Marlborough Weekly 20 December 2022

A time of giving

PAULA HULBURT

Opening the pantry, her heart sinks. Shelves packed with festive treats in years gone by are almost bare.

Two tins of baked beans and a packet of soup mix sit alone where once the heaving shelves held the promise of shared dinners, of festive times to come.

As she listens to her daughters giggling as they write their letters to Santa, she worries how she will feed them. It is not the Christmas of times gone by; it is not the celebration she had hoped for, everyone is feeling the pinch.

But help is at hand through the Marlborough Community Food Bank and the generous support of the community.

Marlborough Community Food Bank manager Wynnie

Cosgrove knows better than most how hard this last year has been for many Marlburians.

She knows there are people struggling to make ends meet, worrying about where the next meal is coming from. There are families in the community, she says, who struggle, even when someone is in full time employment.

And at a time of year when reality really starts to bite, she wants people to know that help is there.

“The demand across the community has gone up everywhere. Not all people who come to us are homeless or unemployed.

“More than a third of families will have someone in full time employment. Hardship is out there.

“We have pensioners coming to us for help which is tough for them as it is an issue of pride but at least they are asking for help.”

According to latest figures from Stats NZ, the cost of living for the average household, (as measured by the household living-costs price indexes) increased by 7.7 percent in the September 2022 quarter.

Higher prices for housing and food were the main contributors to the increase across all the households and Marlborough is no exception.

The food bank, which supports people in the community in their time of need, is busier than ever, it’s shelves often emptying as volunteers struggle to keep pace with the sheer need for help.

Wynnie is passionately protective about the foodbank and the people it is there to help. Her energy, drive and empathy have kept the crucial service going for 15 years.

But it couldn’t be done without the help of the local community, she says.

Every year the foodbank holds an annual street appeal for donations and this year’s drive in early December was crucial.

“We are very grateful for everyone who helped with the appeal, Marlborough is a very generous community.

The Marlborough community always pulls together to help the community food bank in times of need. Photos: Supplied.

Not all people who come to us are homeless or unemployed.

Merry Christmas Marlborough!

Alan’s mega win

MATT BROWN AND PAULA HULBURT

Buying nails to hang pictures and brighten up their new home has netted a Blenheim couple $5000.

Alan and Barbara Gare are regular customers at Mitre 10 Mega Marlborough and like to shop local. So, when they wanted things for their newly moved into home, they knew exactly where to go.

The pair entered the Top South Media Marlborough Shop and Win prize draw several times while buying shrubs, screws, nails and tools.

Hearing they had won the top prize of $5000 they plan to spend a bit more in store.

“We’ll probably spend a bit at Mitre 10 – we have a few things to buy,” Alan says.

The girls at the counter pushed it [the prize draw]. It’s really good.

“You don’t really give it a thought, after you’ve entered so when I got the call, I thought I’d won a $100 spot prize. The last thing I won was a BMX bike for my son 40 years ago.

“It’s excellent timing, right before

Christmas.”

A clothesline and a garden shed are next on the pair’s wish list.

“Thanks to Mitre 10 and Marlbor ough Weekly, I wish you a very happy Christmas.”

Mitre 10 Mega owner David Haw tin says he’s delighted that a loyal customer took the big prize.

“We’re happy to have a loyal, lo cal customer to win an amazing amount of money at this time of the year.”

Top South Media Marlbor ough General Manager Leigh Somerville says seeing the overwhelming support for local businesses has been heartening.

“Here in Marlborough we like to support each other and this really shows with community efforts like this.

“There were about 6500 en tries this year, the highest yet. It just goes to show that people want to shop local.”

Shop & Win top prize winner Alan Gare with Mitre 10 sales team member Grace Hawtin.

Photo: Matt Brown.

Come and see us for the biggest range of eBikes right here in Blenheim!

I just finished my Christmas shopping. I’m prepared. I’m quite organised, I’ve never left it to Christmas Eve. I work in town so it’s quite easy to waltz around and get what I need.

No. I don’t really prepare for Christmas, I just turn up. It’s just another birthday. I’ll get something for my children, that’s about it.

Yes, I am. For food, I’m going to somebody else’s and I’ve been told what to bring. I’ve got all the gifts. I’m organised. The day of Christmas never changes. It’s exciting. It’s all about the children and families getting together.

Yes, I have clothes with me so I’m organised. I’m on vacation here from Germany. There are no Christmas presents this year - my present is coming to New Zealand.

Delicia owner’s delight

A $3000 marketing package was also up for grabs among local business who ran the Shop and Win competition.

Prize winner and Delicia gelato café owner Peter Bristow says he was “happily surprised” to discover he had won the promotional package, with $2000 to spend with Top South Media and $1000 with Mediaworks.

“Advertising is something I can hardly ever afford so I was elated.

“Now, I understand the power of marketing. We do a really great coffee, and hardly anyone knows about it.

“We had loads of people putting entries in. The box was cram-packed. I have a gamblers soul, so winning this is pretty cool.”

Delicia gelato café owner Peter Bristow.

Photo: Matt Brown.

Are you prepared for Christmas?

Jodie Brick

Lenny Mcleod

Piera Neill

Franz Buggert

Flying visits a boost to region

Marlborough is set for a visitor boost this summer as thousands of people prepare to fly in.

Figures released by Air New Zealand this week show more than 18,000 customers are booked to visit Marlborough over summer.

Blenheim’s iconic wine and food scene, the Marlborough Sounds and the port town of Picton have wide appeal says Air New Zealand Regional Affairs Manager Jason Dawson.

Air New Zealand is preparing to fly more than 1.5 million customers around the country between today and 31 January – 400,000 more than the same period last year.

“With Kiwis heading off to their

al centres will benefit from the busy summer ahead,” Jason says.

“Communities in regional New Zealand are incredibly important to Air New Zealand and we recognise the role we play in connecting those communities to loved ones, business opportunities, economic growth and employment through tourism”.

Jason says that as airports prepare for their busiest time of year, it pays for passengers to be organised.

“It’s an incredibly busy time for travel. Customers should allow plenty of time to get to the airport, arrive at the very latest 60 minutes before your flight, 90 minutes if you’re connecting on to an international flight.

“Add to that a bit more time to that if

Solutions sought to stormy problem

PAULA HULBURT

Two extreme storms have sparked an investigation into how to future proof road access in the Marlborough Sounds. Marlborough District Council has embarked on the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study.

The move comes in the wake of severe storms in 2021 and 2022 which hit residents in the Sounds especially hard, leaving some stranded.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says council wants to help create as much certainty as possible for everyone.

“Severe weather events in 2021 and again in 2022 have closed roads in the Sounds, leaving people with limited or no access for prolonged periods, and in some cases no feasible, safe, long-term alternative access.

“Whilst road access to residents has been reinstated in many areas, it is fragile and subject to strict controls.” Nadine says many of the roads

modern day transport loads or intense weather.

