Marlborough Weekly 17 January 2023

Deluge delays

Long live the queen of

Car theft spree

PAULA HULBURT

paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Thieves are targeting vehicles, taking just a few dollars in change and costing owners hundreds of dollars in damages.

A spate of vehicle break ins has sparked a warning from police urging owners to be more careful when it comes to security.

Blenheim police have seen a rise in the number of calls from residents across Marlborough about vehicles being targeted by vandals and thieves.

Senior Community Constable Russ Smith says while the thieves are usually looking for valuables, even a few dollars can be enough for them to smash a window.

“They’re looking for valuables and things they can sell on. Laptops, mobile phones, dashboard cams; anything electronic. “But they will break glass to get to something that’s not worth a lot like a few dollars and that’s something we’re seeing a lot of.”

Photo: Peter Jones.

I think there are probably less flies. I don’t see as many as I remember ... We keep them out with screens on the windows and doors in Canada. Having screens make it so you can have everything open and get the breeze – it’s so much better.

With the weather, yeah I think there are more flies. I use fly spray and I whack them. I’ve also used the bug a-salt gun, which is really fun to use. My mum uses some sort of candle to keep flies out, but I don’t know what it’s called.

I’d say there are a lot more flies. I don’t know if it’s the heat or what. I use an auto-fly spray; just one because I have a small house. You definitely notice when it runs out.

I’d say there’s about the same number of flies as other years. I complain about them every year. I usually use fly spray to kill them, but I also use a lemon and lavender oil in a burner – it has natural, insect repellent properties.

New CEO welcomed at Hospice

The Marlborough Hospice Trust (MHT) has appointed a new team member after a shakeup of top roles.

A newly established Chief Executive Officer role has gone to Marlburian Carole Crawford.

MHT chair, Phil Vink says the switch better reflects the strong tradition of the hospice’s service to the Marlborough community.

“Hospice Marlborough is delighted to have attracted someone as talented as Carole, to continue our strong tradition of service to the Marlborough community and to build upon the outstanding work that is delivered by our staff every day.

The former Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) director is a highly experienced senior leader, Phil says.

Her skills as a decisive and motivational leader are testament to her ability to deliver a positive culture underpinned by trust and accountability, he adds.

Carole, who graduated from the University of Exeter, has also been Chair of the Marlborough Smart + Connected Labour and Skills Steering Group.

“We are confident that in Carole we have found someone who will lead the organisation with innovation and integrity”, Phil says.

Carole Crawford has joined the Marlborough Hospice Trust in Blenheim in the newly created CEO role. Photo: Supplied.

Do you feel like there are more flies this year, and how do you get rid of them in your house?

Connor Jackman

Nikita Gapper

Ross and Liz Ferguson

Kiara Chamberlain

Stressless recliners dynamically adapt to even the smallest movements of the body, and at the same time provide just the right amount of support.

It's never been easier to lean back & recharge

Sounds crash survivor home

PAULA HULBURT

A young driver who needed facial surgery after almost dying in a car crash is out of hospital.

Mark Adcock, 20, from Blenheim spent three weeks in Wellington hospital after a terrifying accident on December 10 saw him put in an induced coma.

The brave baker spent Christmas in hospital but was released in time to spend New Year’s Eve with his grateful family.

“

Mark’s doing very well and is up and about healing.

His sister Socorra (Corra) Adcock says they are now trying to get back to as normal as possible.

“Mark’s doing very well and is up and about healing.

“He spent Christmas in the hospital but thankfully New Year’s at home with us.

“We are trying to get back to a ‘normal’ routine.”

Mark needed urgent surgery to help repair his face which was badly broken in

the single-car accident.

Doctors were initially worried Mark may have sustained a serious brain injury and kept him asleep until the swelling subsided.

Posting on social media, Mark says he is grateful for all the support he’s been given.

“I just wanna say thanks for all your loving and support it means a lot to me and my family.

“I’m out of the hospital now and still recovering at home but hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be back to normal.”

Police say enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Locals supporting locals

AMY RUSS

As the regions only independent and locally owned audiology clinic, Blackmore Audiology owner Sara Blackmore and her highly trained team, provide a complete and personalised service to the local community. Blackmore Audiology makes use of the very latest technology to assist patients. “It is exciting to see the latest audiology developments thanks to new technology,” says Sara. “Because we operate independently, we don’t have to stick to one brand. We have a range of hearing aid op-

tions and can ensure that each patient gets the appropriate treatment for them and their specific needs. It is such a joy to see people’s lives improved with the right assistance.”

Sara completed her schooling in Blenheim before doing her undergraduate and master’s degree in Audiology at Canterbury University and has been practicing as a clinical audiologist for fourteen years. “I hold a full registration with the New Zealand Audiological Society, and in previous roles, I have been a clinical supervisor and mentor for new graduate Audiologists and udi-

ometrists. We have settled here and enjoy the supportive nature of the Marlborough community, and it is nice to see familiar faces when we are out and about.”

Offering free hearing screens for people aged 18 years and older, Blackmore Audiology conduct diagnostic hearing assessments, ear wax removal via micro suctioning with their local registered ear nurse and can discuss hearing aid and hearing protection solutions from leading providers. They are registered providers for ACC, Ministry of Health, Veterans Affairs and WINZ, and as an independent

clinic they are able to access all brands of hearing aids, offering unbiased advice and service tailored to each individual’s needs.

Blackmore Audiology provide consistent care throughout your journey, beginning with a diagnostic hearing assessment to provide information on the severity and type of hearing loss present. Next, a comprehensive needs assessment where Sara will work with you to find the best solution for your communication needs and to work within your budget. “We will then provide ongoing support for the hearing aids. Most peo-

ple’s hearing and communication needs will change over time and hearing aids also need some ongoing maintenance. At an annual review your hearing will be tested, and hearing aids checked, to ensure they are still performing to specification and meeting your communication needs. Adjustments will be made to the hearing aids as appropriate.”

“At Blackmore Audiology we are here to guide you through your hearing journey with professional and friendly service each step of the way.”

blackmoreaudiology.co.nz

Mark Adcock is recovering at home now after three weeks in hospital. File photo.

Owner of Blackmore Audiology, Sara Blackmore. Photo: Supplied.

FREE MENTAL HEALTH COURSES FOR SOUNDS RESIDENTS

Hato Hone St John is running three mental health wellbeing courses in the Marlborough Sounds, for people impacted by the July 2021 and August 2022 weather events. The courses are designed to equip people with skills to build their own mental health fitness as well as offer techniques to support colleagues, friends and family who may be experiencing mental distress. The courses are being held at Waitaria Bay on 21 February from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm, Portage on 22 February from 8.30am to 4.30 pm and Linkwater on 23 February from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm. The two shorter courses – at Waitaria Bay and Linkwater- are designed around the school day and are a condensed version of the full course. The courses are free of charge and include lunch and refreshments. For further details and to express interest contact Charlotte Wood on email recovery@marlborough.govt.nz or phone 027 213 0341.

