Marlborough Weekly 3 October 2023

Rātū 3 Oketopa 2023

Tuesday 3 October 2023

Stepping down Free fitness

Retirement village details revealed

Renwick Road is nearing completion, with units going on the market soon.

tails for the first time.

Blenheim’s sprawling new 150unit retirement village is gearing up to welcome its first residents. The Summerset complex on Old

As interested parties were given a behind-the-scenes peek at the new development on Friday, as the company unveiled more de-

The first 13 properties will become available for people to move into from the January 15 next year. Licenses to occupy one-bedroom cottages start from $615,000, with two-bedroom vil-

las at $750,000, with three-bedroom villas at $879,000.

A $167 weekly fee is also payable to cover costs of maintenance, exterior cleaning, rates, and village management. The final stage of development

includes the main social hub, urgent care bed space, activity centres, a bar, pool, library, and community hub.

See page 2

Juggling a full-time job and sporting passions alongside helping the local community isn’t easy, but 19-year-old Leo Novero loves keeping busy.

Between his new role as a volunteer firefighter, his love of sailing, his job at Hammer Hardware and his own fitness goals, Picton’s Leo Nevero doesn’t have much spare time.

But the busy teenager made time to compete in the Marina 2 Marina at the weekend, finishing 5th over the 13 kilometers Snout track with a time of 1:09:56.

Leo Novero is a man of many talents and a huge role in the Picton/Waikawa community. Photo: William Woodworth.

See page 4

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Summerset group sales manager Petria Tullett was at the four information sessions held at the ASB Theatre.

“It was an absolute no-brainer to open our new village in stunning Blenheim.

“We’ve had lots of community engagement including changing the main building to a single story to be more synonymous and sympathetic with the Blenheim surrounds and encouraging the sustainability efforts.

“We hope to have that continue as residents meet each other and engage with one another and the wider community.”

Summerset will be Marlborough’s largest independent living development and managed apartments.

First announced in 2019 and breaking ground in 2021, the

Summerset group sales manager Petria Tullett in one of the new villas. Photo: William Woodworth.

Summerset Blenheim village is releasing their new villas as they are completed in building consent groups.

“Our villas and cottages were adapted to what existing and prospective residents wanted like specific linen cupboards, a hobby nook in the garages and developing things for visiting grandchildren to do.”

“We’ve made those tweaks so

residents can truly make their place home with space for their own interests,” Petria explains.

“By having accredited Te Whatu Ora hospital-level care on site and being a dementia-friendly retirement operator, moving and living with us is a complete wraparound process as far new residents want– even down to helping with downsizing and

managing the real estate market.”

Enquiries have come primarily from the region with 85 per cent of enquiries coming from Marlborough.

But Summerset say residents in other villages are also eyeing up the opportunity to transfer.

The development is also key for Marlborough’s current construction industry – with 40 staff from up to 25 local businesses employed during its current stage which will increase as the main building’s construction gets underway.

Due to the areas’ high water table, futureproofed infrastructure included five kilometres of pipes and a new sewer pump specifically for the village.

“We’re really excited to have a senior only village in such a stunning place and we’re looking forward to meeting our residents and creating a thriving environment,” Petria says.

Queen of the Desserts

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Melissa Rae, owner of Blenheim’s Sweet Creations store has unveiled her new mobile store, Dessert Queen.

The new addition will make her debut at the upcoming Bayleys Friday Night Feast.

And inspired by the novel and hit movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Melissa has hidden golden crown stickers in wrapping for lucky customers to win a box of cupcakes.

“We are thrilled to be back at this great event, so the new location and addition of a dedicated sweet area will give guests a much better experience.

“We are thrilled to introduce our Dessert Queen there to satisfy any sweet tooth”, Melissa says.

“We can’t wait to see who wins and how quickly we get our first of many lucky winners on the night, so head on over to see us

Sweet treats galore: Sweet Creations owner Melissa Rae and her new Dessert Queen mobile store.

on Friday.” Bayleys Friday Night Feast gets underway for its seventh year on Friday from 3.30pm until

8.30pm at Blenheim’s Quayside near the new library. This family friendly iconic street food festival will include cuisine

from local chefs using Marlborough produce, all based on this year’s theme of Smoke and Fire.

From the front

Photo: William Woodworth.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH 9498

Record breaking row ruined

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

An old back injury has spelled the end of a record-breaking rowing attempt.

Ryan Gaudin was attempting to break the 40-49 year old male 24 hour heavyweight distance record on a rowing machine. But a reoccurring injury sadly stopped the attempt in the early hours of Saturday morning at Le Café in Picton, leaving the Picton Rowing Club stalwart unable to continue.

Unfortunately, Ryan’s body let him down on the day despite being on track at the time. For now, he will rest up and take away lessons from his training but hopes to revisit the record attempt in the future.

“Some people climb Everest or run super-marathons to get their rush of adrenaline, so I though why not give this a crack,” he says. “Sitting on a 2.21/500m pace and factoring in some short breaks, I’m after 12.7km every hour and would break that record by about 3 and a half kilometres,” he said before the attempt.

“Rowing is one of those things where you just get in the zone and plug on through.

“I’ll pull harder if I need a longer break during the attempt and save some energy until the last hour if

I’m feeling good or need to play catchup I can up the tempo and finish strong, but you never know until the day.”

“I’ve been doing much more fouror eight-hour sessions on the erg because the only way to train for long distances is by covering long distances.”

Ryan says he was originally made aware of the record category after Wanaka’s Jaime Hutter broke the 40-49 year old lightweight (under 72kg) 24 hour record with an effort of 280,541 meters in 2016.

Ryan says long hours managing vineyards at Sea Level

Council Chief Executive to step down

PAULA HULBURT

Marlborough District Council’s chief executive has announced he is stepping down from the role after nine years.

Mark Wheeler yesterday revealed he will retire from the role on 28 June next year. The move comes as Mark celebrated his 65th birthday this year.

Working for the council for the last 25 years, including as Deputy Chief Executive and Assets and Services Manager from 1998, has been a privilege, he says.

Wines helped encourage the record-breaking attempt.

“I’ve done an 8-hour training in the morning then went off to work on the vineyard and if I can survive 30-hour harvest days the stamina is there – it’s just about performing on the day.”

“I’ve been blessed with a fantastic group of supportive mates backing me to try. They may think I’m mad, but they’re still an awesome support crew,” he says.

“If anyone has a goal in mind to go for, you can’t allow others to stop you achieving it and stop you from stepping out of your own comfort zone.”

“It’s been challenging but rewarding, working with very talented and committed staff, councillors, and mayors. That made this a difficult decision.

“It’s time to spend more time with my wife Cathy, our three children, six grandchildren and my parents. The family is spread between Melbourne, Christchurch, Dunedin and Hawke’s Bay so I’ll be doing some travelling too.

“I’m a keen sportsman and want to keep mountain biking, playing tennis and also take up the clubs and play some golf.”

Mayor Nadine Taylor said she

would be sorry to see Mark go. “Mark is an outstanding chief executive who has led Council very effectively since 2015. “Mark works incredibly hard for the people of Marlborough and has a detailed understanding of Council services and our region’s issues and challenges.

“His energy, passion and practical approach will be sorely missed by councillors and staff, but I fully appreciate he wants to step back and spend more time with his family.”

The search for a new chief executive will now get underway, Mayor Taylor said. It would include national advertising and a process to get the new chief executive on board next year.

Ryan Gaudin, front, competing with brother Shae at September’s NZ Masters Regatta in Twizel. Photo: Picton Rowing Club.

Marlborough District Council’s chief executive Mark Wheeler will be stepping down next year. Photo: Supplied.

Whisky Wonderland

A new addition to Vines Village brings even more options for locals and visitors to indulge in excellent food and drink as Cheese and Cheers opened on Friday. Cheese and Cheers pairs locally and nationally produced cheeses with whiskeys from around the world in a new addition to the Marlborough hospitality scene.

“We saw a whisky bar as a gap in the Marlborough market, and there wasn’t really anything here to get men to come out to the Village,” owner Pru Adams says.

“Keeping options diverse in the hub was really key, and Cheese and Cheers follows that plan.” With whiskeys sourced from

Lionhearted local makes time to race

New Zealand and around the world, alongside the exclusive range of Wildlight wines only available for purchase at Cheese and Cheers, staff member Julia Kraus hopes to present new pairing ideas outside of wine for Vines Village visitors.

“The idea for Cheese and Cheers came from a few late-night brainstorming sessions between us and finding how we could have a point of difference”, she says.

“I wrote out all of the tasting notes but there’s so many options that for some whiskeys, I’ll be learning alongside customers too.”

See more photos in Out & About.

the front

While he didn’t beat his time last year, Leo says the race tied in with what he loves about the area.