“Input from the Sounds community will be an important part of the study and will help provide the solutions to future access in and out of the Sounds,” she says.

With more severe storms a possibility in the future, residents need to feel safe and secure, Nadine says.

“We know people are worried about the future, especially the impacts of a changing climate causing more damage.”

Priority recovery work is still ongoing and council expect to talk with Sounds residents from late January.

But there is no quick fix, the mayor warns.

“We know that it won’t be difficult to make decisions for some areas, while others could potentially take years to fix.

“We may also need to consider lowered levels of service in some areas, but our ultimate goal is to provide the Sounds community with as much certainty as possible.”

Consulting, engineering and

construction company Stantec has been appointed to carry out the study. The Waka Kotahi business case process guides the study.

The following four geographical areas are being looked at, recognising their own distinct access issues.

French Pass - Ronga Road (Rai Valley), Croisilles-French Pass Road, Te Towaka-Port Ligar Road, Bulwer Road, including Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D’Urville Island

Pelorus - Kaiuma Bay Road including Daltons Road / Track and Te Hoiere Road – linked to Te Hoiere/Pelorus catchment, linking back to Te Hoiere / Pelorus River

Kenepuru - Queen Charlotte Drive (Havelock to Picton) including Kenepuru Road and the outer Sounds

Port Underwood - Port Underwood and Tumbledown Bay roads (to Rarangi campground)

Face-to-face public events in each of the four study areas are being organised for late January to mid-February 2023.

Graduates showcase achievements

Students paraded through the centre Blenheim last week celebrating a successful year.

Thirty-three NMIT students graduated from the Marlborough campus last week, of about 300 graduates from across the top of the south.

NMIT executive director Olivia Hall says it is important for

both kaimahi (staff) and ākonga to acknowledge their achievements, and she is pleased the institute can host full graduation events again.

“NMIT has managed to navigate both the anticipated and unexpected changes in the past year and finish the year once again delivering high-quali-

ty educational outcomes,” she says.

“I am proud of our learners and of the organisation as a whole.”

Led by the Blenheim Pipe Band, graduates, surrounded by family, friends, teachers and dignitaries, marched through the Blenheim CBD.

Echoes of maritime past

A tribute to Blenheim’s maritime past has gone up in Blenheim’s town centre.

Refurbished masts from the historic scow A.S. Echo were lifted into place at The Quays on Thursday.

The salvaged masts have been arranged to replicate how the Echo would have sat while unloading at The Quays.

This latest addition is one of six sites included in the Blenheim Business Association’s Marlborough Mile project.

The bid to enhance the town’s central business district celebrates the region’s unique history and culture, viticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, climate and aviation.

Also installed was a steel silhouette replica of the Echo. A ground

anchor and storyboard will be installed at a later date.

The A.S. Echo was built from kauri in 1905 in Te Kopura near Dargaville and used in the timber and coal trades before being bought by Charles Eckford, coming to Blenheim in 1920.

She crossed the Cook Strait more than 15,000 times carrying cargo which was brought up the Ōpaoa River and unloaded at the The Quays, formerly known as Port Blenheim.

The Echo became uneconomic in 1965 due to competition from Cook Strait ferries and spent many years in Picton Marina as clubrooms and a café before being demolished due to disrepair in 2015.

The refurbished masts taken from the A.S. Echo were put into place earlier in the week. Photo: Supplied.

The NMIT graduates paraded through town last week. Photo: Matt Brown.

Shearing is caring for Cora

dy strikes.

Thousands of sheep needing a shear are set to play a key role in helping raise money for one woman’s fight against cancer.

A fundraising bid to help a friend battling cancer is set to see 5000 sheep shorn non-stop over 24 hours.

The Shear for Cora fundraiser hopes to raise as much as possible for Marlborough woman Cora McConnell who is battling Ovarian cancer.

And organisers are looking for shearers to help make the mammoth shearathon a success.

Organised by Earl and Lisa Paewai and Freddy and Nikita Gane, the event is arranged for the 13 and 14 January next year.

Freddy says the date has been deliberately planned during most people’s summer break.

“The timing of this is pretty intentional, because whilst we all can have a break over the summer - if you are sick like Cora, there is no break.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves people and really make a difference.”

Cora was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer 8 years ago and has fought not just to stay alive, but to also raise awareness of a dis-

ease known as “the silent killer.”

In New Zealand one person is diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day and five die every week.

Cora has been undergoing IOZK-Immunotherapy in Cologne, Germany. The treatment mobilises the body’s own im-

mune response, specifically targeting tumour growth. Talking about her diagnosis on social media, Cora says she wants her story to help save others.

“I have been a closed book about my health until now as I am a very private person when trage

I have now got my head around the demons that kindly come with a cancer diagnosis.

But if I can save one woman from having to go through what I’ve been through then I feel I have raised awareness about this insidious disease called cancer.” While ill herself, Cora had been nursing her mum through lung cancer, a fight she sadly lost. Cora says none of what she has been through is easy on anyone. “I have been on this roller coaster for eight years now and believe me it’s not been easy on myself, my family, or my friends. But together we are making the very best of a bad situation.”

Hosted at the Gane’s 824-hectare beef and sheep farm in Havelock, Kaituna Ridges on Readers Rd, the shearathon needs people to help with sponsorship, food, entertainment and refreshments.

“If you can shear, rousie (pick up the fleeces), press or pen up, contact the [Facebook] page or any of the organisers and we’ll make this thing a real flyer,” Freddy says.

To volunteer or find out more, visit Shear for Cora on Facebook and to donate visit “Cancer took my Mum’s life this year, it CAN’T take mine too” - Givealittle

Cancer Society New Zealand Ovarian cancer symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not obvious and can be confused with other non-cancerous conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• a swollen or bloated tummy (abdomen)

• always feeling full

• discomfort, pressure, or pain in the tummy or pelvic area

• change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)

• feeling very tired (fatigue)

• kidney or bladder problems, such as needing to pee more often

• abnormal vaginal bleeding

• weight changes for no reason

Often there are no signs of early-stage ovarian cancer. Having these symptoms does not mean you have ovarian cancer, but it is important to get any changes checked by your doctor.

PAULA HULBURT

Cora McConnell has had to spend weeks away from her husband Euan and daughter Niamh while undergoing cancer treatment in Germany. Photo: Supplied.

December sure rolls around fast these days and with it comes the preChristmas rush to complete everything that needs to happen on the vineyard. We’re supposedly in Summer now, not that you’d know it from the weather. Marlborough’s key variety, Sauvignon Blanc is at early – mid flowering just as another cool, damp southerly comes through. While it will be several weeks before the potential impact of this will be known on fruitset, low temperatures and wet aren’t ideal. There will be lots of eyes out there, trying to get a feel for just how big the 2023 harvest will be – another strong yielding year for Sauvignon Blanc will likely tip the balance for wine companies to hold steady on price while a short year will see increased demand for grapes.