COUNCIL SEEKS INPUT ON ARTS AND CREATIVE STRATEGY

Marlborough District Council is seeking the help of artists to develop a new Marlborough Arts and Creative Strategy. Three community workshops are taking place over the next few months, designed to garner ideas and inspiration from Marlborough’s arts community. Project Manager Nicola Neilson says the council wants to help build a stronger creative community, supported by a new strategy. Nicola says the Council will work in partnership with iwi to advance the aspirations of ngā Toi Māori artists and practitioners. The three workshops are at the Scenic Hotel, Blenheim at 5.30pm on Tuesday 31 January, Tuesday 28 February and Tuesday 4 April.

Destination Marlborough appoints new GM

Marlborough’s tourism marketing organisation

Destination Marlborough has appointed a new general manager.

The trustees of the not-for-profit appointed industry veteran Bruce Moffat to the role at the beginning of the month.

The current general manager, Jacqui Lloyd, will finish on Friday, 10 February.

Destination Marlborough Chair Tim Fulton says the Trustees were very impressed with the widespread interest in the position, and they look forward to working with Bruce on the implementation of Marlborough’s newly adopted Destination Management Plan as the region returns to full visitor flows.

Bruce is no stranger to Marlborough having spent many a family holiday in the Marlborough Sounds, and he will officially start on Monday 30 January 2023.

Bruce has broad visitor industry background in customer service and strategic planning, with roles at STA Travel, Sabre Pacific, Pacific Blue Airlines (now Virgin Australia) and, more recently, General Manager of Experience Mid Canterbury.

Climate sculpture coming to CBD

A new sculpture is being erected in the Blenheim CBD in a bid to beautify the town centre.

Part of the Marlborough Mile project, a new climate sculpture is destined for the corner of Market Street and Maxwell Road.

Council has warned the area will be fenced off as contractors prepare the site, although pedestrian access to surrounding businesses isn’t expected to be affected.

The Marlborough Mile project, instigated by the Blenheim Business Asso-

ciation, consists of six key sites within the CBD which are being upgraded to reflect Marlborough’s heritage, industry and history.

Several sites have already been partially completed including the aviation site at Liz Davidson Place and installation of the historic Echo masts at The Quays. Other sites in the plan include Market Place, Bythell Place and Stadium 2000.

The work at Adams Place is expected to take around three weeks.

Any heavy machinery work will be done

before 8.00 am so as not to disturb retailers and work will be completed in phases to always ensure pedestrian thoroughfares.

The work involves removing the blue archways at the entrance to Market Street, which is due to happen mid-January. The Heads nor Tails sculpture, known by locals as ‘the Hand’ is being relocated further down Market Street on to a new plinth.

The new climate sculpture is expected to be craned into place during the last week of the work.

An artist’s rendition of the new climate sculpture coming to Blenheim’s town centre. Photo: Supplied.

Bruce Moffat has been appointed general manager at Destination Marlborough.

Community rallies for marathon fundraising shear event

PAULA HULBURT

Love, laughter, sweat and sheer grit has seen more than $68,000 raised by a community determined to help one of their own.

The Shear for Cora Shearathon got underway near Havelock on Friday to raise money for Cora McConnell who needs treatment overseas for ovarian cancer.

In just six weeks, the community rallied together to help make the event a huge success with a total tally of 6428 lambs and hoggets shorn in 24 hours.

Organisers Earl and Lisa Paewai, Freddy and Nikita Gane say they are delighted with how the shearathon went.

“When you can get rally together a community in six weeks to utilise their skills and time this is the end result.

“Raising over $68,000 (and still counting) for Cora’s offshore cancer treatment. Top effort by all involved. Wishing Cora and her family all the very best.”

Hosted at Kaituna Ridges, the original plan was to shear 5,000 sheep in 24 hours.

The target was smashed, with

participants working hard to raise as much as possible with 3,468 sheep shorn by the halfway point at 11pm on Friday.

Local businesses also showed their support, donating raffle items and pledging support for every head of sheep at up to 30cents for each one.

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

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 immune response, specifically targeting tumour growth.

Her battle resonated with people across the region.

Co-organiser Earl says taking part was an easy decision and he hopes the event also helps raise awareness about cancer in all its forms.

“The ‘why’ is simple, I love shearing. I have also had cancer take my grandfather, grandmother

and my mum’s sister.

“Shearing is a great way for people to come together, express themselves and great for mental health and people love to watch.”

Local Shearer Josh Quinn also shaved his hair and beard off before the event got underway, boosting the total by $1000.

Knowing people affected by cancer inspired him to help, he says.

“I know people close to my heart with cancer and have seen what it does to them, I end up feeling so helpless and I feel like if I can do anything to help them in anyway this would be a great way to show my support for them.”

Marlborough shearer Sarah Hewson also pledged her support, saying she was happy to help any way she could.

“[I’m] just happy to put my hand up to help out in whatever way possible.

“This is what being part of a rural community is all about and everyone coming together to help someone out when needed.”

To donate to the fund for Cora visit “Cancer took my Mum’s life this year, it CAN’T take mine too” - Givealittle

Shearer Alice Watson takes a turn on the floor as The Shear for Cora fundraiser got underway. Photo: Courtesy of Shear for Cora.

Plastic posts to boost recycling

cled in New Zealand.

Soft plastic recycling is set to return in just four months thanks to New Zealand company Future Post opening a new processing plant in Blenheim.

The company makes fence posts out of soft plastic, so collection points for the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme are expected to be re-established across the Top of the South once it opens in May.

The recycling scheme takes all soft plastic, including bread bags, frozen food bags, toilet paper packaging, confectionery and biscuit wrap, chip bags, pasta and rice bags, courier envelopes, shopping bags, sanitary hygiene packaging - basically anything made of plastic which can be scrunched into a ball.

It first launched in 2015 but stopped in December 2018 when offshore plants processing New Zealand’s plastic no longer wanted it.

Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme manager Lyn Mayes says that’s when they started a supply agreement with Future Post.

“They were just setting up production in Auckland, so we resumed collections on a limited basis in Auckland mid-2019.”

Now none of the country’s soft plastic is exported – it’s all recy-

“We pay our processors to recycle the soft plastic to incentivise the market. This is different to the usual recycling process where a processor ‘buys’ bales of plastic. We effectively sell our bales of soft plastic.”

