Marlborough Magazine - April/May 2023

design and build

Welcome to the first bimonthly edition of Marlborough Magazine. We are thrilled to be bringing you an even bigger and better magazine every two months, with increased copies and further distribution across the region. We’d like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful readers for your support and welcome any new readers who are now finding us.

As we move from summer into autum, it’s all hands on deck. The grapes on the vines ripen and the buzz of harvest begins. It is such a special time of year for our region when the majority of our community comes together with a common goal, being the best wine region in New Zealand! Marlborough produces some of the best drops in the world and it is a pleasure to showcase our favourite photos from harvest in this magazine. I raise my glass of Sauvignon Blanc and cheers to harvest and everyone who is behind it!

As we look ahead, and just when you thought things might be slowing down for winter, April and May prove to be as busy as ever, with two of the best and biggest events on the calendar – Yealand’s Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow and Saint Clair Half Marathon. If you get the chance, both are fantastic events to get involved in and you can find out more in this edition.

Happy reading and we look forward to bringing you our next issue, the winter edition, out on 1 June 2023.

EDITOR

Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DESIGN

Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

CONTRIBUTORS

Paula Hulburt, Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, Megan Smith, Judene Edgar, Tessa Jaine, Sarah Brown, Matt Brown, Frank Nelson, Michelle Bradley

ADVERTISING

Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Rosa Tate | rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DISTRIBUTION

Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Abernethy

PUBLISHER

TSM Marlborough

52 Scott St, Blenheim topsouthmedia.co.nz

& Allan Scott Family

Farm park future under review

Headliners

What made news in our region...

Marlborough District Council is calling for feedback on the future of ‘the backdrop of Blenheim,’ the Wither Hills Farm Park. The management plan for the popular 1100-hectare park is under review for the first time in 20 years. Soil conservation has been the top priority for the park since the 1940s, however, council appreciates the farm contributes to the quality of life for the community in a range of ways and submissions regarding its future use are open to the public until 27 April 2023.

Top award for tennis talent

Marlborough sporting stalwart Nigel Perry has received national recognition for his life-long contribution to tennis and table tennis in the province. In March, Nigel was guest of honour at an afternoon tea where he was presented with a lifetime achievement award – the prestigious Te Tohu Hāpai Award – from Tennis New Zealand. And, it is not the first honour for the 93-year-old, in this year’s New Year’s Honours Nigel was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his service to the community.

New homes found for EcoWorld animals

The animals from EcoWorld have found homes thanks to the help of Port Marlborough and a team of specialist staff. Port Marlborough took possession of the building and its animals in December, after Justice David Gendall gave aquarium owner John Reuhman 20 working days to vacate the land. Mostly the animals have been relocated close to their original home, with the stingray released into Picton harbour, some saltwater fish released to Marlborough Sounds and tuatara moved to Lochmara Lodge.

Historic milestone for The Whale Trail

The historical double-decker Awatere River Bridge is set to get a new lease on life as it officially becomes a key part of New Zealand’s newest cycling and walking track – The Whale Trail. The move will see the bridge open once again to the public, for the first time since 2007, as part of a bid to showcase parts of the east coast. Marlborough Kaikōura Trail Trust chairman Luke van Velthooven says it is an exciting step forward for the project.

Watermain woes

An aging watermain pipe is set to be replaced along one of Blenheim’s busiest streets with council bosses warning about traffic delays. Vital work to upgrade the 450 metre (SH6) pipe will start on Nelson Street at the beginning of April. The move comes after numerous repairs and maintenance on the perishing pipe over the last few years. Disruption on Nelson Street between Boyce Street and McLauchlan Street is expected with traffic measures in place. Work is expected to be completed by mid-June.

Cook Strait concerns

Concerns have been raised by councils on both sides of the Cook Strait after ships encounter problems while crossing New Zealand’s busiest marine corridor. The concerns were prompted when the Interislander ferry Kaitaki broke down at the start of the year after it encountered rough conditions and drifted close to Wellington’s south coast. This event highlighted the importance of passenger safety and the need for an open-water tug, which neither Wellington nor Picton ports currently possess but are now in conservation about.

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

Running brave, pages 17 – 19.

“I was told I wouldn’t be able to walk again.”

Irene Anderson

Getting to know... Claire O’Keeffe

As co-owner of Game Plan Gym and a coach, Claire O’Keeffe is certainly passionate about fitness and loves to help her client’s become the best version of themselves. We get to know a bit more about Claire.

At the weekend you’ll find me...

At the gym on Saturday mornings with everyone, out walking our golden retriever Cooper and enjoying some downtime either with friends or at home with a good movie or TV series.

I’m a real nerd about...

Noticing grammar and punctuation mistakes. I’ve even noticed mistakes that have been made in published books. Maybe I should have become a copyeditor instead.

As a child, I was really into...

All things dancing and sport. I started dancing when I was five and danced competitively growing up. I represented Marlborough and Wellington in various sports too.

When I need advice I go to...

Mum of course, and will continue to for as long as I can. She always knows everything and always knows best! I’m very fortunate to still have someone like her in my life..

At a party you’ll find me...

By the snacks table for sure. I don’t drink alcohol so by the food is where you’ll find me.

Greatest leap of faith I’ve ever made...

Dating an Aussie dude... just kidding. We got engaged when we were still living in Perth and luckily he loved New Zealand so much he couldn’t wait to move back here with me in 2021.

I get my coffee fix from...

I don’t drink coffee – can’t stand the taste of it. But it’s one of my most favourite smells! I loooove the smell of it.

I’m currently learning...

Injury management education and return to play (training).

The person who knows me best is...

Me! Close people in my life know me really well. But no one other than myself will ever know me the best.

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is...

When I was working FIFO (fly in, fly out) from Perth up to the LNG gas plants, there were a few occasions where the day before I would fly out from work for R and R I’d book a spontaneous holiday to somewhere like Bali or Thailand and spend some of my time off there travelling around.

I hope in ten years Marlborough will...

Have more than two thirds of the population taking part in fitness of some sort, to help us towards becoming the healthiest region in New Zealand.

When I need advice...

Greatest leap of faith...

Viticulture –the future is now

150 years ago the first vineyard was planted in Marlborough. Since then, extraordinary progress has been made in our viticulture industry. Technological advancements designed and implemented in Marlborough are world-leading, Judene Edgar explores just far we’ve come.

In 1873, a small vineyard of brown muscat was established in the Fairhall area by David Herd. Two years later, in 1875, the first wine was produced commercially. Known for its lucerne, cherries and barley, it was another 100 years before the most significant commercial developments were to happen. In 1973, Montana, the country’s largest wine producer, bought 1200 hectares of flat land in Marlborough and an industry was born. At the opening ceremony, Frank Yukich, who took the gamble and paid the deposit out of his own pocket while waiting for the Montana board to make its decision, said that “wines from here will become world famous”. And indeed, a few years later when Sauvignon Blanc was produced, it wowed the international market.

Now New Zealand’s largest wine producing region with around 30,000 hectares – just over 70% of the country’s wine producing area – Marlborough’s wine industry accounts for 18 percent of the region’s economy and one in four jobs. Growth over the past three decades has been exponential, with the vineyard area doubling between 2000 and 2008 alone.

But the next frontier is technology.

Wine Marlborough’s general manager Marcus Pickens says, with critical challenges facing the industry,

such as land and resource use, “it’s important to challenge assumptions – on everything! Challenging times bring innovation as well as greater awareness of well-being”. Research and technology are increasingly helping with labour efficiencies and safety, winemaking innovations, reducing carbon emissions, vineyard systems and more.

“The industry is constantly evolving and striving to innovate and do things differently. Just because it’s always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean that it should continue being done that way,” he says. “Good data, good evidence and trials are needed to make good decisions. We do that pretty well as an industry.”

The key to some of the industry’s biggest advancements has been collaboration.

Dr Stewart Field, viticulture tutor and researcher with Te Pūkenga – Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) says there have been some major changes over the past few years resulting in the creation of the New Zealand Wine CentreTe Whare ā Waina Aotearoa at NMIT’s Blenheim Campus. The centre is a collaboration between NMIT, Plant & Food Research, Bragato Research Institute (BRI), Marlborough Research Centre (MRC), Wine Marlborough, Sustainable Winegrowing NZ, and local

VTOL drone above vineyard. Vineflight

and central government to form an integrated hub for innovation, research and education.

Opened in 2022, Stewart says “we now have worldleading facilities that are a draw-card for the region, the wine industry and students. It’s really changed the campus,” he says. “Students not only get to work alongside researchers, but we also get to see some of their outcomes implemented in the field.”

The latest collaboration is the Experimental Future Vineyard (EFV). The new 600m2 facility which is due to open next year will provide a controlled environment to expand current research to prepare for future challenges. Plant & Food Research will operate the facility and develop research programmes in collaboration with MRC, NMIT, industry and government. The EFV will enable research to be conducted within the vine and beneath the soil, and allow researchers to control aspects of vine growth such as soil type, temperature and water availability.

