Marlborough Magazine - June/July 2023

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Brrrr,

it’s cold out there… Luckily, Marlborough Magazine has some hot tips for keeping those winter blues at bay. Imagine soaking in a warm, thermal haven at Hanmer Springs, or snuggling by a fire devouring a hearty Irish stew, or, if a wintery blast gets you excited, then the slopes of Rainbow Ski Area will be your ideal escape.

Winter can be a tough one when you want to be entertained, especially if you have kids to keep busy. Marlborough’s latest epic addition to our growing community offerings is the much-anticipated Blenheim Library and Art Gallery. If you haven’t already popped in for a look, then this is a must! With some pretty incredible tech, vast offerings of literature and interactive entertainment for the young and young at heart, plus don’t forget the café for your caffeine fix - you can spend hours enjoying this incredible space. As we move into the heart of the cold season, the hub will be a wonderful addition to the experiences our region has to offer.

Enjoy our latest edition somewhere cosy and warm, maybe while sipping a hot chocolate or mulled wine, and have a wonderful winter.

JUNE Cello maestro IN MARLBOROUGH ARCHITECTURE FOR THE ARTS

Inspiring the next generation of young musicians

Cellist Caitlin Morris Pages 8–9

EDITOR

Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Tessa Jaine | tessa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DESIGN

Patrick Connor and Toni Woolf

CONTRIBUTORS

Adrienne Matthews, Amy Russ, Megan Smith, Judene Edgar, Tessa Jaine, Matt Brown

ADVERTISING

Summa Donald | summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

DISTRIBUTION

Phil and Paula Brown, Wendy Abernethy

PUBLISHER

TSM Marlborough

Editor’s note NZSM issuu.com/marlboroughweekly Read us on issuu

Flock in the Forum

Headliners

What made news in our region...

Keeping a watchful eye on his flock, an aging shepherd has taken up a permanent position in Blenheim. The sculpture of a copper shepherd and his flock has been commissioned by the Blenheim Business Association to celebrate Marlborough’s wider agricultural history. Created by Havelock based artist Tony Matthews, the 5-piece artwork appeared in the Forum last month. The eye-catching installation has quickly caught the eye of passers-by. Tony, who is originally from the UK, says he spent seven months creating his latest work, named Last of the Stragglers

Local filmmaker calls ‘Action’

Marlborough filmmaker and award-winning director Aaron Falvey and his team have their sights set on the silver screen again as plans for their latest production get underway. Aaron and producer/writer Justin Eade have filmed the opening sequence to their survival film, A Special Force, to showcase it to prospective financiers and distribution companies. The pair’s dystopian action themes from previous film Northspur and their other many acclaimed short films carry over into the new production, along with an almost entirely local crew, “Through more projects using locals as part of the cast, crew and post-production, we can continue to see Marlborough and Marlburians on the Silver Screen,” says Aaron.

Paintings for patients

Murals designed to help soothe young patients are set to soon grace the walls of Wairau Hospital. Marlborough flora and fauna will feature on the new murals, currently in development for the Paediatric Ward. The move comes as part of a plan to help make being in hospital less scary for little patients. Service Manger Women, Child & Youth and RMO Management Donna Addidle helped coordinate the project. She says the focus of the project is for patients and their caregivers, to improve their experience. “They will provide a welcoming and serene environment that delights and distracts young patients from what can be a scary or uncomfortable experience.”

Paris is calling Marlborough dressage star Melissa Galloway is well on her way to achieving her dreams of competing at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Melissa and her top mount Windermere J’Obei W, recently competed in New Zealand and Sydney’s CDI’s, scoring top results among the competition. The momentum continued into the NZ Champs at the National Equestrian Centre, where they broke New Zealand records, achieved personal bests, and etched their name on the championship title. After badly breaking her leg in October last year, Melissa is certainly making her comeback.

Change of roles at Marlborough Museum

Marlborough’s Museum boss has missed out the top job after almost two decades in the role. Steve Austin has been Executive Director at Marlborough Museum since 2006. But a council restructure has seen him released from the role, with the newly created job of Museum Manager going to someone else. It is a gutting blow for the Blenheim-based historian who says he needs time to “gather his thoughts.” Liz Ward, whose husband is from Marlborough originally, will relocate to Blenheim from Palmerston North to take up the job. Liz has held a number of heritage roles, including at Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Award-winners to attend local book festival

Known as the Oscars of the book world, the prestigious 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards were held in May in Auckland, and Marlborough’s Book Festival has confirmed two of the winners as speakers for their upcoming festival. Catherine Chidgey and Nick Bollinger are among 16 authors who will speak at the festival to be held from Thursday 20 July to Sunday 23 July in Blenheim. Catherine won the prestigious Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction for her book, The Axeman’s Carnival, while well-known music broadcaster and writer Nick Bollinger won the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction for his book, Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa New Zealand

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Getting to know... Charlotte Parish

We get to know Charlotte Parish, mum of three and owner of Flooring Xtra Blenheim. Charlotte shares some life advice and a unique family tradition she’ll never give up.

I’m convinced that…

Everything happens for a reason. Some of the biggest challenges and disappointments in my life have led to incredibly good fortune. I believe you just have to be open and willing to go with the ups and downs instead of fighting against them. It also helps to look for the positives.

At the weekend you will find me…

Visiting family in Christchurch or enjoying Picton with my family. We always find that a trip to Picton, especially on a warm day, feels like a holiday even if only there for a few hours.

When I need advice I go to…

Simon, my parents Rodney and Jane, or a counsellor. My parents are incredible people who started off with only a backpack and motorbike. Their guidance has helped me to have the confidence to get to where I am today. Simon is a pro at offering advice. Many times, I don’t even know what I really want, and he is able to help me figure it out. I am so thankful to have met him at 16.

The world would be a better place with…

More smiles and compliments. I love to make someone smile, to give a compliment when I see something nice, and to give a little gift when I can. You never know what someone is going through and if I can top their bucket up, even just a little, then it was worth it.

My most irrational fear is…

Of heights in movies. How can that scare me? I’m snuggled up in bed, not abseiling the side of a skyscraper or walking the ledge of a four-storey building.

My simple pleasures are…

Having a child fall asleep in my arms, a cuddle with Simon and a honey whiskey after a long day.

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done

is…

Well nothing exciting, that’s for sure. I am very much an overthinker and planner. Everything I do is usually weighed up first. Even at 19, when we decided we wanted to start a family, we bought a house first.

I wish more people knew…

How to give and accept a compliment. We are very good in New Zealand at brushing off compliments or worrying they were fake or backhanded compliments. It’s such a shame.

The biggest risk I have ever taken…

Financially would be buying Blenheim Flooring Xtra. The biggest risk I have ever taken personally would be choosing Simon to be the father of my kids. Thankfully, both have been the best choices of my life.

A family tradition I will never give up…

Is waving our foot instead of our hands. Many years ago, my gran had her arms full while we were leaving so, she waved her foot instead. That started the tradition and even now my children will wave their foot when someone leaves. I look forward to doing the same with my grandchildren one day.

My family...

My love...

My risk, and reward...

Inspiring the next generation of young musicians

Growing up in Marlborough, Caitlin Morris began her musical career at age 15, learning from some of the region's finest musical talents. Now, together with her husband Andrew, the couple are bringing their shared love of music to Blenheim to perform with Marlborough Civic Orchestra.

Words: Amy Russ

Caitlin Morris, a renowned cellist, composer, teacher, and music producer hailing from Marlborough, has captured the hearts of audiences with her exceptional musical talent and innovative compositions. Through her unique approach to cello performance and boundarypushing compositions, Caitlin has become an inspiration in the classical music world. She has performed with local Wellington orchestras and has been involved in professional orchestral recording sessions for New Zealand films – and most recently she composed music for the award-winning New Zealand film entitled ‘A Girl Called Elvis’.

Andrew Atkins is a talented composer and classical pianist in his own right having completed a Master of Musical Arts in Classical Performance piano, competed in the inaugural Wallace National Piano Competition, and become a finalist in the Royal Overseas League Chamber Music Competition in 2014. He has developed a love and passion for conducting that saw him perform with the Orchestra Wellington and conducted the Manawatu Sinfonia, Kapiti Concert Orchestra, and the New Zealand School of Music Orchestra. He is the current Musical Director of the Wairarapa Singers and has also presented four music programmes as conductor with

Meeting at the New Zealand School of Music, the couple soon fell in love and their shared talent and passion for the classical artform has seen them undertake many magical performances together.

Cellist Caitlin Morris. NZSM.

Now living in the Wairarapa, Caitlin and Andrew have spent the last couple of years helping to grow music education in rural communities. The 2020 lockdown saw Caitlin launch her YouTube channel cello.unlocked which provides teaching videos and cello quartet covers from pop songs through to classical music.

