Marlborough Weekly 10 January 2023

Family takes tennis trophy

Pine Valley celebrates

A mammoth swim like never before

PETER JONES peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

In a little over two weeks George Glover will don a wet suit, wade into the surf and set off on the biggest challenge of his young life, tackling one of the most exposed pieces of coastlines in New Zealand.

Beginning at New Brighton Pier, the 20-year-old plans to swim north, following the coastline until he reaches dry land in Whites Bay, some 300km later.

Needing to contend with extreme tides, winds and currents in such an ambitious open water venture, George plans to turn the elements to his advantage during his seven to nine-hour swim stages, with sleep breaks on a support boat. Kaikoura will be a halfway point for the vessel to refuel and restock, though George will remain at sea – not touching land until his final destination.

“This is by far the most challenging adventure I’ve dreamt up. The cause I have chosen is one that’s close to my heart and that I’m familiar with,” George says.

He has set a goal of raising $100,000 for Mike King’s I Am Hope charity throughout the

coastal challenge, supporting the charity’s work providing positive attitudinal societal change around mental health throughout New Zealand, and funding private care and counselling for young people stuck-in-the-mud on waiting lists.

The funds raised will provide more than 800 counselling sessions for New Zealand’s most atrisk youth.

This isn’t the first time the thirdyear Canterbury University student has dipped his toes into the water on behalf of youth mental health. In 2020 his “Black Dog Swim”, where he swam the 61.5km length of the Queen Charlotte Sound and back again, raised more than $60,000 for the same charity. The following year he prompted his university mates to stage New Zealand’s first Cricket Marathon, raising $45,000 for I Am Hope while running a marathon in an overnight game of backyard cricket.

So, what does George view as his main challenges as start time approaches?

“Recovery and rehab on the boat will be crucial,” he explained.

“Being in the water for that amount of time is fine … which

will be up to eight hours a day with the tide, because you can get a wee bit of slack on either side, but recovery will be the main

challenge.

“Weather and sea conditions are always a variable though,” he quickly added. “The current runs

his

[north] at three knots when it is good so that will double swim

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

George Glover has spent plenty of time in the water over the past few months, preparing for

latest fundraising venture. Photo: Supplied.

CHATS TO LOCALS

Speed does kill, I agree with that. I don’t object to more speed limits. In some places, they could be put up - but where there are deaths, it needs to be looked at. Road improvements and new car technology have a huge place too.

Evans

I don’t drive, but speed is an issue. Weather has also been a big thing. I think having specific speeds for different weather conditions could make a difference. That way, it would be easy to call people up on if they’re going too fast.

Increase the quality of the roads. The Waikato expressway is a great example of a high quality road. You see frustration with low quality roads, lower speeds and people not driving to the conditions.

I think people have to drive more respectfully. It’s not the car, it’s the driver. People can influence how you drive, as well. It depends on who you’re with.

Coastal challenge awaits

speed … which will be awesome.”

Following his previous swim George suggested the mental side of the challenge was every bit as important as the physical toll. This time he feels it will be even more of a factor.

“We have upped the ante a wee bit … it will be a lot more of a mental challenge because of the location. The inner Marlborough Sounds is quite safe whereas out there [on the East Coast] is not.

“In the Sounds you could breathe to both sides and see land … off the coast you could breathe to the east and there is nothing there at all. I think that, and not having as much [human] com-

pany in the water is going to be something I will have to get used to.”

Another change from his previous adventure comes in his nutrition. “Because this swim is so long and drawn out, I am having to change what energy system I use … rather than carb-based it has to be fats-based, which will keep me going longer.”

During his previous charity swim he lost around 9kg, this time he expects to shed close to 15kg.

The possibility of unwanted marine company in the water is also a factor, below George is buoyed by the fact he heard Kiwi shark expert Riley Elliot suggest that Hawke’s Bay is going to be the gathering place for great white sharks this year.

“So that’s cool, they can stay up there. But with Kaikoura’s offshore trench there is bound to be migration and maybe whale activity. We will just deal with whatever comes.”

