Marlborough Weekly 15 November 2022

Young entrepreneur’s cordial empire

Running a business for half a lifetime is a big achievement – especially if you’re ten years old.

SEE PAGE 4

Court delays as industrial action hits

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Industrial action hit Blenheim District Court yesterday spark ing frustration among defendants who were not seen.

Public Service Association un ion members at the Ministry of

Justice voted to work to rule last week.

The move caused delays at the court on Monday as staff per formed their minimum duties and no more.

PSA national sector justice lead Willie Cochran says its members had voted to work to rule as part

of collecting bargaining. Resentment was rife outside court after Judge David Ruth re vealed there was not time to see defendants waiting to be seen in the morning session.

The afternoon session was set to go ahead as scheduled.

“It took a lot for me to make it

here today,” one defendant said on hearing he would not be ap pearing, “I’m not made of mon ey.”

Staff are seeking a settlement which properly recognises the cost-of-living pressure on work ers.

The actions mean they will no

longer work overtime or miss breaks they are entitled to by law.

In a statement, Chief Justice Hel en Winkelmann says the breaks indicated in the action are two 10-minute breaks at 10.30am and 3pm and an hour lunch

Photo: Matt Brown

A pop up food court - a lot of local chefs would benefit. We don’t have a food court in Blenheim. And it’s in the CBD, so people could go there dur ing their lunch break.

A public art space. Gallery space and promoting art from the Blenheim area. There are a lot of artists around and it’s a lovely location - it would be a center point. And it would be better than the bloody library.

Taylor

I’m a school teacher, so I think it should be for kids - enter tainment stuff for teenagers or older. An actual business that caters for them. Laser tag or something. The clubs that put money in should be looked after.

Mason Larrington

A sport centre - it could be multi-purpose for games or training, kind of like Stadium 2000. Or a mall with some ac tual good shops.

Toni

Kevin Black

Melanie White

Ministry of Justice living wage appeal

FROM PAGE 1

break at 12.30pm.

Blenheim District Court, like others across New Zealand, is stretched to capacity.

Many staff have been working ex tra hours and missing breaks in a bid to catch up after COVID-19 lockdowns caused a big backlog of cases.

In a statement the PSA says in creases in the cost of living are putting everyone under financial strain.

This is causing real financial pres sure on all public sector workers and is a real obstacle for employ

ers trying to hire and retain staff in the job market.

“The action involves working ac cording to required hours and not engaging in additional work such as working through breaks and extra tasks,” Willie says.

The industrial action will involve all PSA members at the Minis try of Justice, contact centres, processing centres, technology staff, national office and tribunal hearing centres across the coun try.

The work to rule will be in place until 19 December unless an agreement is approved in the meantime.

Shop & Win-ners

MATT BROWN

Two lucky shoppers this week got more then they bargained for – they shopped, and they won.

Picton woman Kirstin Nicol and Blenheim’s Dianne Kelly both scored a cool $100 for support ing local businesses.

The pair were drawn randomly for the spot prizes – marking the first two weeks of the six-week Shop & Win competition.

Fresh Choice Picton assistant check out supervisor Kirstin Nicol says she was stoked to win. “I heard the message and got excited for the $5000 – I’m still stoked it’s $100,” she says.

Kirstin says the competition is a big motivation to shop locally – she won for getting a beauty treatment at Pretty Boutique.

“I’ll be spending $50 on treats and $50 on the power bill.

“It’s perfect timing, it’s very needed.

“It’s a good start to the day.”

Blenheim woman Dianne Kelly says it’s the first time she’s won anything.

Purchasing a new pair of glasses from Noel Templeton netted Di anne the spot prize of $100.

“I’ve been going to Noel Temple ton for years,” she says.

“It was a surprise.”

She says her husband was afraid the unexpected call was a scam.

“I said it’s got to be kosher,” she says.

“It made my day. I wasn’t having a good day.

“In my mind I’ve spent it.

“I need a new watch, and I have Christmas decorations to buy. “But I might get something for my daughter. She’s had a bit of a bad year, so it would be nice to give her something good.”

To be in to win $5000, or a $100 spot prize, you just need to shop local.

A full list of the participating businesses is on page 22 of this newspaper, or keep an eye out for the Shop & Win posters in the windows of participating businesses.

Kirstin Nicol, left, and Dianne Kelly both won $100 for shopping local. Photos: Matt Brown.

File photo.

Devon’s Cordials founder Devon Marshall is a young entrepreneur. He’s not bad at making cordial, either.

Armed with grandma’s tradi tional cordial recipes, the young Riverlands School student has taken Marlborough’s markets by storm.

Starting the business aged five, Devon says he initially did it to make some pocket money.

Now, most of his money goes back into the business.

“Sometimes I get quite busy,” he says.

“Just before the Friday Night Feast, that was five days straight of work.”

He says during the winter, when it’s a bit quiet, he’ll work one night a week. But in the busy summer months, it’s closer to a full-time job.

He’s especially proud to use local ly sourced, natural ingredients in

his cordials.

Barring ginger, all the ingredi ents for his range of cordials are sourced in Marlborough.

“It’s the real ingredients,” he says. “With the strawberry cordial, it’s actual strawberries; we don’t use cheap flavouring.

“Sometimes, it involves making a tea,” says Devon.

“I try to use the juice, but some times the flavour doesn’t have a juice – like elderflower – so I make a tea.”

Made with a little bit of help from mum and dad at their Blenheim home kitchen, Devon’s mum, Nicky Marshall, says Devon could be the youngest person in the region to have a food license. Devon says the license was easy

His business is well supported by his school, he recently supplied cordial for Riverlands School’s Matariki market.

He’s even done collaborations with Elemental Distillers, the cre ators of Roots Marlborough Dry

But it’s all about work-life balance for Devon; he doesn’t have plans to take over the world

MATT BROWN

Entrepreneur Devon Marshall with his cordial stand at Rock Ferry Wine’s Twilight Market. Photo: Matt Brown.

The Clubs of Marlborough has closed.

One of the country's oldest clubs, the board of the multi-million dol lar facility announced they would go into voluntary receivership on

In a statement, Mayor Taylor says the Clubs is a wonderful Marlbor ough institution.

“I know Marlburians are shocked at this news.”

“My heart goes out to the staff, trus

Present appeal for charities at Christmas

Its boughs are bedecked in baubles and wrapped in tinsel, now all it needs are presents to

Volunteer Marlborough are collecting gifts to help make Christmas extra special for those who might need a boost

Staff are appealing for Marl burians get in the Christmas spirit and donate gifts for both Foster Hope and Women’s Ref

Volunteer Marlborough Gen eral Manager Meg Martin says she hopes people will get into

“As a community we are very good, particularly near Christ

mas, at helping others. “It gives everyone the chance to feel good about something at this time of year.”

Foster Hope Marlborough supports children in foster care by providing a backpack filled with essential items.

The move helps ensure chil dren feel cared for by the wider community.

This year, the charity has adopted a B-awesome theme and are hoping for donations for unwrapped gifts beginning with ‘B’. Ideas include balls, books, blankets, bubbles and beach towels.

Marlborough Women’s Refuge provides vital family violence services for women, children and young people.

Gift vouchers and present cards would be especially ap preciated for some of the wom en supported by the group and new gifts for children up to 18 years old are also needed.

Meg says Volunteer Marlbor ough wanted to support the charities because they are so important to the community.

“We’re not asking for hundreds of dollars from everyone, a $5 gift would be good too, even a little something is a start.”

All gifts need to be unwrapped and new.

