co.nz MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL CENTRE hosts newcomers 10.30-12noon Henry St. Opportunities for Newcomers & Marlburians to make friends, practice English & support each other. Ven y practica tu inglés.

Te esperamos.

HEART HELP SUPPORT Community group dedicated to the well-being of those who live with a heart condition or experienced a heart attack. Offering support to whanau. Meet 3rd Wed of the month, 10am. Ph Jenny Goss 0211629102.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregivers catch up. 10.30-12pm Town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St. MARLBOROUGH CHINESE FELLOWSHIP Chinese Christian group. Interested in the Bible or Christianity, desire to grow in the faith or would like to meet new friends, we welcome you. Wed 6-7.30pm, St Christopher’s Church. 92 Weld St. Ph Guan 0221642782/Mandy 022 4326886.

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP 10-11.30am to support each other. Regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford 0272883032.

MARLBOROUGH VINTAGE CAR CLUB MUSEUM Sun & Wed, 1.30 – 3.30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Donation appreciated. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275 784 322.

BLENHEIM PETANQUE CLUB Games held at courts, 65A Weld St, Wed 1-3pm & Sun 10am-12pm. Ph/Text John 021979323.

LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the community over sixty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s club or are interested in becoming a Lion. Tea meetings held 1st & 3rd Wed (Feb-Nov). Ph Delphine Lee 0299425004 or Helen Williams 0211458572.

THURSDAY PICTON BRIDGE CLUB 6.50pm Port Marlborough Pavilion. Ph Judy 021685348.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle Walking Exercise for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Last class will be Thurs 21st Dec. Ph 0273852333. Email donna@stchristophers.co.nz COMPANIONS Ages 65+. 1st Thurs of the month. 1pm.

Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. Ph Avon 035792440, Lorraine 035781240, or Shirley 035783728.

COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP Tailored for people with breathlessness. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.15pm.

Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. Ph Diana 0272105780/Gillian 0274545102.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9am-12noon Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $6. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021503348 PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults 10am-12pm. Port Marlborough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. $4. Morning tea included. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, EOC, 4 Wither Rd. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.

KNIT & NATTER Blenheim Library every 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month. 10am-12noon. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317.

FOREST & BIRD TALK Sonya Roxburgh, ecologist and ornithologist, will talk about her monitoring work on Marlborough’s East Coast. 7.30pm, Thursday 15th February, Blenheim School Hall, all welcome, gold coin donation please.

FRIDAY NATIVITY TUNES FOR TOTS music, food & fun for pre-schoolers & caregivers. 9.30am. Nativity Hall, 76 Alfred Street. During term time. Ph 5783909.

SALVATION ARMY GAMES Rummy O or Cards ‘500’.

1-4pm. $2 to cover afternoon tea. Contact Moira for more info 0284213163.

BOLIVIA CARD GAME Fri afternoon. Redwoodtown.

Ph Mal 0273157675.

PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’

5-6pm at Café Cortado on the waterfront. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph Cathy - Coordinator 0210451799 or email picton@newcomers.co.nz LINK Fun, board games & afternoon tea in the lounge at Nativity Centre, 76 Alfred St every Fri 1pm. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph 5783909 for info.

UPBEAT ORCHESTRA All ages. Instruments. From beginner-grade 5. St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd every Fri 5-6.30pm. E: upbeatorchestra@gmail.com MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB AVO 2-4p.m. Guest speakers. $5. AT. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Dianne 0212147757.

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS Every Fri 4.30-6.30pm weather permitting until daylight saving finishes.

Members $2, Visitors $5. 10 Uxbridge St (behind Bowling Club). Visit our website, FB page or contact Leigh Andrews Mob: 021 191 3034 for more information.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY ALPHA COURSE Dessert & Coffee Information evening. Sat. Feb 17. 7pm Salvation Army Lounge, Cnr. Henry & George Sts, Blenheim. This course explores life, faith and meaning. Free and open to all. Come check it out! Enquiries to Anna: harperanna@yahoo. com SOCIAL CARDS ‘500’ at Redwood Tavern. 1-4pm.