Despite local collection points vanishing four years ago, people in Christchurch, Akaroa, Oamaru, and Rangiora have been able to continue recycling.

Lyn says the reason why our collection points vanished was because the logistics of transporting the soft plastics back to Auckland were too difficult.

“Partnerships with members –Goodman Fielder and Cottonsoft have allowed us to start collections in Canterbury and Otago, but not Nelson and surrounds.

“Goodman Fielder organise transport via their network back up to Auckland. We don’t use airport freight but road, rail and sea.”

The scheme collected 500 tonnes of plastic last year, which is around double what was collected in 2021 (260 tonnes). In 2023 they expect to double the volume again to 1000 tonnes of soft plastic.

From a scheme perspective, Lyn says it makes sense to wait until there is a local circular economy

for soft plastics where the materials collected in the region can be processed there.

Future Post’s new factory will not only increase collection efficiency in the South Island, but it will also reduce transport limitations and allow for several new collection points to be put in place.

Future Post managing director Jerome Wenzlick says the compa-

ny has built their own machinery and figured out how to use all the different types of waste plastic that no one else can use.

“Our fence posts need to be the same or better than wood, which is what we’re up against.”

He says each fence post uses around 8000 pieces of soft plastic. The company has strong demand for its products, particularly from wineries in the Top of the South.

Jerome says the cost of freighting posts from Auckland across the Cook Strait was significant and given the demand in the viticulture industry, it made sense to establish a second factory in Blenheim.

“We can actually show that plastic straight off the vineyard is made into a post and back to the vineyard, you can’t get much more circular than that.”

JO KENT

Lyn Mayes says the recycling scheme will collect around 1000 tonnes of soft plastic by the end of the year. Photo: Supplied.

Rai Valley volunteers making hay while the sun shines

Just five months ago the horse arena at the Rai Valley showgrounds more closely resembled a lake.

A&P Show secretary Libby Archer was away working in Christchurch, watching the weather unfolding and the flooding getting worse.

“A neighbour to the show grounds, Renee Jope took the photo and sent it to me, my heart sank as I could see all the horse arena including the equestrian office was underwater. Luckily the damage was relatively minor and a working bee since, with the help of a local builder, Luke Massey and now the equestrian office is all ready for our upcoming show on 4th March”.

But it’s a different picture today, the show committee are busy cutting and baling the hay for their annual hay bale fundraiser. Bales are made from the domain and several neighbouring paddocks kindly donated by the Adcock family. “They are sold

for $7 each and this fundraiser really kept us financially afloat through COVID when we had to postpone two shows in a row. It meant we had funds to cover our operating costs like building maintenance and insurance payments”.

“We’ve also been extremely lucky with support from local businesses. Solly’s gave us Dolomite last year to fertilize the grounds, ITM provided

materials for the equestrian office repairs, Donaghy’s donated the baling twine & Meaters of Marlborough gave us sausages and mince to feed all the volunteers”

While the hay is a fundraising activity, it also signifies the start of preparing the grounds for the annual show being held this year on 4th March 2023. The next show will be the 87th show for the Rai Valley A&P Association

which has been held annually since the 1930’s. Previously, only World Wars and COVID have postponed the show. The small committee of locals are busy preparing and after the recent road closure of State Highway 6 to Nelson they’re ready to welcome everyone back to Rai Valley.

For more information about the show or to enter online www.raivalleyshow.co.nz

PINZ on the hunt for food and fibre innovators

The hunt is on for the latest crop of innovators who have helped move New Zealand’s reputation for producing high quality foods and fibres to even greater heights.

The fifth annual Primary Industries New Zealand Awards will be held in Wellington on July 3, a highlight of the two-day PINZ Summit.

"The hard graft and long hours that our farmers, growers and processors put in is the core reason food and fibre make up more than 80 per cent of the nation’s merchandise exports," Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says.

"But giving us that edge in highly competitive international markets, and helping us meet environmental, biosecurity and other challenges are those researchers, technologists, cross-sector collaborations and producers who find better ways of doing things. They’re the sector champions that the PINZ Awards acknowledge and celebrate."

There was hot competition from producers among the 65 nominations in 2022 and this year that’s likely to increase, with separate new Food and Beverage Producer and Fibre Producer Awards.

Other categories are for:

• Team and Collaboration

• Science and Research

• Technology Innovation

• Kaitiakitanga/Guardianship and Conservation

• Emerging Leader

• Champion

• Outstanding Contribution

The deadline for nominations is 29 March. Go to primaryindustries.co.nz/awards

"The individuals and teams who go the extra mile deserve recognition and by promoting our primary sector role models, we can stimulate greater involvement and interest in primary industries from graduates, investors, politicians and the media," Terry says.

RAI

The Rai Challenge, with an obstacle course and pig carrying, is a popular section at the Rai Valley A&P Show. Photo: Rai Valley A&P Association.

Exploring Marlborough

exhibition was based on reinvigorating the legend of a taniwha.

A new exhibition dedicated to a South Island iwi is hoping to teach visitors to Blenheim over summer about the seismic environment the iwi have lived in for hundreds of years.

Rangitāne o Wairau launched Kōrero Tuku Iho to bring art and science to life through artworks created by Israel Tangaroa Birch. It comes almost a decade after NIWA and Rangitāne met to discuss a Māori myth which concluded the pūrākau was a “seismic tradition”.

Massey University history lecturer Dr Peter Meihana said the

“The pūrākau itself talked about a taniwha that resided at the base of Te Parinui o Whiti and would take the form of a wave that would then wash travellers into the lagoons and devour them later.”

In 2014, geological research started at Wairau Bar, which showed it is likely about three tsunami events have occurred at Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe over the past 2000 years.

Rangitāne o Wairau Kaiwhakaere matua Corey Hebberd said the art would be on display in the lobby of Rangitāne House for the

coming year.

“This latest project is a continuation of work by Rangitāne to showcase the rich history and kōrero tuku iho of our unique region. As tangata whenua, Rangitāne is proud to showcase our region, to tell our stories and to inspire learnings from our past.”

‘SEISMIC RISKS’

NIWA regional manager Darren King said he hoped the iwi’s past could teach others how to prepare for devastating natural disasters.

“We consider the pūrākau from Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe to be a powerful medium to demonstrate

precedents and stimulate community understanding and acceptance of co-seismic tsunami risks.

“We also consider it highlights responsibilities that we have to uphold our histories for past, present, and future generations.”

Meihana also intended for the exhibition to teach students in the area about the iwi’s past.

“What we’re hoping to do over the summer, but also coming into 2023, is to get as many of the young Marlborough schoolchildren through the exhibition... we’re hoping it’s going to feed into the introduction of the new Aotearoa history in schools that

taniwha

starts in 2023.”