Donations must be received by 9 December and can be dropped off at Volunteer Marl borough at 1 Market Street, opposite Biddy Kates, between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

Volunteer Marlborough General Manager Meg Martin hopes people will donate gifts this Photo: Paula Hulburt

Charity cookie a roaring success

PAULA HULBURT

Brighter days are ahead for the children’s ward at Wairau Hos pital – thanks to some special cookies.

The Leo Club at Marlborough Girls’ College donated $200 to the Paediatric Ward recently af ter selling star-shaped biscuits. And the home-made sweet treats proved so popular the proceeds will help give the ward’s treat ment room a colourful makeo ver.

Charge Nurse Manager Rebec ca Sotomayer-Sugden says staff were delighted to get the dona tion.

“It was very lovely and great to see community spirit like this in action. We will paint the treat ment room and add some graph ics to make it more welcoming.

“We’re very grateful.”

The Leo Club is the largest youth volunteer organisation in the world, with clubs in more than 140 countries and more than 460,000 members.

Sponsored by the Lions, the Blenheim-based club is geared towards empowering young leaders while helping foster com munity spirit.

Leo Club co-leaders Emma Withers and Rebecca (Bec) Har

ris say the volunteer group at the college is all about making a dif ference in the community.

“It’s a great way to meet new peo ple and to give back to the com munity,” Bec says “We’ve met some great people and made some strong connec tions.”

Pupils can join the club from Year 9 upwards. Members donate their time to raise money and lending a helping hand to com munity events and organisations.

Emma and Bec joined in Year 10 and plan to stay in the club for their final year but hand over the reigns to give someone else a chance to lead.

Volunteers have become ex perts at the sausage sizzle, laughs Emma.

“The sausage sizzle at Bunnings raises money and we’ve also helped at John’s Kitchen. It’s a great way to be part of the com munity and make a difference.

“Our next project is to help with gift wrapping before Christmas. We all get together and wrap do nations of presents for families who might not be able to afford presents.

“The Lions Club gets the dona tions and we wrap them.”

Work on the treatment room is expected to start in the New Year.

From left, Staff Nurse Lucy Dentice, Staff Nurse Lachlan Kearse, Charge Nurse Manager Rebecca Sotomayer-Sugden, Emma Withers and Bec Harris. Photo: Paula Hulburt

Young people inspire

Another group of talented young Marlburians have had their dreams bolstered by Marl borough’s Inspire Foundation.

Ten young people, from golfers to dancers, took a moment in the spotlight to share their as pirations with a crowd of about

100 on Friday night. And in support of their dreams, each person was awarded a sum towards the cost that comes with

Council staff welcome better pay rates

Possible strike action is off the table for Marl borough District Council employees after a suc cessful union bid for better conditions.

Members of the Public Service Association (PSA) Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi from across Top of the South have agreed new work conditions with council bosses.

The move marks the first Multi-Employer Col lective Agreement (MECA) in the local govern ment sector.

PSA organiser Ian Hoffman says the agreement

will benefit all staff within the company wide pay structure with a rise of between 5 and 9.2 per cent in wages. Union members will also re ceive additional benefits.

“The agreement marks a new direction for our members at Tasman, Marlborough and Nelson City Councils who have said they expect more from their employers and saw the best way of achieving this by coming together to form a MECA,” he says. Earlier this year, PSA members said they couldn’t rule out a possible strike.

Now, with more clarity around roles and pay rates, industrial action has been ruled out. PSA members at the three councils adopted the theme of “Ducks Fly Together” to signify their unity.

Delegate and Library Assistant/Custom er Service Officer at Marlborough District Council Michelle Watts says the time was right for change.

“Throughout negotiations we flew together. The status quo was not adequate and the MECA approach really did fit the bill.”

The PSA and the three councils will be back in negotiations for a second MECA in 2023.

doing great things.

The Inspire Foundation is a char itable trust which assists people 15 to 23 years of age achieve

Comic

something extraordinary. An auction on the night of a signed Black Fern jersey raised $2000 for the charity.

BY @YEEHAWTHEBOYS

The Store

Kekerengu

Set on the stunning Kaik oura coast, The Store is well equipped to host year-round functions and events of all sizes. The menu can be tai lored to suit any style and any budget, from a picnic on the lawn, BBQ on the deck, to formal seated meals. Lo cal wines, national and local craft beer, spirits, punches and non alcoholic beverages available or we can source. Camping along the property neighbouring is also welcome with options for brunch or a relaxed crayfish lunch for day after gatherings.

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Spice up festivities with Thai 9

Spice up your Christmas cel ebrations. Be transported to Thailand with the wealth of exciting flavours, textures and spices of Thai 9. Whether you want to cele brate the season festivities with a delicious lunch or din ner, they are open long hours, seven days a week and cater to special dietary options to suit everyone - including keto, gluten free, vegan and veg etarian. For takeaways Thai 9 provide environmentally friendly container packaging, you can even bring your own takeaway coffee cup!

The Runway Café Functions

Weekends pre Christmas are booking up fast for functions at The Runway in Wood bourne! Book now for a fab ulous buffet for 40+ or maybe a ‘Flight Around the World’ for 25-30 people! We have full bar facilities and a great dining area, add Chef Jul ie Robinson and the coolest team and we will give you an amazing experience. Call Lisa on 03 572 5229 to discuss. Treat your family to our one-off Christmas Buffet on Friday 23 December at 6pm. Limited to 50 people for $60 per person.

Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Centrally located the Scenic Hotel Marlborough has long been a handy venue when you want to celebrate Christ mas with your work or team mates. With a range of pri vate meeting rooms, poolside options and Savvy Restau rant, there is a space perfect for you. Stick to your budget with no additional room hire fees and meal packages start ing from just $35 per person. There is an event manager on site to take all the hassle out of making the arrangements: contact Kirsty on kirstyr@ scenichotels.co.nz to book.

Slip Inn Havelock Marina

Overlooking the local mari na, arguably Havelock’s most enviable location as the gate way to the Pelorus and Ke nepuru Sounds. A favoured entertainment and dining destination for the local sea side community, countless visitors to the area, and trav elling motorists. Offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as a conference room that lends itself to a multitude of private func tions, meetings and intimate celebrations. Book with us and relax by the sea this fes tive season.

Hakuna Matata means no worries

Christmas functions, work do’s, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, we do it all! With an early opening time of 6:30am during the week, a group breakfast before you head to work is a great option or book us for a late lunch or evening function. Our Mexi can fiesta buffet is super pop ular, but the sky is the limit, let us help make your perfect event. We’re fully licensed with a wide range of beer and wine available. Please check our social media for more info. We can’t wait to make your function unforgettable.

The Cleghorn Bistro & Bar

Let the team at The Cleg horn put on an event to re member. Our cosy suburban bistro is the perfect space to get together, be it work parties, club outings or fam ily get togethers. Reserve your table for your special event or book our private function room which has a 25 seating capacity.

The Cleghorn Bistro and Bar provides a boutique subur ban eatery experience, con tact us for our Christmas events package, and book in for your no obligation meet ing to discuss your needs.

Dolce Cafe, Restaurant & Bar

Located in the heart of Blen heim’s town center, Dolce specialise in helping you to create your next social, be it an end of year workplace par ty, club get together or family celebration. With packages to suit your needs you can choose from our Bronze, Sil ver, Gold or Platinum pack age or let us tailor a custom package specially for you. Our elevated central location with two outdoor terraces and a capacity of up to 150 people makes Dolce the ide al venue to host your 2022 Christmas celebration.