Free. Contact Moira for more info 0284213163.

PICTON DAWN CHORUS Checking volunteer trap lines, walking through native bush. Contact Jen - 03 928 4957 ext 1. volunteering@pictondawnchorus.nz MARLBOROUGH QUILTERS meeting 2nd Sat of the month at Marlb Vintage & Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park 10am-4 pm. Join us to learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomer’s welcome. Liz 0212067382.

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 10.30-11.15am, Marl Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, 12th Lane. Blenheim. Cnr Farmers carpark. www.bahai.org THE ROADHOUSE BREAKFAST for car enthusiasts of all genres. 1st Sun of month, Riverlands Roadhouse, coffee cart on site, cafe has great food. 100+ cars at each of first two events.

BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET Railway Station carpark, Sat 8am-12pm. Blenheim Rotary Bootsale operating over 25 years, funds to local/international projects. New or used items, plants, food, coffee carts welcome. See bootsalemarket on Facebook.

MARLBOROUGH STROKE CLUB a voluntary organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of those who have experienced a stroke, and to the support of their caregivers. We offer support, friendship & education with various meetings held each month. Ph Vyvienne Dunlop 5783837 or 021929955.

MARLBOROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB committed to seeing mountain biking flourish in Marlborough.

We hold regular rides suitable for all levels of fitness & ability. Including back country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. Marlboroughmountainbike@gmail.com.

BLENHEIM FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Interested in Family History Research & building your Family Tree?

Contact us for advice & assistance. Informal gatherings held 3rd Sun of month, 1.30–3pm, Family History Rooms, Brayshaw Park. Ph Lauri 578 8385.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET A&P showgrounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal produce & products.

REDWOOD MARKET Redwood Tavern car park, Cleghorn St. Sat, 8am-12pm. Plants, garden products, flowers, crafts including handmade soaps, cards & jewellery. Raising money for your community.

PICTON RAIL & SAIL on the Foreshore. Mini train rides & yachts from 20 cents. Every Sun & the school holiday’s, subject to weather.

BLENHEIM RIVERSIDE RAILWAY Runs 1st & 3rd Sun of the month. We have Eftpos. Facebook / Riverside Railway.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Every Sun 3-5pm. Social Tennis Non-Members $2 All welcome.

Ph Joanna 0275786436 BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM 4pm Sun service. St Ninians Church, corner Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. barnabas.org.nz.

MARLBOROUGH ASSOCIATED MODELLERS SOCIETY miniature train rides $2. 1st & 3rd Sun of month. Model yacht & boat sailing Sun, 1pm-4pm, Brayshaw Park.

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meet Sat fortnightly (approx.

beginning & mid-month) 10am. Revival Café, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation but the coffee’s great! For info Ph 0275057774.

REPAIR CAFÉ Starting again 27th Jan 2024. We’ll fix your small repair on site. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. 9am-12noon. 4th Sat of the month. John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

GENERAL GROUPS LEARN TO ROW Give rowing a go, or get back into rowing, with the Blenheim Rowing Club. From 8.30am Sun, or from 4.45pm on Tue & Thu. We’ll teach you the basics and get you on the river with experienced rowers to get you started. Other details at blenheimrowing.co.nz.

CUDDON CYCLING MARL Track cycling, end of Brewer St. Mon & Fri 5.30-7pm. Loan bikes, coaching & tuition available. Contact Chris 03-5780433 or Warren 021663910 for more info. www.cyclingmarlborough. co.nz SIT AND BE FIT Tues & Thurs 1.15pm $2. Riversdale Community House. Ph 5780469 / 0223007342.

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am-12pm. wooden toys, projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 5705188.

WORKING BEE – TE WHANAU HOU GROVETOWN LAGOON plant/weed/mulch Wed 9.30-11.30am.

Thurs 1.30-3pm. Ph Rosanne 0210709267; Sun session resumes March, every 2nd week, meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9:30am-12pm followed by a BBQ. E: Justine Johnsonmarlborough@ gmail.com.