Ultimately, his biggest fear is not hungry sea creatures, crushing tiredness or sea sickness. Not finishing is his prime concern.

“That is a given … I don’t want to let people down.”

George’s East Coast swim will commence on January 27. He is aiming to cover, in what he admits is a best-case scenario, 20km per day, which would mean he would step ashore in Marlborough in 15 days.

“The other scenario is 15k a day, 20 days,” he added.

He admits he wakes most days with a few second thoughts rolling around in his head, but quickly reconciles his ambition with reality.

“[The idea of the swim] scares the life out of me on a daily basis. Then I tell myself, ‘you were saying that for the last one and that was a lot of fun’ and you have put together a cool crew … what else could you want to do … you always circle back to ‘why the hell not?’

With a high road toll over Christmas, what do you think would make roads safer for holiday travellers?

Rebecca Armour

Brylee

Dennis Burkhart

Jake Brydon

Life-saving

gear stolen

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

A community could be permanently left without a life-saving medical device after thieves stole a defibrillator in a smash and grab.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) has gone missing from outside Mayfield School after its cabinet was smashed open with a rock.

A key member of the team who fundraised for the AED is appealing for its return, warning it may be too expensive to replace.

Allan Udy, whose daughter Nerys was saved by an AED, spent two years helping raise money for the defibrillator which could be accessed by the public 24 hours a day.

Allan says it looks like the AED had been targeted by thieves.

“By removing it, the perpetrators have denied the whole community the ability to potentially save the life of a loved

it’s likely that it’s not insured therefore we’d be looking at finding another $3000 to replace it.

“That’s not an insignificant replacement cost and so we have to consider whether we will do it or not.  Obviously if we don’t then it’s a loss for the local community.”

Allan says police have been

to thieves.

“Unfortunately, the way the secure cabinet has been significantly damaged we fear that it’s simply been the target of thieves, which would be disappointing.

“At the end of the day the AED is only useful for a single purpose, and it was there as a device for the entire community to use if/when it’s required.

The defibrillator has been in place since 2017 and is available for community use.

It was discovered missing on 3 January and could have been missing for several days prior.

The glass door was broken and a rock left inside the empty cabinet. It is the second time the AED device has been targeted with vandals breaking the glass window to get the key in 2020.

Allan says the return of the AED would be beneficial to everyone.

“We’d be happy to have it dropped back to the school anonymously, or in fact dropped any place we can re

The case which housed the AED device appears to have been deliberately smashed open. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Cricketers mourn sporting stalwart

Marlborough lost an influential cricketing personality when former rep player, selector and coach

successful all-rounders and captained the team from 1970-76.

Off the field he was a selector for

Special centenary celebration day at Pine Valley

Its playgrounds echo with the laughter of summers long gone, a legacy of smiles and

The Pine Valley Outdoor Centre (PVOC) has been helping families across Marlborough make happy memories for 40

And as the Pine Valley Trust get set to celebrate the school’s centenary, the centre is hosting a special free celebration day for the community on January

Trust Chair Jess Ellis says the camp has held a special place in the heart of the community since the school first opened

“For the last 100 years, this has been a place for the children, and that legacy continues to this day with the youth of Marlborough being the heart and focus of everything we do. “The old schoolroom will be

set up with historical gear from Marlborough Museum for a trip back in time.”

Set in the Mount Richmond Forest Park at the base of Mount Fishtail, the centre is well known for its adventure playground.

When the local school closed a group of North bank settlers, Education Board representatives, teachers, REAP, scouts and guides formed a trust with the intention of developing the area into a camp for the benefit of the district’s children

The centre has been a popular draw card for hundreds of

school camps and families ever since.

“To recognise this occasion, the Pine Valley Trust has organised an open day to share some history and the jolly good time that PVOC provides our local community,” says Jess.

The adventure playground and water slide will be open for everyone to enjoy and the BBQ will be fired up she says.

