Marlborough Magazine - December 2022

Christmas Day has three key parts to it for me – family, food and water. I love being surrounded by family, it’s such a great time to just chill and enjoy each other’s company. The food, of course, is always fantastic and I love swimming and being around the water.

But everyone’s Christmas Day is slightly different and this month we speak with three local families who have made their way to Marlborough from other parts of the world. They tell us what Christmas was like for them in their homeland before moving to the greatest little province in New Zealand. While December is synonymous with Christmas, it’s also a great time of year to get out and explore. We have a special feature on things to do in

Blenheim this month as well as a great guide on wonderful places to taste some of our incredible wine.

Finally, the whole team here at TSM Marlborough (the company that publishes the Marlborough Magazine, Marlborough Weekly and Marlborough App) wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 2022 has had a few challenges but when I look around at the wonderful place we call home and the amazing people that live here, it certainly makes me feel appreciative for all we do have.

Have a great month and we’ll see you all in 2023.

EDITOR

Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DESIGN

Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

CONTRIBUTORS

Paula Hulburt, Adrienne Matthews, Megan Smith, Amy Russ, Tessa Jaine, Sarah Brown, Matt Brown, Richard Briggs

ADVERTISING

Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Nikki Andrews nikki@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Rosa Tate rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DISTRIBUTION

Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Aberthenthy

PUBLISHER

TSM Marlborough 52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz

Sarah Brown

What made news in our region...

Clubs of Marlborough closing a shock

Mayor Nadine Taylor has expressed her shock and sadness at the news that the Clubs of Marlborough has closed its doors. After operating for 134 years it is a shock felt by much of the community. The club went into voluntary receivership last month, Nadine says council will work closely with the receivers and that the building is an incredible asset for the Marlborough region.

Exton’s career revs up 18-year-old Marlborough karter William Exter is living life in the fast lane – both here and in Europe. Recently William took out the win and a cash prize of $37,500 at Hampton Downs. Now, he is in Portugal competing in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals against some of the best in the world. William says he is super excited about the finals which is run on a one-engine basis, with all drivers provided with the same controlled and sealed engines, chassis, tyres and fuel, which leaves the focus on the driver ability. New Zealand’s Young Winemaker of the Year

A Marlborough winemaker with a passion for improving the industry has been named as the 2022 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year. After winning the Marlborough Young Winemakers award earlier in the year, 28-yearold Alun Kilby, production winemaker at Marisco Vineyards, faced off against four other talented young winemakers from across the country at Kim Crawford winery in Blenheim on November 3. The gruelling day of competition saw Alun take out the prestigious title, along with a cash prize and a trip to Burgundy.

Young people inspire

A group of talented young Marlburians have had their dreams bolstered by Marlborough’s Inspire Foundation. Ten young people, from golfers to dancers, had their moment in the spotlight last month at the Inspire Awards, which saw each of them awarded a sum to go toward the cost of chasing their dreams. An auction on the night of a signed Black Fern jersey raised $2000 for the charity.

SH6 repairs pass halfway mark

Repairs to SH6 have now passed the halfway mark with a huge amount of work happening on the main route between Hira and Rai Valley. Waka Kotahi regional manager for Wellington/Top of the South Island, Mark Owen says additional crews are working on two of the sites and the road is expected to reopen in the later part of the evening on 18 December.

EcoWorld animals to get top quality service

Port Marlborough says the welfare of EcoWorld’s animals remains its top priority, with “specialist” staff contracted to assist them when they take over the Picton site this month. This comes after a decision from Justice David Gendall last month that ruled EcoWorld owner John Reuhman has 20 working days to leave the waterfront building, after a High Court bid to stop him being kicked out failed. He could look to rehome animals during that time, should he wish to. Port Marlborough will take over responsibility of the animals which remain after the 20 working days.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“I’ve always been one of those people who once they’ve decided something, never gave up. I always knew that whatever I did it wouldn’t be a normal job.”

Melissa Galloway Pages

15-17

If I could...

Local businessman, mentor and councillor Brian Dawson is passionate about helping Marlborough businesses succeed. Brian wouldn’t change his job, but if he could, he would tell his younger self a few valuable life lessons, and travel more.

If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be…

Do a degree and then travel. I’ve done all my study part-time. I see the amazing relationships my school friends developed during university days and while they were travelling, and I missed out on that. Also worry less. It all works out okay. Lastly, be fit and active. Don’t wait until your forties to discover all the benefits of walking in the hills and going to the gym.

If I could change one thing about Marlborough it would be…

Convincing our young people that our region is the best place for them to live. Whether it be helping them find the right job, study options or their own business. Many will of course want to see the world, which is fantastic, but we want them to choose Marlborough after they have done that. There are some early opportunities to explore with this, including connecting as many tertiary students away studying with local businesses in their profession. These students working in these firms during each holiday and seeing what is going on locally.

If I could have any job, it would be…

What I am doing at present - working for Business Trust Marlborough and Angel Investors Marlborough. I get to provide business advice and support to hundreds of businesses every year and help connect local investors with local, national and international investment opportunities. It is the most interesting and rewarding work I have ever done. Everyone I work with is either a business owner or looking to be a business owner. They are all highly motivated and incredibly determined.

If I could swap lives with someone, it would be…

My son. He has recently qualified as a commercial pilot and has his whole life in front of him. To be young and talented in today’s world with so much opportunity must be truly exciting. People can travel like never before and young people better understand than my generation the need to have more balance in life. It’s not just all about work.

If I could be on a reality TV show, it would be…

Survivor. The enforced lack of food would be good for my weight. I like the strategy involved and the intrigue. I’m pretty competitive. The immunity challenges would be fun.

If I could have lunch with three people, they would be…

My wife Tricia, my son and my Dad. My son never got to meet my father and Tricia only met my father once. He has been gone 30 years now. It is one of my great regrets in life that Alex never got to meet George. My dad was a great storyteller. Whether it be about illegal card games or horse racing in the old days where results were a bit more pre-determined than they should have been. The hands would go, and you couldn’t help but get caught-up in what he was saying. Dad was always ‘spreading kindness’ as he put it. A word that is often used today but not something that was said so much back then. So, if I could wave a magic wand, those are the three people I’d like to join me for lunch.

If I could predict the future, in ten years’ time…

We will be living in Marlborough. We will be active early-stage business investors (Angel Investors). I will be a volunteer business mentor for Business Trust Marlborough. Tricia and I will also be taking the time to travel and see the parts of New Zealand and the world that we haven’t seen yet. We’ll also see Alex as often as we can.

Making new Christmas memories

There can be plenty to get used to for people moving to Marlborough from other parts of the world, not least of these is celebrating Christmas. Paula Hulburt spoke with three families about how their Christmas has changed since becoming Kiwis.

"At midnight there were fireworks, then we prayed to God, exchanged gifts, popped champagne, and ate."

At home in Blenheim, Eufrasia Peneres is delighted to be preparing to celebrate her third Christmas with her Kiwi husband. While she can’t wait to spend time with her family here, a video call to her family in Brazil is a must on the big day. “Now I have two families, the Brazilian family and the Kiwi family. I believe that all of this was prepared by my God Jehovah. He brought me to New Zealand, and He has taken care of me and my families down to the smallest detail. I love living here in Blenheim.”

While her children, Daniel and Patricia, are grown up, she happily recalls their Christmases together in Brazil. Decorating their house to shine among others on her street. Every year she’s had a different Christmas tree, “I made different Christmas trees that I decorated with angels, coloured balls, stars, gifts and flashing lights.”

A groaning Christmas Eve table offered up a feast for the family and their friends in Brazil, Eufrasia explains. Cooked meats, roasts and salads were enjoyed followed by many different desserts.

“At midnight there were fireworks, then we prayed to God, exchanged gifts, popped champagne, and ate. The neighbours came to wish merry Christmas, they were wonderful moments, at this time here I miss them a lot,” she says.

Last year, the family ate a Christmas picnic in the park, celebrating the day on December 25 and not on Christmas Eve took some getting used to for the customer care employee. She is also quite taken with the tradition of Christmas stockings she admits.

“I found the Christmas custom in New Zealand different from Brazil, for example, on Christmas Day it is celebrated with the family in the park with the exchange of gifts and a big picnic. In Brazil I never used the Christmas stocking, I found it interesting in New Zealand.”