“I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and keeping fit, so the construction, firefighting, sailing and Marina 2 Marina all tie in well.

“Bevan and the team at Hammer Hardware want to see me pursue what I enjoy doing and are so encouraging with my firefighting and sponsored my Marina 2 Marina entry so they’re just fantastic.”

Leo added a new role to his resume, after joining the Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Vote now in the General Election.

After qualifying recently, he says volunteering is a great way to be part of a close-knit community.

“I’ve always been big into being prepared for things and firefighting is a natural extension of that.

“A number of years ago a friend of mine hurt themselves quite badly and I wasn’t prepared to deal with it at the time so I wanted to be able to help if that ever happened again.”

Having spent much of his childhood sailing around New Zealand, Leo has used his skillset to make new connections.

“Sailing has always been a massive part of my life as my mother built herself a 26-foot boat, and

we lived on that doing homeschooling and travelling because we weren’t tethered anywhere - it was a great way to grow up in nature and have lots of special experiences.”

“I cruise around in my new yacht with friends when I have the time, but I wanted to get into the Waikawa Boating Club Tuesday night summer series and the Sunday winter series so joined up with my neighbour for that competitive edge”.

He may be busy, but Leo wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Volunteering and just taking part is really important, to engage and create community connections.”

Leo Novero is a 19-year-old of many talents and a huge part of the Picton/Waikawa community.

Photo: William Woodworth.

Julia Kraus is eager to show Marlborough the wide world of whiskeys. Photo: William Woodworth.

From

Thinking inside the square

PAULA HULBURT

They only opened their doors a week ago but already feel right at home.

The new owner operators of Four Square Picton, Rachel and Pete Seddon, are excited to take the reins of their first store. And thanks to a warm welcome from locals, the duo and their family say they know they made the right decision.

Making the move from Christchurch with their children, Frank, 5, and Aubrey, 7, the family say Picton was a big drawcard for them.

“The great thing about a small town is the community focus and the power of word of mouth,” Pete says.

“In our first week, we’d be walking down the street and people

we didn’t even know were asking us if we’re the new owners.”

Rachel, a former chartered accountant with Foodstuffs and Pete, previously a soldier, have already taken steps to become more involved in their new community.

Pete, who has ten years’ experience as a firefighter with Fire and Emergency New Zealand has enlisted with Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade.

As a former soldier he spent 13 years serving on peacekeeping missions overseas and he has also joined the local RSA.

“We’ve always volunteered and provided service to our community in some shape,” Pete says.

Pete worked alongside police in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake, offering support on the cordons around the city cen-

tre to help prevent crime and looting.

After 20 years in Christchurch, the couple are looking forward to a change of scene.

“Our first week was full on but we’ve been enjoying it,” Rachel says.

“The locals and our neighbours have been really welcoming and friendly, introducing themselves and stopping in to have a chat.

“We took the leap and here we are with our first store; it’s a great feeling.

“Working in the supermarket business is pretty special because we’re in it as a family.

“We’re all working together, we care about each other, and we look out for one another. We really enjoy the teamwork and camaraderie which is what want to

see in our store.”

The climate and the area were big drawcards for the family who want to make their store the best Four Square in the South Island,

Pete says.

“We want to continue to develop the business and make it renowned for service that’s second to none.”

Toxic shellfish warning for Marlborough Sounds

PAULA HULBURT

The public are being warned not to eat shellfish from parts of the Queen Charlotte Sound amid fears some are toxic.

Routine tests uncovered toxins more than three-and-a-half times the safe limit in mussel samples taken from Okiwi Bay in The

Grove.

New Zealand Food Safety have issued a warning to the public to steer clear of all shellfish.

Specialist adviser Piers Harrison says even cooking won’t remove the risk.

The warning extends from The Grove up to a line from Dieffenbach Point across to West Head

in the Marlborough Sounds. Pāua, crab, and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. But Piers says not removing the gut runs the risk of all meat being contaminated during cooking. Symptoms of diarrhetic shellfish toxin poisoning typically appear

within half an hour of ingestion and last for about 24 hours. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

Phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately.

“As is our usual practice, monitoring of toxin levels will contin-

ue and any changes will be communicated accordingly,” Piers says.

Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.

Rachel and Pete Seddon have moved to the area as the new owner operators of Four Square Picton. Photo: Supplied.

Endorsed by the NZ Chiroprac tors A ssociation

Health at heart of new career News in brief

FARM FUN

Waihopai Valley residents are holding a special Farmyard Fair to raise money for a new community hall. From lambs and calves, to goats, horses, milking cows, working dogs, and ducks, most of the animals from nearby farms will be available for the public to meet on Sunday 8 October. Fair organiser and Valley farmer Emma Hoets says people will also be able to see some of the animals in action. There will also be games to enjoy, including a gumboot throwing competition, egg and spoon racing, a bouncy castle and a scone bake off. Entry is $10 for adults and $20 for the whole family. The Farmyard Fair will be hosted at the Waihopai Valley Community Hall, 1605 Waihopai Valley Road.

OPEN DAY:

Seddon Volunteer Fire Brigade are holding a Family Open Day on Saturday 7 October between 10am and 2pm at 5 Richmond Street. Highlights include children’s fire truck chases with a fire hose, vehicle cutting and a first aid display. There will be a free sausage sizzle and the opportunity to find out more about volunteering.

SIGN OF THE TIMES:

Ward locals have taken centre stage on a set of welcome signs for the town. A farm scene featuring local shearer Angus Moore and Cape Campbell lighthouse with the Hickman family are featured. A three-time national shearing circuit champion, Angus grew up in Ward where he and his wife Ratapu run a shearing contract business. The Hickman name is forever associated with the Flaxbourne area, with Hickmans farming at Taimate since 1905 Each of the images on the signs was taken by Marlborough photographer, Jim Tannock Photography Ltd.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

A bid to relieve strain on healthcare providers has helped a Blenheim dental assistant find a new lease on life.

Mollie Maxwell has spent her adult career working in the health sector, focusing on dental and chronic disease prevention.

After attending a specialist dental conference highlighting the link between poor oral and general health, Mollie began a diploma in health and life coaching.

Now she hopes her new part time role as a health and life coach, will encourage others to make positive change.

“Making healthy decisions about what we eat and drink, how we exercise, getting good quality sleep and reducing stress are the first lines of defence for our immune systems,” says Mollie.

“When life knocks us off balance by adding stress into busy lives, balancing work, family commitments and more, it is easy to forget that we need to eat well, sleep well and care for ourselves as well as for othersand coaching helps find the right balance.”

Mollie’s ongoing dentistry career gave her a greater understanding of how stress, unhealthy eating and lack of exercise makes people less resilient to disease.

“It is like a silent fire inside us that can light the flame of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, dementia and some forms of cancer,” she says. “Health coaching showed me the effect of mindsets on actions, why do some people see the glass half full and others half empty, and how it affects us.”

As a health and life coach, Mollie works with clients to improve health with healthy eating, stress reduction, improved sleep and goal setting.

Studying for her diploma led her to launch her new business, Maxwell Coaching. She takes a holistic approach to

mind and body wellness. “You can’t have one without the other,” she explains.

“Coaching assists lifestyle changes, life purposes, following a dream, living a healthier life, finding ways to move more and sit less or losing weight for less strain on the heart and joints.”

“A coach is on your team, cheering from the sidelines and supporting you through that journey, encouraging you and helping you find the answers to questions that you never thought to ask yourself.

“It is very empowering to have the confidence to make changes and see them through.”

Mollie Maxwell is eager to be a guiding hand helping people to achieve personal goals and live healthier lives. Photo: William Woodworth.

Large range of NZ Whiskies to taste or simply order a Cheese platter and enjoy this tranquil space. Book a group tasting (up to 20) or our Fondue table (up to 6)

Helicopter training for response team

Marlborough’s Emergency Response Team took part in helicopter training recently.

First up was a morning classroom with Mark Hodges from Fire and Emergency NZ, followed by a practical session with Precision Helicopters. Emergency Management Officer Gary Spence said that in recent emergency events, team

Looking out for marine mammals

For Trini Church, going to work each day is a dream, particularly when her Westshore office has one of the best views in town.

Trini is a marine mammal observer with Downer HEB JV, who are delivering main construction works for the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment. Recently, the team started construction of a temporary jetty at Westshore (on the Bluebridge side of the harbour, within Port Marlborough land). Barges will berth at the jetty and have materials loaded onto them for transportation to the main wharf construction site.

The jetty structure includes 12 piles, which is where Trini’s role as a marine mammal observer comes into action.

