News In Brief

Robotic Rumble

man, an extremely talented basketballer, and was selected to trial for the NZ Juniors basketball team in Rotorua. He was a loyal friend to many; he had so much potential to go far in life.

“He was good at everything he set his mind to; cheeky with a good sense of humour and above all, he loved his family.

“I think Quinn would be happy about the foundation and what we’re trying to do.”

The Quinn Foundation is being established by Quinn’s family alongside Lee Tepuia and his team at Box On Boxing in Blenheim.

To kick start the foundation and raise funds Kellie, Emma - Quinns eldest sister, Lee and Annie, the mum of one of Quinn’s good friends, JT, will be walking/running the St Clair Vineyard 12k on 13 May.

“The 12kms seems fitting as I was in Quinn’s life for 12 years,” Kellie says, “a K for every year and to remember all the fun times and memories we shared as a family.

“We would love to see Quinn walk through the door again but that’s not going to happen. What we can do though is help local families who lose a child like this.

“The money will help pay for more counselling as the amount of sessions you qualify for isn’t enough or a break away to help through the grieving process.”

Quinn Morton-Sands died unexpectedly in February and now his family are raising funds to help other families in his memory. Photos: Supplied.

The foundation is being set up as a charitable trust and will be run by a committee.

A Givealittle page is also raising funds for the foundation, with all monies going to help others. More than $3000 dollars has been raised so far.

As part of Marlborough’s Tech Week 2023 from the 7th to 14th of May, the Marlborough Youth Trust is organising the ‘Igniting Innovation’ Combat Robotics competition targeted at local students to inspire interest in science and technology. With robotics technology becoming more prevalent in workplaces around the world, this event aims to give Marlborough’s youth a boost into a technical future-proof industry with some competitive spirit.

Contact louisa@marlboroughchamber.nz for more information.

Music In The Forum

Newly formed local band Qarni treated locals to their first live performance in Blenheim’s Forum this weekend.

The nine-piece band with front women Iona and Peata Panoho received rave reviews from those who stayed for the show as well as local businesses for bringing their soulful sounds to the Blenheim CBD.

Rural Resiliency Speaker

Former policeman and crisis negotiation expert Lance Burdett is coming to speak to Marlburians around personal resiliency and dealing with adversity.

Join Lance at the Millers Rest Tavern in Rai on May 11 for lunch and refreshments for $10, with all ticket purchases going into the draw to win a copy of Lance’s book Dark Side of the Brain –Adapting to Adversity.