ULYSSES CLUB Coffee 10am every Sat, at The Runway Café. For info on other rides, E: marlborough@ulysses. org.nz or visit marlborough.ulysses.org.nz.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs /Sat 7-8pm. Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St. WEEKLY STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES Mon 10.3011.30am The Foundry, John St. Tues 1.30– 2.30pm, Union Parish, 40 Broadway, Picton. (2 doors down from Police Station). Tues 11.30am-12.30 St Christophers Hall, Redwoodtown. Wed 1.30-2.30pm, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, Blenheim. For more info ph Age Concern office 5793457. Cost Blenheim $2 per class. Picton $3 per class.

MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST Have difficulty getting to medical appointments in NELSON? This trust was created to carry people to Nelson for medical appointments. Email soundsvehicle@gmail. com or Ph 5741311.

AA MEETINGS Marlborough area. Ring alcoholics anonymous for help to stop drinking. Ph 0800229 6757. www.aa.org.nz. Meetings: 7.30pm Mon, Plunket Rooms, 21 Bythell St / 7.30pm Wed Picton Model Railway, 1 Picton Wharf / 7.30pm Fri St Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Rd, Spring Creek / 7.55am Sat Salvation Army Rm, 35 George St / 7.30pm Sun at Church, 54 High St, Renwick.

RENWICK MENZ SHED 54 High St Renwick. Left of church. MT provided. Tues 8.30am-2pm. Fri 8.30am12. Ph Dave 02102282592.

PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED 2 Market St. Wed 8.30am-2.30pm. Sat 8.30am-12pm Ph Bill Rogers 5735507 or Rex 021469191. A place of welcome for Picton’s menfolk.

BLENHEIM MENZ SHED 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages meet to just chill out or do projects for themselves or the community. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Open Sat 9am12noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drive. Tutors for people 50+ needing assistance with computer/smart phone. Ph Ian Cameron (03)5742558 to arrange.

BROOKLYN CROQUET CLUB Tues, Thurs, Sat, 1pm Golf Croquet, Whitehead Park grounds, Brooklyn Dr. Mallets supplied.

MARLBOROUGH TRAMPING CLUB A very active club.

Mid-week, Sunday trips, overnight & extended trips.

Info at www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com TE WHANAU HOU GROVETOWN LAGOON are planning to run a guided walk and free BBQ at the Lagoon on the 3rd of February to celebrate World Wetland day.

Meeting at 9am on Steam Wharf Road.

COMMUNITY NOTICES ARE FREE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, GOLD COIN DONATION EVENTS & FUNDRAISING ONLY. DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY. 50 WORDS OR LESS. TO ADD A COMMUNITY NOTICE PLEASE CALL 928 4121 OR EMAIL HELLOMARLBOROUGH@TOPSOUTHMEDIA.CO.NZ. DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THIS COLUMN, WHILE EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE, INCLUSION CANNOT BE GUARANTEED FOR FREE ADS.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

DEATH NOTICES On 6th February 2024 Robert, in his 80th year, passed away peacefully, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village Blenheim, surrounded by his loving Family. Dearly loved Husband of Anne for 57 years. Much loved Father of Gavin and Fiona, and their respective partners Stacey Grainger and Michael Fleming (Woody). Robert was known affectionately to many people as ‘The Man from Langwoods’. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.

The Family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care Ashwood Park gave to Robert. Also, the support given to Anne and Family during the past 5 months. The Family would also like to give thanks to the St John Ambulance for their care of Robert over many months. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St John Ambulance Blenheim, would be very much appreciated (a/c 12 3167 0165142 00 Ref: Hadfield) or can be made at the service. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Wednesday 14th February 2024 at 2pm followed by a private cremation. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

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Puzzle 2486 2

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491 Hard

2 6 3

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2 Want your brand seen here?

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ORSMAN, Coral Vivien (née Register)

Passed away peacefully on Thursday February 1, 2024 at Maxwell Lifecare. Aged 81 years. Much loved mother of David and Tim, and grandmother of Lily, Tessa and Caleb.