Trini keeps a watchful eye on Waitohi Picton Harbour for marine mammals during piling, to ensure they don’t come too close. If she spots any whales, dolphins or seals, she measures their distance from the piling, and if they do come too close piling stops. Once they have moved outside of the safe zone, Trini monitors for 30 minutes to check they don’t reenter, before piling starts again.

As part of marine mammal observation training she undertook with Blue Planet Marine, Trini has been taught how to identify different species at a distance, and signs, such as movements in water, to look out for. Her observations start half an hour before piling.

“I have really good binoculars that can also measure distance, so if I spot a marine mammal, I can quickly work out how far away it is,” explains Trini.

At the end of a day’s piling, Trini continues to watch for marine mammals for half an hour, to record their locations and behaviour.

“I love my job. I love watching the way marine mammals move, their colours and forms, and their playful interactions.

It’s important we make sure we do all we can to look after the marine mammals,

Specialist change facilities up for review

These facilities are dedicated places with specialist equipment where people with multiple or complex disabilities can be changed or toileted by a caregiver. Council already has one at Liz Davidson Place, known as Te Huri, which includes a specialist change table, hand basin and lifting hoist.

There is provision for another at Te Kahu o Waipuna – Marlborough’s new library and art gallery.

A request to this year’s Annual Plan

sought changes to the policy seeking additional facilities be provided, basing them on the Changing Places model (a branded facility), and removal of assessment of need or demand from the policy.

Council advised of the policy review due later this year but made no decision on the provision of additional facilities. Feedback is now being sought on the policy and you can now your say by going to Council’s website at https://

as we are working in their environment,” she says.

Marine mammal observing is one of several measures being taken to minimise the impacts of piling on marine mammals. Divers have placed hydrophones (underwater microphones) to monitor noise and vibrations, and a bubble curtain is installed in the water that dampens and absorbs piling sounds to protect marine mammals and other sea life.

members had been tasked with reconnaissance operations involving helicopters.

“Working safely around these machines is very important,” he said.

Another course is planned for later this year.

East Coast field day

Marlborough’s spectacular and rugged East Coast is the venue for the next Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards Field Day on Monday 9 October.

The East Coast Protection Group won the Landscape and Habitat Enhancement section of the awards this year.

At the field day participants will learn how the not-for-profit group collaborated with a wide range of people determined to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem from Marfells Beach to the Waima River.

Guest speakers include Dr Shaun Gerrity from the University of Canterbury who will talk about recovery from the 2016 earthquake and Council’s Mike Aviss, who will talk about Significant Natural Areas and new dune plantings.

More information on the East Coast Protection Group can be found on the CMEA website https://www.cmea.org.nz/ landscapeandhabitat

A four wheel drive vehicle is required. Morning tea is provided but bring your own packed lunch.

haveyoursay.marlborough.govt.nz/asservices/review-of-specialist-changefacilities-policy/

Numbers are limited - RSVP by Friday 6 October to info@cmea.org.nz

Members of the Marlborough Response team NZ-RT20 at the helicopter training day

Te Huri – the specialist change facility at Liz Davidson Place

Trini Church keeps an eye on the harbour

Crafting the sweetest summer

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marlborough winery staff are helping shape the sounds of summer.

Staff at Misty Cove Wines have been coming up with ideas for their events manager, who has taken their suggestions on board. Now the team are set to see their ideas become reality as a busy summer event seasons get underway.

Misty Cove Wines events manager Amy Maxwell says employee ideas have helped inspire some of the events, which start this weekend.

A ‘Round the World with Cheese’ lunch with Mark Southon on Friday 6 October leads into the Cheese Festival across the road at Clos Henri.

Then the Sweet Mix Kids ‘Stargazing’ album tour gets underway on Sunday October 8.

“The staff here are all around a similar age and like doing similar things with their time, so we buy into those interests with events we look to put on,” Amy says.

“I met the Sweet Mix Kids guys at the Marlborough Food & Wine Festival last year and felt their

vibe suited ours, so we’re looking forward to them bringing plenty of fun to the vineyard.”

Such a flamboyant band needs a flamboyant venue, says Amy who has grand plans to transform the former Cellar Door building for the event.

“The area we’ll be having the show is such a blank canvas and we’ve got complete artistic licence – I really want to use the pool as a focus and try to have the stage as wild as their costumes.”

“My vision is there, but the practical side is a bit harder to organ-

ize!”

However, alongside the creative fun of concert design, Amy also recognises her responsibility as a host, with measures to mitigate any issues.

“We’re discouraging people driving out to the show, so we’ve got buses for everyone to and from Blenheim as part of the tickets, so everyone gets home safe.”

“The last thing we want is tired people driving home along Marlborough country roads on Sunday night after a big party and a few drinks”.

Material girls

Fabric-a-brac Marlborough organiser Tracy Johnston, Shop Manager Hospice Marlborough

Christine Law and Events and Engagement Lead Hospice Marlborough Leigh Somerville, celebrate as $8,010.20 is raised for the charity.

The popular Fabric-a-brac event at Connect Blenheim earlier this month boosted coffers from sales of donated fabric and sewing

supplies, pop-up cafe, raffles and stallholder fees.

Organsier Tracy Johnston is thrilled with the outcome and the willingness of so many to help for a good cause

“This event is a real team effort with the Hospice Shop volunteers putting in long hours to prepare all the donated fabric and sewing supplies ready for sale on the day.”

Misty Cove Wines’ events manager Amy Maxwell wants to bring more exciting events to Marlborough, using the staff’s ideas of what they want to see. Photo: William Woodworth.

Tracy Johnston, Christine Law and Leigh Somerville celebrate their successful fundraising event. Photo: Supplied.

Freedom of Fitness

A series of collaborative courses between the Marlborough Multicultural Centre and Stadium 2000 will bring new ways to get active - with an international twist. The new agreement includes fitness activities like HIIT, pilates, yoga and swimming alongside the new Multicultural Recreational series of Latin American folk dancing and Bollywood dancing fitness.

Registration is free and open to the public thanks to funding from the Ministry of Social Development.

Stadium 2000’s Health and Fitness Manager Ricky White and Marlborough Multicultural Centre’s Cultural and Sports Events Manager Marcelo Gonzalez found their goals to be a great match and are looking forward to the first classes on October 9.

“Marlborough has such an interesting multicultural community but many of them are here alone and while we host activities during the day, we don’t have activities after work to help with their physical, social and mental health,” says Marcelo.

“New Marlburians already have the skills to be instructors of these courses but didn’t have a venue, so having Ricky, the Stadium and government funding behind it to do this is amazing.”

Marcelo’s goal to include more cultural diversity in Marlborough exercise options matched Ricky’s aim of more exercise options for Marlburians.

The pair see the programme as

a win for everyone with new people using the Stadium, engaging in more community-based fitness, and bringing exciting activities from Marlburians to Marlburians

“We’ve always run the HIIT and pilates classes, but the support from the Multicultural Centre and MSD brings completely new ideas to our fitness schedule and adds to our inclusive goals to be

TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY

he and the Stadium 2000 team are fully behind the programme and eager to get started with new people’s fitness journeys.

“Moving to Blenheim for anyone is such a massive culture shock, and so for the first time there is a big change into trying new community activities and the more we can engage people that are new here makes the community better.”

“It also brings something new to Kiwis – we enjoy music and dancing but don’t break into dance spontaneously, but it doesn’t come inherent in our culture so encouraging fitness through dance will bring plenty of positive impacts.”

With encouraging signs and support, Marcelo has plans for expanding the variety of courses.

an active community space for everyone,” says Ricky.

“We want to break down inclusivity or cultural barriers to doing exercise, and this is a great way to achieve that goal beyond people that can afford memberships or casual visits.”

One hundred and fifty people have already signed up to take part through word-of-mouth promotion, and Ricky says that

“This is just the beginning for us to work with the Stadium, and we want to work from Term 1 next year because MSD has big expectations about the programme and will back it into the future if this first one goes well, and we’re open to any new courses,” he says.

“As new migrants and locals both get involved, this programme will make our collective community connections even stronger.”

Marlborough Multicultural Centre’s Marcelo Gonzalez and Stadium 2000’s Ricky White are introducing a new series of free fitness courses. Photo: William Woodworth.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

I don’t care who you vote for, I only care you vote

Whether it’s voter fatigue, impending negativity, systemic disillusionment, or a multitude of other valid reasons – it’s a vulnerable time for democracy worldwide.

Frankly, I don’t care who you choose to vote for. It’s your right as a citizen of a democratic country to make your choice. I only care you vote - because democracy falls apart without you.

Human nature is to have different ideas about society, and elections shouldn’t be shouting matches, but an extended public debate to win license from the public to implement ideas.

Not voting helps people you don’t support take power, which is more your fault than someone who voted for losing parties - because they had their say.

