Wednesday 22 May 2024
Wenerei 22 Mei 2024
Page 4
Page 21
Page 12
Local Pink Shirt Day champions and Marlborough Youth Trust (MYT) staff Lee Tepuia, Maxine Sweeney and Lottie Savage have been speaking at schools across the region.
William Woodworth Story and photos Page 2 Falcon friends
He stole a blue Mercedes and drove at speed with the owner in hot pursuit.
Now Kyle James Clarke has been found responsible for contributing to the crash that killed Allister Christie. Clarke, 31, was found guilty in the Blenheim District Court on Friday of reckless driving causing death and failing to stop to ascertain injury or death.
The decision by Judge Jo Rielly comes after a five-day trial.
“Sadly, the pursuit ended in tragedy,” she said.
Christie was chasing his S-Class Mercedes, which was stolen from outside his house the day before.
Clarke had earlier admitted entering Christie’s Blenheim home on March 12, 2022, taking the keys and then the vehicle.
He denied charges linked to the circumstances in which Christie died the following day.
Judge Rielly has now found it was clear he had to be held responsible.
After the verdict, a spokeswoman for Christie’s family told Open Justice she was surprised but glad, as she felt the outcome could have gone either way. It had been a rough time adjusting to his absence.
“Particularly for his wife, but for everyone, for all the family – for all who knew him.
“This trial has been looming for more than two years and going through it all again now has been difficult but we have been able to fill in some missing pieces and gain a fuller
understanding of the events that took place back then.”
Judge Rielly said Clarke “set the pace” and chose the path of travel.
He was a local, knew the roads well and could have stopped at any point and left on foot.
“He would have been able to get away, but he opted for a more dangerous way to get away.”
Christie’s vehicle was later found in a deep culvert. Clarke was able to get out of the Mercedes through a rear door and swam to the bank before running
away.
Judge Rielly said that, although he was injured and scared, that was not enough to have prevented him from stopping to check on the other driver.
Judge Rielly entered Clarke’s convictions and scheduled a sentencing date in July.
Read full story on Marlborough App.
Marlborough has turned out in force to support Pink Shirt Day – strongly supporting the anti-bullying message in style.
The MYT team wants Marlburians of all ages to change their daily mindset and find positives about themselves and others.
And schools and businesses have been quick to help make a stand, turning up in pink to mark the special day on Friday.
From Picton to Kaikōura, the MYT team have been encouraging others to ditch negative thoughts and help create positivity.
“It’s hard. But you can create goodness and positivity easily,” Maxine says.
“We all crave kindness, we crave acceptance and want to be part of a group which, as positivity, shows as a team mentality, and negatively presents as a bullying pack mentality.
“So isolating people due to any factor - race, appearance, gender, sexuality, disability,
‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’- is a massively lonely place going
against everything that we are wired to be as humans.”
Lee agrees, saying while cycles of negativity and bullying are easy to pass to others, positivity is even easier to pass on.
“We’re opening up conversations, acknowledging we’re not all the same people and that while people are different, they may also have something that you admire,” he explains.
“Even a ‘good morning’, a positive start to the day can set someone else up for having a good day because positivity is infectious, and you can make someone’s day just by showing you care.”
Lottie says negativity, especially in young people, is originating more and more from their self-image and negative comparisons.
“The image of themselves is more negative than it has ever
been, trying hold themselves to insane comparisons”.
“I just think that’s so backwards rather than celebrating the positives we have, because if everyone was the same the world would be pretty boring!”
“It’s almost a cliché, but you should not only treat others how you want to be treated but treat yourself how you want to be treated too”.
Maxine says MYT is a place where all kids are encouraged to be themselves.
“We hear ‘that kid’s a bully’, you know, but when we see them here face-to-face, they drop their guard down and be who they really are.
“But that side of them maybe had been taken advantage of in a variety of way, so gets hidden. They’ve never just naughty or aggressive kids, there’s always more to it.”
RESTRICTIONS REVOKED:
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is revoking the restricted fire season for South Marlborough from 8am Friday 17 May, until further notice. The South Marlborough fire district includes everything south of Wairau River and Rārangi Beach.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE CRASH:
One person suffered moderate injuries in a crash near Ngakuta Bay on Saturday. Emergency services say the single vehicle crash on Queen Charlotte Drive, near Phillips Road was reported around 11:25am. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
New Zealand’s Civil Defence test emergency mobile alert will be tested on Sunday, May 26th between 6 to 7pm. Civil Defence asks if you can stop what you are doing and read the message, just as you would with an actual emergency, to test the reach of the message correctly.
From 1 July 2024, SPCA’s Renwick Centre will no longer offer commercial boarding to dog owners in the local area. This decision frees up capacity to take in and care for abused, injured and vulnerable animals, including those who come in with Inspectors and focus on animals who need the most assistance.
