Marlborough Weekly 27 December 2022

IronMāori named

Prepare to party

MATT BROWN matt@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Dig out your dancing shoes and strap in for a New Year to remember.

Picton’s foreshore is the place to be once again, after a local event planner revived the popular party.

And this year’s event will have an Eclectic Fix for everyone, with every Dangerbaby dancing to the Bitter End.

Local big-band Eclectic Fix will join Blenheim cover band Bitter End on the main stage from 7pm with the Christchurch-based trio Dangerbaby ushering in 2023 to a fireworks display from Marlborough Fireworks.

Eclectic Fix driving force Linda Holdaway says their first New Year performance is an opportunity for them to unleash their inner Tina Turner; just what everyone wants to do on New Year’s Eve, she says.

The eight-piece band features drums, bass, two keys, two vocalists, trumpet and a sax, with several of the musicians able to swap out their instruments to completely change their sound. “Putting the brass in allows us to do Chicago, or Earth, Wind and Fire – those big sounds that Billy Joel or Elton John get,” says Linda.

I am, I’m not really seeing family. There are new variants; I have a son and I have to be careful.

Success

Lara O’Brien

No, not really. I’m not avoiding anything or wearing masks. My mum has a rare autoimmune syndrome. If I got it, that would make me a bit more wary. But she’s not fussed, so I’m not fussed.

I always wear a mask in shops. I’m going to Christchurch in a bus to see family, so I’ll definitely be masking up on that.

Yes, when we go to public places I wear a mask. I’m trying to not get too close to people. I have a little bottle of hand sanitizer. Just the basics. I’m trying not to get it.

special Olympic team

ed across a range of disciplines including swimming and tenpin bowling. Marlborough’s swimmers claimed a total of seven gold, six silver, and two bronze medals at this year’s

games, including two silvers won by swimmer Karl Roberts. Ten-pin bowler Rawiri Hawker, who marked a decade competing in the games, won silver in the doubles’ event.

Jean Faithful

Siobhan Grant

Jarred Moli

Wither Hills mountain bike skills area approved but needs resource consent

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

A mountain biking skills area has been approved for the Wither Hills, but the area still needs a resource consent before it gets over the line.

The skills area – which has been described as having similar concepts as a ski field – went out for public consultation in October this year.

The proposed zone, to be developed in and around the Gentle Annie and Rotary Lookout Tracks, would include a permanent cross-country track, five skills areas and a shared pathway. The Marlborough Mountain Bike Club said it did not require any funding from the council for the development.

The proposal was supposed to be discussed at an assets and services meeting in November, however Marlborough deputy mayor and committee chair David Croad felt at the time newly elected councillors had not had enough time to

consider it.

Councillors had since workshopped the proposal and undertaken a site visit.

The council received 490 submissions during consultation, with approximately 85% in favour of the proposal.

Marlborough Mountain Bike Club president Fraser Brown previously said the “progressive skills zones” would be suitable for all ages and riding abilities. It would include different features, across five zones, for bikers to practice their skills.

“There are not many places in New Zealand that have actually got what we are proposing, there are loads of little skills parks around, but they don't really have the progression that we've got in mind for this one, so it will be really unique,” Fraser said in October.

A supplementary report provided to council at the meeting last week listed five areas that needed to be considered in approving the proposal. This included soil

erosion management, farm management practices, the already established walking tracks, conflict between bikers and walkers, and parking on surrounding streets. Soil erosion needed to be considered and managed by experts and would be an important factor to address in the resource consent process, the report said. It said the management of the farm was

critical, given the risk of erosion and fire.

Council’s property and facilities manager Jamie Lyall said this would be addressed as part of the consent process.

“I’m confident that through the consent process and the regulatory arm through council issues associated with farm management practices and soil conservation

will be addressed adequately.”

Croad said it was clear through submissions the community supported the proposal – as they were “dominated by people wanting this activity”.

But he also said they needed to recognise the people that were opposed to it. Some of those concerns should be resolved through the consenting process “once they get into the detail”.

“It's not about racing down the hill, it is about improving people's confidence on the bike,” Croad said.

“I don't own a bike, but I do spend a lot of time walking those hills.”