Country garden tour galore for Wairau Anglican Church

A major collaborative event for all of the parishioners, one of the organisers Nicki Stace says the generosity of the regions gardeners over the years has been phenomenal. “We have some truly amazing and very keen gardeners who have supported our garden tour for many years. It is just wonderful to see the passion people have for gardening, and it has been amazing to see how their gardens have evolved over the years.”

Last year was a resounding success, says Nicki, their ‘best ever’, raising funds of $14,000 to help with the upkeep and ongoing costs of the Wairau Anglican Church. The church helps to support the commu nity through a range of dif ferent ways, including Tues day Markets, Mainly Music, Monday Clubs for the more mature and various com munity events. The church was established in 1896, and

fundraisers like these help the church to continue their work and support in the community. Set amongst vineyards and ridge tops and spread across two days, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a self-guided tour visiting a selection of ten stunning private gardens in the Fair hall, Ben Morven and The Marlborough Ridge areas. “In previous years we have had visitors dart across the en tire region, but this year the map is very compact, we have ensured all the gardens are within a 20km radius of each other. Much has changed since the church held its first garden tour event, but the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years has been the generosity of people. It is re ally wonderful.”

Tickets are $25 and are avail able through Eventbrite, Dev on Nursery, Islington Garden

Centre, Renwick SuperVal ue, Selmes Garden Nursery and Roselands Pets & Plants. A map will be provided to all registered participants before the event with garden locations and the event will be open from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, November 19. A public garden church service will commence at 9:30am at 14 Edgehill Place on Sun day, November 20, with the garden tour beginning from 11am until 5pm.

“We encourage people to wear good walking shoes and enjoy the stunning garden displays at their own pace. Food and drinks will be avail able at our cash only pop-up café and BBQ, along with a plant stall.”

Visit in your own time, be in spired, and enjoy the colours and delights of Springtime gardens!

AMY RUSS

Running for over thirty years, the Wairau Anglican Church are set to host their biggest annual fundraiser of the year on November 19 and 20.

Event organiser Nicki Stace, with Elaine Shepherd in Elaine’s garden ‘Shepherd’s Nook’

Sounds Discovery Fund boost for school camps at Mistletoe Bay

The Port Marlborough Sounds Discovery fund was given a boost of $20,000 this week by Port Marlborough and Strait NZ Bluebridge, to support Marlborough school camps at Mistletoe Bay.

Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn said, “The Sounds Discovery Fund was launched in 2018 with the aim of support ing Marlborough children to venture out and learn about our natural Sounds envi ronment. Encouraging children’s learning and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the Marlborough Sounds is a key target for our sponsorship fund, so there is great alignment with the Mistletoe Bay trust’s purpose.”

Mistletoe Bay Eco Village is run by a not for profit charitable trust, The Mistletoe Bay Trust, and every dollar earned from their commercial operation is used to support school camps, teaching students “hands-on” skills and how to live sustaina bly within in a coastal ecosystem. StraitNZ Bluebridge general manager Will Dady said their $10,000 contribution to the fund was to celebrate a milestone for Marl borough, with StraitNZ Bluebridge oper ating for 30 years from the port. “StraitNZ Bluebridge celebrates 30 years in Marlbor ough this year, and we wanted to mark this milestone with a donation that would have

enduring impact for generations to come.” Mistletoe Bay Trust chair Cathie Bell says the trust is extremely grateful to Port Marlborough and StraitNZ Bluebridge for the donation.

“It means a huge amount to us. The past couple of years have been really hardCOVID restrictions stopped most school camps and the storms last year and this year have taken out the road to Mistletoe Bay, which has reduced our camper num bers even further.”

The closure of Kenepuru Road to the pub lic stopped many campers arriving last summer, and Cathie Bell says it could have the same impact again this year. However, despite the road being out, Mistletoe Bay is accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from Picton, and she encouraged schools and others to take that option to visit the bay.

“Our campground and facilities are still open, and we are welcoming guests who can still come in by water taxi. We want to use this donation to ensure that Marl borough schools are still able to attend school camps at Mistletoe. The boat ac cess is a great way to bring students into the bay and we hope this donation helps cement Mistletoe as a venue of choice for our schools. Every Marlborough child deserves to experience the Marlborough Sounds, and this will contribute towards that.”

Photo: www.mistletoebay.co.nz

PORT MARLBOROUGH

The May Bugs have started to fly so it must be November! May Bugs, also known as Grass Grub beetle or Brown beetle (and not to be confused with the other NZ native beetle that can cause vine damage, known as Bronze beetle, Eucolaspis brunnea)) can swarm in large numbers at this time of year. Unfortunately for vineyard owners, they are attracted to shadows and silhouettes and can quickly skeletonise leaves and shoots where they land and feed. Just one more thing bugging growers…

Vineyard work really starts to ramp up in November. Vine shoots are actively growing and extending, meaning that unprotected new tissue needs to be protected from ubiquitous fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew. Vineyards will now be in a well established spraying routine of applying protectant elemental Sulphur sprays every 7 – 14 days. Ground conditions have dried out nicely allowing those vineyards practising organic or mechanical weed control methods to use these with good effect. Even better if undervine mechanical weeding is accompanied by the drying westerlies prevalent at this time of year, helping to dry out uprooted and overturned weeds. Growers using conventional weed control methods aren’t so fond of the wind however.

Early grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will be flowering later this month, with Sauvignon Blanc flowering likely in early December. Before flowering however, growers will be looking to complete any shoot thinning required, both for early season yield control and to reduce later season canopy density for disease control. Shoot thinning is still very much a manual, hands-on operation. There are non-selective mechanical systems available, with the emphasis being on non-selective, not what we really want in our precision, cane pruned canopies. No doubt, someone, somewhere will be working

on a more precise, targeted method of automating shoot thinning.

Currently there are two main methods of hand shoot thinning used on Marlborough vineyards: the “head grab” – simply grabbing and removing a handful of shoots from around the head of a vine, thinning out the many shoots that emerge in this area; and the more labour intensive removal of downward facing “undershoots” from along a cane, with or without removal of “doubles” (where two shoots have grown from a single node or “bud”). The first technique is often applied to Sauvignon Blanc to encourage the remaining shoots to grow strongly, in good light (and heat from direct sun exposure), leading to fruitful, well-placed canes for next year’s pruning. The latter method is more labour intensive and may be applied to higher value varieties (on a per tonne basis anyway) such as Pinot noir or Chardonnay to meet yield targets and increase fruit exposure for later flavour development.

Most vineyards will also be carrying out sucker removal at this time of year. Suckers are those shoots that emerge from low down on the vine trunk, often from around the graft union. Their removal is also called bud rubbing or de-suckering. It can be done by hand, mechanically or chemically. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. What ever method is used, correct timing and thoroughness of removal is key to prevent having to redo the job later in the season. If a grower is looking to retain a sucker for later “retrunking” (a method of vine rejuvenation used to delay vineyard replanting due to Grapevine Trunk Disease), sucker removal must be done by hand.

Wire lifting of foliage or canopy wires will also start this month, being completed early in the new year. There’s no shortage of work on a vineyard right now!

2.8889ha

1204 Rapaura Road

Spring Creek 1 2 2 1

A Growing Opportunity

For Sale By Negotiation (+ gst if any)

View By Appointment

marlborough.harcourts.co.nz/BL9990 & BL9956

Strawberries are back! Summer is fast approaching and all the crops are growing fast. What a wonderful opportunity to take on an established business that is poised for expansion. Flex your green fingers and immerse yourself in a world of horticulture and hydroponic crop production. A full chattel list is available on request.