“There is no charge to visit on the open day, so it is a great opportunity to scope out the scene to rekindle childhood camp memories or dream of possible futures.”

The Pine Valley Outdoor Centre holds a special place in the hearts of many Marlburians. Photo: File/courtesy of PVOC.

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Innovative golf tournament back in 2023

PETER JONES

The Don Manning Championship charity golf tournament will return, “bigger and better” in 2023, says organiser Jeremy Manning.

The inaugural pre-Christmas event, which was staged at the Blenheim Golf Club course at Pollard Park on Friday, December 23, was hailed an “immediate success” by Jeremy.

Thirty-six players, dressed in “old school” golfing attire, vied for a series of sponsored prizes. The proceeds from the event, totalling $7500, went to Mike King’s Gumboot Friday charity.

Jeremy, a former Marlborough rugby personality, who went on to play for Irish province Munster against the All Blacks and latterly helped the Fijian Sevens team claim an historic Olympic gold medal in Rio, is keen to continue with the tournament, with some innovations.

A new date has been set, January 22, 2023 - a Friday to honour the Gumboot Friday theme. This year Jeremy plans to have a few celebrity guests take part, plus a live auction, dinner and live music.

He also hopes to introduce some more unique playing challenges and themed holes

next year.

His grandfather, Don Manning, was a life member of the Blenheim club and Jeremy, now based in the United Arab Emirates, said he came up with the concept “a couple of weeks” before the event.

“It started as a social catchup. I planned to play a few rounds with some mates when I got back to NZ but found there wasn’t time to fit it all in … then I thought ‘why not put together something that 36 players can take part in at the same time’ and use it as a fundraiser.

“I am a big advocate of what Mike King is doing so it just sort of felt right … then sup-

port came flooding in. “I talked to several local businesses who were all keen to help … they were amazing, as were the committee at the Blenheim Golf Club who waived all the green fees once they knew that it was a charity event.”

The tournament’s primary sponsors were: Hunting and Fishing Marlborough, Mitre 10, Mitchell Sports Power, Thomas’s, The Wellness Station, Simon Pratt Construction, RV Electrical, Meaters of Marlborough, Biddy Kate’s, The Rock, Sky NZ, Hynds Pipe Systems Blenheim, Jeff Fyfe and Eden Orchards.

Sea swimmers prepare for new year plunge

PETER JONES

A rise in coastal water temperatures will provide some comfort for participants in the annual Hipkins Cup Sea Swim which takes place on Sunday, January 22.

The swim starts from the carpark around 200m north of the Rarangi Fire Station where swimmers enter the water and head for the far side of Whites Bay, completing a zig-zag course into the beach to the race finish. Swimmers will cover approximately 2.5km, depending on prevailing currents and their chosen path.

Organiser Brendon Ferguson said, “Last year we had 20 competitors and are hoping for similar numbers again. With current water temperatures on the rise the swim may be more inviting than previous years, however a wetsuit is still recommended.”

Registrations will be taken on the day at the start area from 11.15am to 11.45am with a cost of $10 per swimmer. All swimmers MUST wear a hi-vis swimming cap or rash top (pink, orange, yellow, or bright green). Race briefing is at 11.50am with a start start at 12 noon.

Any questions contact Brendon at bf@hurunuicollege.school.nz

The field prepares for tee off at the Blenheim Golf Club. Photo: Supplied.

Exploring the great outdoors

Take a shot at a new sport

MATT BROWN

Shooting is easy when you have one of the world’s best wind coaches.

Taking aim with one of the club’s loaner rifles at 800 yards, at the historic Kaituna shooting range, shooting legend Malcolm Dodson made a final adjustment to my sight. A stiff breeze blowing, range flags at about 45 degrees, I take my tenth and final shot – and hit my second bullseye, only 125mm across, in a row. It’s the ability to pick the wind that makes a good shooter, Malcolm explains.