Voting in officials should never be taken for granted. 2021 was the first year the number of countries following democracy decreased since the start of World War 2. Voters support what they believe is better for them, and extreme decision-making becomes more accepted as people look to ex-

treme solutions when the status quo fails.

World War 1 weakened countries fell to Russian communism, Italian fascism and Japanese imperialism - while the Great Depression created the rise of fascism in Germany. There is no more in-your-face example than America today, where simply associating a policy to Trump with a Trump voter sees a 40 per cent jump in agreement.

However, there’s more to the story. The ‘land of the free’ having voting rights consistently made harder for general Americans by their politicians changing electoral maps, the electoral college, and implementing increasingly stringent measures on Election Day.

The resulting disillusion keeps democracy’s dominant power sparring against itself, allowing the breakdown of weak democracies globally.

Political dissatisfaction seeps in

when people don’t feel they have a reason to vote, so they don’t. Consistent voting comes from three places – the wealthy, the elderly and the politically radical.

I am not advocating for any party and have no issue with parties working within a state’s electoral

alliances along issues. However, MMP’s ability for change tied in with unengaged voters means voices of committed voters shine through low turnouts.

2022’s snap Italian election saw a bloc, led by fascist-linked ‘Brothers of Italy’, win with 26% of the 63% of Italians who voted supporting the bloc.

fluent or radical are occupied by politics. That results in a country where actual ‘doers’ surrender their voice believing there’s more urgent matters to attend to than their own democracy.

Balanced politics only occurs with a balanced electorate which happens when more people vote.

So, if you’re disillusioned

rules despite unfair results and representation.

But New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) champions both local support through electorates or 5 percent nationwide support through the national party vote for seats at the table. Ideally, MMP builds party diversity, allows smaller parties to have valuable voices in the political system with a limit, lets locals actively support a candidate championing local causes, and implements political cross-party

‘Brothers of Italy’ won 4% in 2018, when 73% of Italians voted. Local German elections saw just 58% of eligible voters turn out in Sonneburg - electing Germany’s first far right official since, well, the last time the far right ran Germany.

Democracy in practise is simple but needs an engaged voting population. When average New Zealanders don’t vote, they unintentionally engineer a scenario where those with the free time and capital to devote to politics are handed the country. While life keeps you occupied work, chores or childcare, the af-

• You are in the global minority actively able to decide your officials, within a system that actively represents the population more accurately than most.

• Your vote supports causes you believe in, counters policies you disagree with, and encouraging changes you want to see.

• Your vote, alongside others, gives officials license to follow up on the promises they make - and if they don’t, you can remove them.

• Your vote is infinitely more impactful than complaining. Democracy is complicated and confusing, but it’s immensely better than no voice. Elections create change, so don’t miss out or you’ve got three more years to wait.

The 2023 election is now open with advance voting opening on October 2. William Woodworth writes on why having your say is crucial.

Frankly, I don’t care who you choose to vote for. It’s your right as a citizen of a democratic country to make your choice. I only care you vote - because democracy falls apart

Catch him if you can

Karting is a key development step for world-class drivers, and Blenheim’s Taylor Costello wants to follow in their footsteps.

The seven-year-old, who has raced karts since he was allowed to at age six, recently won the Cadet class at the annual Orr/Barrett Memorial day/ night race meet in Nelson representing Tasman Karts and Kartsport Marlborough – despite still having two full seasons remaining in as a Cadet.

Taylor came out on top after the series of four heats and the final, with three heats run during daylight hours then the fourth heat and final after dusk bringing a very different set of racing circumstances. Fellow

Marlborough racers Kayla Flood came third in the VMR class and Anton Rasmussen finished second in the Briggs Heavy class.

“I really love karting because you go so fast, and doing the starts of races when everyone is really close is lots of fun – the first time I got in a kart I was spinning a lot but started to do better pretty quickly,” Taylor says.

“I really wanted to win in Nelson, the track was really fun to drive on, and I improved my times by a second over the day.”

Taylor, who also loves playing football and is learning to play the drums, is a big fan of Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and was encouraged this year seeing Liam Lawson break through this year. If everything

Through My Eyes

Throughout October, Marlborough Police will be focusing on vehicle speed as part of the Police commitment to the National Road Safety Strategy to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.

Sergeant Josh Clauson said road users can “expect extra patrols and to see officers using the lasers more frequently” in their effort for more driver compliance regarding speed limits.

“There is a zero-tolerance policy to speeding now meaning there are no longer speed ‘tolerances’ taken into account.”

Waka Kotahi says around 500 people are killed or seriously injured in speed related crashes a year. While speed is often not the only factor contributing to a crash, it’s a crucial factor in determining the severity of a crash.

A significant portion of the driving population still travel at speeds too fast for the conditions or over posted speed limits, putting themselves and others who share the roads at risk.

With the perception of speeding being acceptable amongst New Zealanders and a variety of ‘reasons’ for their speeding, po-

goes well however, Taylor wants to race V8 Supercars due to his love of Ford Mustang’s.

Taylor’s father Peter Costello says that the family is new to motorsport, so are learning together as they go.

“I got brought along originally by some mates two years ago, caught the motorsport bug and passed it on to the kids but Taylor has

picked it up so fast that my driving has taken a back seat to help him out,” he says.

“He went to his first race meet after two months, and now we’re targeting how we can cut tenths of seconds off his time and work on his racing line – so we use a GoPro on his kart to see what he sees and where he can work on.

“Taylor prepared well for the Orr/

Barrett Memorial, he went and raced fantastically and you could see how his reactions, timing and confidence grew throughout the day – especially under the lights in the night session.”

The next step for Taylor is travelling to compete in larger fields around the country with January racing in Auckland, as well as defending his home track at Nationals over Easter 2024 alongside the 2024 National Schools Championship in Nelson.

Kartsport Marlborough has a busy season ahead, hosting two major events on the New Zealand karting calendar - the 2023 Kartsport NZ National Briggs Endurance Championships in November where teams of three compete for four hours straight, and the 2024 Kartsport NZ Sprint Nationals over Easter 2024 that attract 150+ of New Zealand’s top drivers across all classes for the best kart racing in New Zealand.

lice hear the same excuses every day and see potential consequences.

The ‘Through My Eyes’ campaign shows how little these excuses mean when you’re faced with the

consequences of a crash.

While this is a broad awareness campaign aimed at all New Zealand drivers, males aged 18-35 years are overrepresented in

crashes in which speed is a factor. The aim of this campaign, and the October Police focus, is to show that there are consequences for speeding whether they be fines,

Taylor Costello competing at the Orr/Barrett Memorial in September. Photo: Tim Did-Dell/Timothy Paul Images.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Proud supporter of Kartsport Marlborough – Go Taylor!!!

“I really love karting because you go so fast, and doing the starts of races when everyone is really close is lots of fun.”

I just ran with the sounds of nature today, but Dire Straits is normally my go to.

OLD MARLBOROUGH CLUB’S FATE SEALED

Very sad - I used to love there as my dad was the bar manager and lived on the premises in the wee flat to the right of the club. Many memories were made there by my family and the members.

Vicki Boyce

Totally agree the council let this building go into disrepair. I feel perhaps they wanted the land and not the building. Was such a lovely building and if money was spent many years ago could still be in use, such a waste.

Di Saul

What a crying shame - it could have been gifted back the RSA and the Clubs of Marlborough. I’m sure with all the tradies in the organisation we could have made it work again, and made Marlborough proud.

Bob Boyes

Perhaps if they sell the land, they can use the money to buy the land next to the library and set up a junior play area as other towns and cities have done with great success. The money the council would need is similar but if they cannot afford to buy the land beside the library would this area be appropriate? If spaces for families are set up, then people will be drawn and stay for longer in the CBD. Win, win for our community.

Veronica May

Once again there has been no consideration to the RSA who have lost everything. They lost their building, bowling green and now have to go to the Blenheim bowling club. People should remember those men and women put their lives on the line to help this country safe. I think the MDC should give the building to the RSA.

Murray Clemett

Seriously let a community group have it with the condition they do the required maintanance within a time frame. What a waste what an absolute waste - why are our decision makes so lacking imagination!

Liberty Jo

The building could have been a hub for many small groups including RSA as a central meeting area. Seems council did not look at and explore this first. 1.7mil value today, 1.3mil to buy, 500thou to demolish. What’s the land value?

Cliff Cowan

So very sad indeed. Such a beautiful building gone to wrack and ruin. So wrong – where’s your history and values MDC?

Jackie Jenkins

I helped raise the money to have this built and it was a great institution. Friday nights were well met and mixed.

Walter Scott

I didn’t have any headphones, but I’d have a variety. Maybe some Eminem, some country, and some of The Prodigy

No headphones, but I normally

Now let me think, how much did it cost MDC to buy just to let it root away? Sounds like the Clubs of Marlborough - just think of the money they gave them over the years.