As her thoughts turn towards the end of the old year, Eufrasia too has a wish for the world, “I hope that this Christmas and the New Year 2023 will be a year of good health, peace, without hunger, without wars in the world and a lot of Faith in God Jehovah.”

Eufrasia Peneres celebrates a Brazilian and a Kiwi Christmas.

Matt Brown

When Ewa Zielinska was a little girl, she twice woke up to discover a twig under her pillow.

In Poland, the festive season’s celebrations begin with St Nicolas’ Day on December 6, when children who have been good all year can expect presents under their pillow. Those less well behaved are gifted twigs. Three weeks later Christmas Eve is celebrated. It’s a special night, a night of magic, dreams and wishes. For Ewa, whose name translates to Eve in English, the day is particularly memorable as it also marks her Name Day. In Poland, name day or imieniny is more important than one's birthday, the tradition originates from the Christian method of associating each day of the year with the names of one or more saints - the Calendar of Saints. Babies are often named after a saint whose feast day was closest to the date of birth or baptismal date and on that day they are honoured. “It is a double special day for me as it is my Name's Day. People would come to wish me Happy Name's Day and Merry Christmas at the same time. I'd get flowers and chocolates in the morning and a present from Santa in the evening. Lucky me!”

Christmas Eve is a night of enchantment for Polish people, with midnight marking a very special time, if you can stay awake that long, Ewa laughs. “We believe that Christmas Eve is a special night and at midnight all animals talk and they are able to tell you their dreams and wishes. As children we used to really want to stay up till midnight but somehow, we never lasted. The next day mum and dad or granny and auntie would pass on to us the dog's or cat's wishes for the year.”

For 22 years, Ewa, has been spending time between Poland and Blenheim, where her partner’s family are.

It is with the Blenheim family she expects to celebrate Christmas, albeit differently from the usual festivities in Poland.

While her hand-created driftwood Christmas tree will be centre stage here, the tradition is different in Poland, Ewa explains. “I make my Christmas tree out of driftwood here in New Zealand. I decorate it with handmade decorations, beach plants and lights. I think it is so beautiful and unique.

“[In Poland] we usually decorate the Christmas tree after breakfast and start getting ready for the evening celebrations. The table is covered with a white cloth and underneath it we put hay as a symbol of Jesus in the manger.”

Around the table, family and friends gather. People take the chance to pray or to reflect. Christmas wishes are exchanged as people move around the table amid laughter and chatting. “Traditionally, the dining starts with the appearance of the first star in the sky,” Ewa says. “There are 12 dishes on the Polish Christmas table, a dish for each month of the year or the 12 apostles.” Ewa smiles as she remembers Christmases past in Poland. “At my family home we would sing and play instruments until Santa delivers presents later that evening. He either comes in person for a brief moment or just leaves the presents under the tree.” This year’s Christmas wish is simple, Ewa says. “I'm looking forward to having a great time with my children and hopefully catching up with family and friends. I also hope that the weather is going to be nice and warm and we will be able to go for walks and bike rides or just lay on the beach and catch up on reading.”

Ewa Zielinska shares her Polish Christmas traditions with her children Noah Huria and Mia Huria.

“We believe that Christmas Eve is a special night and at midnight all animals talk and they are able to tell you their dreams and wishes."

Sarah Brown

"Hristos se rodi' (Christ is born) to which it is answered: 'Vaistinu se rodi' (He is truly born)."

This will be the Fernandez family’s fourth Christmas in Marlborough. Moving here from Chile in 2019, Maria and her family will celebrate as they traditionally do, drawing on their heritage from Chile and Former Yugoslavia.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus is carefully placed in the manger, the star is added to the top of the tree and the gifts left by Santa can be opened. It is very different from past celebrations in Chile where Christmas falls in January, explains Maria. “Christmas Eve is celebrated on January 6 and Christmas on the 7th, although the celebration extends to the 8th and 9th as well.

“So, on that day we exchanged messages with my husband's family and his friends with the expression 'Hristos se rodi' (Christ is born) to which it is answered: 'Vaistinu se rodi' (He is truly born).”

While past traditions remain important to the family, they have embraced some Kiwi ones too. The annual street parades have been a big hit, she says. “I like the parades they do downtown with bagpipes and delegations from the peoples of the Pacific.

I like that community atmosphere as well as the decorated houses that one can go through with the children through different neighborhoods, until one finds Santa.”

“Wine and strawberries, also an excellent idea,” laughs Maria who is looking forward to decorating her Christmas tree. “I have beautiful shells that I paint to make something typical of the coast and the South Pacific, the ocean that unites my country of origin with this one that shelters me today. We keep the tree and the manger until January 7, because in the Old Julian calendar that uses the Orthodox Religion, which is part of the culture of the former Yugoslavia, where my husband was born.”

Maria is looking forward to reuniting with her mother, sister and husband’s American based family in Chile in the New Year. “It will be a magical time,” she beams. As for her other Christmas wish, she hopes to see a more settled world.

“As Christians, may we move the world a little more towards a sense of community and solidarity, and integration.”

Maria with husband Andrej, daughter Valentina and son Filip Fernandez celebrate Chilean and Former Yugoslavia Christmas traditions.

Supplied

Journey of a champion

Melissa Galloway is the World Dressage champion and has her eye on the next Olympics. The tenacious horsewoman talks to Paula Hulburt about faith, family and the future.

Sarah Brown

Abundle of dachshund snoozes on the pillow next to her, curled up in a cosy comma. As Melissa talks, Maple’s ears twitch, her small tail wags lazily.

Melissa sits on her bed, left leg carefully supported and stretched out in front of her. Virtually bed bound after a recent accident left her with a badly broken leg, the usually energetic horsewoman cannot walk without crutches. Her tibia was plated and pinned and she needs the support of full-length braces.

But Maple isn’t complaining as she laps up having a bedfellow on hand for pats on demand. “She is the cutest little companion while I can’t really go out,” Melissa says.

A 10-day wait for surgery left Melissa in a lot of pain and on regular pain relief, the medication on her bedside table a testament to the distress she was in. But in trademark fashion, now she’s feeling better, Melissa is keen to get back in the saddle. The enforced rest is frustrating, she admits. “I think it had to happen,” she jokes. “I probably needed to slow down a bit.”

With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris firmly in her sights, the 29-year-old is finding it hard being away from her beloved horses. Melissa managed a short trip to her stables at nearby Tua Marina and, as always, seeing the horses made her feel better, she says. The horse dearest to her heart, regular mount Windermere J'Obei W was especially happy to see her. “Well, I like to think he was,” she laughs.

Talking about her horses brings a grin to her face. It was the first time she had seen them since the accident which badly damaged her left leg.

“I was brushing one of my young horses and out of the blue he must have heard a noise and got a fright, thinking it was me. He broke a large chunk of my tibia off, it was very painful,” admits Melissa, whose stoical countenance belies the amount of pain she has suffered.

On her own when the accident happened, Melissa started to go into shock and, worried that she was being dramatic, tried calling her family for help first and not the emergency services. Her sister-in-law came to the rescue and she was taken to Wairau Hospital, ultimately spending one night and two days under the care of an orthopaedic surgeon.

How the injury would affect her flourishing career was very much on her mind, she says, even while she waited for help to arrive. “I definitely thought about that, but I quickly changed my opinion to if it were going to happen, now was probably a good time,” she muses.

Three months ago, the equestrian star returned home from the Netherlands where she had spent a year working and training. Being hurt at home was a silver lining, Melissa explains. “This is the first time I’ve had something serious happen. I had a concussion before but nothing like this. Initially, in my head, I was going to get straight back on [riding] but now I see I’m going to have to take it day by day. I’ll definitely be going to the gym… at the moment I’m quite lopsided,” she laughs, “I won’t let it affect Paris.”

Melissa scored a new personal best at her senior championship debut at the World Dressage Championship. She surged to the top in 2020, clinching the coveted National Grand Prix Champion's title and Horse of the Year title on J'Obei.

Melissa has set a high precedent for herself, but the friendly brunette is humble about her achievements, crediting her family and faith for keeping her grounded.

Shuffling position slightly as she tries to ease her aching leg, Melissa explains the bed has been temporarily moved to the lounge to allow her to rest her leg. Above, in pride of place, hangs a photo of Melissa and husband Lachlan on their wedding day in 2014.