Meanwhile, on Marlborough’s vineyards, flowering sprays against Botrytis will be being applied. Flowering is a critical time for these as there will be a lot of dead and dying flower parts present, providing a route of entry for Botrytis to establish within the bunches and berries. An infection now can lie dormant or latent until later in the season when the grapes start to ripen. Given the right (probably better described as the wrong) conditions over ripening, the latent infection can fire up again, leading to mouldy, rotting bunches. If this happens growers and winemakers alike are faced with some tough decisions – harvest early before the rot becomes worse but before the grapes are optimally ripe, drop fruit to remove the infection but reduce harvestable yield or, in the worst case for both, not harvest the fruit at all. The worst case very rarely happens though and overall Marlborough’s climate produces great grapes. There’s a reason over 70% of New Zealand’s

vineyards are here, after all.

Along with the flowering sprays being applied, there’s also wire lifting happening in the vineyards. While there are machines available to do this, most vineyards rely on teams of people to go through their blocks, lifting and positioning the movable foliage wires to the right position on the post. These wires hold the foliage in place, providing a good vertical plane for other canopy management operations such as leaf removal and trimming. They also hold and protect the shoots that will become the canes for next year’s pruning. With near enough to 30,000 ha in production in Marlborough this year, that equates to around 11,000 Km of rows that will be walked to complete one pass of manual wire lifting, with each row being walked twice for a single pass. Normally 2 – 3 passes are required in a season. There are some very fit vineyard workers out there!

Leaf plucking and trimming will also start before Christmas with some blocks already receiving their first trim in very early December. Trimming will continue throughout the summer with 2 – 3 passes required, depending on growing conditions. Early season varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay) will also be trying to squeeze in a trunk shake pre-Christmas, if this is being done. Trunk shaking, using a mechanical harvester, is a great way to remove the flowering trash and has been proven to help reduce Botrytis later in the season.

The Holiday Season is pretty much the busiest season on our vineyards, with a lot of effort being put in now to try and ensure a successful harvest later in march – April. Merry Christmas!

• Three grazing paddocks on the flats with majority of land in steep hillside

• Access road leads to excavated building site for house

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Within the heart of the Wairau

raise vermin concern

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

A proposal to introduce small transfer stations in the Marlborough Sounds, so visitors can leave their rubbish rather than cart it out with them, has been met with strong opposition.

Remote parts of the district such as the Marlborough Sounds have to date been serviced by a combination of transfer stations, coin skips, and a rural community recycling service. It often means holidaymakers take their rubbish with them.

However, the council asked the public its thoughts on a plan to introduce “remote transfer stations” at 12 sites at Awatere Valley Rd, Duncan Bay, Ohingaroa Quarry, Okiwi Bay, Portage, Port Underwood, Rapaura, The Grove, Titirangi, Waihopai, Waitaria Bay, and Ward.

The proposed sites would have separate 1100-litre wheelie bins for recycling and rubbish and one skip for colour sorted glass.

Each station would be fenced, and the containers serviced according to seasonal population fluctuations.

The idea was part of a wider

proposal to expand the council’s waste services – which was looking to expand kerbside collection to multiple new areas of the region.

If it was to get over the line, Marlborough households would get two 140-litre bins – one for rubbish and one for recycling –which would be collected on alternate weeks. Bigger bins would come at an extra cost. Households would also get a separate 55-litre crate for glass, which would be emptied fortnightly.

The council received 459 submissions on the proposal.

Several submitters, particularly with homes in Duncan Bay and Okiwi Bay, did not want the remote transfer stations.

“It is common knowledge in the Sounds that you ‘cart it in, you cart it out’ ... and to this day this has worked well,” one submitter said.

St John Marlborough Tasman operations manager Josh Wooding said in his submission the organisation did not support the proposed placement at Okiwi Bay due to concerns about the proximity to the combined St John and Fire and Emergency station. He worried the transfer station

would impede emergency vehicles especially during peak seasons.

He was also concerned that broken glass would be a hazard to staff and vehicles.

One bach owner next to the proposed site in Okiwi Bay was concerned about the dumping of fish waste.

There was also concern having a dedicated space for waste would attract pests.

One resident of Duncan Bay, who took all of his rubbish or recycling to either Rai Valley or Nelson, said he strongly opposed the idea of a remote transfer station.

He said it would have negative effects on the environment and lead to illegal dumping, stinking rubbish and vermin.

Another said they did not want “ugly skips” in their “beautiful Duncan Bay”.

“I can't understand why this needs to change as holiday residents bring their food items into the bay and take everything out again when they leave. It will be smelly, attract vermin and be unsightly.”

Meanwhile, some residents closer to town did not want to pay extra rates for wheelie bins.

Wheelie bins would be rolled-out out to 16 per cent more properties, or just under 2500 more homes. This included homes in Grovetown, Havelock, Rarangi, Rai Valley, Renwick, Seddon, Spring Creek, Tuamarina, Wairau Valley and Ward.

Up to now, people in those places

have had to take their waste to the nearest refuse centre.

The bins would cost an extra $27 a year, for households that already had kerbside pick-up.

The service would cost $160 a year for residents getting kerbside collection for the first time. This figure could still change.

One submitter, from Rarangi, said at the moment they were able to choose a method of waste disposal that suited their personal needs.

But not everyone was against the idea.

There were submissions telling the council it was “about time” wheelie bins were introduced to the region.

“Why has it taken so long for the council to get this underway?” one submitter said.

“When I came to Blenheim it was very confronting to have to revert back to plastic for my rubbish.”

Feedback from consultation would be reported back to full council through the 2023-24 Annual Plan process. If the bins, or the remote transfer stations were adopted, the contract would start on July 1, 2024.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

Marlburians can only get wheelie bins for waste now if they go through a private company. Photo: Supplied/STUFF.

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Exploring the great outdoors

A

adventure up

Leatham River

sun with a cloud in front of it – perfect conditions.

Heart racing, blowing hard, my soft office hands hold the log splitter in a death-grip.

A cloud of mosquitos’ feast on my legs and bush-clad mountains tower overhead. The scream of a chainsaw drowns out the rushing Leatham River nearby.

With a manly grunt I swing the axe – it’s a glancing blow. It was the knottiest round from the freshly felled tree – I swear.

The Marlborough 4WD Club has taken me as far as you can go along the Leatham River, in the excellent DOC-managed hunting and tramping playground, the Leatham Conservation Area.

It’s their annual trip up the valley with a three-fold mission: ripping out wilding pines, paying respects to a former member, and while they’re there, replenishing the wood stockpile at the DOC camping huts.

Marlborough 4WD Club captain Tony Ashworth pulled up in front of my house bright and early on a fine Saturday morning. The forecast was a

Tony came to New Zealand on holiday, from the UK, in 2018 and fell in love with Marlborough.

“It’s the ultimate playground,” he says.

“Hunt, walk, sail, 4WD.

“It’s got everything here.”