Chris Mckelvey

Not a housing complex, wrong place for that. Let’s hope whatever happens, something is built there for the kids or a decent indoor playground. This town is not user-friendly for kids, there’s nothing for them to do, especially in winter. Wasted money on Pollard Park, library etc. No wonder the crime is rife.

Sue Tekanawa

run to the Chemical Brothers so something similar with a good beat.

What did you listen to on your Marina 2 Marina run?

CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...

NEVER MISS YOUR COPY OF MARLBOROUGH’S ONLY DEDICATED

1. Pru Adams and Lorissa Bennett

2. Nirvana Tepaea, Whiri Hills, Destiny Edmonds and Anastasia Driver

3. Talia Town and Halle Hamilton

4. Leslie Wilson and Julia Kraus

5. Steve Wilson, Katrina Jones and Woody

6. Iain Tyler and Dom Schuster

7. Demi Ashcroft and Charlotte Ward

8. Arus Sem, Conor Grant and Connor Endersby

9. Ben Ellis, Sue Syme and Phil Crawford

CLOS HENRI

Wines of Elegance and Finesse

Organically crafted in Marlborough, Clos Henri wines capture Marlborough’s intense character. Proud venue of the 2023 New Zealand Cheese Festival.

Phone: 03 572 7923 www.closhenri.com

foodie heaven

AN EPIC WEEKEND OF FOOD 6-8 OCTOBER 2023

Street food festival set to wow Marlborough again

Blenheim’s revamped Quays area is about to buzz as the home of this year’s popular Bayley’s Friday Night Feast on October 6 from 3.30pm which celebrates the start of Marlborough’s Ultimate Foodie Weekend.

Renowned for the mouth-watering array of food, produce and beverages on offer, it is the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy the variety and excellence Marlborough culinary experts and producers contribute to the region.

This year’s new location by the riverside, art Gallery and new Marlborough Museum will give the event a whole new ambience and a map will be available showing

new festival hubs such as Food Truck Alley, Dessert Lane and Flavours of Marlborough Square.

Along with the opportunity to engage with some of the region’s prized chefs and producers, there will be plenty of live entertainment including the supertalented Venezuelan born Arii Jade, Raglan’s DJ Gypsëa and the local DJs Vinyl in the Vines, all creating a fantastic festival vibe.

Celebrity chef Mark Southon will be judging the Flavours of Marlborough competition with vendors having to use three Marlborough products in their dishes. This year also sees an opportunity for attendees to experience food and drink pairing thanks to collaboration between businesses.

BOOM – SAUCE, SPICE + BBQ

Spice up your life

Chef Fran Nolan adds a boom to your meals. Using fresh ingredients to create chilli sauces, pickles and spices. Bbq catering also available.

Phone: 021 176 1469 www.boomsaucespicebbq.com

GOLDEN MILE PRODUCE

Fresh, local, delicious

Seasonal produce picked ready to eat, so it’s as fresh and delicious as possible. Treat yourself to tasty strawberries and produce.

Phone: 027 492 7589 /goldenmileproduce

October is a busy month for local food and drink enthusiasts and makers alike.

Photo: Feast Marlborough.

THE FANCY COW

Restaurant, brewery, cellar door

Find us at Bayleys Friday Night Feast with a pop up kitchen serving pizza and pasta, pouring Ant Moore Wines and DNA Beers.

Phone: 03 242 6260 www.thefancycow.nz

Celebrating cheese in the vines

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Cheese is a much-loved part of our kiwi diet and there is no better event to celebrate it than at the New Zealand Cheese Festival.

THE JUNCTION

Held on Saturday October 7 from 10am to 4pm at the beautiful Clos Henri Vineyard, Renwick, it is an opportunity to tickle your tastebuds and widen your palate with an extraordinary array of artisan cheeses to taste and purchase to enjoy as a picnic on the winery’s lawn for the day.

“Previously this event showcased South Island cheeses but there was so much interest from North Island cheesemakers that we’ve had to include them this time,” says organiser Hannah Lamb, daughter of Cranky Goat cheesemaker

Simon Lamb.

“This is a chance for families to enjoy picnics under the vines with many other artisan foods available including pate, breads, meats, hot foods and desserts at a wide range of food stalls along with Marlborough wine, cider, beers and nonalcoholic beverages as well as coffee and natural juices,” she says.

A feature of the event will be the entertainment lineup which includes musicians Kaylee B, Rei, DJ Arii Jade and more.

Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased from eventfinda or their website www.nzcheesefest.nz.

Children under 16 get in for free and buses are available from Seymour Place to the venue. Limited door sale tickets are available.

CRANKY PANTRY.

CRANKY GOAT PANTRY

All your Cheese and Deli needs. The Pantry is now open, stocked full of all the goodies. Pop in and check it out! Address is 4 Manchester Street, Riverlands. Open 9-4pm.

Phone: 03 577 5941 /thecrankypantry CRANKY PANTRY. T H E

SWEET CREATIONS

Edible works of art

Check out our brand-new dessert cart on debut at Feast Marlborough. It’s going to be chocka full of delicious treats.

Phone: 027 304 7504 www.sweetcreations.nz

MINGHETTIS

Sourdough bread and artisan European style pastries

All made with love and care by Marco Minghetti.

Phone: 027 887 4822 www.minghettis.nz

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Time has gone quickly for busy restaurateur Bu-nga Krataitong who took ownership of Bamboo Garden ten years ago.

“My late husband, Nuttavut Rodsienglum, was previously head chef there and I had worked in the restaurant too,” she says.

“We had left to start our own business in Nelson but our old boss offered it to us when he wanted to sell. It was a place we loved and had spent time in because we also knew the first owners and we all used to meet up together.”

Forty years on from first being established, Bamboo Garden continues its tradition of being a favourite Marlborough family restaurant. Able to seat 120 diners, it is also sought after for functions and business events.

“I originally came to New Zealand to learn English but I have always loved being around food,” says Bu-nga.

“I had worked previously as a

training manger in the food industry so had a lot of experience behind me. I love that Thai food is so nutritious while also being tasty and am excited that Kwis have really taken to it. That and the Chinese fare we also serve makes for the perfect combination with plenty of options for anyone.”

Bu-nga’s head chef at Bamboo Garden has been with her for the whole decade.

“Many of my staff have been with the business for a long time,” she says.

“Others come for shorter periods and we support them to get their manager’s licence. Some of the younger ones then like to go

to bigger cities but I am always happy knowing that I have helped them develop their skills.

“I simply couldn’t do what I do without my exceptional staff and our lovely customers,” says Bunga.

Bamboo Garden has an extensive menu and is open seven days a week, providing lunch, dinner and takeaways with gluten-free, dairy and vegetarian options available.

“I am very committed to making sure that anyone who comes to dine here can find something delicious on the menu they can eat. We have also made it easy for people to order or book online.”

The introduction of the famous

“BamBam” serving robot a few years ago that was brought in to assist during the Covid outbreak has proved an absolute winner with children.

“They can’t believe what they are seeing when it arrives at their table with trays of food and announces whose tray is whose. It has become a real novelty which adds to everyone’s enjoyment. There are still plenty of live staff on hand of course,” she laughs. Bamboo Garden supports as many local suppliers of produce as possible.

“The quality of food needs to be second-to-none and we are fortunate to have so many great local suppliers in this region.

“Supporting and encouraging other local businesses is so important to the success of everyone.”

All dishes on the restaurant’s menu are authentically Asian with the most ordered being Chinese Sweet & sour Pork, Chicken with Orange Sauce, Green Curry and Cantonese Style Roast duck with the chef’s special Hoisin sauce along with the kitchen’s signature fried rice.

“With so many dishes available it can be a really good idea for a table to choose a selection to share,” says Bu-nga.

“That way everyone can try different things, some of which they may not have experienced before. Sharing delicious food in a relaxed way with others is like receiving a comforting warm embrace. It’s like a hug for the soul.

“I am so grateful that my wonderful husband left so many beautiful recipes and his spirit lives on in every dish we serve. His legacy helps drive me onward,” she says.

Bu-nga, centre, with her dedicated staff and BamBam the robot. Photo: Summa Donald.

Painting October Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month

can get it.

Each October NZ steps out in pink to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a world-wide initiative shining light on a disease that takes hundreds of thousands of lives a year. Popularly named ‘Pink October’, ‘Pink Ribbon Day’ or ‘Pinktober’, it is an important opportunity to educate about the disease, fund breast cancer research and promote the life-saving necessity of regular breast checking so that cancer can be diagnosed as early as possible. As the third most common cancer in New Zealand, causing more than 600 deaths a year, both women and men

The Breast Cancer Foundation of NZ is a charitable trust with the goal of seeing an end to fatalities from the disease.