The pair met through the Elim Church youth group and will celebrate their eighth anniversary this month (December). “We started dating when I was 15 years old and I knew he was special. We prayed for guidance as to whether we were right together and got a clear answer,” Melissa smiles.

So, when Lachlan got down on a bended knee and presented an overjoyed Melissa with a threediamond engagement ring, she didn’t hesitate. “We went up the Wither Hills to watch the fireworks and he proposed while they were going off. It was perfect.” Next to her, Maple snuffles in her sleep, seemingly agreeing.

Melissa’s happiness is clear, her marriage and family the bedrock of her many achievements. But the couple’s strong relationship made it even harder for them to be apart while Melissa spent a year overseas.

“The toughest thing was being apart from him. I was so sure I was going to do it and then I got there and was like ‘wow, I’ve given up my entire life’, I was thrown into a different world but knew I had to just get through it.

“I was lonely at times and Christmas was especially hard. A lot of staff had left to go home and I was there almost on my own. I did think about coming home,” Melissa recalls.

It is her philosophic attitude that has put Melissa ahead of the competition, but, she explains, it hasn’t always been easy. From the 11-year-old schoolgirl who told her teacher she wanted to be an Olympic dressage rider, to the woman she is today, the journey has sometimes been fraught. With happiness and success comes loneliness and sometimes heartbreak, she says.

As a talented dancer and horse rider, Melissa had to choose what profession she wanted to strive for. Leaving Marlborough Girls’ College at 16 years old, the decision to follow her heart is one she has never regretted, she explains.

“I’ve always been one of those people who once they’ve decided something, never gave up. I always knew that whatever I did it wouldn’t be a normal job, so to speak.

“I loved dancing and was a little performer at home. I knew I had to decide between dancing and horses and then I thought of dressage, it’s like dancing on a horse,” she laughs.

Her family, who she relies on for support while competing, are never far from her thoughts. It is clear their love and unfailing encouragement have played a big role in both Melissa’s personal and professional achievements. Parents Anne and Rodney Parkes have forged a legacy of faith, love and sportsmanship for their three children, Michael Parkes, Melissa and Sarah Parkes-Seufert. The siblings share a close bond.

“My sister’s also my best friend,” Melissa explains.

“She’s a vet technician and often comes with me as my groom. There are all these competitors with proper grooms and staff and then I’m there with my family,” she laughs. “It helps enormously.”

Of course, there are times when Melissa is alone and it is then she says that her strong faith helps. Every big decision, in times of trouble and times of joy, her faith is always with her.

“My faith in God helps me with everything.”

So, what does New Zealand’s Grand Prix dressage rider want next in life?

“We definitely want children at some point in the future but first I have the Paris Olympics.

“There are lots of successful riders who are mothers, you don’t have to choose one or the other, you can have both,” Melissa says.

“I’m lucky enough that one day I might have both, after all there is more than one Olympic Games coming up in the next few years.”

Melissa has been celebrating after moving up the Federation Equestre Internationale world dressage athlete rankings from number 104 to 70, and number 1 in New Zealand. The talented horsewoman also capped off her successful year with another prestigious award after being named 2022 Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year.

Melissa with her husband Lachy Galloway, mum Anne Parkes and dad Rodney Parkes at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, Germany.

Libby Law

Then there were four

For Dan Roos and Annah Sophia, baby Bastian is a sight to behold, the happy ending to their three and a half-year IVF journey. Alongside older son Luca, the family of four is counting their blessings.

Words: Paula Hulburt | Sarah Brown

Tiny eyelashes flutter as Bastian Col Danie Roos begins to wake. Little fingers stretch, starfish like, as the two-week-old stirs, his adoring parents gaze on proudly.

The centre of attention is incredibly cute, unaware of what his parents went through to have him. For mum Annah, Bastian, named after the boy in her favourite movie Never Ending Story, is truly a dream come true. “He’s worth the wait,” she smiles, as she recounts how she first went into labour on Halloween, two days after her due date. “I started getting niggles, some crampy aches and back pain.”

Around sixteen hours later, the newest addition to the family, born via caesarean section at Wairau Hospital, was safely swaddled, a hand-knitted blue hat on his head.

After 14 hours of labour, taking relief from just a few whiffs of gas, Annah made it through to the point of pushing, then medical intervention was called for, resulting in Annah requiring a c-section. “I was relieved to hear it, there was only so much Annah could do and she needed help,” says Dan, who is quick to praise the staff both in surgery and on the maternity ward for their care and professionalism. “I was glad I got to experience going into labour naturally like this, regardless of doing all that hard work and still having to have surgery in the end, it was a healing journey for me,” Annah adds. “I was induced two weeks early with Luca, his labour was traumatic, and I don’t remember much. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive team than Mum and Dan. There was so much love in that room.”

Annah Sophia and Dan Roos with sons Bastian and Luca.

Bastian, whose middle name is an amalgamation of Annah’s dad’s name (Colin) and Dan’s father (Danie) has fitted right in, Dan says. “It’s like he’s been with us forever,” he smiles.

Weighing 4.25kg, Bastian was born on November 1 and his family can’t believe how lucky they are.

In her twenties, doctors had told Annah she wouldn’t be able to conceive children after a medical condition ruptured and caused scar tissue in her fallopian tubes, blocking them. “Luca was my miracle baby and Bastian is my science baby,” she explains.

After trying for two years to conceive naturally, Dan and Annah turned to the team at Fertility Associates at St George’s Hospital in Christchurch. They are full of praise for the staff there, their professionalism, care and ongoing support has been faultless and memorable.

When the pair’s first IVF cycle failed, Annah says she had resigned herself to a longer wait to make their dream come true.

“I’d made peace with myself that it wasn’t going to happen straightaway. It was very difficult when we found out it [the first cycle] hadn’t worked so I talked myself down, I didn’t expect the second cycle to work.”

Following the second embryo transfer in January, Dan and Annah faced an anxious ten day wait to be officially told they were expecting.

Annah laughs as she recalls the pair hovering over a home pregnancy test, trying to muster the courage to look at it for the result. “You can test at home after approximately six days to see a fairly reliable result, and we did a test but couldn’t bring ourselves to look at it, so threw it away and decided to wait for the blood test results instead.”

Four days later the call they had longed for came from the clinic who called with Annah’s blood test results and confirmation of her pregnancy.

“They called to say ‘congratulations’,” Annah smiles, her gaze moving to the framed note with a positive pregnancy test attached she presented Dan with later that day. “I rushed and made it for him right before he got home only 20 minutes later.”

Dan says discovering they were pregnant was one of the best days of his life. “It all felt a bit unreal at first,” he says. As Dan talks, he gently rocks Bastian in his arms; fatherhood clearly agrees with him.

“He’s already watched his first rugby game, in a Springboks onesie,” he smiles. South African born, Dan will ensure Bastian learns to speak Afrikaans too.

“I’ll have to learn it too,” Annah laughs, “or I’ll be left behind.”

In his nursery, Bastian’s name is spelt out in large, gold letters above his white cot, waiting for the day he is big enough for his own bed. Framed prints of baby animals adorn the walls, and a wealth of storybooks sit waiting for bedtimes to come.

And when it comes to love, Bastian has it all, including an adoring big brother in Luca. “Since he was four-years-old Luca has asked for a sibling for every birthday and every Christmas. When he saw Bastian for the first time, he just melted,” Annah says.

“This is a dream come true. He is such a doting big brother. He helps at home so much, looking after me, looking after Bastian. We are so very proud of him. We feel pretty complete, we were just waiting for the final puzzle piece to slot in and now he’s here.”

The puzzle piece in question opens his blue eyes and stares at his mum, who smiles in clear delight and stands up. “It must be time for a feed,” she tells her son, as Dan stands too, unwilling to even miss even a minute with his youngest son.

Exploring Blenheim’s backyard

With its expansive fertile river plains, bustling Wairau River, and the craggy terrain that makes up the Inland Kaikouras, Marlborough is an outstanding playground for those who need a chance to escape the humdrum of life for some adventure or simply a change of scene, as Adrienne Matthews find out.

The regions landscape has encouraged many businesses to become established that meet the needs of both locals looking for a great day out and the many visitors who visit the region.

You don’t have to be a wine buff either because, despite its reputation as the largest wine growing region in New Zealand, there is so much more to see and taste besides what is produced on the forty plus local vineyards.