Tony’s Range Rover was in the shop, so was his Discovery, and his competition truck was a bit overkill for the Grade 1 track, so for this trip his old work truck, a Nissan Safari, would be getting a workout.

With a straight-six 4.2L diesel, it had more than enough grunt to take on the Leatham.

I was graciously given the opportunity to ride along in three of the members vehicles, some luxurious, others bouncing around like a popcorn kernel in a hot pan.

We met up with the rest of the crew at the turn off to Lake Argyle, up the Wairau Valley.

About nine trucks turned up for the annual trip, including a custom Jeep that I was told was only one of ten in New Zealand.

After a thermos cuppa, a peek under

MATT BROWN

The Marlborough 4WD Club at Spaniard Flat, in the Leatham Conservation Area.

Photos: Matt Brown.

a few bonnets, a bit of a yarn and a catch up, as well as the obligatory safety briefing, the convoy set off. My notes from the day are a mess – it’s hard to keep both pen and notebook steady when bouncing along 4WD tracks. The scenery was a bit distracting as well. So, I apologise to the 4WD club for any misquotes.

Originally from Durham, Tony says he’s been in the 4WD Club pretty much since he moved here.

A builder-by-trade in Picton, he has a colourful background; formerly an aircraft mechanic in the Royal Navy, he also had a stint as a

gamekeeper in the UK.

He says one of the best things about the club is the local knowledge and memories of the region.

“One of our older members grew up in the Pukaka Valley. We went on a trip up there and she knew the area like the back of her hand.

“A lot of it is reconnecting older members with what they’ve grown up with,” he says.

The club has about 50 members, of all ages. It’s a family-friendly hobby, he says.

Club member Richard Gifford would agree; his son, William, has been on the 4WD trips since he

was old enough to be in a car seat. “William is second generation 4WDer,” he says.

“There’s a few of them. It’s pretty cool.”

Not long into the trip, the group splits. Those with the shinier vehicles go for the direct route to Spaniard Flat.

The rest turn off for Boulder Hut – it’s a bit of a scratchier track, not ideal for the trucks with mostly straight panels, or so I’m told. TO BE CONTINUED...

The Marlborough 4WD Club at Spaniard Flat, in the Leatham Conservation Area.

navigates a river crossing.

Right: The road at Boulder Creek has been washed out. Club members search for an alternative route.

Paws for thought

There is definitely something afoot. My two-legged friends are picking up their things and putting them in suitcases. This is never usually good news for me, so I move towards the couch with a deep sigh. No one notices, so I go and annoy the cat before taking a well-earned nap.

I wake to my name being called and my tail wags hopefully. The front door is open and the twolegs have their suitcases in hand, and, oh joy, my food bowl and bed are there too.

I give the stupid cat a smug look and bound into the car, making sure to give the windows a good dose of doggy drool before turning my attention to the road. Turns out the twolegs are off a Marlborough holiday adventure and I; their most loveable pet gets to go too.

Our first stop is an Air BnB. We haven’t ventured far from home but the two-legs fancy a change of scene. “A change is as good as a holiday,” I hear the tall one says and the boss one nods her head in agreement.

Turns out there are 51 pet-friendly rentals on Bookabach in Marlborough and I get to try one out, the very nice Marlborough Wine Country B&B where I am made a big fuss off.

The furnishings are lovely, the air con keeps me cool and looking my best and I can join the two legs on their balcony for breakfast while they admire the beautiful garden and make the most of the free wifi. Pure doggy bliss.

The next day we are back on the road and then it’s time for me to stretch my legs and be spoiled. We’re heading to Vines Village where Pet and Patch awaits.

Marlborough’s newest pet and garden boutique shop is heaven for pooches like me and while I check out the exciting range of pet accessories, treats, toys and supplies, the two-legs get excited over the garden accessories. Their tails aren’t wagging like mine though.

The two legs are happy with their purchases and I proudly carry my new red ball back to the car. I walk slowly to let others admire my new addition.

I smile a big toothy grin at our fellow motorists as I stick my head out of the window.

Turns out my adventure isn’t over yet.

The two-legs are treating themselves to a vineyard lunch and I get to go and play with my friends. I can’t wait to tell them all about my day.

I lean back into the seat as the car slows and, yay, we’re at Vin View Lodge where I can hear some of my friends already having fun. I love coming here and am a regular at the Canine to Five doggy day play. I get to mix with dogs, who like me, are full of energy and, though I don’t like to boast, friendly and outgoing too. When the two-legs are working they often bring me here. The staff love me and this is one of my favourite places in the world.

I do my happy dance as the twolegs wave goodbye, I can’t wait to tell my friends about the great time I’ve had in Marlborough, my happy place.

TEDDY

Teddy has been sampling some of Marlborough’s pet friendly options for those who don’t want to travel too far this summer. Photo: Brya Ingram Photography/Supplied.

I give the stupid cat a smug look and bound into the car, making sure to give the windows a good dose of doggy drool...

DOC’s top dog holiday tips

side and enjoy the summer, but to do it responsibly.

As the holiday season approaches and people make their way to New Zealand’s iconic beaches and national parks, the Department of Conservation is reminding people with dogs to do their research before setting out.

“Going on adventures with your dog is a great way to stay active and enjoy nature,” says Science Advisor at DOC Laura Boren. “We want people to get out-

“One potentially confusing thing is rules for dogs vary across the country,” says Laura.

“For instance, dogs are never allowed in national parks or on offshore island reserves, but they are permitted on certain walking tracks or campsites.

“The coastline can be even more confusing as rules can change seasonally, depending on breeding cycles for seabirds and other animals.”

If you’re headed some-

where new find out of it is dog-friendly before arriving.

DOC has a “dogs allowed” tick box on its website allowing visitors to filter for dog friendly areas, and local council websites contain information on regional beaches and walking tracks. “There is no one-size-fitsall approach to dog management,” says Laura. “This is why it’s crucial to do your homework.”

We’ve created a list of some top dog places suitable for the whole family.

Mt Richmond Forest Park campsites

Marlborough Sounds tracks

• Queen Charlotte Track (from Anakiwa to Davies Bay only)

• Nydia Track

• Cullen Point Lookout

• Mount Stokes Track

• Wakamarina Track

• Doom Track

• Pelorus Track

• Waikakaho/Cullen Creek

• Catherine Cove Track

• Ferndale Tracks

• Piwakawaka Track

• Putanui Point Track

• Jacob’s Bay Track

• Opouri Bridle Track

• Archer’s Track

• Stone Wharf Track

• Stone Huts Track

Marlborough Sounds picnic and amenity areas

• Carluke

• Cullen Point

• Ngakuta Bay

• Penzance

• Totara Flat

• Bob’s Bay Reserve: dogs allowed on a leash

• Victoria Domain Reserves: dogs need to be on-leash on roadways and the formed walking and shared walking and biking tracks,but are prohibited from the mountain bike tracks and are allowed off-leash on the lower Picton to Waikawa Track.