Malcolm is one of the top shooters in the world, it’s his knowledge that brought me a very respectable score for the first time on the range – I merely pulled the trigger. It’s a sunny Saturday at the Kaituna range just past the Wairau River bridge, north of Renwick where I joined about a dozen members of the Kaituna Blenheim Rifle Club to try my hand at target shooting.

“You’d be surprised by how many people shoot,” says Malcolm.

Shooting has a strong following of men and women in Marlborough, he says. Smallbore clubs, a pistol club and a clay target club a small sampling of the sport.

Top shooter Malcolm Dodson dials his sights in at Kaituna shooting range

“It’s one of the sports you can shoot from young until you die.

“A lot of us shoot more than one shooting sport.

“Deer stalkers use this [range] as well, although mainly to sight their guns,” Malcolm says.

“There are private ranges around, too.”

Malcolm has been shooting for about 50 years since he was 13 years old. His father shot at the national champs for 49 consecutive years.

“It’s a sport you can put down for five years and pick up again without losing much,” he says.

And the sport is evolving, he adds.

“Everyone wants to use a scope – they think it makes it easier, but we make the target proportionally harder.

“One of the newer classes allow people to shoot with new, off the shelf guns that have a high enough velocity that can reach 1000 yards.”

Club member Peter Webster says he does target shooting to improve his hunting skills.

Peter’s been shooting smallbore for more than 20 years, but took up outdoor, full bore shooting two years ago.

“I enjoy it, and the company. The people you’re with have a big thing to do with it.”

Shooters work on a handicap, much like golf, says Peter.

“What usually ends up happening is someone with a decent handicap ends up winning.

“I’m by no means the best, but I have a trophy. It evens the field up.”

After a day of shooting, club members go back to the clubroom for a drink, some chips, and of course – the trophies. The range has been on the Kaituna farm since 1887 – when the club was founded.

“I doubt there are any other clubs functioning after 134 years,” Malcolm says.

The Kaituna Rifle Club meet at the Kaituna range every Saturday at 1pm, weather permitting.

They have club gear for people new to the sport, and new members are welcome to get in touch.

Go to www.cab.org.nz/community-directory/KB00041840 or Google search the Kaituna Rifle Club for contact details.

Kaituna Blenheim Rifle Club president Malcolm Dodson.

Joey

A sweet natured goof ball. A super active boy, he needs some time with meeting new dogs and people but is a really loving boy.

Joey is a big dog and would do well on a big property with room to run around and explore.

Enquiries to SPCA Renwick. www.spca.nz/centre/renwick-centre

Peanut

Eight-year-old gorgeous girl. She loves lots of attention and smooches. Peanut isn’t so keen on other cats so she would be best suited to an only animal household.

Enquiries to Marlborough Four Paws marlboroughfourpaws@gmail.com

Nicholas

My best friend Dylan and I are searching for our forever home. I am a little bit more confident than Dylan, and together we are a cute pair.

Enquiries to SPCA Renwick www.spca.nz/centre/renwick-centre

Rangi

A 10-month-old handsome wee boy. He is still a bit timid but really enjoys pats. A quiet home would suit him. Other cats are fine however we aren’t too sure how he is with dogs.

Enquiries to Marlborough Four Paws marlboroughfourpaws@gmail.com

Chicky

Loves playtime and chasing balls She is still learning pats and smooches are good but is accepting chin scratches! She can go to a home with other cats and dogs.

Enquiries to Marlborough Four Paws marlboroughfourpaws@gmail.com

Maximus

My brother and myself were found dumped over the fence at Natureland in Nelson. Sadly we were unable to stay there so came over to Renwick to hopefully find a special home where we can fluff our feathers.

Enquiries to SPCA Renwick. www.spca.nz/centre/renwick-centre

Lola

Loving and affectionate, Lola will need continuous doggy training, time and patience to shape her into the gorgeous grown-up dog she’s on her way to become. she can be a little boisterous, so an older dog in the house, that can teach her how to play would be ideal.

Enquiries to SPCA Renwick. www.spca.nz/centre/renwick-centre

Be prepared and stay safe on the water this summer

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, considerate and can enjoy their time off.