“Viticulture regions around the world are all very different, yet face many of the same challenges,” says Dr Damian Martin, Science Group Leader Viticulture and Oenology at Plant & Food Research and member of the MRC’s advisory committee. “We know climate change will add to the challenges of wine production with warmer days, more pest and diseases, and greater weather volatility. We also know that consumer expectations are changing with an increased focus on sustainability.”

Labour shortages, reduced reliance on agrichemicals, soil erosion, climate change, drought, rain, ecosystem

management and limited land availability are just some of the challenges facing the industry. Many of these elements are dependent on soil health, hence the focus on below-ground factors. “They’re harder to study so we needed specialised facilities. Field studies take a long time to see changes, so the Experimental Future Vineyard will enable us to go a lot faster and learn quickly,” says Damian. Despite the similarity of the issues faced, Damian says that the solutions will be very different depending upon the vineyard – from small boutique single vineyard producers to large multinationals and everything in-between.

The Marlborough wine industry has already seen a number of steep-changes – the rise of Sauvignon Blanc, introduction of grafted grapevines, introduction of cover crops – but Damian feels that technology is now disrupting the industry. “The facility will also be a good place for tech developers and start-ups to come in and work alongside us.”

Mechanisation is also continuing to grow with the use of drones, self-driving tractors, three-row sprayers, dual operation (mowing and spraying together), machine stripping and barrel pruning. And a lot of these innovations come from Marlborough.

Vineflight provides aerial mapping, vineyard analytics and thermal imagery which can help growers analyse such things as crop cover removal, vine count and canopy gap measurement. Their analytic system also allows growers to assess vine health, identify missing vines, and the extent of any disease.

The New Zealand Wine Centre - Te Whare ā Waina Aotearoa opened at NMIT’s Blenheim Campus in 2022. Richard Briggs

Another local innovation is the Oxin – a driverless tractor which uses artificial intelligence to do labourintensive tasks such as mowing, mulching, and vine weed spraying. Developed by Smart Machine in conjunction with Pernod Ricard Winemakers, they are already looking to add further functionality to their machines.

down digital scenarios, we could pick options to conduct field trials. It’s been 10 years in the making, but we’re really committed to the use of digital technology to improve the sector and make research more efficient.”

Another important element of the EFV is that it is a “hub for national and international connection,” says Damian. “It will be a magnet for collaboration and expertise.”

Pam Wood, curriculum area manager of primary, food and environmental industries, says that NMIT is a “really unique campus in terms of being able to bring all different aspects of business, research, education and related organisations onto the one campus. Nowhere else would you get that level of specialism.”

Being able to work alongside national and international researchers and industry at the NZ Wine Centre enables “cross-pollination” of ideas and research. “Around the coffee cups on a dayto-day basis we’re able to discuss work, research and international exchange programmes. And when visiting researchers come, our students are able to be involved,” she says.

One of Plant & Food Research’s latest innovations is an orchard ‘digital twin’. Successfully used in a number of different sectors, no one has created a virtual orchard until now. A digital twin could help scientists and growers predict what would happen as a result of multiple future scenarios: increasing carbon dioxide, rising temperatures, changing crops, altering pesticides and so on.

“It can take up to 10 years to trial and collect data from a new canopy system for example, but with a digital twin we can run simulations and have results in a few weeks,” says Damian. “Once we’ve narrowed

“It’s really exciting the amount of data students will be able to access in the future to make decisions with all of the new technologies, some of which will be trialled and tested in the new facility. It will herald a new wave of vineyard managers,” says Stewart.

As most students are now working while studying, they’re also bringing into the classroom what they’re learning in practice, which brings an enormous depth of knowledge, and they’re also getting to apply their knowledge on a daily basis.

“Students need to be much more business- and tech-savvy these days; balancing the daily impacts of weather, environment, staffing, health and safety, logistics and so much more,” says Pam. “We’re preparing them for the future.”

Advancements in Marlborough’s viticulture industry can be largely attributed to collaboration. Dr Stewart Field, Pam Wood and Dr Damian Martin are working on the next collaborative project - the Experimental Future Vineyard, due to open in 2024. Frank Nelson

The Oxin driverless tractor. Oxin

Taking to the skies for 20 years

This coming Easter weekend, the skies over Marlborough will roar and whir with the sound of classic and other aircraft showing off their prowess in one of the world’s great air shows, the Yealand’s Wines sponsored Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow. Now in its twentieth year, the show has become synonymous with Marlborough and a destination event for people around the country. Adrienne Matthews investigates.

The Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow is not just a show in the sky, but on the ground too, featuring displays of period vehicles.

Amy Russ

Normally a biennial occasion and originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed by Covid, this will be the air show’s twentieth anniversary and a spectacular event that will wow the thousands who attend from around New Zealand and overseas. It is a vital fundraising opportunity for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre which showcases a priceless collection of aeroplanes and artefacts from New Zealand and international aviation history.

Jane Orphan, CEO of the centre, has been involved since its inception. “In the late 1990s a group of aircraft enthusiasts, including my husband Graham, imported two Chinese Nanchang planes. They had meetings in our house to discuss putting on an air show to raise money to help establish an aviation museum. I couldn’t help but be dragged in,” she laughs. “For the first show we were doing the ticketing from home and it was a bit of a jumble but that event taught us a lot. I became a co-ordinator for the public area and loved the buzz of it all.”

“We were fortunate to lease the land required from local farmer and aviation enthusiast Carlton Corlett and with the help of money raised from the air show, along with contributions from the Marlborough District Council and the New Zealand Government, we were able to build the heritage centre’s first building which was finished in 2005,” she explains.

The Marlborough Warbirds Association was established and attracted people who weren’t necessarily aircraft owners but engineers, people who wanted to fly and those who just wanted to be part of a project that was a mixture of history and aviation.

Peter Jackson was invited to join the museum group and a collection of his Great War planes formed the basis of the displays which are part of the spectacular dioramas on show constructed by WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

Managed under the auspices of a charitable trust, the current museum is now a world-class destination for those interested in the history of aviation and human stories of the two world wars, a time of rapid development in the aircraft industry.

While Jane continues to oversee the aviation centre, her husband Graham has passed management of the air show to passionate aviation photographer and enthusiast Gavin Conroy.

Gavin has been to every air show since its inception. “We have a well-established committee with huge experience,” he says. “It is a massive team effort which I love. Serious planning for each show begins eighteen months out and a wish list of around sixty planes we’d like to be involved is made up. It’s then a matter of contacting the owners and seeing what is available. Around forty percent are already based in Blenheim and the rest come from all around New Zealand.”

“Pilots have to be qualified to be able to fly in front of a crowd,” he explains, “with aerobatic pilots requiring a special rating. A flying display committee organises the schedule which starts each day with several World War fighter planes which the crowds love.”

“Three world-class aerobatic teams will be on display this year,” says Gavin, “The Roaring Forties from Auckland, the nine-strong Yak-52 team and the New Zealand Airforce’s Black Falcon formation. The Royal Australian Air Force will be bringing a C-27J Spartan to the show and will be flying displays on the Saturday and Sunday.”

The big difference between the Yealand’s Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow and other air shows around the world are the hugely popular ground re-enactments created by people who travel from all around the country with vehicles and memorabilia to show what life was really like during the past in war time.

The event couldn’t take place without the hundreds of volunteers involved. Maria Hinds is in charge of the gate through which thirty thousand people arrive. “I have around thirty people to help me who make sure that everyone arriving has a positive experience from the start,” she says. “We want to get people through as quickly as possible so they can enjoy all the terrific displays and events on offer. I was first exposed to the show when I saw some classic planes doing a flyover. There wasn’t anything much more exciting than that and I have been doing my bit to help out ever since.”

“I start at 5am each day,” she adds. “It’s long days but a huge buzz and the atmosphere is electric. We try to make it that volunteers only work for a few hours at a time and are able to enjoy everything the air show has to offer while they are here. People come back year after year but I can always do with more of them,” she says.

1. The show features impressive aerobatic displays. 2. The Mk.14 Spitfire and FW-190 will be flying at this year’s event, a special occasion as you can’t see them fly anywhere else. 3. Up to thirty thousand fans attend the three-day event, held every two years. 4. The FG-1DF Corsair is a fabulous aircraft and a hit at previous air shows, performing many low and fast knife-edge passes. 5. The Bristol Scout D, a replica of the small, single seat aircraft that saw service during the early stages of the First World War.

A huge variety of planes grace the skies, among them the ever-popular Spitfire of which eighteen thousand were originally built but of which only forty remain flying in the world today. Mustangs and Yak-3s are regular crowd pleasers along with the numerous selection of other World War 1 and 2 planes. Also included are civilian aircraft such as the Lockheed Electric Junior, the Beech Staggerwing and the aerobatic Pitts Special.

Aside from all the re-enactments of times past with their substantial array of military vehicles, there are classic cars on display and a special line-up of aircraft to view up close including a Mosquito and a P40 Kittyhawk amongst others.

The air show wouldn’t happen without many pilots who give their time to demonstrate the abilities of the wide range of aircraft that grace the skies during show days. Jay McIntyre who learnt to fly at the local aeroclub in 1993 will be showing one of the five Waco biplanes that will be a special feature of this year’s show. It is a rare, custom cabin type of which only three were ever made that Jay and friend Rex Newman purchased and spent fourteen years rebuilding. “It is easy to fly, well balanced on the controls and everything we hoped it might be,” he says.

