Marlborough Weekly 25 July 2023

PAULA HULBURT

A man who allegedly attacked a woman with a hammer has been caught by police and charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer.

spokesperson says the patient was in a stable condition and able to be discharged from the Emergency Department on Monday evening. The man has been remanded in custody to reappear in court on School of Rock PAGE 4

arrest. The victim was camping at the popular beauty spot when she was allegedly attacked and knocked unconscious on Monday morning. She was taken to Wairau Hospital. A Te Whatu Ora Marlborough PAGE 8

Horror hammer attack at Marfells Beach

A 52-year-old man has appeared in Blenheim District Court last week facing three charges; injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of cannabis and using a firearm against a law enforcement officer.

The man, who was caught by police on Tuesday night, sustained dog bites during the arrest and was taken to Wairau Hospital for treatment.

Sweet success

Karate kudos Powering on PAGE 16 Congratulations to Blenheim’s Cookie Time independent franchisee Katrina Cooke, who has been awarded the 2023 Franchisee of the Year. Katrina had made the final shortlist for the award in each of the last four years, but set the goal to win the title in 2023 and is stoked to have achieved it. “The key is to concentrate on customer re lationships and have a positive attitude. Katrina Cooke, second left, with her husband Richard, centre, receiving the award from the Cookie Time team. A liated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society for Endovenous Laser Treatment & Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Call For Your Complimentary, No Obligation DOCTOR’S VEIN ASSESSMENT & SCAN

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Picton paths closed for housing development

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Picton’s Endeavour Park could soon have new neighbours with a 66-house residential development set to break ground soon. The section of unoccupied land owned by title holders Endeavour Park Developments, has now been closed off to the public.

Developers and the wider community are waiting for resource consent to be approved by planning bosses.

Marlborough Sounds Councillor

Barbara Faulls is encouraged the project is getting momentum behind it.

“This development is still going through the Resource Consent process that anyone can view on the Council website – but we are, as Councillors, very aware that there is a real need for new residential homes in Picton.”

Barbara says the move is a positive one for business owners

struggling to find accommodation for staff moving into the region.

New residents are moving to the area as part of the ongoing Port Marlborough expansion and other large projects in the region but places to live are limited.

“We have been contacted on multiple occasions by business owners who have struggled to find appropriate accommodation for incoming staff so this should be very positive, and we will be interested to see how this develops over time,” Barbara says.

The development plan will see both Rohe Drive and Admiralty

News In Brief

PAY RISE RATIFIED

Drive extended.

Marlborough Sounds Councillor

Ben Minehan says the closing of the pathways is the first of many steps for the planned project.

“This private owner has allowed the public to use tracks that crossed their land for many years but now that they are ready to develop, the tracks have had to be closed.

“The developer is applying to Council for resource consent to subdivide and develop this title of land.”

Access to Victoria Domain and The Snout from the Waikawa side is now limited to Victoria Domain Road or Ranui Street.

Batchelor takes Stop Co-Governance tour to Picton backyard

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

Julian Batchelor’s ‘Stop Co-Governance’ tour has become an “underground movement” as venues continue to cut ties with his meetings.

In Waitohi Picton, his meeting on Thursday was relegated to a backyard under a marquee. But a small crowd first gathered at the Picton Yacht Club Hotel at about 2.30pm as people got confused about where they were supposed to go.

However, signs on the door, and on the grass outside, indicated the club’s stance.

“Functon [sic] cancelled,” they read. “Picton Yacht Club does not support any group. Please do not abuse the property and staff for any issues.”

The neighbour said she decided to host Batchelor’s meeting because everyone was entitled to free speech.

At this point during similar meetings Batchelor had stood at the entrance and decided who could come through the door (or in this case, the driveway).

No one appeared to be turned away at the Picton meeting, but Batchelor did tell a Local Democracy Reporter he had the right to refuse anyone entry because it was a private meeting.

But ultimately “the media” were let through, they just had to be “respectful.”

Batchelor told the group of about 50 people the tour was “never boring” and acknowledged he had been met with protest.

“We’ve been cancelled out of buildings all around the country.

You’d think we’re the villains, but we’re the good guys fighting for democracy,” Batchelor said.

“Yet somehow, we’re the bad guys. That tells you how sick the country is at the moment.

“We’re an underground movement, and we shouldn’t be.”

He asked if any Māori were in attendance but none were. This was a “shame” as Māori were always at his meetings, and he had thousands of Māori who supported him across the country, he claimed.

“This is a political war, it’s a war of words and ideas. The only weapons I will ever use are my brain, my mouth and my pen.

“Give me a clap for that.”

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

PSA Members from across Te Tau Ihu Top of the South Councils (Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson) have ratified their second Multi Employer Collective Agreement (MECA). The MECA remains the only multi-employer collective agreement of its kind in the local government sector. Members will see an increase on all rates on the pay spine ranging from 4.5-7.5 per cent for the first year of a two-year agreement.

FOODIES

TIME

TO SHINE

The newly announced 2023/24

Cuisine

Good Food Guide shortlist contains eight local eateries for Marlburians and visitors to try. Congratulations to Arbour, Cloudy Bay Jack’s Raw Bar, Frank’s Oyster Bar and Eatery, Gramado’s, Harvest, Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, Sisu and Wairau River Wines Restaurant for being shortlisted. The full guide with Cuisine Hat allocations will be released on the 7th of August 2023, alongside the awards for Cuisine Chef of the Year and American Express Restaurant of the Year.

WATER POLO FUNDRAISER

Fancy a fun night out whilst helping raise funds for tournament entry fees for teams representing Marlborough Water Polo Club? Help send Marlborough’s under 16 water polo players to this year’s national championships by joining the team at the fundraiser quiz, silent auction and raffle night at the Woodbourne Tavern & Motels in Renwick on Friday 18th August to start at 6:30pm. Email admin@marlboroughwaterpolo.com to secure your table of 8-10 quizzers for $100.

The piece of land neighbouring Endeavour Park, between Picton and Waikawa, that is set for development. Photo: William Woodworth.

Julian Batchelor said the road show had become an “underground movement”. Photo: Anthony Phelps/STUFF.

Councillor’s superhero fight for talent show

A Blenheim councillor found himself in the centre of a fight in Pollard Park – but all for a good cause.

Councillor Jonathan Rosene put his dramatic talents to the test as he joined self-proclaimed superheroes and comic duo Fist Puncher and Foot Kicker.

But far from calling police, the good-natured trio hope people will call for tickets to an upcoming Seddon talent show in aid of Gumboot Friday.

The special talent show is raising money for the charity which helps fund free counselling for children.

Jonathan will join fellow judges and stand-up comedians Fist Puncher (Chris Lippiatt) and Foot Kicker (Phil McKinnon) at the 29 July event.

The crime fighting duo who have their own social media platforms, describe themselves as two ‘realistic proportioned’ superheroes. Show organiser Kaitlyn Pike says there are some spaces available for those wanting to showcase their talents for a worthwhile cause. “I need lots of talent to enter. If you can play the ruler, if you can sing, if you can dance a jig, we want you.”

She says while the idea is for people to have fun, there is a serious message behind the concept.

“There is a mental health crisis and the government is doing nothing about it.

“Mike King has created Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope to help fund free counseling sessions for

children and school talks and education.

“I wish we had this service when I was at school, so I am doing as much fundraising as possible to keep this service available for when my children need it, and to help support others in need of these services.

Seddon Talent Show needs you

“A talent show is a great way to celebrate what talent we have available in our community, and at the same time, to help raise funds for Gumboot Friday is a bonus.” The show will be held at Yealands Memorial Hall, starting with a light supper at 6pm, with the entertainment starting at 7pm.

Tickets for the family-friendly event are $25, with as prize on offer for the best costume for those who come dressed up as something beginning with the first letter of their name.

For more information or to buy tickets email k.z.samson@hotmail. com

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Blenheim Councillor Jonathan Rosene with Fist Puncher (Chris Lippiatt), Foot Kicker (Phil McKinnon) and talent show organiser Kaitlyn Pike. Graphic: Grace Williams.

Capturing memories a digital dream

PAULA HULBURT

Capturing a lifetime of memories for future generations is at the heart of a local digital project.

REAP Marlborough has unveiled plans for a special project which will help older members of the community record their stories. This will help safeguard stories and memories that otherwise may be lost over time, explains Digital Support team member Kate Horrey.

“I know many families want their loved ones to share and record memories, but it can be a daunting project and sometimes, it never quite gets started.

“Everyone has a lifetime of knowledge and stories. Sharing our memories gives a sense of personal identity, promotes creativity, helps us reflect on our lives, fosters social interaction and aids us in understanding each other better.

“For older people, it also allows people to preserve memories before it’s too late.”

Facilitated by Blenheim councillor Jonathan Rosene, the yearlong project gets underway with an exploratory discussion for anyone keen to take part and share their ideas.

People will be able to opt in and out of the initiative as they wish, depending on time pressures and health.

There might be a take home kit for families to work through with their older loved ones at home.