It encourages and supports groups throughout the country to raise funds to enable more initiatives that will increase early detection, encourage prevention and support those with the disease to have a better quality of life while also funding new technology and equipment, providing a raft of education along with lobbying the Government for better access to new drugs and clinical trials. Despite the misery that a breast cancer diagnosis can bring to individuals

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Because breast cancer doesn’t always show as a lump, mammograms are a vital tool that help to determine whether there is evidence of the disease.

and their wider whanau and friends, there is some good news.

85% of New Zealanders who are diagnosed with the disease go on to survive ten years or more and a fundamental key to that survival is early detection.

Because breast cancer doesn’t always show as a lump, mammograms are a vital tool that help to determine whether there is evidence of the disease.

It is recommended by health professionals that if you experience any change in breast tissue, be it a lump, irritation, thickening, swelling, dimpling, flakiness, discharge or anything else unusual, don’t hesitate. Make an appointment to see your doctor as

soon as possible. You could just be making the most important and life-saving decision you ever will.

For many, ‘Pink October’ is a chance to celebrate overcoming the disease and can be a joyous time with family and friends. For others it is an opportunity to acknowledge loved ones who have passed and celebrate their lives. The Breast Cancer Foundation of NZ has a highly informative and inspiring website with an excellent array of resources available.

It also provides details of how you can help with their Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on Friday 27 & Saturday 28 October.

It is recommended by health professionals that if you experience any change in breast tissue, be it a lump, irritation, thickening, swelling, dimpling, flakiness, discharge or anything else unusual, don’t hesitate.

KEEPING YOU MOVING

On Friday 21 July 2023, the NZ Government announced they are progressing the Reshaping Streets package of regulatory changes, which will give councils and communities more options to improve urban spaces and encourage healthier, safer, and more sustainable travel.

The legislation is designed to empower councils to reallocate street space for local events, pilots and permanent changes that will create the quieter streets many communities are asking for.

Councils will be able to try before they buy, when it comes to testing changes such as filtering or restricting traffic around schools at pick-up and drop-off times or testing changes to local streets such as speed bumps, cycle lanes, footpaths, and pedestrian-only areas.

These changes will enable councils and communities to work together to modify their existing streets to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move around using a variety of differ-

Most of our streets aren’t functioning well for those who want to walk, bike, ride devices, and take public transport.

We know that high traffic volumes are stopping many people from getting around under their own steam or sending their kids off to school on their bikes or scooters. Reshaping Streets can help contribute to greater safety, better connected neighbourhoods, and help to reduce emissions.

The Government is permanently giving councils the power to test out changes to streets around schools and elsewhere, without going through a lengthy legal process.

ent transport options, including walking, cycling, using mobility devices or public transport. They will make it easier for local communities to work with councils to temporarily restrict traffic on quiet local streets so tamariki can play.

Enabling children’s right to play outside together has enormous benefits for their health and wellbeing, and great for strengthening community connections.

Reshaping Streets will support people to be more active, help reduce emissions, improve safety, and contribute to making our towns and cities nicer places to live, work and do business.

Reshaping Streets can help contribute to greater safety, better connected neighbourhoods, and help to reduce emissions.

New Reshaping Streets legislation will give our communities more opportunities to improve urban spaces. Photo: Marlborough District Council/Supplied.

Masters master tough rowing conditions

Dunstan composite). Women’s 8 (Melissa Cragg and Dunstan composite).

Rowers from the Blenheim and Picton clubs made the most of trying conditions at the NZ Masters Rowing Championships on Lake Ruataniwha on September 16-17.

Around 300 competitors from all over the country and a contingent from Australia attended the event which was staged in challenging conditions, high winds and rough water making rowing “sometimes a matter of survival rather than racing”, according to

one club spokesperson.

Saturday’s programme was interrupted, then on Sunday, after a promising start, the weather deteriorated quickly and the regatta was abandoned at 11.35am. This was disappointing for both Picton and Blenheim contingents, with some of their targeted events not able to be completed.

With a small squad of just six rowers Picton punched above their weight, finishing seventh out of 35 clubs in Twizel.

Former NZ lightweight Mark Patterson and former NZ University rower Dane Fuller capped off a remarkable weekend, winning four golds each, including a narrow win in the men’s coxless pair over club mates Ryan and Shae Gaudin who took home silver one second behind.

Kristian Fuller also had a top regatta, coming home with his

first two gold medals in the hotly-contested Men’s A-C eight with his brother Dane, Ryan and Shae plus some members of the Dunstan Rowing Club. He was also in the mixed eight with Melissa Cragg joining the boys along with Nelson’s Yvannca Clarisse, Cambridge rower Belle Woods and Blenheim’s Marjolien van Velthuijsen.

Melissa came away with two golds and a silver, while Shae Gaudin joined the party with three golds, taking out the mixed double sculls with Woods.

Ten rowers from the Blenheim Rowing Club attended, often joining in composite crews with Picton members.

A highlight for the Blenheim club was the efforts of 91-year-old Brian Hutchison, the regatta’s oldest athlete. He rowed in the bow of the club’s G-M eight and G-M

Rowing New Zealand launches restructured pathway programme

PETER JONES

The Rowing Performance Centres have come and gone, but there are new acronyms for the New Zealand’s oarsmen and women to get their heads around.

Rowing NZ has announced the advent of their new Summer Performance Hubs [SPH] and Summer Development Hubs [SDH] – with a Development Hub based in Marlborough. The pilot programmes replace the Rowing Performance Centre’s, which were disestablished in 2021.

“The RPC model didn’t cope with having 45 athletes in one building at Karāpiro,” said RNZ’s athlete development manager Janey Charlton. She feels the new structure adds “a major piece of the puzzle for the sport in this country”. “There’s now a big gap between the athletes outside the building and the athletes inside the building.

“The Summer Performance Hubs are trying to put in place a daily training environment that pushes the athlete’s level so that they’re ready to be one of our top under-23 athletes or can come into the building as an elite.”

Around 15 athletes will be awarded places to two SPH hubs, at Waikato RC and Christchurch’s Avon RC, aimed at top-end under-23s and elites.

Athletes will be invited through a talent ID process.

The first intake included Wairau oarsman Fred Vavasour in the group of five women and 10 men.

Four SDHs in Auckland, Wellington, Marlborough and Lake Dunstan will focus on the next step of athlete development identified through age group trials or pathway standards. Funding will be available at SDH level to assist coaching and development opportunities for identified athletes.

The Development Hub model came about after extra consultation with the rowing community, said Janey.

“We want to allow younger athletes to stay at home for a couple of years and that they don’t need to make a decision about moving for rowing until they’ve established themselves a little bit more as a person,” she says.

She said that, under the old RPC model, a lot of people had moved straight out of school and away from their support base and really struggled.

The Hubs would also be structured so as not to cannibalise clubs as well.

“The idea is that if athletes do need to move, they will actually keep their own club alliance, they don’t need to change to that club.”

quad, picking up silver medals in both events.

Another highlight was provided by the women’s pair of Sarah Lissaman and Cynthia de Joux who continued their domination of their class by winning their E grade event.

Results

Picton RC

Gold - Men’s single sculls (Mark Patterson). Men’s coxless pair (Mark Patterson, Dane Fuller).

Men’s eight (D Fuller, Kristian Fuller, Ryan and Shae Gaudin).

Men’s coxless quad – (M Patterson - Dunstan composite). Men’s double sculls (M Patterson and Simon Smith- Dunstan rowing).

Mixed double sculls (Shae Gaudin, Belle Woods - Cambridge).

Mixed 8 (D Fuller, K Fuller, R Gaudin, S Gaudin, Melissa Cragg

Silver - Men’s coxless pair (R and S Gaudin). Men’s single (R Gaudin). Men’s quad (K Fuller, D Fuller, R Gaudin, S Gaudin). Men’s double (R Gaudin, S Gaudin). Women’s quad (Melissa Cragg).

Bronze - Men’s C single (D Fuller).

Blenheim RC

Gold - Women’s E pair (Sarah Lissaman, Cynthia de Joux)

Silver - Men’s G-M eight (Steve Mason, Barry Sayer, Shane Rohloff, Keith Nelson, Seb Bacchus, Allan Mills, Andrew Wild, Brian Hutchison, Kristy Udy cox)

Mixed four E (Sarah Lissaman, Barry Sayer, Shane Rohloff, Cynthia de Joux)

Men’s G-M quad (Steve Mason, Barry Sayer, Shane Rohloff, Brian Hutchison)

Women’s A-C quad (Marjolien van Velthuijsen, Cynthia de Joux, Sarah Lissaman, Melissa Cragg)

First - Mixed D-F eight (Marjolien van Velthuijsen, Cynthia de Joux, Sarah Lissaman, Melissa Cragg, Barry Sayer, Steve Mason, Seb Bacchus, Shane Rohloff, Kristy Udy cox) NOTE: the above

Picton rowers Shae Gaudin, Melissa Cragg, Ryan Gaudin, Kristian Fuller and Dane Fuller with their precious metal haul. Photo: Supplied.