An integral part of the event is the New Zealand Defence Force. With a career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force of over forty years, Sergeant Peter Barker has had a wealth of experience helping to organise the military’s part in air shows. “This year we will be participating in the air and on land,” he explains. “NH90 and A109 helicopters are coming from Ohakea and the Seasprite from Whenuapai. There will also be flyovers from the P-8A Poseidon and the Black Falcons.”

“We also do a big tent set-up which goes for the whole three days with examples of all our ground trades, including some interactive activities for the public,” he continues,” including an AV type simulator for people to experience.”

“We really enjoy being able to show the public the sort of work we do and the opportunities available for world class training that the New Zealand Defence Force offers.”

Jane Orphan concludes, “This event is a huge drawcard for Marlborough and an exciting way to bring attention to the incredible effort put in by so many people throughout the years to preserve the history of the aviation industry. This twentieth anniversary show is set to be our most spectacular yet.”

Event volunteer Maria Hinds, Airshow director Gavin Conroy, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre trustee Graham Orphan, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre CEO Jane Orphan and trustee Jay McIntyre. Matt Brown

Running brave

A test for mind, body and soul, the annual Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon and Nutrient Rescue Vineyard 12km events attract hundreds of people to Marlborough each autumn. Paula Hulburt catches up with two entrants who have their sights set on the finish line.

Irene Anderson

The pain in her left calf continued to niggle as Irene ran, disturbing the sun-baked dust as she clocked up the kilometres. The grape vines sought attention, dressed in their showy autumn best but Irene kept her focus. It was her ninth half marathon and the 22-year-old was, surprisingly, struggling.

Completing the 21.1km course, the normally healthy brunette was disappointed with her finishing time, taking almost double the time she’d hoped for. She put it down to her training and vowed to do better next time. Two days later, she was fighting for her life in intensive care.

A huge stroke left the keen runner partially paralysed as her brain swelled to dangerous proportions.

“I was told I wouldn’t be able to walk again,” Irene explains from her Blenheim home.

“My brain swelled and they had to take away a third of my skull.”

The Marlborough Lines electrical engineer had been in Blenheim just three months when she collapsed, with

surgeons later revealing she was lucky to be alive.

To celebrate her remarkable recovery and to mark the upcoming anniversary of the day she almost died, Irene will be running again.

It is, she says, a day she has mixed feelings about.

“I’m a bit apprehensive but want to celebrate too. It will be good to claim that [the half marathon] back.”

After taking up running at 20 years old, Irene, who is originally from Methven had been seeing a physio for ongoing pain in her calf. It was cause by a blood clot, which entered her lungs and later her brain.

As she remembers the events of four years ago, Irene is pragmatic, almost humble about the mental and physical fortitude it took her to recover.

Her left hand still causes her some issues and she battles constant fatigue,” she says.

“I’d walked into work that day and I knew something was going on as was getting breathless. A friend took me home later and 20 minutes I collapsed.

“To start with I thought I’d just fainted but half my body wouldn’t work. I called my friend and thought I was talking but she hung up as I wasn’t saying anything.

“She was worried and came round. Friends knew straight away what had happened and called an ambulance.”

After a three week stay in Christchurch Hospital and then three weeks at Burwood Hospital for rehabilitation, Irene, now 26 years old, was well enough to be discharged. With a bounce in her step and an enthusiastic smile, it is hard to imagine just how close Irene came to death. While the immediate hours after her stroke are hazy for her to recall, she does remember how pleased she was to see her parents at her bedside.

‘They actually beat me to Christchurch Hospital,” Irene smiles. ‘It wasn’t a phone call they ever want to get again.”

Annie Thompson

Watching the woman as she approached the glass doors, Annie couldn’t help but grin.

She admired the pink summer dress as its hem bounced around to the spring in her step. At 47kg lighter, Annie barely recognised herself.

The end of April marks a year since she had gastric bypass surgery in Christchurch. The new Annie she catches glimpses of in shop windows and doors takes getting used to, she laughs.

“Every time I walk towards the double doors at work I think, whose are those stick legs as my legs have got really skinny.

“I didn’t think I felt bad before but I feel amazing. I have more energy and am proud that I’ve done it.”

The Marlborough Girls’ College receptionist struggled with her weight most of her adult life. While she was reasonably fit and led a fairly active lifestyle, her weight had become more of a burden, both mentally and physically.

She suffered with sleep apnoea and used a CPAP machine at night to help her breathing. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes shortly before the second lockdown, Annie, 48, explains she struggled.

Within months of being discharged, the tenacious runner was back in her sneakers, determined to run again.

“Six months afterwards I did a 5km walk with my mum.

“Oh, and I always keep my phone handy, it’s always attached to me. I know what the consequences would have been if it hadn’t been near that day.”

“I was trying to manage the super high and low lows. Then there were the moods and the hormones. It was quite awful.”

Winning a scholarship through work to Outward Bound was a turning point, Annie says. Delayed for 18 months as COVID-19 swept across the country, Annie knew she had to be fitter to get the most out of the opportunity.

But it was during a caravan holiday with her family that she became uncomfortable with her size.

“I found myself hiding from the camera. I never cared before, my body isn’t anyone else’s business but when we got home from camp I said to my husband that I thought I’d like to do weight loss surgery.”

With older children at home, Annie says she was very aware about passing on a negative body image to them. As her health gradually worsened, she knew she had to take positive action.

Irene Anderson will mark four years since she suffered a stroke when she returns to the Saint Clair Half. Supplied

Her own mother had died at 59 years old from obesity related issues and her father died at 56 years old from cancer. Annie was determined to forge a different path.

“That was a driving force,” she explains. “I’m also acknowledging the privilege that I could do it.”

Once she had made her mind up, Annie says the process was relatively easy. Just six weeks later she had appointments with her surgeon, a psychologist and a dietician.

“My surgeon asked me what my goals were and I said to run again. I wanted to have a full, active part in my own life.

“I’m also acknowledging the financial privilege that we could afford to do it.”

Weighing 104kg at her heaviest, Annie says the change has been remarkable in so many ways. She no longer has diabetes or sleep apnoea and her cholesterol is lower than ever.

“I’m doing the 12km Saint Clair half run and have been easing into it, going on training runs with Ralphie my Jack Russell.”

But the best thing about her weight loss so far?

“Living a full and active life with my family, seeing them see me as a woman who participates in everything, gives everything a go.... and I will never get sick of people I haven’t seen for a while not recognising me, it's quite a buzz.” Annie laughs.

TOP TIPS FOR RACE DAY:

• Prepare the day before. Lay out your outfit, pack your bag and plan your route to the event.

• Hydrate the night before, you’ll wake up feeling your best and will help to deter dehydration during the event.

• Give yourself plenty of time. Wake up early enough to enjoy breakfast and get to the start line without stress.

• Stick to your usual meals, don’t go surprising your digestive tract near to race day.

• Chafing cream is your friend.

• Pace yourself. It’s a half marathon, not a sprint.

• Take in the stunning scenery, have fun, and enjoy it. Endorphins are even linked to improved stamina and performance.

• Afterwards, do some stretches, take a stroll around and cool down.

• Celebrate!

Annie Thompson is looking forward to testing her fitness in May to mark her impressive 47kg weight loss. Paula Hulburt

Meet the eco-warrior bringing about change

Words: Megan Smith | Sarah Brown

Styled by Michelle Bradley | Clothing and accessories from Thomas’s Remain Marni top | Caroline Sills Eden pintuck skirt | R.M. Williams Lady Yearling boot | Deadly Ponies Poucheroo bag

Say hello to Rebekah Anderson, a young ambitious woman with a passion for the environment, and who is bringing about positive change in her role and the region's community as group environmental manager for the national fishing company, Sanford Limited.

Rebekah Anderson is a relative newcomer to Marlborough. She was born and raised in a small seaside town on the east coast of South Africa. Her mother Cresta, with a job in travel, bestowed a desire for adventure on Rebekah. Her father Dean, who operates an IT firm, is an avid surfer which transpired into them spending most of their time carving up notorious surf spots scattered across the African coastline.

In all accounts, the adoration and connectivity to the ocean is, as Rebekah says: “Part of my DNA, and ingrained in me since the day I first opened my eyes and greeted the world.” During her schoolgoing years the idea of pursuing a career in the environmental sector was not a priority, with a lack of career prospects and in a country where human rights and providing basic services take centre stage.

“I wanted to be an actuarial scientist, as I really enjoyed maths, but ended up studying biochemistry with a childhood goal to find the cure for Aids.” After a few weeks, doubt began to set in about her academic choices, and Rebekah found herself standing in the office of the university dean, seeking advice on new avenues of study. “He recommended environmental studies, and on a whim, I switched, and never looked back.”

With her studies completed, and time spent working within the environmental sector, Rebekah began thinking about her next career move. She researched far-flung locations on a global scale, looking for those devoted to sustainability and protecting natural resources. New Zealand proved to be the top choice, and with that, her Kiwi journey began.