•2.8889ha - Horticulture, Hydroponics & Grazing

•Packhouse, Fertigation System, On-site store

•Two-bedroom cottage

Rhonda Stewart

M 021 736 922 P 03 578 0888

4.0803ha

378 Jones Road Lower Wairau 2 5 2 2+

& BL9996 Due to unforeseen circumstances

back on the market. Make no mistake, the property is brilliant for anyone requiring space. The infrastructure is in place to run a small home business, there are paddocks to graze or finish stock, and the neighbours have established vineyards which offers another opportunity to the new owners. Perhaps you just want an amazing family home with room for the ponies and pets and enough undercover parking for all the toys. Make an appointment to view and be in by Christmas.

• 4.0803ha, fully fenced

Rhonda Stewart M 021 736 922 P 03 578 0888 William Harris M 027 756 7798 P 03 578 0888

19 Camerons Road

?ha

SH6: Marlborough ? ? ? ?

Love the Self Sufficient Lifestyle

For Sale By Negotiation (+ gst if any)

View By Appointment

marlborough.harcourts.co.nz/BL10191

It’s hard to believe it’s only taken five years to develop this property to completion. What an achievement! The owners are ready for their next project and offer their self-sufficient property to you. Set within it’s own micro-climate, and protected from the winds by an established shelter belt, the fertile land offers a number of opportunities for the new owners.

• 2.0166ha grazing land in 5 paddocks

• Double garage, attached single garaport plus over-height carport

Rhonda Stewart

M 021 736 922 P 03 578 0888

William Harris

M 027 756 7798 P 03 578 0888

Young Winemaker of the Year crowned amidst stiff competition

wines in a wine show setting.

A winemaker with a passion for im proving the industry has been named as the 2022 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year.

Alun Kilby, 28, is a Production Wine maker at Marisco in Marlborough. Having worked in the New Zealand wine industry for 13 years, Alun says he is thrilled to take out the prestigious title and committed to improving the way NZ wine is made and distributed to the world.

Four talented young winemakers from around the country competed on Thursday 3 November at Kim Craw ford winery in Blenheim.

The other contestants were Douw Grobler from Trinity Hill in Hawke’s Bay, Eliana Leal from Amisfield in Central Otago and Georgia Mehlhopt from North Canterbury who came in second.

The finalists were put through their paces throughout the competition day, tested on their wine market knowledge and laboratory skills.

They had to prepare a plan for produc ing a premium single vineyard pinot noir, present their views on the best new innovations in the wine industry, undergo an interview, weigh up op tions for purchasing a new humidifi er for a cellar and then expertly judge

A final Fruitfed Supplies speech was delivered at the Awards Dinner at Witherhills, where the competitors had to convince the audience of the bene fits of overseas visitors coming to their wine growing region.

Judges say the high caliber of all final ists was clear.

Alun Kilby won best Fruitfed Supplies speech and Georgia Mehlhopt won the Villa Maria-Indevin Wine Judging sec tion.

Apart from becoming the 2022 Ton nellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Win emaker of the Year, Alun won $1000 cash, a visit to the Tonnellerie de Mer curey cooperage in Burgundy, and will be an associate judge in the New World Wine Awards.

He will also get the chance to review some of his favourite wines in Drinks Biz magazine.

All finalists took home a very special bottle of Church Road’s Tom and will meet up again early next year on an ed ucational trip hosted by Fruitfed Sup plies.

The competition is made possible by all the generous sponsors:  Tonnellerie de Mercurey, Fruitfed Supplies, Villa Maria-Indevin, Laffort, Programmed Property Services, Tira Crown, Visy, New World, Winejobsonline, NZSVO and Pernod Ricard.

Alun Kilby puts his nose to the test as part of the Young Winemaker of the Year competition. Photos supplied

spotlight on:

VITICUL URE

Providing top performance Zero To Hero

Offering professional servicing and repairing of tractors, and implements, to both the viticultural and agricul tural sectors in the region since 2015, Matt and Cherie Webb, owners of CM Mechanical Ltd are proud to operate a family-orientated business with a strong focus on lowering environmen tal impacts.

“Early in the journey Matt and I spoke at length about taking on a brand of equipment to sell and we both agreed we wanted a product that would be fu ture-proof, and environmentally sus tainable.”

The dedication to their values led the couple to form a relationship with Ger man company, Clemens Technologies, and become New Zealand’s exclusive importer of the range distributing Clemens equipment all over the coun try, doing an excellent job in a wide range of sectors in viticulture and hor ticulture as well as avocados, cherries, apples, blueberries and nurseries.

“Clemens invest massively in research and development and make quality, efficient and sustainable products that benefit the environment while still get ting the job done.”

Providing top-quality products and a

service that is second to none, the team are excited to announce the addition of a new setup in the multi-clean line, the Twin Peaks multi-clean machine.

The multi-clean heads are designed to remove weeds from under a vine area without herbicides, and removes buds attached to the Twin peaks over-therow frame, enables the operator to complete two rows in one pass. Have chat to either Matt Webb or Ross Hore from CM Mechanical.

“The specialists in under-row cultiva tion and care.”

cmmechanical.co.nz

The 0% Wines Recommended By Some Of NZ’s Top Wine Judges

Five non-alcoholic wines have become ‘zero heroes’, earning ‘Recommended’ sta tus from the judging panel at this year’s New World Wine Awards.

These Recommend non-al coholic wines provide a goto list for those looking for an alcohol-free alternative to standard vino for themselves or their guests and comple ment the show’s Top 50 win ning wines under $25.

The Recommended wines

are:

Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc McGuigan ZERO Rosé Edenvale Sparkling Cuvée Veuve du Vernay Zero Giesen 0% Merlot

Wine writer, judge and champion for low and no al cohol options Mary-Therese Blair joined the New World

Wine Awards’ independent judging panel in assessing this year’s non-alcoholic en tries and says the team were impressed by the increasing selection and quality.

She says the growing range and quality they observed was “great news” for anyone wanting to abstain, whether for a single occasion or as a long-term lifestyle choice.

Red wine lovers will also be relieved to know the team discovered a rare – up un til now – red that shows the same delicious characteris tics as its full-bodied coun terparts.

“Full strength red wine is a lot to measure up to, but we noticed a real lift in the qual ity and drinkability of the non-alcoholic reds this year.

“The Giesen team have clear

ly put all they’ve learned from their pioneering pro duction of zero alcohol wines in New Zealand to good use in their recommended 0% Merlot, creating a rounded, fruit forward wine that has the right mix of mouthfeel and texture.

“Pop this alongside a creamy tomato pasta and you aren’t missing out on anything.”

An independent panel of 17 wine experts tasted and eval uated a wide range of wines under 0.5% ABV wines at this year’s New World Wine Awards. These wines were assessed alongside regular strength wines of the same variety to see how they per formed and were also judged in a dedicated non-alcoholic round to help identify the best examples.

add decades

top team

The country’s only wine co-oper ative is growing.

Marlborough Grape Growers’ Co-operative has a new hire, with decades of experience, dedicat ed to their members’ yields, and profits.

Craig Thomson, who’s been in the wine industry since 1994, has joined the co-op as membership manager.

A former grower liaison, Craig says his new role will help the coop’s growers optimise their return and adapt to changing forces.

“There are massive shifts that have happened [in the wine in dustry] and will continue to hap pen,” he says.

“Over thirty years we’ve changed how we grow, how we work in the environment and how we react to outside pressures.

“We don’t have an ever-increas ing supply of grapes, so the de

mand is strong.”

Craig says positioning their prod ucts for a premium price, in the restaurant trade and higher tier brands, is one way they plan to grow.