‘Explore Marlborough Wine Tours’, based at The Vines Village at Rapaura Road, might have “wine” in its title, but owner Andrew Wright says that people use the company’s services for a variety of reasons. “Bike hire is increasingly popular, particularly as we offer guided bike tours,” he says. “The region is beautiful. It is flat on the valley floor. With a choice of good quality Avanti cruiser bikes along with e-bikes, biking is easy and as long as you can stay upright on a bike, anyone can come and do it.”

“Most of our clients want a mixture of wine tasting, fresh air and a bit of exercise but others just want to get out and enjoy exploring the stop-banks, bicycle trails and back roads in the area. There are plenty of options for lunch these days too, with many vineyards offering excellent meals and platters.”

A lesser known but exciting place to visit is the Koru Native Wildlife Centre in Grovetown, run by the Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust. The focus here is on breeding native wildlife such as kākāriki, geckos and wetas, with a major emphasis on conservation and education. The latest project on site is the planting of a micro-forest which will contain over twelve thousand trees, be rich in biodiversity and an important haven for wildlife. Groups can book a visit to the centre and tours can be customized to suit any age group. For those who don’t enjoy the crowds that Garden Marlborough brings, many of the gardens on display are able to be visited at other times throughout the year by pre-booking. Owner of Welton House and Eliza’s Garden Cottage, Wendy Palmer, is delighted to receive groups to the gardens she and her brother, worldrenowned garden designer Ross Palmer, have nurtured. With magnificent views of the Richmond Ranges and the Wither Hills, the historic Welton House gardens spread over almost three hectares and are a mixture of heritage trees, some of them on the list of protected Notable Trees of New Zealand, colourful borders, dry gardens, orchard, kitchen garden and meadows. The garden is full of special plant “treasures” and there are surprises everywhere.

See more of Blenheim's backcountry by bike, with a tour from Explore Marlborough Wine Tours. Supplied

Only five minutes-drive from central Blenheim, Welton House is one of many fine gardens in the region that are open by appointment. A day can easily be spent in different parts of Marlborough exploring the handiwork of some of the most inspirational gardeners in the country.

For families, as well as anyone who loves exploring the outdoors, the Wither Hills Farm Park, an 1100 hectare working sheep and cattle farm, is the perfect place to get away from it all and is very close to Blenheim. There are a number of access points but the main one is on Rifle Range Place, off Taylor Pass Road.

With over sixty kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, there are many options for those who want to get fit or just relish some quality time in the country. Visitors exploring the park can take a picnic and stop to enjoy the views which are spectacular with lookouts to Cloudy Bay and across the plains of the Wairau Valley.

For even more spectacular views of the region, a flight in a historic aircraft is the ultimate treat for those with a sense of adventure. Based at the Omaka airfield is Classic Wings Vintage Aeroplane Rides.

The Boeing Stearman used for these flights is an open cockpit bi-plane. Built in the 1930s and 1940s, these planes were used as military training aircraft in the USA and Canada. They later became popular as crop-dusters, recreational aircraft, and are often to be found at air shows.

In addition, other vintage planes based at the airfield are operated by NZ Warbirds and are available for adventure flights, including a Yakovlev, or Yak-3 as it is most commonly known, which is a very fast Russian-built World War II fighter. An Avro Anson Mk.1 has been restored to how it looked when it was in front-line service from 1939 to 1941, complete with replica machine guns and anti-submarine bombs and this is also available for flights. It is essential to book any flights in advance.

If you want to stay on the ground, what can be better than getting a group of friends together for a day of shopping, inspiration, and eating out. Cinnamon House in Queen Street is a popular destination for

sources of ideas for those wanting to give their home environments a lift. Interior designer Simone Hill and husband Chris have created a rich and eclectic mix of styles and homewares to energize and encourage visitors to add some “pep” to their living spaces.

“We are finding ourselves very popular for groups who come in with a coffee from one of the many lovely cafes around us and browse amongst the latest interior design ideas,” says Simone.

“We are fortunate to have other great stores such as Thomas’s and Cerise close by and it can make a great morning or afternoon outing for friends to come and visit us all. At the moment the big trend is decorating with botanicals and tropicals, bringing the outside in,” she says. “It’s a bit of a jungle vibe and seems to tie in with people appreciating the outdoors more. We also have our popular man-cave in store where men who aren’t interested in such things can be comfortable and allow their partners to browse without restraint.”

Another excellent shopping experience and a chance to see the breadth of arts and crafts produced in Marlborough is the “Return to Eden Gallery,” run by sisters Adele and Rachel Kenny. Opposite the St Clair Restaurant and Cellar Door in Rapaura, it is the place to go to see the work of over seventy artists and craftspeople from the region.

“With work recently finished on our gorgeous gardens,” says Adele, “we are encouraging groups of artists and members of craft groups to come out and paint and craft here.”

For those who want to immerse themselves in the history of the region, the Marlborough Museum is a good place to start followed by Brayshaw Heritage Park which hosts many local heritage clubs with working exhibits. The Marlborough Vintage Machine Heritage Society has one of the most outstanding public collections of farm machinery in the southern hemisphere, including over two hundred tractors, and a pioneer cottage is a recent addition.

There really is no excuse for us not to get out and enjoy the diversity and experiences this terrific region has to offer.

1. New Zealand's native parakeet, the yellow-crowned kākāriki at Koru Native Wildlife Centre. 2. See Marlborough from the sky with Omaka's Classic Wings Vintage Aeroplane Ride. 3. Enjoy the historic Welton House gardens spread over almost three hectares. 4. The view of Blenheim from one of Wither Hills Farm Park's tracks is impressive. 5. See work from over 70 artists and craftspeople from the region at Return to Eden Gallery. 6. Interiors store, Cinnamon House is a popular shopping destination in town. All photos supplied.

Grabbing life by the handlebars

The team at Bikes and Scooters Marlborough don’t just talk the talk or walk the walk, they also ride the bike – literally.

It’s fair to say the Blenheim based team are mad about bikes and are happy to share their passion, hanging out in the store with their customers, chatting all things cycle related.

Owned by locals Chris Lang and Lisa Erikson, the store opened two years ago at the Redwoodtown Hub Shopping Centre and quickly became the go-to place for all things bike related. “We ALL love riding and that is reflected in our passion and energy towards the bikes we have on our floor,” smiles Chris.

There is a great vibe in the store, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In the onsite workshop run by mechanic Merrick Thompson, music, usually classic rock, plays to a backdrop of chatter and laughs as customers come and go.

Chris says the store aims to provide customers with exceptional service. Blake Hurford looks after sales and is a great person to talk to with any queries, big and small. The customer always comes first, explains Chris. “Making sure every customer rides away on the bike that best suits them is what we are about. We listen to our customers’ stories and spend time to make sure all elements of the purchase are customised and bespoke. Saddles, handlebars, tyres, mirrors, bags and bells – all come together to ensure our customers are out there enjoying themselves. It’s a big purchase and we get that.”

With this in mind, customers can try out demo bikes to experience an eBike for themselves. “As part of

their purchasing journey our customers can trial our different models and even take them overnight if they wish – especially if they’re wanting to give it a go in the comfort of their own environment,” Chris says.

For Chris and Lisa, owning their own bike store has been a wonderful journey, one that’s evolved to see them specialise in eBike’s. They are rightly proud to stock the biggest range in Marlborough with a huge selection of brands, including Electrify – New Zealand’s biggest eBike supplier.

Living and working in Blenheim, the team are part of the community and enjoy supporting local events and people. Chris is the secretary of Cuddon Cycling Marlborough and the store also support Mark Grammar at Marlborough Sport development with events such as the Duathlon Series and the Women’s tri. Upcoming cyclists Ryan Marfell, Cam Anderson, Riley Beldham, Andrew and Adam Bidwell are also proudly sponsored by the Bikes and Scooters team. But it is their customers they say they owe a big thank you too, says Chris. “We’ve really enjoyed the support of our customers – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Get your next adventure started at Bikes and Scooters Marlborough and discover for yourself why they’re the first choice for many of the region’s cyclists.

Bikes and Scooters

Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, 91 Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim bikesandscooters.co.nz

Merrick Thompson and Chris Lang.