The council approved the event hub and skills area, with conditions the Mountain Bike Club provided the council a copy of its funding plan and obtained all necessary resource consents.

A review of the Wither Hills farm park management plan was also expected to be undertaken next year.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

Get your NY party fix at Picton foreshore

FROM PAGE 1

curity and will be on the grassed area right on the foreshore, in sight of the excellent playground.

“It’s just such a beautiful setting to have it in,” she says.

Trumpet player Zac Ashley says they’re not ambient music; they’re not a band that sits in the corner. “We’ll be dancing on stage, within reason.”

Dice run a triumph for ambulance service

Triumph Riders Motorcycle Club Marlborough have been getting on their bikes for a good cause.

Sixty-five riders took part in the Dice Run fundraiser earlier this month and raised $1000 for Hato Hone St Johns Ambulance.

The ride from Blenheim to Westport was well supported benefitting the club’s official charity.

Club President Phil Stuart, Vice President Dave Johnstone and Secretary Joseph Larrington presented Hato Hone St John team members with the donation at the Blenheim station.

Accepting the donation, Area Committee Chairman Scott Creswell says support of this kind from the local community was gratefully received.

“We would like to thank Triumph Riders Motorcycle Club

Marlborough Chapter for the very generous donation of $1000 to St John Marlborough. “Thanks again, we are truly grateful for the support from our local community.”

Members of the Marlborough chapter also paid special thanks to their sponsors Waterfront Bar and Grill, CMT Group, Marlborough Motorcycles, Independent Tyre Services and Lifespan NZ.

Linda says with 225 of combined years of musical experience their repertoire suits all ages.

All the members of Eclectic Fix are involved in Blenheim Musical Theatre and the brass band; Linda says they’ll be switching from classical to improv song after song.

“We have a good time, and it helps people watching to have a good time as well,” she says.

Pure Events manager Katrina Lange says she wanted to make sure the spectacular event continued following the closure of Marlborough 4 Fun.

“We have a really good cross-section of music, as well as a lot of local food vendors, entertainment and fireworks,” Katrina says. She says the alcohol free, family-friendly event will have full se-

“It’s bringing the community together and celebrating this special time of year. Seeing everyone have a good time makes all the work worthwhile.”

Katrina says the event has a positive effect on Picton, with locals loving the extra customers the celebration brings.

“It’s great the council support this event for the community. They’re proactive making sure it happens still.”

The one thing Katrina can’t organise, unfortunately, is the weather.

“It’s always come through – touch wood,” she laughs. “The worst thing is wind.

“There’s no alternative date – it’s New Years.

“We’ll do some sun dances and hope it all comes off. “

Pure Event Marlborough's New Year’s Eve Celebration on Picton' foreshore, supported by Marlborough District Council, begins at 7pm.

See Pure Events Marlborough Facebook page for more details.

It’s envisaged the skills areas would be developed in and around the Gentle Annie and Rotary Lookout Tracks. Photo: Supplied/STUFF.

“It gives the brass band players the opportunity to do a solo.

“And because we have members who can play different things, we can really change our sound from song to song.”

Triumph Riders Motorcycle Club donated $1000 to St John before Christmas.

Photo: Nikki Andrews.

As another year ends it’s time to reflect on the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.

It’s always a difficult task to choose only one picture, or in this case, cover, that sums up each month of the year.

I’m incredibly proud that most of our newspapers celebrate the

positive in our community.

Marking the successes of our top sportspeople, unique businesses and selfless people that are always thinking of others. It is a true privilege that we can be there to share those stories with Marlborough.

We also take pride in our cov-

erage of the many newsworthy events in the region this year.

We were there, alongside worried parents, when police cleared Marlborough Girls’ College room by room following a hoax threat. The flooding in August which wrecked the barely repaired roads.

The tragic Picton crash on SH1 in June which killed seven people travelling home.

By far my favourite topics were highlighting people doing good in the community.

Seeing the community rally around the Graeme Dingle Foundation in the biggest ever fund-

raiser was a real heart-warmer. Attending the Riverlands School farewell of their long-time principal Dave Parsons was a treat. Thanks, Marlborough, for being such an interesting and caring place.