VETERANS
A new Veterans’ Hub is launching this Thursday, 10am at Sowman’s Funeral Lounge. The hub supports any ex-military who have difficulty navigating veterans’ affairs, have an outstanding claim or need assistance. The new hub complements RSA welfare and other organisations without affiliation or agenda. Come share your story, bring your partner or friend and have a cuppa.
Where to find help and support:
• Need to Talk? Call or text 1737
• What’s Up 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
• Lifeline 0800 543 354
• Youthline 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Shakti Community Council 0800 742 584
Volunteers have been digging in to help transform finished sections of Marlborough’s Whale Trail.
As the 210km cycling and walking trail gets closer to completion, 1000 locally grown native saplings have been planted along the Koromiko stretch of the trail.
Marlborough Boys’ College forestry students, local landowners, and volunteers from organisations across Marlborough had their spades at the ready last week.
Whale Trail planting coordinator Rob Dunn is especially pleased with the effort and speed of the planting efforts at the neighbouring Blue Hole.
The area has been revitalised with native grasses, ferns, kahikatea, totara and matai saplings.
“By having local people plant local plants and do their part on their patch of the Trail, we hope it means people will take more pride in looking after it,” Rob says.
“Now, we just need a little rain to settle them in the soil and in 10 years’ time, this place will be unrecognisable.”
The Whale Trail will stretch along the South Island’s northeast coast, from Picton to Kaikōura.
Driven by local communities and delivered by the Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust, the proposed trail will connect the communities of Blenheim, Seddon, Ward, Kekerengu and Clarence, With most of the plants coming from Wild About Natives, who’s nursery is nestled in the hills above Koromiko, manager Michaela Owens says her connection
to the land runs as deep.
“My grandfather used to own a lot of this land and I spent many childhood days exploring the creek.
“It’s great to be a part of the reclamation efforts and I hope we’ll be eventually able to clear it to its former glory as some of the world’s purest water”.
Rob says that the transformation of land bordering the trail into native bush is a key part of the Whale Trail’s planned impact.
“Collaboration between landowners, in this case Ivan
and Kerry Fearn, alongside volunteers from across the community, local iwi, Fonterra grants, Council Catchment Care support and Wild about Natives providing ecologically local plants is crucial to what we want the Whale Trail to be.
“Our vision of the trail is to highlight and restore the natural ecology of the region, filter water and work with neighbouring property owners to tell the story of the area and be a catalyst for encouraging native habitats along the entire trail.”
The team at Hospice Marlborough has given people the chance to see for themselves the vital palliative care services on offer.
About 50 people made the most of the opportunity to talk to the people who help care for locals with a life limiting condition.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor joined Wairau Hospital staff, Marlborough Rapid Relief Team volunteers and other supporting businesses for a tour of the Blenheim-based hospice.
The open day was held as part of Hospice Awareness Week, helping people see the scope of services available both at hospice and in the community.
See more photos in Out and About on page 19.
Homeschooled preschoolers have become the first to be a part of the Kārearea Falcon Trust’s new outreach program, meeting both feathered and fluffy falcons.
Trust staff welcomed 20 children to the centre on Thursday as they put their new puppet, Aroha, and accompanying book to the test. The move will hopefully help encourage a love of wildlife in future generations explains Trust manager Holly Turner.
“Getting kids involved from day dot is an awesome opportunity to inspire not only a love of kārearea, but a fascination with wildlife and a curiosity to learn more about species that need our help.
“Together, we read the story of Kōwhai and Tahi and the children then got to walk through our facility and peek in at the real kārearea who live here as part of our conservation programme.
“The birds were just as curious as the children were by the visit!”
The small guests from Education Angels were given a tour of the centre and given the first copies of the activity book Meet Kōwhai and Tahi.
Thanks to a Forest & Bird Valder
Kārearea Falcon Trust Manager Holly Turner and administration and education co-ordinator Antonia O’Donnell introduce children from Education Angels to Aroha. Photo: William Woodworth.
Conservation Grant, the Trust was able to design and print the new education resource ideal for younger and pre-school aged children.
The book follows the story of one of the Trust’s resident breeding pairs and includes simple but fun activities, to help kids learn about kārearea.
Antonia says she and Holly are grateful to have Education Angels reach out. “Education Angels actually reached out to us at the perfect time, and it’s been great for both us and the birds to have them here.”
Education Angels’ Nelson/Marlborough coordinator Robyn Lynn says the pre-schoolers were
eager to visit. “Our aim is to give children wings to fly, and opportunities like visiting the Trust are quite literally doing that.
“With opportunities like today, and having more local people being interested in running their own in-home childcare, it’s an amazing learning experience for our Tamariki.”
“Everyone was really well behaved, including the falcons,” agrees Holly.
“I’m hoping we can grow the support behind our education work, that way we’d be able to engage preschools Marlborough wide, so local little ones would have the chance to learn about the awesome kārearea who live here.”
Construction firms are feeling the pinch after plans for two major Marlborough developments were scrapped.
The cancellation of the combined colleges project and the Port Marlborough redevelopment is impacting the local market.