As part of her role at REAP is to encourage people, of all ages, to have go with computers and develop basic computer technology skills, the idea is a win-win, Kate says. “It seemed sensible to try and match the two things together, hopefully creating time, space and support for older people to digitally record precious memories to share with whoever they wish and preserve for the future.

“I really enjoy social history and am fascinated by stories from

other people’s lives, especially those of older generations.” Free technology makes recording memories much easier, Kate says.

“With the correct support and time, even the most techno-phobic person could capture some wonderful memories and record significant life events for others

to enjoy and learn from.” Volunteer help would be greatly appreciated, and everyone is invited to the meeting to share their thoughts.

“It would be lovely to work towards a public exhibition of work at the end of the 2024 for those who wanted to share their stories

with the whole community.”

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 August at 10.30am at Te Kahu o Waipuna, Room 2, Marlborough District Libraries. To RSVP or to get more information, please contact Kate at REAP: 022 600 3582 | kate@reapmarlborough.co.nz

Kicking it with the best

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Three martial arts experts have travelled to the birthplace of karate in a bid to increase their skills and bring back ancient knowledge.

Members of Marlborough’s goji-ryu community travelled to the tropical island of Okinawa, in Japan, with 32 other South Islanders to train under karate masters.

Leeland Roche, Theresa Hinton and Mary-Jane Thompson trained for a week at the world-famous Jundokan Dojo under sensei Tsuneo Kinjo and sensei Tetsu Gima at the beginning of July – with Leeland passing the grading test to be awarded his san dan, or third-degree black belt.

Marlborough Goji-Ryu karate club organiser Leeland Roche credits the community for their support in making the “bucket list” trip a reality.

“We have been highly supported by our Marlborough club and their families, and huge thanks to thank Sensei Hayden Wilmott from Canterbury Goju Ryu Karate Club for organising such a great opportunity,” Leeland says.

“The club carried out a lot of fundraising – we ran a quiz night, did vineyard work, and raffles with the help of different organisations.”

The group trained in very testing conditions, says Leeland, experiencing 30-degree heat and 90 per cent humidity – as well as immersion in the Okinawan cul-

ture, language and food.

Leeland has been practising karate since 1999 and has spent the last seven years in Marlborough teaching after taking over the club. He was one of three New Zealanders to test for their grading during the trip. He says the experience of training under Sensei’s Kinjo and Gima was a bucket list experience.

“Having the opportunity to train at the birthplace of karate was just incredible and the masters were so patient, incred-

ibly helpful and thorough - and just fantastic guys that it was a pleasure to train under for a week.

“They were completely deadpan while I was doing my grading which was pretty freaky – we had no idea how we were doing but I obviously did well enough to be awarded my san dan.”

Leeland now aims to bring his new learning back to his students - and with the next grading examinations coming up, he hopes to be able to hand out new belts in the near future.

“We’ve got our first few black belt graduations next as well as our kids grading up, and hopefully a few more black belts next year.”

But Leeland sees his students getting far more out of the discipline than just the martial art itself.

“Karate really shows a great way of life and the more you’re around it, the more life lessons you learn and more little improvements you see people making in their own lives.”

Leeland Roche with his 3rd level black belt (San Dan) grading certificate.

Photo: Supplied.

Leeland Roche, Theresa Hinton and Mary-Jane Thompson.

“Sharing our memories gives a sense of personal identity, promotes creativity...”

Digital Support team member Kate Horrey. Photo: Supplied.

Dental Prosthetic SPECIALISTS

Humble helper honoured

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A Blenheim businessman has been surprised with two Rotary awards in recognition of his readiness to help. Well known butcher and business owner Mike Newman has been honoured for his work with Blenheim Rotary Club. The owner of Meaters of Marlborough was presented with two awards by outgoing club president James McKenzie-Wiley and incoming president Steve Metzger.

A large contingent of Rotary members and guests were at Raupō Café at their annual changeover night last week and on hand to see Mike recognised. His generous support of local causes through donations of money and meat saw him take home a Rotary International Award and a Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

But in true humble style, Mike says he is always happy to help when he can.

“All we do is make the sausages and do what we can do to help, and all of our staff are glad to be of assistance to the great causes the Rotary Club gets behind.”

While Mike would usually have been cleaning up after a busy day at his Maxwell Road shop, friends and Rotary colleagues suggested he make the Monday night Rotary meeting.

It is an honour to have been given the awards, he says.

“I was very honoured to be given the award and it was an absolute surprise – I’m normally cleaning the butchery floors at 6pm on a Monday but I kept getting hints from about a week out it was important for me to head along, so I’m glad I did”.

Mike prefers to keep his product

donations and charitable endeavours under the radar and encourages other businesses to assist the variety of worthwhile causes in Marlborough in whatever capacity they can.

“Packs of sausages don’t mean too much to us, but it’s the best way we can contribute. If we cause a bit of good in the community where we can without being asked, that’s what being a local

business is all about.

“Organisations like Rotary are sadly seeing numbers decrease but they do such fantastic work on the coalface of Blenheim with the numbers they have.”

Eye Institute joins with Dr Ed Hutchins at Churchill Specialist Centre

We are pleased to announce that Eye Institute has partnered with Dr Ed Hutchins at Churchill Specialist Centre. Through this collaboration, we are pleased to support Dr Ed Hutchins, as he continues to provide exceptional eye care to the people of the Marlborough region.

Eye Institute is a national Ophthalmology practice providing eye care across New Zealand with practices across Auckland, Wellington Hawke’s Bay, Blenheim and Dunedin. Our team of 22 highly skilled Ophthalmologists allow us to provide exceptional expertise to communities across New Zealand.

specialist@churchillhospital.co.nz

www.eyeinstitute.co.nz

Mike Newman with outgoing Blenheim Rotary Club President James McKenzie-Wiley.

Photo: Supplied.

If we cause a bit of good in the community where we can without being asked, that’s what being a local business is all about

Dr Ed Hutchins provides a comprehensive range of surgical and medical eye care services:

Queen Charlotte students building new pathways

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Queen Charlotte College students are set to get an insight into some of Marlborough’s booming businesses.

The college’s Head of Careers James Bruce wants to show students there are other options out there for those not keen to follow the usual career pathways. And to highlight the unexpected options out there, the college is holding its first ever career’s week.

“There’s such a range of roles in local businesses that these kids wouldn’t know about, and it opens ideas for kids that may already know what they want to do, and those who still aren’t sure,” James says.

“With all the upcoming infrastructure projects in Marlborough alongside the existing opportunities out there, there’s a real job boom and we’re rich for choice with the breadth of roles.

“The region is humming, and these kids want to be a part of it.”

James says discovering more about career choices has evolved past handing out printed information.

Former QCC students have been doing short podcast questionnaires to help capture students’ imaginations.

“Careers in schools has evolved since the days of pamphlets – these kids are clued up and want insights from experienced people they can relate to,” James

says.

Year 13 Jasmine Thompson is hoping to do a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance.

“I’ve always been looking at skills in demand and with family in finance, I was always leaning that way,” she says.

“Learning more about cadetships, where businesses fund your study and have roles ready

once you graduate, is something that many people overlook to apply for scholarships instead.”

Fellow student Tom Clerke is still indecisive about his next move –but says his schooling experiences have seen interesting options pop up.

“I’ve always had a bit of a ‘tunnel vision’ on going to university, but through opportunities like the Spirit of Adventure and the Sir

Peter Blake Trust, I’ve gained an interest in environmental science from the two programmes that was an entirely new option for me”.

“Students should experience as much as possible in their schooling because it widens their scope of interest, and the careers week means you can just attend which seminars you could be interested in”.

Fellow year 12 Mana Collins has had his ideas around after school develop recently and is currently looking into options for teaching college.

“I wasn’t keen on heading to university for a while, but the more I’ve investigated teaching the more it seems to line up with my skillset.”

For those about to rock, we salute you

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marlborough’s next rockstars are ready to rock the socks off their first joint production after a forced four-year hiatus.

The production of School of Rock takes to the stage from August 1 with a stellar local cast geared up and excited to go.

Based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, the story unfolds around the misadventures of failing musician Dewey Finn. The student cast from Marlborough Boys’ College, Marlborough Girls’ College and Richmond View School bring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning smash hit musical to the stage. Director Jeannie Mark, Production Manager Ngaire Searle and Musical Director Robin Randall hope to see plenty of support from the community.

“…it’s been months and months of dedication to get to this point and we couldn’t be happier with the support we have received”, says Ngaire.

“This cast brings boundless energy, enthusiasm, and team mentality at every rehearsal … and we can’t wait to show everyone our hard work.”

“We were so lucky to have snaffled Jeannie (Mark) so early on –she’s an immensely talented and experienced director and choreographer, and we love her to bits. Despite being semi-retired, Jeannie says she couldn’t pass on the

opportunity.

“I saw the School of Rock musical in America and always wanted to put it on, so when Ngaire said that was the plan I couldn’t say no!”

“The script is hilarious with great morals behind it, and watching our cast hone their existing talents while discovering new ones has been so rewarding”.

“A lot of these kids could ei-

ther sing, dance, act or play instruments – this show challenges them to work on their skills by doing it all at once and hopefully learning life lessons on the way”.