With land at a premium in Marl borough, there are far less oppor tunities to do large scale develop ments.

“It’s a maturing of the industry,” he says.

Co-op chief executive Mike Brown says co-operatives are very popular in New Zealand, and many daily purchases are the product of Kiwi co-ops.

He says the model often suits farmers, or people looking to build long-term inter-genera tional wealth.

“All our profits are returned to the members. We’re not invest ing in stainless steel or flash cellar doors,” he says.

“18 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP is earned via co-operatives.

This is in contrast to Australia, with only 1 per cent.”

Mike says two-thirds of the coop’s business is in the US – but they also make wine for export markets in the UK, Australia and Germany.

The co-operative has about 80 members, and is suitable for any size vineyard, Mike says.

“We’re an equally good home for a small or a large grower.”

“Our smallest grower has less than one hectare; our largest –more than 100 hectares.”

He says for larger growers, it can be part of a portfolio of supply: a low risk but high return on a por tion of their vineyard.

Mike says Craig’s new role is

unique in Marlborough, and compares it to a stock and station agent.

“Our best interest is via our mem ber’s business, we aim to grow their prosperity.”

“If they’re thriving, we’re thriv ing.”

Craig says with his three dec ades of experience, he’s seen what works and what doesn’t.

“The whole idea is I need to un derstand where a vineyard busi ness is at; sit down and see what we can do to enhance the profita bility of that business.

“Most businesses aren’t the same –what works for one might not for another.”

Mike says the co-operative is gov erned by its members, with the board elected from among the growers.

“We’re not beholden to corporate structures.”

“Collaboration – it’s in our DNA. We like working with others.”

MATT BROWN

Marlborough Grape Growers’ Co-operative chief executive Mike Brown with the newest member of their team, membership manag er Craig Thomson. Photo: Supplied.

Congratulations to the Finalists 2022

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the innovation, resilience, entrepreneurship, and ambition of Marlborough based businesses and organisations. And after a three-year hiatus, the gala dinner will be an acknowledgement of the incredible achievements in our region despite the adversitiesand look ahead to the future.

This year, the award categories have been refreshed to better reflect the work in the region to include:

TSM Marlborough New & Emerging Business

Ray White Blenheim Primary Sector

ICIB Consumer Service Sector, and FujiFilm Professional Service Sector.

Plus 5 new special category awards which include:

NZ King Salmon Community Impact

MDC Workplace Wellbeing

IT Ninjas Innovation

Yealands Sustainability, and MediaWorks Youth Employer.

The coveted BDO Supreme Winner award will also be presented, chosen by judges from all sector award categories.

All the award winners, along with The Business Person of the Year and the Young Business Person of the Year, will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner to be held at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre on Friday 18th November.

Judge, Alex Barton says the standard of entry to the awards was extremely high this year making some categories particularly difficult to award just one winner, but in others there have been clear standouts.

"Even in normal times becoming a finalist in the Business Excellence Awards is no mean feat –entrants have to complete detailed applications, and then we carry out site visits for the sector awards so that we can gain more information and ask questions as to why their business should be recognised.

"It's even more impressive to come through that process with flying colours despite all of the challenges of the last two years. We're genuinely privileged as judges to hear from these remarkable people and businesses."

Ti any Williams

Thomas Norton

Kamni Raju-Russell Luke van Velthooven

Tracey Green In memory of Stephen Doecke

Brad Taylor

Rachel Tau’alupe

Ashlee Wiblin

Iconic run back on the agenda

as organiser Maurice Brown ex

“The masochists among us will attempt the entire distance as a

“The marathoners will team up with one other and run ap proximately 42km each while the comparative “commoners” will slay the distance accom panied by three other team mates, covering around 21km each. At altitude, battling wind, heat, cold, and rampant dust, but surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in NZ, runners will have the run ning experience of their life,” Maurice promised.

For the first time in the race history a wheelchair athlete will compete in the solo division. “Stew Sexton will be wheeling his way across the high plains and passes of Molesworth in a quest for the soothing hot

springs of Hanmer,” said Mau rice. “We wish him well in his quest to encourage other ath letes with disabilities to ‘give things a go’.”

A week out from the start, or ganisers had three soloists signed up, six two-person teams and 36 four-person teams, in cluding two prominent names from another sporting codenamely former All Blacks Wyatt Crockett and Kieran Read.

“As usual we are indebted to Jim and Tracy Ward from Moles worth Station for their contin ued support of this event and hope competitors will respect this wonderful part of NZ,” said Maurice.

“This event is made possible by a loyal small team of volunteers from the Marlborough Harrier Club who turn out without fail every year and make the day a success.”

Surf club carnival draws a crowd

PETER JONES

White’s Bay was a hive of activity on Saturday afternoon as the Ra rangi Surf Life Saving Club staged their annual carnival in calm, warm conditions.

Around 120 competitors took part, some travelling considerable dis tances to be there.

As well as the local club, compet itors came from Nelson, South

Brighton, Sumner, Waikuku, Wai mairi, Spencer Park and Whiritoa clubs, the latter all the way from the Coromandel.

Attracting participants who ranged in age from five-year-olds to mas ters, the Rarangi carnival is a non-competitive, fun-based event designed for people to have a go at a wide range of surf lifesaving activities, including beach runs, board paddling, and swimming.

The Molesworth Run covers 84km of road through the high country. Photo: Pete Marshall.

The action was fast and furious on Saturday. Photo: Peter Jones.

Redwood Trust Junior Sportsman of the Year

Thirty three nominees have been put forward, across five categories, for the 56th annual Marlborough Sports Awards to be held on November 21 at the Marlborough Events Center. In this edition of the Marlborough Weekly we profile the nominees.

JAMES HANSEN Athletics

DOMINIC HENRY Smallbore shooting

RYAN MARFELL Multisport

ROWIN MCMANAWAY-CASSIDY Boxing

PAUL MORAN Squash

COOPER ROBERTS Rugby

HUGH ROBINSON Touch

Greywacke Sportsman of the Year

WARREN BROWN

JARED BUCKLEY

JACK BUGLER

JASON HENRY Smallbore shooting

CALLUM SAUNDERS Cycling

MATTHEW STRETCH Cricket

QUENTIN MACDONALD Rugby

KOBE MILLER Rowing

IAN WOOLLEY Ploughing

ARTHUR BROUGHAN

Karting

Glenn Kirby, Bayleys Marlborough Junior Sportswoman of the Year

ERIN GREEN

Inline Speed Skating

CHARLOTTE LIGHTFOOT Rowing

NEVE MCKENZIE Multisport

AROHA MINHINNICK Golf JADE OTWAY Tennis FIAALI’I SOLOMONA Netball

MoreFM Sportswoman of the Year

MARA MCCURDY Netball

JANET UDY Squash

SYLVIE FILIPO Hockey

MELISSA GALLOWAY Dressage

WK Advisors and Accountants Team of the Year

MAHAR CUP TEAM

Wairau and Celtic locked in for cricket decider

Celtic and Wairau will lock horns in the SBS senior grade 40-over competition final.

Celtic scraped into the Novem ber 26 decider by a competition point from Wairau Valley, who ended their campaign in style with a comprehensive 186-run win over Renwick.

Wairau booked their spot in the championship decider, and earning bragging rights for at least a fortnight, with a narrow five-wicket win over Celtic at Horton Park on Saturday.

In a match reduced to a 30-over affair after overnight rain, Celt ic batted first and were in early strife. However, a timely 57-run

partnership between Josh Poole, who finished with 44 from 51 balls, and Matt McCormick, who went on to register 68 from 65 deliveries, saw them to a competitive total of 147 all out.