Here’s to an even better 2023. Matt Brown

Shellfish warning as summer starts

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

A rise in the number of people suffering from shellfish poisoning last summer has prompted a warning from food safety experts ahead of this year’s holiday season.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is calling on Kiwis to thoroughly cook shellfish they collect this summer.

The advice follows an increase last summer in cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that lives in the sea. Some strains can make people sick with gastroenteritis.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle says people need to know the risk.

“Our message to those who want to eat raw or lightly cooked shellfish - like mussels, kina and pipi –is to be aware there are increased risks of illness and the simple precautions you can take to protect yourselves and your families.”

“We are starting to see more cases of illness from Vibrio parahaemolyticus. While we can’t definitively identify the cause, it is possibly because of rising sea temperatures, making it easier for bacteria to spread.”

The most recent outbreak, between November 2021 and May 2022, saw 60 reported cases, with 42 per cent needing hospital level care.

Vincent says while the reason for the rise is unclear, cooking shellfish properly kills potentially dangerous bacteria.

“The reason for the increase is unclear at this stage - it could be caused by environmental change, increased testing and reporting, or a combination of these and other factors – but it is clear, that cooking your shellfish kills the bacteria that makes you sick.”

Vibrio bacteria can cause illnesses like gastroenteritis – with symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever – blood poisoning and wound infections.

Taking simple precautions can make a big difference, Vincent says.

“On our own, we can’t control the changing environmental factors, but we can all help look after our whānau and reduce the risk of them falling sick from Vibrio by taking some simple precautions

Comic

PATHWAY GRANT

The Link Pathway Trust have received a $10,000 donation from The Tindall Foundation to help repair the pathway damaged in the August storm. The funds have gone directly into practical repairs and has meant access to the whole pathway from Havelock to Picton in time for the summer holiday season has been restored.

SURGERY SUCCESS

A young man seriously hurt in a car accident in Picton has undergone successful facial surgery. Mark Adcock had been in an induced coma in Wellington Hospital to aid his recovery after surgery. Mark was in a single car accident in Picton on 10 December and suffered extensive injuries.

ROAD REOPENS

Road works on a severe under slip near the end of Tumbledown Bay Road are finished. Council transport recovery advisor Steve Murrin says the Marlborough Roads team has worked tirelessly to get access restored where possible before the Christmas break.  “This is the final 2.3km of road in the Port Underwood area that was closed to all vehicles, so we’re thrilled to have it open.”

issued a warning,

to the touch) or so they get to at least 65°C for 1 minute.

Avoid gathering shellfish after heavy rainfall or if the water is unusually dirty.

Keep shellfish alive and cool. Refrigerate your shellfish as soon as possible and, ideally, eat it on the day of collection or within two days.

To avoid cross-contamination, keep hands and utensils clean to prepare raw shellfish, and keep raw shellfish separated from cooked or ready-to-eat products.

- and by spreading the word on safe ways to cook shellfish.”

What you can do to help keep your whānau safe:

Don’t eat shellfish raw or undercooked. Cook shellfish thoroughly (until they open and are firm

What to do if someone falls sick after eating shellfish

Phone Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 or seek medical attention immediately. If possible, store and refrigerate any leftover shellfish for testing.

BY RYAN LOCK

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) have

appealing for people to ensure they cook sea food thoroughly. File photo.

Nat nails IronMāori title

PETER JONES peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Marlborough multisport athlete

Nat Sutton made history in Napier earlier this month, becoming the inaugural IronMāori Toa wāhine champion.

It was the first staging of the event, held over the gruelling Ironman distance of a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km cycle then a 42.4km run.

Nat finished in a time of 10 hours, 13 minutes and 17 seconds, the top female competitor and thirdplaced overall, among more than 200 competitors.

“Although it didn’t go to plan overall, I am still happy with the result,” she said. “This was the first time this event was held so it was a pretty special occasion and a very special pounamu to go with it.”

She was in the water for one hour

two minutes 48 seconds, suggesting she “felt pretty good for all of the swim”.

“The karakia to get us started was amazing, a great way to start the race. I put myself on the front and ran in … sure enough, 100m in my goggles were full. I had to stop and empty them, then start again but they slowly filled up over the next three laps - note to self, tighten goggles.”