And an industry expert is warning firms they need to ensure robust cashflow forecasting is in place.
The move comes as the annual BDO New Zealand Construction Sector Report shows construction business leaders are feeling the impact of interest rates, inflation and cost of living.
BDO Marlborough Tasman Managing Director Paul O’Donnell says national trends are reflected regionally, alongside other factors specific to Marlborough. “The cancellation of both the combined colleges and the port redevelopment has impacted forward workload planning for many firms”, says Paul.
“Also, the 2024 grape harvest has been a lot lighter than many expected, which may cause wine companies to delay planned works due to cashflow concerns.
Managing Director Paul O’Donnell.
“Interest rate pressure has also slowed demand for new residential builds, evidenced by a reduction in applications to council for building consents.
“Construction firms would be wise to ensure their cashflow forecasting is robust and take the opportunity to review operating expenses and margins.”
The report, ‘Macroeconomic matters: Construction’s next big challenge’ reveals just 37 per cent of the 210 surveyed construction business owners and leaders have felt positive about sector-external economic pressures in the past two weeks.
This is the lowest ranking of all 17 business performance metrics surveyed in the report, with leaders feeling considerably more positive about
labour supply and supply chains.
More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of construction business leaders expect inflation to significantly impact their profitability over the coming 12 months.
Almost half think high interest rates will affect profitability.
BDO Construction Sector Leader Nick Innes-Jones says a variety of factors play into that current uncertainty.
“The sector has come off the historic highs of the post-COVID building boom, and now has more stable levels of work.
“Macroeconomic factors, such as high inflation and interest rates … are now the main pressure points for construction businesses.
“Looking at the specific areas of the construction sector, we’re finding it’s the smaller companies that are generally having the issues with forward work due to interest rates and inflation. Smaller companies tend not to have the tail of work that larger companies do, so this means they must remain nimble and agile.
“Construction business leaders will be looking to the upcoming Government Budget to provide further certainty...”
When Don Cross isn’t teaching horticulture at NMIT or working on wellness awareness, he volunteers his time and his tool sharpening expertise at the Repair Café.
“Sharpening tools is a simple thing, but many people overlook how much easier their lives can be when they’re working with properly sharpened tools.
“Part of my course’s requirements is teaching people how to sharpen their equipment, but people may not have the tools or confidence to do it at home.
“I generally carry a sharpening stone on my passenger seat wherever I am because it’s such an easy little thing to do for people that can make a huge difference.
“I had a student that was a butcher, who told me that they keep their knives sharpened daily because of the difference in presentation it makes, and that translates directly to gardens as well.” Head along to Saturday’s Repair Café to get things fixed, connect with your community, and find something you can help fellow Marlburians with this Saturday morning at Crossroads from 9am.
Competitors and crowds came from across the country to watch the The Purina ProPlan South Island Sheepdog Championships at Marlborough’s Meadowbank Station.
The Purina ProPlan South Island Sheepdog Championships at Marlborough’s Meadowbank Station continues to be more impressive each year.
Competitors countrywide have been quick to praise the event which saw hundreds of competing dogs and trainers travel from across New Zealand for the eagerly awaited championship.
It was also a chance for people to catch up says Marlborough-Nelson Dog Trials Sponsorship Coordinator, and competitor, Tahi Doonan.
“It’s great to get off the farm and catch up with like-minded people from across the country that love
these events.
“The sheep performed well, everyone got a start, and there’s always great chats and friendly banter throughout competition weeks.”
With more than 230 entries in each event, the first three days were packed with back-to-back runs before Thursday’s hunt event’s top seven runoffs, and Friday’s Long Head and Short Head and Yard final.
Marlborough-Nelson representatives defended the home hills of Meadowbank Station, south of Blenheim, admirably with Pelorus’s Hamish Linton and dog Edge winning the Zigzag Hunt.
Kaikōura’s Guy Redfern and Grudge placing second in the
Straight Hunt, while Tahi, Wairau Valley’s Bruce Horton, and Kaikōura’s James Calder reached leaderboards.
“Seeing local names in calls throughout the week and in the finals is really encouraging,” Tahi says.
“Especially being a small committee, we’ve proud of great responses from across the country.” Hamish has been running dogs competitively for 12 years. He says the pressure to perform in a one-off knockout run after long seasons of training and club runs is incredibly intense.
“I was most nervous for my first run, as Edge and I have had a reasonably successful season around the trials to qualify, but all the pressure is on.
“You have to beat out 230 really high-quality competitors for just seven spots and your score carries over into the final, so every little bit of your score is important.
“It was a little nervy on the first when the sheep got to the top, because one bad call from me can be the difference but the sheep played ball and ran amazingly all weekend.
“The weather and grounds played their part which is massive for everyone involved.”
Having competed in and won at National level trials over his
competitive career, Hamish says that qualifying for the runoff is an achievement alone but lifting the title on a home course is incredibly sweet at the end of a successful season.
