There will be plenty of action in the air from around sixty aeroplanes including pioneer, World War 1 and 2 aircraft along with glamorous planes from the Art Deco Golden Age of the 1930s. Other warbirds including military trainers used throughout the decades will feature along with civilian and modern-day aircraft. The New Zealand Defence Force will have both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter involved in the action and there is even a contribution from the Australian Defence Force.
Easter weekend brings the world class biennial three-day Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka Air Show to Marlborough. This is the 20th Anniversary of this spectacular event which provides entertainment for the whole family both on the ground and in the skies above and will more than make up for Covid-cancelled 2021 show.
That this event happens at all is thanks to a group of aircraft enthusiasts who first met together over twenty years ago through their love or restoring historic planes. The air show was established to help to raise the money to build an aviation museum.
The resulting Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is now an internationally recognised destination that showcases a priceless collection of aeroplanes and artefacts from New Zealand and world aviation history, including outstanding lifelike dioramas created by Weta Workshop.
The Yealands Classic Fighters event is a vital fundraising opportunity for the centre which attracts visitors from around the globe.
Unlike most of the world’s air shows, the Omaka event is particularly impressive due to its very popular ground re-enactments that show what life was like during war time. These are created by people from all around New Zealand who come with vehicles and memorabilia to bring the past to life and provide experiences that will enthral those of all ages.
As well as action in the air and on the ground at the spectacular threeday show, you can enjoy award-winning Marlborough wine, food, music, fireworks, an array of fascinating trade stalls and children’s playground attractions.
No air show would be complete without aerobatics and this year three world-class aerobatic teams will be showing off their skills. They are the Roaring Forties, Yak-52s and the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Black Falcons formation team.
On the ground will be a range of spectacular re-enactments of historical events throughout the years with an array of military and civilian period vehicles and participants in military attire to create performances that will bring the past to life in a dynamic way, not to glorify war but to ensure that the memory of those who served be passed on to future generations.
Taking part will be armoured cars and personnel carriers, cannons and non-live automatic weaponry. There will even be a V-2 rocket, the world’s first ever liquid-propellant guided missile, designed in Nazi Germany to travel at supersonic speed to attack cities in Allied territory.
A special line-up of aircraft will be viewable up close including a Mosquito and a P-40 Kittyhawk, rare warbirds from the John Smith Collection. All going to plan the intention is to do several engine runs of the mighty Mosquito over the course of the show.
A large classic car display is also a popular addition to the event with Marlborough and Nelson vehicles supplemented by others from around the country including this year for the first time an Auto Union Type C 1930s replica.
YEALANDS CLASSIC FIGHTERS IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THESE INCREDIBLE SUPPORTERS
Master plans have been revealed for Marlborough’s new combined colleges for the first time. After years of planning, blueprints for the new-look colleges
have been made public as progress gathers pace.
Staff and teachers across all Blenheim’s secondary schools and intermediate school were shown the plans for the first time yesterday evening.
Principals at Marlborough Boys’
and Marlborough Girls’ Colleges and Bohally Intermediate yesterday welcomed the master plans for Te Tātoru o Wairau.
“Bohally Intermediate School Nicky Cameron-Dunn says it is great to be able to share the plans with the community.
“I am very glad that we are able to share the master plan with our community and am looking forward to starting our build.
“We are very fortunate to be getting new facilities for our Year 7 and 8 students, especially
Art, Science
alongside a hall that will feature a full-sized basketball court”.
Yealand’s Classic Fighters is on at Omaka this weekend. Will you be attending the show, or will you be up the Withers in the cheap seats?
03 577 9498
17 Kinross St, Blenheim sales@bpcomputers.co.nz bpcomputers.co.nz
Ed Gilhooly
I’m actually volunteering at the show. Myself, my wife and two kids are on the gate scanning wristbands. We’ve done it before on the last two occasions. I hope we’ll be going in to see the show – it’s a brilliant event we’re lucky to have.
Tania Shearer
We would usually go to the show with the kids and grandparents, but we’re away for my in-law’s 60th wedding anniversary.
Niamh Darcy
I am meant to be working this weekend – I wish I could go. If I’m not working, I’ll hopefully be there – I hope to see it at some stage.
Wayne Price
Normally, I would go. I’m an aviation nut and work in the industry. But tomorrow I’m off to Japan for a holiday. I love the show and would definitely go if I wasn’t going overseas.
News
Matt Brown matt@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Peter Jones peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Advertising Sales
Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Distributed to more than 19,800 homes & businesses in Marlborough www.topsouthmedia.co.nz 52 Scott St, Blenheim | Ph 928 4121 Proud to be connecting community through our dedicated regional Print & Digital platforms
Paula Hulburt paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz Accounts Queries accounts@topsouthmedia.co.nz 100% locally owned and operated
Rosa Tate rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz
Flood water is still causing issues in Blenheim’s town centre after rain on Saturday. Council staff have been holding off on removing weeds from the Taylor River because of spawning season. Walkers and cyclists are being asked to steer clear of the area until the waters subside. Photo: Matt Brown.
Marlborough Boys’ College principal John Kendal is praising the plans, saying the community can be reassured the project is coming to fruition.
“I am delighted [with the plans]. It’s hugely exciting, a lot of work with the greater community, iwi and the Ministry have all come together.:
John says one of the great strengths of the plan is its flexibility.
“This is a chance to pilot a 21st century learning environment. This is something that the community have waited a long time for and it’s great to think that students currently going through the Primary and Intermediate system will one day benefit from this.”
Centred along Fulton Street, the new-look campus will feature sports fields on both the northern and southern boundaries. Almost all the buildings will be two story to help future proof against a growing population.
Marlborough Girls’ College Principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch says the plans mark a key milestone in the project.
“This collaborative project is all about transforming education in
Blenheim to ensure that all students have the opportunities to succeed now and in their futures.
“We are delighted that the masterplan recognises and supports teaching and learning that builds a sense of place and belonging at school, and provides the facilities for students to develop capabilities for success.
“While it has taken some time to reach this milestone, we are incredibly proud of collaboration and stong connections built between the three schools, the Ministry of Education and local iwi.”
Ministry of Education’s Hautū (Leader) – Te Mahau, Nancy Bell says work on the blueprints for the complex project has been ongoing for more than a year.
“Te Tātoru o Wairau is one of the most complex construction projects the Ministry has led.”
The new facilities are geared towards the long-term educational needs for Year 7 to 13 students in Blenheim.
Construction will take place in phases over a six-year period to help minimise disruption to staff and students.
The first phase will begin later this year with Marlborough District Council’s construction of an artificial hockey turf at the site of
the co-located colleges. This will make way for construction of the new intermediate school campus at College Park. The intermediate school will move to a new campus at College Park to make way for the colleges to co-locate on the existing Marlborough Girls’ College and Bohally properties on Blenheim’s McLauchlan Street.
An Ako Kaiaka/Specialised Learning block in the centre of the campus will serve both colleges, overlooking a communal courtyard. This will house Technology, Science, Visual Arts and a shared Pātaka Kōrero – Library. Sports facilities will include a gymnasium that can accommodate three main courts and can be opened into a large, combined space, together with the new artificial turf.
A man has been charged with abduction and rape after an incident at the train station in Blenheim.
Police were called to Sinclair Street just before 10am on Sunday morning and took a 23-year-old man into custody on Market Street a short time later.
Some existing Bohally buildings, such as the school’s hall, have been repurposed on the colleges’ master plan. The Marlborough Technology Centre will remain at its current location.
The colleges have already been working closely together to align common systems such as timetables and student management systems and are planning how they will teach side-by-side on the new campus.
To see the master plans head to https://marlboroughapp.co.nz/ news/colleges-masterplan-revealed
The victim is receiving support. The man was due to appear in Blenheim District Court yesterday (Monday).