On the bike leg, which she covered in five hours 30.44 minutes, Nat said it took some time for her to get her “bike legs” back but she felt strong.

“Three laps is an interesting mindset though, a headwind for several parts of the lap and some decent tailwind too. I broke it down into bite-sized chunks, focussing on when I needed to feed.

“One of the guys popped up alongside me at one point and said he was amazed how far in

front I was which only spurred me on to keep increasing it. In the end I stuck with him for the rest of the ride and came into transition sixth overall.”

The run leg was the final chal-

lenge, and a tough one with a brutal head wind for 5km each way making for a test of mental strength.

“Things were looking good at the 27km mark for the sub 10-hour

time I had targeted before I had some urgent toileting issues … just trying to get to the next portaloo without an accident occurring was hard. By this time, I had moved to third overall and didn’t want to lose it, but balancing that and the other issues was challenging.

“Coming down the finish line and being greeted like that is something I will never forget.

“While I am stoked with my result, there are things to work on and that sub 10hr is so close.”

Nat was keen to thanks the folks at Bikefit Marlborough for their continued support with bike servicing and flexibility with work hours, adding that she is still looking for sponsors to help with the journey to the Ironman World Champs in Kona next year. “So if anyone is keen to get behind a high-performing athlete please get in touch on Facebook.”

Water polo sides make splash at nationals

Two Marlborough Water Polo Club teams took part in the national 14u division two championships in Christchurch last weekend and came away with hugely encouraging results.

The Marlborough girls’ team finished second, the boys coming 13th.

The girls had a tough opening game against Hutt, but ran out 6-4 winners after trailing 0-3 in the second quarter. They then beat Atlantis City and Otago

8-3 and 11-1 respectively to finish top of their pool and advance to the top eight.

A 15-4 victory over North Harbour was followed by a tighter 8-6 win over Rotorua, earning them a place in the semi-finals where they beat Waitakere 14-0 to qualify for the finals with a performance that was outstanding in both attack and defence.

Their opponents in the final were Hutt, who had given them their closest game to that point. Despite playing excellent water

polo and dominating possession and chances, they came up against a Hutt goalkeeper who had an outstanding game, making 13 vital saves against a strong attack. Marlborough’s defence was also solid, restricting Hutt to long outside shots - five of which landed in the corner of the goal.

Marlborough ended up losing 2-5 in a tense encounter but came away from a national tournament as very proud silver medallists. The Hutt goalkeeper was named tournament

MVP as a result of her performance in the final.

The Marlborough boys’ team were unlucky in that they were drawn in a pool of four with the two teams that would eventually go on to contest the final and the team that won the plate competition.

That meant that after the first round of games they were immediately playing for 13th to 15th. This they did with ease, beating both Southland and Sea Wolf to finish the tournament strongly.

Front,

Nat Sutton won the wāhine title and was third overall.

Photo: Supplied.

PETER JONES

The Marlborough 14u girls water polo squad. Rear, from left, Amy Wong (manager), Paul Sell (coach), Hayley McCormick, Koko Wong, Lizzy Douthett, Violet Speakman, Jaimie Elrick, Eric Munro (assistant coach), Emma Sell (statistician).

from left, India Nathan, Carys McNabb, Poppy Clark, Gabby Miller, Chloe Sell, Katie Marsh, Libby Senior.  Photo: Supplied.

Exploring the great outdoors

A 4WD adventure up the Leatham River

CONTINUED

Unfortunately, recent floods had washed away a big portion of the road. A not insurmountable obstacle, I’m told, but not in the scope of today’s trip.

A few of the guys got a closer look, and after a few head scratches, reckon a temporary path is doable. They’ll run that past DOC, though, and hopefully save the department several

knowledge,” he says.

“Not me – I just carry all the tools.” Richard says modern vehicles, fitted with fancy electrics and computers, aren’t as common in 4WD circles.

“A lot of newer vehicles can’t be modified to do what we want to do, so you see a lot of older vehicles.

“Having water around your feet isn’t all that uncommon. If you get hung up on a rock during a decent river crossing.