Nick Weaver with 3-20, Tarin Mason, 3-30, and Griffin Carter who bagged 2-35, were the chief wicket-takers.

In reply, Wairau began well.

After the early loss of fellow opener Hunter Ruffell, Cooper Roberts, with a well-compiled 39 from 56 balls, joined forces with batting mainstay Andrew McCaa, who ended unbeaten on 60 from 64 balls, to push the score to 64.

After Roberts departed, Tarin Mason and McCaa carried

the score to 98, then Jonathon Mackey and McCaa saw Wairau to their target of 149-5, albeit with just two balls to spare.

Ben Holdaway, with 2-34, and the miserly Ben Blackman, 1-16 from six overs, were the pick of a steady Celtic attack.

The other clash, a 40-over game on Horton three, was far less competitive.

Valley won the toss and elect ed to bat, putting 250-2 on the board. Renwick were never in the hunt when it came their turn to bat, being dismissed for 64 in just 17 overs.

Valley’s total was set up by openers Jamie McVittie, with an unbeaten 76 from 120 balls, and NZ masters player Greg Stretch,

who scored 79 from 73.

Matthew Stretch chipped in with an unbeaten 48 from 23 balls near the end of the innings to set a daunting target.

Max Armstrong and Kirk Nich olas were the wicket-takers for an outclassed Renwick outfit.

Jacob Zillwood, with 25 from 38 balls, and Armstrong, with 12, were the only Renwick players to reach double figures against a four-pronged Valley attack.

Matthew Stretch claimed 4-5 from his three overs, Jethro Mo ran bagged 3-35 from four, Luke Pannell took 2-12 from four while his brother Joel managed 1-18 from six.

Points: Wairau 21, Celtic 15, Wairau Valley 14, Renwick 2.

Marlborough challenge repelled

JONES

The Newman Shield remains in Nelson hands after their senior men’s rep cricketers saw off a stern challenge from Marlborough at Saxton Oval on Sunday.

to coach Jarrod Englefield.

“We had a good platform to get at least 220 and that would have made it a lot tougher. The squeeze would have come on [their batting] a lot more,” he explained.

Andrew McCaa top-scored for Marlbor

Marlborough won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to post a target in excess of 220 on a slow, worn wicket, according

Marlborough reached 198-6 after their full allocation of 50 overs, a target which the home side reached for the loss of six wickets in the 47th over.

Marlborough’s batting effort was centred around an unbeat en 66 from 120 balls from No 3 Andrew McCaa. He came to the wicket after openers Jamie McVittie, 35 from 57, and Cooper Roberts, 27 from 33, had combined for a 50-run partnership, providing a solid base for a decent total. McCaa and McVittie took the score to

76 before the young English man fell, then Tim Petrie, 40 from 69, and McCaa pushed the visitors to 159.

Although keen to lift the scor ing rate to a run-a-ball in the final 10 overs, Marlborough struggled against a persistent Nelson attack and came up short. Sam Baxendine, 2-29, and Thomas Zohrab, so often a thorn in Marlborough’s side in recent times, were the most successful of the Nelson bowl ers.

With runs on the board the visitors needed to strike early and wickets to spinner Grif fin Carter and paceman Jaden Adams saw the openers back in the sheds for just 49 runs. However, that brought Zohrab and Finn Raxworthy together

and the pair set up Nelson’s charge to victory.

They took the score to 136 be fore Zohrab departed for 55, caught and bowled by Petrie. Although Raxworthy fell for 37 with just 31 runs needed for victory, Sean Neal’s unbeaten 22 adding the coup de grace.

Englefield said Carter, 1-52 from 10, Matthew Stretch, 2-32 from 10, and Joel Pannell with 1-15 from five were the pick of the attack.

“We needed everything to go our way to defend that score and, in the end, we were just 20 runs short,” he added.

Marlborough are back in Nel son next weekend, playing an inaugural Gary MacDonald Cup two-day fixture against the same opponent.

PETER

Wairau’s Cooper Roberts hits out at Horton Park on Saturday.

Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Softball Saints bring Nelson’s Eagles down to earth

early innings.

Primary producers take court

A tightly-fought boys 7&8 divi sion one final provided a fitting climax for the annual Marlbor ough primary schools tennis tournament recently.

The popular event was contest ed across five divisions with the top seeds featuring in the title play-offs throughout.

Kobe Hart came out on top of an enthralling battle with Josh Harris to claim the boys 7&8 title. After several breaks of serve either way the youngsters were tied at 8-8, necessitating a tiebreaker which Kobe won 7-3 to decide the title.

In the semifinals second-seed ed Kobe beat Oliver Clarke 6-2, while top seed Josh downed Max Sowman 6-4. Max pre vailed in the battle for third spot, downing Oliver 6-1.

The boys 7&8 division two title was won by top seed Cullum Rayner, who got the better of second seed Ryan Griffiths 6-2. The boys 5&6 division was split into three groups for an ini tial round robin.

The winners of each group then played each other in a decid ing round robin, contested by Aiden Su, Joseph Gilhooly and Ben Cameron. Joseph came out on top, followed by Aiden

then Ben.

Top seeds Mia Harris and Emi ly Preece contested the girls 7&8 final, which Mia took out 6-4. In the semis Mia beat Gussy Macfarlane 6-2 while Emily overcame Amelia Burra by the same score. Gussy won the battle for third, beating Amelia 6-3.

The final of the girls 5&6 grade was contested by sisters Zoey She and Joy Xu, with Zoey win ning 9-3. In the semis she beat Amy Watmough-Smith 6-5, while Joy prevailed over Em meline Walkenhorst 6-2. Amy won the battle for third place, 6-2 over Emmeline.

Rapaura team end unbeaten run

Rapaura Wairau River Noir brought the leading division one team’s winning streak to an end in round five of the Wine Brokers NZ premier in terclub tennis competition on Wednesday evening.

The abbreviated encounter, with Marlborough Forrest Wines forced to default their women’s and mixed matches, ended 3-3 before Rapaura took the honours on countback by virtue of securing seven sets to Marlborough’s six.

The doubles clash was crucial, Rapaura’s Hamish McRae and Glen Cameron going down 6-2, 6-7, 10-7 to Joseph Sand ford-Jury and Chris Nott, but picking up a set, which proved pivotal in the final wrap-up. McRae beat Sandford-Jury 6-3, 6-1 in the top single, the inform Nott downed Ella Sow man 6-2, 6-3 then Scott Wal pole overcame Cameron 6-3, 6-3 to give Marlborough a 3-1

advantage in the games played, but leaving the tie level before a set countback.

The second division one match was not so tight, Rapaura Wairau River Blanc picking up their third win of the compe tition, downing Marlborough Forrest Wins 2 5-1.

The doubles were shared, Rapaura’s Ant Walkenhorst and Jared Bell beating Dan Clarke and Stephen Dempster 6-4, 6-1, then Mieko Kimura and Daniel Riordan getting the bet ter of Donna Clark and Clyde Sowman 6-4, 7-5 for their side’s only win of the night.

Walkenhorst beat Clarke 6-1, 7-5 in the top singles match, Bell had a decent tussle with Stephen Dempster before pre vailing 6-4, 6-7, 10-3, as did Sowman, who battled to an exhausting 7-6, 5-7, 11-9 win over Riordan.