Rebekah began her journey with planting trees in Auckland as part of an ecological restoration project. She then ventured across the country to explore its natural wonders, working in hospitality along the way, before seeking out a job in the environmental sector. In April 2020 she joined Sanford Limited, out in Havelock, as an environmental advisor for their mussel operations.

“When I was a little girl, I was enthusiastic to pick up litter off the beach. As group environmental manager, I’m hoping to bring about an even greater change. You aren’t just learning about the environment, but the processes and operations of nature and humans and how it is all connected. It is incredibly rewarding to seek out solutions to the problems and follow through with implementation.”

Being a trail runner and surfer means that she has a profound physical connection to the earth. It also

means that Rebekah has first-hand experience when the environment is unbalanced. A trip to Bali for what was meant to be a surf trip of a lifetime only left Rebekah feeling more hardwired to stand up for what is right and bring about necessary change for current and future generations.

“I was so excited to surf at the popular surf spot, Kuta. Lured by the imagery of balmy, crystal-clear water, pristine beaches, and reefs speckled with colourful fish. Upon my first duck dive, I emerged through a wave of plastic and oily water that clung to my skin. I realized there that we humans are making a real mess of things on a global scale!”

Rebekah is obsessive about education and leadership, and wants to encourage young folk to pursue avenues of environmental studies, and continue bringing ongoing focus to the impacts of climate change.

“The key to our success is to all work towards a common goal, the only way to reach this is through awareness and education. First-world populations have grown accustomed to the term ‘climate change’, but when you step away from this setting the reality is far worse for those in third-world countries, who not only struggle with the damage that this causes, but who may not even know what the words ‘environment’ or ‘climate change’ means. Their top priority will not be about allocating the right goods into designated recycling bins, but about putting food on the table. We need to take action, as people who know more, our job is vital and has far-reaching consequences, locally and abroad.”

Rebekah stresses that we need to realize that we as humans are incredibly privileged, but that it should be earned through bringing about change on a daily basis. Understanding that what we do here and now affects people there and then, and there is no tolerance for selfishness.

“The hard truth is that the earth doesn’t need us to operate. As humans, we need the earth to survive. Without resources like clean air, water, food, and oils and gas that drive world economics, we won’t be able to exist. Working together, on a collective front will pave the way for how we structure our lives in an everchanging environment. Every little bit matters!”

Hear more about Rebekah Anderson and other environmental guardians via Catherine van der Meulen’s ‘Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose Podcast.’ entrepreneurialwomenwithpurpose.com

The heart of hospice

All is calm, the air redolent with the scent of fresh blooms brightening the nurses’ station. Staff are ready with a smile and from one of the four patient rooms drifts the sound of soft chatter. A striped cat pads past. Resident moggy Lexie is fussed over by staff and patients alike. The vibe is warm and welcoming, an oasis of calm amid the clamour of illness.

For registered nurses Dale Keenan and Juliet Keating, it is an honour to be part of a patient’s journey. Both experienced nurses, the pair work mainly in the community, caring for those who are nearing the end of their lives.

For Dale, who also did hospice work in Wellington, it is much more than just a job.

“I worked at the inpatient unit here and when the community role came up, I knew it was for me. It’s a privilege to work to provide care to patients and their families.

“Looking after someone at death is important, as we walk beside them on their journey. I might see them in the supermarket at the start, then at home or in here later on - we are here to support them.

“We do our best to support patients towards a good death and I feel very strongly and passionately about working with others going through their own journey.”

Juliet nods in agreement as Dale talks. She previously worked in the UK with vulnerable patients and says she always knew she would like to be involved in hospice care.

But, like Dale, she knew getting some life experience first was key.

“When I trained as a nurse I remember being taken into a hospice and it felt very special.

“People think end of life to be this frightening thing but we give them [families] the skills and confidence to keep loved ones at home.”

Dale and Juliet, like other staff at the hospice, work very much as a team. Support from others is key when it comes to their role, one that includes grief and loss. So how do they cope when it comes to losing a patient they know and care about?

“You do absorb it, “explains Juliet, “but you have to look after yourself physically and mentally. It’s part of life. We don’t say we ‘passed into’ the world so we don’t say ‘passed’, we say it for what it is.”

Hospice Marlborough offers an important service for people and their families with life-limiting illness. Paula Hulburt talks to some of the people at the heart of this special place.

Hospice Marlborough CEO Carole Crawford with registered nurses Dale Keenan and Juliet Keating. Tessa Jaine

1. & 3. The beautifully tended gardens make a relaxing space for patients and their families. Lisa Duncan 2. Hospice volunteer Nita Croad volunteers her time at Wairau Hospital every week as part of her time with Hospice Marlborough. Paula Hulburt

From their tone, it is clear both women are not just dedicated to their patients, they genuinely care about people.

The hospice cares for palliative patients and their families in the community who would prefer to stay at home. Covering the whole region means the nurses do an average of four or five home visits a day. Today the Marlborough Hospice Trust manages the provision of hospice palliative care services and they, along with the Marlborough Hospice Foundation, form Hospice Marlborough.

Hospice Marlborough’s new Chief Executive, Carole Crawford, is almost three months into her new role. For the former Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) director, the role is one close to her heart.

Being able to give back and help people has been part of her hopes for the future since she first started working.

“When I was 22 years old my dad died, he was in an accident and in a coma. It was three weeks before my wedding and he was supposed to walk me down the aisle. He was only 48 years old.

“My mum was living with cancer for five years. I was pregnant with our first child and she always wanted to be a grandmother.

“Those sort of life experiences… I decided that towards the end of my career I would like to get into a similar area. I didn’t know what that would look like but it was always at the back of my mind.

Carole pauses briefly as she recalls that difficult time in her life. Losing both her parents at a young age shaped her future in many ways, she explains.

Pregnant with her first child, British-born Carole cared for her mother at home. At that point, hospices were not commonplace.

“It got to the point where I couldn’t cope; I just couldn’t do it all,” she says. “She was in a hospital where not many of her friends were around. She passed peacefully. If this [hospice] was available it would have made a big difference.”

Seeing the advertisement for the newly-created CEO role, Carole says she knew it was a job where she could make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Carole, who graduated from the University of Exeter in the UK, has also been chair of the Marlborough Smart + Connected Labour and Skills Steering Group, worked for Hone St John and the family-planning service. She and her husband arrived in Marlborough 23 years ago and love it here.

“I’ve networked in this community, it’s my community. It’s a way of giving back and I know I can really help.

“When I was at NMIT the students were at the centre of everything and we put the patients first here, and their families. It’s quite the parallel.”

There are 43 staff at Hospice Marlborough and about 200 volunteers.

“They do everything from gardening and covering reception at the hospital. We couldn’t exist without them, “explains Carole.

“The community support and people generally are very generous with their money and time.”

For Nita Croad who is a volunteer at both the Hospice Shop and at the front desk at Wairau Hospital, it is time she is happy to devote – for two very special reasons.

She has been a volunteer at the Redwoodtown shop for 10 years and her welcoming smiles has graced the front desk of the hospital for nine years.

Nita’s daughter Gillian Croad died of bowel cancer two weeks before her 39th birthday in August 2006, while husband Barry passed from cancer too, in 2011. Hospice, both in Marlborough where Nita lives, and in the UK where Gillian was based, helped with equipment and respite care.

Visiting Barry in hospital during his last weeks was key to her decision to volunteer, Nita says.

“Seeing the ladies at the desk helped, just by them being there. I knew one day I would like to do that too.

“Apart from the fact that I have the time, it’s about being here for people who may need hospice care. The shop is also vital, it generates a lot of income.

“I always say it’s the only place I pay to work, as I like to buy things,” Nita jokes.

Every dollar raised at the Hospice Shop goes to the hospice except for running costs. This year, the fundraising target is $850,000.

“Every dollar helps us provide the model of care we deliver to the community,” Carole says.

“We’re working with GPs and making sure that they, and their teams, know that if someone is diagnosed with something that is likely to be life-limiting, to loop us in earlier,” says Carole.

“This is not a building where people come to die, there is much more to hospice.”

Autumn in the garden

Temperatures are starting to cool, leaves are turning orange, and things are slowing down in the garden. April and May are key months for preparing your winter garden and a chance to have a good organise and tidy up.

In the fruit garden:

• In early autumn, pick the remainder of the summer harvest from the fruit trees, such as apples and pears. Preserve excess fruit to enjoy with warm desserts through the winter.

Clean up strawberry plants. Strawberry plants have a lifespan of about three productive years, then they will need to be replaced. To keep them healthy, remove any rotting fruit and trim yellow leaves.

Prune citrus trees and fertilise in early autumn with a citrus food.

April is the best month for planting fruit trees and shrubs, while the soil is still warm. Their roots will establish in the wetter ground over the winter.

How to grow your favourite vegetables from seed:

• Select a seed-raising soil mix from your garden centre. This has all the key nutrients to help you be successful in growing seeds.

• Choose your seeds. Check the packet for ideal sowing months for your region and whether they are best grown in seed trays, or straight into the garden bed. Make shallow trenches in the soil, about a finger-length deep.