“Runoffs are a completely different animal - I’ve been in a runoff before with a heading dog at North Island’s a few years ago, and I know just getting into that top seven runoff is an achievement in its own right so once I’d made that, I was pretty happy.
“You just have to do your best on the final run, and Edge and I had a clean run with three really good sheep, so I was incredibly pleased after it”.
“Then like other sports, it’s then just down to the judges’ scorecard and I was stoked to come out on top”
However, Hamish acknowledges being able to host such a high-quality event comes with plenty of hard work and long hours behind the scenes.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank all of the team behind the scenes for putting all of this together and supporting an amazing week start to finish.
“They made it easy for us competitors to be able to turn up and do the glory work, which is always well appreciated with large competitions like last week.
“Same with Duncan, Nikki and everyone at Meadowbank Station – hosting a massive competition like the South Island Championships means they have to keep sheep out of pasture rotation throughout the year, and the sheep performed exceptionally across all days and events which is huge credit to them.”.
Straight Hunt - Hamish Parkinson, Grit - 194.70
Final preparations are well underway for an iconic Marlborough hunt set to attract competitors from across the Top of the South.
The thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of perseverance paying off and the chance to win some big prizes are all up for grabs at the Woody Pig and Deer Hunt.
For 15 years it has been a top highlight for hunters across the Top of the South.
And this year the iconic event is back with a bang, boasting more prizes, bigger prize money, and plenty of rewards for younger hunters.
Tavern owners and hunt organisers siblings Rowan Ingpen and Stacey Goodwin operate the
tavern together with their parents Richard Marlow and Adrianna Ingpen.
Inspiring future generations of hunters is important to the experienced publicans who have worked hard to ensure the hunt is about the whole community.
For Rowan, the Woody Pig and Deer Hunt is a highlight of the year - a chance to bring people together and create memories.
“It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. Everybody enjoys themselves, mixing and mingling, and the kids love it.
“Every year is a highlight, seeing the community come together and enjoy the weigh-in and prizegiving.
“It is great to catch up and chew
the fat with people who we haven’t seen for the last year, and who make it their ritual to come to the hunt.”
From pigs to deer, rabbits to possums, every quarry presents a challenge.
Some impressive records have been set in past years with Murray Frost’s big deer in 2017 weighing in at 122.6kg and Bruce Anderson’s 82kg pig in 2023 being ‘just shy’ of 200 pond pig. Last year’s champions, Toby ClayDavis and Eddie Davis, set the bar high with their impressive boar, weighing in at a formidable 40 kilograms. There will also be plenty of opportunities for younger
hunters to make their mark with the Whippersnappers Prizegiving and the Young Guns/Opens awards ceremony.
Rowan says having Marlborough Motor Centre on board as the major sponsor has increased the numbers with the opportunity to win a ute in the Open Section.
“We are hoping to see an increase in Young Guns this year with Marlborough Motorcycles giving away a quad in this category as the major spot prize.
“We are also thrilled to have Marlborough Hunting and Fishing on board with the sponsorship of the Whippersnappers class.
“We are extremely grateful of the continued support of our
amazing sponsors. An event of this size cannot be run without the sponsorship from local businesses, and we hope in return the competitors will support them.”
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, the Woody Pig and Deer Hunt also serves as an opportunity to give back to the community.
The event’s focus on conservation ensures that every hunt serves a greater purpose, with proceeds going towards initiatives like the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust.
The fun kicks off on 31 May, 1 and 2 June 2024 with entries closing May 2024. For more information visit: woodbourbetavern.co.nz
After their acknowledgement as a finalist for the 2024 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards in the school/kura category, students of Waitaria Bay School in the Kenepuru Sound have written to the Marlborough Weekly about their Pest Free Playground scheme which manages a variety of local pests and encourages native birdlife.
Our playground is bounded by native bush. The students have identified what is a pest and why, then we’ve written about why we want our playground to be pest free.
Principal Tineke Giddy
Rats are pests because they eat wētā and other native animals like snails, frogs, tuatara and birds. They also eat flowers, fruits and seeds of plants. Rats have a highly developed sense of smell, touch and hearing. When people came to New Zealand the rats were on the ships and when the ships stopped at New Zealand the rats came ashore and spread. There are three types of rats in New Zealand. The Norway rat, the ship rat, and the Kiore. The Kiore although native to New Zealand is a pest toalthough natives and other native creatures.
We want a pest free playground to save the native baby birds from extinction like the moa. The rats, mice, possums, ferrets and stoats are causing problems for our native bush and the native creatures that live in it. We are a pest free playground to help our native creatures grow and survive.
We put on our high-vis and cross the road as we just go into the bush right in front of us. The first trap is called a tree trap. Then we keep going and do two more tree traps before we get to the ditch. We have to jump the ditch and walk through Kērērū kitchen. There is a box trap in the bush. Then we keep going. If we go up to the hall or down into the bush there are vespex wasp traps. We also have some bird feeders to attract native birds and we have some lizard habitats By Emma 9 years old
Possums are pests because they eat eggs. Possums destroy trees. On Thursday afternoon we do the trapline with Keri. The rats eat peanut butter.