Robertson Range tracks

• Mt Robertson Track

• Pukaka Track

Picnic and amenity areas

• Bluegum Corner (Rarangi Beach)

• John Chaytor Picnic Area (Pukaka Valley) No permit needed

• Whatamango Bay dog exercise area

Marlborough sounds campsites

• Aussie Bay

• Butchers Flat

• Ferndale

• Kenepuru Head

• Moawhitu

• Moetapu Bay

• Nikau Cove

• Nydia Campsite

• Picnic Bay

• Mill Flat

Coastal campsites

• Okiwi Bay (Kaikoura coast)

• Rarangi

• Robin Hood Bay

Mt Richmond Forest Park tracks

• Alpine Route

• Northbank tramping and walking tracks

• Wakamarina Track

• Waikakaho Track (dogs may be taken on to the northern (Cullen Creek) end of the track with permission from the landowner, Jimmy Stuart, phone +64 3 574 2331. No dogs are allowed to be taken onto the private land at the southern (Waikakaho Valley) end of the track.

PAULA HULBURT

Essential trip check list

Summer Motoring

Keeping safe on the road

Now that summer’s here, people who are planning day trips or a fun holiday should ensure that their car is in good shape and is safe to drive. Now’s the time to make sure your warrant of fitness is up to date and have a vehicle check-up. Before embarking on your journey, you’ll need to have things like your tyre pressure, tyre treads and wheel alignment checked.

It’s also important that your lights

are in working order, and that your vehicle’s cooling system is running properly.

Other things to look out for are your engine’s oil level and making sure your windscreen wipers work - not that you are planning for rain! For relaxed summer holiday motoring and to avoid a vehicle breakdown or mechanical failure, contact your friendly local garage or car specialist today.

Waka Kotahi has some helpful suggestions for safe holiday driving

Plan ahead

• Make sure you and your vehicle are safe before you start your journey.

• Plan your travel to avoid peak traffic periods when highways become congested.

• Schedule regular rest stops.

• Slow down, leave space and be patient through road works sites.

Drive to the conditions

Consider the weather, the road you’re on, the speed limit and your physical wellbeing.

Are you tired or on medication that affects your driving?

Watch out for fatigue

Long trips are tiring and fatigue can

be deadly.

Plan to get enough rest beforehand and plan where you’ll take breaks on your trip.

Buy or hire a safe vehicle Always choose the safest vehicle you can afford.

Identify the safest route Roadside hazards such as trees, diteches and narrow shoulders can be dangerous.

Carefully pack your vehicle Make sure everything is securely stowed. Even small objects can become dangerous missiles if you suddenly stop or crash. Keep your cool

• Be courteous - let others merge

into traffic and indicate before turning or changing lanes.

• Keep left unless passing.

• Slower drivers, pull over whenever you can.

• Be patient and don’t be provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour.

• Keep an eye out for pedestrians, children, cyclists, motorcyclists, as well as horses and livestock on back country roads.

Buckle up

Seatbels save lives, so ensure everyone is buckled up and that your seatbelts and child restraints are safely fitted.

road

race. Photo: Matt Brown.

Be prepared so you can enjoy your time on the water

Summer is upon us again, and we are already seeing increasing numbers of boats out in the Marlborough Sounds. With more people out on the water it is important that everyone is safe and can enjoy their time off.

With so much traffic on the water it’s never been more important that people are considerate of other water users to ensure everyone can enjoy their summer holiday in safety.

Prep check now

Whether you’re on a boat, jetski or kayak, it’s important that you

prep your gear, check the weather and know the rules.

Life jackets

Take them, wear them.

The harbours team patrol vessels will be out and about on the water to provide information and advice on maritime safety.

Safe speed

Collisions at sea can be catastrophic and wake from speeding boats can be dangerous too.

Consider the safety of other water users and always operate at a safe speed.

It’s not just good sense, it’s also

the law. A safe speed means being able to take action to avoid collision and stop in a safe distance.

Navigation lights

If you’re navigating at night or in restricted visibility, make sure you have working navigation lights.

The purpose of navigation lights is to ensure other vessels can see you at night and take appropriate action to avoid collision or prevent a close quarter situation from developing.

Harbour patrols

The harbour patrol vessels will be

out on the water almost every day over summer.

We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water so if we see unsafe activity on the water, we will intervene.

If you’re stopped by a harbour patrol for breaching maritime rule or bylaw, you will be asked for your name and address and may be liable for a fine.

Encouraging safe speed is a particular focus of harbour patrol this summer, particularly in high-risk areas.

Some high-risk areas have been

marked with yellow five-knot buoy markers and you must always operate under five knots in these areas.

Vessels that operate at higher speeds in high-risk areas or within 200 metres of shore are putting others at risk and should expect a fine of $200.

We are also operating radar speed cameras in a number of locations, including Picton, Waikawa, Havelock Channel and the Wairau River. These cameras are fully calibrated and are being used for enforcement purposes.

The Harbour Master team will be keeping boaties and other water users safe this summer.

The summer health hub

Help keep COVID at bay this

As COVID-19 case numbers climb again and are anticipated to peak over the festive period, it is important to be prepared and know how to keep safe while on holiday or when reconnecting with family and friends.

As a Medical Officer of Health, I am passionate about community health and wellbeing, and for me this summer, that means staying safe while heading away, receiving visitors, or attending large events.

In all of those situations, maintaining those healthy habits we’ve developed will go a long way to prevent infection in the first place: keeping up good hygiene; coughing and sneezing into elbows; avoiding or limiting time in crowded spaces.

Masks are best worn in indoor situations where there are strangers, or in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces. Summer hopefully means we can

spend most of our time outdoors!

Even if an event is outdoors (and we are lucky to have many of those in Nelson Marlborough this summer!) please don’t take part if you are sick, have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19.

I know it’s not an easy ask if you’ve paid for and booked into an event you’ve looked forward to. However, large events have the potential for being super spreader situations. Even if you were to come off lightly, someone else may be highly vulnerable and develop serious complications. COVID-19 can also make pre-existing conditions worse.

When you develop your holiday list, include hand sanitiser, masks, enough of your usual medication to see you through, and RAT tests. Ideally, bring 5 RATs per person, that way if you or

summer

someone you are travelling with becomes unwell you can test immediately.

The isolation period is 7 days, so have a plan for where to isolate if you get sick while away from home.

Returning home is possible if you have a private vehicle, can get home with no overnight stays, and without a flight, ferry, or other public transportation. Otherwise, you must isolate somewhere without shared facilities. Talk to your accommodation provider ahead of time. If you are travelling to stay with friends or family, discuss if there is a part of their home you can stay in without putting them at risk.

We’ve all worked hard and want to unwind, let’s do so knowing that we are keeping ourselves and everyone else around us safe.

From an original article that first appeared on the Nelson Marlborough Health website.