Add 2cm of seed-raising soil to the bottom and water lightly.

• Sow the seeds, follow packet directions for distance, depth etc.

• Lightly cover with soil.

• Water lightly and regularly. Keep a close eye as seedlings begin to pop through the soil, check for signs of pests, and don’t let the weeds overrun them!

In the vegetable garden:

• Harvest pumpkins when their skin is hard enough to withstand the pressure of a thumbnail.

• Pull out finished stalks and plants, such as corn and tomato, and add them to the compost.

Add nutrients to the soil to replenish it once summer vegetables have finished, this is an essential step for ensuring healthy winter crops. Add compost and sheep pellets. Turn the soil, dig it through and pull weeds.

Plant broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, rocket and beetroot. Either grow from seed (see our tips for growing from seed) or choose seedlings.

Why is it important to fight climate change collaboratively?

I always like the quote “We don’t know what we don’t know”. For an issue like climate change, we might have parts of the solution, but we don’t always know what parts of the problem we are trying to solve. To get the full picture we need to work together as a region and a community.

What else needs to be done to support the reduction of carbon emissions?

Beyond working together as a region, I would love to see more research and decision making to really explore the potential of soil-based carbon sequestration. This is a contested space, but I am excited about the opportunities that could be there.

How do these actions benefit the regional economy?

We need to be known beyond our wine-making talents. For instance, there would be value in a regional bio-energy hub in Marlborough, this would create jobs and have significant economic and social benefits.

Regionally, there is real potential in the use of bio char as carbon capture and also soil enhancement. We can also support the Marlborough energy market with biofuel products that can help local businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

on the couch

with

Why

is

it important to invest in environmental projects?

We have an important role to play in supporting and driving environmental outcomes. Not only that, but as our business is impacted by climate change, we have a responsibility and a vested interest in doing so. We are also part of the community, and have a commitment to supporting them, whether that’s through our community grants programme, our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, or our seagrass restoration partnership with Cawthron Institute – it’s integral to what we do – and an example of the benefits of wider collaboration.

What high-level industry insights are you seeing in the sector, in the shift to a more sustainable future?

It’s great to see the likes of Fonterra and Genesis looking at how they can transition from coal to wood for fuel. In the industry, we call this ‘residue’. The recent storm events have highlighted the impact slash can have, but if managed well, slash and wood waste could be seen as part of the solution rather than a problem and help organisations transition away from coal. OneFortyOne’s NZ forests business is currently collecting slash and waste that can be used as a biofuel and we believe there’s huge potential for a biofuel market in our region.

As general manager of one of the largest private forestry employers in the Top of the South, OneFortyOne’s Kaituna Sawmill, Tracy Goss talks to Marlborough Magazine about the part they play in building a more sustainable future.

OneFortyOne general manager of Kaituna Sawmill, Tracy Goss

Celebrating harvest in Marlborough

It is harvest season for wineries across the region where the perfect bunches are being selected to create the region's greatest award-winning products of liquid gold. A crucial time on the calendar, much love, hard work, and dedication has gone into the crops, nurturing and catering for every aspect of growth, culminating in a product that is distinctively unique and the pride of Marlborough.

Last year's vintage was cited as ‘edge-of-your-seat' stuff by Wine Marlborough, with this year’s season ‘balanced on a knife edge’ according to Mark Allen of Mark Allen Vineyard Advisory. With unsettled weather, operator and labour shortages, a cool damp start to the growing year, and crops forecast to come in later than usual, the focus turns to finetuning crops. High yields and increased grape prices are a welcome sight for local grape growers and spirits are still high as events and festivals continue to showcase the people, places and products that contribute to making Marlborough famous.

With the call to harvest made, the region becomes a hive of activity once again, as the community comes together to make magic happen. We share some beautifully captured moments in a special montage to celebrate harvest 2023 and raise a glass to another successful year.

Maria Paz Scadding, back in New Zealand for her second vintage at Allan Scott.

ImprovWorks and Allan Scott Family Winemakers

Words: Amy Russ

Want to harvest more skills?

From cellar operations to viticulture, winemaking and leadership programmes, we can take your skills to the next level.

Find out more nmit.ac.nz/viticulture

Top: An early start for machine harvesters at Villa Maria. Richard Briggs

Bottom left: It’s safety first for hand-pickers at Cloudy Bay. Richard Briggs

Bottom right: Georgia enjoying helping with harvest at Astrolabe. Arabella Waghorn

Top left: Vineyard manager, Thomas Krovoza hand sorts pinot noir at Rock Ferry. Sarah Fix

Top right: Pinot noir pumping into a tank is a sight to behold at Dog Point Vineyard. Elisa Cigui

Bottom: Winemaker Murray Cook testing the grapes at Dog Point Vineyard. Jim Tannock

Top: It’s all smiles at Cloudy Bay Vineyards as workers launch into harvest. Richard Briggs

Bottom: Hand-harvesting is a huge effort and must be done quickly once the grapes are at their peak. It’s all hands on deck at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Richard Briggs

Top: Chief winemaker Natalie Christensen checking crops at Yealands Wines. Supplied

Bottom Left: Maria Best from Canada operating the receival bin at Hunter’s Wines. Pinot Noir from the receival bin is fed through the auger into the destemmer. Supplied

Bottom right: The Alapa crew have been hard at work at Nautilus Estate. Richard Briggs

Top: Harvest brings the team together at Dog Point Vineyard. Elisa Cigui

Bottom left: Laying crates out at Rocky Ferry Vineyards for a day of hand-harvesting. Richard Briggs

Top: It’s a picturesque morning at Hans Herzog Estate. Jessica Jones

Bottom left: Alex and Manfred pump Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2022 out of barrel at Greywacke. Supplied

Bottom right: Viticulturist and co-owner of Clos Henri Vineyard, Lionel Bourgeois, enjoying hand-picking. Richard Briggs

Top: Clos Henri general manager and head winemaker Damien Yvon Clos checking the fruit. Richard Briggs

Left: Matt walking with dog Raph through the vines at Blank Canvas. Supplied

Above right: The stained hands of a winemaker at Rapaura Springs Wines. Tim Williams

Bottom right: Nebbiolo pick at Rock Ferry. Sarah Fix

Creating lasting memories

The Sowman family has been serving the Blenheim community in the funeral profession since emigree Alfred Sowman arrived in 1869, the year that Blenheim was pronounced a borough. The following decades saw various members of the Sowman family involved in the funeral business; cabinet making, upholstering and undertaking. In 1959 Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors was launched and Geoffrey’s son Alistair still works in the business today.

In the early years, caskets were hand-crafted on site and the business was a pioneer in establishing modern cremation facilities. The local monumental headstone business was purchased by the company and in 1986 the Mayfield Chapel was built so funeral services could be held on site.

The Sowmans funeral premises have recently undergone an extensive and contemporary makeover. “The Mayfield Chapel renovation, in particular, is the most major transformation the business has undertaken,” says manager and funeral director Barry Holmwood. “It is a purpose-built space which has been renovated from the ground up to create a beautiful, serene environment where people can celebrate the lives of their loved ones in complete comfort.”

With seating for one hundred and fifty, and extra space available in the lounge area, funerals of considerable size can be catered for.

“We made the decision to update it because it is a building that is used a great deal. Being able to have everything in one place makes things so much easier; families can hold the service in the chapel then meander along the short pathway under the elm tree and into the Sowman Lounge for refreshments. As the only registered monumental masons in Marlborough, we are able to provide memorial stones and a renovation service as well, all onsite.”

Jenny Saggers of Collaborate Design Studio was engaged to redesign the premises, a task she was delighted to accept. “It was such a special project because I had to consider that people coming to Sowmans are often in a vulnerable state and it is so important to give them a feeling of comfort,” she says. “I absolutely loved working with the team to create a chapel that is a beautiful space where people want to linger. It has an almost ethereal feel and is also a place to be quiet and reflect.”

The paint colour Half Haast from Dulux was chosen for the walls and the high-backed chairs are in a neutral linen-look fabric. Textured white curtains soften the space.

Bob Barnes, Thelma Sowman, Alistair Sowman, Barry Holmwood, Ethan Williams, Terry Ryan and Faye Partridge

Complete Electrical Marlborough Ltd. are proud to be involved in the alterations at Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Services to make difficult times that little bit more comfortable for all.

Call us on 021 371 818 or email us at admin@completeelectrical.co.nz to have your electrical needs completely handled.

Particularly popular is the Memories Forever Wall at the front below the oak veneer panelling that can have a soft moving image projected onto it. “For one Kaikoura family we used the image of water flowing over rocks,” says Barry. “For a train enthusiast, we projected a steam train on tracks, puffing smoke and steam. It creates the most beautiful backdrop and can be personalised for each family to represent the person who has passed away.”

“Lighting is so important to create the right ambience in a space like this,” he says, “and a great deal of thought has gone into creating customized lighting. There are dimmable lights in the ceiling and the casket can be illuminated by spotlights. We love to work with local businesses and Jenny had the brass pendant lights made in collaboration with local company, Richmond Lighting. All these touches work together to help create special memories for families and friends of the deceased.”