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.

NAUTICAL AND COASTAL TEAM

The summer health hub

Five of the best NZ-made alcoholfree cocktails to sip this summer

Last year when we emerged from our 25-person bubbles into the sunshine, we declared the RTD the drink of summer 2021. But fast-forward to 2022, and it’s all about the non-alcoholic cocktail in a can.

Countless Kiwi businesses are jumping on board the trend and creating mouthwatering drinks with delicious ingredients that won’t leave you with a headache in the morning. So whether you’re trying to cut back on the booze this summer or simply want to try something new, we’ve rounded up five of the best ready-made cocktails to keep in your fridge and chilly bin this summer.

AF Grapefruit Margarita

From the makers of AF and The Lucky Taco comes this limited-edition grapefruit marg. Its creators recommend pouring this one into a glass and so do I, because whatever botanical creates the bitter flavour tends to settle at the bottom of the can. Shake it up with ice and pour into a salted glass topped with a slice of lime for the true margarita

experience. And where does the tequila-like burn come from? An ingredient called Afterglow - the true identity of which AF is keeping secret for now.

Lyre Amalfi Spritz

Remember last summer when every bar in Auckland seemed to have Aperol Spritz on tap? This year you can get your hands on the Lyre Amalfi Spritz in a can without venturing from your house. It’s ready to drink from the can or you can get creative with garnishes. Pour into a long-stem glass, top with ice and a slice of orange, or an olive for a savoury twist. You’ll taste notes of rhubarb, bitter orange, Mediterranean herbs, peach and melon.

Ecology & Co Asian Spice with Citrus Soda

Ecology & Co are known for their alcohol-free spirits, including their London Dry and Asian Spice versions of gin without the booze. Now they’ve combined the heat of the Asian Spice, which draws on the flavours of cinnamon, black pepper, basil, cumin, lemon myrtle and cardamom, with a zesty citrus soda in a pretty can just in time

for summer. And if you’re a classic gin drinker, why not try their London Dry and Light Tonic combo in a can?

Finery Grapefruit, Cucumber & Mint

Of all Finery’s sparkling cocktails in a can, their Grapefruit, Cucumber & Mint flavour is the crowd favourite. Not only that, it’s literally award-winning, with a bronze and a silver medal - two golds and it’d have as many as Dame Valerie Adams.

They also offer several other flavours, from vanilla and elderflower to ginger, green tea, honey, mint and lemon, and lemon myrtle, lime and black tea flavour.

Fling Cocktails’ alcohol-free

Rosebud

The Rosebud is a staple on any cocktail menu, featuring all the best flavours: lemon, cranberry, passionfruit, pineapple and vanilla. Now, Fling Cocktails have created their own Rosebud mixer so you can enjoy this classic drink without the booze. This mixer allows you to truly make this drink your own. Shake it up with ice and soda for a zero alcohol treat or add vodka to your cocktail shaker for the authentic experience.

Ecology & Co Asian Spice with Citrus Soda drink. Photo: Supplied.

NZ HERALD

Sweet Creations

Clarence River Rafting

What’s On January

11 Jan

Rock Ferry Wine’s Twilight Market 2022-23 Season

Free Admission. Rock Ferry Wine’s Twilight Market will be held in the grounds of the organic Corners Vineyard at Hammerichs Road. Imagine strolling through the stalls of local artisan food producers, glass of wine in hand, while shopping for your favourite flavours. To be held from 4pm to 7pm 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

14 Jan

Rock Ferry Wine’s Laid Back & Live Music Sessions

Free Admission - Pizazz, food by DFC Artisan Bakery. Pizazz has been entertaining the people of Marlborough since 2014. This duo comprises Heather Jameson - internationally acclaimed singersongwriter-performer-director, already well established in Marlboroughand Alistair McLeod - internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist. These two share an uncanny ability to draw the audience in to their unique style of performance.