Their shared passion for teaching then saw them establish the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra in 2021, giving children the opportunity to explore orchestral instruments that otherwise may not be available to them. “We know how difficult it can be to access orchestral instruments and wanted to make learning the instruments more accessible for everyone, so Andrew and I have made it a big focus of ours in the Wairarapa through our orchestra, says Caitlin, “Andrew is passionate about developing orchestral large ensemble playing and promoting classical music and learning and is the conductor of the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra. We are also lucky enough to have a lot of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra players living in the region, so we all work together to offer a mix of private and group sessions.”

Caitlin loves arranging, recording, performing, and teaching all kinds of musical genres. Inspiring future generations Caitlin says her love of coaching helps to drive her classical music passion. “Performing as a soloist is a huge love of mine, but I also really love to teach. It is about giving people an opportunity and witness their enthusiasm and excitement to learn something new, grow and develop.”

Caitlin’s love for music was instilled from an early age. Growing up with musical parents she was exposed to a diverse range of genres which helped to shape her unique style. Her classical journey began with the cello at age 15, an instrument she was drawn to with its deep expressive nature and rich tonal qualities. She began learning the cello at age 15 under the tuition of Anna Hyland in Blenheim,

and then completed the Grade 8 ABRSM cello exam studying under Lissa Cowie in Nelson. “Anna and Lissa were wonderful teachers, as were Marlborough locals Barbara Song, Robin Randall, Tony and Coral Thiel, and the phenomenal Marios Sophocleous. They were all incredible influences who helped to shape my love and passion for music. Upon hearing of Marios’ passing, I dedicated my last concerto performance, the Elgar Cello Concerto, to him.”

Coming back to her roots, Caitlin and Andrew will be performing with the Marlborough Civic Orchestra in August of this year. Caitlin is the solo cellist and will present the Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor, with Andrew performing as the piano soloist with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Conducted by Elgee Leung, Caitlin says the challenging concerto has been a great learning experience. “There are some big plays and incredibly challenging sections, with tempo changes and lots of difficult passages. Opportunities to perform like this don’t come along every day. This is very special to us, and we are so grateful and incredibly excited to present it to an audience in Marlborough.”

Preparation for the cello concerto stems back to Caitlin’s university days where she first studied the piece. “To perform this in front of an audience, you must be secure in your own playing. It is a process that Andrew and I have gone through, deciding on the interpretation, going through the details, and memorising them. We have spent many long hours and late nights playing together and practising technique. It is wonderful to have someone who understands the level of commitment intrinsically and work together toward creating something like this.”

Captivating audiences across the board, Caitlin and Andrew’s journeys have been defined by their exceptional talents, innovative spirits, and commitment to teaching the next generation of young musicians and pushing the boundaries of classical music.

Caitlin and Andrew performing at the New Zealand School of Music. NZSM

Craigs raises over $68,000 for Regional Rescue Helicopters

In March, Craigs Investment Partners held a company-wide fundraiser for the fourth year running to raise funds for New Zealand’s regional rescue helicopters. Teams or individuals challenged themselves cycling, running, walking, or swimming to complete 50kms per day. The concept started in the Craigs’ Nelson Office four years ago and was so successful that it’s become a nationwide initiative.

This year, Craigs’ employees raised $34,000. With the company generously matching donations dollar for dollar, total funds raised of over $68,000 will be donated to 10 Regional Rescue Helicopters throughout New Zealand.

“The Regional Rescue Helicopters are a crucial part of our communities; we all know someone that has needed their help. The Craigs 50km a day challenge is a one-month commitment to helping them, when they are there to help us every month,” says Investment Adviser Felix Vavasour.

Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand’s largest investment advisory firms with 186 investment advisers across 19 branches. Craigs’ experienced investment advisers provide sound investment advice and build tailored investment portfolios for clients’ objectives and needs.

The advisers at the local Blenheim branch take pride in being able to walk alongside their clients throughout their financial journey, providing advice and expertise to navigate different market conditions. Investment adviser Kent Winstanley says that Craigs is committed to the region and the local community, whether it’s through educational seminars or active support for organisations such as Top of the South Community Foundation, Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and local community events such as Garden Marlborough.

“Ultimately, we love to help people. It is very satisfying seeing someone develop an understanding of their financial life as we explain the options and help their investments grow to achieve their goal, whatever that might be.

“It’s also good to see people benefitting from having someone outside their immediate circle of family and friends taking an objective look at their financial situation and coming up with solutions and ideas they may not have thought of.”

Whether you are ready to invest right now or are thinking you need some advice to help prepare for your financial future, the advisers at the Craigs Blenheim branch are here to help.

Kent Winstanley, Olivia McLeod, Carla O’Boyle, Kylie Herron and Felix Vavasour from Craigs Investment Partners Blenheim branch.

Connecting community with the wild

Home to kākāriki, giant wētā, Marlborough’s green gecko and many varieties of native flora, the Koru Native Wildlife Centre is a remarkable sanctuary located in Grovetown.

Words: Adrienne Matthews

Ellen Plaisier with one of the centre’s kākāriki. Frank Nelson

In 1995, Dutch couple Brian and Ellen Plaisier fell madly in love with a block of land in the outer Pelorus Sounds and purchased it. “We had absolutely no idea what we were getting into,” laughs Ellen. “There was no road access, only a steep farm track, and even though we could get there by boat, there wasn’t a way up from the beach other than a slippery accessway.”

“We were enchanted by the beauty of the place and the opportunity to create our own life in a piece of paradise. We were incredibly naïve, but Brian is practical and capable of getting things done and we went for it,” she says,

A great drawcard was the diversity of plant life. The Marlborough region is considered an area of substantial ecological value with its wide range of flora and fauna, including native broadleaf trees and plants, manuka and kanuka and beech forest. “There were even some giant native trees such as rimu, matai and kahikatea that made it extra special,” says Ellen. They quickly discovered however, that they had a large predator problem. Pigs, possums, rats, and stoats were helping themselves to much of the precious plant life, native animals, insects and birds. A fence was constructed around the perimeter of the nature reserve to keep out the largest of the destructive pests, while inside, predator control was put in place to get rid of the smaller ones. “The change was remarkable, says Ellen.” The bird life increased greatly and it was a real lesson in the difference you can make to an environment when you remove predators.”

“In 2011 we set up the charitable Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust, guided by a Board of Trustees including support from Ngāti Kuia. We needed likeminded people to contribute to the project,” says Ellen. “We had assistance from the Marlborough District Council at that time who were keen to see predator control actively taking place, and the Lotteries Commission and Rata Foundation also came on-board.”

“We were also looking after a neighbouring property, so there were eighty hectares in total,” says Ellen. “The predator control was so successful that we came up with the idea of breeding native species. We also realised that we wanted to be able to impart what we had learnt about conservation to more people and that the outer Pelorus Sounds with its limited access was not going to be a good place from which to do that.”

In 2020 the property was sold to someone with an equal passion for the environment. With the support of New Zealand King Salmon, the trusts’ focus shifted to establish Koru Native Wildlife Centre located in Linkwater, where it remained for four years. “We still felt we weren’t close enough to a large enough community where our work could have an impact, so when we found land near Grovetown, which is close to Blenheim and where restoration of the Grovetown Lagoon and the Spring Creek Kahikatea Reserve is taking place, we jumped at the chance.”

A central feature of the trust is the breeding programme established by Ellen and Brian under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation. “It is very hard to get permits to breed native species in captivity but we have been successful in being permitted to raise red and yellow-crowned kākāriki, the Stephen’s Island/Cook Strait giant wētā and the Marlborough green gecko,” explains Ellen. “It is an excellent combination with wide appeal to a range of visitors.”

“Red-crowned kākāriki are the easiest to breed and you have to have experience with breeding them before you can apply to breed the yellow-crowned,” she says. “In the future we would love to be able to breed the orange-fronted kākāriki as well. There are less than five hundred thought to be left in the wild. Any kākāriki breeding programme has to tie-in with release plans in place. Recent releases were at the Abel Tasman (Project Janszoon) and Puangiangi Island (Marlborough Sounds).

Kākāriki are parakeets that are social birds who like to live in flocks, so the aviaries are close together with mating pairs separated during the breeding season.

“The Marlborough green gecko are a fun reptile and not nocturnal like other species,” says Ellen, “which is great for visitors, especially children who really seem to relate to them. They are not bred for release because there is no associated release programme available at this stage.”

Often the star of the show is the Stephen’s Island/ Cook Strait giant wētā. “They are wiped out in most places because they are so susceptible to rodents. At full maturity the females are around ten centimetres long and lay their eggs in the ground, so the female is easily spotted as an easy meal. Wētās have been on the planet for millions of years, even before the end of the dinosaurs. This shows what an adaptable species they are,” says Ellen. “They hibernate

1. Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust set up Koru Native Wildlife Centre in Grovetown in 2021, to be closer to the community. Frank Nelson. 2. Outward Bound participants kicked off the planting project, getting over 1000 trees in the ground this autumn. 3. Marlborough green geckos are a particular favourite for children who visit the centre. 4. Stephen’s Island/Cook Strait giant wētā are endangered in the wild in New Zealand, but flourish at the centre. Supplied.

during the winter months, although we do try to create environments for the wētā to hibernate in while still viewable”.