Meihana hoped visitors would be able to appreciate Māori history could be told in different ways.

Birch said his role within the group was to create a bridge between the world of science and mātauranga Māori.

The artwork that he created for the exhibition includes kōwhaiwhai patterns.

During a visit to Omaka Marae in Blenheim, he connected the kōwhaiwhai found within the meeting house to the symmetry of diatoms, a type of microalgae. These diatoms are found at Wairau Bar and may have been carried there by past tsunamis.

Photos: Rangitāne.

Make the most of your outdoor space

During the summer months many of us enjoy spending our spare time outside - weather permitting of course! This makes having a well-equipped, functional and beautiful outdoor space particularly important.

Thinking of your outdoor space as an extension of your living room or kitchen opens up a wealth of possibilities for design, decor and accessories. Whether your budget is big or small, there are plenty of things you can do to rejuvenate your back yard to transform it into a chic haven of calm, an alfresco dining extraordinaire, a high-tech social entertaining hub, or even all of the above. The sky really is the limit!

Deck it out

Decking or paving an outdoor space is a great, low-maintenance way to refresh your back yard and diversify the space. If you’re lacking in indoor or outdoor space use similar coloured tiles or decking to your interiors to open up the spaces and give the illusion of a larger room. This isn’t only for small spaces thoughit also creates the illusion of a seamless transition from inside to outside. The same can be said for your fabric choices to create a sense of continuity inside and out.

Grey continues to be a popular colour choice for decking and paving going into 2021, it’s chic and fresh while allowing the freedom to bring in accent colours from statement furniture pieces.

Luxury outdoor furniture

Rattan garden furniture is a trend that here’s to stay and it’s no wonder why, the natural woven wicker effect combined with light soft-furnishings is both contemporary and classic.

Durable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, rattan furniture is built to withstand whatever the great Kiwi summer throws at us weather-wise!

Furniture Gallery Blenheim are the exclusive stockists for the Marlborough region of Devon Furniture. Timeless and beautifully designed, all Devon Furniture fittings are made from quality stainless steel, aluminium and zinc alloy to prevent rust. Their natural finish will keep shining through rain, shine, salt and water spray.

The synthetic weaves of the rattan effect are crafted from high-performance outdoor materials – UV and fade resistant and able to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Devon fabrics even stay cool in the hot sun, while the teak tropical hardwood timber is both elegant and resilient. Choose between a great range of loungers, coffee sets, corner sofas, tables and

Gone are the days of flimsy fairy lights struggling to stay put and getting hopelessly tangled in branches.

High-tech energy-efficient LED lighting brings a new level of elegance and ambiance to outdoor gatherings. With lights to suit every mood, whether it’s a cosy and romantic al fresco dinner for two or a more lively get together, remote controllable lighting allows you to create different zones or ‘moods’ in your outdoor space at the click of a button. And all safe in the knowledge that the lighting won’t run out of batteries or cut out if the weather turns bad. Decorations are no longer reserved just for indoors! A whole host of durable and UV-resistant outdoor rugs, blankets and pillows are available on the market to jazz up your garden space. These are great budget-friendly options if

you want to spice up your garden without having to invest in more costly pieces.

Look for pieces in earthy, warm tones like red and orange to create a stunning contrast from a green lawn or shrubbery, or your grey tiling or decking.

Fire pits continue to be a popular option for creating a social space and ‘zoning’ your backyard. Being a huge trend right now there’s a vast range of options to choose from that integrate cleverly with your garden’s existing features. They’re also great for those cooler evenings and when the nights start to draw in so you can still make the most of your outdoors. Let the light in with louvre roofs

Louvre roofs are a great new trend which allow for complete control of your outdoor space, whatever the weather! The clever slanted roof design allows light and air in

for ventilation which can be fully opened to allow in more sunlight or closed for protection from harsh sun or rain. The systems are completely automated by remote control so you barely have to lift a finger.

HomePlus Blenheim offer a variety of louvre roofs to suit all tastes. Their wallfixed louvre roofs are the most popular option. Fixed directly to an outside wall, they help to extend your outdoor space while keeping doorways clear. There are also freestanding options.

A self-supporting louvre roof creates a self-contained and independent outdoor room which will become a stunning centrepiece to your outdoor space.

If you have an existing pergola structure, a louvre roof can be integrated to give you more flexibility to deal with the weather conditions.

Make a Pirate Hat (sponsor)

Step 1:

Decorate your hat. Don’t forget the brim on the next page!

Step 2:

Fold paper in half. Make sure your hat design is facing out.

Step 3: Bring folded edge corners to the center and fold.

Step 4:

Fold bottom flap up to meet the bottom edge of the triangles.

Step 5:

Flip paper over and repeat step 4 on the other side.

Step 6:

Secure flap edges together with tape.

Being financially savvy in 2023

How happy is your spending?

TOM HARTMANN

As you make your money choices, focus on what gives you the most emotional payoff.

Hearing you should cut out your ’wants’ all the time gets old pretty quick. Truth is, you don’t have to stick to buying just your ‘needs’ to get ahead.

All of us need – and want! – to buy stuff. But there’s got to be an easier, more useful way to make spending choices than spending only on needs and living frugally ever after.

That’s unsustainable. It leaves us feeling deprived. And most of us can keep it up for only so long before we fall off the budgeting bandwagon. It’s time for a happy alternative – to focus on spending that gives us the top emotional payoff.

Your emotional return from spending

Shannon Lee Simmons, author of Worry-Free Money, is all about happy spending. She points out that just as we get a ‘return’ from our investing, we get an ‘emotional return’ from our spending.

‘Happy spending is simply intended to make you mindful about where you’re spending your money, and which types of expenses make you happy and which leave you feeling unfulfilled,’ she says. ‘The goal is to allow you more freedom to enjoy your money.’

The emotional return we get varies from purchase to purchase. Some things we spend on leave us on a high, but some just leave us drained. (Hint: don’t cut out the joy.)

How to rate your spend

When you’re looking to make changes to your spending plan (aka budget), take stock of what you spend money on. Not the ‘must-haves’ like power or broadband, but the more optional

things, like takeaways, entertainment or subscriptions.

It can be helpful to look at bank statements for three months to see where you’ve been dropping cash lately. The same places may crop up over and over.

Next, rate your purchases on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how satisfied or fulfilled it made you feel. Simmons’ scale goes something like this: 1 – terrible 2 – bad 3 – indifferent 4 – pretty happy, actually 5 – utmost happiness!

You may find that takeaways on a beach or Friday drinks with friends rate highly at a 4, or spending on your dog or cat is an absolute 5.