One of the students who has stepped into a new role is year 11 backstage manager Sam Morris.

“It’s been amazing watching all the moving parts of three different bands, so many rehearsals

and personal preparation and growth into roles at home come together – let alone the fantastic team spirit”.

Richmond View School student Luca Handisides plays lead guitarist Zac has been exploring new creative avenues.

“It’s a great community around this show and getting to know other like-minded kids in an artistic environment, and we all learn so much from one another – I never knew how much work goes in backstage to put on something like this”.

Daniel Brunel, as Dewey Finn, echoes Luca’s love of the film –saying “I love everything Jack Black does whether its his music or movies, and the ability to share that love with this cast has been so rewarding”.

School of Rock runs from August 1 to 5 at ASB Theatre Marlborough with adult tickets at $45 and children at $25, with tickets from https://www. asbtheatre.com/events/school-ofrock/

The full School of Rock cast and crew rocking out to the camera.

Photo: William Woodworth.

Tom Clerke, Jasmine Thompson and Mana Collins are keen to learn from local business speakers throughout their Careers Week. Photo: William Woodworth.

Brightening up Marlborough streets through cabinet art

Cabinet art is coming to Marlborough and now is the time for artists to get designing.

Chorus is partnering with Council to beautify six cabinets across the district and artists are encouraged to submit designs before the deadline of 31 August.

Chorus Community Relations Manager Jo Seddon said it made sense to partner with local councils as they knew their communities.

“We are thrilled to be working with Marlborough District Council and we’re really looking forward to seeing what

local artists come up with to reflect their community’s stories,” she said.

The painted cabinets bring colour and vibrancy to the streets, often telling stories about the communities in which they are located and help to discourage tagging.

Mayor Nadine Taylor is pleased to welcome the cabinet art programme to Marlborough.

“This is our first year managing the Chorus Cabinet Art

Programme and we’re excited to work with the local community to bring creativity to our streets,” she said. Submissions are open until 31 August and the winning design will be chosen from entries received. Information can be found at: www.chorus.co.nz/ community/cabinet-art-programme

Current nationwide murals can be seen at: www.chorus. co.nz/blog/cabinet-art-gallery/

Culling feral goats in Essons Valley Soft plastic recycling returns

Picton’s large feral goat population will be the target of a recreational hunting campaign in the Essons Valley and Waitohi water catchment.

DOC has asked Council for recreational hunting with firearms to be allowed in the area where such hunting has previously not been allowed.

At last week’s Assets and Services Committee meeting Reserves and Amenities Officer Kiri Whiteman said it was proposed to engage an experienced contractor to undertake a targeted goat cull as well as allowing in recreational hunters to get on top of increasing goat numbers.

“DOC considers recreational hunting with firearms as a useful control method,” she said. “Controls for public safety will be put in place.”

Keeping our tamariki safe

We all know how important it is to ensure children are secure and safe in our cars.

Expert Bruce Wilson, qualified child car restraint technician, was in Marlborough last week to help achieve that goal.

Council supported eight people from community organisations to become accredited child restraint technicians and Bruce tested them to ensure they had the essential skills. His visit was part of Council’s and the Marlborough Car Seat Safety Group’s goal to ensure all tamariki are safely secured in the vehicles they travel in, Road Safety Co-ordinator Robyn Blackburn said. “The rationale being that whānau are

Permit applications will be subject to vetting by Picton Police and hunts will be monitored. A maximum of six hunting permits would be issued a year with two hunters per hunting party.

No hunting would be allowed during the Christmas period or when events or significant works were taking place.

Those approved would be required to hunt with a handheld GPS and would not be allowed to hunt within 200 metres of residential areas, walking tracks, public spaces or water catchment areas.

Councillor Scott Adams said he encouraged the safe and responsible use of firearms and supported allowing recreational hunters into the area.

Car seat expert Bruce Wilson with some of those at last week’s course; (from left) Simone Peterson, Kowhai Buchanan and Amanda Demmocks

more likely to go to their own support organisations for car restraint fitting than to someone they have no relationship with,” she said.

The eight had already passed a theory passed component and last week’s assessment covered seat installation. Those who attended came away equipped with the skills to correctly install any seat in a variety of vehicles.

After a five-year lapse, clean and soft plastic is once again being collected at points around Blenheim including Countdown Blenheim, Countdown Redwoodtown, The Warehouse Blenheim, New World Blenheim, as well as the Hazardous Waste Centre in Wither Road, Blenheim. Plastic collected will be processed at Future Post’s new Blenheim plant and recycled into fence posts for use on local farms and vineyards.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says the reintroduction of soft plastic recycling in Marlborough is exciting, and more so because the plastic collected will be recycled locally.

“It’s great to see the soft plastic recycling bins back in stores across the district, and even better that the plastic collected here will be processed, and recycled into other

products, right here in Blenheim,” she said. “It’s an excellent example of local businesses working together to reduce our collective impact on the environment.”

Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme Manager Lyn Mayes said there had already been an incredible response from Marlborough people since the distinctive recycling bins returned last month.

“We knew the return to the region would be popular and the additional processing capacity that Future Post’s new operation offers made it possible for us to start again,” she said.

All plastic must be soft and clean and includes items such as frozen food packets, courier bags and dry pet food bags. A full list is available at: www.recycling.kiwi

Now's your chance to brighten Marlborough streets

Start saving your bread and cereal bags - soft plastic recycling has returned to Blenheim.

The remarkable Mr Bennett

The chapter has closed on another highly successful Marlborough Book Festival. Kat Duggan caught up with guest author Michael Bennett.

One of New Zealand’s most remarkable story tellers has shared some insight into his own journey.

Michael Bennett was shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at this year’s Ockham New Zealand Book Awards with his most recent work and first novel, Better the Blood His crime thriller novel, set in Auckland today, tells the story of a series of seemingly unconnected murders, which are found to be linked by police officer, Hana Westerman.

Westerman makes the connection when she realises each victim is a descendant of a different member of a British Army troop who wrongly, and brutally, executed a Māori chief during the colonisation of New Zealand. The book cleverly highlights the injustices faced by Māori not only at the time of the colonisation, but which continue to stand today.

“I wrote this book to entertain the hell out of the reader. I love crime thrillers. It’s my favourite genre,” Michael says.

“But if you write, entertaining is just one part of it. You write because you have something to say, something burning inside, something you feel is important.

“In creating Better the Blood, I want to offer something more between the lines. For me the book is a kind of Trojan Horse that explores deeper meanings, talking about things that I think are important to talk about for New Zealanders, about where we are, how we got here, and where we are going.”

Michael’s upbringing played a big part in his pursuit of a career as a writer. His father, a decorated

Spitfire pilot in WWII, gave him a passion for fighting the important fights, while his mother, a talented writer, gave him a love of words and an awe for their power to change the world.

“I was born on November 5th, and growing up I was taught about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the house of Windsor and the history of the British Empire.

“Meanwhile, here’s what I was taught about the bloody colonisation of our own country; exactly nothing. With the support of the best-equipped military force on the planet (the British Army), my ancestors’ lands, self-determination and self-governance were stolen.

“We came terrifyingly close to the genocide of our language, our

culture, of us as a people. Māori today remain massively ‘disadvantaged across every socio-economic matrix,” he says.

Michael discussed his work in conversation with renowned journalist Mike White.

The sessions, Better the Blood and Telling Crucial Stories for Page and Screen, delved into both his latest novel, as well as his work bringing the case of wrongfully convicted murderer, Teina Pora, to the public eye.

“Telling Teina’s story was something that took over my career for the best part of a decade.

“It was a story I wish I never had to tell; the story of a young Māori man betrayed by a scandalously inept and profoundly flawed justice system.

“I made a documentary about

Teina’s story, I co-wrote and directed a dramatic feature, and I wrote In Dark Places, a non-fiction novel. Looking back on all three works, there’s fire and anger bubbling just beneath the surface – Teina became a close friend of me and my family, and what happened to him devastates me to this day,” Michael says.

“There is absolutely a direct shining line between telling Teina’s real-life story, and the writing of my first fiction novel, Better The Blood. Writing In Dark Places was about unpeeling and laying bare the real and awful and ongoing issues with the justice system’s treatment of Māori, as exemplified and made tangible in the tragedy of Teina Pora; with Better The Blood, I could use fiction-

al thriller storytelling to explore equally urgent and difficult issues that I believe we should be talking about.”

Better the Blood had nine translations confirmed before going on sale anywhere in the world, described as ‘the first crime thriller about a Māori detective, written by a Māori author’.

“I think, and hope, that the interest in the book here and internationally reflect that this is a time when the voices of indigenous storytellers are being not only heard but actively sought.

“And I also hope that this is a time when we are starting to embrace the need to understand and deal with our past in order to ever truly move forward,” Michael says. Session host Mike White, himself an investigative journalist with an interest in crime and justice, says Michael’s sessions were a highlight for festival attendees.

“Michael Bennett is simply an exceptional storyteller.

“His work across books, TV and movies has been remarkable, and he tells the stories of those we’d often not know about,” he says.