“While incidents like this are concerning for the community, Police do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public,” police said in a statement released on Sunday night.
“As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.”
After more than a decade of training nearly 800 high-school students, a Blenheim’s CACTUS lead trainer is throwing in the towel.
Frank Burns is passionate about CACTUS and the positive effect the programme has in young people’s lives.
But he’s not getting any younger, he says, and it’s about giving someone else the opportunity to lead.
“I’d rather leave on top rather than being asked to go. But I’m going to miss it,” he told Marlborough Weekly following the culmination of the CACTUS programme, the longest day, at MySpace on Saturday.
“They [the students] start off in week one as individuals and end as a team that look out for each other.”
CACTUS is an eight-week challenge for high-school aged students, which challenges them
physically and mentally to surpass what they believe they’re capable of.
He calls the bi-annual CACTUS crew team members, because they’re all part of the same team.
“It [CACTUS] is all about team work, communication and team building,” he says.
“It’s amazing to witness the change that comes over them over the eight weeks.”
A marine farmer for Te Atiawa,
Franks says since he’s been involved with CACTUS for years. The program has started in Westport, Nelson and Kaikoura.
“They’ve taken the blueprint from Blenheim and Picton. It’s the type of program it is, it’s going around the country.”
Frank will take on a mentorship role, with Maria Gear and Tiana Scoon taking over the leadership roles in Blenheim, and Gannon Karena in Picton.
“Mentorship, to some degree,
will help me – it’ll lessen the blow,” he says.
Frank says CACTUS is not a boot camp (he hates that word) but there is a little military flavour to it, which he thinks makes it successful.
“It’s so positive. I get a kick out of it.
“The support we get from business, the council, Marlborough Lines, the police – it speaks volumes for the course.
“I’m going to really miss it.”
A man whose body was discovered in the water near Pelorus Bridge has been name as Matthew (Matt) Dickson, 31. Police were called to the scene on March 23rd and say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death but investigations are continuing.
Marlborough Boys’ College was evacuated on Thursday afternoon after someone smelled gas and activated the fire alarm. Emergency services rushed to the high school, in Blenheim, at 2.05pm but a search by fire fighters found no sign of a leak and the incident was declared a false alarm.
Five youths were arrested yesterday for a spate of vehicle thefts in Nelson and Blenheim last week. The group attempted to steal six vehicles, and actually stole four cars, a police spokeswoman says. Blenheim acting area response manager Detective Sergeant Lindsay Tilbury says all five offenders have been referred to youth services.
Blenheim’s library is shutting its doors on 23 April for a month while items are moved to the new library and art gallery which is set to open on 12 May. No fines will be issued for books not able to be returned during the closure.
can make.”
A potentially life-saving medical device is back in the heart of the Mayfield community.
A state of the art AED (automated external defibrillator) is set to go up outside Mayfield School in Blenheim again after ASB Bank stepped in to help.
The previous $2500 device was stolen and wrecked after being dumped in a near by culvert at Landsdowne Park earlier this year.
ASB assistant manager Sam Holmes says after reading about the theft in the Marlborough Weekly, they wanted to help.
The replacement unit and security box were paid for using ASB’s Local Community Fund.
As part of its wider long-standing support with Hato Hone St John, ASB has donated more than 48 AEDs across the country since 2020.
Staff at Mayfield School were given training on the new device last week.
Principal David Nott says its great to have the unit back in the community.
Blenheim man Allan Udy spent two years fundraising for the original community AED in 2017 after his daughter Nerys was saved by a defibrillator.
He says he is delighted to know that people in the area can now access help 24 hours a day, seven days a week again.
Damian Tomic says early use of an AED can save someone’s life.
“Every minute of delay, without CPR and defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by 10 to 15 per cent.
“People can learn or encourage others to learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. Would you know what to do if someone went into cardiac arrest? If not, you should.
“If you don’t already know how to do CPR, please sign up to one of the many free courses that are available in the community today.”
Deputy Chief Executive Community Health and Engagement Sarah Manly says communities like Blenheim play a pivotal role in improving cardiac arrest survival rates.
“ASB has been a proud partner of Hato Hone St John for over 14 years and recognise how critical AED’s can be in an emergency and the difference they
“I’m pleased there’s a replacement located at the school that will continue to be of benefit to the wider Mayfield community, and that it’s great that a company like ASB is prepared to front up and help out the community like that.”
Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive Clinical Services Dr
“This is why Hato Hone St John has been working incredibly hard to reach communities and empower people all around Aotearoa with the 3 Steps for Life – calling 111 for an ambulance, starting CPR, and using an AED, which can help save the life of a whānau member or someone in your community.”
People in a Blenheim house were forced to flee their home on Saturday after a fire broke out.
Emergency crews including fire, ambulance and police rushed
to the scene on Dillon Street at about 8.20pm.
Police say everyone made it out safely from the property where smoke was seen bellowing out onto the street.
This weekend, the skies over Marlborough will roar with the sound of classic aircraft in one of the best air shows in the world.
The Yealand’s Classic Fighters has become a destination event for people from across New Zealand.
Jane Orphan, chief executive of the centre, has been involved since its inception.
“In the late 1990s a group of aircraft enthusiasts, including my husband Graham, imported two Chinese Nanchang planes.
“They had meetings in our house to discuss putting on an air show to raise money to help establish an aviation museum. I couldn’t help but be dragged in,” she laughs.
“For the first show we were doing the ticketing from home and it was a bit of a jumble but that event taught us a lot. I became a co-ordinator for the public area and loved the buzz of it all.”
“We were fortunate to lease the land required from local farmer and aviation enthusiast Carlton Corlett and with the help of money raised from the air show, along with contributions from the Marlborough District Council and the New Zealand Government, we were able to build the heritage centre’s first building which was finished in 2005,” she explains.
While Jane continues to oversee the aviation centre, her husband Graham has passed management of the air show to passion-
ate aviation photographer and enthusiast Gavin Conroy.
Gavin has been to every air show since its inception.
“We have a well-established committee with huge experience,” he says.
“It is a massive team effort which I love.
“Serious planning for each show begins eighteen months out and a wish list of around sixty planes we’d like to be involved is made up.
“It’s then a matter of contacting the owners and seeing what is available. Around forty percent are already based in Blenheim and the rest come from all around New Zealand.”
Yealand’s Classic Fighters is on this weekend at Omaka Airfield, in Blenheim.
Cherie and Jim Lochead believe they were destined to meet.
Sixty years ago, the Blenheim couple met at RNZAF Base Woodbourne where Jim worked as an aircraft engineer and Cherie as a clerk.
As the pair get set to celebrate 60 years of married life, they explain they were bound to have met at some point.
“I think we’d have met anyway as it was meant to be,” smiles Cherie.
“We would have met at the same parties.”
Married at Blenheim’s Church of the Nativity on April 6, 1963, by Archdeacon Kirkham, Jim and Cherie were engaged after five weeks.
There was no need to wait any longer, Cherie says.
“When you know, you know.”
While she wasn’t expecting a proposal so soon, Cherie says she knew her answer was a definite yes.
“We’d been going out for about three weeks and Jim’s sister turned 21 and I had a 21st to go to in Blenheim so we were apart.
“I thought it was going well and thought that when we got back, we’d know.”
Smiling as he talks about the day he proposed, Jim says he didn’t get down on bended knee.
“It wasn’t the done thing then but she did say yes straightaway. It doesn’t seem like 60 years; I don’t know where the years have gone.”
After spotting a photo in a magazine of her dream dress, Cherie contacted a local dressmaker who successfully recreated the look in satin and lace.
“It was a beautiful day,” Cheries says.