Styled for success

Is a person’s name the most important aspect about themselves, or is it the place where they were born, the mountain ranges that hug the townsfolk closer together, the rivers that snake their way over the land, and where a community comes together like family? Most would agree that the second statement holds far more merit. It is this poignant reflection of self and what makes you ‘you’ that Michelle Bradley, owner, and fashion stylist of MB Style, is keen to share on a recent podcast hosted by Catherine van der Meulen, director of Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose.

Words: Megan Smith

“I

f I had to describe myself, I would say I was a woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. We, as women, often have many roles to play. It is hard to decipher who we are outside of these categories. One thing I am proud of and that holds significance is that culturally, and as a Māori, a pepeha is a way to introduce ourselves. It allows us to highlight our ancestors, lineage, maunga, awa, iwi, and marae. Your roots and where you are from form part of who you are and allow those to identify and connect with you.”

This holistic, fundamental surety of self is touted as one of the reasons for Michelle’s many triumphs. “Success and what it means to me has always changed, depending on the phases of my life. During my pre-teens, I wanted to find a prince charming, get married, and build a home!” Michelle chuckles. “Being an air hostess or pop star also featured at the top of my list! It is common to look at life with blinkers on with the knowledge you had then. I was a young mother, which meant that by my twenties, being secure financially and having a safe home environment was at the heart of my being. I wanted to ensure that my kids were mentally and physically healthy, with a robust, good, old-fashioned Kiwi upbringing. Only when I entered my thirties, I began to navigate towards who I was and away from the established stay-at-home mum role. My husband and I have been together for 47 years. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. We all did a lot of growing up and learning together. My greatest gift is being a mother to four children, gran to thirteen mokopuna, and great gran to another three children. Raising kids has shown me that we are unique and what unconditional love is.”

When Michelle was nine, she relocated with her family to Picton. After school, she became a seamstress for Marlborough Lingerie, located on George Street. After Michelle pursued her studies to become a personal stylist, she had no doubt about starting her own business. Fashion has been a lifelong passion, influenced by the style her gran and mother possessed. Roles within retail further refined her skill.

Michelle is keen to highlight fashion’s power over an individual and how it can make you feel. She applauds local kiwi designers, such as Kiri Nathan, who show their creative prowess by incorporating Māori aesthetics into their creations, resulting in stunning pieces. Currently, I’m doing some styling for Paula Ryan, a New Zealand label I adore and am privileged to be working with.”

Michelle has paved the way for people to regain confidence and feel empowered. “I am privileged to work with such beautiful people. I see my role as already being supplied with a complete parcel, only adding the wrapping and final touches to enhance the gift of who that person is. From a styling point of view, sharing in a person’s ‘awakening’ through style makes for a euphoric experience. I emphasise what works for a person and that important kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) meeting. Ultimately you need to care about the client. It’s not about making a sale but ensuring that person feels emboldened!”

There is no slowing down for Michelle, who, apart from running MB Style, arranges stunning fashion styling within the Marlborough Magazine plus helps as a manager of Hotel d’Urville. “As I embrace my sixties, I can honestly say it is still a work in progress, and there are times that I think to myself, ‘what the heck are you doing?’ We are all human beings. Regardless of our diversity, we can all bring something incredible to the table without the expectation of having to be a certain way. This brings me back to the Māori foundations, which I apply to my life in business and in a personal capacity, which is to practice tika (to be true), pono (to value yourself), and aroha (love). Anyone can use these three pillars as a touchstone or foundation to build on. There is so much to learn from those around us!”

Learn more about Michelle Bradley and other entrepreneurial women via Catherine van der Meulen’s ‘Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose Podcast.’ entrepreneurialwomenwithpurpose.com

Photo: David James Styled by: Michelle Bradley Clothing: Thomas's

Rue de Femme Viona blazer and pant Taylor extension tank

ON THE STREET

Debbie Pannell’s roles as a mother, wife and director of Marlborough’s largest oyster producing business, Marlborough Oysters and Flipfarm Systems, certainly keeps her busy - but never too busy for fabulous fashion.

What are you wearing today?

My Harris Tapper Gala top, One Teaspoon leather shorts, over the knee boots from a pop-up shoe store in Wellington, the vintage green leather belt and small brooch are from Olive Branch in Blenheim, the large Swarovski brooch was a gift from my husband, the peacock brooch was a gift from a friend, earrings from GMW Jewellery in Blenheim and the green Italian leather handbag was purchased 25 years ago from David Jones in Sydney.

What is your style?

Adventurous – I feel comfortable wearing my gold metallic leather jacket to the supermarket. I enjoy the quest of combining textures to achieve distinctive looks. What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Shoes hold the commanding position in my wardrobe.

What are you loving at the moment?

My large vintage brooch I purchased from the Hospice shop. It has brown and yellow rhinestones! At every opportunity I try and add it to a look. It is getting lots of love and attention.

What are you dressed for today?

Lunch with my girlfriends. Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

Local recycled New Zealand boutiques, local fashion stores and online stores.

What is your approach to shopping?

Quality will stand the test of time. It’s best to wait and save for a coveted piece of fashion.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

My vintage Yves Saint Laurent velvet and satin jacket I purchased in Paris. A piece of fashion art I admire most days and wear with love.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

An oversized mohair jumper with a maxi dress when I was sixteen. A trend I just could not pull off as a short person.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

I think a good quality trench coat. It turns a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit into a superbly chic silhouette.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Every day is a special occasion. A smile is the best accessory. If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Anna Della Russo.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing...

Crocs.

Sarah Brown

Everything you need to know about summer skin

With Karen Black, owner of Skin Perfection

Karen Black knows a thing or two about taking care of your skin during the summer months. With over ten years of experience in corneotherapy and skincare, she specialises in skin problems and concerns such as acne, pigmentation, sun damage and ageing. Karen is a firm believer in the importance of protecting your skin during the hotter months when harmful UV rays are at their highest. Here, we ask her to share some of her expert tips and advice on taking care of our skin this summer season, so we can enjoy healthy, radiant skin all year round.

Protect

Wearing SPF is a no-brainer. The increase in UVR due to the bigger ozone hole size - brought to our attention by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research - is alarming. We need to be sun smarter. New Zealand UVR levels are some of the highest in the world, which needs to be considered when considering sun care.

Slip, slop and wrap

It may sound easy enough - wear a shirt, put on sunscreen and cover your head with a hat. But if you want to be extra vigilant, there are other things to consider. SunSmart is more than just sunscreen, it's also about being aware of your environment and how you care for your skin in different conditions. Karen recommends having a 'layered' approach to sun protection.

Understand the science behind skincare ingredients

Many factors contribute to why a product might not be effective for you, including your skin type, lifestyle and your diet and stress levels, and how they work with your skin.

For optimum summertime anti-ageing protection, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any ingredients in my current skincare that could be causing me to become more sensitised?

How often do I need to reapply sunscreen during the day?

Do I have any allergies or sensitivities?

Are my medications photosensitive?

By answering the questions above, you can take proactive steps to avoid skin problems in the future. To boost your summer protection, introduce antioxidants into your skincare routine to help protect against cellular damage caused by UVR exposure. Especially if you're spending a lot of time outdoors. And finally, remember that your skin is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Don't settle for anything less than the best for your skin. If you're experiencing skin problems or want more advice on sun protection or how to take care of your skin during the summer months, book a consultation with Karen.

Skin Perfection

172 B Wither Road 021 027 74442 skinperfectionnz.com

Focus on fibre

Your lifestyle and your choice of foods can affect the way your body digests what you eat. We hear a lot about the health benefits of protein — but all too often, the pros of eating fibre go overlooked. Dr Marissa Kellaher explains how fibre can help boost your digestive health.

Crucial to gut health is our gut microbiome - the bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that live in our large intestine. Over 30,000 different species have been found in humans so far.

And the diversity of these is key - studies looking at our gut microbiome consistently show that the more different bacteria we have in our gut, the better our health is likely to be.

Which leads us to fibre - which is the main food source for our ‘good’ gut bacteria. Research shows that the more different types of fibre we eat in our diet, the better our gut microbiome diversity becomes.

Fibre isn’t just important for diversity - it also helps our gut bugs produce compounds called short chain fatty acids (SCFA).

SCFA are incredibly beneficial, they:

Help grow more healthy bacteria

Suppress the growth of bad bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter

Improve digestion and reduce pain

Feed our gut cells, keeping them healthy and protecting them

Reduce inflammation and help our immune system

Improve metabolism, blood sugars, weight, and cholesterol

Reduce food cravings

Protect our heart and brain

Reduce the risk of allergies

Improve mental health

Fibre is only found in whole plant foods. So, the more whole plant foods you eat, the better your gut health will be.