The latest project underway at Koru Native Wildlife Centre is the establishment of a densely-planted forest on what was once a paddock. “The first step is a fence to keep cats and rabbits out. “We have already experimented by establishing a smaller area in less than two years which has shown remarkable growth,” says Ellen. “Plants are put very close together to support each other, speed up growth and suppress weeds. There are multiple layers with many different types, all indigenous to the specific area, that encourage insect life and smaller creatures that need to hide as well as to attract bird life in the trees above.”

For the new section of four thousand square metres, most of the plants have already been ordered thanks to the Government’s Matariki Tu Rākau Funding scheme. Planting of the pioneering, sturdy plants began in autumn. Manuka, kanuka and coprosma quickly attract bird life and form shelter for the more delicate plants such as ferns, that go in last.

“The result will be an area full of different varieties which create great biodiversity and eventually become an addition to the wonderful work that is already done by the lagoon and kahikatea forest,” says Ellen. Although the property is rented, the planted area will be protected by a covenant, so will be permanently saved for future generations.

“The whole point of our life’s work is to show people how, even in a small way, they can contribute to the health of our local environments. In a small backyard,

native plants and trees can be introduced that will attract all sorts of life, improving biodiversity and the lives of people who live amongst it.”

Like so many conservation projects, the centre is solely volunteer-based, “We appreciate the support the trust has from New Zealand King Salmon and Yealand’s Sustainable Fund, but really hope this year more people and organisations will see the benefit of what we are doing to raise awareness amongst the community and visitors who come here so we can increase the amount of work we do.”

Tours can be booked online, “they take about ninety minutes,” explains Ellen. “Once people see the species here, they are much more likely to develop an appreciation of the importance of looking after our environment. We also have interesting videos about the tree wētā and a microscope room where those attending can appreciate how beautiful and clever nature is.”

“With the current climate challenges, we are keen to find ways we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment and we still feel that planting is one of the best things to do. It is nice to think that we can create something that will be here after we have gone, that we will have made an improvement to the environment that will outlast us for generations to come.”

To book a tour at Koru Native Wildlife Centre visit koruwildlife.nz

To support the centre visit givealittle.co.nz/ cause/growing-dense-forest-full-of-nativewildlife-fast

Kākāriki released at Pukaha Wildlife Centre. Pukaha Wildlife Centre

Greening the world

Guided by her principles of mutual respect, knowledge and love of the land, Penny Wardle talks with Marlborough Magazine about how people can come together to tackle complex environmental problems and create a more sustainable future for all.

Words: Megan Smith | Matt Brown

There is a profound struggle when tasked with writing a few short paragraphs about individuals whose lives and work dedicated to the planet could fill a novel. A true predicament when introducing well-known Marlborough legend Penny Wardle, co-chair of Marlborough Forest and Bird, and communications advisor to Te Hoiere/Pelorus Catchment Project.

New Zealand’s largest catchment restoration effort, Te Hoiere Project is working to restore nature in catchments of the Pelorus/Te Hoiere River, ki uta ki tai/from the mountains to the sea. Local communities, mana whenua, the Marlborough District Council and Government are all involved.

Penny’s devotion to the environment started with her upbringing by an ecologist father and primary school teacher mother in a suburb of Christchurch between Wigram Airforce Base and a massive fertiliser factory. The location was selected by her dad, “a climate visionary back in the 60s, so he could catch the bus to work to lessen his carbon footprint.” This was a nuclear family of two adults and two children, designed to minimise population pressure on Earth.

“What shaped me was time spent as a family tramping, skiing and camping along South Island rivers and in the mountains, and frequent stays at Franz Josef in South Westland.”

Apart from hippies and fantastic music, the 70s was an exciting time to be young, as the world saw a dramatic rise in environmental protests. “Highlights included mum’s long-haired sculptor cousin parking a van outside our home, a travelling billboard inciting people to ‘go to Manapōuri and swim among the stumps!’” The transistor radio regularly played New Zealand folksong, “Damn the Dam” by John Hanlon, originally written to promote Pink Batts then adopted by anti-dam environmentalists.

As a student at Canterbury University, Penny took holiday jobs cutting tracks through forests, gutting, weighing and removing the jawbones from deer as part of a research project, and as a student worker at Abel Tasman National Park. Later she worked on animal/vegetation surveys in Fiordland and Stewart Island, spending months in the bush assessing deer and possum numbers and damage to bush. She ran the first programme of nature walks and talks in the Catlins in Otago and helped with a summer nature programme on Banks Peninsula.

A desire to promote conservation led to a postgraduate qualification in journalism. But life takes unexpected turns and in 1984 Penny landed the role of farm reporter for The Marlborough Express, traversing the countryside high and low, talking to people with different lives and experiences to her own. Her words and photos made the “Rural Scene'' come alive with stories of the autumn muster at Awapiri Station in the Awatere, sheep and cattle sales and the latest developments at the newly-opened Marlborough Research Centre.

Like the change in tides, so has Penny’s life and environmental journey evolved.

“I developed a heightened awareness of the multiple pressures on forest and freshwater ecology that today have reached a crisis point. Not so long ago humaninduced climate change was widely denied, but it’s now impossible to ignore its impacts. Many people feel despair and powerlessness. However, I do have hope that by joining my voice to others it becomes more powerful.”

It's this coming together that makes Penny a beacon of resilience.

“A lot can be achieved when people from different backgrounds share ideas, information and research findings, then make collective decisions. Listen to people, including the young and the old who are often ignored. The first step is recognising a common love of natural places. So much can be achieved by putting your heads together, kanohi ki kanohi (face-to-face).”

With her three children having flown the nest, she has breathed new life into her home by accommodating young boarders from across the globe. Several have gone on to make a difference including an environmental lawyer, an awardwinning eco-architect, and an agro-ecologist. Penny’s closing words: “Know you can make a difference.”

Ten years ago, she covered a talk by British peer and climate change denier, Lord Christopher Monckton. He argued that if climate change was happening at all it was very slow and people would be better spending their money on their grandchildren than reversing any trend. Asked if they believed in global warming, only six in the Blenheim audience of 178 raised their hands.

“He was so incensed at my scathing article that he complained to the editor. I’m confident that if a similar talk was given today, most of the audience would be well informed about climate change.”

Businesses can donate time or labour or help out with beach clean-ups or wetland planting days. If enough individuals and organisations in Marlborough do just a little, efforts will add up to build significant environmental benefits. If there is something you care about, join an organisation which is putting in the mahi, for example, Forest & Bird or the East Coast Protection Group which cares for native wildlife and plants along the beach from Marfell’s Beach to the Waima/Ure River.

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

Create the future you want with Te Pūkenga NMIT

Booking a career chat is an engaging way to learn more about NMIT and have any questions answered. NMIT career advisors can even connect your goals with the right learning journey.

Following her career chat, Nina Barbezat, a Whanganui-based high school teacher, plans to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Career Development at Te Pūkenga NMIT. Nina found she can study both remotely and in her own time, so she can continue working while she upskills. “I’m looking to future proof my later years.”

Nina already supports ākonga with career advice, but she believes it is time to put some accredited theory behind her conversations. “I’m looking forward to walking the walk, since I’m talking it.”

After discussing her work experience, Nina discovered she will be granted permission to enter the Level 7 graduate certificate, providing her with the learning experience she needs, rather than spending her time on concepts she is already familiar with.

Nina enjoyed the career chat as she was able to talk to a real person and accurately get her thoughts and questions out on the table. “I loved the chat— it felt like I was talking to an old friend. I’m old school, so I don’t want to talk to AI,” she said.

Book a phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting from our website homepage at either our Richmond, Nelson or Blenheim campuses. Conversations last 15-20 minutes with any follow-up information provided via email.

A free career conversation can put you on the right path to meet your career goals.

Guiding career growth at Kaituna Sawmill

When engineering apprentice Kennedy Florence joined the team at Kaituna Sawmill, 30-year trades veteran, Mike Winter, was on hand to provide mentorship. They share their experiences and insights on the importance of supporting and guiding future generations.

Kennedy Florence joined OneFortyOne as an apprentice engineer at the beginning of 2022. It’s typically a four-year course but she’s confident it can be done in less. Initially considering a career in marine engineering, a conversation with a OneFortyOne representative at the ‘Future of Work’ conference introduced Kennedy to the apprenticeship pathway to engineering. “Within three months, I’d completely changed my mind and signed up for an engineering apprenticeship with OneFortyOne,” she says. Combining full-time work and study is challenging, and it’s a significant change from being at school, but Kennedy can study during work hours if necessary. There are many elements to keeping the sawmill running smoothly and preventative maintenance is a large part of Kennedy’s role. “I clean compressors, check hydraulic temperatures, do trimmer checks, vibration analysis, and check for variations that might appear before something breaks,” she explains. Mike adds, “Kennedy is doing a lot of the condition monitoring, including temperature readings on our main saw centres and logging and graphing the results. Her work has prevented at least two major outages.”