Blenheim rower Brian Hutchison.

Photo: Picture Show Ltd.

Mako sink to Steamers

Tasman travelled to Tauranga, knowing a bonus point win secured a home quarterfinal - however, a dominant Bay of Plenty performance saw Tasman lose 41-12.

Due to earlier results, both teams knew a bonus point victory meant home advantage next week.

The Steamers’ opened scoring with a Wharenui Hawera penalty before Leroy Carter fended off Taine Robinson long enough to offload and send Naitoa Ah Kuoi down the right sideline to score in the 28th minute. The Mako paid doubly as the halftime hooter sounded, as Max Hicks was yellow carded for collapsing the first lineout maul and Manaaki Selby-Ricket scored from the second, leaving them a 17-0 deficit to climb.

Tasman started the second half promisingly, as extended possession allowed Macca Springer space to put Alex Nankivell in down the right edge four minutes in and continued their energy, but turnovers and pen-

20 minutes left.

Tasman almost struck back down the left edge as Max Hicks was held up, but a maul of their own allowed Quentin MacDonald to bury over.

A Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi score in the 70th and an intercept try after the hooter capped off a tough day for the Mako.

They now face a quarter-final trip to Taranaki next Saturday night.

“It’s finals footy now and finals are all about who takes the moment - we’ll look at ourselves hard, but we know we can put together 80-minute performances and beat the big teams

Tight tussles at Gavin Roberts football tournament

Both Marlborough teams at the annual Gavin Roberts 12th grade boys and 12th grade girls South Island representative football tournament proved highly competitive. The event was hosted by Marlborough Football at A&P Park,

ment MVP. Hunter Wong was named MVP of the Marlborough boys’ side.

The popular tournament has been running since 1973 when the Gavin Roberts Cup was presented at the first official tournament, the outcome of three football administrators discussing junior football in the South Island and the complications involved in the or-

Those men were Jimmy Lang of Blenheim, president of the Marlborough Junior Football Association, Gavin McPherson of Christchurch, a life member of the Rangers club and vice president of the Canterbury Junior Football Association, plus Gavin Roberts of Christchurch, the secretary of the Canterbury Junior Football Association and a New Zea-

The 12th grade girls’ tournament was originally held in Nelson in conjunction with the 10th and 11th grade festivals but, in 2008, it was staged

in conjunction with the Gavin Roberts tournament. Marlborough football are hosting seven tournaments over nine weeks in September and October, bringing over 100 teams, plus their supporters, to the region.

The Marlborough teams for the Gavin Roberts tournaments were:

12th grade boys: Oliver Barclay, Benjamin Corban, Harry MacNeill, Leonard Hamann, Dylan Boyd, Flynn McCaa, Finn Ashworth, Marcus Blasco-Brown, Carter Eden, Billy Hurren, Hunter Wong, Cameron Sievewright, Joseph Gilhooly, Charlie Clark, Alex Wood. Coach Shivesh Chandra, manager Amy Wong.

12th grade girls: Aimee Griffiths, Sophie Stamp, Dylen Foote, Giana Chen, Lucy Bridgen, Georgia Newman, Serenity Rangi, Hayley Semmens, Sophie Campbell, Zora Suleiman, Mackenzie Wyngaard. Coach Zeb Foote, manager Hayley Foote.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SWEET CREATIONS

SEPTEMBER 2023 AWARD PRESENTED TO

PETER JONES

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marcus Blasco-Brown attacks on the left flank for the Marlborough boys’ side.

Photo: Peter Jones.

Cycling veteran reaches milestone

However, one rider, who joined Cycling Marlborough in the mid-1960s, continues to keep the wheels turning on the local scene. Gill Painter, who turned 90 earlier this month, is still peddling his way around the region’s roads, turning out for the recent club races, where he claimed a handicap victory.

Originally from Christchurch,

where he took up the sport in 1951, Gill enjoyed early success, both on the track and road. He won Canterbury titles in 1954 in pursuit and placed third in the tandem at the nationals of that year. In 1955 he won the Canterbury 100-mile champs, displaying the resilience that has been a hallmark of his riding. He shifted to Marlborough in 1964, lured north for family reasons, and immediately joined Cycling Marlborough.

A painter and wallpaperer by trade, Gill quickly settled into the local scene, competing in both road and track events.

He also rode the first Wellington-to-Auckland race, finishing 22nd and placing second in one stage of the gruelling event. A jack-of-all-trades, Gill was also a keen and successful yacht racer, “until it got too expensive” and a handy runner.

He recalls running in a Masters Games 1500 event, where he finished fourth, just behind Kiwi running legend Bill Bailey. Gill has won a score of cycling trophies on the local scene over the past six decades, a testament to his stamina, which he hones with three or four training rides of “between 20-50km” each week.

10 years of Marina 2 Marina

“It was tough and soggy in places out there, but a really good time run overall, and I preferred the overcast conditions –the Link course is always a good run”, said winner Gus Marfell

The 13km Snout trail was harder going as many muddy legs and slide marks made clear.

“It depends a bit on the weather thought,” Gill chuckles. Although he has a long string of titles to his name, he is particularly proud of three consecutive Hester Shield wins in the fivemile race during the mid-1970s. He points to fitness and camaraderie as the biggest benefits from the sport and the main reasons for his lengthy career, suggesting cycling has been a “huge part” of his life.

Although Gill still enjoys the competitive aspect of cycling, he suggests he may soon step back from regular competition.

“There’s no-one round about my

Gill Painter waits for the start of a recent club race.

Photo: Peter Jones.

age doing it now,” he adds with a twinkle in his eye.

That will come as no surprise to most, with his longevity becoming the stuff of club legend and unlikely to be surpassed.

While rain throughout the week before left many of the trails soft underfoot and runners with muddy legs, the overcast conditions held off rain on the runners despite a chilly Saturday morning.

“It was a really wet run and got pretty muddy pretty quickly, so I was sliding about but people that ran in road shoes were really suffering”, commented winner Dougal Shepherd.

See results on page 24.

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Paul O’Donnell

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Peter Jones

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Greg Somerville TERMS & CONDITIONS: Advertising credit won can be used across any TSM Marlborough platform including the Marlborough Weekly, Marlborough Magazine and the Marlborough App and must be redeemed no later than 31 December 2023 All credits exclude GST Only 1 prize will be awarded per placing (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | All tipping picks must be received no later than midday Monday, day of print for that week’s Tuesday newspaper issue and sent to hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia. co.nz. If not received by this time, home games will be allocated on your behalf | Your tipping picks are for the following week’s weekend games | For every correct ‘team win’ guess, one (1) point will be awarded and points will be accumulated over the 18 weeks | In the event of a tie-breaker a ‘scores guess’ for the FINAL will be added and one (1) additional point will be awarded to the closest guess Fixtures may change at the discretion of Super Rugby and dates were correct at the time of printing.

Gavin Williams William Woodworth 50 50 49 48 48 46 46 45 45 45 43 43 42

PTS CANTERBURY VS AUCKLAND WELLINGTON VS WAIKATO TARANAKI VS TASMAN BAY OF PLENTY VS HAWKE’S BAY

QF

PETER JONES

A steady stream of club cyclists has ridden Marlborough’s roads over the past seven decadesmost of whom have come and gone.

The 10th annual Marina 2 Marina run saw 406 competitors take to the roads, tracks and trails around Anakiwa, Picton and Waikawa on Saturday.

Athletes took to the four courses stretching from the 24km Link trail between Anakiwa and Picton, the 13km course to the end of The Snout and back, the 10km run between Waikawa and Picton Marina’s and the 2km Kids Dash around Picton Harbour.