After a wedding reception at Waterlea Racecourse, the pair honeymooned in Kaiteriteri for five days before setting up home in Blenheim.
Some of the gifts they were given are still proudly in use today, Cherie says.
“In those days you didn’t live together first so people had a kitchen tea for the bride and a tool night for the men in the garage.
“I still have a colander and a mixer.” While the couple, who have three children, don’t share many common interests except walking, they agree that tolerance and not keeping secrets is the key to a successful marriage.
“Never go to bed on an argument,” says Jim. “You will always have disagreements but if you leave it, it will just fester.”
“You have to be friends first, that’s the difference,” Cherie adds.
with 120 staff,” he says.
Dr Alexander (Alec) McNeil might be Marlborough’s waste boss, but it turns out having a crack at Parliament is actually the “final bit of the jigsaw” he’s been missing.
Alec, Marlborough District Council’s solid waste manager, is the Green Party’s Kaikōura candidate for the 2023 election. He says he is always looking a fresh challenge, and running for Parliament has been on his radar for a long time.
“I’ve always been politically interested and stimulated by that side of life,” he says.
“I’ve worked in the private, and then in the public sector, and I’ve been on the recipient side of policy and legislation my whole career. This is just the final bit of the jigsaw that’s missing.
“I guess that’s what the attraction is, to actually be involved in the formation of policy and the legislation that supports it, if I manage to get through and into Parliament.”
Alec moved to Blenheim from Scotland in 2008 with his family. At the time, he had just sold up a recycling start-up he established with colleagues from his job in the corporate waste sector.
“We grew that from zero to a multimillion-dollar turnover
“We got to the five-year point when the next level of investment was required, and we decided that it was better to partner with another company.
“That business still exists to this day, and some of the staff, including some of my partners, are still there working 20 years on.”
He says when they moved to New Zealand his wife was their main “wage earner” while he worked from home. He quickly got drawn into the Tuamarina School board, where his two boys went to school.
“I had young kids in the system and I wanted to support them,” he says.
“I got involved in the school on the governance side, became the chair of the board, and with the principal we achieved various things at the school.”
He also joined a national School Trustees Association and became the regional chair for Nelson Marlborough.
“Then during that period my wife went back to studying, and I took on a job at council in 2011,” he says.
“In council, I’ve done all sorts of things, starting from strategy and planning.
“I’ve also got involved, with council support, on numerous working groups across the country and serve on a couple of boards,
and I’m generally just heavily involved in the overall waste management industry.
“In between that, I started further education and got through to the doctorate level as well.”
While he does not want to be “dismissive or blasé” about his work, he describes it as a series of challenges.
“These things are just things you set your mind to, and you just knuckle down, get on with the hard work, and hopefully you get down to the right outcome.
“This is just another version of that, it’s just a challenge and something you have got to build on.”
He says he is looking forward to getting out and learning what challenges are facing the community, and how that could be “translated back to the work of Government”.
“I think the Greens have got the most progressive policy platform, I think there’s no aspect of life that they haven’t got covered,” he says.
Asked if he was intimidated that Marlborough was traditionally a blue-leaning seat, he says the first priority is to get people to vote, and do so “authentically”.
“You have got to get involved in democracy, and you have got to become part of the system,” he says.
“If you have a proportional gov-
ernment made up from interested parties that can work together – then I think that’s a positive thing.
“It’s quite clear for us that we want more Green MPs at the council table so that we can influence the direction that Cabinet takes, bringing in the effect of the climate and the place and the planet.”
A statement announcing Alec’s candidacy says the party has a vision for addressing inequality, mitigating climate change, and protecting the natural environment.
“We can rebalance the economy to meet the needs of everyone,
protect our living planet, and ensure nature can thrive,” Alec says.
“But the pace of change is too slow, climate pollution is not coming down fast enough, too many people are struggling to make ends meet, too many homes are unaffordable and unhealthy, wealth is out of balance, native plants and animals are under threat.”
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.
Three new social housing homes are set to help Blenheim families in need.
The Marlborough Sustainable Housing Trust homes are expected to be ready for new families by next summer.
Situated on Hutcheson Street, the new homes will be let out at below market rental rates.
Trust chair Dr Bev James says there’s a huge need for affordable rentals in Marlborough.
“We have one in five renter households paying more than half their
Children at Te Kupenga Preschool have been given a new outlook on life thanks to Menz Shed Blenheim. Staff at the Omaka based preschool in Blenheim noticed some of their smallest children couldn’t reach the window to wave goodbye to their caregivers. Now thanks to kind-hearted vol-
incomes in rent,” she says. The environmentally friendly homes include photo-voltaic roof panels to reduce power bills, and a Homestar 6 rating for energy efficiency/sustainability.
Funding has come from the Rātā Foundation with support from the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development.
On Wednesday, the building team and contractors held a roof shout as the solar panels were put in place.
Contractor Mike Greer Homes have made cracking progress with the builds which only got above
slab level this year, Bev says. “It was really nice to acknowledge all the tradies who’ve been working hard to put up these homes so fast.
“It was especially good that Mayor Nadine Taylor was able to come –she’s been very supportive of this project.”
The Trust is currently working on a funding application for their next affordable housing development.
If you have a large section and were interested in supporting such a project, please contact Bevbev@bevjames.nz or 027 2478353.
Clean, high-quality fruit, decent weather, and a full contingent of staff has wine industry veterans calling this year’s harvest one of the best for fruit quality in years. The culmination of a year’s hard work, Marlborough’s vintage is now in full swing with high hopes for a stellar crop of Sauvignon Blanc.
And with acidity levels and sugars all on track, the vintage is ready to shift up a gear.
Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative membership manager Craig Thomson says this year it’s a classic, old school Marlborough harvest.
“We’ve had some early ones [harvests] over the last few years,” he says.
characterised by concentrated fruit and good quality – although the yields are down a bit from last year.
“Last year was quite a bumper crop,” he says. At Hunters, their sparkling is racked and ready for blending, first ferments are underway, and pinot has gone to barrel – with more to come.
“I’m looking forward to making the wine,” says Inus.
Years of border disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic saw the wine industry’s transient workforce locked out of the country.
Now, with the borders open, employers are happy to see the “experienced” cellar staff back on the ground for harvest.
“During lockdown, we had some labour issues,” says Inus.
“Now, we have quite a few travellers coming and helping out. Italians, Canadians, UK.
“It’s good to have labour coming in and doing a vintage with us.
He says an average growing season in Marlborough has put picking dates to where they would normally be.
“Sauvignon Blanc near the end of March, and really getting into it in the first weeks of April,” says Craig.
The Grape Growers Cooperative is owned by about 80 members, with all profits going back into the vineyard.
Craig says the fruit condition is surprisingly good, given recent rain events.
“The fruit’s holding up very well.” Hunters wine maker Inus van der Westhuizen echoes Craig, and says, so far, this year’s harvest is
“It’s helpful for the region to have that support.”
Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens says while they don’t know the exact number, there’s at least 1000 more people in Marlborough during harvest.
He says the labour supply this is better by far.
“Better with experience levels, people who have worked in wineries, or even worked here before coming back.
“It has a massive impact on stress levels and probably wine quality as well.
Marcus says the last few years have been war of attrition, with labour and cost increases.
“We’ve learnt about how we can improve our offer and brought some good results.”
Vintage Harvesters viticulturist and logistics manager Melissa Tripe says she’s happy to see the back of Covid restrictions and more people in Marlborough.
“It’s great to see the internationals bringing flavour and fun to the town.
“A lot of the foreigners are really experienced; we’ve missed that expertise – particularly in the wineries.”
Vintage Harvesters supply contract vineyard machinery work and have several harvesters going
around the clock.