Sat 14 Jan | 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Rock Ferry Wines, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim

12 Jan

Momorangi Treasure Hunt

Free Admission. The popular Great Momorangi Treasure hunt is back this summer! Come and discover nature’s treasures at Momorangi Campground. You will be given a list of treasures to find, then learn how to identify them. A FREE event that is fun for kids and kids at heart. Meet DOC staff at the top kitchen block and don’t forget sun protection, warm clothes and solid shoes.

Thu 12 Jan | 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Momorangi Campground, 2000 Queen Charlotte Drive, Momorangi Bay

14-15 Jan

Te Pākeka/Maud Island & Pelorus Sound Eco Tour

$200/adult | $100/child (13 yrs & under). Join Pelorus tours and DOC rangers on a memorable trip through the beautiful Pelorus Sound to Te Pākeka/ Maud Island. The full-day experience includes a scenic boat ride with stops to encounter marine wildlife, the opportunity to see some of the island’s rare species and a guided walk to the island’s WWII gun emplacement. Book online at www.pelorustours.co.nz.

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jan | 8:15am to 6:30pm. Department of Conservation

13 Jan

Ensemble Sangineto (Italy) Aotearoa Tour

Tickets at undertheradar.co.nz Making their Aotearoa debut, Ensemble Sangineto is an eclectic band which blends skilfully ancient harmonies and sonorities with modern rhythms. The wide-ranging musical experiences of the individual members converge to create fresh arrangements of traditional tunes and original compositions that display influences from many varied musical genres

Fri 13 Jan | Dinner from 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm. Le Cafe, 12/14 London Quay, Picton

14 & 18 Jan

Walnut Ranch Animal Park Open

Blenheim’s very own animal park. Come feed and cuddle the animals, have a pony ride, walk through the old western town of Little Nut Creek and try your hand gem fossicking at the little old gold and gem mine. Fun for all the family. Entry $7 per person | under 1 year free. Pony Rides $7 | Gem fossicking $7 | Animal food $1. Cash only

Sat 14 & Wed 18 Jan | 10:00am to 2:00pm. Walnut Ranch, 70 David Street, Blenheim

14 Jan

King & Queen of the Withers

$25pp. Run or walk or both this popular 10k hill race in the Wither Hills farm park, Blenheim. Great views over the town across to Taylor Pass and a challenging but fun course attracts participants of all abilities, from first timers giving it a go to some of New Zealand’s top runners. The winner and titleholder for King of the Withers and Queen of the Withers will be the first male and first female home in the run and will come from any grade.

Sat 14 Jan | 7:00am to 11:00am Rifle Range Carpark, Blenheim

16-20 Jan

Pirate School

Come and enjoy arts and crafts in the boatshed.

Mon 16 to Fri 20 Jan| 10:00am to 4:00pm. Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, 1 Auckland Street, Picton

Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre

on safe summer travel

COVID-19

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 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.

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

The isolation period is seven 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, and let’s do so knowing that we are keeping ourselves and everyone else around us safe.

If you are a visitor, we hope you have a great time while you are here and take away wonderful memories of our little piece of paradise.

Pharmacies and urgent care centres (Marlborough Urgent Care, Golden Bay Urgent Care and the Medical and Injury Centre in Nelson) remain open. To find opening hours and locations visit www.HealthPoint.co.nz

As

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.

Greg Murphy: New Zealand's 'Mum and Dad' driver training has to stop

HAMISH BIDWELL Driven

Practical, hands-on education is the key to reducing the road toll. Not advertising campaigns, not slogans and not lowering speed limits. If New Zealand drivers are to be saved from themselves, then they need to be taught how: first, as part of the secondary school syllabus, then as adults at dedicated driver-education facilities.

Those are the recommendations of motor racing legend and road safety campaigner, Greg Murphy.

“I’m a huge advocate for having some very simple and basic skills training for people and I absolutely 100 percent know it would change the way people drive on the road,’’ says Murphy.