Help

Anchoring causes irreparable damage to seafloor habitats in the Marlborough Sounds. These habitats are like the coral reefs of the Sounds.

This beau�ful tree like for m is a hydroid in Kura te au/Tory Channel. Did you know that this hydroid is actually a colony of microscopic animals?

See the Tides & Naviga�on Guide for more advice and find the best overnight anchoring loca�ons on the Cruise Guide App.

Photo courtesy of Rob Davidson.

by, who passed several years ago. He had a strong relationship with DOC, Trev explains.

“He’s a pretty special guy.”

Now, a memorial to Dave graces the flat. It’s a special place for the club.

From Spaniard Flat the crew crosses rivers and climbs hills until we reach the end of the line – Bottom Gordon Hut.

The road used to continue further past the DOC hut, but flooding years back ruined the track and

club members say it was easier for the department to just put some rocks in the way than to fix.

A chain from Trev’s Land Rover is attached to a felled tree and pulled into the clearing.

It’s a big bit of wood but the Discovery doesn’t miss a beat – it’s a beast.

The club does another good deed for the day, splitting wood to keep winter trampers warm at the small hut.

Many jokes are made about the

size of stomachs, the preparedness of drivers and the unreliability of vehicles.

Richard says a large part of being in the club, which usually does a trip a month, is socialising.

“We think we have a pretty good group. A lot of ribbing goes on.”

Tony says they always show a trerad-lightly approach.

“At the end of the day, it’s our backyard. I love it.

“It’s the family I choose.”

Flooding cut away the track to Boulder Hut, but 4WD Club members reckon a temporary track would be relatively easy to cut through the regenerative bush.

Wilding pines are public enemy number one on the annual trip.

Richard Gifford’s Land Rover.

Cutting wood for the DOC huts was the final activity on the trip.

Discover why Marlborough is a wine lover’s dream destination

You have heard wonderful things about Marlborough wine or you might have a favourite Marlborough wine that you already know and love. Now it’s time to see what the fuss is about and visit New Zealand’s largest wine region where you’ll also discover Marlborough’s best-kept secret – the amazing food!

Why not consider planning a summer getaway around the weekend of the iconic Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, on 11 February 2023 at Renwick Domain?

The 36th festival will feature exciting new wineries alongside those that have exhibited for many years to become part of the festival’s heritage.

A general admission ticket is all you need for a great day, or you can layer on some luxury with a VIP Retreat ticket.

All festival goers can enjoy the Culinary Pavilion with demonstrations by celebrity chefs, multiple stages featuring high-profile bands to chill out or dance to, and access to 30+ wine and food exhibitors, many of whom do not have a cellar door.

There is ample time to add on a masterclass or two, for inspiration and the full festival experience. The ‘Celebrat-

ing 50 Years of Sauvignon Blanc (with Cheese!)’ masterclass says it all or try the ‘Unlock your Inner Winemaker’ masterclass and blend your own unique glass of Marlborough Pinot Noir.

Our top tips for exploring

Make the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival the centrepiece of your adventure and take another day or two to explore more wineries and restaurants.

With more than 27 cellar door experiences available, there is a world of incredible wine waiting for you. Discover the unique flavours of world-famous sauvignon blanc, rich pinot noir, intense chardonnay, fine sparkling wines and vivacious aromatics.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the wine pioneers who recognised something special in Marlborough in the 1880s, a century before the first vines of the modern era were planted, and our Sauvignon Blanc hit the international stage. Visit some of those original wine labels, meet the families who continue the legacy, and find out why our soils, climate and winemakers’ visions make Marlborough’s award-winning wines impossible to imitate.

However you choose to explore our region, you’ll soon know why the world celebrates Marlborough wine.

The summer health hub

AMY RUSS

A new year is fast approaching, and for many it is a welcome sight. It brings a promise of new beginnings and can signify a fresh chapter in life’s novel. It is a time to reflect on what has been, to close the book on anything that is holding you back and begin to step forward with a renewed mindset.