“Last year was tough, but this year we have a full complement [of staff]. Even wait lists. It’s much improved.
“It’s a hard job. It’s long hours, and there’s a lot of pressure to get the crop in timely and in good condition.
“Having adequate labour force is hugely important.
“When you’re dealing with a perishable crop, it won’t last forever. Having the people here makes it possible to do it.”
With more people in the region,
and a housing market with an already tight supply, finding space for vintage workers has been a challenge.
Melissa says accommodation continues to be a major problem – particularly for the temporary workforce coming for harvest. “It’s hard for them to find places to stay,” she says.
Some bring caravans and stay at campgrounds, she says, others stay at backpackers. Truck drivers often stay at motels.
“We try and rent houses to assist with that and have three or four people in a house. It’s awkward, but that’s just how it is.”
MATT BROWN
Marlborough’s grape harvest is now well and truly underway and signs are positive for a high-quality crop. Reporter Matt Brown looks in depth at the challenges facing the wine industry this year.Hunters wine maker Inus van der Westhuizen. Photo: Matt Brown.
“It’s going to be a good year, for Sauvignon Blanc in particular.”
Marcus says harvest brings a lot of pressure on housing in Marlborough.
“I’m guessing people might be hesitant to offer rooms, people are still getting Covid,” he says. Traditionally, a lot of vintage workers would be billeted out into the community.
“I think there’s been more care from wineries where they are placing their people. What might have flown a few years ago isn’t necessarily acceptable for the wineries now.
“It does potentially reduce the number of beds.”
As the weather turns autumnal, Marlburians can expect crisp, cold nights and sunny days –
weather grapes also love. Craig says vines are looking green and fresh, with the canopies in good health.
What rain we’ve had hasn’t been an issue, he says.
“We’ve had three rains since harvest started. But so far, so good –it hasn’t really had an impact on Botrytis levels.
“One rain, it was a really cold air temperature – and the next day warm drying winds.
“The weather is relatively settled, with short, spread-out rain events.
“When you talk to growers, they’re saying the fruit is looking as good as it ever has – that’s across the board. It’s great.
“The fruit’s holding up really well.”
Inus says at Hunter’s, they may be finishing vintage slightly earlier than last year.
“We had some unpleasant weather on our starting,” he says.
“The yields are a little bit down –but that’s across the region.”
Inus says rain during flowering season is to blame for the lower yield.
“We’re happy at the moment, as long as we don’t have more unpleasant weather.”
Marcus says it has been a challenging summer for grape growers.
“The El Nina has not been ideal – it wasn’t a classic Marlborough summer,” he says.
“There were much-reduced sunshine hours with wet periods. The start we had was not ideal.
“But the weather seems to have switched when we really needed it.”
Marcus says everyone in the industry is doing their best to get the best quality.
“Everyone wants to go at it full noise, but most companies are waiting for the fruit to get into the zone.”
“When you talk to growers, they’re saying the fruit is looking as good as it ever has – that’s across the board. It’s great.”Wine presses at Hunters Rapaura Road winery are working around the clock. Photos: Matt Brown.
AMY RUSS
In the industry for over 30 years, Glen Morrison, the owner of Floorpride Blenheim says his passion for the sector has never wavered.
Starting with Floorpride in 1990 as an apprentice for Peter Mark, Glen became a qualified flooring installer and tradesman at the age of 19, working his way up before purchasing the business from Peter in 2008.
“I have a real passion for not only the trade but the whole building industry in general. I have been in the field for a long time, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing a project through from inception to completion. It’s a great feeling.
“We have just completed a job for the region’s new library and gallery. Those jobs are a few years in the making and it’s a great feeling to see projects of that scale through to the finished product.
“We are always training new apprentices. Seeing them come through and have an opportunity to learn on jobs like these, and take pride in what they do, is brilliant.”
The people, their passion for the company and the pride that they take in their roles, is a key driver to the success of the business, says Glen.
“We have a long history of loyal staff members who take a lot of pride in the company and the people within it. Floorpride is very personal to me, it has been a part of my life for so long, it is who I am and who we are as a company.
“We are not just about being a business, we are a family, our staff, their spouses and their children. My wife Lawrelle is the strong woman beside me who keeps me in check and keeps me balanced.”
The Floorpride Blenheim team are proud sponsors of Box on Boxing, a local gym led by Lee Te Puia.
“Lee started with us as an apprentice also and is now moving into his current role of helping young people in the Marlborough region.
“For us, it is about supporting and being involved within the community, and sponsoring different projects around the region.
“It is nice to be able to give back and a proud moment when we can help out. That is definitely a highlight of my role.”
As huge supporters of the community, Glen and his team also take pride in teaching the next generation the ways of the industry.
“It’s very rewarding to see young people come through, fresh-faced and straight out of school, finding their passion within the company, no matter their role.
“We have quite a few very talented individuals, who all share the same passion for what they do and also become invested in some of the big projects.”
AMY RUSS
Twenty years ago, Brian Milne and wife Dawn traded in their North Island farming life to purchase a Mr Green franchise in the Marlborough region.
Fast forward to now, and Brian, the regional owner of Mr Green Marlborough can still be found with his ‘boots on the ground’ and getting stuck into the work.
“I’ve been involved in farming most of my life and always enjoyed working outdoors. When we left our farm, I looked into a couple of different lawnmowing businesses as this type of work was something that interested me.
“I bought a round from an existing Mr Green franchisee. I knew that I could grow it with the existing team of experienced Mr Green’s. Led by the original area owner Alan Gare to fall back on, it didn’t take long to grow my client list.”
Brian manages the lawn mowing
team across the region, while Dawn manages the cleaning team, and say that their mantra is, ‘the brand will get you in the gate then it’s up to each individual franchisee to carry on with what the brand was set up as - a service provider who you could depend on for reliability, honesty and a fair price.’
Providing services to get a property sparkling again, Brian says they are a one-stop shop for their clients, and their experienced and insured professional team can do the ‘whole job’ from getting the inside cleaned, from floor to ceiling, to mowing the lawn, tidying the garden, gutter cleaning and removing rubbish.
Brian and Dawn are passionate about the franchise, and its franchisees, and truly want them to succeed.
“It’s a brand that I really care about and will do whatever it takes to see that it continues to be the premier home and business provider for Marlborough.
“I really enjoy going into sections, and gardens that have got beyond the capability of the property owner to remedy and turn it around for the owner. These jobs give me enormous satisfaction and to see a client break down in tears is a tremendous feeling of pride in a job well done.”
Covering the wider Marlborough region, the couple are currently looking for new franchisees to join the team as Brian says the demand for quality services is always there. “When we set up a new franchise and help the new owner go about growing their own business, our motto is, ‘You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself’ The success of the brand is not just the hard work Dawn and I have put in but also is reflective of our franchisee’s determination to do a good job.
“We are quite open that in the service industry, we will not be the cheapest BUT we will be the best no exceptions.”
Commemorating ten years of being in business, Josh and Michelle Cody, the proud owners of Marlborough Glass, Novus Auto Glass Blenheim and HomePlus Blenheim are excited to begin giving away monthly prize packs for the duration of the year, to celebrate the occasion.
Their journey over the last ten years has not come without its challenges says the couple but is one they have wholeheartedly embraced. Originally from Nelson, Josh began his career as a glazier, before the couple decided to make the move back to Michelle’s hometown with their three children. The business has since flourished and now employs 12 members of staff and covers the greater Marlborough region, from Kaikoura to the Sounds, Rai Valley and across to the Nelson Lakes.
“It’s been hard, but we have grown with the business and what we have created is a place to go that covers automotive, residential, and commercial needs. When we started, we thought it would be just a one-man band operation, but over the years we have developed as a company. When we took on HomePlus seven years ago that really opened up our scope and proved just how much the business has grown. Our team is phenomenal, we have a great team culture, and working with them is definitely a highlight for us.”