“We’ve got to change the way people drive on the road but you can’t tell them, it’s not a theory course. Doing theory for driving and thinking you’re going to get it right is lunacy. We’re all driving, we all need to be better at it to make sure we’re all supporting each other, respecting each other and looking after each other on the road.

“People make mistakes and a lot of people make those mistakes, not because they’re premeditated, but because they don’t know.

"It partly comes back to how we learn. Many of us begin by tootling about with Mum or Dad, before enrolling with a driving school to rehearse the practical test course. There’s no doubt that method works, but it can also mean the same lack of knowledge and skills are passed on from generation to generation.

“We’re setting everybody up to fail so that needs a huge overhaul.”

His solution for drivers of all ages and stages is expert tuition: “Now obviously that’s an investment. But isn’t that

an investment in infrastructure and an investment in creating more jobs and building very useful tools to look after people and training truck drivers, bus drivers, you name it.

“Isn’t five or six million dollars in various regions around the country — putting in big pieces of asphalt and specially designed training facilities — isn’t that a small cost to actually be able to do a better job of preparing people and reducing injuries and saving lives on our roads?

“Trying to get that through to the bureaucrats and the politicians; they look at you like you’re an alien. But it also should be part of the curriculum. It’s a life skill. Literally it’s a lifesaving skill, but we still aren’t at that stage yet and that’s beyond me.’’

What public money that is spent on road safety is, in Murphy’s opinion, wasted on advertising campaigns and studies into speed limit changes that never address the actual issue of driving ability and knowledge.

“So we lower the speed because that reduces the mess. There’s still going to be a mess, but don’t you want to stop the mess from happening in the first place?’’ He was not a fan, for instance, of the

process where stretches of State Highway 5, from Napier to Taupō, were reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.

“The irony of that is that the piece that’s still 100km/h is from Bay View onto State Highway 5, all the way through Eskdale, which has two schools, a pretty much residential environment these days, cafe, wineries, petrol stations. You name it.

“It’s got all these things through there that are hazards and it’s become a much more busy area over the years. It’s got a T-intersection and traffic turning and all sorts of things going on and in their wisdom they left that part at 100km/h and what did they do? For the rest of it, most of which is still safe to travel at 100km/h, they reduced it to 80.

“That to me highlights the absolute lack of knowledge and understanding of the people who are making decisions around transport in this country

“There’s sections of the Napier-Taupō road that I agree should’ve been reduced, but the majority of the piece of road that’s been changed was fit for 100km/h all day every day.

“It’s the driving and the condition of the road and the maintenance on the road that are the contributing factors.”

But no matter what our training and no matter what the speed limit might be, we can all do something right this minute to reduce accidents.

“We are incredibly distracted these days, which is mainly through phones,” Murphy said.

“You can go to any school zone in the morning or afternoon and see people picking up their kids while looking at their phones and driving distracted.

“We are asking for trouble basically because of our lack of respect and lack of awareness when it comes to driving a motor vehicle safely.”

Hill takes top spot at annual street sprint

ALAN COTTINGTON

Marlborough Car Club held its annual Cloudy Bay Street Sprint late last year. There was a smaller field of 15 competitors due to club members competing in the many events around the South Island.

Despite the small field, the fine weather and close competition made for exciting competition. With times separated by tenths of a second throughout the field there were some close fought battles throughout.

Overall honours was a three-way battle between Chris Hill in his Subaru Impreza, Bjorn Cowdrey in his Honda Civic and Richard Bateman in his Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Chris Hill took out 1st position, by a narrow 0.8 of a second after being fastest in each of the timed runs. Bjorn Cowdrey finished 2nd overall, first 2WD and winning class C. Richard Bateman finished in 3rd place after retiring early with mechanical issues.

Tim Herd in his Honda Civic took out Class B win, 1.4sec ahead of Dean Cameron in his Toyota Starlet who was also the first classic car. Thanks to the businesses of Cloudy Bay Business Park, all of the helpers and to Neil Webb for organising the event.

Chris Hill came first in his Subaru Impreza. Photo: Supplied.

Greg Murphy. Photo: NZME.