To see a crime thriller make the Ockham awards shortlist is almost unprecedented, Mike says.

“But [Better the Blood] is much more than a cop-on-the-killer’strail book, with Michael’s own experiences in the real-life world of crime, justice and injustice filling its pages, and filling our heads with truly challenging questions,” he says.

“His own story is incredible, and I think audiences at this year’s Marlborough Book Festival will come away thinking his sessions were the highlight of their weekend … we’re incredibly lucky to have him at this year’s festival.”

Crime thriller author Michael Bennett was a highlight at the Marlborough Book Festival. Photo: Supplied.

CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...

Does the banning of plastic produce bags impact you, or have you already moved away from them?

Community comments

Dear Editor,

It is obvious that your correspondents putting down Julien Batchelor do not agree with free speech.

I changed over to reusable bags a long time ago, and to be honest I’m surprised it has taken this long for them to get completely taken away.

My family have avoided using plastic bags for quite a while. Anything we can do to reduced the amount of plastics we use, the better.

They say that he is racist, and spouts hate. I attended his earlier meeting and am sure that if the protesters had been allowed in, there would have been no meeting.

His message is that the original signed treaty clearly states that ALL New Zealanders have equal rights and that Queen Victoria insisted on this to protect the natives.

Democracy also demands equal rights. Racist? Hate? The British put an end to the musket wars and some cultural things that our school children are not allowed to know but are taught the horrible things the colonists did.

MARLBOROUGH CRICKET OUTLINES ‘WISH LIST’ AS SPORTS JOSTLE FOR COUNCIL CASH

This is long overdue, hopefully council actually comes up with some action soon!

Tony McKenzie

In many countries freedom of speech is under threat, In NZ and Canada, governments are paying journalists. In Britain there is a growing de-facto law against ‘obscenity’ (Pakistan style). In Denmark, a newspaper has said it will no longer criticise a certain group, ‘violence has won over’.

Yesterday I saw a video of the Canadian Prime Minister speaking to a group and asking police to remove interjectors. He said people should listen and learn from him. The bowling club was not hosting Mr Batchelor but hiring out their rooms. They decided against lawful free speech, which our present law thankfully allows them to do.

John Vile Blenheim

Surely if he shot at the building and caused damage, he should be personally responsible for all costs?

Kate Faith-Pickering

FALCONS LEAVE IT VERY LATE

Great effort guys, a tough proposition and you toppled them - be proud!

It’s a bit of a catch-22 with plenty of items still packaged in single use plastics but at least we have paper replacements that are just as good. Miss my bin liners though.

I moved over to reusable bags like the mesh ones basically as soon as I knew they were an option, so it doesn’t impact me.

GUILTY PLEA FOR POLICE STATION SHOOTING

Sounds like they’re getting a slap on the wrist. Lucky they didn’t get caught smoking a joint or they’d be going to jail. Blenheim police are hopeless, and the Blenheim courts to back them up.

Jamarl Thomson

Malcolm Adams

Half a dozen Picton boys do go to school and play for MBC in various teams. The No8 for yesterday was a Picton boy! Ben Gibbons, a name worth watching!

Bosun Huntley

1. Tonielle Purdy, Kat Pickford, Dave Howes and Debbie Godsiff.

2. Sonia O’Regan, Kia King and Charlotte Patterson.

3. Rachel Henderson, Christine Brown and Jenny Henderson.

4. Megan Rosene, Cath Shanaghan, Johnathan Rosene, Sally McLennan, Courtney Clark-Michaels and Nadine Taylor.

5. Maxine Priestley, Anna Sheed, Kate Burch and Joss Hong.

6. Liz McKay and Karen Dick.

7. Lena Sappey and Julie Delmas.

8. Janice Kendall, Julia Mayo and Karen Stace.

9. Angela Pickering, Dave Parsons, Jacqui Clayton and Bruce Ingram.

10. Angela MacKenzie, Nick Bollinger, Andrew Delahenty and Tui MacDonald.

Project manager at Hydramech, Jamie Hubbard, is great advocate for making a positive career choice early in life in order to create a fulfilling and exciting career in the years ahead.

Beginning as an apprentice plumber in 2008, he worked his way through the stages required to become a certified plumber and gasfitter and is now one of the partners in the Hydramech group which includes Laser Plumbing Blenheim.

The company is one of Marlborough’s leading suppliers of mechan-

stainless steel fabrication,” he says. Meanwhile, the Laser Plumbing side of the business has expanded into drain-laying as well.

“It made perfect sense to become a one stop shop for all things to do with plumbing and gas fitting which really benefits our customers.”

There are always developments taking place in the world of plumbing and the latest home trends Jamie is seeing are the likes of hot water heat pumps and water efficient tapware with built in sensors.

“As the demand for these increases, they have become more affordable,” he says.

ical and plumbing services to the ever-growing winery sector locally and throughout New Zealand.

“Many companies require detailed engineering expertise to keep at the forefront of innovation and production and we have a number of highly qualified technical staff on the team whose skills are much sought after whether it be in the areas of winery services, waste water services, pumps & filtration, general engineering or process engineering,” says Jamie.

“We are currently in the process of building a brand-new upgraded engineering workshop on site because of the substantial rise in demand for

“Home owners are definitely thinking outside the square and looking at alternative options.

“There is a strong growing trend toward more energy efficiency hot water systems with the effects of inflation hitting people in the back pocket and savings on power costs a priority.”

“So much of the work we do involves large projects completed in fast time frames and it is exciting watching the design process take place and develop into systems and products that fulfil the needs of our customers,” says Jamie.

“I’m very pleased I made the career choice I did.”

Eaton Excavations

With an extensive list of qualifications behind him in the fields of civil earthworks and infrastructure and over twenty-five years of hands-on experience, multi-skilled Kevin Eaton has recently launched his own business, Eaton Excavations Ltd.

No job is too big or small for the company with its up-to-date machinery and top operators able to carry out an array of works including all aspects of vineyard development, drainage, road construction and grading, culvert supply and installation, root raking, inter-row vineyard drainage, gravel delivery and more.

“We strive to work closely with every client to understand their requirements and

Blackwater Contracting

provide the best possible quality results that will stand the test of time,” says Kevin. Eaton Excavations has the following machinery available: Excavators of various sizes, Grader, 8T Vibrating Construction Roller, 4x4 3T Dump Truck to fit down narrow vineyard rows. 4.5T Loader, Truck and Trailer, 3.5 T Car Transporter Trailer, 12,000 Litre Modern Water Cart, Lecia Laser Equipment and Heavy Machinery transporting.

Ph Kevin Eaton on 021 615 105.

VINEYARD DEVELOPMENT | DRAINAGE | ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING | ROOT RAKING CULVERT SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION | INTER-ROW VINEYARD DRAINAGE | GRAVEL DELIVERY

Middlehurst Station, owned by the Susan and Willie Macdonald, is a rugged high-country 16,550-hectare farm that has gained a reputation for producing premium quality meat products in an ethical and environmentally conscious way.

With the couple’s four adult children actively involved in the business, they have recently brought the passion for what they produce on the land to the new Middlehurst Farm Store in the heart of the Kaikoura township.

Complete with onsite butchery, local customers and those passing through can now purchase in-store the farm’s popular range of meat cuts along with a myriad of other local produce and a

Middlehurst Station

selection of the country’s finest culinary products.

A warm and inviting space, the store reflects the station’s rural heartland feel and it also provides the perfect excuse to stop for a freshly roasted coffee and array of tasty delights including the famous Middlehurst Station handcrafted meat pies.

Open seven days a week the new venture has been embraced by the local community and visitors alike.

THE FARM STORE & CAFE

Hayden Thomas is relishing being the owner of his recently established company, Blackwater Contracting. With many years working in the contracting industry behind him, he and his team bring a wide range of experience to the work they do, specialising in a range of different size and type of contracting jobs throughout the Marlborough region.

“We are currently involved in a great deal of vineyard redevelopment,” says Hayden.

“It is work I am very familiar with and enjoy. It can include a range of tasks including the removal of grape vines, the replacement of posts, inter-row drainage and irrigation. In addition to vine-

yard work, Blackwater Contracting also undertakes site preparation for house and business construction including driveway formation and any other earthworks required on site including retaining walls.

“We thoroughly enjoy whatever we are called to do throughout the region and are known for our high quality and efficient service,” he says.

To reach Hayden Thomas at Blackwater Contracting Ph 021765406

Conley’s Painting and Decorating

Conley’s Painting and Decorating is family business led by Tony Conley who has had a wealth of experience painting and decorating properties throughout the Marlborough area.

“I have been fortunate to have had years of experience in all aspects of interior and exterior painting,” he says.

“I always wanted to have my own business and although I have worked on many new homes, I particularly enjoy the process of bringing old houses back to life and giving them a fresh new look.”

Tony’s father Stephen, wife Kylie-Anne and stepson Levi are all available to step in as required to help with larger projects.

“It is great to have my family onboard and allows us to tackle a variety of projects including commercial ones such as schools,” he says.