“Photography of Marlborough scenes by Kevin Judd is on display throughout the whole premises which provides a very real sense of place,” says Barry.

“Kevin’s photos were a great inspiration and are reflected in the fabrics chosen,” adds Jenny.

She chose New Zealand-made wallpaper with soft clouds for the viewing room. “It gives the feeling of the deceased floating and is very calming,” she says. A beautiful chaise longue allows families and friends to sit together.

“The updates on the chapel have made the funeral or memorial event so much nicer for everyone,” says Barry. “Now we can do so much more to personalise any events we have here and people are really appreciating it.”

Sowman’s attention to detail doesn’t stop with their premises. “I was pre-arranging a funeral for a lady who was a real character,” says Barry. “She wanted her casket to be carried by a horse-drawn hearse so I arranged that. Then I discovered she had been part of the British air force and had been in a Vulcan bomber. ‘I bet you can’t get me one of those,’ she said. Determined to meet her wishes I found that the local modelling club had one made up and I popped it on her casket, at the funeral some weeks later. It made the day extra special.”

Sowmans Funeral Directors has been an integral part of the Marlborough community for over one-hundredand-fifty years, supporting and sponsoring many local events along the way. “It is a privilege to not only care for families in their times of sorrow but also to put our backs behind the community that we are a part of and offer support where we can,” says Barry.

“This never feels like a job as everyone here loves working together and working as a team. The transformation of our premises with all the special details is our way of helping families feel completely supported and cared for in their times of grief.”

Sowmans will be holding an Open Day on Saturday 15 April 2023 10am to 2pm.

ON THE STREET

Nicola Smith is a vision in pink at Yealands Wine. As HR Advisor, Nicola finds herself especially busy at this time of year being out and about around the region. Nicola says it’s a perfect time for wearing pink and having fun with fashion.

What are you wearing today?

All pieces are thrift finds. The top was found at Vinnies and unfortunately lost its label along the way. The skirt (Trelise Cooper) and shoes (Rollies) are from Pre-loved Style in Nelson, I find so much satisfaction in hunting down new, unique pieces for my collection.

What is your style?

Thrifty, versatile and quirky! I love having pieces that I can wear to work, or when I’m with my friends and whānau. I work hard to make sure that I love all my pieces and that they show my personality but also that they’re interchangeable with each other.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Gingham! I have checked bikinis, dresses, skirts, pants, bags, phone cases and more. I just love how it can elevate a simple piece into something with a bit of flare. Plus, gingham is timeless, so I have built a capsule wardrobe around these pieces (although, yes, it is a big capsule).

What are you dressed for today?

I’m dressed for a Friday at Yealands (and throughout the region). It’s an exciting but busy time with harvest/ vintage. So, I think it’s a perfect time to wear all pink and just not take myself too seriously!

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

I aim to buy a mix of New Zealand made and second-hand garments. A few years ago, I proudly managed one of Kilt Clothing Boutique’s and I still have lots of goodies from that time. Including my Nicola skirts, this was named after me, and I am still obsessed with the design.

What is your approach to shopping?

I’m a conscious consumer, the ethics and environmental cost of an item is important to me. I love taking the time to research a brand and guarantee that it’s the right financial choice – as clothes are an investment in ourselves, our wallets, and the earth.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

A little gold cowboy boot necklace to celebrate when I first moved to Blenheim from Auckland. It’s part of my everyday wardrobe and a good reminder that new starts can be fun.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

Almost leaving the house in a see through skirt with bright pink underneath… for the Food and Wine Festival. Grateful that my flatmate stopped me before I got out the door!

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

I personally don’t like mixing metals; I’ll mix prints and not think twice but I have gold only and silver only days. If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Matilda Djerf – especially her shoe collection.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Matching socks – life’s too short to worry about something that people never see!

Sarah Brown

FASHION STYLING ADVICE

How to love your wardrobe

Is your wardrobe full of clothes you don’t like or never wear? Is a small wardrobe enough?

Statistically, women only wear 20 to 30 per cent of the clothes they own. In my experience, most clients I have worked with will be lucky to wear 40 per cent of the clothes they have in their wardrobe, outside of workwear or uniforms. Let’s improve those statistics, here are some tips for paring your overflowing wardrobe down to what you love, and will actually wear and feel good in.

The capsule collection

A ‘capsule wardrobe’ is a small selection of interchangeable clothing pieces that complement each other. These are typically classic pieces of predominately neutral colours enabling a variety of different outfits with a modest collection of clothing.

Decluttering can be liberating!

Sometimes we hold on to clothing, for example, an outfit for a job interview, or a wedding, however when these occasions arise you will usually find yourself purchasing something new. So be strong in your resolve to declutter. This will give your wardrobe a fresh feel and you will wear and love everything you have.

To start with, take everything out of your wardrobe and get rid of what doesn’t fit well, or requires repairs or alterations. Maybe you feel the colour

doesn’t look good on you, perhaps the pattern isn’t your flavour, or you’ve never worn it as you just don’t feel good in it. Also do this with bags, shoes and accessories.

These pieces can be given away or, if you want to hold on to them for a little longer, pack them into storage, so they can be retrieved if there’s something that you need. Ultimately this process is about creating space in the wardrobe, removing the visual clutter so you can see what you have and get to or find what you want to wear.

Creating your compilation

The next step is building your capsule wardrobe. Look at what you have left. Figure out what pieces work together. How many outfits can you build with what you have?

Find the gaps in your outfits and work out what you really need. I recommend having at least two pieces in each clothing category. One will be for good, and one for casual or ‘off-duty’. For example, two pairs of pants (one being dress pants and the other being jeans), two shirts or blouses, two dresses, two jackets (one blazer and one casual style). From here you can create a number of different outfits.

Building your capsule wardrobe will make your life easier, save you time and money, and will help you get to know your personal style.

Most of all have fun and enjoy the process.

with Michelle Bradley, personal stylist.

Welcome to Bellebird Bride & Beauty

Hayley started her home-based beauty salon three years ago, building a clientele whilst getting to know the friendly Picton community. In December last year she opened her purpose-built salon in the heart of town, thanks to her husband who transformed her vision into a very special salon that women are falling in love with.

With an interior design background, Hayley wanted to create a space that was lounge style; beautiful, calm and offering pure relaxation and time-out for women where they could feel pampered and valued.

Hayley’s experience in the world of makeup and beauty is considerable, having worked for Estée Lauder for twenty years and the luxury brand Tom Ford Beauty. “As the National Education Manager for both brands, my responsibility was to educate and share my knowledge to every beauty advisor throughout New Zealand. Working extensively overseas with some of the best global makeup artists in Hollywood and Asia added to my skill set.”

“Beauty is more than what you see on the outside. To me, beauty comes from within,” she says. “It is so heart-warming to see a client’s face light up when I’ve shown them how to feather draw brows on post medical treatments and filling them with confidence.”

The services offered are wide and varied. “Manicures and pedicures are very popular, including the SNS Powder Dip,” says Hayley. “We built a luxe pedicure station sure to make all feet happy, and bed treatments include all face and body waxing, brow and lash styling and relaxing facials.”

“Clients love my microdermabrasion facial that targets many skin concerns from teenage acne to fine lines and pigmentation,” she says. “I use Australianmade skincare Biologi which is a collection that changes the whole concept of skincare. Available exclusively in my salon in Marlborough. The products

are potent serums using single plant extracts, are result-driven and deeply hydrating. It’s a revolutionary skincare brand that cares for the skin and the environment by reducing the need for multiple products that overload bathroom cupboards.”

Hayley loves weddings and says there is nothing better than seeing a bride glow beautifully on her special day. “With all the brides I have worked with, I’m still humbled to be invited as the makeup artist. It’s very special to be amongst a bride and her tribe during the last hours before she gets married.” Being a one-stop beauty shop, brides can book their makeup, spray tans, facials, brows, manicures and pedicures.

The response to Bellebird Bride & Beauty has been overwhelming with clients raving about the ambience, professionalism and relaxation they receive. “I am all about beauty, wellness and rejuvenation,” says Hayley, “something we all deserve to experience.”

Bellebird Bride & Beauty

021 975 820

21 Wellington St, Picton, New Zealand

Hayley from Bellebird Bride & Beauty in her Picton salon.

Dealing with chronic stress

Are you tired but wired, have unexplained symptoms, or keep getting sick and don’t know why? Chronic stress may be the cause.

Dr Marissa Kellaher explains.

It’s an issue many of us don’t think about, yet research shows it’s responsible for up to 80% of visits to GPs. This type of stress can be hard to identify, as the symptoms are often vague, and being constantly stressed is often seen as normal in a society that values productivity over rest.

Struggling to switch off, even when you’re exhausted, craving salty or sweet foods, or getting sick all the time, are common in chronic stress. Even symptoms like palpitations, chest pains, or diarrhea can be stress-related.

Our mind and body are controlled by two opposing systems - the ‘fight flight or freeze’ system and the ‘rest and digest’ system. They’re both vital, and ideally we switch between them as needed. But when we’re chronically stressed, we get ‘stuck’ in fight flight or freeze - meaning our stress hormones stay elevated. And it’s the effect of these hormones that cause symptoms.