Eating more than 30 different types of plant foods each week is proven to create the healthiest gut

microbiome and optimise SCFA production. This is where the 30+ rule you may have heard about comes from - trying to include 30 different plants in your diet each week.

The amount of fibre we eat is also important, try to aim for at least 30g of fibre each day.

If you struggle with fibre, it’s often because you don’t have the gut bacteria needed to digest it, which causes bloating and gas.

And as people often reduce fibre to try to improve gut symptoms it can lead to a vicious cycle - by restricting fibre we can wipe out healthy gut bugs in as little as two weeks.

To avoid this, start low and go slow to let your microbiome adjust.  Start with high fibre veges and easy to digest whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, and seeds like chia and ground linseed

Gradually increase how much you eat, and add in more diversity

Legumes are often the hardest, start with small amounts occasionally and slowly build up

Include fermented foods to help boost your gut microbiome

Probiotics may help in some cases, in particular with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Be aware that stress and lack of exercise can make bloating worse.

And remember, like with most things change takes time, and small steady steps are the best way to achieve lasting success!

Dr Marissa Kelaher is a GP and lifestyle medicine doctor. She runs health courses and offers oneon-one consults at yourlifestylemedics.com

My HOME

Lorraine Larcombe and Di McAllister have always loved Christmas. Their passion for the festive season peaked when they designed, owned and operated the bed and breakfast Mulberry House. After selling the business the two friends decided it made sense to continue living together and built their new home in Blenheim’s Rose Manor. With an abundant collection of decorations from their bed and breakfast days, they were spoilt for choice when it came to decorating their new home this year.

Where is your home and how long have you lived here?

We live in Springlands. It’s a new build and we have been here for about 18 months.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Welcoming, comfortable, warm and peaceful.

What’s your decorating style?

Contemporary, classic, sophisticated design that meets fun and casual vibes. Much like us!

What inspired this look?

We totally designed our last house ourselves; this is a new plan and even though it has a smaller section and house size, it has a similar feeling. We like the modern contemporary look.

ABOVE: Di McAllister

and Lorraine Larcombe.

Sarah Brown

Where do you shop for homewares?

Mainly Cinnamon House here in Blenheim and a variety of places throughout New Zealand. What piece would you never part with?

Lorraine: My Waterford Millennium wine stand signed by the head designer Jim O’Leary from Ireland, as well as lots of little treasures from my mother and grandmother.

Di: My beautiful hand-blown Lava glass vase from Taupo depicting the Huka Falls.

What’s next on your interiors list? Get our two rolled armed chairs recovered to match our recently recovered colourful sofa.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

You will have to ask our animals, Fergus our ginger cat and Gracie our 18-month-old cocker spaniel, they know all the special sunny spots.

Best seat in the house?

At our beautiful oak dining table with a group of friends.

What should every home have?

A covered outdoor room. We enjoy ours often with friends around and the outdoor fire going.

Best budget tip? Always buy quality.

1. The entranceway decorated with a modern blue and silver theme. 2. The recently recovered sofa provides a beautiful backdrop for the festive sofa table. 3. Di and Lorraine's favourite seat in the house is the oak dining table. 4. Gracie the 18-month-old cocker spaniel.

Have you done any renovations?

No, just landscaping as it is a new build. We’ve created a couple of different outdoor areas for entertaining.

Best memory in your home?

Having our friends visit. We usually have a big Christmas party with around 50-60 friends.

Do you have a favourite Christmas decoration?

Lorraine: Christmas lights and some of my childhood decorations.

Di: An animated carol-singing Father Christmas. Where do you find your decorations?

Collected through the years and even from all around the world. We acquired a lot more when we did the Christmas Peek for Hospice Marlborough.

What is your favourite part of decorating for Christmas?

When the Christmas decorating is finished and we can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas. We usually put our decorations up quite early – around the beginning of November!

Do you find inspiration for your Christmas decorating from somewhere?

It’s a gut feeling, if we put something up and it’s not right, then we change it. When we did the Christmas Peek, we went from really traditional to modern blues and silvers. But in this house we have quite a mixture of both. It’s just what suits the house.

ABOVE: Di's favourite Christmas decoration is her carol-singing Father Christmas.

A Simple Garden Wreath

Wreaths have been made since the days of the Roman and Greek empires and at various times throughout history have symbolised status, victory and religious occasions. They are increasingly popular these days as a welcome decoration on the door of homes leading up to Christmas. Adrienne Matthews shares how you can make your own.

Wreaths can be made in numerous styles using any mixture of fresh, foraged and faux materials. Follow these instructions to make a simple one using plants that are readily available. A wander around your own garden will likely find you many other plants that will work just as well.

Step 1: Make a circle using some kind of vine. It is preferable to make your wreath bases in winter when most vines are without leaves, but if you are starting a wreath project from scratch strip the leaves off before you begin. Make your initial circle then just keep on wrapping and twisting in more vines until you have the size and thickness you want. Suitable vines are pandorea jasminoides, grape, clematis, willow, honeysuckle, wisteria, pohuehue, hops, birch and virgina creeper.

Step 2: Gather your materials. Used here left to right: Laurel (bay), rosemary, alder branches (leaves removed), aquilegia (granny’s bonnets) seed pods,queen anne’s lace, wheat, macrocarpa.

Cut out any brand-new leaves as they will shrivel. Other materials easily available at this time are camellia leaves, conifers, succulents, magnolia, salal, nandina and thyme.

Step 3: Make two similar bunches using your gathered materials and tie them separately with string.

To finish: Place them against the wreath facing in opposite directions. Tie in the middle with a piece of ribbon and add a bow that you like. Your wreath is ready to hang.

Words and photos by Adrienne Matthews flowerlove.co.nz

- Karibu Interior Design

‘Tis the season...

Decorating your home for Christmas can be fun for the whole family. Avril shares her tips for creating the perfect festive theme for your home this holiday season.

Make decorating for Christmas fun for the whole family with these tips for creating the perfect festive theme to suit your home.

Start with sensory

One of my favourite ways to decorate the house during the festive season is to bring the sights and smells of the outdoors in, by filling large bowls with pinecones, rosehips, lavender, and a large vase of scented Christmas lilies.

Create your own festive wreath

Create this delicate decoration by arranging sprigs of foliage such as ivy, eucalyptus, olive leaves, conifer, and cones around a wire wreath. Secure with fine green florist wire, working around the frame in a clockwise fashion. String mini baubles in the centre and hang with lengths of vibrant ribbon.

Choosing a tree

Consider purchasing a real Christmas tree! There is something special about a family outing to choose your own tree. Alternatively, grow your own potted version which can be decorated each year. Nothing is more Kiwi than a driftwood Christmas tree, so why not make your own. Make it a fun time for the whole family to decorate their tree. The pine tree aroma says Christmas is here.

Decorations

Think visual. The best Christmas decorations are family heirlooms that emerge year after year. You may wish to limit the colour palette to two or three colours; like metallics, red, white, and green.

Homemade biscuits cut into festive shapes, decorated, and then threaded with ribbon and placed on the tree make for a wonderful family activity. Create your own Christmas crackers by customising plain crackers with bands of fabric around the centre, and then attaching embellishments, foliage, and baubles onto each. Search online New Zealand companies that sell all the products required to make your own, even with the essential ‘bang’ and hats!

Let there be light

Unlike the Northern hemisphere, we are heading to the outdoors for our pleasure and entertainment. Create a festive alfresco area with fairy lights, Christmas lights, bright cushions, rugs, and furniture. Thread fairy lights into the trees and pots, and around the front door, and entwine greenery into the lights both indoors and outdoors to create a festive feel.

Wrapping it up

Make your own wrapping paper by using newsprint or re-cycled paper decorated with rubber stamps, stickers or paint, then tie with fabric ribbon, colourful wool or twine.

“Christmas is all about family, friends, and do not forget the pets,” says Avril. “You want to create a wonderfully festive, warm, and inviting home. Christmas is the mark of the year's end; it is a time to unwind and celebrate surrounded by those you love and give thanks for what we are lucky enough to have.”

karibuinteriordesign.co.nz

Interior Advice with Avril Heard-Woollcombe

From

winemaking to decorating

a change in career for Guthrie Bowron’s new owners

New owner of Guthrie Bowron Marlborough, Bruce Abbott, says he is fast finding his feet in the managing director’s role with the support of his incredible staff. Absolutely loving every day, he says his small amount of background experience in painting and decorating has definitely helped him, but there is still plenty to learn from his teams’ combined experience.