“No matter what the type of painting and decorating task required, nothing gives us more satisfaction than ensuring the best possible preparation which includes house washing and water blasting if needed before going on to produce the highest quality paint finish possible.

Phone

on 027 384 3845

KEVIN EATON 021 615 105 | EATON.EXCAVATIONS@OUTLOOK.COM

Kevin Eaton.

Middlehurst Farm Store

Sophie Johnson and Lucy Macdonald.

Hayden Thomas.

Spotlight on Timandra Place

Blenheim’s best business hub at heart of community

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Nestled just a few minutes from south-east Blenheim’s CBD, the Timandra Place industrial hub is home to a variety of businesses, all easily accessible to local customers.

No matter what service you need, chances are you’ll find it at Timandra. From a range of experienced professionals and family owned automotive businesses, panel, paint and repair shops, mechanical service engineers and construction firms, the area is a hive of professionalism.

Tow and Salvage Marlborough

This proudly independent family offers a fully equipped service when iut comes to vehicle. Whether you have been locked out of your vehicle or suffered a flat battery, staff are able to provide jump starts or replacement batteries if needed so you can quickly get back on your way as well as offering a complete towing service when the problem can’t be fixed straight away. They offer retrieval of vehicles from accidents and treat each vehicle with great care so that drivers have complete peace of mind. Being insurance-approved means each vehicle recovered is in very

safe hands. Make sure to keep their phone number in your vehicle so if you are stuck you can be assisted as soon as possible.

Ph 021 732 446

Phoenix Mechanical Engineering

For more 15 years Phoenix Mechanical Engineering have been designing and installing mechanical systems throughout New Zealand to enable businesses to operate at their full potential. Thanks to their talented and skilled work force and high-quality manufacturing set up, they can transform clients’ ideas into workable systems.

The company is wellknown for its contribution to the wine industry, having established many systems in that sector. They also have considerable experience in the areas of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and can design and build systems for any application. Their fully automatic temperature control system has been of great benefit to the wine industry and they tailor packages to supply refrigeration requirements which can include warming solutions including efficient LPG or diesel fired boilers, heat recovery and hot water generation systems.

They can ensure that systems comply with water filtration and sterilisation requirements and install ventilation and extraction services for all kinds of ventures. Ph 021

177 2669

Motorworld Paint and Panel Motorworld Panel and Paint are recognised for the excellent work they do to transform vehicles. As approved repairers by many insurance companies, they ensure the process is straight forward. They

damage. Find them at 30 Timandra Place. Phone 03 5796267

Findlater Construction

also undertake many private repairs and re-painting. With their extensive workshop and all the latest equipment at hand, they can work on any type of vehicle. No job is too small and whether it is a stone chip that needs repairing or a complete repaint, they have the equipment and skilled staff on hand to do the job. They are the place to go when your Warrant of Fitness has failed thanks to rust, carry out plastic welding, chassis straightening and have 3D measuring on hand to quickly identify

Findlater Construction is a leader in a diverse range of projects across the region. With decades of experience in civil construction, subdivisions, excavation ad siteworks, commercial and residential concrete, commercial buildings, wastewater, roading, irrigation and drainage, they can tackle urban and rural projects of any scale. In consultation with clients, they offer a building design service and obtain the consents required before constructing new builds. They have built a variety of commercial buildings from office and workshop premises to farm sheds and aircraft hangers. The company’s project engineers are experienced civil engineers and are qualified to undertake all types of civil construction work. The firm also specialises in excavation and siteworks, preparing land for both urban and rural buildings, be they commercial or residential. With top of the range GPS equipment and machinery, they are known for their accuracy and efficiency. They also carry out demolition of build-

ings, working under strict Health and Safety requirements to deal with any hazardous materials present. Ph 03 579 2284

Freeman Roofing

The company has more than 65 years’ experience behind them and are the experts to call. Experienced staff can supply and install metal roofing and cladding, translucent roofing and skylights, fascia gutter systems, gutters and downpipes and metal/steel tiles for all residential and commercial building projects of any style and type. Their well-known brands Colorsteel, Maxx/Endura and Zincalume allow them to cater to any kind of environment where durable and stylish roofing solutions are required. At the forefront of roofing and cladding design developments, the Freeman Roofing has developed insulated roof panels and architectural insulated wall panels which are low allergenic and offer a more comfortable living environment thanks to their passive heating characteristics. They are also an outstanding product for protecting buildings from water, condensation, and moisture.

Call in and see Freeman Roofing today or phone them on 03 578 8793

No matter what service you need, chances are you’ll find it at Timandra.

Powerlifter Carli

overall on IPF points while setting official NZ records for squat, bench, deadlift and total.

raises sights

A glittering haul of gold medals and a long-awaited letter have set Marlborough powerlifter Carli Dillen on a path to Mongolia. The 40-year-old was one of 13 people from around New Zealand who last week received selection letters for the IPF World Masters Powerlifting Championships in October. Carli will travel to Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar with a dual role, competing in the 63kg class and also as a team coach.

Although hopeful of gaining final selection for the worlds, Carli admitted the confirmation letter “set my heart racing”.

She will board the plane in 12 weeks, buoyed by a series of top performances, both at home and abroad.

In late May she attended the South Island championships in Queenstown and, competing in the open division, took out first place overall, best female Lifter

Then it was on to the Asian Pacific African Championships, staged in Hong Kong in late June. Again, Carli took first place overall, best M1 female lifter overall on IPF points and set official Oceania records for all three lifting disciplines, plus overall honours.

Topping off a superb effort, she registered new Commonwealth records for squat and total.

Back in Blenheim and hard at work, both in training and a coaching capacity with her business Barbell and Beyond, what awaits in Mongolia and a shot at international glory is never far from Carli’s thoughts.

She has already scoped out the pedigree of the Ukrainian athlete who appears to be her biggest rival, suggesting an intriguing tactical battle awaits.

“We are very evenly matched. I have a much bigger squat, which is the first event, and she has a somewhat bigger deadlift, the

last event, so it is going to be very strategic.

“It is not just about being the strongest, it is also about who can display the strength in the most competitive way on the day.

“It will come down to who travels the best, who cuts weight the best, who makes the best attempts selection, who times their warm-ups just right and who puts in the right numbers at the right time. It’s going to be a

lot of fun.

“The judging criteria will be tougher too, so it is about training to meet the higher standard.”

With the worlds being staged over 11,000km away, cost is a major concern. The NZ team will have their uniform funded but must pay their way there and back, plus shell out for all their accommodation.

Carli says the financial obligation is untimely and distracting.

Buccaneers still sailing away

Central Buccaneers maintained their lead at the top of the Mayfield Motorworld men’s division one football table with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Rangers Woodbourne at A&P Park on Saturday.

The table-toppers were forced to battle hard for their success, leading by just a single Jono Masters goal at the halftime break. However, they lifted their intensity in the second spell, Masters completing a hat-trick, while

Thom Hall and Joe Bennion added further goals to ensure a comfortable victory. Jonathon Maples scored the match’s final goal to give Woodbourne some consolation.

Buccaneers’ closest rivals, Call Care Trojans, took on Central Wolves at Oliver Park and also came away with a solid victory, prevailing 4-0. A Tomas Lupani goal saw them ahead by just one at the break, before goals to Matthew Largent, then replacements Alejandro Renzi and Ben Mesman wrapped the game up.

The third division one clash was a high-scoring affair, BV Masters getting the better of Picton Wildcats 7-4 at Endeavour Park.

Masters led 4-2 at halftime, Picton closed the gap to 4-3 before late goals to Ben Clarke and a double to Denham Wisdom sealed the away side’s victory.

Division one points: Buccaneers 35, Trojans 31, Masters 24, Wolves 10, Woodbourne 7, Picton 7.

Meanwhile, in division two, Rangers Reserves kept their noses in front of the pack with a 2-0

win over Rangers City, Call Care Spartans and Central Privateers drew 2-2, Trojans Marlb Men lost 1-6 to Call Care Red and Picton Crow Tavern drew 4-4 with Rangers Masters.

Division two points: Rangers Reserves 31, Spartans 28, Rangers City 27, Privateers 20, Call Care Red 12, Picton 11, Rangers Masters 7, Trojans 3.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment for the Rangers AFC side whose Nelson division one rivals Motueka defaulted late in the week, meaning the Blen-

“Lots of athletes in New Zealand are in the same boat. This is the time we should be focussing the most on training but then you have this financial burden hanging over you as well.

“I am brainstorming ideas as to how I can raise some funds but any help would be hugely appreciated.”

Carli, a three-time world taekwondo champion, previously claimed an open world powerlifting championship bronze medal but now, having graduated to the Masters over-40 competition, she is intent on moving further up the podium.

And the mother of a two-year-old boy backs her chances.

“I won the bronze medal in 2017, pre-baby, and this time I am going to win. I am going there to use my ‘Mum strength’ and bring back a medal,” she added with a smile, masking the steely determination that has already taken her so far during a decade in her

heim-based side missed out on playing their final match of the season at home.

Now the second-placed side face three away games to close out the season, plus a potential away final in the Price Charity knockout competition.

All that glitters: Carli Dillen displays a golden haul from her recent competitions. Photo: Peter Jones.