With the dawn of 2023, creating positive new goals can help to focus on transforming into the best version of ourselves, and by keeping goals realistic, small changes can be attainable. Dedicating time for reflection helps us to grow as humans by taking stock of our time over the past year, celebrating the highs and lows, and acknowledging the stumbles we took along the way, with kindness and compassion. It can help us to review what is important and set better goals for the future. Too often we tend to put others needs in front of own, ensuring their health and happiness needs are being met. But what about ourselves? Focusing inwardly encourages a

feeling of self-worth and balance within the psyche and promotes a sense of calm, vital to navigating everyday life stresses.

In a world fraught with anxiety and depression, it is vital to take some time out, whether it be in an emotional, spiritual or physical sense.

We are constantly evolving and continually learning, it is how we grow into the best versions of ourselves. Think about the personal life lessons you have learnt and how they have shaped who you are today.

Focusing on your health and well-being doesn’t necessarily mean diving into a radical new diet or overcommitting to a new membership.

Start gently, with simple tweaks like cleaning out a closet or cooking something new once a week, care for a plant or book in a massage, lift some weights or read a book, learn a new hobby or focus on better sleep.

Reclaiming your headspace and freeing it of the clutter from 2022 is the first step to better wellbeing and beginning a new year with a renewed outlook.

• What was the most personally impactful thing I learned?

• What did I work on this year that I’m the proudest of?

• Did I manage to find worklife balance?

• How satisfied am I with what I accomplished?

• What factors may have contributed to accomplishing less than I wanted this year?

• Were there stressful or challenging times over the year that impacted my health?

• Am I adequately prioritizing healthy eating, exercise, and sleep?

• What did I do for myself this year as self-care, and can I do more?

• What kinds of activities left me feeling drained, and what activities reenergized me?

• What relationships gave me energy, and what zapped my energy?

• Did I spend enough time with my loved ones?

• What things may I have prioritized over my relationships, and are those things worth it?

• What were the best moments with my friends and family?

• What new relationships would I like to develop moving forward?

• How and when did I do my best learning over the last year, and what skill should I focus on developing in the new year?

Botanical Bliss

HOSTA aka plantain lilies

grant.

Native to China, Japan and Korea.

Hostas, in my opinion, are the perfect herbaceous - no attention required - perennial.

Their foliage is often described as exotic, tropical, sometimes large and luscious.

They will add colour, form, texture and a focal point to any garden.

Their leaves can be green, yellow, blue, cream and then there are the variegated forms.

Add to this the different leaf shapes, sizes and texture and you have a winner.

This very special foliage - it is often prized by florists.

They can be mixed with other plants with similar soil tastes or it can be mass planted. Also consider planting it as a garden edger.

The variegated hosta will always brighten up a dark corner.

What more can I say?

Oh I forgot, that they also have white, pale lavender or blue to purple flowers with the added bonus of some flowers being fra-

Their time is spring to late autumn. Then they hibernate underground making them winter dormant, so there are no worries with frosts.

Hostas like dappled shade and a woodland type setting. A good rule of placement is the lighter the foliage, the more sun is tolerated and the darker the foliage, the more shade is required.

Moisture is their friend.

So hot and sunny is not their thing, but they will tolerate morning sun.

Hostas like friable loamy soil. A ph. of 6.5 to 7 (between slightly acidic and neutral) is recommended.

They love food, so give them plenty of compost and blood and bone. Maybe even some slow-release fertiliser in early Spring. Do not allow the granular fertiliser to sit on their leaves.

Spring and summer is a good time to plant, as you then know what you are buying.

If planting in summer, more watering will be required.

Hostas will not rise to glory for a year or two, so leave undisturbed, as they will improve with age.

Hostas can either be grown from seed or by division.

My first choice would be division, as Hostas, like Hellebores, are prolific cross-pollinators.

So if you want identical offspring - divide in spring with a sharp spade, just as they appear at the surface of the ground.

Cut Hostas back after a couple of frosts in late autumn.

Remove flower stalks after blooming.

Disease – generally they do not suffer from disease, but maybe crown rot (caused by Fusarium hostae) can occur - if you have poor draining soil.

Slugs and snails can be their nemesis. You need to protect them before the new shoots appear in spring.

Caution – rabbits and deer find these plants very very tasty. Young hosta leaves are edible. The flavour is similar to lettuce or asparagus. In Japan they are commonly boiled, fried or eaten raw.