From Kennedy’s perspective, the team dynamic is excellent. “I’m the youngest member of the engineering team,” she says. “All of the guys are great at explaining things and we all help each other. It’s a pretty solid team.”

Mike Winter has been a tradie for his entire working life and involved in timber processing for the past 18 years. When OneFortyOne offered him the position of engineering manager at Kaituna Sawmill he leapt at the chance to relocate from Christchurch to Marlborough. “Being in the timber industry, I knew OneFortyOne was a great company to work with, so I took the opportunity to join the team and move closer to where my daughter lives,” he says. Throughout his career, Mike has benefited from a range of opportunities, so he’s keen to mentor others and give back to the industry. He supports the business in recruiting apprentices and sees the value of bringing more young people into trades and forestry. “The people coming through are the future – they are where we want to go,” he explains. Kennedy is one of Mike’s apprentices and when he talks about her achievements and progress his pride is apparent. “Kennedy has exceeded all my expectations as an apprentice. She’s one of the best I’ve worked with,” he says. “I’d like to see her career with OneFortyOne progress, and we’ll give her every opportunity to do what she wants.”

OneFortyOne is currently recruiting for an apprentice maintenance technician as well as a maintenance engineering team leader for the afternoon shift. To find out more see: onefortyone.com/working-withus/careers/job-opportunities/#kaituna

Mentor Mike Winter with engineering apprentice Kennedy Florence.

ARCHITECTURE FOR THE ARTS —

Marlborough’s Grand Design

—

After ten years of planning and construction, one of Marlborough’s greatest pieces of architecture is open. Judene Edgar finds out about Marlborough’s new District Library and Art Gallery, and the people behind it.

In some ways, the building sneaks up on you after its initial impact – a shock of the new and unusual at the outset, then a sense of long-term appropriateness and connection with the land and the surrounding environment.

Principal architect Richard McGowan, from Warren and Mahoney Architects Ltd, says that they’re proud to have helped bring the Marlborough community an accessible, welcoming and visuallycompelling community hub. “The design alterations and its eventual outcome were demanding but very satisfying. The opportunity to engage with Marlborough, its landscape and its people as we have worked on the project these past five years has been a huge privilege.”

The siting and outlook from the building is perfect and has brought an opportunity to arrange the two floors of the building to their best advantage. The upper floor is intentionally larger than the lower floor, providing shade and shelter at ground level, but also a dramatic cantilevered reading room with a view overlooking the Taylor River above High Street. The major spatial sequence is to enter the building from the north at ground level, be drawn up the wide, majestic staircase towards the skylight, then fold back on yourself to discover a tv-like glazed frontage which allows anyone to sit along the view and read, think and converse without being disturbed.

“Like all public buildings, the new library seeks to be transformative and compelling, but also durable and

Matt Croad & Matt Brown

affordable. Not an easy combination, and much of our effort was to ensure the building delivered on each of these measures,” says Richard.

In keeping with this, robust materials, such as profiled metal and concrete, are detailed for durability through time and arranged in new and unexpected ways. With longevity in mind, maintenance and construction decisions have informed the building at every level of the design, such as the roof with its high levels of insulation. The “warm roof” meant cladding the roof area with ply which was screwed to the steel purlins. KJ Morgan’s installed a rigid insulation, before fixing the roofing iron down, so there is no steel-to-steel connection which prevents heat loss.

Despite the design, planning and construction being impacted by Covid, project manager Luke van Velthooven from APL Property says the teamwork and collaboration wasn’t. “In a way, going through the unique adversity together made the team grow stronger. Everyone had a single purpose. We wanted to create something with a real wow effect that was also simple, and completely flexible. And as much as possible, we wanted to work with and support local.”

Some savvy early contractor engagement also meant most of the materials were purchased and stored to reduce cost escalations, avoiding supply-chain shortages and transportation delays. “We decided early on to rent warehouse space so we could procure and store materials. The warehouse rent was minimal in comparison to what the delays would have cost us,” says Luke.

One of the other Covid boosts that the project received was on 1 July 2020 when Finance Minister Hon Grant Robertson announced $11 million in ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure funding for the project to help create local jobs and stimulate the local economy. It’s the region’s biggest project since the ASB Theatre, and Luke says that it was good to have a “long-term project that kept a lot of businesses going during Covid”.

For PlaceMakers Blenheim it was a real “anchor project”, according to branch manager Gene Simmiss. “It was our first major commercial project out of the blocks post-Covid.” Outside of the framing, PlaceMakers supplied the bulk of materials, from acoustic panel to wall linings, insulation, Kingspan panels and the perforated board ceiling, which is a large internal feature, that all had to be cut to specific angles and sizes.

“The team were ahead of the game which allowed us to deliver on time. It was a joy to be part of the project and part of the team – it was something all of our staff were proud to be involved with.”

The project was “a different one for us, but we feel really privileged to have been part of it because it’s something for the community to use and enjoy, and in 20-years’ time we’ll still be able to drive past and know we played a small part in it.”

Cresswell Electrical’s co-owner Stephen Leitch agrees, describing the building as a “legacy project for our region. It’s a library for the future – reshaping

what a library can mean for our community.” As one of Marlborough’s oldest firms (established in 1878), Stephen says they were “amped” to be part of delivering a project designed for now and the future.

The scale of the electrical project is immense, with over 15 kilometres of cable, coupled with over 900 terminations and switches. Power is supplied from seven different distribution boards throughout the building, fed from the central main switchboard, while all the light fixtures are LED and use 85-90% less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen-type lighting.

The project also required some thinking outside the box, with the team manufacturing lighting brackets for the ceiling themselves to work around the bespoke nature of the batten ceiling and acoustic features. The angled ceiling was also challenging for the lighting rod suspension fit-out, requiring lasers to square the rods from multiple directions and angles.

“But this is a team that prides itself on rising to the challenge,” says Stephen. A highlight for them was lighting the large tree feature in the children’s section, designed to help create a magical library experience for all the children.

In addition to their own crew of 12 that were on-site, RCL construction manager Nick Robinson says that it was great how well all of the sub-contractors worked in with his team over the 27-month construction period. “Their commitment to the project was outstanding.” Not strangers to large commercial projects, Nick says that he really enjoyed the high-

level structural design (as the building is a Level 4 seismic structure), as well as the high-end architectural finish. “Working with a team of consultants lead by Warren and Mahoney, their expertise and knowledge helped us to deliver the client a high-finished building, and also on time.”

The building dovetails adult’s, children’s and young adult’s collections so that all generations of the community are brought together with plenty of space to gather and engage with knowledge and art, in various combinations, and at all times of the day.

Both a library and a gallery, Richard says that the unified nature of the two entities was key to the building’s success. Within the composition is the discernible cubic volume of the gallery, inserted into the floorplan as a legible element.

“Early in the design process we referred to it as ‘the gold box’ – metaphorically and physically – a container within a container of precious artefacts,” says Richard. Despite this, from a visitor’s perspective they might be visiting the library or the gallery or both.

Ten years in the making, the building which cost $20 million is now officially open. And if the crowds of people who turned up on opening day, and their reactions, are anything to go by, it’s definitely been one worth waiting for.

Hub Talk

What makes galleries special?

Public art galleries are an accessible way for everybody to experience and learn about a wide variety of art and artists. Galleries can be inspiring, challenging and informative. I grew up in Christchurch and like so many people, I hold fond memories of treasured works being on permanent display in public art galleries. I can still visualise classics such as Van der Velden’s Otira in the McDougall Art Gallery.

What do you have planned for the new gallery space?

We have exhibitions from Marlborough’s public art collection as well as touring exhibitions such as Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist an exhibition developed and toured by Te Papa Tongarewa planned. Our first exhibition is curated by me and Dr Peter Meihana, Threads of Whātonga, which brings together historical and contemporary art. The art works are from the gallery’s permanent collection and includes works from mana whenua exhibitions held at the gallery to mark significant events such as Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Tuia 250. This exhibition acknowledges the relationships, stories and experiences of the past, as we make our next steps into the future.

What do you love about the new gallery?

As the gallery is purpose-built, we were able to include everything we needed – optimum exhibition display, ideal collection storage, and flexible and welcoming public programmes spaces. The architects have designed a stunning art gallery for our region and visitors that is also very practical; and sharing spaces with the library brings many new opportunities. The gold entrance is one of the most impressive aspects of the design and it has a beautiful central staircase/ elevated seating area lit by a huge skylight.

What's your favourite artwork and why?