Moving to the region in 2010, Josh worked as a glazier in Blenheim before branching out on his own. Russell Gilden – a Glass company owner - helped Michelle and Josh navigate and secure the purchase of Novus Blenheim, and then they immediately opened the Marlborough Glass alongside it. Locally owned and operated, the
business is very family orientated. Initially starting the commercial and residential glazing business to spend more time with family, Marlborough Glass soon grew and the addition of HomePlus Blenheim saw the couple expand their services to include a vast range of products to the wider Marlborough region. “The addition of HomePlus has been a real highlight for us, adding a wider range of products and services for home renovations and the building market. Our businesses complement each other perfectly and the addition of HomePlus has been an excellent fit.” The couple attribute their success to the community and their staff. “We couldn’t do the job without either of those aspects. We try to have a great team environment for our staff to be able to provide the excellent work that they do. If the team are happy then that transfers through to how they perform in their respective roles.
We pride ourselves on providing great customer service, which is key and a strong priority for our businesses. We are a busy town and word of mouth is very strong here.”
The support that the community-minded couple have received from the community feels great, says Michelle. “We have a lot of returning customers and word of mouth referrals, and it is wonderful to be able to support them in return. We like to give back where we can, we feel this is very important.” Supporting everything from sports initiatives, community groups and activities to school fundraisers and keeping well-deserving locals warm with trailer loads of wood for winter, the couple enjoy being able to give back to their own community.
Seeing many changes over the decade of being in business, the couple say it is technology in the industry that has seen the biggest advancements. “Products have
changed over the years and the technology of how we do things has advanced greatly from when we first began. We are excited to see the new products and keep up with the evolving technology ensuring we are ahead of the game with what we can offer to the region.
“We can digitally print images directly onto glass for kitchens and showers, make balustrades, security and insect screens, louvre roofs and complete full wardrobe fitouts among other things. Our scope is quite large, and Marlborough Glass works well with both Homeplus and Novus”
Moving forward, the couple would like to see continued growth and support. “In building there is a greater need for what we do, and the future looks exciting with new products coming out continually and the way we can use them is always evolving. We are eager to see what the next ten years bring. We would like to
give a shout-out to all our past and present employees, our customers, and our suppliers, some of whom have been with us since the beginning like Metro Glass. Our local companies that we use
are amazing and as part of our giveaways, there will be a combination of products from both us and our suppliers.
“We would like to thank both of our families who have been an
immense help to us during our journey, and of course to our kids who started this venture with us as toddlers, and now as teenagers occasionally sweep the floor at work after school.”
PETER JONES
Change seems inevitable at the top level of club rugby these days and, as kick-off nears for the 2023 season, there has been more reshuffling of the ranks.
Once again, just three teams from this side of the hill will contest the Marlborough premier sub-union and Tasman Trophy competi-
tions this season. However, this year the personnel have changed.
With the Renwick ‘Green Machine’ unable to muster sufficient numbers to compete in the top echelon, Moutere have stepped into the breach.
The Magpies, along with defencing sub-union and Tasman Trophy champions Central and Waitohi will play each other over
the first three weeks of the season, which begins on Thursday, April 6, when Moutere meet Central at Awarua Park. They then turn their attention to the Tasman Trophy. This season the Marlborough trio will battle just five Nelson sides. Waimea Old Boys, Kahurangi, Stoke, Nelson and Marist will once again front up for a series of cross-over clashes, beginning on April 29, while Wanderers are a notable absentee, the Brightwater-based club being unable to muster a premier team. Semifinals are provisionally scheduled for July 8 with the grand final down for July 15.
Local hopefuls
Central, again led by inspirational Mako veteran and player/ coach Quentin MacDonald, appear the most likely of the local sides to make the play-offs. However, the ‘Blues Brothers’ have undergone plenty of change in the off season but still have talent in abundance, although
without the sort of player depth that saw them finish the 2022 season in such style. Players such as blockbusting No 8 Peni Fihaki, hard-working lock Matt McCormick and Mako loosie Braden Stewart, who will make a delayed start to the season due to injury rehab, will ensure they remain competitive up front, while Mitch Smith, Ben Filipo and Nigel Satherley are experienced back-
line operators at this level. Waitohi will also have a seasoned Mako man at the helm, both on and off the field. Versatile backline general Tim O’Malley returns to the Picton crew as player/coach and will have plenty of youthful talent alongside him. Up front hard-nosed operators such as newcomer Campbell Hart, a former NZ Heartland XV player, Dylan Burns and Taine Cragg-
Mako halfback returning after a couple of seasons at Renwick. His leadership, motivation and guidance will be invaluable.
The Magpies have also secured the services of brothers Monu Moli and Sekope Lopeti-Moli, both former outstanding MBC First XV players, who are on the fringe of NPC selection.
A group of talented MBC players will also front up, including loosie Charles Tupoutoa, midfielder Jake Pacey, a surname synonymous with Moutere rugby, winger Senetenari Ponesi, plus former college standouts Max Morris and Clyde Paewai.
Division two promises exciting fare
Renwick. They will play each other twice, with play expected to start on April 15, leading into semis on July 22 and a final on July 29. As was the case last year, with less players involved in premier play the standard in division two is expected to lift.
Division two proved a very popular grade last season, offering a more “grassroots” brand of rugby which attracted large numbers of supporters weekly to cheer on their favourites and support their traditional clubs.
First XV
First XV face a reduced season when they kick off their Miles Toyota Championship campaign on May 12.
The annual competition has been revamped for 2023, the number of round-robin matches to be played reduced from 13 to nine. The competition has been split into premiership and championship sections, with 10 teams participating in each. Promotion/ relegation will take place at the end of the season. The Falcons will again be coached by Tonga Taumoefolau.
Love will show the way. Plenty is expected behind the scrum with players such as Tongan Sevens rep Kyren Taumoefolau, Karlos Tatauri, Corey Bovey and Gannon Karena to call on.
Moutere will go into the season as an untried combination, under the stewardship of coach Jeremy Clark.
The former Wellington Rugby Academy player has no illusions
about the magnitude of the job ahead as the club tries to resurrect its flagship side.
“We have to deal with trying to grow a new culture,” said Jeremy.
“At the end of last season there was not much left of our senior club, so in some ways this is a rebirth.”
One of the more experienced operators the coaching team will call on is Ben Finau, the former
All three premier outfits will field a side in an eight-team Marlborough division two championship. The Motorworld Marlborough division two title will be contested by Waitohi, last year’s champions who beat Central at Endeavour Park in a thrilling wet-weather final last year, Moutere, Awatere, Pelorus, Marlborough Boys’ College Old Boys, Central, Scott Construction Harlequins and
Their first match is a home fixture against Shirley on May 12, followed by another home fixture, against St Andrew’s on May 20. Their other home fixtures are against Christ’s (June 17) and Christchurch BHS (July 22).
They play Nelson, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Bede’s, Selwyn Combined plus Timaru away before the finals in late July. The teams for the Tasman women’s competition have just been confirmed. It will be a four-team
competition, with a combined team hailing from Marlborough.
Kick-off is on April 15 when the Marlborough combined side meet Kahurangi in Renwick.
Age grade and junior rugby is scheduled to kick off on April 29, beginning with a festival for the junior teams.