Dr Rachel Eyre, Public Health Medicine Specialist - Medical Officer of Health

Slip on a shirt

Slip on a shirt with long sleeves. Fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will give you better protection from the sun.

Slip into the shade Slip into the shade of an umbrella. Plan your outdoor activities for early or later in the day when the sun’s UV levels are lower.

Slop on sunscreen

Slop on plenty of broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours - especially after being in water or sweating.

Slap on a hat

With a wide brim or a cap with flaps. More people are sunburnt on the face and neck than any other part of the body. Wrap on sunglasses

Choose close fitting, wrap around style sunglasses. Not all sunglasses protect against UV radiation, so always check the label for sun protection rating.

Being SunSmart

Protect your skin and eyes by using the SunSmart steps.

wide brim hats protect the face, neck and ears

close fitting, wrap around sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation half a teaspoon of sunscreen to face, ears and neck one teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm and leg.

Food and nature

A longstanding Kiwi tradition, nothing says summer quite like packing up the picnic hamper with delicious treats and parking up at your favorite nature spot to wile the day away. But what makes the perfect picnic? Whether it is a classic hamper style complete with wicker basket and wine, a chilli bin stocked with club sandwiches and egg salad or going lock stock with the bbq for a classic cook up at the beach with friends, one thing is for sure – with a little bit of planning, dining al-

fresco is the perfect way to spend time with loved ones and soak up some of our countries most stunning locations.

When planning for the perfect picnic, begin with the type of atmosphere you want to create.

Are you wanting to woo a loved one, create fun family memories with the children, share the love with a get-together of those nearest and dearest or create a fantastic feast with friends?

If you’re going for a rustic affair, choose seasonal products, hearty foods and local wines. If beach vibes is your thing, then opt for

seafood, bbq food, fresh salads, cooling refreshments and easy to eat cuisine.

A romantic picnic for two? It is hard to beat delicious gourmet delicacies, local artisan products and indulgent desserts spread out on a blanket with pillows to treat your special someone.

Backyard picnics or bbq’s are a relaxing way to entertain, eat, play and laugh with friends and family without a lot of the stress. Decorate with patio lights, bean bags, lawn chairs and set up back yard cricket or badminton for a bit of after dinner fun.

AMY RUSS

What’s On December-January

20-24 Dec

Renwick Christmas Tree Festival

Mon 19 Dec to Fri 23Dec

| 10:00am to 10:00pm

Sat 24 Dec 10:00am to Midnight

Free Admission

Get into the festive spirit and enjoy this spectacular display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups

Renwick Anglican Community church 54 High St, Renwick

30 Dec

Picton Yoga Collective

Fri 30 Dec | 9:15am to 10:30pm

Yoga Class: $15pp (R16)

The Picton Yoga Collective is a group of 3 yoga teachers - Anne, Kaye and Jeannie, sharing this class, offered every Friday morning with teachers alternating each week, styles may vary.

Port Marlborough Pavilion, Endeavour Park, Picton

22 Dec

Knit and Natter

Thu 22 Dec | 10:00am to 12:00pm

Free Admission

Are you looking to meet new people? Are you interested in knitting?

Join a group of social knitters and bring along your knitting project or get inspiration from others.

Tea and coffee will be available as well

Marlborough District Library

33 Arthur Street, Blenheim

30 Dec

Marlborough

Farmers Christmas Twilight Markets

Fri 30 Dec | 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Rain or Shine, Free Admission

Pick up some last-minute gifts or tasty treats for your New Years Eve celebrations!

Marlborough A&P Park, Blenheim

23 Dec

Marlborough

Farmers Christmas Twilight Markets

Fri 23 Dec | 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Rain or Shine, Free Admission

Pick up some last-minute gifts or tasty treats for Christmas Day!

Marlborough A&P Park, Blenheim

24 Dec

Linkwater Market

Sat 24 Dec | 9:30am to 12:30pm

Free Admission

The first of the summer markets outside the iconic Queen Charlotte Tavern.

Enjoy the ambience of the site, while you browse among the many stalls

The Queen Charlotte Tavern, Queen Charlotte Drive, Marlborough Sounds

24 Dec

Marlborough

Artisan Craft Market

Sat 24 Dec | 9:00am to 2:00pm

Free Admission

A weekly artisan market featuring locally handmade arts, crafts and produce. We pride ourselves on having quality products which you are purchasing direct from the maker.

Market Place, Blenheim

31 Dec

Havelock Craft Fair

Sat 31 Dec | 10:00am to 4:00pm

Free Admission

Annual New Year craft fair with losts of crafts, plants and more including the ever-popular sausage sizzle. Supporting Simply the Breast Dragon Boat Team

Havelock Town Hall Cnr Main Road & Inglis Street, Havelock

31 Dec

New Years’ Eve Picton

Sat 31 Dec | 7:00pm to 12:15am

Free Admission

Countdown to 2023 with music, entertainment, and fireworks over the water at this wonderful community event. A great night for all ages.

Picton Foreshore

02 Jan

Havelock Craft Fair

Mon 02 Jan | 10:00am to 4:00pm

Free Admission

Annual New Year craft fair with losts of crafts, plants and more including the ever-popular sausage sizzle. Supporting Simply the Breast Dragon Boat Team

Havelock Town Hall

Cnr Main Road & Inglis Street, Havelock

Cow grand opening

Celtic Green claim cricket derby honours

Green is the new gold – at least when it comes to the Celtic Cricket Club.

The Marlborough Cricket Association’s second grade 40-over final was fought out at Horton Park on Saturday between stablemates Celtic Green and Celtic Gold, with the former prevailing by nine wickets in what turned into a one-sided encounter.

Gold won the toss and opted to bat first, immediately regretting that call when they were left reeling at 4-6 in the early stages.

Fortunately, opener Sherry Singh, with 26 from 28 balls, middle order batsman Gupreet Singh, who notched an unbeaten 33 from 60 balls, and tail ender Yadwinder

nings together and allowed them to post a potentially-competitive total of 85, albeit from just 23.4 overs.

Eli Kepes, with 4-34 from his six overs, was the most successful Green bowler, although Luke Holdaway, 3-19 from six, and Liam Young, 2-14 from six, proved the most economical.

Green did not waste time chasing their target score, openers Tom Sloan and Joel Logan taking the score to 36 before Sloan perished for 19 from 15.

Logan was joined by Louis Woollcombe and the pair took the attack to the Gold bowlers, finishing the job in the 13th over for the loss of just a single wicket.

Scores: Celtic Gold 85 all out (23.4 overs) Celtic Green 1-89 (12.3

T20 wraps up for Christmas

PETER JONES  peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Wairau and Celtic scored Twenty20 victories when the third round of the senior men’s competition was played on Wednesday evening.

The unbeaten Wairau side, 40over champs, accounted for Marlborough Boys’ College by seven wickets while Celtic beat Renwick by 14 runs.