But if we’re honest with ourselves, not everything rates as highly – like that online impulse buy or last-minute extra item in a shopping cart.

When you’ve rated your purchases, the key is to reduce expenses that give you a low emotional return, starting with anything that you rated as 1, 2 or 3. Make sure not to cut anything that makes you feel like a 4 or a 5.

The thing is, when you keep your spending to what makes you happy, cutting out the unhappy spending feels really good and doable!

‘Happy spending gives you permission to keep spending money on things that make you feel proud, excited or fulfilled, because you’re reducing the expenses that don’t make you happy,’ Simmons points out.

How about in a relationship?

Time for some happy spending together, too. The happiness rating scale can be useful when you’re coupled up and making shared money choices. It helps to spotlight the spend that leaves you both feeling good, that you both benefit from and rate highly. That’s definitely worth keeping. Expenses that leave you both at a 1, 2

or 3 can be cut without it feeling like either of you is losing much.

But what about purchases or goals that only one of you rates highly?

What can help is to not cut it out entirely. It may be worth keeping something that’s a 2 for you but a 5 for your partner, like their surf gear when riding the waves isn’t your passion.

Try instead to compromise on the amount spent (can you get the same emotional hit but spend less on it?) or the timeframe (can you agree to push the spending out a bit further?). Adjusting either can keep the emotional return in sight, but make your shared spending plan work for the better.

Staying mindful with money

The trick with any spending habit is to recognise it first. Where is it coming from? Many unhappy choices get made because we’re feeling a bit down and need an emotional lift, or because we’re in the moment and lose the willpower to stay on track.

Mindfulness with money is about learning to recognise unhappy spending before it happens, and identifying how we’ll feel about the purchase before we buy.

‘By actively choosing to spend money on things that make you happy, you are more likely to stick to a financial plan… and get control over your money,’ Simmons says. Enjoy your happy spending!

For more advice and tips to help plan your spending, visit www.Sorted.org.nz.

To create your budget, try Sorted’s budgeting tool at www.sorted.org.nz/budgeting-tool.

With over 50 years combined experience in financial services choose your local NZHL Blenheim team.

Helping clients achieve their goals and providing financial freedom for life.

Would you like a mortgage mentor to help you get better control on your home loan for 2023?

The summer health hub

Tips on how to beat the back-to-work blues: ‘Make it a four-day work week’

LINCOLN TAN NZ Herald

Take a day off next week as a way to ease back to work and start booking future leave to give yourself something to look forward two.

These are two ways a family doctor says can help people cope with that miserable feeling about having to return to the office.

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer will be turning into a season of post-holiday blues for many, as thousands of Kiwis return to work on Monday.

With many businesses and employers already adopting a “living with Covid” attitude, that would mean getting back to offices for many.

Dr Luke Wee, a GP from Meadowbank Medical Centre in Auckland, says he sees quite a few patients who had feelings of low mood and sadness about having to go back to work.

“Over Christmas, some people have had an overindulgence of food and drink, parties, short holidays and this realisation that these are coming to the end can bring about low mood and anxiety - especially if they are working in a job that doesn’t bring them joy,” Wee said.

He said others may have encountered family feuds or even a sense that another year is over and they “hadn’t achieved enough”.

“New year often brings about new hope, but these are often false hopes with many people making resolutions that are impossible to keep,” Wee said.

“It is far better for people to make

realistic plans, perhaps planning out the year with fun things and healthy habits rather than resolutions that don’t work.

“If you set goals that are not achievable and you’re fixated on them, then you’re just going to feel depressed at the end of the year.”

Wee, a Fellow of the NZ College of GPs, said “mindfulness” - the state of focusing on the present moment but not judging something as being good or bad - was a good method to help survive the January blues too.

“You accept the situation that you are in, and so you can cope better.

If you attach too much emotion to the things around you then you will always be unhappy,” he said.

To beat the miserable back-towork feeling, Wee said people should spend a day or two before they return to the office to get rested, exercise, and do some personal admin to mentally prepare themselves.

Also, if it was possible, take the first Friday of the work week off.

“There is some evidence that a four-day week is actually better for employee wellbeing,” Wee said.

“But even if you’re on a five-day week then taking one day off on the first work week of the year makes it a more bearable prospect to ease you back to the daily grind.”

Wee said people should also book future leave dates on the first day they get to the office.

“It gives you something to look forward to and makes it easier to accept the fact of being back at

work,” he said.

Even if people had the option of working from home, Wee suggested people should go back to the office if they can.

“Being around colleagues who are also returning to work after the holidays might also energise them, and make them feel they are not alone in this,” Wee said.

If they are still feeling down a week or two after returning to work, then Wee suggested they should seek help from their GP or self-refer themselves to counselling services, many of which are free.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said holidays were a “great and necessary chance to relax, unwind and reset” and it was natural to feel a bit low when they were over.

“But the back-to-work blues are avoidable,” he said.

Robinson said the new year should be taken as an opportuni-

ty to commit to improving mental health and to work actively to ensure coming to work was an enjoyable and supportive experience for all.

“The benefits of improving workplace mental health extend beyond individuals, they reach into our whanau and communities too,” he said.

The foundation has a free “Five Ways to Wellbeing” toolkit resource which helps make it easier for employees to return to work, and for employers to create better work environments.

The five steps are: connect, give, take notice, be active and keep learning, and Robinson encouraged people to find ways to incorporate these into their day.

“Block out at least 15 minutes a day for you to do something you enjoy, take advantage of the lighter evenings and plan fun activities,” he said.

“Get organised - you’ll feel less

stressed if take some time to plan your day and week ahead.”

Robinson said while it is not uncommon to feel low when people first get back to work, it’s not usual for this to continue.

Those who continued to feel this way for more than two weeks for no apparent reason, then they should speak to a trained counsellor or GP.

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)

• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 , free text 234 or email talk@youthline. co.nz or online chat.

• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757

• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.

Dr Luke Wee. Photo: NZME.

Rep cricketers well beaten

PETER JONES peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Marlborough’s Hawke Cup zone three qualifying campaign ended with their third consecutive first innings loss at Horton Park over the weekend.

Up against long-standing rivals Nelson, and after losses to Buller and Canterbury Country, Marlborough needed at least a first innings win to have a chance of securing a challenge for the prestigious trophy, but came up well short.

The visitors claimed first innings points early on Sunday. Put into bat on Saturday morning, their lower order fired to push them to a competitive total of 281.

By stumps on day one, Marlborough were reeling at 48-6 and things improved only slightly the following day, the home side dismissed for 108, handing Nelson a 173-run lead.

They immediately set about extending that with some attacking batting and were able to declare at 191-3 from just 32.3 overs.