By Jasmine 5 years old
Rabbits are pests because they eat the grass and dig up the ground. This is bad because our farm animals and pets will go hungry. We want a pest free playground because we want to keep the environment alive. In our playground we have lots of native birds and animals.
We usually get one or two rats a week. We take pictures and we throw the rat away and then we finish the trapline.
By Willow 6 years old
Mice are pests because they come into our homes and buildings because they don’t like to be cold. When they get inside they make their homes in walls and under the floors. They damage furniture and chew electrical wiring which can cause fires. Mice infect food with their droppings and urine and can spread disease to animals and humans.
Our playground is surrounded by a bushy forest. In the forest there are millions of native birds that we want to save. The birds that we want to save in our playground are Fantails, Tui, Ruru, Pukeko and Wood Pigeons. These birds will go extinct if we don’t save them.
When we go on the trapline we need tools. The tool that we need is a wrench. The bait that we need is peanut butter and a plastic egg. To take photos we need a tablet. After we have everything, we go across the road and go into the trapline. When we find a trap that has been set off and there is no rat or mouse we rebait it.
By Stella 7 years old
We want a pest free playground because we need to keep the native birds and animals alive. I take the dead rats and I get a leaf and I throw the dead rat in the water.
By Annie 5 yearsold
Ferrets are a pest because they hunt birds that can’t fly like kiwi and little blue penguins.
By Luca 5 yearsold
Wasps are pests because they kill bees and rob their hives. They kill baby birds for protein. First, they eat meat and then they eat sweet stuff. We want a pest free playground because we want to keep the native birds like Tui, Kērērū, Black fantails, Weka , Ruru and Pukeko, which we are lucky to have in our playground alive. When we do the trapline we get prepared with peanut butter, tools, the tablet, high-vis and the notebook. We have box traps, wasp bait stations and rat traps.
By Ruby 8 years old
With Marlborough’s winemakers digesting the new harvest and our grape growers trying to figure out where low yields and low prices may leave them, it’s time to see how everyone else is doing. The recently released OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine, headed by New Zealand’s own Dr John Barker as Director General) gives a good, precise summary of the state of the world’s wine production and trade. The full report can be found at https://www.oiv. int.
It’s hard to believe when you drive through Marlborough but the world’s vineyard area shrunk by 0.5% (35,000 Ha) between 2022 and 2023, continuing a long term, 20 year trend. The OIV also looks at table grape and dried grape production but as the countries showing the largest drop were Spain and France, it’s reasonable to assume that’s a fair chunk of wine that will no longer be produced. The EU still accounts for 46% of the world’s vineyard area with the entire Southern Hemisphere only at 12%. New Zealand (and Marlborough) is still a tiny part of global grape supply.
Wine production took a far greater hit in 2023, dropping almost 10% or 2,500 million litres compared to 2022. This was one of the most significant declines in recent history. While there was a slight shrinkage in wine grape producing
• Sit
area, by far the biggest impacts on wine production were weather related - including early frosts, heavy rainfall events, hail and drought, coupled with widespread fungal diseases in some countries. This is climate change being writ large on a global scale. We already know that yields will be down in Australia and New Zealand for 2024 and widespread frost and hail damage in Germany and France is also being widely reported at the start of their new growing season. Could we be in for another year of low wine production?
While New Zealand’s wine production dropped slightly from 2022 to 2023 (almost 6%) we were still above our long-term average. We now contribute a whopping 1.5% of the world’s wine, about the same as Brazil and China. Where we punch well above our weight though is when it comes to wine exports, especially if we look at export value. While we barely make the cut of countries exporting more than 200 million litres, the NZD$2 plus billion value of our exports puts us pretty much equal to Australia. Our transTasman neighbours export three times as much volume as us to achieve that though. In fact, New Zealand (ie Marlborough!) has the third highest average export value per litre of any of the major wine exporting countries. We do wine well!
•
•
•
•
•
• Under-tile floor heating, double-sided gas fire, heat pumps and ducted heating for year-round controlled temperatures
3.
8.
Summerset retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement and Summerset Blenheim is no exception.
Situated in the heart of Marlborough, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, this brand-new village is close to everything Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds have to offer.
We have a range of brand-new two and three-bedroom homes available now. These single-storey homes are thoughtfully designed, with generous bedrooms, an ensuite, a separate toilet, and an internal access garage. Each home features a bright and spacious open-plan living area with a contemporary kitchen, perfect for entertaining friends and family.*
To see plans and pricing, or to view our stunning show homes, join us at one of our upcoming Open Days or book a private appointment today.
Love the life you choose.