“I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge and my staff are just incredible! They are very patient and every day I enjoy waking up and going to work. I am lucky enough to have fantastic staff with over 60 years of experience in the industry between them. One staff member has been here for nearly 30 years and their knowledge is just unbelievable."

A one-stop shop for home decorators, Guthrie Bowron is one of New Zealand's most trusted decorating specialists. Stocking everything from curtains and blinds, to paint, wallpaper and flooring, they offer expert specialists in every store. For Bruce and his wife Caroline, part of the draw card behind the change of career was the calibre of respect people had for the franchise. “After being in the winemaking industry for 19 years, I was looking for a change. We stumbled across an advert for the store, and we decided to go for it. Everyone always has really positive things to say about Guthrie Bowron, and the support we have received from them has been incredible.”

Passing on the Guthrie Bowron torch, previous owners Colin and Katrina Legg have been extremely supportive of Bruce. “I would like to thank Colin and Katrina who have been fantastic during the handover, and in providing ongoing support. Also, the staff and Guthrie Bowron for their backing. Everyone including the suppliers and sales reps have been brilliant throughout the entire process. “They have such an

in-depth knowledge of the industry and our products, and I love tapping into that.”

“I love being creative. Both of my parents are artists so it I think it runs in the blood.” With a clear vision for the store and plenty of ideas in the pipeline, Bruce looks forward to bringing a fresh new look to the brand. “In time I would like to do a complete makeover of the store and I would like to create a real focus on our ability to put together interior design schemes for our customers.”

Guthrie Bowron 40 Main Street, Blenheim 03 578 7900

Caroline and Bruce Abbott.

Clever design and build conquers challenging section

Words: Amy Russ | Richard Briggs

Tucked away on a back section, near the heart of town's CBD lies a home built with an ‘out of the box’ approach. Built by Travis Taylor Builders, owner Denise Dinmore has worked with the team before and says she knew that they would again be able to deliver the perfect home for her needs. “The whole build is quite unique and not your ‘normal’ looking home. We had several issues arise with the tiny section, but Travis and the architect

were able to successfully navigate those complications creating a very happy collaboration.”

From the building team, and the architectural designer to the landscapers and contractors, everyone worked in unison to create Denise a dream home. “All of the people that worked on site, were all local tradesmen. They did a wonderful job and were without a doubt the nicest people I have ever worked with.”

Constructed of corrugated iron, plaster and cedar, one of the key features of the brief was having high ceilings throughout the home. While the footprint of the building isn’t huge, at 150m2, the house also doesn't feel small with the high ceilings, giving it a real sense of spaciousness. The rustic entry and barn slider doors were a recycled look Denise also used in a previous home, complimenting the exterior, cedar boards adding a natural warmth to the interior. “The Maxwell Rd build presented us with quite a challenging site,” says company owner, Travis Taylor. “It was a very small 510m2 site on a back section, with very little parking or space to store materials.

There was a council easement running through the length of the section, care was required to be the correct distances off this and boundaries on all sides.” Denise’s eye for design and years of experience in interior design and colour coordination contributed to a perfect collaboration between client, contractor and architect, he says. “It also helps that she enjoys the whole build process! She is always keen to think outside of the box and do something a little different, which is exactly the approach required for building on this site, whereas most people would have put it in the too hard basket.” That's where Denise and architectural designer, Ben Stace from Design

Marlborough, were up for the challenge, and were able to design a well-considered layout that not only worked perfectly for the homeowner's requirements, but also to the confinements of the section. “I don't think too many others would have taken on the challenge. That section sat there empty for many years, it's a real credit to Denise,” says Travis.

Ben’s company, Design Marlborough Architecture, are experts in creating practical structures and improving lives through good design. He says with Denise’s extensive background in interiors, she was a dream client. “The scope Denise gave me for the build was fantastic. There were multiple constraints to the build with a tight site and half of the section unable to be built upon due to the easement. Everything about the two-bedroom home is absolutely bespoke and the overall configuration has come together really well. The collaboration between everyone involved was great and Travis’s team have completed the job extremely well.”

Travis says the biggest challenges of the build was working within the constraints of a small and challenging site, and material shortages and

uncertainties following Covid. For him, one of the main highlights of the build was seeing the finished product on such a small site. “Good communication with clients, architects, designers, council and all sub trades throughout the whole process is the key to a successful build. I prefer to work with the same sub trades on all projects, as we have built up a good working relationship over many years, and work in well with each other to provide a great service.”

Established in 2002, Travis Taylor Builders provides a complete and comprehensive building service to residential, commercial and industrial clients. They understand the building process can be a stressful one and believe solid communication throughout is key to delivering quality work. They take pride in delivering the best value and service possible.

“Having been in the industry for 27 years, I think some of the key aspects are surrounding yourself with the right people, having a good and like-minded team of employees, right through to all the sub trades and merchants. Listening and engaging with the client, understanding their needs and wants, and offering advice and guidance where required.”

A passion for aquatic life has led Hiroki Wada to a career in the aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture programme a good fit for aquatic fan

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at Te Pūkenga NMIT, Hiroki was drawn to Te Tauihu from Nepal by the regions industry-based learning opportunities.

“My dad used to work in the aquaculture industry, so it feels like I’m following in his footsteps,” Hiroki says.

In 2018 Hiroki enrolled in the two-year programme which offered plenty of hands-on training, rather than class-based learning, he then decided to continue and complete the degree. “I actually really enjoy studying,” he says. “In Nepal, where there is a lot of lecturebased learning, I was always at the bottom of my class.”

“The aquaculture programme here was more practical,” Hiroki says, “which definitely helped me learn better.”

Hiroki also found the internships each semester extremely beneficial, as he not only got real-world experience, but he could build connections in the industry, secure a job, and see what he liked and didn’t like.

“My first internship was two weeks on a salmon farm in Stewart Island,” he says. “It was such a cool place. The weather was good, and I travelled around on an electric bike.”

He has also worked on other salmon farms around the country, choosing these opportunities because they align with the prolific rainbow trout farming industry in Nepal.

“I have gained a lot of confidence over the years,” he says. “I am certain this is what I want to do, and I already know what I’m going to learn. I can connect the dots and see that these skills are beneficial to me.”

Hiroki has recently completed his degree and has since applied for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture.

He currently works fulltime at Skretting, a global aquafeed producer, and will continue working whilst studying, thanks to the flexible and distance learning options available.

Eventually Hiroki will share his technical expertise with the aquaculture industry in Nepal. Graduating with a Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation has given him confidence in his ability to make a difference.

“We don’t have the technical experts in Nepal, and I do believe I can now fill that gap.”

Congratulations to all our Te Pūkenga NMIT graduates. We are pleased to be able to host a full graduation event again to acknowledge ākonga success, despite the difficulties of the last couple of years.

“We are proud of your achievements and know you will make a significant contribution to our region and beyond as you move ahead with your careers.”

Wayne Jackson, NMIT Transitional Executive Lead.

Facing the surge of ever-changing waters in the marine industry

Based in Picton, but covering waters both in New Zealand and overseas, Marine Services NZ Ltd was formed in 2018 with the joining of two families taking over an already established and successful company that had been operating in the region for over twenty years.

Marine Services NZ are a service provider to the aquaculture and marine industry, supplying and installing screw anchors for marine farms, moorings for vessels of any size, floating pontoons, commercial dive work, barging, jetty building or refurbishment in both the marine and freshwaters of New Zealand.

“We work independently on small projects or collaboratively on large scale developments,” says general manager Richard McLean.

Supporting all aspects of marine infrastructure, Marine Services NZ are dedicated to providing quality service using design engineers for planning, and certified engineering firms for the building of their specialised equipment, and two unique vessels that are purposely set up for anchoring, mooring and diving work. “Security of the anchoring systems is paramount as the licensees are only allowed to use the water-space they have consent for, so must remain inside those boundaries. So, the accuracy of where we install the anchors, and the ultimate holding power of these anchors is most important.”