I love seeing works that are considered national treasures being hosted in various locations. One of these works is Ralph Hotere’s Black Phoenix made from the charred remains of a fishing boat, which I saw in Dunedin and Christchurch as part of the Hotere survey exhibition, Ātete. It’s a tremendously moving and confronting work which strongly embodies the retelling of the origins of his iwi, Te Aupōuri.

What makes libraries special?

Libraries have become community hubs. They are accepting and supportive of all individuals regardless of age, ability, culture or personal circumstance. Libraries offer opportunities for learning, discovering and sharing ideas. They are open to everyone and are a safe place for the socially-isolated to feel included and part of society. They assist with digital literacy including connecting people to government agencies through technology. Marlborough Libraries hosts a variety of groups including Fiero coding clubs, Sunday Lego building, Justice of the Peace services, genealogy sessions with the family history group, book clubs, Knit and Natter, book-a-librarian sessions with library staff, one-on-one digital help sessions and so much more.

How have libraries changed?

Traditionally libraries were considered to be primarily book depositories. They now provide flexible, vibrant, multi-purpose spaces with greater opportunities for engagement with the communities they serve. They provide a wide range of resources both physical and digital. Physical collections include electronic drum kits, ukuleles, programmable toys, Kobos, walkie talkies etc. Digital resources include access to eAudiobook and eBooks as well as digital magazines.

What do you love about the new library?

I love the variety of spaces throughout the facility for people to sit in comfortable seating taking in the architecture and the surroundings. The collection is well laid out with room to move between the shelving units that promote the collections. Colocating with the Marlborough Gallery will provide visitors with opportunities to view an exhibition, attend a programme, exchange their library books / resources, and/or purchase a drink and something to eat from the CBD Café. Meeting rooms with builtin technology can be hired out of hours supporting groups in our community that need meeting spaces.

What's your favourite book and why?

I’ve always enjoyed a good thriller/mystery/ suspense novel. My favourite authors are P. D. James, Ann Cleeves, Patricia Cornwell, Mary Higgins Clark – a mixture of English and American writers. I enjoy something that keeps you guessing to the very last page!

Cressida Bishop Art Gallery Director

Glenn Webster Libraries’ Manager

Celebrating skilled master craftsmanship

The regional Joinery and Design Awards (JADA) 2023, held in March in Nelson offered both registered Master Joiners and independent joinery designers across the whole Top of the South region the opportunity to showcase their work. Marlborough Magazine wraps up the best of the very best.

Words: Amy Russ

Encouraging competition and the pursuit of excellence between, and from, its members, their employees and apprentices, the awards celebrate innovation within the joinery industry.

First held regionally in 2015, JADA was designed to help boost the confidence of local joinery companies prior to entering nationwide events. The awards recognise local excellence in joinery, innovation and design and encourage the use of best sustainable practices. Association secretary of Nelson Marlborough Master Joiners, Philip Thompson, says the awards are about celebrating quality and innovation in the industry, of which entrants can then ‘celebrate’ with customers.

“Exterior and interior joinery are premium products, which require a level of protection to enhance the properties of the products. It is therefore important that you take your time in selecting who designs, manufactures and advises on care and maintenance. Master joiners bring that to the industry.”

Phil says, since its conception the awards have been going from strength to strength. The event has grown in numbers from just 14 entries in its first year to 192 entries in 2023. Entries are considered within the 17 categories by three carefully selected and independent judges. They are critiqued on the level of workmanship displayed, the use of materials, the complexity of the project, and its overall visual appeal. The winner of each category was announced and presented with an award at the Founders Park event which was attended by many joiners and designers from the local building industry.

Phil is proud of the level of craftsmanship being created in the region, saying that although a lot of the supply issues from recent years have subsided, the

effects of an economic downturn is having an impact on the way people are choosing to spend their money.

“The industry is still busy, but we are seeing designers having to think outside of the box in the way projects are designed. There has been a continued ‘cutting of the cloth’ on customer aspirations and available spend. A designer needs to have a greater understanding of the products that are available and how to best optimise the use of materials. The good ones will get the formula right.”

The professionalism and the attention to detail in our region has been recognised both regionally and nationally over the years, says Phil. In New Zealand, joinery is one of the few industries that has retained its apprenticeship tradition, says Phil.

“That is why apprentices and emerging designers are such a focus of the awards.”

Of special mention, Paul Dalziell was presented with the Long Service award for his 40 plus years in the industry. Kai Kruse from Nelson Pine Industries (NPIL) says Paul has been with the company since 1986; and prior to that, with Baigent, overall he has amassed 42 plus years in the timber industry.

“As Marketing Manager for NPIL, Paul established customer accounts in Nelson and throughout NZ, but also in Asia and North America, a number of these are customers of NPIL today. In the late 80’s MDF was a ‘young product’ and little was known of its excellent qualities for furniture, doors and other building products. Paul participated in pioneering MDF for use in high-quality kitchen, cabinetry, skirtings, interior doors and alike. Paul enjoyed the collegial atmosphere in NPIL and is highly respected by many in the timber industry for his fair and professional attitude.”

Nazareth Joinery has been operating in the region for over 30 years. Winning the Best Kitchen under $30,000 award, owner Leigh Jones says events such as JADA are vital for the industry.

“We are pretty stoked with the result, it’s great recognition for the team and our clients on our achievements. Events like JADA promote excellence in our region, and it also allows us to showcase work we are proud of and see what others in the region have done.”

Encouraging of others who are thinking of entering the awards in the future, Leigh says it is definitely worth the time involved.

“Get amongst it! Sure, it takes time to put the entries together, but your staff and clientele will appreciate

2023

Best Creative Small Space

Sponsored by Leitz

Winner: The Sellers Room

Best Use of Colour

Sponsored by Mirotone

Winner: ITM Joinery

Best Spatial Innovation Space Residential

Sponsored by Publik

Winner: Cooper Webley

Best Spatial lnnovation Commercial

Sponsored by Scott Construction

Winner: The Custom Space

Best Door or Window

Sponsored by Leitz

Winner: ITM Joinery

Best Customer Journey

Sponsored by Findex

Winner: Complete Kitchens

the effort, and it’s also a social night for designers and joiners alike to get together.”

George Molnar, managing director of Bays Joinery has been in the joinery industry since 1988 and says receiving recognitions such as this are a great boost for the team.

“It’s an incredible achievement, and we are still buzzing with excitement from the big wins on the night! I want to give a huge shoutout to my Bays Joinery team for their unwavering attention to detail and commitment to quality. It’s their hard work and dedication that has led us to this success, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.”

Best Biophilic Design

Sponsored by Leitz

Winner: Cooper Webley

Best Apprentice Award

Sponsored by BCITO

Winner: Nguyen Hen (The Sellers Room)

Most Outstanding Bathroom or Kitchen Renovation

Sponsored by NMIT

Winner: Bays Joinery

Best Kitchen under $30,000

Sponsored by Laminex

Winner: Nazareth Joinery

Best Kitchen $30,000-$60,000

Sponsored by Häfele

Winner: Complete Kitchens

Best Kitchen under $30,000 - Nazareth Joinery

Joinery and Design Award winners

Supreme Kitchen Design - Bays Joinery

2023 Joinery and Design Award winners

Best Kitchen

Sponsored by Blum

Winner: Bays Joinery

Emerging Designer

Sponsored by NZ Panels

Winner: Georgia MacMillian (Complete Kitchens)

Supreme Kitchen Design

Sponsored by Bestwood and Carters

Winner: Bays Joinery

Best Designer 2023

Sponsored by Hettich

Winner: Craig Hooper

People’s Choice Award

Sponsored by Resene

Winner: Bays Joinery (Anderson Kitchen)

The Myles Sellers Supreme Award

Sponsored by Golden Edge

Winner: Cooper Webley

Best Door or Window - ITM Joinery

Best Customer Journey - Complete Kitchens

JADA

At Caci, we recommend that the best way to improve and maintain youthful skin is undoubtedly by incorporating collagenstimulating topical ingredients into your skincare routine and opting for some more intensive in-clinic treatments. Luckily for you, Caci is your one stop shop for all of the above, offering a range of skincare packed to the brim with active ingredients, as well as offering all the best in the biz treatments. Here are our top treatments for improving your skin's collagen levels:

Microneedling is an incredible treatment for all types of skincare concerns ranging from acne scars to breakouts, but it is also an amazing option for collagen stimulation. This treatment uses micro needles at varying lengths to penetrate the skin, triggering our body’s own wound-healing response. As we just learnt, when our skin is damaged, it produces new and improved collagen tissue. Vitamins and amino acids are the building blocks for collagen production; during a Microneedling treatment, a combination of hyaluronic acid, multivitamins and amino acids are infused to boost collagen production even more for healthier-looking skin. Because Microneedling is a slightly more intensive treatment, it’s crucial that you are choosing your provider wisely. You really can’t put a price on your safety - or your skin! Be sure to do your research before jumping under the needle to avoid any untoward results.

Photo Rejuvenation encourages the production of collagen in the skin, for a more youthful appearance.