Open Days, 10am - 2pm
Every Thursday in May
Summerset Blenheim
183 Old Renwick Road, Springlands 03 520 6042 | summerset.co.nz/blenheim
A new era in Marlborough hockey began on Thursday when the first official games were played at the sport’s new venue, recently christened the Punawai Hockey Stadium.
The world-class water turf and pavilion, situated on Nelson Street and part of the Marlborough Girls’ College campus, was originally part of the Te Tātoru o Wairau combined colleges project.
Although the overall concept was canned earlier this year, the hockey stadium build was well underway and continued through to completion last month.
For the record, Kaikoura came away with a 5-4 win in a see-sawing encounter, the first of many as Marlborough Hockey begin to fully utilise the new jewel in their crown.
On Tuesdays Year 5-6 games will be held at the new venue, on Wednesday Year 7-8 players will take the stage, on Thursday College, premier men and mixed division two matches are scheduled, while Friday will see mixed division one clashes. Monday Fun Sticks (year 1-2) and year 2-3 grade games will remain at College Park for another week or so. The new Punawai playing surface is state-of-the-art and eco-friendly. The TigerTurf ECOCEPT artificial turf base uses 96 percent re-used rubber and plastic. ECOCEPT recycles 76 tonnes of old car tyre rubber and plastic bags to build a hard-wearing, shock-absorbing, free-draining hockey turf that acts as its own base layer without need for an asphalt pad, making it easier to install.
Hockey Marlborough announced last week that the new facilities had been officially blessed and the name unveiled. The name Punawai, meaning spring of water, was gifted to the facility by iwi at the dawn opening, attended by over 100 people, including Marlborough’s Mayor, Nadine Taylor. Given the chance to create history on the pristine turf on Thursday afternoon were College grade sides, Kaikoura Black and MBC Waihopai. The youngsters lined up for the first official match at Punawai Stadium and relished the chance to try out the new facility.
Marlborough businesses who worked on the turf project include Martella Electrical, Cuddon Irrigation, Renner Fencing, and TC Nicholls Roading. Robinson Construction was awarded the separate contract for the pavilion building, which will host teams before and after matches with changing sheds and post-match facilities.
At the opening ceremony, Mayor Taylor said, “This fantastic new facility heralds a new era for the sport in Marlborough with a turf that is fully compliant with International Hockey Federation standards and a purpose-built pavilion as a community base.
“College Park will continue as a
turf facility and will be available for other codes including football and rugby to use. This also means hockey has the added and unexpected bonus of access to two artificial surfaces which will hopefully allow them to attract larger tournaments to the region. Hockey in Marlborough truly is the winner today,” she added.
Reps in action
Both the Marlborough under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams travelled to Nelson recently to contest the Stirling and Dodson Cup triangular events. Despite both sides racking up victories against West Coast opposition, host side Nelson dominated the event, beating their
Marlborough counterparts and winning both trophies.
Several Marlborough players trialled for the Tasman Districts National Championship Teams and under-18 side which will contest the national U18 championships in Christchurch July 7-13. Six made the Tasman girls’ side, namely Maddie Large Jessica Bennett, Millie Large, Shani Tilbury, Isla Tilbury and Georgia Marfell, while Eva Davey and Bethany Lott were named as non-travelling reserves.
Eight players were chosen in the Tasman under-18 boys’ side, playing in Hawke’s Bay at the same time. They were Jock Flanagan, Sam Young, Logan Flight, Harry Wilkin, Lachlan MacNeill, Louis Girling, Liam O’Connell and Mason Herd. Aiden Bennett is non-travelling reserve.
Marlborough’s new turf is set to host several tournaments this season, including the 100th staging of the Pope Shield women’s event and the Maadi Cup in late July.
In June, the men’s McCarthy Cup and women’s Ken Beech Cup events will be held in Blenheim.
Central retained Tasman Trophy boasting rights on this side of the hill, taking care of fellow Marlborough side Moutere 29-0 in front of a sizeable crowd at Awarua Park on Friday night.
The Blues have set the benchmark in the top-of-the-south competition over the past two seasons. However, two recent losses have seen their momentum stall, while the Magpies have hinted at their potential for an upset with a couple of handy performances.
The scene was set for a thriller under newly-refurbished lights at Spring Creek, but it never eventuated.
While Moutere showed willing, their opponents bossed the game from the outset, dominating field position and possession.
The fact it took 35 minutes for the first points to be scored was a tribute to the Magpies’ rugged defence, allied with Central’s inability to strike the killer blow when close to the line.
On the back of a storming performance from midfielder Ben Filipo who, along with No 8 Jesse MacDonald, fellow loosie Wayden Smith-Page and lock Matt McCormick created momentum with strong carries, the Blues threatened but couldn’t deliver for most of the first half. Moutere’s ability to sack Central’s lineout drive negated one of their
main avenues of attack, while the visiting scrum was often under pressure to clear the ball.
Eventually the home side’s resolve had to crack and, somewhat ironically, it came from a tight head on Central’s feed, the ball eventually being reclaimed by the Blues, whereupon Filipo spied a defensive hole and galloped through for the night’s first points.