Premier grade teams
Provisional Central squad: Jeremy Foley, Sione Lonitenisi, Sione Papani, Matt McCor-
mick, Mausia Papani, Wayden Smith, Edan Fitzpatrick, Vailua Kaloni, Ethan Jones, Mitch Smith, Lani Fihaki, Ben Filipo, Nigel Satherley, Dave Fotu, Jake Cresswell, Quentin MacDonald, Siate Kivalu, Luke Crookbain, Jesse-Lee MacDonald, Jack Kelly, Cody Weir, Josh Harrison, Lockie Mccormick, Tino Vakaloa, Peter Vakaloa, Jack Powell, Braden Stewart, Reyne Volavola, Owen Ika. Coaches: Quentin MacDonald, Riki Winitana,
Hamish McKerrow.
Provisional Waitohi squad: Seymour Lambert, Luke Bergman, Clayton Tautari, Keelan Hillgrove, Aisea Takapu, Toby McLeod, Taimi Fangatua, Dylan Burns (vicecaptain), Shaun Harris, Mike Tuipulotu Leger-Kula, Vance Pook, William Karena, Taine Cragg-Love (captain) Andre Hebberd, Campbell Hart, Jake Collins, Veuki Taumoefolau, Connor Hillgrove, Karlos Tautari, Bray Taumoefolau,
Ryan McLeod, Corey Bovey (vicecaptain), Sio Moa, Paddy KerrSmith, Tim O’Malley, Osea Tarogi, Gannon Karena, Tiare Tautari, Dylan McMananway, Finley Neilson, Kyren Taumoefolau. Coaching and management group: Tim O’Malley, Jimmy Giles, Stefan Roguski, Matthew Burgess, Jason Hebberd, Mike Hilgrove, Tom Looms and Tonga Taumofolau.
No Moutere premier squad was available at the time of publication.
Marlborough college rowers certainly made their presence felt at the Aon Maadi Cup rowing regatta on Lake Karapiro, reaching a string of A finals and ultimately bringing home four medals.
Marlborough Girls’ College crews fought their way into nine A finals, winning one gold medal and a bronze.
Crews from Marlborough Boys’ College took part in seven A finals, claiming silver and bronze medals.
Showing the way for the Marlborough contingent was the gold medal-winning under-16 four comprising Grace Straker, Sophia Saggers, Brooke Harper, Mila van Rensburg and Grace McKendry. After producing the quickest time in their heat, they progressed directly to Saturday’s A final. Up against powerful combinations from St Margaret’s, Christchurch Girls’ High School and Rangi Ruru the MGC quartet rowed their way to the front and stayed there, thrilling their loyal supporters who had made their way north, plus coaches Sean O’Neill and Andrew Blake. They set a new course record for their age group.
The previous day the MBC boys under-16 coxed four, comprising Hamish Lindstrom, Jock Flanagan, Louis Girling, Blake Campbell and coxswain Jack Shaw picked up a silver medal, just five seconds adrift of the victorious Timaru BHS crew.
Three more bronzes were added to the southbound luggage, one on Friday when the MGC girls
under-16 eight of Straker, Saggers, Harper, Abby Craig, Izzy Brick, van Rensburg, Elizabeth Bowron, Bella Rayner and Molly Wilkes bagged a bronze medal behind crews from St Margaret’s and Rangi Ruru.
The other came on the final day, MBC’s under-15 coxed quad of Willem Rowe, Aidan Bennett, Logan Flight, Hunter Marfell and Blake Marfell finishing third, less than two seconds behind the winning Wellington College crew.
The annual regatta, which concluded on Saturday, is the country’s largest secondary schools sporting event.
MBC coach Clayton Lindstrom said he and his fellow coaches were “pretty rapt” with how their charges went, especially with the fact they made their way into so many A finals, securing top eight positions in the country. He said it augured well for the future, especially with a small but strong group of under-15 oarsmen coming through.
Sean O’Neill, MGC head coach, said he was “very pleased to come away with a couple of medals”.
“It is particularly hard to get medals in that [inder-16] age group so the girls should be very proud of their efforts.”
Three MGC rowers earned national trials, Harper and Saggers in the under-18 group and Emma Flanagan in the under-19s.
MGC - A Finals
U18 eight – Grace Straker, Lexi Timpson, Brooke Harper, Sophia Saggers, Emma Flanagan, Mila van Rensburg, Ella Barnes, Hazel Glover and Molly Wilkes – 5th in A final
U18 novice coxed four – Eliz-
abeth Bowron, Iris Vavasour, Georgette Herkt, Georgia Marfell and Tessa Unwin – 7th in A final
U18 pair - Lexi Timpson and Emma Flanagan – 5th in A final
U18 novice eight – Elizabeth Bowron, Iris Vavasour, Katie Fenwick, Abby Craig, Georgette Herkt, Anna Hurren, Lily Smith, Ebony Howes and Lilly McMillan
– 6th in A final
U18 coxed four – Lexi Timpson, Ella Barnes, Emma Flanagan, Hazel Glover and Molly Wilkes –6th in A final
U18 novice coxed four – Katie Fenwick, Abby Craig, Lily Smith, Anna Hurren and Lilly McMillan – 6th in A final
U17 coxed four – Jess Bennett, Hazel Glover, Ella Barnes, Bella Rayner and Grace McKendry –7th in A final
U16 four – Grace Straker, Sophia Saggers, Brooke Harper, Mila van Rensburg and Grace McKendry –1st in A final - GOLD
U16 eight – Grace Straker, Sophia
Saggers, Brooke Harper, Abby Craig, Izzy Brick, Mila van Rensburg, Elizabeth Bowron, Bella Rayner and Molly Wilkes – 3rd in A final - BRONZE
MBC - A Finals
U18 pair – Zac Jenkins, Dylan
Locke – 6th in A final
U18 novice coxed quad – Walter Wickham, Henare Panaho, Willem Rowe, Aiden Bennett and Blake Pitts – 7th in A final
U17 pair - George Lindstrom and Shane Henry – 4th in A final
U16 coxed quad – Hamish Lindstrom, Jock Flanagan, Lou-
is Girling, Blake Campbell and Blake Pitts – 7th in A final
U16 coxed four – Hamish Lindstrom, Louis Girling, Jock Flanagan, Blake Campbell and Jack Shaw – 2nd in A final – SILVER
U15 octuple sculls – Willem Rowe, Aiden Bennett, Luke Bown, Logan Flight, Toby Randall, Drew Materoa, Bronson Blissett, Hunter Marfell and Blake Marfell – 5th in A final
U15 coxed quad – Willem Rowe, Aidan Bennett, Logan Flight, Hunter Marfell and Blake Marfell – 3rd in A final -
For three days last week sailing teams from colleges across the upper South Island vied for the top of the south crown and national championship seedings.
From Thursday to Saturday, 12 teams competed in a series of races on Picton Harbour, designed to decide the 2023 Top of the South secondary school team sailing champion.
The action took place directly in front of the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club headquarters at Shelly Beach. Team sailing involved three two-person crews from a particular college matched up against three yachts from a rival school, the heat winner decided by overall placings among the six crews.
After a day and a half’s racing the fleet was split into Gold and Silver sections, with local
teams Queen Charlotte College and Marlborough Boys’ College making their way into the Gold fleet for the final stage of racing.
Eventually a winner was found, Christ’s College coming out on top, with Christchurch BHS second, Nayland College third, QCC fourth, MBC fifth and the Christchurch Girls’ Combo crew sixth. The Nelson College for Girls A team topped the Silver section.
For all new rental property clients, we will provide a free independent Healthy Homes* check and the first month's management free. Contact one of our specialist Property Managers and find out more today.
A boisterous crowd of around 900 packed Marlborough Lines Stadium on Saturday afternoon as a couple of National Basketball League heavyweights came to play.
The Nelson Giants and Wellington Saints squared off in their final pre-season clash before the national league begins next week, with the Nelson side coming out convincing 78-64 victors after leading from the early stages. Although both sides were short of their imported players, the annual match-up offered a chance for some of the lesser lights to showcase their skills and push for more game time.