Restore, repair and rejuvenate your skin

It uses a pulsed light which safely pulses high-energy light beams through the skin surface, targeting skin pigmentation in the underlying tissue and minor surface blood vessels. The light wavelengths are attracted to the melanin (pigment in the skin) and to oxy-haemoglobin (red blood).This pulsed light treatment generates heat and stimulates an inflammatory response in the skin, triggering a healing process that results in a reduction of pigment and red blood vessels. Once the pigment has been targeted, it comes to the surface of the skin, which then flakes away, leaving an improved skin texture and complexion.

Fractional CO2 Laser is the ultimate in collagen induction, this treatment uses controlled damage which will cause our bodies to start producing all that collagen tissue we love to be stronger and firmer than before. The treatment uses a carbon dioxide laser that works to tighten, resurface, and strengthen the skin by removing small plugs of skin. This process helps to address skin elasticity, scarring and fine lines and wrinkles. The small areas of the skin are removed and promote healing. This pulls the skin together and strengthens its integrity. The healing process is the part that helps to create more collagen. *Enter plumper, more resilient skin*. The beauty of these types of treatments is that they work to rejuvenate the skin long-term, and will ultimately do so much more for your skin than a collagen coffee… just saying! caci.co.nz

Winter health and wellbeing What you need to know

Winter is all about curling up and keeping cosy, but Kath Potts, a third-generation pharmacist and the owner of Life Pharmacy Blenheim, reminds us to not forget about keeping a tab on our health. Helping generations of locals improve their health and well-being for over thirty years, Kath has a few tips to help you keep in good form over the coming months.

Be proactive

There is solid evidence that says having a flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. With nasty flus going around it pays to get in early before flu season arrives. Strains are getting stronger and nastier, and by getting a flu jab you can help to protect vulnerable people in the community. Available to everyone, promptness is key as it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to provide the best protection.

Supplement boosters

Whilst we can get most of the vitamins and minerals we need from a healthy, balanced diet, taking a vitamin supplement is an additional way to help our immune systems stay in prime condition and fill any missing gaps we might have in our diets.

 Support the immune system and healthy skin with Vitamin C. When it gets colder, skin and hair suffer, showing as dryness of skin or extra sensitivity. Vitamin C has long been known to contribute to the immune system and also helps to give your skin and hair the support it needs.

 Elderberry and echinacea help boost the immune system while aiding in fighting off the common cold and flu.

 One of the most essential minerals known to mankind, Zinc is involved in numerous important bodily processes, supporting immune function, and the maintenance of normal hair, nails, and skin - exactly what is needed during winter.

 Vitamin D helps to keep our bones and muscles healthy, as well as supporting the normal function of the immune system while aiding in the support of bones.

 Keep hydrated with plenty of water. Whether you have a cold or the flu, hydration is important. Water is nature’s magical elixir, flushing your system out and helping you heal.

Stock up the cabinet

Keep decongestants, nasal sprays, paracetamol, cough medicines and head-cold tablets on hand for if you get sick. “We stock soothing herbs and supplements for children under the age of six, to help ease cold and flu symptoms.” Talk to the Life Pharmacy professionals for advice on tailormade products for your family. “We have a team of people here who are happy to help!”

lifepharmacyblenheim.co.nz

Float towards your wellness goals

Owner of Float Marlborough, Tash Wakelin, remembers being blown away the first time she ‘floated’. “The experience was completely unique. After researching the many health benefits of floating, I knew I wanted to bring it to Blenheim,” she says. “As people all around the world look to find more natural ways to take care of themselves, floatation therapy has maintained steady growth as a practice for overall wellness and, although fairly new in New Zealand, is really taking off.”

The concept of Sensory Deprivation therapy was first tested in the Virgin Islands in 1954 and as float tanks were further developed to use commercially, word of the health benefits spread. It has since become a well-respected holistic wellness tool.

The spacious fibreglass float tank contains a solution of five hundred kilograms of Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate), dissolved in water which is heated to skin temperature. This provides the user with a feeling of weightlessness, as they float on the surface of the water due to its density.

“Living as we do in such a fast-paced world where we are relentlessly bombarded with external stimulation, we can easily become exhausted and stressed,” says Tash.

The environment in the float tank removes this external stimulus, and allows the mind to rest. When light, sound and gravity are removed, it allows the mind to drift into different brainwave states and rest a lot more efficiently, enhancing creativity and lowering cortisol levels. In addition to its popularity as a meditation aid, improved absorption of Magnesium Sulphate also achieves benefits such as improved sleep quality, reduced muscle and joint pain, and reduced blood pressure.

“Floating is the ultimate self-care experience,” says Tash. “Everyone takes something different from it whether it is help with muscle aches, trouble sleeping or just providing a time to be completely alone and close their eyes for an hour. It’s an opportunity to shut the world away and reset.”

Float Marlborough operates from Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 by appointment and the staff along with other health-focused services onsite, have been supportive of a new wellness service in the building. The space is convenient and welcoming. Everything is provided, so you can book online at a time that suits you and turn up without needing to bring anything.

“We are really enjoying meeting so many different people from all sorts of backgrounds, a lot of them trying a float for the first time,” says Tash. “The reaction to having this experience available in Marlborough has been extremely positive.”

floatmarlborough.co.nz

STYLE Q&A

As a recent Victoria University graduate, Henry Thompson has moved back to Blenheim to find his next calling. Henry has developed a city-cool style, influenced by Tom Ford and Jeff Goldblum. He discusses his love of quality garments and style tips for someone who is 6’4”.

What are you wearing today?

I am wearing a Rembrandt corduroy suit with a Merino roll neck. Paired with a mid-1990s Oris Big Crown Pointer watch, Florsheim oxford shoes and Ray-Ban tortoiseshell glasses.

What is your style?

Somewhat eccentric, formal and colourful – while respecting the guidelines of classic menswear. I am heavily inspired by Tom Ford; he is quoted as saying, “Dressing well is a form of good manners”, and I couldn’t agree more.

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Mostly patterned Cuban collared shirts. I love their versatility, you can wear them all year round, formally or informally, and in almost any setting.

What are you loving at the moment?

A good, tailored suit. I’ve been really into Rembrandt suits in particular, as they offer tall sizing options, something that, at 6’4”, is highly appreciated.

What are you dressed for today?

Going out for a drink or two.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

Most of my clothes have come from Thomas’s over the years. With a few online shopping sprees mixed in for good measure.

What is your approach to shopping?

Whenever I find a piece that interests me, I reflect on how it will pair with the rest of my wardrobe. If something is incompatible with my selection of other clothes, I don’t buy it. I generally look for quality materials and designs that stand the test of time rather than something you’ll want to discard after a year.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

A Wolf Kanat coat I bought in my first year at university. It’s been with me throughout my whole degree and has managed to see it all – yet it still looks as crisp and clean as the day I bought it.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

When I was younger, I had one look that consisted of sandals, sweatpants and a t-shirt paired with a blazer - safe to say I wouldn’t quite rock that nowadays.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

A good coat made from quality materials. It will last you for years and almost become an extension of yourself. Do you have a style rule you always obey?

Never do up both buttons on a suit jacket.

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Jeff Goldblum – I love the eccentricity and jazziness of his style. Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Fast fashion.

Matt Brown

Live IN LAYERS THIS winter

FASHION STYLING ADVICE

In a region known for having four seasons in one day, layering is essential for keeping you comfortable through the winter and adds interest and dimension to your outfit. Here are a few tips to ensure your wardrobe is both functional and fashionable.

Start from the inside out

The first step in successful winter dressing is selecting a highquality base layer. It needs to be breathable and non-irritating. Avoid polyesters and acrylics, rather opt for fine 100% merino, or bamboo. Roll necks are a great option for extra warmth. This is an investment piece that will see you through many seasons.

Say it with a shirt

Layer your base with a shirt or blouse in a different but complementing colour. Balloon sleeve styles are popular, as are anything with gathered or broderie detailing.

Know your knitwear

Knitwear, or the ‘mid-layer’ is where it gets interesting. For warmth, choose a knit with a percentage of merino, possum, or cashmere. Choose a colour that contrasts with your shirt layer. Try different styles - cardigans and vests are great options for layering. Have fun with prints and textures, large floral prints and cable knits are fashionable options.

Pattern up!

Patterned leggings and tights are having a moment, as are patterned pants. Checks, stripes and florals are all in style, make sure one of the colours matches with your upper layers to tie your look together. Get more wear from your summer skirts and dresses by adding them to your layered look with warm tights underneath and knee-high boots.

The finishing piece

Finally, your outer layer. When purchasing a blazer or jacket, think about what you’ll be wearing underneath, allow some extra room for your layers. Trenchcoats and oversized ‘boyfriend’ blazers are perfect styles for layering. A wool coat is an investment piece, choosing a more neutral colour will allow you to get many seasons of wear out of it – remember, you’ve got your other layers underneath for the pop of colour. For the ultimate in layering, try a short coat with a long coat over it.