A couple of minutes later they had their second, first five Cam Hansford showing speed and twinkle toes to dash over close to the posts. Neither try was converted, leaving the Blues ahead 10-0 at the break. With a slight breeze at their backs Moutere were well capable of turning things around, but again were unable to impose themselves on proceedings.
It did not help when, after five minutes, the Blues rolled on replacements Quentin MacDonald, Max Hicks and Braden Stewart – all former Mako players who quickly made their presence felt.
A Stewart surge immediately set up a five-pointer for Smith-Page, then 15 minutes later, busy winger Cody Weir raced over in the corner for the bonus point try,
with Hansford landing his first kick of the night.
Ten minutes later Jesse MacDonald wrapped up proceedings with a fifth try from a lineout variation to end a satisfying night for Central and a frustrating time for the home side.
The Magpies were well served by loosies Sekope Lopeti-Moli, Vailua Kaloni and Charles Tupouto’a, halfback Ben Finau, centre Jake Pacey and fullback Kyren Taumoefolau, plus replacements Toby McLeod and Jack Burdon. Although their inability to secure field position, from where to create multiple phases and pressure their rivals, must be a concern, the home side certainly showed, in patches, a determination to defend staunchly and potential to threaten on counterattack.
Central 29 (Jesse MacDonald, Cam Hansford, Cody Weir, Wayden Smith-Page, Ben Filipo tries, Hansford 2 con) Moutere 0. HT: 10-0.
Other Tasman Trophy results: Stoke 32 Marist 29; Waimea Old Boys 28 Nelson 26.
Points: Kahurangi 26, Waimea OB 25, Central 24, Stoke 22, Marist 21, Moutere 9, Nelson -7.
On Saturday, Central host front-runners Kahurangi at Lansdowne Park while Moutere play Marist at Awarua Park.
Division two
In Marlborough division two action, Renwick’s ‘Mud Dogs’ continued their unbeaten march at the top of the table.
They beat Pelorus 34-8 in Havelock, while Waitohi downed Central 33-27 in an entertaining en-
counter at Lansdowne Park and move into second position on the log.
The other match, at club day in Seddon, ended early after an Awatere player was injured. At that stage the home side led by the halftime score of 12-5 against Harlequins, both teams agreeing to end the game while they waited for medical help. The Tussocks’ player was later cleared of serious injury.
Points: Renwick 19, Waitohi 15, Central 13, Awatere 13, Harlequins 1, Pelorus 0.
First XV
Meanwhile, the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV got their Miles Toyota Premiership campaign off to a flying start with a comprehensive victory over Shirley Boys’ High School in Christchurch on Friday. The Falcons scored six tries on their way to a 41-26 bonus point win, dominating the majority of second spell after the scores were tied 12-12 at the halftime break. Tryscorers for MBC were prop Tafa Asiata, hooker Jake Gane, flanker Rico Nicklin, halfback Ata Obetaia plus outstanding first five Anru Erasmus and left winger Mika Vakasilimi. Erasmus and fullback Leo Marfell both added two conversions while replacement Josh Flynn landed a penalty. Next up for the Falcons is a home game against Timaru BHS on Saturday.
Empower your home with Current Generation
As winter settles in and power bills start to rise, the quest for affordable and sustainable energy solutions becomes more pressing than ever. For those eyeing retirement or simply seeking to gain control over their costs during tighter financial times, Current Generation offers solar: a timely and forward-thinking solution. Based in sunny Nelson but operating across the top of the South and nationwide, Current Generation is a local business dedicated to future-proofing the energy landscape. Under the leadership of owner Ben Leith, who took the reins late last year, the company is focused on helping customers better reach their energy goals. With a background in business and finance, Ben recognised the potential of Current Generation after experiencing firsthand the high-quality workmanship during an installation. With a growing emphasis on power security and cost control due to a stretched national power infrastructure, he saw an opportunity to empower home and business owners with sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. “At Current Generation, we help customers meet their financial, sustainability and resiliency objectives, naturally especially relevant during the winter months. A solar installation should align with your goals, while adding capital value to
your home, providing an attractive investment for the future in all senses.” The decision to switch to solar is generally driven by a quest for a combination of resilience, independence, economics, and sustainability. To properly tailor solutions to each customer’s needs, Current Generation provides free onsite visits and quotes; this also helps to ensure a ‘no-surprises’ installation. Established in 2006, Current Generation focuses on technical expertise, customer service, providing honest assessments, and quality design and installation. The company has earned a reputation for off-grid and out-of-thebox power solutions. “Our goal is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their energy future. If we don’t believe we can provide a solution that meets your goals, we’ll tell you.” Having grown up in the Moutere Valley and with a training in physics, Ben is a strong believer in the potential for cutting edge, renewable power solutions to help New Zealand achieve a secure, sustainable energy future. As the cracks start to show in the national power infrastructure, Current Generation can help you take control, providing personalised service, top-tier products, and a commitment to excellence. Business Update. Adv.