Nelson Giants head coach Mike Fitchett was pleased with the effort of his charges, who looked the more prepared side after having the luxury of a couple of hitouts against the Canterbury Rams on the West Coast last weekend.
“I think this was the Saints first hit-out, but we were able to shake off a bit of rust last weekend,” said Mike.
“It is good that we showed some improvement today. I’m really happy with how we played – I wasn’t expecting the guys to play as well as that. We were energetic, aggressive and just stuck to our
game plan.”
He was thrilled with the atmosphere in the stadium.
“The crowd was awesome. We have been coming here for a number of years and it was by far the best crowd we have had.
“You can tell that the Marlborough Basketball Association staff have been doing a hell of a job … the ‘sold out’ signs were up, so you can tell that the community is pretty engaged with basketball.
“It’s really cool to play a pre-season game with a bit of atmosphere, a real treat, good fun.”
The experienced Giants’ coach was wary of making predictions regarding their chances in the forthcoming NBL season.
“We hope to be in the semis again … we have a lot of returning players but our imports will all be new. We will start again and see how it goes.
“The league is really strong, there is not a weak team out there. Six out of the 10 teams will make it to the play-offs so I don’t know … toss a coin and pick six.”
Final score: Nelson Giants 78
Wellington Saints 64 (Quarter scores: 22-19, 22-8, 18-15, 16-22).
In a lively curtain-raiser, a Marlborough Magic combination took on a side from ABC Nelson and came out on top 89-80.
PETER JONES
Senior football made its opening appearance for the 2023 season on Saturday when the annual John Columbus senior men’s tournament was staged at A and P Park.
Four teams took the opportunity to shake off some summer rust before their respective competitions begin later this month.
Rangers AFC, who will again play in the Nelson division one competition, took out the title for the second consecutive year, beating Central Buccaneers 2-1 in a highly-competitive final. Trojans Spartans came third with Woodbourne fourth.
The tournament was initiated in 2022, in memory of John Columbus, one of the province’s footballing stalwarts.
Paul O’Donnell
For up to date session times and to buy tickets visit eventcinemas.co.nz
MARLBOROUGH’S HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT • THE LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS • SNACK BAR • FAMILY MOVIE DEALS
U.3.A. Meeting Monday 10th April held at Cloudy Bay
Funeral Services Rooms, 15 Boyce St, Springlands, 2pm. Our guest speaker - Cynthia Brooks. Ann 03 5784200
WITHERLEA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Mon 7pm, Redwoodtown Community Hall. All welcome, no age limits. Only gear needed is soft sole shoes. Ph Moira 027 4808272 or Heather 0273106675.
RUMMY-0 CLUB Mon 12.30-4pm Bowls club rooms, Weld St. Ph Joy 577 6191/Mary 5788747
BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES Mon
2-3pm and Mon 6-7pm. First lesson free, then $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. 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, 7-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Wooden toys & projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 5705188.
CARE & SHARE A place for creatives to meet, encourage & share their skills. Mon 9.30am fortnightly. Barnies, Nativity (76 Alfred St). Ph 5783909 for more info.
ROTARY CLUBS in Blenheim, meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. World-wide service club for men & women, doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues. Ph Blenheim Club Secretary Andy Rowe 021842928. Blenheim South Club Secretary Dean Heiford 0212462642.
TUESDAY
CANCELLED TODAY - SAYGO (Steady As You Go) Balance/Exercise class Tues 11.30am-12.30pm. St Christophers Church Hall, 92 Weld St, followed by a cuppa & chat. Cost $2. Ph: Tineke 5780139 weekdays 9am-12 for more information.
MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month. 7pm, various locations. Promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Text only Meredith 0272122773.
SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking & improve your confidence. Tues 6.20pm Fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Ph 0276001788 or email sunbeltblenheim@gmail.com
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 & 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
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.
PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults Tues 10am-12noon. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 per session. Meet people & get some exercise. Morning tea provided. 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.
PICTON LINE DANCING Tue 9.30-11.30am, Anglican Church hall. $6 per class. Beginners welcome. Enquires to Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Every Wed 7.30pm. Blenheim Bowling Club, 65 Weld St. Come along & enjoy yourself! Ph Erin 027 234 1709.
GROVETOWN INDOOR BOWLS Wed 7pm at Wesley
Foundry. All bowlers welcome. Ph Morris 5786699.
RAPAURA INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Wed 7.30pm. Rapaura Hall. New members welcome. Ph Sue 021661717
BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired? Enjoy good fellowship? We’d love to see you at our meetings. 1st Wed of the month. 10am. Wesley Centre. Coffee mornings & outings as well. Ph. Raewyn 5784576 or Robert 5788938.
PICTON - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Wed 7.30pm. Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. Ph Lynda 0212600860.
CANCELLED TODAY - STRETCH & BREATHE Gentle stretching & Balance class for Seniors. Every Wed 1011am. Followed by a cuppa & chat. Cost $2. St Christophers Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph: Tineke 5780139 weekdays 9am-12 for more information.
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.
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 or text John 021979323.
LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the community for over fifty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s club or are interested in becoming a Lion. Tea meetings held 2nd & 4th Wed. Ph Delphine Lee 0299425004 or Helen Williams 0211458572.
WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB. We meet at 10am at the Picton Library, every third Wed of the month for fun & friendship. Gold coin donation for morning tea. After meeting we go for lunch at one of the venues in Picton, should you wish to join us.
PICTON BRIDGE CLUB Every Thurs 6.50pm Port Marlborough Pavilion. All levels welcome. Beginner lessons start 24th Apr. Ph Judy 021685348.
KEEP U MOVING gentle indoor walking exercise for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm each Thurs except the 4th Thurs of the month. Followed by a cuppa & chat. Cost $2 St Christophers Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph: Tineke 5780139 weekdays 9am-12 for more information.
OLDER PERSONS SEMINAR Thurs 23rd March. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 10am-1pm. Speakers, Wynnie Cosgrove from Foodbank. Entertainment by Marlb Sounds Chorus. Morning tea & a light lunch provided. Cost $5. Contact Tineke, Parish Office 03 578 0139.
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 035792440/ Lorraine 035781240/Shirley 035783728.
COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.15pm. Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. For more info ph: Asthma Marlb 0272057244.
SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9-12noon Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $5. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021 503 348
PICTON TABLE TENNIS Thurs 10am-12pm, Port Marl-
borough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. All adults welcome. $4 incl. morning tea. Equipment supplied. Ph Ernest 0275 888 453.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs 7-8pm Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St. MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, EOC, 4 Wither Rd. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.
KNIT & NATTER Marlb District Library. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month, 10am-12noon, tea & coffee provided. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph: Sue 5785317.
NATIVITY TUNES FOR TOTS Music, food & fun for pre-schoolers & caregivers. Fri 9.30am. Wesley Centre, 3 Henry St. During term time. Ph 5783909 for more info.
PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’
5-6pm at Café Cortado on the waterfront. 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 Starts 15th April. Every Sat, 2-4pm 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.
SUNDAY WORKING BEE – TE WHANAU HOU GROVE-
TOWN LAGOON Every 2nd Sun of the month. 14th May, 11th Jun, 9th Jul, 13th Aug, 10th Sep, 8th Oct & 12th Nov. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9:30am to 12pm, followed by a BBQ. We plant trees, tend previously planted trees, weeding, mulching & any jobs for continued conservation. E: Justine Johnson Johnsonmarlborough@gmail.com
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/international projects. New or used items, plants, food, coffee carts welcome. See bootsalemarket on Facebook.
MARLBOROUGH STROKE CLUB 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 or 021929955.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Sat 7-8pm Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St.
MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM at Brayshaw Park, open 10am-4pm. Maori treasures, Wairau Bar 1250 AD, The Wine Exhibition, Early settlers, Asian Dolls, 1870 to 1970 Fashion, 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.
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.
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.
MARLBOROUGH ASSOCIATED MODELLERS SOCIETY
miniature train rides, $2, 1st & 3rd Sun of month, model yacht & boat sailing Sun, 1pm-4pm, Brayshaw Park.
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.
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.
REPAIR CAFÉ We’ll fix your small repair on site. On the day, while you wait & have a cuppa. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. 9am-12noon, every 4th Sat of the month. John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.
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 0800229 6757. www.aa.org.nz. Meetings: 7.30pm Mon, Plunket Rooms, 21 Bythell St / 7.30pm Wed Picton Model Railway, 1 Picton Wharf / 7.30pm Fri St Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Rd, Spring Creek / 7.55am Sat Salvation Army Rm, 35 George St / 7.30pm Sun at Church, 54 High St, Renwick.
PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED 2 Market St. Wed 8.30am-2.30pm. Sat 8.30am-12noon. Ph Bill Rogers 5735507 or Rex 021469191. A place of welcome for Picton’s menfolk.
BLENHEIM MENZ SHED 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages 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 9am12noon. 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 TRAMPING CLUB A very active club. Mid-week & Sunday trips, plus overnight & extended trips. Find info at http://www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com
You will be part of the Finance department which consists of 20 staff who make up a supportive team that always ensure their deadlines are met. They are split into a number of small teams one of which is Accounts payable, Your primary objectives in this role are to manage and coordinate the functions of Accounts Payable and Bank Management team.
This will be done by supervising the accounts payable team, bank account & balance sheet reconciliations, cashflow management, monthly treasury reporting and providing good customer service to internal and external customers.
This role requires an eye for detail, with a solutions-based approach, and an understanding of financial systems.
Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you
This role requires someone with:
• Has a clerical background with proven Staff Management experience.
• Has a good understanding of computer and accounts payable systems.
• Is self-motivated, has a positive attitude, and can communicate well with people.
• Can meet deadlines and is accurate with data processing and reporting output.
• Can perform complex reconciliations.
If you are enthusiastic and well organised, with good initiative and a strong ability to relate effectively with people whilst communicating with them, then this may be the role for you.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
• A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing.
• An environment where input, initiative and innovation are encouraged.
• A fantastic learning environment and support for continuing education.
• A competitive remuneration and benefits package (including life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation, and relocation support where applicable).
If you’re ready to progress your career with Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Wairau - Tono mai | Apply now!
Applications close 5.00 pm on 20 April 2022.
For further information you are welcome to contact Chris Lake (Financial Services Manager) on 03 520 7400 or by emailing: chris.lake@marlborough.govt.nz
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applications should be made online via the careers page www.marlborough.govt.nz/ your-council/careers/current-vacancies. Here you will find full information on the vacancy and how to apply.
www.marlborough.govt.nz
Mike’s Mowers & Chainsaw Services specialise in the sales and service of outdoor power equipment and are proudly the Husqvarna Crown Dealership for Marlborough.
A salesperson role has become available in our busy showroom. If you are looking for a new start in sales, greater variety in your work and like to hang out with a friendly and enthusiastic team, then welcome to your new role!
We pride ourselves on our warm and friendly workplace, built on the foundation of great service every time! We are looking for a standout person who has:
• Previous retail/sales experience
• A positive attitude and is enthusiastic
• Communicate well and provide great customer service.
• Ability to cope well in a busy environment
• Attention to detail for recording repair work and organising parts
• An understanding of power tools
We offer a competitive hourly rate and an excellent team environment. The role is Monday to Friday 7:30am-5pm. If this sounds like you and you would like to be a part of a thriving business we would like to hear from you. Please forward your Cover Letter and C.V. to: dave@mikesmowers.co.nz
To be eligible for this position you must have a legal right to work permanently in New Zealand.
INTERESTED?
CONTACT US TODAY!
Jade Davies - 0224 730 493
Email: jortay11@hotmail.com
Wesley Centre Blenheim
Office Administrator Blenheim Methodist Parish Secretarial and basic accounting, 12 hours per week. Be the face, voice and network hub of the Wesley Centre. Complete job description available on request by email or collect from 3 Henry Street.
Closing date for applications, Friday April 14th. Ph 03 578 5796, email wesley.blenheim@xtra.co.nz
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 on-charged to the client. For full terms of trade go to https://marlboroughweekly.co.nz/terms-of-trade/.
Interested parties are invited to the 2023 AGM of Marlborough Group Riding for the Disabled Wednesday, 19 April 2023, 7pm at Marlborough RDA Conference Room, Churchward Park, Taylor Pass Rd, Blenheim
Items of business: • Annual performance report • President’s report • Election of officers • Appointment of Patron
Nominations for members of the Committee are invited.
A copy of the current Group Rules and nomination forms are available from MRDA office. Email admin@mrda.org.nz or phone 578 3051
PICTON BRIDGE CLUB
BEGINNER’S BRIDGE LESSONS
Starts 24th April (10 lessons)
For beginners or refresher course.
Ph Judy 021685348
@topsouthmedia.co.nz
There is much excitement that this is the first time the Yealands Classic Fighters’ flight line will include five WACOs, the largest gathering of these civilian aircraft ever assembled in Australasia. They include a rare custom cabin type built in 1936 of which only three were ever made. After purchasing one, Marlborough friends Jay McIntyre and Rex Newman spent fourteen years rebuilding it.
Classic Fighters is fortunate to have considerable support from the NZDF. Staff from Woodbourne will have a substantial tent setup with examples of their ground trades on display such as aircraft avionics, supply, safety, services, metalworkers and machinists. There will even be an AV type simulator for the public to experience.
Aside from the RNZAF Black Falcon team, the C-130 Hercules, Kiwi Blue, the RNZAF’s parachute team and a Seasprite helicopter from Whenuapai will be at the show.
Thanks most likely to its familiarity as the most famous plane used in World War 2, many of which were flown by some of the 710 New Zealand pilots who were in the RAF, the Spitfire is always the most popular plane at the show and this year there will be two in action. Highly regarded by pilots for its ability to outrun and out-manoeuvre the German Messerschmitt, it was a high-performance aircraft that played a major role in the Allies winning the war. Only 40 of the 18,000 Spitfires built remain flying in the world today and New Zealand is very fortunate to have a Spitfire MK.XIV and a Spitfire MK.IX roaring their way through this year’s show.
The New Zealand Yak Formation Aerobatic Team will return to this year’s event with nine of the Soviet-built air trainers. Extremely agile with a maximum speed of 420kmh and the ability to climb at 426 metres per minute, their formation flying is nothing short of breath-taking. Five Harvards and their pilots make up the Roaring Forties team. First flown in 1938, these aircraft were used by many countries air forces as training aircraft including our own RNZAF from 1941 until they were retired in 1977. Considered the ‘flag bearers’ of NZ Warbirds, the meticulous precision flying of this team is always spectacular to watch. The RNZAF Black Falcon team consists of five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II advanced trainers and come to Yealands Classic Fighters from RNZAF Base Ohakea. A two-pilot plane with glass cockpit, it can reach speeds of 585kmh and with its ability to withstand considerable G-forces, is ideal for close formation aerobatics.
A rare Soviet Polikarpov Po-2 biplane. In WW2 the type was converted to night bombers, made famous by the ‘Night Witches’.
Experience the excitement of Classic Fighters for all 3 days of the show or purchase a single day ticket. Due to popular demand, we are also offering a special deal on Friday evening (after 4pm), so you can come along just for the Twilight Extreme of flying and sensational fireworks. A must do for every family! www.classicfighters.co.nz