Marina 2 Marina 2023 results

LINK RUN

Male

1st - Gus Marfell, 1:44:22.03

2nd - Oliver Linscott, 1:47:48.20

3rd - Sarn Hunnisett, 1:54:24.89

Female

1st - Jackie Allan, 2:04:23.18

2nd - Stacey Goble, 2:06:20.93

3rd - Annabel Jeaffreson, 2:17:48.23

SNOUT RUN

Male

1st - Dougal Shepherd, 59:32.64

2nd - Brendon Corner, 1:02:54.97

3rd - Scott Smith, 1:03:19.62

Female

1st - Megan Begg, 1:21:43.52

2nd - Katy Marshall, 1:25:18.06

3rd - Lisa Johnston, 1:26:33.71

SNOUT WALK

Male

1st - Ben Bolitho, 1:55:20.12

2nd - Phil Eves, 2:16:39.75

3rd - Greg Thompson, 2:20:42.10

Female

1st - Gwen Connor, 2:00:59.80

2nd - Sarah Banks, 2:01:12.90

3rd - Linda Mesman, 2:02:06.57

MARINA 2 MARINA RUN

Male

1st - Keegan Middleton, 47:15.97

2nd - Joseph Gilhooly, 47:43.48

3rd - Tamati Anderton, 54:03.84

Female

1st - Laura Smidt, 48:02.40

2nd - Lena Bailey, 52:25.06

3rd - Nyala Stevenson, 2:25.71

Marina 2 Marina Walk

Male

1st - Riley Davenport, 1:23:42.78

2nd - Roland Mapp, 1:23:44.32

3rd - Greg Stevenson, 1:36:55.27

Female

1st - Olivia Radford, 1:18:50.28

2nd - Jemma Fuher, 1:32:36.84

3rd - Laura Hughes, 1:33:08.35

KIDS DASH

Male

1st - Leo Sincock, 8:14.12

2nd - Tiaki Anderton, 8:24.09

3rd - Tommy Campbell, 9:28.81

Female

1st - Taylor Rayner, 10:54.03

2nd - Aylee Randall, 11:21.93

3rd - Georgie Bradbury, 11:40.28

Photos: William Woodworth.

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 week, we play EUCHRE. Springlands Tavern Restaurant. 16 Boyce St. $5. Ph 0272077631.

RUMMY-0 CLUB 12.30-4pm Bowls club rooms, Weld St. Ph Joy 5776191/Mary 5788747

BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES

2-3pm & 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 7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. Ph Heather 02102587325.

CARE & SHARE A place for creatives to meet, encourage & share their skills. 9.30am fortnightly. Barnies, Nativity. 76 Alfred St. Ph 5783909.

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

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

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION

2pm every week, we play CRIBBAGE. Springlands Tavern Restaurant, 16 Boyce St. $5. Ph 0272077631.

STEADY AS YOU GO Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Ph 0213852333. Email donna@ stchristophers.co.nz

SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking. Improve your confidence. 6.20pm fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Ph 0276001788. E: sunbeltblenheim@gmail.com

RED HAT SOCIETY for women to enjoy fun & friendship. We meet 1st & 3rd Tues of the month. Ph Tina 0211045945.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. 8.30am12pm. Social Tennis. MT 10am. Non-members $5. Ph 0275786436

BLENHEIM CHORAL 7pm. Wesley Centre, Henry St. www.marlboroughsingers.org.

BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP 6.30-9pm RNZAF

Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged 13 & 15. E: 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 10am, Picton library. Bring your knitting for this social catch-up.

PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults 10am-12pm. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 Morning tea included. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

PICTON LINE DANCING 9.30-11.30am Anglican Church hall. $6 per class. Beginners welcome. Ph Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.

MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB MAHJONG

1-3.30pm $4. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Gail 0272214121.

WEDNESDAY

WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB We meet 10am at the Picton Library, every 3rd Wed of the month for fun & friendship. Gold coin donation for morning tea. After meeting we go for lunch at one of the venues in Picton, should you wish to join us.

PICTON 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 7.30pm. Blenheim Bowling Club, 65 Weld St. Ph Erin 027 234 1709.

BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired?

Meetings 1st Wed of the month. 10am. Wesley Centre. Ph Ann 5787046/Jan 0226353919.

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

STRETCH & BREATHE Class for Seniors. 10-11am, St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St, Ph 0213852333. Email donna@stchristophers.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL CENTRE hosts newcomers 10.30-12noon Henry St. Opportunities for Newcomers & Marlburians to make friends, practice English & support each other. 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. Ph Jenny Goss 0211629102.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregivers catch up. 10.30-12pm Town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St.

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 10-11.30am to support each other. Regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford 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.

THURSDAY

PICTON BRIDGE CLUB 6.50pm Port Marlborough Pavilion. Ph Judy 021685348.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle Walking Exercise for Seniors.

11.30am-12.30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall. $3. 92 Weld St. Ph 0213852333. Email donna@stchristophers.co.nz

COMPANIONS Ages 65+. 1st Thurs of the month.

1pm. Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. Ph Avon 035792440, Lorraine 035781240, or Shirley 035783728.

COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP Tailored for people with breathlessness. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.15pm. Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. Ph Diana 0272105780/Gillian 0274545102.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9am-12noon

Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $6. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021503348

PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults 10am-12pm. Port Marlborough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. $4. Morning tea included. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

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

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS every Fri 4.30-6.30pm

weather permitting. Members $2, visitors $5. 10 Uxbridge St (behind Bowling Club) Ph Leigh Andrews 0211913034. Visit FB page for upcoming events.

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 5-6.30pm. E: upbeatorchestra@gmail. com

MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB AVO 2-4p.m. Guest speakers. $5. AT. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Dianne 0212147757.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

PICTON DAWN CHORUS Checking volunteer trap lines, walking through native bush. Contact Esther03 928 4957 ext 1. volunteering@pictondawnchorus.

nz

MARLBOROUGH QUILTERS meeting 2nd Sat of the month at Marlb Vintage & Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park 10am-4 pm. Join us to learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomer’s welcome. Liz 0212067382

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 10.30-11.15am, Marl Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, 12th Lane. Blenheim. Cnr Farmers carpark. 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. 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. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. 9am-12noon. 14th Oct (Monthly, every 4th Sat). John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

GENERAL GROUPS

SIT AND BE FIT Tues & Thurs 1.15pm $2. Riversdale Community House. Ph 5780469 / 0223007342.

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am12pm. wooden toys, projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 5705188. WORKING BEE – TE WHANAU HOU GROVETOWN

LAGOON plant/weed/mulch Wed 9.30-11.30am. Thurs 1.30-3pm. Ph Rosanne 0210709267; & every 2nd Sun (8th Oct) meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9:30am-12pm followed by a BBQ. E: Justine Johnsonmarlborough@ gmail.com

ULYSSES CLUB Coffee 10am every Sat, at The Runway Café. For info on other rides, E: marlborough@ ulysses.org.nz or visit marlborough.ulysses.org.nz.

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

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.

RENWICK MENZ SHED 54 High St Renwick. Left of church. MT provided. Tues 8.30am-2pm. Fri 8.30am12. Ph Dave 02102282592.

PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED 2 Market St. Wed 8.30am-2.30pm. Sat 8.30am-12pm Ph Bill Rogers 5735507 or Rex 021469191. A place of welcome for Picton’s menfolk.

BLENHEIM MENZ SHED 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages meet to just chill out or do projects for themselves or the community. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Open Sat 9am-12noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drive. Tutors for people 50+ needing assistance with computer/smart phone. Ph 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

CLASSIFIED

SUPERVISORS & RUNNERS

Office Administrator

If you are looking for a diverse office administration role or one where you can further develop your skills and learning then we have the role for you.

The role includes:

Office Admin; including reception duties, office errands, filing, data entry and the use of xero. Reconciliation of firewood accounts.

H & S, data entry, co-ordination of drug testing. Cleaning, around 2 hours per week.

Full training will be given to the right person and external training courses may be on offer if you would like additional qualifications.

Part time hours between 25 to 33 hours.

Mon to Friday 10am to 5pm. Some flexibility around working days may be considered along with job sharing. Additional hours will be required between mid March to mid April for grape harvest.

Email mickayla@heagneys.co.nz for further information.

Applications close Monday 16 October 2023

Mini Buses for Hire

INTERESTED?

HENDERSON, Eric Gerald

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village, Blenheim, surrounded by family. Aged 92 years.

Beloved husband of Lois. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Erica and Brian and Robyn and Eddie.

Loved grandfather of his five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Special thanks to all the staff at Ashwood Park for their care and support.

Messages may be sent to the Henderson Family, PO Box 110 Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers a donation to Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ would be appreciated to a/c 38-9019-0456965-01 Ref. HENDERSON.

A service for Eric was held on Monday, October 2 however may be viewed via our website www.sowmans.co.nz/ upcoming-funerals

GIFFORD, Adeline Ngaire (Ngaire)

Passed away peacefully at Bethsaida Retirement Village, Blenheim on Tuesday September 26, 2023 after a short illness. Aged 96 years.

Adored wife of the late Calvin Gifford, loved mother of Sue, Malcolm, Jill and Cheryl. Messages may be sent to 13 Ferry Road, Spring Creek 7202. A service to celebrate Ngaire’s life was held on Saturday September 30.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ (03) 578 4719

www.sowmans.co.nz

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