Jono Masters scored a hat-trick for the league leaders on Saturday. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Falcons get the drop on Christchurch rivals

A dropped goal from the final play of the match earned the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV a thrilling 24-22 win over Miles Toyota premiership powerhouse Christchurch Boys’ High School on the MBC front field on Saturday afternoon.

With time running out and the home side trailing 21-22, unrelenting defensive pressure earned the Falcons a scrum on the Boys’ High 22.

Despite being shoved backwards at the set piece the ball was cleared to MBC vice-captain Hugh Robinson who produced a snap shot at goal, the ball glancing off the left upright to spark whoops of delight from the home side and their supporters.

Hugh who had missed a penalty

goal opportunity just a few minutes earlier, said, “I made my mind up [to take a drop kick] pretty quickly … I was confident despite missing that penalty. All the boys were like ‘nah, nah, no, don’t do it’, but I trusted myself to get it done.”

He said the result was based on “all the boys digging in for each other”.

“We had a couple of focusses during the week … we had talked about doing it for our school and that this may be the last time some of us play on this field. So, it was great to do it for our fans, the local community and ourselves,” said Hugh who enjoyed victory over CBHS for the first time in his four-year MBC First XV career.

Although he was a pivotal figure, whether turning the visitors

around with raking kicks or distributing cleverly, the win was very much based on a complete team effort. Although they often struggled at set piece time, especially at both attacking and defensive lineouts, MBC’s uncompromising defence kept them in the game.

Loosies Will Flynn, Jack Burdon and Ben Gibbons were ever-present threats at the breakdown, along with mobile locks Thomas Large and Luke Martella. Behind the scrum midfielders Koloa Moala Fotu and Carter Aitken kept their opponents in check, while outside backs Leo Marfell and Tim Petrie showed advanced skills in difficult conditions.

Underlining the even nature of the contest, just two points separated the teams at halftime, an early Carter Aitken try and a

Robinson penalty on the stroke of halftime being eclipsed by two close range tries to the visitors.

A converted try to hard-working MBC hooker Johnny Vakaloa after five minutes pushed the home side ahead 15-10 but CBHS came straight back, constant pressure resulting in a try to prop Ethan Webber and the scores were level again.

A smart kick and chase game allowed MBC to create good field position, from where Robinson landed two penalty goals, putting his side ahead 21-15 with 10 minutes to play. However, almost immediately Boys’ High went onto the attack, forcing defensive errors and a 5m lineout from where lock Jake Frost scored, replacement Victory Isaako seeming to have lived up to his name with a pressure conversion.

However, there was no denying MBC in the final minutes, their collective will producing another memorable occasion.

The result pushed MBC to sixth on the premiership table, meaning they will host seventh-placed Christ’s College in Blenheim next weekend, vying for a place in the second-tier final, although that had yet to be confirmed.

Scores: MBC 24 (Carter Aitken, Johnny Vakaloa tries, Hugh Robinson 3 pen, dropped goal, con) CBHS 22 (Manumaua Letiu 2, Jake Frost, Ethan Webber tries, Victory Isaako con). HT: 10-8 CBHS.

Final round robin points: Nelson College 44, Christchurch BHS 38, St Thomas 32, St Bede’s 25, St Andrew’s 24, Marlborough 23, Christ’s 19, Selwyn 16, Shirley 12, Timaru 7.

Kyren part of power-packed Tongan back line

Kyren Taumoefolau could be excused for pinching himself to check that he’s not dreaming as he settles into camp as part of a high-powered Tongan national squad in Nuku’alofa.

The 20-year-old has made a dizzying ascent to the top level of world rugby and is now preparing to attend the Rugby World Cup in France, just two years after turning out for the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV as a highly-promising utility back. His first opportunity to shine on the international stage came through sevens, being selected in the Tongan side which contested a Brisbane Oceania event last year.

He immediately made an impact and progressed to the IRB World

Sevens circuit in 2023, attending five tournaments.

But his attention is now fully concentrated on the 15-man game

and a lengthy World Cup buildup with Ikale Tahi.

Tonga play matches against Australia A, Canada, Fiji, Samoa and

Japan prior to the World Cup, where they face a demanding fixture against Ireland first-up. The 35-man squad will be trimmed to 33 in late July for the world rugby showpiece in September and with players the calibre of former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, Salesi Piutau and George Moala, plus Wallabies superstar Israel Folau, in the mix Kyren is well aware nothing can be taken for granted selection-wise.

“It is a really exciting time,” he said, suggesting that “doing the correct work behind the scenes” has played a big part in his rapid rise.

While Kyren’s physique has changed since leaving college to fit the rigours of top-level sport, he says it is a mindset change that has been the biggest shift.

“I felt I had a point to prove when

I left school, probably a bit of a chip on my shoulder … I really wanted to do well so I invested in training and proper preparation, which boosted my confidence.

“I think playing sevens also helped me a lot,” Kyren explained. The young Waitohi club player says he has no preference for either sevens or 15-a-side, enjoying the fact that both games require different skill sets.

“There is also different types of preparation for both … obviously sevens is more of a running game based on fitness and speed while in 15s there is more physicality, game plan and strategy.”

Kyren is joined in the Tongan pre-World Cup squad by fellow Tasman players Sam Moli, William Havili, both Moana Pasifika players, and Crusaders flanker Sione Havili-Taletui.

Kyren Taumoefolau on his way to a try for Waitohi during the 2023 Tasman Trophy. Photo: Peter Jones.

The MBC side celebrate a last-gasp victory which also earned them the prestigious Trustbank Challenge Cup. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

PETER JONES

Tasman men make solid start

The Tasman Mako men’s side kick started their 2023 season with a hard-fought 33-19 win over Manawatū at Lansdowne Park on Friday evening.

It was the first of two pre-season hit-outs for Tasman, the other coming up against Canterbury in Hanmer on Friday.

With the Mako keen to get an early test of their mettle, the Turbos provided an ideal opponent, being strong at set piece, breakdown and able to maintain long periods of possession.

Consequently, Tasman’s defence was given a stern workout, something that pleased co-head coach Gray Cornelius.

“We certainly got what we wanted out of [the game],” he said.

“They were a very competitive

team and I was really proud of our defensive effort. That was a big work-on from last year and, while we certainly weren’t perfect, we saw plenty of good intent.

“We didn’t see too much of the ball in the first half … but we managed to take the scoring chances that were presented to us, which was pleasing as well.”

The squad had been in camp in Waikawa for the week, providing

a solid launch pad into the season, said Gray.

“It’s been awesome to have all the boys there to enjoy each other’s company … it’s a great start. We are a lot closer than where we were at the same time last year. It helps having some keys guys back and also getting older, experienced guys on the park will be important for us.”

He was impressed with the efforts

of blind side flanker Tim Sail “who toiled hard”, plus Western Force hooker Feleti Kaitu’u “who only arrived last week”.

“He has fitted in really well and showed glimpses of what he could potentially do for us,” added Gray.

Winger Jack Gray and the versatile first five/fullback Stewart Cruden, both members of the wider training squad, also got a mention.

The first half ended in a 12-12 stalemate, despite the Turbos having much of the possession with a bitterly cold breeze at their backs.

Against the run of play Mako fullback Taine Robinson opened the scoring with an intercept try, before Manawatū winger Te Rangatira Waitokia replied midway through the spell. Five minutes

later Tasman winger Gray bagged the first of his two tries, Robinson converting, then Manawatū midfielder Kyle Brown finished off a sweeping 75m counter-attack to level things up.

Using the breeze astutely, Tasman took the initiative immediately after oranges, Gray scoring his second.

As the benches emptied after 60 minutes, offering opportunities for all to impress, it was an old hand that struck next, Mitch Hunt scoring with his first touch, then converting his try and one to Irish winger Colm Hogan to push the home side to an unbeatable 33-12 lead.

A late penalty try to Manawatū for a high tackle on the line completed the scoring and a satisfying evening for both sides, but particularly Tasman.

Tasman women lose see-sawing opener

JACK MALCOLM AND PETER JONES

The Tasman Mako women’s rugby team kicked off their Farah Palmer Cup championship campaign in Nelson on Saturday evening with a narrow defeat to Otago.

In a game that saw the lead change six times, the Mako were left to rue lost opportunities as they went down 34-28 in an entertaining clash.

With the Mako hot on attack for the final play of the game, a grubber kick into the corner failed to pay dividends, leaving the local side to reflect on a match they could have won.

After soaking up early pressure, the Mako struck first.

After earning a turnover from a gang tackle in midfield that drove Otago back over 15 metres, the local side steadily marched the ball down the field before prop Manaia Ashley Ulutupu barrelled over.

However, Otago replied quickly, creating an overlap for their first try, then winger Jamie Church adding her second in the space of four minutes.

Tasman looked to have secured a halftime lead as midfielder Chloe

Dixon scored with a minute on the clock, however, less than 60 seconds later she was shown the second of the game’s four yellow cards, allowing Otago to boot a penalty and take a 15-13 lead into the sheds.