In division two, Rapaura Wairau River Rose scored a 5-1 win over Marlborough Next Gen, Hiro Kishida and Max

Sowman bagging two wins, while Marlborough Mix ‘n’ Match beat Marlborough Fal cons by the same score, Kobe Hart, Nic Dillon and Sarah Dillon going unbeaten.

Saints’ senior men’s softball side scored a notable victory in Nel son recently, beating the defending champions in a thrilling Nelson/ Marlborough Intercity encounter.

The Blenheim-based Saints outfit played a double-header over the hill, taking on Stoke Eagles first-up, then meeting Pirates later in the day. The Eagles clash went down to the wire, a tiebreaker eighth inning re quired to decide the result. Saints began strongly, getting to grips with the pitching of Riley Power and moving ahead in the

However, the home side came back and by the end of the seventh the scores were level 4-4.

In the tiebreaker inning Will Mac donald stepped up and slammed a double before Sam Kenny added a hit to bring two runners home and clinch a 6-4 victory. Blake Wisdom started on the mound for Saints, with Macdonald coming in after the fourth inning.

The second match saw Saints romp to a 15-1 victory over Pirates, a string of early hits setting up a com fortable win, ending a profitable af ternoon for the travelling side.

Jared Bell, from the Rapaura Wairau River Blanc team, pre pares to serve. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

PETER JONES

Kobe Hart in action during last week’s final. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Blake Wisdom in action. Photo: Peter Jones.

Deliver award-winning service, each and every time

After 35 years in the motor industry, Julie and Vern Walker purchased Nelson Caravans in 2019. Making the transition from cars to caravans was an easy one, say the couple. “Whether it be the car industry or the leisure industry, the same principles apply. Customer service is paramount, and we believe in treating people how we would like to be treated ourselves, putting ourselves in customers’ shoes!”

With consistently great results, the award-winning business has been going from strength to strength. “From the time of purchase, our business has grown tenfold. Our staff and outside contractors all share our vision of fantastic customer service. We have

recently won a NZ Buyer score award for NZ’s #1 rated small dealership for 2022 and were third in NZ for all dealerships!” The awards recognise

2022 SWIFT BASECAMP 2

Fun and funky. A compact camping vehicle for your BIG ADVENTURE. 2 berth, overall length 5.1m, MRO 932kgs. Whale gas and electric heating. Shower/toilet/83 ltr fridge.

dealerships and salespeople with consistently great reviews from the people who matter most – the buyers. “We are an authorised, factory- backed

dealer. The advantage of being an authorised dealer is the factory warranty, and we have access to all technical bulletins and full genuine Swift parts, focusing primarily on new Swift caravans.”

In February 2020, the team accepted the opportunity to become the Camec CRVS store for the Nelson region, fitting out a new accessory showroom to accommodate the product. “We are proud to represent the brand of accessories and have enjoyed the addition to our business.”

Nelson Caravans also stock late-model second-hand caravans when available saying, “We only stock what we consider to be caravans in excellent desirable condition. Please come in and meet us, check out our range, and visit our store. We are on hand to help.”

2022 SWIFT CONQUEROR 580 & 565

Contemporary interior with High grade specifications, 2 remaining. - 565 4 berth, single beds - 580 East West island bed, end bathroom.

2022 SWIFT CHALLENGER 645 ALL ROAD

Highrise Alko chassis, ATC braking, payload upgrade 2000kg, dometic wide door 190 litre dometic fridge, 2 x 120AH batteries, solar panel upgrade 350 watts.

Swift Challenger 580 $77,990

Swift Challenger 650 $85,990

Swift Challenger X880 $83,990 Swift Challenger X850 $93,990 Swift Conqueror 565 $89,990

Swift Conqueror 580 $89,990

Swift Elegance 845 $108,990

Swift Challenger 645 All Road $89,990

Vern and Julie Walker, owners of Nelson Caravans, recently received a NZ Buyer award for their impeccable customer service and reviews.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

MONDAY

WEEKLY STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES

Mon 10.30-11.30am The Foundry, John St.

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7pm-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am12pm. Wooden toys & projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 570 5188.

RUMMY-0 CLUB Mon 12.30-4pm Bowls club rooms, Weld St. Ph Joy 577 6191/Mary 5788747.

BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mon 7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. No partners needed. Beginners welcome. Ph Heather 02102587325.

CARE AND SHARE A place for creatives to meet, en courage & share their skills. Mon 9.30am fortnightly. Nativity Centre (76 Alfred St). Ph 5783909 for more info.

LINE DANCING Beginner line dance classes. Mon 2pm & 6.30pm at Senior Citizens Hall 166 High St. 1st les son free for new beginners. Ph Judith 5787554 or 0212341095.

ROTARY CLUBS in Blenheim meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. A world-wide service club for men & women, doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues, ph Jon 0272229505 or Kevin 0211738784.

TUESDAY

RED HAT SOCIETY The Kiwi Damsels in De-Stress are part of a worldwide organization for women to enjoy fun, laughter & friendship. A specific dress code is part of the fun. This daytime group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tues mornings. Ph Tina 0211045945.

SAYGO Exercise & Balance for Seniors. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@ stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

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

ST JOHN BLENHEIM YOUTH DIVISION 6-7.30pm Tues (school term) All youth welcome, 5 - 18 years. Adult leaders 18+ Marlborough Youth Trust 18 Kinross St, Blenheim Central.

PICTON LINE DANCE CLASSES Beginners welcome. Tues 9.30am. Anglican Church Hall. $6 per class. Ph Carol 0212125252 / Raewyn 021 715 484.

RENWICK PLUNKET PLAY GROUP Tues 8.45-11.45am during school term. Renwick Playcentre building, Have lock St. Come & join us for some great fun. All welcome!

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.30am-12pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Nonmembers $5. All welcome. Ph. Joanna 0275 786 436.

PERSISTENT PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Tues 5-6pm, Biddy Kate’s, 2 Market St. Drop-in group for people with persistent pain & those supporting them.

DAFFODIL CONNECT an informal support group to meet other people living with cancer. 11am every Tues at Raupo Café. For people with any cancer diagnosis, support people are also welcome to attend. Look for the daffodils on the table or call Christabelle at the Cancer Society 03 579 4379.

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month. 7pm, various locations. Promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Text only Meredith 0272122773.

SIT AND BE FIT Tues & Thurs 1.15pm Cost $2. Contact Riversdale Community House 5780469 or 0223007342.

SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking & improve your confidence. Tues 6.20pm fortnightly, St Mary’s Community Centre. Email sunbeltblenheim@ gmail.com ph 027 600 1788.

BLENHEIM CHORAL (Marlborough Singers) Tues 7pm, Wesley Centre, Henry St. New members welcome, no auditions necessary. www.marlboroughsingers.org.

BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP Tues 6.30-9pm RN

ZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged between 13 & 15 for 2022. For more info email: 27sqn@ cadetforces.org.nz

KNITTERS & SPINNERS MEET-UP Meet up Tues 10am, Picton library. Bring your knitting to the library for this social catch-up.

ART THERAPY GROUP for pregnant women. Tues 5-8pm. Ph Tatiana 0279019807.

TABLE TENNIS for adults Tues 10am-12noon. Lit tle Theatre, Picton. $3 per session. Meet people & get some exercise. New members welcome. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

RENWICK MENZ SHED 54 High St Renwick. Left side of church. Morning tea provided. Tues 9am-12pm. Ph Dave 021 0228 2592.