Rangers AFC moved to the top of the Nelson division one football table at A&P Park on Saturday when they scored a 2-0 win over a tenacious Tahuna First XI side. The home side may have expected an easier passage against their winless opponents but they were forced to work hard for the three points.
The early stages of the first spell were evenly contested, Tahuna hitting the post, while Rangers were unable to convert several clear chances.
In the 35th minute the local side moved ahead, striker Keagan Mortimer slotting the ball home after a clinical build-up involving energetic midfielder Bjorn Waechter. Five minutes later Mortimer turned provider, his squared ball calmly turned into goal by Sverre Waechter, giving the home side a two-goal cushion going into the sheds at halftime.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of opportunities to alter the scoreboard in the second 45, Rangers struggled for cohesion
Six teams will contest the premier netball competition, with the Awatere division one side stepping up join the other five sides who have just completed a grading round.
Awatere will join Harlequins Totalspan, Pelorus Edridge Contracting, Marlborough Girls’ College Liquid Action, Tokomaru Crafar Crouch and Harlequins Fairweathers for round two, which began on Tuesday evening.
up front.
Also disrupting Rangers’ attacking rhythm was a season-ending lower leg injury to the influential Bjorn Waechter which saw him depart proceedings midway through the second spell.
Apart from another Tahuna strike which hit the woodwork, the home side’s goalkeeper, Luc Sherwood, was virtually unemployed, with player/coach Tore Waechter, exciting newcomer Marcelo Gonzalez, Joe Lewis and Cameron Blair instrumental in cutting off most of Tahuna’s attacking forays.
Mortimer, Guy Nolan, Jono Masters, Gonzalez, Kane Elvy and Sverre Waechter all contributed to Rangers’ attacking prowess but, although Tahuna keeper Joe Robertson was tested on occasion, no more goals were forthcoming.
In other matches, Richmond and Motueka drew 1-1, Nelson Suburbs Reserves hammered FC Nelson Karenni 7-2 and FC Nelson First XI beat Golden Bay 2-1.
Points:
Rangers 13, FC Nelson 12, Suburbs Reserves 10, FC Nelson Ka-
renni 9, Golden Bay 6, Richmond 1, Motueka 1, Tahuna 0.
Meanwhile, just one match was played in the Marlborough senior men’s division one competition on Saturday.
Trojans maintained their hot form with a 5-1 win over Central Wolves. They led 2-1 at halftime through goals to Ben Mesman and Matt Weaver and, although Wolves pulled one back after the break, a goal to Tom Lupani followed by an Alejandro Verdun brace got the job done for the competition front-runners.
The other scheduled match, between Central Buccaneers and BV Los Cafeteros, was postponed. Members of the Los Cafeteros side face a judicial hearing this week after their match against Wolves last weekend ended in turmoil, with a referee allegedly
assaulted and scuffles breaking out between rival players.
In division two action this weekend, Picton Crow Tavern maintained their slender lead at the top of the table, drawing 4-4 with Trojans Spartans.
Rangers Masters downed Rangers
Reds 4, Central 4, Trojans Strikers 0.
MCGIRR, Annette Mary
On Thursday 16 May 2024, peacefully at Springlands Lifestyle Village in her 84th year. Annette was a dearly loved wife of John. A much-loved mother and mother-in-law of Geoffrey (dec), Philippa, Kelvin and Jo, Angus and Trish, Catherine and Scott. A treasured granny of Jaimee, Toby, Cooper and Callum. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz. Thanks to Dr Helen Pike and the caring staff at Springlands Lifestyle Village. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimers Marlborough or The Salvation Army Blenheim would be appreciated or can be made at the service. A memorial service for Annette will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street, Blenheim on Wednesday 22 May at 2pm.
Locally Family Owned
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004
www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
Zimmerman, Harold James (Harry)
On May 20th, 2024, peacefully at Bethsaida Rest Home, in his 89th year. Loved father and father-in-law of Michael and Shirley, and the late Christine Dredge. Loved grandad and great grandad to all of his grandchildren. At Harry’s request, a private cremation will be held.
Locally Family Owned
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004
www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
Cresswell, Maurice Douglas
11.8.1942 - 18.5.2024
Passed away peacefully on Saturday 18 May 2024 aged 81. Beloved husband and soulmate of Gwenda. A much loved dad and father in law of Philip, Rachael and Rahman, Jane and Nick. A treasured Poppa to Isra, Saif, Amirah, Hamish, Archie and Alice. The eldest son of Doug and Muriel (deceased) and son in law to Iris and Clarry Gifford (deceased). Messages to The Cresswell family c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A service for Maurice will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street, Blenheim on Thursday 23 May at 2.00pm. Followed by a private cremation service. Thank you to the staff at Marlborough Hospice.
Locally Family Owned
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services FDANZ Phone (03) 578 2004 www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