Try planting hosta with: Acer (Japanese Maple), Cercis Canadensis (Forest Pansy), Cornus (Dogwoods), Kalmia, Japanese Anemone, Aquilegia,

Astilbe, Brunnera, Hellebore, Epimedium, Ligularia, Pulmonaria, Ferns, Clivea, Primula, Myostodium. Think woodland and enjoy.

GAYE WILLIAMSON

What’s On New Years

30 Dec

Marlborough Farmers

Christmas Twilight Markets

Rain or Shine, Free Admission. Pick up some last-minute gifts or tasty treats for your New Years Eve celebrations!

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

Marlborough A&P Park, Blenheim

05 Jan

Introduction to Blender

Free Admission. Come along to an introduction workshop for the 3D design programme Blender. Blender is used around the world for modelling, animation, simulation, game creation and more. For ages 16 and over. Book via the Marlborough District Libraries website or call 03 520 7491

Thu 05 Jan | 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Marlborough District Library, 33 Arthur Street, Blenheim

08 Jan

Lego® Club

Free Admission. Come along to the Library each Sunday to borrow and build a Lego® kit in the Library. There are a limited number of kits available, you can reserve a kit for a future weekend. All are welcome to join in this is a free activity.Come along and have fun building.

Sun 08 Jan, Sun 15 Jan, Sun 22 Jan, Sun

29 Jan | 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Marlborough District Library, 33 Arthur Street, Blenheim

31 Dec

New Years’ Eve Picton

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

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

06 & 07 Jan

Eastern States Speedway

Richard Bateman NZ Streetstock

Qualifying and Finals. Come & see over 70 streetstocks battle it out for the title of NZ! Raching starts at 6pm both nights.

www.easternstatesspeedway.net.nz

Fri 06 Jan & Sat 07 Jan | 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Eastern States Speedway, Blenheim

31 Dec & 02 Jan

Havelock Craft Fair

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

Sat 31 Dec & Mon 02 Jan | 10:00am to 4:00pm. Havelock Town Hall, Cnr Main Road & Inglis Street, Havelock

07 Jan

Kaipupu Point Walk

Adult $15pp | Child (2-14) $10pp | Under 2 Free

Join Beachcomber Cruises as we transport you by boat to Kaipupu point to see bellbirds, Tui, Robin, little blue penguin, grey warbler, Kereru, and other birds. You will get to enjoy 2 hours on Kaipupu point, take a selfguided walk and explore this beautiful island. $1 of every ticket sold will go directly to the Kaipupu Point Trust.

Sat 07 Jan | 9:00am to 11:30am Beachcomber Cruises, Cnr of London Quay & Wellington St, Picton

08 Jan

Seddon’s Market on The Green

Free Admission. Seddon’s Market on The Green is more than a market. With community at it’s heart, come and experience your local rural town!

Artisan Stalls, fresh produce, clothing, wine tasting and fun!! Second hand carboot section too. There’s something for everyone, held once a month, Sunday, from Jan through to May 2023!

Sun 08 Jan | 10:30am to 1:00pm

The Station, 8 Mills Street, Seddon

08 Jan

Awatere Wine Tasting –Summer Series

Every month the Tūpari Cellar Door hosts an exploration of Awatere wines alongside Seddon’s Market on The Green.

January - Riesling and it’s Many Faces February - Awatere Wine Experience March - Pinot Noir - the Sensitive Red April - The Grape Behind the Wine May - Exploring Awatere Sav

Sun 08 Jan | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Tupari Cellar Door Wines, 8 Mills Street, Seddon

01 & 08 Jan

Summer Sunday Sessions

Free Admission. Join us in our stunning garden and cellar door for a Sunday Session featuring beautiful music from local musicians. Families, kids, dogs on leads, all welcome

Sun 01 Jan & Sun 08 Jan| 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Forrest Estate Winery, 19 Blicks Road, Renwick

07 & 08 Jan

Giesen New Year Regatta 2023

Waikawa Boating Club hosts this annual keelboat regatta in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, catering for everyone from racers to cruisers.