Successful layering is about matching and contrasting in the right balance. You will find as you learn to layer you will get more wear from the pieces in your wardrobe by coordinating them with unexpected pieces to create many winter looks. Have fun with your fashion and thank yourself when you find you’re prepared for any weather that comes along!

Layer your coats for ultimate warmth and style

Contrast under layers with outer layers

Re-style summer dresses with a winter twist

My HOME

The Savage family home is an eclectic mix of old and new, with colour, plants and Karen’s art adding to its character. Karen Savage shares how their home in Witherlea came to be.

Richard Briggs

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

We live in Witherlea, we moved to Blenheim in 2008 and liked the idea of the Wither Hills Farm Park being close. We moved into our house in February 2010.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

We built close to the farm park for the walking, running and cycling tracks, my husband and I are both up there a few times a week. We love the landscape of the Wither Hills, it’s such an asset for Blenheim. The Taylor River is so close also, biking to work is easy, no traffic to contend with.

We have the best neighbours, they are happy to look after our house when we are away, popping over to water the garden, and keeping an eye on things. They also share extra produce which is very much appreciated. Knowing your neighbours is important, having special neighbours is a real bonus, something I cherish.

What inspired the design of your home?

After searching for a home for the family with no luck we decided to build. When the section purchase was complete, we decided I would design the house. We had had a few houses and knew after coming from Southland, we wanted to build for the sun. We also both liked something slightly different.

I used one of the children’s unused maths books and got to work. Once I had the section size and shape mapped out, many hours went into designing. I had help from my brothers who are builders in Queenstown along the way, their suggestion was to keep the design simple, so the interior was made up of three main rectangles with the main bedroom and garage off the back.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Two words only - living centric.

What’s your decorating style?

A mixed style - we have older pieces of furniture with new, but not super modern. If I can’t find furniture I like or at a price I like, I might cover or renovate an older piece. My daughter got me into plants, so I have lots of greenery around which softens any room. Some are cuttings from her and some we have splurged a little, and my art is also scattered everywhere.

What piece would you never part with?

Our most cherished piece of furniture would be the oak sideboard my husband’s parents had handmade for us by Ivan Bulling furniture in Invercargill for a wedding present. We designed it, so that is very special, again it’s very simple, a very classic piece. My daughter would most likely suggest our Rimu dining room table as we have shared many happy family times around it and tells me we can never replace it. The table is dated, not enough to be a feature, but we like it, so it stays.

Have you done any renovations?

Our house is around 13 years old now, so we have had to replace a few items and re-paint the outside. We carpeted the garage and added storage and some gym equipment. We designed a small art house to match the house, I am totally in love with it, space to do whatever I want and leave a mess if I like. It’s one of my very happy places.

Karen with her son Oscar who has returned home to Blenheim to work after studying at Lincoln University.

What’s your favourite room

Definitely our front room, which includes the kitchen, dining and main lounge. We have a lovely David Trubridge light shade over the dining table. A lot of great family time has been had in this room. Very large windows and lovely sunset views over to the Richmond ranges are also a plus.

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

Solar electricity would be something we would love to have for the future. The deck would be great if covered and shelter from the easterly added too. I would love a scullery, I could not fit into the space in the original design. I have now an idea how I could fit one in with a few small changes. But after all they are just luxury items and we can dream.

What should every home have?

Apart from lots of love, a dining room table so the family can share a least one meal together every day to share stories and solve problems.

Best budget tip?

Learn to sew, it’s amazing what you can create with a sewing machine and the money that can be saved. You can achieve a lot of lovely furnishings to decorate your home. I learned a lot from my beautiful mother, she always said there is no such word as can’t.

Best money spent?

Building the house was money well spent. Achieving a design to be proud of and easy to live in. The designing of it was no cost to us and by getting a draught person to do the plans for the council we saved also. We managed the building ourselves

and monitored the costs. Installing a hot water heat pump has been a great saving over the years, we would recommend this to any family, building or renovating.

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

Orderly is not really my thing, homely is! One tip would be when the children were younger I had a large colourful bin for each of them in the living room. I would just pile their belongings left behind into their bin and ask them to pop them back in their bedrooms, kept me happy, stopped the nagging and seemed to work well for them too.

Colour your world

Now that the warm summer days are well and truly behind us, owner of Karibu Interior Design, Avril Heard-Woollcombe says it is a good time to brighten up the home by bringing some of nature’s colour and tones into our interior and exterior spaces.

Think green

Was there ever a better time to go green? Think of all the qualities it evokes, nature, freshness, and new growth. Green has made a huge comeback in both interiors and fashion. Green is particularly effective for giving a soothing, calming feeling in rooms where we seek comfort, such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Moody blue

Look to the sea and sky for a limitless source of colour inspiration – from the pale, watery blue greens of a sun-soaked lagoon, to the vibrant aqua and turquoise blues of the islands and the moody grey-green and slate blue of a stormy coastline. Blues are a popular choice for a wall colour and works well as a tonal back drop to other colours, such as greens, pinks, and ochre. Create a light and bright space with soft and gentle blue paint tones or, for a little more impact, try a deep, intense shade all over or up to picture rail height. Research shows that blue is the most favourite colour for both men and women worldwide.

Sunshine yellow

Yellow evokes so many feelings such as creativity, optimism, productivity, happiness, sunshine, energy, spring flowers, warmth, and sun flowers. A small amount of yellow – a cushion, a chair, a front door – can have a dramatic effect and enliven a space without being overbearing. Yellow compliments green and blue, completing the nature theme.

Creative influence

If you are feeling stuck look around you for colour inspiration, at accessories, a piece of art, a duvet, a favourite ornament – put it in pride of place and plan your palette to match. Colour can be introduced not only with paint and textiles but in pieces of furniture, kitchen joinery and benchtops and splashbacks, appliances, tiles, and flooring. If you are using an accent colour in small doses, be creative with placement, and have touches around the room to give balance.

Wallpapers, patterned, plain and textured can also be a wonderful way to incorporate colour and impact into your scheme.

Bold colour – use a neutral base colour to stop bold shades being overpowering. Balance strong colour with more restful materials and shades for a more liveable space that will last beyond trends.

Beware of selecting colours directly from colour charts. Like selecting a product off the internet these are not always a true representation of the colour. Use sample test pots or order a sample draw down card

karibuinteriordesign.co.nz

@karibuinteriordesign

Interior Advice with Avril Heard-Woollcombe Owner of Karibu Interior Design

ABOVE: In this commercial space Karibu Interior Design’s, Avril Heard-Woollcombe created an informal, relaxing meeting space on the landing by adding pops of colour with coloured stools and walls of black and yellow.

Celebrating ten years of dedication & innovation

Commemorating ten years of being in business, Josh and Michelle Cody, the proud owners of Marlborough Glass, Novus Glass Blenheim and HomePlus Blenheim are excited to celebrate their journey over the last decade. It has come with its challenges say the couple but is a trip they have wholeheartedly embraced. “It's been hard, but we have grown with the business and what we have created is a place to go that covers automotive, residential, and commercial needs. We have developed as a company and when we took on HomePlus seven years ago it really opened up our scope proving just how much the business has grown.”

Locally owned and operated, Josh and Michelle secured the purchase of Novus Glass Blenheim in 2013 and immediately opened Marlborough Glass alongside it. The business soon grew and the addition of HomePlus Blenheim saw the couple expand their services to include a vast range of products to the wider Marlborough region. “This has been a real highlight for us. Our businesses complement each other perfectly and the addition of HomePlus has been an excellent fit.” Attributing their success to their staff and the community the couple say, “We couldn’t do the job without either of those aspects. We try to have a great team environment for our staff to be able to provide the excellent work that they do. Our team is phenomenal, and working with them is

definitely a highlight for us. We pride ourselves on providing great customer service, which is key and a strong priority for our businesses.”

Supporting everything from sports initiatives, community groups and activities to school fundraisers and keeping well-deserving locals warm with trailer loads of wood for winter, the couple enjoy being able to give back to their own community and say the support that they have received in return feels great. “We have a lot of returning customers and word of mouth referrals, and it is wonderful to be able to support them in return. We like to give back where we can, we feel this is very important.”

Moving forward, the couple would like to see continued growth and support. “We are eager to see what the next ten years bring. We would like to give a shout-out to all our past and present employees, our customers, and our suppliers, some of whom have been with us since the beginning. Our local companies that we use are amazing and as part of our giveaways, there will be a combination of products from both us and our suppliers. We would like to thank both of our families who have been an immense help to us during our journey, and of course to our kids who started this venture with us as toddlers, and now as teenagers occasionally sweep the floor at work after school.”

The team from Marlborough Glass, HomePlus and Novus Glass Blenheim.