Seeing many changes in the industry over the years, the team continue to successfully navigate their way through everchanging waters to deliver on every project.

“The aquaculture industry is expected to grow exponentially. Marine farms are moving out from sheltered waters to more open deeper water - meaning it is also rougher so better anchoring systems are required. This means we are always developing new systems to ensure we meet these changes and challenges. We can also assist with structural designs.”

Environmental awareness means that anchoring and mooring systems in many areas are now required to be non-disturbance. Using screw anchor technology, Marine Services NZ have developed a mooring system based on those that have been used successfully in the offshore industry for many years.

Expansion to the business has seen Marine Services NZ upgrading their fleet and recently completing major projects in Fiordland and Tasmania, saying the company's advancement is a key driver in their passion for the sector. “It is a growth industry and there are many innovations happening.” Operating across all of New Zealand’s waters, both marine and fresh, Richard says, “We have completed work in Australia as well, and can go globally as and when the demand is there.”

“We are available to look at any marine projects or problems you may have or are thinking of.”

Marine Services NZ Ltd 03 573 8045

11 Auckland St, Picton marineservicesnz.com

Jackson Kibblewhite and Richard McLean from Marine Services NZ Ltd.

FROMM WINERY

New era for Havelock's iconic Mussel Pot

Nestled in idyllic surroundings, the new owners of The Mussel Pot, Susana and Alessandro Arnetoli combine their passion for traditional Italian food culture with previous owner Tracy - the iconic restaurants ‘Mussel Queen’ - to continue the nearly fifteen-year-old tradition of serving delicious green lipped mussels fresh to the plate for visitors.

Seizing the opportunity, Susana and Alessandro purchased the business earlier this year, with Tracy staying on as a head chef to work alongside head chef and manager Alessandro. In love with the small community Susana says it is a joy to be a part of. “We see lots of happy faces during and after the customers having their meals. Happy customers, happy kitchen, happy staff creates happy meals!”

Alessandro and Tracy combine their years of experience to bring a mixture of traditional foods to the table with new twists. Tracy started the business over fifteen years ago in the region's mussel capital, while Alessandro complements with his passion for Italian cuisine. “We are very excited to deliver more good quality food by this new combination,” says Susana. “Both Tracy and Alessandro work very well together with the same direction of delivering top quality food to everyone. This is the passion they both have. There is so much effort on every single detail. Any new dishes cannot be launched until the chefs and the kitchen are satisfied. They make a million times of trials on every aspect. One new dish could take up to one month or more just to create.”

Opening for the first time this season, Susana says the food is created with a good dose of love, a decent pour of passion and a strong focus on quality ingredients with fresh green lipped mussels delivered to the door every day. Steamed, grilled, battered, smoked or marinated, in a chowder or as a croquette, it is fair to say that given its namesake, mussels are the star of the restaurant. But catering to all palates, there is a plethora of delicious non-seafood items on the menu too. “We are uncompromising on quality. The team continue to deliver fresh seafood and authentic handmade meat dishes, pastas, pizzas and desserts. Our Tiramisu is considered one of the best in the country!”

Famous to domestic and international travellers the world over, The Mussel Pot restaurant is a popular ‘must stop’ destination for locals and visitors alike. Having the support of their community has been paramount to the business's success says Susana. “It means so much, we’ve created more family-type meals in the hope The Mussel Pot will continue to be the place for the community.”

The Mussel Pot 03 574 2824 73 Main Road, Havelock, Marlborough themusselpot.co.nz

What’s On

For updated information visit www.follow-me.co.nz

Sat 3 Dec

BLENHEIM CHRISTMAS PARADE

Keep the Christmas spirit going after the Mistletoe Market with a concert for the kids with music, ice cream and entertainment followed by the popular Christmas Parade.

Fri

9 Dec

TE PĀTAKA O WAIRAU MĀORI NIGHT MARKET

Enjoy an evening of Māori kai, arts, products, kapa haka, entertainment and more, there will be something for all ages and cultures.

Sun 4 Dec

PICTON CHRISTMAS PARADE AND CAROLS

Enjoy a family afternoon on the stunning Foreshore with Picton’s annual prize giving concert, Christmas Parade, carol singing and Santa.

Sat 3 Dec

MISTLETOE MARKET 2022

Blenheim Lions Club is once again bringing the annual Mistletoe Market to town. Offering something for everyone - a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts.

Blenheim CBD

Tue 13 - Sat 24 Dec

RENWICK CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Get into the festive spirit and enjoy this spectacular display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups.

Renwick Anglican Community Church, 54 High Street, Renwick

Fri 16 - Sat 17 Dec

SUMMER SOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Two-day festival in the heart of the stunning Marlborough Sounds featuring Tiki Taane, Big Sima and Boomtown, State of Mind and many more.

The Queen Charlotte Tavern, 1162 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater

Sat 31 Dec

NEW YEARS EVE PICTON

Countdown to 2023 with music, entertainment and fireworks over the water at this wonderful community event. A great night for all ages.

Picton Foreshore

Seymour Square, Blenheim

Blenheim CBD

Picton Foreshore

Get amongst the Summer Sounds Festival vibes

The team at Queen Charlotte Tavern are gearing up for another epic event with their two-day Summer Sounds Music Festival set to kick off on December 16 and 17. Located at the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, amidst the backdrop of the hills, organisers say this year's event is going to be an absolute banger.

This is the fourth year that restaurant owners Mary Ann Surridge and her sister Jane Tito have hosted the annual festival, with previous line-ups including Bic Runga, Trinity Roots, Katchafire, Jason Kerrison, Sons of Zion, Cam Scott and White Chapel Jack, however this is the first time they will be hosting a two-day event. “It is an ongoing process, with pockets of busy times in organising throughout the year, but what I love most of all is when it comes together, people are having fun, dancing, and meeting up with friends.”

Starting with a Boiler Room on Friday from 3pm, Mary Ann says some of the country's best DJs will be there to entertain the masses. “Being a boiler room, it is located amongst the crowd, hosted by Big Sima it is a chance to get up close and personal with an amazing line-up, featuring State of Mind, Fairbrother, Soulfire, DJ Sivere, GEO, Lure and Nazarite!”

Saturday starts with a market which will include massages, tattooists, delicious local kai, yoga on the stage and DJ Nazarite before the bands start at 11am. The day's line up is hosted by Furious Hori and DJ Jayrasik, and features artists Tiki Taane, Dolphin Friendly, Big Sima and Boomtown, Cee Blu, Valle,

Steezys Touch, Vikae, Laura Lee Lovely w/ Pallas, Local Elements and DJ Jayrasik. “Bands have been selected by For The Culture NZ, who have been fantastic, and Gravity Events are our sound and lighting specialists, they did such an amazing job on our last festival that we had to get them back.”

The ongoing support from community over the years has been phenomenal, says Mary Ann. “The sponsorship always blows me away. Will Porter from Bayleys, Eva from MTF, Hayden from Ocean Lodge. Clive at Boomtown Brewing is also very supportive and H2oflo from Linkwater, and not to forget Destination Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council through our MBIE grant.”

Campsites are available onsite with purchased tickets to the event. Free camping is available from Friday at 2pm to Sunday morning 10am. There is a variety of food trucks and there will also be breakfast and coffee available in the mornings. Buses are leaving from Blenheim, Picton and Havelock to transport festival goers to the site. Tickets for Summer Sounds are available through Eventfinda, along with camp passes and transport booking.

Choose from a one-day or two-day pass. Get amongst the great vibe and don't miss out on one of the first festivals of summer. R18 tickets $65 to $120.

eventfinda.co.nz/2022/summer-sounds-musicfestival-20222/marlborough-sounds

Artists appearing at this year's Summer Sounds Festival at the Queen Charlotte Tavern.

Summa Donald

Marlborough A&P Show

A&P Park

1. Alexi Johnston and Emma Coleman 2. Cory Franson, Sorayah Lindstrom, Amelia Lindstrom, Jane Fransen, Maddie Lindstrom and Wayne Fransen 3. Indie and Shayna Tunnicliff 4. Isla Acott and Alexandra McKeown 5. Noel and Rhoda Tanner 6. Richard Waddington and Lynn Jones 7. Jorja Hocquard, Riley Foote, Febe Armstrong, Grace Gregory and Holly Watts 8. Senior Constables Russ Smith and Sean Jones

Matt Brown

Frank Nelson