Messages may be sent to the Orsman Family, c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A private cremation has taken place in accordance with Coral’s wishes.

0800 696 686

Respectfully cared for by Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ Phone (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

www.nelsonminibushire.co.nz

CLARKE, Lorna Valerie (née West)

nelson Mini Bus Hire

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SuDoKu 7 8

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Mini Buses for Hire

Weekly Puzzles

What new wine, food and music event was hosted at Brookby Hill Vineyard on Friday 9 February?

HADFIELD, Robert John

Locally Family Owned Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

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email: bookings@motorhomerentalsnz.co.nz

Weld Park, Ward

Entries close 24 February Online entries visit www.showdayonline.com Or Show Schedules and FREE TRADE & CRAFT SITES AVAILABLE on application

Phone Bernadette Gilmore 03 577 7174

POSTCARDS, OLD TOYS

and collectables $ WANTED TO BUY $

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Looking for something rare, quirky or hard to find? Ph 928 4121

FOR SALE Got something to sell?

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Respectfully cared for by Geoffrey T Sowman FDANZ Phone (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

STORAGE

Residential and Commercial Storage Range of Unit Sizes • Two Convenient Locations 24/7 Access • CCTV Monitoring E. info@storageworldnz.co.nz | P. 03 544 4545

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Attention all Advertisers – Terms of Trade: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Marlborough App Ltd. Namely, payment by the 20th of the following month. In the event of non payment interest will be charged on all debts 90days + overdue, The costs of any debt collection costs, included agency costs, will be on-charged to the client. For full terms of trade go to https://marlboroughweekly.co.nz/terms-of-trade/.

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Across 1 Frighten suddenly (7) 5 Clumsy mistake (7) 9 Lift the siege of (7) 10 Stubbornly resolute (7) 11 Find whereabouts of (5) 12 Prove to be the case (9) 13 Controversial matter (3,6) 15 Just claim (5) 16 Courageous (5) 18 As quickly as possible (9) 21 Harm (9) 24 In pursuit of (5) 25 Mean (7) 26 A hoped-for saviour (7) 27 A detail (7) 28 Great pleasure (7)

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Down 1 Withdraw from competition (7) 2 Anyway (2,5) 3 And so (9) 4 Upright (5) 5 Feel puzzled (2,2,1,4) 6 Russian mountains (5) 7 A form of illustration (7) 8 Place of seclusion (7) 14 Now (2,7) 15 Practice of a play (9) 16 Seem likely (3,4) 17 Ingenuous (7) 19 Immediate surroundings (7) 20 Hearing range (7) 22 Silly (5) 23 Faint-hearted (5) Puzzle 2485

Sunday 24 March

STAMPS / COINS

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SuDoKu 491 Easy

A&P SHOW

WANTED

Last weeks solutions

FLAXBOURNE

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Waterlea Lifecare. In her 100th year. Loved wife of the late Bruce. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Graeme and Elizabeth, Geraldine and Graeme, and the late Deborah and Jim. Loved grandmother of Scott and Jo, Kristin, Samantha and Stan, Joanne, Travis and Deena and the late Scott.

Great grandmother of Elyssa and Ashton. Special thanks to all the staff at Waterlea Lifecare for the wonderful care and attention they gave to Lorna. Messages may be sent to the Clarke Family, PO Box 935, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Marlborough Art Society would be appreciated and may be made at the service or to a/c 03-0599-0243403-00 Ref. CLARKE. A service for Lorna will be held at The Gallery, 204 High Street, Blenheim at 1.00pm on Friday, February 23. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed via our websitewww.sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals

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A L L O U T H A R D C A S H E T W R B O T F R E E W I L L T I N P O T D P A Y S D S R A T A P I N C H A S S E N T C N A R M I E T R E K N OWO R N E V E R A O B R G O F A R A N D A W A Y P R O P I P T L F A U G U I T A R C L E A R C U T N T C Y C I D M K I M O N O E N F O R C E D N E O D L U W R E A S O N T H R I L L E R

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Tuesday 13 February 2024

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