Chronic stress isn’t always easy to identify either, while acute stress is easy to spot (such as a death, or natural disaster), its often ‘microstresses’ - the constant small daily stresses - that have the most impact. Yet these can become so normalized we don’t realise just how much they’re affecting us. Microstresses are harder to identify, as they aren’t always obvious. They don’t tend to trigger the same level of support as larger stresses do, meaning we feel like we ‘should be able to manage.’ This can leave us feeling exhausted, isolated, overwhelmed, and tense. So, what can help? The first step is identifying where stress is coming from. Think through your day, and write down all the things that make you feel tense. If you aren’t sure, think of how your body feels when stressed, then think of what situations trigger this feeling.

The next step is taking action. Often when we’re stressed we tend to lump stresses together, then feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Yet we have far more control over stress than what we realise.

Start by dividing your list into stressors you have less control over (such as finances, family responsibilities) vs those you can control (such as social media use, overcommitting, lack of sleep.)

Then reduce the stresses you can control, such as:

 Prioritising sleep

 Leaving your phone switched off after you wake, and taking time to have a cup of tea, meditate or stretch instead.

 Getting outside in your lunch break to get fresh air and movement.

 Saying ‘no’ to non-essential things you don’t enjoy.

 Being kind to yourself, and not trying to do too much (or be everything to everyone).

 Limiting multi-tasking.

Lastly, think of ways to ‘turn down’ your stress response. This is called stress resilience - improving our ability to cope with stress. These are like exercise, as they need to be done regularly - the more often you do them, the more they help!

Some tips include:

 Taking ‘micro moments’ during the day to slow down, take a deep breath, and pay attention to how you feel. Try it while making a cuppa, going to the bathroom, or in your break.

 Try deep breathing techniques when you feel tense.

 Journalling and gratitude practicing.

 Time in nature.

 Exercise you enjoy.

 Mindfulness and meditation.

Above all, be kind to yourself. In our society there is so much pressure to do everything right all the time, this creates stress in itself.

Learn to realise it’s okay to take time and space for yourself- after all, you only live once.

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

Expert advice on skincare and age management

Understanding the scientific processes that drive skin ageing, owner of Skin Perfection, Karen Black, brings 15 plus years of expertise in skincare to discuss age management and menopausal-related skin changes.

Skincare is an ever-evolving process

Consider how your entire skin ecosystem works together, with a focus on your skin history and current lifestyle. As you journey through life, your skin's needs will shift and adjust. It can be a complicated and frustrating journey, from adolescence to hormonal and stress-induced skin changes and peri-menopause and menopause.

Understanding hormone changes

Around the age of 35, hormone changes can begin to affect your skin’s health. Hydration levels can take a dip leaving the skin vulnerable to dryness, dullness and sensitivity. Seeing skin-related issues like acne, perioral dermatitis, pigmentation, and wrinkles become more apparent, and younger women may not attribute these changes in the skin to hormonal changes.

Peri-menopause is the time before menopause when a woman's hormones, biology, and other features start to change - according to the WHO. 40 per cent of a woman's life is spent in menopause. And thanks to this topic becoming less taboo, it's more important than ever for younger women to learn about the peri-menopausal and menopausal changes that come with age.

All body systems - physical, physiological, digestive, vasomotor, oral and nervous - are affected. And the symptoms can be wide-ranging and difficult to predict. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and sleep disturbances are most common. But weight gain, memory lapses, anxiety, hair loss, fatigue and joint pain can also be experienced during this phase of life.

Treatment options

We need to look at the complete picture to promote skin health. Maximise skincare results in a clinic setting with the right combination of active ingredients, such as retinoids, retinol, peptides, hydrators, omega-3 fatty acids and SPF!

Age is just a number, but how you age is entirely in your hands. By taking a holistic approach to skin wellness and age management, you can maintain natural beauty and look your best regardless of age. Achieving optimum skin health is more than products and anti-wrinkle serums – it's addressing the whole person and restoring balance. Your skin is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

Enlist the advice of a skin expert to discuss treatment options including a detailed skin analysis, customisation in makeup and skincare, lift and sculpt massage, QI-beauty de-stress, collagen induction, LED treatment, appearance medicine and wrinklerelaxing and facial contouring. Don't settle for anything less than the best for your skin.

Skinperfectionnz.com

karen@skinperfectionnz.com 021 027 74442

With Karen Black, skin expert at Skin Perfection

Karen performs MAX+ LED light therapy and skin rejuvenation on a client.

My HOME

When relocating into town three years ago, Mike and Di Ponder came across a beautiful place on Francis Street. After some renovations, the home has become the perfect place for them to live and work from, with Mike’s art gallery connected to the home. The couple share their eclectic interior style with us.

Richard Briggs

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

Our home is situated in Francis Street, we have lived here for the past three years, after selling our farm and vineyard in the Waihopai Valley.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Spacious, comfortable, homely and light.

What inspired you to buy this home?

Its size and privacy offered the perfect transition for moving from the country to town. The location is also central for Mike’s art gallery. The house has the perfect proportions with its three-metre-high ceilings and doors which is important considering Mike’s height.

What’s your decorating style?

Casual and eclectic, we like a good mix of old and new.

Above. Mike and Di Ponder with their eight-week-old puppy Harvey. 1. The comfortable lounge room features many of the couples treasures and Mike’s artwork. 2. These sculptures are a feature at the entrance. It is a water feature surrounded by ferns. They have a cooling effect on hot summer days. 3. The antique jester chair has been in the family for generations. The painting is a watercolour by Mike, called ‘Boatyard’. 4. An impressive collection of bottles, dug up from around Marlborough.

Where do you shop for homewares?

We try to shop locally. One of our favourite shops is Cinnamon House, because of their help and advice. The other is Cerise, who gift wrap beautifully.

What piece would you never part with?

I love our jester chair. It’s been in the family for several generations and brought over from England in 1899.

If money was no object, what would you get for your home?

More solar panels on the roof, which will be more environmentally friendly.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Just because an item is expensive it does not mean it will be the most suitable. We like to look around and choose pieces for their individual qualities – be they new, or second hand. We were fortunate to have the combined furniture from two previous houses including inherited pieces, to choose from, which was a great saving. We did however invest in the furniture for the main lounge that offered both ambience and comfort.

What’s next on your interiors list?

Maybe freshen up the upstairs bedrooms with a lick of paint.

Have you done any renovations?

We carried out major renovations to the area used for the Mike Ponder Art Gallery. The house was perfect to balance Mikes work/lifestyle and be able to have his gallery as part of our home. Very little has been needed elsewhere.

1 & 2 - The Ponder’s like a mix of old and new, they have an eclectic collection of antique furniture throughout the home. 3. The sunroom is a favourite spot for sitting a enjoying a coffee and a book. 4. The modern home was the perfect size and in the right location for the Ponder’s when they decided to move into town.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

We have a lovely sunroom with bi-fold doors that opens onto a covered patio. It’s magical to sit there with a book and a coffee, and the sun streaming in.

What’s your favourite room?

We have a special room which we call the ‘speak easy’ room closed off from the rest of the house. Its comfortable furniture, no TV or other electronics, makes it perfect for relaxing.

Best seat in the house?

My Barcelona chair in the sunroom, its very comfortable and you can find yourself sitting enjoying the sunshine for hours.

Best budget tip?

Restoring family furniture and bringing it back to life for all to enjoy.

Did any of your purchases cause a debate? Most things, even after 55 years of marriage. We practice compromising a lot!

Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

Don’t own a large hairy dog.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

Our neighbourhood is a mix of residential, professional, and commercial. We have great neighbours, and it’s an easy walk into town.

Best memory in your home?

Opening the gallery was an exciting time, but our favourite memories are our weekly family dinners. That is why we need a big table, so we can all gather around and enjoy time together.

Mike Ponder Gallery

Kitchen makeover

Interior Advice with Aimee Materoa Owner of Materoa Design

In this edition’s interior advice, we take a look at a local Blenheim home that’s kitchen has been transformed from simple to sleek. Entertainers and lovers of black, stone and wood, Aimee’s client’s brief for this job was “the kitchen is to be the pivot of the house.” Aimee shares how she designed the kitchen and worked with James Neal Joinery, and her clients to achieve their dream kitchen.

The brief

Luxurious, timeless, sleek, modern, minimal, family, warm and authentic were some words used to describe the client’s vision for their new space. An open and useable space was noted as a key contributor when designing as several people would be in the kitchen at once, proper working zones and a good thoroughfare for walking in and out of the kitchen were important factors to them. The existing kitchen needed to be modernised, both aesthetically and for functionality. The impressive timber ceiling was to be incorporated into the design.

The reveal

This whare undertook a huge renovation. The design flow and consistency were important from the kitchen to the living areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms. By removing the wing wall this allowed us to have full control of the design floorplan. More light was introduced with a larger set of windows, which allowed the black cabinetry to have a powerful effect. Everything has been stripped back with new flooring, and paint. The original ceiling now beams with glory against the newly stunning and renovated kitchen. Balance and symmetry were desired on this job. To achieve this, we used two main materials and colours - Ultraglaze Noir Prime Black cabinetry contrasted with Caesarstone Airy Concrete benchtops. The design was scaled around the large 4.5 metre island. This statement piece in the kitchen consists of thickened 60mm Caesarstone Airy Concrete benchtop that also wraps around the seating area, this same stone is used on the back wall, creating rhythm and repetition. The use of the black cabinetry with Blum Carbon Black Legrabox internals creates a luxurious feel, depth, and ‘wow’ factor in the room.