Left the improbable task of scoring 365 runs to win, it was a matter of survival for Marlborough and they managed that, taking their second innings score through to 94-3 before the sides shook hands, ending Marlborough’s 2022-23 red ball campaign and putting Nelson in the box seat for a challenge against holders Canterbury Country.

It all began so promisingly for the home side on Saturday morning. Jaden Adams, the pick of the Marlborough attack who went on to grab 5-77 from 23 overs,

grabbed three early wickets to put Nelson under pressure and, at 5-52 they were struggling for consolidation.

Their recovery began with a handy 56-run partnership between the Zohrab siblings, Thomas, who scored 47 from 64, and David. That momentum was maintained by Sean Neal, who took the attack to the local bowlers, slamming 51 from the same number of balls to push his side’s total to 177.

After his dismissal Marlborough recovered to pick up another couple of wickets and, at 213-9 the end of the visitors’ innings looked nigh. However, tailender Ollie Jones-Allen joined Zohrab and the pair frustrated the home side, pushing Nelson’s total towards 300 before Zohrab fell just short of a well-deserved ton, his contribution 96 from 190 balls.

Adams led the way with the ball, backed up by some superb wicketkeeping from Matthew Stretch. MBC student Baxter Croad, making his rep debut, picked up two wickets, while the ever-reliable Sam Boyce was economical and also grabbed two scalps.

In reply, Marlborough were soon in trouble, openers Cooper Roberts and Sam Boyce back in the pavilion with just six runs on the board. Andrew McCaa and Tim Petrie set about mounting a recovery and pushed the score to 36 before McCaa nicked the ball to the eager slip cordon, departing for 24 from 42 balls. Corey Bovey, Matthew Stretch and Tom Sutherland followed in quick succession, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb on day two.

The fact that Marlborough managed to reach three figures was mainly down to Petrie, who showed commitment and technique to hold the innings together. His was the final wicket to fall, the lefthander showing admirable concentration to compile 45 from a mammoth 182 balls. Paceman Sam Baxendine was the pick of the Nelson attack, bagging 4-34 from 18 overs while Matthew O’Sullivan snared 3-23 from 12.4 overs and Jones-Allen picked up 2-16 from six. Thomas Zohrab was his usual miserly self, giving up just 12 runs from his 13 overs while claiming McCaa’s wicket.

In their second innings Nelson went on the attack, openers Chris Dittmer and Nic Clark putting on 57, then Clark and Greg Hay combining for a 119-run partnership, all in quick time. Clark

finished with 89 from 94, Hay 66 from 66.

Marlborough made a better start to their second dig, Roberts counter-attacking with 33 from 28, however he departed with 37 on the board and when McCaa and Boyce both fell with the score at 54 Nelson’s hopes of a batting collapse rose.

Again, it was Petrie who steadied the ship, working his way to an unbeaten 22 at the close, alongside Bovey who finished 17 not out.

Next up for Marlborough is the annual Chapple Cup tournament, followed later in the season by a Newman Shield challenge against Nelson.

Marlborough coach Jarrod Englefield said that despite his side giving away a really strong position early on day one, he still felt they were capable of knocking off

the runs.

“It was a good batting wicket and we backed ourselves at that stage to establish some partnerships, chip away at the target and hopefully have a crack at it later today, but it just wasn’t to be.

“[Nelson] were quite diligent in their planning and threw some things at us we weren’t prepared for and we found ourselves well behind the eight ball at stumps on day one.”

He was quick to admit that his side was dominated for most of the match.

“This was probably the first time for a few seasons where Nelson have comprehensively beaten us. The fact they totally out-played us after such a good start was very frustrating. It’s a tough pill to swallow but we just have to park it, review it and see how we can improve.”

Adding to the coach’s frustration is the fact he and his fellow selectors have been unable to field a settled line-up throughout the red ball campaign.

“There has been a lot of chopping and changing … the side is unsettled and that has posed quite a challenge, especially when you are trying to develop a younger team.

“The guys who have come in have done really well for us, there have been top efforts in all three games, but not the consistency we need,” he added.

Scores: Nelson first innings 281; Marlborough first innings 108; Nelson second innings 191-3 declared; Marlborough second innings 943. First innings win to Nelson.

Marlborough bowler Jaden Adams claimed a five-wicket haul in Nelson’s first innings. Photo: Peter Jones.

Withers conquered again

PETER JONES

Runners with widely contrasting experience of the demanding King and Queen of the Withers course were crowned Marlborough running royalty on Saturday morning.

Christchurch visitor Dayle McLauchlan, in his first outing on the southern hills, posted the fastest time over the 10km journey to be crowned King of the Withers.

Meanwhile, local athlete and event veteran Megan Graham picked up her 10th Queen of the Withers title with a particularly gutsy effort following serious surgery last year. Both winners were pushed hard throughout.

Dayle finished in the smart time of 42 minutes nine seconds, beating home his running coach, Christchurch-based Vajin Armstrong, by just over a minute.

Megan came home in 10th place overall, registering a time of 49.23, with second-placed youngster Brooke Bowen, from Nelson, a mere nine seconds adrift. Brooke set a new junior women’s record, beating Megan’s 50.12 time set in 2010. The Hybrid event was won

by Janna Wilkinson, in 1.02.43, with Lindsay Muir nine seconds behind as they raced to the finish line at the Rifle Range Car Park. Don Bate led the walkers home. While she has enjoyed a plenty of success in this event over the years, including holding the fastest women’s time, Saturday’s effort was special for Megan who is recovering from an achilles tendon rupture suffered in April, 2022.

“I was actually just happy to make it round today,” she said. “I haven’t been training, just doing heaps of rehab since my injury and have had a couple of walks on the course.”

Following doctor’s advice, it was Megan’s first major outing since her injury and the former national squash champion is looking forward to getting back on court, probably next week.

“It is a year’s recovery as there is a high risk of re-rupturing it as it came straight off the bottom of my foot … luckily I have had a good surgeon, I have to thank Prieur du Plessis for getting me back out there today.

“The young girl from Nelson [Brooke] really pushed me to-

day … she was right on my heels. When she did her first walk up the hills I thought, ‘I have just got to keep running now, I can’t let her see me walking’. She certainly kept me on my toes.

“I originally wasn’t too concerned about winning this year but when you get someone like that on your tail you get all hungry again.”

Dayle, while never having run the course before, had cycled over it, as part of a mountain bike race many years ago.

“It think it was the Wither Hills inaugural mountain bike race, about 15 or 16 years ago,” said the

42-year-old.

“I did it on my single speed mountain bike, and won. So, it is nice to come back and have a go at something different this time.”