WEDNESDAY

LITTLE CRITTERS PLAY GROUP Wed 9.30-12noon. Community House, 131 Budge St. Ph Linda 0221099242

STRETCH & BREATHE Exercise for Seniors. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL CENTRE hosts a newcomers morning tea, Wed 10.30am-12noon, 21 Henry St. Opportunities for Newcomers & Marlburians to make friends, practice English & support each other. Everyone welcome. Tea, coffee & biscuits provided. Ven y practica tu inglés. Te esperamos.

HEART HELP SUPPORT Community group dedicated to the well-being of those who live with a heart condi tion or experienced a heart attack. Offering support to whanau. Meet 3rd Wed of the month, 10am, Quench Chateau Marlborough, 95 High St. Ph Jenny Goss 0211629102.

BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired? Enjoy good fellowship? We’d love to see you at our meet ings, 1st Wed of the month (except Jan), 10am, Wesley Centre. Coffee mornings & outings as well. Ph. Raewyn 5784576 or Robert 5788938

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregiv ers catch up, Wed 10.30-12pm, town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St. No charge.

SUPPORT GROUP for postnatal mothers. Every Wed, 9.30am to 12pm. Childminders help with babies. Ph Tatiana 0279019807.

MARLBOROUGH CHINESE FELLOWSHIP Chinese Christian group, whether interested in the Bible or Christianity, desiring 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 0221 642 782, Mandy 0224 326 886.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 7.30pm, Wed, Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Wed 10-

11.30am to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Craw ford for details 0272 883 032.

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

BLENHEIM PETANQUE CLUB Games held at courts, 65A Weld St, Wed 1-3pm & Sun 10am-12pm. Ph Chris 5787303 or Brian 5742267.

LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the commu nity for over fifty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Interested in becoming a Lion? Tea Meetings held on 2nd & 4th Wed. Ph Delphine Lee 0299425004 Helen Williams 0211458572.

WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB for a bit of fun & friendship. Join us the last Wed of month, 10am Picton Library. FREE event, all welcome!

THURSDAY

COPD SUPPORT AND EXERCISE GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thur 1.30pm, the Foundry hall, 3 John St. For more info Ph Karen at Asthma Marlborough Inc 035791609 or 0272057244.

ELDERCARE XMAS LUNCH Thurs 24th Nov 10am1pm. St Christophers Church Hall, 92 Weld St. $10pp. Bookings by 17/11 please. Contact Diana Brooks 0212694198.

KNIT & NATTER Marlborough District Library 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 10am-12noon, tea & coffee pro vided. All welcome Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317.

COMMUNITY CHOIR Thurs 7-9pm, during school terms. St Ninian’s Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Redwoodtown (opp church). Come and join the community choir Creative Voice. All musical abilities and new members welcome. F: CreativeVoice@singforfriendship.

HOUSIE Clubs of Marlborough, Thurs, 12.30pm. RSA Lounge. All Welcome.

MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, Emergency Management Operating Centre. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.

INVITING YOU TO COMPANIONS for ages 65+, 1st Thurs of Month. 1pm. Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. It’s free, so no strings attached & there’s YUMMY after noon tea. We have an interesting programme through out the year. For more info ph Avon 03 579 2440, Lor raine 03 578 1240, or Shirley 03 578 3728.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9-12noon Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $5. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021 503 348

PICTON TABLE TENNIS 10am-12pm, Port Marlbor ough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. All adults welcome. $3 incl. morning tea. Equipment supplied. Ernest 0275 888 453.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs 7-8pm Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St.

FRIDAY

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS Fri 4.30-6.30pm weather per mitting. Members $2. Visitors $5. 10 Uxbridge St (behind Bowling Club). Ph Leigh Andrews 0211913034 or visit our Facebook Page for more details & other upcoming events. UPBEAT ORCHESTRA community orchestra for all

ages, instruments, from beginner-grade 5. St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd every Fri 5-6.30pm For more info email upbeatorchestra@gmail.com.

PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’ @ Chart room, Picton Yacht Club Hotel, 25 Waikawa Rd, 5-6pm. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph Cathy (Coordinator) 021 045 1799 picton@newcomers.co.nz

LINK Fun & board games & afternoon tea for all in the lounge at Nativity Centre, 76 Alfred St every Fri 1pm. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph 5783909 for info.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Every Sun 3-5pm. Social Tennis Non-Members $2 All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436

BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET We’re back! 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.

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.

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 11am, Marlborough Community Centre, 12th Lane, Blenheim cnr Farmers carpark. “In the garden of thy Heart plant naught but the rose of love”. www.bahai.org.

CRUISEY CHURCH for kids of all ages & their families. Includes bible stories, games, songs, crafts & dinner. 3rd Sat each month 5-6.30pm. St Andrew’s Church, 5 Henry St, Blenheim. Koha appreciated.

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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Sat 5.30-6.30pm Rivers dale Community House, 131 Budge St.

MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM at Brayshaw Park, open 10am-4pm. Maori treasures, the Wine Exhibition, Wairau Bar 1250 AD, Early settlers, Asian Dolls & Tex tiles, local pottery plus more! FREE entry on Saturdays.

MARLBOROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB committed to seeing mountain biking flourish in Marlborough. We hold regular rides suitable for all levels of fitness & abil ity. Including back country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. marlboroughmoun tainbike@gmail.com.

BLENHEIM FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Interested in Family History Research & building your Family Tree? Contact us for advice & assistance. Informal gather ings held 3rd Sun of month, 1.30–3pm, Family History Rooms, Brayshaw Park. Ph Lauri 578 8385.

MARLBOROUGH ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET Sat, Mar ket Place. Come down & meet your local craft people. Children’s area with games for young & old. A free Com munity Site to promote or fund-raise your organisation.

Renwick Tennis Club 8 Uxbridge St. REPAIR CAFÉ New community initiative. We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day, while you wait & have a cuppa. Sewing/darning, bikes, small furniture/wooden items, toys electronic & mobile phones. Every 4th Sat monthly, 9am-12pm, John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

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

BLENHEIM RIVERSIDE RAILWAY Runs 1st & 3rd Sun of the month. We have Eftpos. facebook/RiversideRailway.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Every Sun 3-5pm. Social Tennis Non-Members $2 All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET A&P show grounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal pro duce & products.

BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM Sun services, 4pm (all welcome). St Ninians Church, corner Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. Scripture-based, church (est. Jan 2019). Affiliated to Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa New Zealand (CCAANZ). More info: barnabas.org.nz.

WORKING BEE Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon, followed by BBQ. Every 2nd Sun, Feb to Nov. Planting & tending trees, weeding, mulching & continued conser vation. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9.30am-12pm. Email Justine: Johnsonmar lborough@gmail.com

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meets Sat fortnightly (ap prox. beginning & mid-month), 10am, Revival Cafe, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation - but the coffee’s great! Ph 027 505 7774 for more info.

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

GENERAL GROUPS

MENZ SHED Blenheim, 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages can meet to just chill out or do projects for themselves or the com munity. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Open Sat 9am12 noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

MARLBOROUGH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (MYP) not-for-profit networking group dedicated to the next generation of professionals. Connecting like-minded people & fully integrating them into Marlborough life style. Connect with us on Facebook.

MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST Have difficulty getting to medical appointments in NELSON? This trust was created to carry people to Nelson for medical appointments. Ph 574 1311 or soundsvehicle@ gmail.com.

AA MEETINGS Marlborough area. Ring alcoholics anonymous for help to stop drinking. Ph 0800 229 6757. www.aa.org.nz.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drv for people 50+ to learn about technology & what it can do for them. Includes monthly ‘Drop-In’ session open to all. Interest groups meet monthly. Digital imaging, Family History, Smartphones, Tablets. Ph Liana Bull 027 255 1511.

Michael Stuart