Doctor’s fundraiser the right prescription News In Brief

Pinoli Gold

Marlborough’s Pinoli Premium Pine Nuts have been awarded a gold medal in the Farrow Earth category of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards. The awards celebrate Kiwis who harvest, grow and make food and drinks. Each year a team of specialist judges assess around 300 products.

Fire Zone

The Marlborough south zone moved back into a restricted fire season on Thursday. This includes Ward, Seddon, Blenheim, Renwick, and the Wairau Valley. A restricted fire season means anyone wanting to light an open-air fire in the Marlborough south zone will need a permit. Group Manager, Chris Hayles says the unseasonably wet weather in the region has led to this change. To apply for a permit, check the conditions and find valuable fire safety tips at www.checkitsalright.nz.

Duvet Donations

Blenheim’s Blue Door shop is appealing for donations of clean duvets and warm clothes. Staff say that as the weather cools down, more Marlborough families are looking for winter goods. Any donations in good condition can be donated at the shop on Seymour Street between 9am and 4.30pm every day except Sunday.

Grow Your Own

An eye for fashion and a bid to help raise money for a local primary school has seen a Blenheim doctor become a TV Good Sort.

Dr Martina Sulieman has raised $36,771.51 for Witherlea School through her successful second-hand designer clothing enterprise.

And TVNZ’s One News reporter Hadyn Jones helped share her story with the nation on Sunday after making a flying trip to Blenheim.

Martina, who is a regular volunteer at school events, says she came up with the idea four years ago when COVID-19 cancelled the school’s main gala fundraiser.

“I thought I would just do it for fun.”

Good Sorts airs every Sunday at the end of 1 News. While filming took place a fortnight ago, the segment was kept under wraps.

Pupils could be seen in the background playing while those who bought items from the Closet Room, which is now closed, gave an impromptu fashion show.

Martina says her original aim was to raise $1000.

When the final figure came in, she was amazed, she says.

“I was shocked but pleasantly surprised.”

Keeping prices affordable, selling for around a tenth of the price, Martina would put outfits together and then take a photo before posting on Facebook.

‘There were clothes everywhere,” she laughs.

Witherlea School principal Symon Beattie says the money will be used to build a new scooter track at the school.

“We were very excited to hear Martina’s efforts with the Closet Room have been recognized by TVNZ’s Good Sorts programme,” he says.

“The Closet Room has raised over $36,000 for the school through the proceeds of secondhand clothing sales. “Congratulations Martina on this recognition – well deserved.”

A new horticulture programme aims to offer practical gardening techniques to help people save money. “We want to give our families the ability to become more self-sufficient…” says Te Pūkenga NMIT Curriculum Area Manager for Primary, Food and Environment, Pam Wood. The move is to help people as costs for fruit and vegetables escalates. Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills - Sustainable Horticulture Where/When: Blenheim: From 27 March 2023. 6-8.30pm Monday evenings and every first and third Sat 9am-1pm.

Pelorus Death

The death of a person who was discovered in the water near Pelorus Bridge is not being treated as suspicious, police say. The deceased person was found by a member of the public on Thursday. A police spokesperson says the death has been referred to the coroner. Ngāti Kuia Trust have put a rāhui in place on the Te Hoiere awa, from Pelorus Bridge to Totara Flat.