To create proper proportion and scale within the room, we placed the tall units, fridge, pantry, and ovens (food zone) together, this helps with the working triangle not being scattered around the large kitchen.

High end appliances are used within the design with precise colours to match the joinery. The consistency of drawers and the streamlined kitchen design allows all the architectural elements and finishes to come together.

Discover the difference

There is nothing builder Ben Grady from Discovery Homes loves more than seeing his customers thriving in a new home. After thirty years of renovating the villas he and wife Jo had lived in, they decided it was time to build a new home for themselves.

Words: Adrienne Matthews | Matt Croad

“It was exciting to start from scratch and be able to design a home incorporating all of our favourite features,” says Jo.

Ben had been building a home for clients who were subdividing their land and spied a beautiful northfacing section available next door. Over the years the owners had transformed the ‘half acre’ from a sheep paddock into a piece of paradise with trees including a majestic oak, rimu, kauri, totara, and other native species. “We couldn’t resist it,” says Ben.

He and Jo drew up sketches which Bronwyn Duffy of Max Architectural Design transformed into plans. The house consists of three mono-pitched pods with 3.6-metre-high raking ceilings which are joined together by lower atriums at 2.4 metres. “We wanted our master bedroom at one end, a ‘living hub’ in the middle with kitchen, lounge, dining, and the remaining three bedrooms, master bathroom, laundry, and guest room with ensuite in the last section,” explains Jo.

The home’s RibRaft foundation has 1.5 kilometres of plastic piping running through it, a PolarEnergi system through which heated water is pumped during colder months. “There are eight thermostats throughout the house,” says Ben,” and we can have different temperatures in different rooms. It is the first house we have ever lived in that when we wake up in winter, it is a toasty twenty-one degrees.”

Solar panels are installed on the roof to supply power to the heat pump that heats the water. “The double fire that straddles the dining and living rooms is really just for ambience,” he says.

The framing is constructed from 140mm timber rather than the more commonly used 90mm. “This allowed for thicker insulation,” says Ben.

The house is clad in sumptuous recycled Australian hardwood made from telephone poles from LMA Timber in Christchurch. “I have subsequently used it on several other houses we have built,” says Ben. “It is marvellous to work with being heavy, solid and

straight and has a lovely warm glow.” It also pairs well with the ebony black roof and window and door frames along with the copper spouting, downlights, tapware and bottle traps. “I just love copper.” laughs Ben.

The extensive window area is double-glazed Argon filled Low E glass with high-tech coating, chosen for its ability to help keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter. “We actually have a green-tinted version that I had never used before,” says Ben.” It reflects the lovely green of the outdoors.” Electric blinds are a popular addition throughout the house.

Black aluminium louvres in the hallway provide excellent air circulation which helps keep the house cool in summer.

It was important for the Grady family to have a library as Ben’s father was well-known journalist and writer Don Grady. “Our house was always full of books, so a library was a must-have,” he says. It sits behind two large glass and steel walls engineered for the space.

A main feature of the living areas is the extra-large 1.2m Italian floor tiles. “With such an expansive area

and the extra ceiling height, smaller ones would have looked really busy,” says Ben.

Bays Joinery provided the kitchen which boasts a carbon-neutral Dekton benchtop made from artificial stone which is highly resistant to heat, stains and scratches. The Neff oven was chosen because the oven door slides in under itself.

To save space throughout the house and prevent doors banging in the Marlborough breezes, all the internal doors are 2.4m tall cavity sliders. “We love this because it allows for extra wall space in all the rooms,” says Jo.

The master bathroom is divided into wet and dry areas. A Concrete Nation bath is the feature of this space along with matching handbasin. Used in all three bathrooms, the clay colour basins were chosen

to compliment the copper tapware. In the master ensuite, an infrared sauna is Jo’s wellness escape. The master bedroom’s feature wall, designed by Emma Hayes, reminds Ben of local grapes, and “mirrors the greenery of the garden, giving a serene, peaceful feel,” says Ben.

Now that their own house is complete Ben is back building homes for others along with renovations as required. “As a past president of Certified Builders Marlborough, and a member of Master Builders, I am aware of the importance of training youngsters in the industry and particularly enjoy passing my experience and knowledge onto apprentices.” His son Lewis has just started his apprenticeship, keeping the love of building in the family.

What’s On

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

Thur 20 Apr

CAWTHRON MARLBOROUGH ENVIRONMENT AWARDS 2023

Join the celebrations at this showcase of Marlborough businesses and community projects that protect and enhance the region’s environment.

Marlborough Events Centre, 42a Alfred Street, Blenheim

Wed 17 May - Sat 27 May

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Blenheim Musical Theatre, in association with Wairau River Wines, presents this fabulous musical based on the 1994 film of the same name.

Sun 7 May

FIVE BUCK A DUCK DERBY

Purchase your ducks and race them down the Taylor River in a bid to win prizes. All proceeds to Life Education Trust Marlborough

Taylor River Amphitheatre, Blenheim

Sun 30 Apr

Fri 7 Apr - Sun 9 Apr

YEALANDS CLASSIC FIGHTERS AIRSHOW 2023

So much more than just an airshow! Get ready for a brilliant weekend of actionpacked, family-friendly fun with entertainment both in the air and on the ground.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, 79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim

ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim

EARTH DAY

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Celebrate Earth Day with a free family fun day at Pollard Park. Featuring live entertainment, competitions, market stalls, food vendors, workshops, kids’ games area and more.

Sat 13 May

SAINT CLAIR VINEYARD HALF MARATHON & NUTRIENT RESCUE 12KM

Challenge and enjoy yourself at the same time at the most unique, social and picturesque running event in New Zealand. What will you choose this yearthe 12km or the half marathon? Saint Clair Family Estate, Selmes Road, Rapaura, Blenheim

Sat 20 May NEW

ZEALAND ARMY BAND

Join the world-famous New Zealand Army Band for an evening of wonderful entertainment. Enjoy a variety of performances including classical, big band, brass band, show work and rock.

Church of the Nativity, 76 Alfred Street, Blenheim

FOLLOW-ME.CO.NZ

Pollard Park, Blenheim

Summer Sunday Sessions

Forrest Wines

1. Carol and Mark Thornborough

2. Charlie, Leanne, Matt and Annalise Paris-Smith

3. Gaye and Geoff Banks

4. Melanie Tagne and Antoine Bar

5. Kieran O'Boyle and Jackie Fitzsimmons

6. Oded and Helen Oren

7. Nicola Etheredge, Susie Lawrie and Simon Etheredge

8. Peter and Karen Rae

Frank Nelson

Marlborough Wine and Food Festival

Renwick Domain

1. Onolevu Temo and Sarah Derecourt

2. Junior Filipo, Kayla Gledhill, Penn Hitta and Jerome Bettridge

3. Patrick Rattray and Ginny King

4. Renee Jay and Leanne Broughton

5. Richelle Tyney, Ngel and Kathy Sowman

6. Sharyn Gill and Bazza Beckett

7. Nikki Annand, Kristie PakiPaki, Liza Bowler and Yvonne Sheilds

8. Rob Bruce and Craig Serle

Marlborough Magazine

Havelock Mussel Festival

Havelock Domain

1. Trina Newman and Gav Lawrence

2. Arna Newman, Kieran Ruffell and Dan Edmonds

3. Laura and Taika Huntley

4. Merv and Lyndie Fair

5. McKenzie Beal and Tay Jones

6. Richard Nicholls and Catherine Anderson

7. Molly Liao, Karen Thong and Chia Chen

8. Chayce Bruning and Liam Rogerson

Marlborough Magazine

The Framingham Harvest Concert

Framingham Wines

1. Belinda Black and Feli Trounson

2. Matt Judd, Poppy Murphy and Lizzie McMullen

3. David Ledezina and Daniel DeLucca

4. Jirl Zahradnik & Kristina Cistonova

5. Kelly and John Rica

6. Tiphaine Yaddaden and Louise Halloin

7. Sarah O’Connor, Emily Stenhouse, Heidi Stenhouse-Allen and Bridget Bryne

8. Christelle Heynike and Katie Bruce

563 Main Road, Stoke, New Zealand inkcreative.nz

Marlborough Multicultural Festival

Churchill Glade, Pollard Park, Blenheim

1. Claire Findlater and Maria Best

2. Donald and Corinne McBride and Lee Belcher

3. Eleonora Cau and Lorenzo Tomasini

4. Facundo Roca and Emilia Guerrero

5. Jenny and Mark Everitt

6. Malia Pahulu and Materoa Beamsley

7. Rebecca Colvin, Eva Gabkova and Harriet Mackle

8. Marlyn Hendriks and Choylyn Jardin

Frank Nelson