Relatively new to running, Dayle is predominantly an ultra-marathon runner and when his coach suggested they do the race as a hit-out for forthcoming events, he jumped at the chance.

“I was running away from [Vajin] the whole time … he is a phenomenal trail and ultra-marathon runner so I was petrified the whole way he was going to run me down and them tell me

everything I was doing wrong.

“It was a really nice event to be a part of.

“The course was a really good showcase of the Wither Hills Farm Park. The views from the top were pretty phenomenal. It was a lovely course to run with lots of friendly people out there.”

Leading results from 2023: Junior men (record George Varney 2020 41.37): Adam Coleman 46.34

Junior women (record Megan Craig 2010 50.21): Brooke Bowen 49.32

Senior men (record Andy Good 2021 38.07) Jarod Thompsett 47.08

Senior women (record Megan Craig 2014 44.22) Megan Graham 49.23

Veteran men (record Phil Costley 2012 38.55) Dayle McLauchlan 42.09

Veteran women (record Susie Aviss 2006 47.41) Stacey Gable 52.02

Walker men (record Bary Neal 2010 1.01.36) Don Bate 1.09.08 Walker women (record Barbara Maguire 2006 1.14.10) Teresa Zandovliet 1.33.11.

Marlborough Childrens’ and Youth Theatre gearing up for another dramatic

For over 27 years Marlborough Childrens’ and Youth Theatre have been providing classes in drama, singing and performance. Now known as MCY Theatre, we continue to offer classes to those wanting to learn more about acting and drama or build their confidence and self esteem. In 2022 our junior students put on a fantastic show of Alice, while our seniors travelled to Wellington for the SGCNZ UOSW Shakespeare Festival. We finished off the year with a prize giving which saw our talented and dedicated students awarded for their efforts. 2023 is already shaping up to be a busy one with show plans and other events lined up. We are continuing on with our screen acting classes and have local filmmakers on board to help give students the

experience in front of the camera. We have added new classes this year - a new MCY Choir, this is for those ages 8 - 16 that want to sing a range of songs in a group and learn foundation singing techniques. We also have one for the adults aged 18 plus , for those of you who enjoy theatre and creating pieces with like minded people, we will be running the Theatre in Action class - based around the Speech NZ Syllabus devising and performing pieces to earn grade level certificates.

Private tuition is available in Singing, Drama and Speech. Our 2 intermediate drama classes are now full, so get in touch now to book your spot!

Check out our website to enrol www.mcytheatre.com

Christchurch runner Dayle McLauchlan is the new King of the Withers. Photo: Peter Jones

Young cricketers punch well above weight

JONES

Two Marlborough primary school cricket teams have been showing their skills down south, with notable success.

Last week Marlborough Maroon took part in the South Island Festival at Ashburton while the Marlborough Yellow side played in the South Island Festival in Christchurch.

The matches were a mix of Twenty20 and 40-over clashes, with cricketing rules being adapted to cater for the youngsters. In the 40over games batters were required to retire after facing 60 balls and 30 balls in the T20 clashes. Fielding teams were only able to have nine players on the park, while each side had just nine wickets to lose when batting. Top order batters were also restricted from bowling until later in the game to stop players dominating the games.

Maroon had a week to remember, winning four of their five games. They defeated Mid Canterbury, Canterbury Country plus two

Canterbury Metro combinations, their only loss coming on the final day against another Metro side. Kyle Heagney, who along with Andrew Nation and Anna Booker, was the team’s coach, said the team’s success “absolutely exceeded expectations”.

“Our bowling and fielding were outstanding and that was what won most of our games … we just took all our catches, were tight and bowled to our plans. Which meant we didn’t have big run chases.

“By the end of the week the players were making really good decisions on the field … basically running it themselves.”

Batting highlight of the week came from captain Blake Nation who scored a superb unbeaten 66 to guide his side home against a strong Canterbury side.

“But all of the boys contributed at some stage throughout the week,” added Kyle, “they had an awesome culture.”

Another feature of the team’s success was the fact that while it was a year 8 tournament Marlbor-

ough fielded five year 7 players, often against sides composed of all year 8s.

The Yellow side, a less-experienced combination, picked up two wins from their six matches, but were a very competitive unit against some strong opposition.

Results:

Marlborough Maroon at the South Island Festival in Ashburton Round one

Mid Canterbury 109-7 (20) George Wilson 3-6; Marlborough 111-2 (15.4) Fionn Heagney 36* ret, Spencer Gregg 20* ret, Blake Nation 16*,

James Crowe 15*.

Round two

Marlborough 85-6 (20) Gregg 22*, Josh Harris 13, Nation 14*; Canterbury Red 81-9 (19.3) Thomas Heagney 2-12, F Heagney 2-13, Harris 2-10.

Round three Marlborough 112-6 (20) T Heagney 21, Nation 38* ret.; Canterbury Country Red 109-7 (20) Charlie Booker 2-12, F Heagney 2-11.

Round four

Canterbury Black 114-9 (29.1) Crowe 3-16, F Heagney 2-24, T Heagney 2-7; Marlborough 120-3 (19.4) Nation 66*, Liam Cohen 24.

Round five

Canterbury White (36.2) 127-9 T Heagney 2-19, Crowe 2-17, Nation 2-2; Marlborough 87-9 (24.3) Nation 25.

Marlborough Yellow at the South Island Festival in Christchurch Round one

Marlborough 142-9 (19.3) Lukas Dowling 55* Billy Hurren 24; Canterbury Harris 96-6 (20) Dowling 2-4.

Round two

Canterbury Latham 149-8 (20); Marlborough 128-7 (20) Hurren 37*, Harry MacNeill 26.

Round three

West Coast 171-5 (20); Marlborough 115-2 (20) Dowling 25* ret, Kyle Buckley 24* ret, Jaiden Hollis 17.

Round four

Marlborough 140-6 (20) Hurren 33* ret; Mid Canterbury 74-8 (15) Torin Birkett 2-15.

Round five

Marlborough 137-5 (20) George Frampton 32*, Hurren 33*; Canterbury Country 141-3 (19.4) Dowling 2-9.

Round six

Canterbury Latham 213-5 (35) Frampton 2-22, Buckley 2-31; Marlborough 146-9 (22.5) Hurren 36, MacNeill 20, Hollis 37.

PETER

The Marlborough Maroon team and management. Photo: Supplied.

Water polo star returns

This week the Marlborough Water Polo Club is hosting a training camp run by five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medallist and former USA captain Tony Azevedo. The camp will be run from January 1619 at Stadium 2000 and will include over 40 players aged between 12 and 18 from across New Zealand and Australia. This is the second Tony Azevedo camp hosted in Marlborough, one of only two locations in New Zealand to do so. The camp will involve daily yoga sessions and 3-4 hours in the pool. Anyone wanting to come to watch the pool sessions is welcome. They will be from 10.15am to 12.15pm and 3.15pm to 5.15pm each day.