Wairau’s victory at Oliver Park was decisive, their bowlers restricting MBC to 140-4 from their 20 over allotment, then running down the students’ score for the loss of only three wickets with 28 balls to spare.

MBC’s handy total was based around a 105-run second wicket partnership between Griffin Carter, who scored 56 from 46 deliveries, and Tim Petrie, with 49 runs from 45 balls. Carter Aitken, who scored an unbeaten 16, added some momentum late in the piece.

Harry Boyce, with 2-20 from four overs, was the most suc-

cessful of the Wairau attack, Nick Weaver proving typically miserly with 1-20 from his four.

The early loss of veteran Mike Hood saw Wairau’s chase off to a slow start but Tarin Mason and Andrew McCaa quickly righted the ship and settled in for a match-winning 95-run partnership. Mason top scored with 58 from 36 balls, while McCaa remained unbeaten on 42 when the innings ended.

Carter, 1-33 from four, Nathan Brooke-Taylor, 1-25, and Josh Alexander, 1-22, were the wicket-takers.

Celtic’s victory at Horton Park was less emphatic.

They won the toss and batted first, amassing 162-5 from their 20 overs.

Celtic’s top scorers were Jaden Adams, who scored 46 from 31 and Ben Holdaway, who clubbed 45 not out from 25 ball in the middle order. Tom Sloan, 20, and Josh Poole, 18, were the other main contributors.

Piers Landon-Lane, with 1-26 from four overs, Kirk Nicholas, 1-12 from two, and Eden Pettigrew who claimed 1-21 from three were the pick of the Renwick attack.

Renwick’s reply stuttered early. At 4-27 they were well behind the asking rate, before Joe Timms came to the wicket and smashed 70 off 27 balls, including seven sixes. He went to his half century in just 11 balls, one ball quicker than the international T20 record, held by Yuvraj Singh of India.

Although his innings threatened to rip the match way from Celtic, when he was dismissed in the 12th over the Green and Golds regained control and ultimately Renwick came up short, being dismissed for 148 in the final over.

Holdaway, with 3-27 from four, was the most successful Celtic bowler, although Matt McCormick, with 1-9 from four, was the pick of the attack. Sloan, Liam Young and Poole each bagged a brace of wickets.

Tarin Mason top-scored for Wairau. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Louis Woollcombe takes the attack to the Celtic Gold bowlers. Photo: Peter Jones.

Tennis titles decided

PETER JONES

Marlborough Forrest Wines, competition front-runners for most of the 2022 Wine Brokers NZ premier interclub tennis season, wrapped up the division one title with a gritty performance at Pollard Park on Wednesday.

They beat second qualifier Rapaura Wairau River Noir 4-2 in a thrilling finale to a dominant season.

The evening began with doubles, Marlborough’s Hamish Morrow and Chris Nott taking on Hamish McRae and Glen Cameron from Rapaura, while Amber Lyons and Scott Walpole, from Marlborough, played Rapaura’s Eveline Apthorp and Ella Sowman on the adjoining court.

Both combines were relatively clear-cut, McRae and Cameron

battling to a 7-5 first set win before taking the second 6-1 to put Rapaura on the board.

However, on the other court, Marlborough levelled the tie when Walpole and Lyons turned in a consistent effort to account for Apthorp and Sowman 6-3, 6-3.

The four singles matches held the key, especially the No 1 men’s clash between experienced rivals McRae and Morrow. As usual it was a tight affair, going to a super tie break. Morrow won the first set 6-2, however McRae claimed the second 7-5 before losing 10-1 in the tie break.

The No 2 men’s clash between Cameron and Nott went the way of the Rapaura stalwart, 6-2, 7-6, leaving everything to play for in the other matches.

Both went the way of the home

side, Walpole getting the better of Sowman 6-0, 6-1 while Lyons prevailed 6-1, 7-5 over Apthorp to wrap up the tie and the title.    The division two title was also decided at the same venue on Wednesday, Rapaura Wairau River Rose edging past Marlborough Next Gen 8-6 on sets countback after the matches were shared 3-3.  Ben Burridge and Tony Fenemor won singles for Rapaura, Burridge and Jane Davidson combining to pick up a win in the doubles encounter.

Leon Marusaki and Ben Preece won singles for Next Gen, then joined forces to beat Fenemor and Sandy Stubbs in their doubles clash. Although Stubbs lost that match and her single to Preece, both encounters went to super tie breaks, the extra sets making the difference in the final outcome.

Major milestone nears for power boat club

PETER JONES

It is getting close to ton-up time for the Rotoiti Power Boat Club.

The club will celebrate 100 years of existence on March 11-12, 2003 with a regatta on the spectacular Lake Rotoiti

decades and the most exciting racing despite the Covid disruptions.”

This year the club will host the final of the Hydro Thunder GP Hydroplane series, the NZ Formula 1 series final, the Matt Morrison Memorial Trophy for unlimited inboard

the winner taking five hours.  Blakiston remarked, “things have certainly progressed with the 250 kph GP hydroplanes probably able to do it in 10 minutes!”

A close association with DOC and a core group of local club members has been key to this

Marlborough Forrest Wines player Amber Lyons leaps into action during the division one interclub final. Photo: Peter Jones.

Regional swim champions crowned

PETER JONES

The Blenheim Swimming Club has two new regional champions.  Nicola Lovell and Claudia Harris both swam strongly at the recent Swimming Nelson Marlborough Long Course Championships in Nelson to claim regional age group trophies.

Leading swimmers from across the Nelson Marlborough region competed over four sessions in the Nayland College outdoor 50m pool from December 10-11.

Conditions were challenging with cold, wet and windy weather testing the swimmers throughout. Competitors aged from eight to 18 raced over distances ranging from 50 to 1500 metres, demonstrating their prowess in all four swimming strokes.

The Blenheim Swimming Club fielded a team of 11 swimmers, competing within age groups and scoring across a specific set of events in order to qualify for trophies.

Nicola (13) and Claudia (12) performed exceptionally well despite not regularly training in an outdoor 50m pool. Nicola won seven gold, one silver and one bronze medal, Claudia picking up six gold, one silver and one bronze.

Blenheim Swimming Club senior men's swimmers also brought the Workers CoOp Shield home to Marlborough for the first time in more than 10 years. Jack Love, Finn McNabb, Max Skehan and Joel Verran swam the 4x100m freestyle relay event in less than four minutes to finish almost 10

seconds ahead of the leading Nelson combination.

A strong all-round team performance saw the following Blenheim swimmers also win medals or place in the top five: Sophie Kole, Hannah Kole, Jessica Lovell, Jack Love, Finn McNabb, Max Skehan, Joel Verran and Quinn Verran and Anna Love.

The Blenheim Swimming Club also claimed the YMCA trophy for most points scored per swimmer.  Swimmers will soon take a two-week Christmas break before beginning intensive training in January for the upcoming competitive swim season. For more information on swimming with the Blenheim Swimming Club, please visit their website at www.blenheimswimmingclub.com

Saints pipped in softball decider

PETER JONES

Marlborough’s Saints senior men’s softball side came up agonisingly short in the final of the Intercity Spring League on Saturday.