Sat 07 & Sun 08 Jan | 9:00am to 11:30am. Waikawa Boating Club, Waikawa Marina, Picton

11 Jan

Rock Ferry Wine’s Twilight Market 20222023 Season

Free Admission. Imagine strolling through the stalls of local artisan food producers, glass of wine in hand, while shopping for your favourite flavours. To be held the second Wednesday of the month, the Twilight Market will continue through to March 2023.

Wed 11 Jan | 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Rock Ferry Cellar Door, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim

Hair’s there and everywhere…

PETER JONES

Life at courtside just got very exciting for Marlborough tennis coach Matt Hair.

At the forthcoming Australian Open, a journey that began 16 years ago in Europe will move to a new level.

Austrian star Julia Grabher, who Matt has coached since she was 10, will play in the main draw of a tennis Grand Slam for the first time, and her Blenheim-born mentor will be right there beside her.

The 26-year-old, her country’s number one, has enjoyed the best season of her professional career, propelling her to a new high of 83 in the WTA rankings and earning her a place in the main draw at Melbourne Park in mid-January.

“Julia has played [qualifiers] at the Australian Open and all the other grand slams before, but never in the main draw,” said Matt. “She has had some really good WTA results this year … beating three top 30 players, so has picked up more points and lifted her ranking, opening up more opportunities.”

Matt, a former Marlborough Boys’ College student, ex celled at both tennis and hockey in his formative years. He was a Marlborough hockey rep who earned selection in several NZ age group teams and currently runs the Hockey Marlborough academy and is co-coach of the Tasman Women’s regional team.

On the tennis court he also

caught the eye, becoming a nationally ranked player and a regular member of Central Districts men’s team, before deciding to take his skills abroad. From 199699 he played interclub tennis in Germany during the northern summer before returning to enjoy the warmer months down under. By 2000 he was ready to make a move to Europe on a fulltime basis, turning his primary focus to full-time coaching.

Initially based in Bregenz, Austria, Matt worked at a series of different clubs and academies before taking up a position with the Austrian Tennis Federation.

His role included working with Austria’s best juniors, touring throughout the world with the pro WTA and ATP players as they worked their way up the rankings.

After eight years with the Austrian Tennis Federation Matt felt the timing was right to start his own tennis academy where he worked aspiring tennis professionals.

When Matt met Julia, he quickly recognised her talent and potential despite her tender years.  Eventually Julia’s progression became Matt’s main focus, spending the past seven years working with her on the demanding WTA tour.

“We worked together through the various junior age groups finishing in the top 50 of

her first WTA title and prior to this she won 11 singles and eight doubles titles on the ITF women’s circuit.

“This year her ranking is high enough to earn her a place in the main draw [of a Grand Slam tournament],” said Matt, adding that she has also secured a main draw entry to the ASB Classic tournament commencing on January 2, a tough proposition given the small, elite field now attracted

develop.

“She is an athletic player with an aggressive baseline game with one of the biggest forehands on tour,” said Matt. “It has been a breakthrough year for her, making the top 100 was a goal”.

Despite their geographical separation, exacerbated by COVID, the pair have adapted smoothly, utilising lengthy phone calls, skyping, plus in-depth video analysis to maintain their partnership, with help from Europe-based Günter Bresnik, former coach of Boris Becker and Dominic Thiem.

“It is an arrangement that has worked well for all of us,” added Matt, who last teamed up with Julia in person at the 2022 US Open in August.”

Fortunately, it is not only international tennis stars who benefit from his expertise.

When in Marlborough, Matt works closely with Reilly Quirk’s ‘Inspire Tennis’.

“I’ve got a great working relationship with Riley, we complement each other in developing junior tennis in the region”.

Additionally, Matt is the Head Coach at the Rapaura Tennis Club, “It is extremely satisfying to be a part of the growth and development taking place at this algrass court club,” said Matt.

Before Matt Hair, right, and Julia Grabher flew out to take on some of the world’s best tennis players, they enjoyed a Marlborough Christmas, Julia’s first down under, with a solid block of training thrown in. Also in Blenheim for the festive break was Julia’s brother Alex Grabher (whom he also coached for six years), a former top player and athletic coach, who doubles as her hitting partner.