Otago scored first in the second

spell, before two tries the home side pro pelled them to a fivepoint lead. Again, Otago replied with a converted try to retake the lead, only for Mako first five Cassie Siataga to slot a 40-metre penalty, handing the home side a one-point advantage with four minutes to play.

But Otago had the final say, finding Tasman understaffed on the blindside as they ran in the winning try.

Mako captain Tamara Silcock says while it wasn’t the result they were looking for, they were still “stoked” with the performance.

“In the past it’s been a bit of a blow out so it’s a pretty good start to the season regardless of the points shown.”

She says the energy of the team this season is on another level, with the passing of their former coach Billy Guyton a big reason for their growing comraderie as a squad.

“All our games this year are for Billy. He’s still part of our team. We’ve got him on our jersey so we’ve got a lot of pride in our jer-

Premier netballers back in action

PETER JONES

A couple of weeks off did nothing to curb the enthusiasm of Marlborough’s premier netballers, who kicked off the final round of competition on Tuesday evening with three eagerly-contested matches at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.

There was some rust after a fortnight’s break, but three competitive games ensued, the highlight being a ding-dong battle between Pelorus Gill Construction and Tokomaru in the first game of the evening.

Pelorus eventually came away with a 61-58 victory in a clash whose result was in doubt until the final minutes when, with the scores tied, Pelorus went on a 6-2 run to wrap up an entertaining opener.

The evening’s other matches were more predictable, although the Harlequins club derby between Fairweathers and unbeaten first round winners Indevin had an unexpected opening.

Fairweathers began as if they had been practising hard during the break, leading their favoured rivals 11-8 into the first break,

before Indevin recovered their composure to prevail 50-31. The evening’s third match saw MGC take on Pelorus Edridge Contracting, the students coming up well short, dropping all four quarters to go down 61-36.

Scores: Pelorus Gill Construction 61 (Liv Pinkerton 10/13, Kate Gaudin 39/41, Karli Murphy 12/16) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 58 (Naomi Fowler 21/22, Gemma Hika 31/32, Kayla Wilson 6/7. Quarter scores (winning team first): 16-13, 18-16, 11-18, 16-11.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 61 (Paige Lovell 40/54, Megan Cos-

grove 21/24) Marlborough Girls’ College 36 (Anel Moli 16/25, Hazel Glover 20/27). Quarter scores: 18-9, 15-11, 12-7, 16-9.

Harlequins Indevin 50 (Lauren Murray 37/51, Ramona Waikato

7/10, Kayla Collins 6/9) Harle quins Fairweathers 31 (Jorja Bacchus 11/13, Sophie Ridley-Scott 20/25). Quarter scores: 8-11, 17-6, 14-6, 11-8. Points after week one of round two: Harlequins Indevin

3, Pelorus Edridge Contracting

sey this year. It’s going to be a very emotional season.”

Scores: Mako 28 (Manaia Ashley Ulutupu, Fiaalii Solomona, Chloe Dixon, Sui Pauaraisa tries; Cassie Siataga con, 2 pen) Otago 34 (Tegan Hollows, Pesalini Lave-Heehau, Oceana Campbell, Jamie Church 2 tries; Georgia Cormick 3 con, 1 pen). HT: 15-13 Otago.

Anton Segner makes a break during Friday’s pre-season clash. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Tasman winger Fiaali’i Solomona flings the ball wide. Photo: Shuttersport.

PETER JONES

3, Pelorus Gill Construction 3, Tokomaru 1, MGC 0, Harlequins Fairweathers 0.

Pelorus defender Portia Steele prepares to launch a pass down court. Photo: Peter Jones.

Powerful Mako

A potent mix of international stars, Super Rugby players and club competitors make up an enlarged Tasman Mako men’s squad named last week to contest the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition.

In this World Cup year, the Tasman selectors have had to work around impending international commitments for several of their contracted players, while putting together a group of players capable to competing week-afterweek in the National Provincial Championship which begins for them on Friday, August 4, against Otago in Nelson.

A feature of the team is the naming of three Moli brothers - Atu, Monu and Sam - in the mix, although Sam is likely to be part of the Tongan World Cup squad heading for France.

Prop Tyrel Lomax, new loose for-

squad named for NPC

by midfielders Alex Nankivell and Levi Aumua. Mitch Hunt, co-captain alongside Quinten Strange, will again guide the side from the first five position, while exciting NZ under-20 stars Noah Hotham, halfback, and winger Macca Springer just add to an exciting mix.

Nelson halfback Graham Urquhart, Waitohi midfielder Tim O’Malley and Stoke’s Taine Robinson have come in from the club scene, while former skipper David Havili is named although he, like Blackadder, may still make the cut for France.

ward Miracle Faiilagi and Shannon Frizell will also be involved in World Cup duties while Ethan Blackadder has been named but could also make the plane for France.

Seta Baker, after a strong season for Kahurangi, is one of the players to come into the pack from clubland, along with Stoke’s Matt Graham-Williams, Moutere’s

Monu Moli and Central’s evergreen Quentin MacDonald. Behind the scrum the squad is likely to be without halfback Finlay Christie, William Havili (Tonga), Leicester Fainga’anuku and Will Jordan.

However, the return of former standout Tom Marshall adds experience to a strong back division, boasting form Super Rug-

The 2023 Tasman Mako squad:

Props: Ryan Coxon, Matt Graham-Williams, Luca Inch, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Matenga, Atu Moli, Kershawl Sykes-Martin. Hookers: Feleti Kaiti’u, Quentin MacDonald, Monu Moli, Sam Moli.

Locks: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Pari Pari Parkinson, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange

(co-captain). Loose forwards: Seta Baker, Ethan Blackadder, Miracle Faiilagi, Shannon Frizell, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Anton Segner. Inside backs: Louie Chapman, Finlay Christie, William Havili, Noah Hotham, Mitch Hunt (co-captain), Tim O’Malley, Graham Urquhart. Midfield: Levi Aumua, David Havili, Alex Nankivell, Taine Robinson. Outside backs: Tomasi Alosio, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Gaulter, Will Jordan, Tom Marshall, Macca Springer, Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Development players: Stewart Cruden, Tim Sail, Colm Hogan, Jack Gray, Timi Sauira, Nic Sauira, Joel Lauvale, Brodie Robinson, Cooper Roberts, Matt Lowe, Dylan Irvine.

Unavailable due to injury: Fletcher Anderson, Netani Baleisomosomo, Viliami Napa’a, Campbell Parata, Sevu Reece, Braden Stewart.

Women’s football the focus, both home and away

While world and national focus will be firmly on the FIFA Women’s World Cup currently taking place in New Zealand and Australia, the female footballers of Marlborough are also lacing up their boots.

Last weekend the annual Zydenbos Shield competition kicked off. It has been running since 1978, when Marlborough Girls’ College took out the inaugural title.

The students are back again in 2023, lining up alongside teams

from Blenheim Valley, Trojans and Picton in the women’s league.

The competition involves six rounds, each side playing their rivals twice.

Ian Thomas, who has been associated with the Marlborough Girls’ College side for the past five years and will take the reins again this year, feels numbers are growing at the college, especially among the younger girls as the sport slowly gains a foothold.

“There are more and more of the young ones coming through,” says Ian.

“There are more year nines in the

team than I have had in the past … they are coming through from the youth grades, the 12th and 13th grades.”

He expects there to be a flowon effect from the staging of the Football World Cup in New Zealand and the Football Ferns’ heroics, similar to what happened in women’s rugby after the Black Ferns’ efforts last year.

“Interest will rise, especially when we have success at that level … the number of girls who want to be involved is bound to go up.”

Ian says the College players were

keeping a close eye on the World Cup, the team being involved in a FIFA match predictor league, and watching the skills of the world’s best.

While he is keen for his side to have success in the Zydenbos Shield Ian said his side’s main focus was the forthcoming Gary Sowden secondary school tournament, to be staged in Blenheim, especially since he will have a full side to call on.

Currently three of his stronger players are spending their weekends playing for Nelson Suburbs sides. Katie Pugh and

Maddy Rowe are in the top Suburbs side who participate in the Southern League, while Jaimie Elrick is in the Suburbs Youth side.

After a strong showing last season, Ian again expects good things from his side at the tournament, plus in the Shield matches, as they build combinations and confidence on the ball, no doubt inspired by the feats of the ground-breaking Football Ferns.

On Saturday, MGC opened with a 6-1 win over Trojans, while Blenheim Valley beat Picton 5-2.

For all new rental property clients, we will provide a free independent Healthy Homes check and the first month's management free

Marlborough Girls’ College player Sophie Campbell brings the ball downfield during her side’s opening Zydenbos Shield match against Trojans at Oliver Park on Saturday. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

PETER JONES

Levi Aumua will be one of the players to watch after a stand-out Super Rugby season. Photo: Shuttersport.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARLBOROUGH’S HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT • THE LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS • SNACK BAR • FAMILY MOVIE DEALS

MONDAY

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION

2pm every Mon we meet and play EUCHRE at the Springlands Tavern Restaurant, 16 Boyce St, Blenheim.

Beginners are welcome to learn & play. $5 per afternoon. Ph Chris 0272077631.