Playing Nelson side Stoke Eagles, who have dominated the competition for the past two seasons, Saints went down 7-6 in a final tie-breaker inning at Saxton Ballpark.

Eagles began strongly, immediately getting the measure of Saints’ pitcher Blake Wisdom to lead 2-0 after the first inning. The

home side added another couple of runs in the third to take a 4-0 lead before the visitors found their range.

Their comeback began in the bottom of the third, with Tyler Bird and Will Macdonald crossing home plate before Wisdom blasted an automatic home run to score himself and Dane Gill and bring the scores level.

Neither side were able to add to their tally in the fourth and fifth inning, before Eagles added two more runs in the top of the sixth.

Saints replied immediately, pick-

ing up two more runs to tie up the ball game heading into the final inning. With neither side unable move a runner around the bases the match went to a tie-breaker inning, where a runner is stationed on second base.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Stoke made the most of that advantage, scoring their runner while Saints were unable to get their man home, despite moving him to third base in their final turn at bat.

Saints’ coach Denham Wisdom was happy with his side’s per-

formance, against a traditionally strong opponent who possessed a couple of highly-rated pitchers.

“After our slow start we were always playing catch-up, but we hit the ball really well … some of the best hitting of the season probably. Everyone managed hits when they were needed.

“The guys have been improving as a team since the start of the season and the young players have fitted in nicely,” he added.

Showing the way was Blake Wisdom, who recovered from conceding early hits from the mound

to underline his growing prowess with the bat.

He picked up an auto, plus a pair of two-base hits to put the pressure back on the Eagles’ pitching staff, their main hurler Riley Power being replaced by Josh Kelly in the fourth.

Also impressing with the bat were lead-offs Braden Healy and Anaru Anderson, with their coach also pleased with the standard of fielding throughout.

Next year Saints will play in the Intercity Summer League, which begins in mid-February.

The BSC girls group, from left, Nicola Lovell, Jessica Lovell and Claudia Harris. Photo: Supplied.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

MONDAY

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, encourage & 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 lesson 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. Starts 7th Feb 2023. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 for more info. Thank you everyone for your support. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. See you in 2023!

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

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.30am-12pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Non-members $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.

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.

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

RNZAF 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. Little 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

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

STRETCH & BREATHE Exercise for Seniors. Starts 8th Feb 2023. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 for mor info. Thank you everyone for your support. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. See you in 2023!

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 condition 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.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregivers 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 1011.30am to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford 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 arrangement. 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 community 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

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

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 afternoon tea. We have an interesting programme throughout the year. For more info ph Avon 03 579 2440, Lorraine 03 578 1240, or Shirley 03 578 3728.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle walking for Seniors. Starts 9th Feb 2023. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 for more info. Thank you everyone for your support. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. See you in 2023!

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.

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.

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

PICTON TABLE TENNIS 10am-12pm, Port Marlborough 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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Sat 7-8pm Riversdale 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 & Textiles, 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 & ability. Including back country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. marlboroughmountainbike@gmail.com.

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

MARLBOROUGH ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET Sat, Market Place. Come down & meet your local craft people. Children’s area with games for young & old. A free Community 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 holiday’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 showgrounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal produce & 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 conservation. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9.30am-12pm. Email Justine: Johnsonmarlborough@gmail.com

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meets Sat fortnightly (approx. 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

CRAFT FAIR Havelock Town Hall 31st Dec, 1st & 2nd Jan 10am-4pm daily. Free entry. Supporting Simply The Breast Dragon Boat team. Lots of crafts, plants & a sausage sizzle.

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

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 community. 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 lifestyle. 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.

MARLBOROUGH TRAMPING CLUB A very active club, holding mid-week & Sun trips & regular overnight tramps. Extended trips further afield also on the cards. marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com

Desired skills/Licences & experience,

• Drainage registration (would have advantage)

• Class 2 or Full & RTW endorsements.

• Strong work ethic & leadership skills.

• Plan & coordinate day to day works.

• Sound understanding of Civil scope.

• Final trim & detailed plant operating.

• Concrete placing/landscaping (would have advantage)

Key responsibilities,

• Ensure compliance to site polices & procedures are met.

• Maintaining/cleaning equipment when required.

• Daily time sheets.

• Honest/trustworthy & reliable is a must!

How to apply, Send your CV to info@clarkesdrainage.co.nz

Applicants must have NZ residency or working visa.

It is tight for everyone and the items we collected were a bit lower than last year with 800 banana boxes filled.

“Last month we sent out 203 boxes compared to 139 in the same period last year. It is a big increase.”

Donations from the food drive, community gardens, orchards and other community groups helps keeps supplies of fruit and vegetables steady too.

Wynnie says farmers too are very generous when it comes to donating animals, with Mike Newman at Meaters helping out for free.

Prices for barn-raised eggs, cheddar cheese, and two-minute noodles rose to their highest levels this year, with fruit and vegetables, particularly

potatoes, bananas and cabbages also sky rocketing.

People just haven’t been able to keep up financially, Wynnie says.

The donation trollies and bins in New World and Countdown supermarkets are a huge help she says and she is asking for people to consider donating.

“Every little bit helps, no matter how big or small,” she says.

Donations collected from the street appeal usually keep the service going until July, but this year Wynnie says there is only enough for around four to five months.

Supplies of pantry staples such as salt, long life milk and breakfast cereals are already running low.

“We will have to start purchasing early next year and are very grateful for any donations that

come our way. Monetary donations are always welcome too as we also have running costs.”

For the mother whose heart sinks when her children tell her they are hungry, for the man who barely sleeps as he worries about money and the pensioner who skips meals, the food bank is there to help. No one should worry about asking for help.

It is these people Wynnie and her hard-working team of 30 volunteers are there for, to show that even when it feels that hope is lost, kindness and compassion do still exist.

The service simply wouldn’t survive without the help of the wider community, Wynnie says, a community that cares and steps up to help when needed.

“I know it’s very tight for everyone but a little bit of help goes a

long way.

“This community is very generous and we can’t thank people enough for what they do to help.”

Donations can be dropped off at New World, Countdown and the Salvation Army and the Foodbank can be contacted on 579 2115.

Top South Media Marlborough have joined forces with some of their amazing clients to donate $2500 to Marlborough Foodbank.

Long-time foodbank supporter Stuart McLean from Ray White Blenheim has also agreed to boost funds by making a $500 donation.

We know this money goes towards a very worthy cause, Merry Christmas to the amazing foodbank team and all their supporters.

FROM FRONT PAGE

TSM Marlborough owner Summa Donald presents a donation certificate to Lynette Stanley and Wynnie Cosgrove from Marlborough Food Bank on behalf of local businesses who kindly contributed to the final total. Photo: Nikki Andrews.