The unseasonal and tempestuous weather conditions that have plagued the country since the new year began have conspired to foil the plans of ultra-distance swimmer George Glover.

The young Marlburian was poised to swim 300km from New Brighton Pier, in Christchurch, to Whites Bay in Marlborough in a bid to raise much-needed funds for charity.

However, a particularly nasty weather system and unfavourable forecast for the time of the swim has forced George to turn to plan B.

Along with his support team he has put the ocean swim on hold and will instead move inland, attempting to swim a series of loops of Lake Rotoiti at St Arnaud, covering a distance of approximately 300km. He will begin at 5.30am on January 28 and hopefully wind up on Waitangi Weekend, the team aiming for a midday finish on February 5. George will swim in two shifts, 0530 to 1130, and 1730 to 2330, with six hours rest in between. He is anticipating covering the equivalent of a Lake Taupo crossing every day for seven days, A caravan will be set up lakeside for rest

periods. While disappointed to defer the coastal challenge which he had spent many months building up to, both physically and mentally, George maintained his usual positive attitude as his attention quickly turned to a challeng-

ing freshwater swim.

“You can’t argue with the weather system,” he suggested, “I would have been battling a north-south current flow the whole way.

“We will have to do things differently at Rotoiti. I am looking at swimming six hours, with six hours rest. There will be other challenges along the way but I am still just as focussed on reaching the fundraising goal.”

He has set a goal of raising $100,000 for Mike King’s I Am Hope charity, supporting the charity’s work providing positive attitudinal societal change around mental health throughout New Zealand.

Good news for skating club

PETER JONES

The good news has continued into the new year for the Blenheim Roller Skating Club.

Not only did several of the club’s members stand out with top performances at the recent national road and flat track nationals, the club has also been given the nod to host the NZ champs in Jan uary 2024.

Five Blenheim skaters attended the 2023 nationals in Palmerston North from January 2-7, with NZ represent-

ond in the 10k points race and second in the 42k marathon 15-and-over.

year-old

Amelia Neylon and Talita

Sophie Searle, who attended to gain valuable experience.

Erin Green’s winning ef-

PETER JONES

Long-distance swimmer George Glover.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

MONDAY

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.3012pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Non-members $5. All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436

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 2023. For more info email: 27sqn@cadetforces.org.nz

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

KNITTERS & SPINNERS Meet up Tues 10am, Picton

library. Bring your knitting to the library for this social catch-up.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

FRIDAY

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.

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

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS every Fri 4.30-6.30pm weather permitting. Members $2. Visitors $5. 10 Uxbridge St (behind the Bowling Club). Ph Leigh Andrews 0211913034 or visit our Facebook Page for more details & other upcoming events.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

PINE VALLEY OUTDOOR CENTRE OPEN DAY. Pine Valley 1923-2023 Centenary Weekend. Pine Valley Rd, Northbank, Marlborough. Come & celebrate with us. All welcome, no entry fee. Sunday 22nd Jan 10am. Come for a play & a trip down the water slide! Bring a picnic & enjoy the sunshine. Free sausage sizzle, museum displays & olden days games.

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 10.30-11.15am, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, 12th Lane, Blenheim cnr Farmers carpark. “In the garden of thy Heart plant naught but the rose of love”. www.bahai.org.

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.

BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET Railway Station carpark, Sat 8am-12pm. Blenheim Rotary Bootsale operating over 25 years, funds to local/inter-

national projects. New or used items, plants, food, coffee carts welcome. See bootsalemarket on Facebook.

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 We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day, while you wait and have a cuppa. Sewing/ darning, bikes, small furniture/wooden items, toys electronic and mobile phones. 28th Jan (Every 4th Sat monthly) 9am–12noon. John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET A&P showgrounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal produce & products.

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.

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.

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 / Riverside Railway.

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

BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM 4pm Sun service. St Ninians Church, corner Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. More info: barnabas.org.nz.

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.

CANCER SOCIETY major event, Relay For Life, Lansdowne Park. 4th & 5th March. Gather your family & friends, talk to your colleagues & register your team now to Celebrate - Remember - Fight back https:// relayforlife.org.nz/marlborough Standard registration is $20 & includes team site, live entertainment, spot prizes & activities, hot breakfast, refreshments & more. Email relaymarlborough@cancersoc.org.nz or phone 03 5794379 with any queries

GENERAL GROUPS

BLENHEIM ROWING CLUB Rowing on the Wairau River from the boatshed at 259 Jones Rd, Grovetown. Every Sun from 8.45am. Tues & Thurs from 4.45pm. Novice & experienced rowers welcome, any age. Learn to Row programme. Full details at blenheimrowing. co.nz or contact 027487622.

WEEKLY STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES Mon 10.3011.30am The Foundry, John St. Tues 1.30– 2.30pm, Union Parish, 40 Broadway, Picton. (2 doors down from Police Station). Tues 11.30am-12.30 St Christophers Hall, Redwoodtown. Wed 1.30-2.30pm, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, Blenheim. For more information call the Age Concern office 5793457. Cost Blenheim $2 per class. Picton $3 per class.

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 email soundsvehicle@gmail.com.

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

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 9am-12noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drive. Our tutors are available for people 50+ who need assistance with their computer or smart phone. Contact Secretary Ian Cameron (03) 574 2558 to arrange.

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

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 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

• Strong communication and relationship building.

• Exceptional time management skills and the ability to work autonomously. The right personality fit is highly motivated, ambitious, and genuinely passionate about their career in

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice of application for on-licence & off-licence Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

Huia Estate Vineyards Ltd, 22 Boyces Road, Rapaura has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Blenheim for the issue of on- and off-licences in respect of the premises situated at 22 Boyces Road, Rapaura, Marlborough known as Huia Vineyards.

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is winery cellar door.

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licences are Monday to Sunday, on-premise, 10.30am to 6.30pm and off-premise, Monday to Sunday 8.00am to 6.00pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Marlborough District Licensing Committee at 15 Seymour Street, Blenheim.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, may file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at P.O. Box 443, Blenheim 7240.

No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This application was lodged 20 December 2022.

This is the first publication of this notice.

Attention all Advertisers – Terms of Trade: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Marlborough Weekly Ltd. Namely, payment by the 20th of the following month. In the event of non payment interest will be charged on all debts 90days + overdue, The costs of any debt collection costs, included agency costs, will be oncharged to the client. For full terms of trade go to https://marlboroughweekly.co.nz/terms-of-trade/.