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/ 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/ Mon 6-7pm. First lesson free, $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph Judith 5787554 / 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 info.

ROTARY CLUBS 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

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION

2pm every Tues we meet and play CRIBBAGE at Springlands Tavern Restaurant, 16 Boyce Street, Blenheim. Beginners are welcome to learn & play. $5 per afternoon. Ph Chris 0272077631.

SAYGO (Steady As You Go) Gentle exercise & balance class for Seniors. Every Tues 11.30am-12.30pm. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Cost $2. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333 email donna@ stchristopers.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month, 7pm. Various locations. To promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Email: mhsgarlicpress@gmail. com

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 / 0223007342.

BLENHEIM CHORAL (Marlb 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-12pm. 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. For info

Ph Carol 0212125252/Raewyn 021715484.

WEDNESDAY

PICTON LIONS Join a worthwhile volunteer group, both female & male members wanted, good fellowship, all money raised goes back to Picton community. First Wed of the month. Ph Norman 0274336242

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 Ann 5787046 / Jan 0226353919.

PICTON - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Wed 7.30pm. Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. Ph Lynda 0212600860.

STRETCH & BREATHE Gentle stretching & balance class for Seniors. Every Wed 10-11am. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Cost $2. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333. Email donna@stchristopers. co.nz

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. Interested in the Bible or Christianity, desire 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 0221642782/Mandy 022 4326886.

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Meet every Wed 1011.30am to support each other. Regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford for details 0272883032.

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/Text John 021979323.

LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the community over sixty 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 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.

THURSDAY

OLDER PERSONS SEMINAR 27th July, at St Christopher’s Church Hall, 10am-1pm. Speaker: Karen Delves. Entertainment: Cultural Dance. Morning tea & light lunch provided. Cost $5. 92 Weld St Blenheim. Ph Donna Wahrlich Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333 or donna@ stchristophers.co.nz. Facebook: St Christophers Community Eldercare

PICTON BRIDGE CLUB CLUB Every Thurs 6.50pm Port Marlborough Pavilion. All levels welcome. Ph Judy 021685348.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle walking exercise for Seniors. Every Thurs 11.30am-12.30pm (Except 4th Thurs in each month). St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. Cost $2. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333. Email donna@stchristophers.co.nz

INVITING YOU TO COMPANIONS Ages 65+. Free. 1st

Thurs of Month. 1pm. Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. Afternoon tea, interesting programme through the year. For info ph Avon 035792440/Lorraine 035781240/ Shirley 035783728.

COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.15pm Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. For info ph Asthma Marlb 0272057244.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9am-12noon Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $6. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021503348

PICTON TABLE TENNIS Thurs 10am-12pm, Port Marlborough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. All adults welcome. $4 incl. morning tea. Equipment supplied. Ph Ernest 0275 888 453.

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 Blenheim Library every 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month. 10am-12noon. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317.

FRIDAY

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 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 0210451799 or email picton@newcomers.co.nz

LINK Fun, board games & afternoon tea in the lounge at Nativity Centre, 76 Alfred St every Fri 1pm. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph 5783909 for info.

UPBEAT ORCHESTRA All ages. Instruments. From beginner-grade 5. St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd every Fri 5-6.30p. Email upbeatorchestra@gmail.com for info.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

MARLBOROUGH THERMETTE SOCIETY GATHERING

Sun 30th July. Come and get into hot water at the second outing of the year at the south bank of Wairau River downstream from the SH 1 bridge from 2 pm. Dogs & kids welcome. Bring food to share, a chair and the joy of being outside with a fire. It’s not necessary to have a thermette. Bill 0277108229.

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS 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 GROVETOWN LAGOON Every 2nd Sun of the month. 13 Aug. 10 Sep. 8 Oct & 12 Nov. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9:30am-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, Marlb 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.

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

REDWOOD MARKET Redwood Tavern car park, Cleghorn St. Sat, 8am-12pm. 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 Sun & 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. for info email 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. KETO SUPPORT GROUP meet Sat fortnightly (approx. beginning & mid-month) 10am. Revival Café, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation but the coffee’s great! For info Ph 0275057774.

REPAIR CAFÉ We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day, while you have a cuppa. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. 9am-12noon. 26th Aug (Monthly, every 4th Sat). John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

GENERAL GROUPS

SOUTH ISLAND MASTERS GAMES Over 30 sports for players of any level. 10-23 Oct in Marl. For more info go to simasters.com

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs /Sat 7-8pm. Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St. BLENHEIM ROWING CLUB Rowing on Wairau River from the boatshed. 259 Jones Rd, Grovetown. Every Sun 8.45am. Tues & Thurs 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 info ph 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. Email soundsvehicle@gmail.com or Ph 5741311.

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-12pm Ph Bill Rogers 5735507/Rex 21469191. 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 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/ smart phone. Ph Secretary - Ian Cameron (03)5742558 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, overnight & extended trips. Info at www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com

Attention all Advertisers – Terms of Trade: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Marlborough App 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/.

BLACK, Rosemary Irene

On Saturday July 15, 2023, passed away peacefully at Maxwell Lifecare Blenheim. Loved Mum of Victor and Rahel and Grandmother of Tal and Gili. Loved Aunty and Grandy Rose of Andrew and Carol, Laurie-Ann and Mitchel, also Janet, Clinton and Zac. Loved friend and Mary Poppins of Liz and the late Tim Anderson, Don, Rob and Karyn. Grateful thanks to Maxwell Life Care and Waterlea Lifecare for their kind and compassionate care over many years.

Messages may be sent to the Black Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rosemary’s memory to the Fred Hollows Foundation would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to a/c 38-9008-0866758-06 Ref BLACK.

A farewell service for Rosemary will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 2.00pm on Tuesday July 25. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed from our website www.sowmans.co.nz/ upcoming-funerals

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY

STEPHENS, Chara-Mae Waimaru

Passed suddenly at her home in Christchurch on Wednesday 12 July 2023. Aged 32 years. Loved mother of Tiana; daughter to Terrence Stephens and Caryll McPherson. Step-daughter to Corey Higgins. Adored sister to Jamie, beloved niece and cousin of many.

Messages to the Stephens and McPherson whānau can be sent to c/- PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240.

A celebration of Chara-Mae’s life was held at the Mayfield Chapel last Tuesday 18 July.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

BARY, Brent Peter

Passed away suddenly at home on Friday July 14, 2023. Aged 64 years. Loved partner of Charline Hickisey, and father of Ariana Bary. Beloved first-born and son of Melda and Kevin Bary. Loved brother of Micky Graham, Jenny May, Toni Patterson, Vanessa Bary (deceased), Tracy Bary, Rachel Bary, Tristan Bary, Lisa Bary, Melissa Bary, and their respective partners. A loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews. Will be sadly missed.

Messages may be sent to the Bary Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240.

Brents service was held last Friday 21 July 2023, the livestream and details may be accessed from our website www.sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

7 beautiful Golden Retrievers are looking for their forever homes.

Ready to go to their new homes from 29 July.

Price $1,500 ono

If you interested please contact me on 0224554022 or nari4note@gmail.com

WANTED

STAMPS / COINS

POSTCARDS, OLD TOYS and collectables

$ WANTED TO BUY $ 021 1388 949

Blenheim/Picton Community Patrols AGM

AUGUST 29th 2023

7.30PM EOC Wither Rd Ext

PSYCHIC CLAIRVOYANT

Phone Readings & Reiki Training in Blenheim. 20yrs+ exp Call Paula 021598822 www.divinepsychicvisions.com

PSYCHIC FOR SALE MUSCOVY AND PEKING DUCKS

Ready for collection or possible delivery Phone 021 216 0793

WORK WANTED

I work privately as a caregiver / companion to the elderly. Assisting with shopping, appointments, social outings etc. Also meal prep and light housework. 3hrs minimum on a weekly basis.

Please contact Bridget 0274248121 or bridgetsmith241@gmail.com to discuss your needs. References and police check available.

WANTED

Your wanted ad here. Ph 928 4121

FOR SALE

Got something to sell? Get your product seen here. Ph 928 4121

1 Superficial (7)

5 To praise (7)

9 Close communication (7)

10 To animate (7)

11 Respond to stimulus (5)

12 Incorrect (9)

13 Far-reaching (9)

15 Hazardous (5)

16 Capital of Bulgaria (5)

18 Relaxed in manner (4-5)

21 Odd (9)

24 Horrify (5)

25 Cover for sewer ’s finger (7)

26 Venerate (7)

27 Call in question (7)

28 In public view (7)

Down

1 Bout of extravagance (7)

2 Resistant to persuasion (7)

3 Liner torpedoed 1915 (9)

4 Flinch from pain (5)

5 Miserable (9)

6 A juicy fruit (5)

7 Begrudging (7)

8 Line of hereditary rulers (7)

14 Not joking (2,7)

15 Long complicated procedure (9)

16 Habitual doubter (7)

17 Splinter group (7)

19 To stamp (7)

20 Golf match spectators (7)

22 Magnanimous (5)

23 Capital of Egypt (5)