Josh and Michelle from Marlborough Glass.

marlboroughglass.co.nz | 44 Main Street, Blenheim | 03 578 5374

Easy family living in a peaceful neighbourhood

Set on a fully landscaped section, Mike Greer Homes Marlborough have created a stunning 224m2 high-spec showhome in a popular development on the northern edge of the Blenheim township, Rose Manor.

Words: Amy Russ | Matt Croad

The new showhome features an open plan dining/kitchen area which flows seamlessly out to the covered entertainment area and living area, while the separate lounge includes a cosy gas fire to warm the heart of the home. Boasting four double bedrooms, the master bedroom features sliding doors to the patio, a large walk-in robe and lovely ensuite. With another set of sliding doors off the ensuite to a kwila deck, this area begs for a spa pool. Family living is easy with the spacious family bathroom, internal access to a double garage, Smeg appliances, separate linen storeroom and laundry. With quality fixtures and fittings and plenty of storage throughout, the home represents great value for money.

The owners of Mike Greer Homes Marlborough, Trevor Lineham and Ben Malthus, have worked together for many years, joining forces in 2021 to purchase the business. Bringing their vast knowledge and experience in the industry, Trevor and Ben continue to provide top-quality homes that are built with purpose and passion. The hands-on operators have project-managed a multitude of builds over the years and say their styles and strengths truly complement each other. This unquestionably shines through with their newest showhome. Thoughtfully designed to maximise space and comfortable living, this showpiece is perfectly

considered for growing families wanting the warmth and style of a new home. An investment ‘worth jumping at’, the gorgeous home and land package is for sale with a two-year leaseback agreement (plus the option to extend). “This property will have a 10-year Registered Master Build Guarantee. Fencing and landscaping are included – this home delivers the complete package,” says Ben.

The home sits quietly on the 700m2 section. Bathed in full sun, the landscaping plan ensures maximum privacy with stunning use of natural screening, standard trees give height, underplanting adds interest and there are scented plants to delight the senses. The exterior of the home is clad with products and colours to reflect our environment – Horoeka, Flaxpod, Element, vertical cedar in Platinum, and Rockcote in soft Ragamuffin. The black brick feature cladding on the frontage provides a timeless edge. Inside, vaulted ceilings and seven full-height skylights ensure clean lines and ample natural light

to flood through the spacious home and cleverly showcase the level of passion and excellence the experienced team possesses.

The immaculately designed kitchen boasts an impressive Caesarstone island counter with waterfall end claiming its rightful position as the heart of the kitchen. Seasoned oak, elemental ash, warm whites and soft green all feature. A butler’s pantry gives additional space, and high-end cabinetry and fittings complete these areas. Along with the designedfor-purpose laundry, there is plenty of inspiration here. Mike Greer Homes new showhome perfectly illustrates the company’s quality range of highspec products and finishes, containing examples of the standard features and upgrades that they have available. “We want to showcase the range of endless possibilities for a potential client’s new home,” says Trevor. “Every home we build is designed for the section. Every home is individual.”

Trevor and Ben are proud of their tight-knit company saying they integrate well together, creating a perfect combination of a ‘relaxed working environment with a professional attitude’. Their design team are pivotal to the success of Mike Greer Homes in Marlborough and Nelson. They are able to provide full support to their clients with an energetic sales team, through to construction via a project manager, and with ongoing support from a dedicated admin team. The ability to provide in-house consultations with a three-hour colour consult and coordinating client meetings with kitchen and wardrobe designers set the company apart from others. This gives Mike Greer Homes the capability to walk clients through each stage of a build, and they are committed to designing and building a home perfectly suited to a client’s needs. Their rule is, ‘It’s your home.

The Rose Manor subdivision has been expertly designed and a huge amount of thought has gone into street design, off-street parking, reserves, street lighting and landscapes, along with covenants to protect your investment. Rose Manor has been targeted to the mid to top-end residential market. It is a neighbourhood to love.

Mike Greer Homes Showhome is open Thursday through to Sunday from 1pm – 4pm at 111 Oakley Avenue, Rose Manor, Marlborough.

For more information on how the team can help you, contact 0800mikegreer or email info@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

CLUCKY FOR CHICKENS

Using your backyard for growing vegetables and fruit is a step in the right direction if you’re wanting to be more self-sufficient. But, have you considered chickens? Perhaps these clucky, curious creatures could be the next addition to your garden.

Chickens are not just for those living rurally, backyard chickens are growing in popularity. While the cost of eggs may have something to do with that, chickens are also known for providing a number of benefits to the ecosystem of your garden.

Benefits in your garden:

Chickens naturally scratch and dig to find seeds and bugs. The process spreads and aerates compost and mulch, and loosens the ground.

Snails, slugs, roaches, caterpillars and even aphids will be kept at bay with hungry chickens around.

Chicken manure is an excellent source of nitrogen for your plants and can be added to compost to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden.

• Food scraps will quickly disappear when given to the chickens to consume.

Raising residential chickens:

Build or buy a coop. Chickens need somewhere safe, warm and dry to lay their eggs and perch at night. A secure coop with several nesting boxes and a perch at least 20cm from the ground is necessary. Select a natural bedding that is easy to muck out and replace, this will help keep your

coop clean. Wood shavings are a good option and can be added to the compost after use.

• Decide whether your chickens will be free-range or penned. While free ranging can be idyllic in the countryside, residential chickens may be better suited to a moveable pen. One with wheels will allow you to move it around the garden or lawn, ensuring the chickens frequently have a fresh spot to scratch and your soil gets maximum chicken-benefits.

Choose your chickens. Red Shavers are the most common option and are bred to lay an egg a day.

In Marlborough, up to 12 chickens can be kept in a residential zone, but no roosters – however, talk to the breeder and work out how many chickens you and your space can comfortably accommodate. Keep up with maintenance. Chickens must be well-cared for, from mucking out the coop, to feeding them a range of scraps and grains, to checking for mites - chickens require careful attention and maintenance.

Enjoy the benefits of raising your own chickens. Once you’ve tried the first poached egg from your happy and healthy chickens, you’ll never go back!

Winter Escape Your next alpine adventure

Words: Adrienne Matthews

Those living in Marlborough don’t need to travel far to experience the picturesque alpine playgrounds of St Arnaud and Hanmer Springs and there is no better time for a break than the winter months with all the fun, adventure and relaxation opportunities both offer.

St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes recreational area with its vast opportunities for walking, fishing, skiing, canyoning, mountain biking or simply enjoying some the fresh mountain air beside the highly photogenic Lake Rotoiti.

The Nelson Lakes National Park covers five thousand hectares of largely Beech forest where rigorous pest control programmes have reduced predators considerably and brought back an abundance of birdsong along the many walking tracks.

Hanmer Springs boasts over five-thousand-hectares of nature reserve that make up Hanmer Heritage Forest with its mix of native and exotic plant species and over seventy kilometres of walking, biking and horse-riding tracks to suit people of any fitness level.

Both areas are home to excellent ski fields. The Rainbow Ski Area above Lake Rotoiti, has been the favourite community ski field to thousands of families from the Top of the South throughout generations and offers facilities for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders while Hanmer Springs has both the Hanmer Springs and Mount Lyford Ski Areas at its doorstep.

Both places are likened to alpine villages in Europe with their many facilities including a range of accommodation types, extensive opportunities for outdoor adventuring and luxurious spa treatments.

In addition, Hanmer Springs is famous for its hot springs with twenty-two pools to allow complete relaxation and fun for children as well as adults. There is plenty of time to visit one or both of these very special destinations this winter, whether for a romantic getaway, a fun holiday with family, friends or even to restore and revitalise the soul and body while alone.

ST ARNAUD

The Tophouse Inn is a heritage-listed boutique hotel just a short distance from St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti and the Rainbow Ski Field. The main dwelling was constructed from thick cob in 1887 ensuring it is crammed full of character and history. With spectacular mountain views, antiques in keeping with the inn’s age and the smallest bar in New Zealand, it is regularly lauded for its unique ambience. Along with the accommodation available in the house there are also four self-contained cottages on site and space for up to ten motorhomes. Owners, Helen and Clint Brough, are well known for their warm and accommodating hospitality and offer breakfasts in the historic dining room complete with roaring log fire in the winter. In the evenings the room turns into the Prickly Vine Restaurant where experienced chef Sebastian Stasiak and wife Angelina serve delicious three course meals that can be pre-booked by guests and visitors alike.

The Woodsman’s Den at St Arnaud is gaining a reputation as the sanctuary you don’t want to leave. Secluded but close to all the activities the alpine village has to offer, the guesthouse is popular with couples, families and friends who want to spend quality time together. With two bedrooms it can sleep five and everything is provided for a blissful stay. A handcrafted hot tub sits invitingly on the deck. “It is an absolute highlight for guests,” say owners Anna and Nick King. Luxuriating in it beneath the magic of the night sky or listening to the abundant bird life during the day provides complete relaxation and a sense of well-being. In winter a blazing fire in the living room adds to the ambience. Providing quality accommodation at the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park, the Woodsman’s Den is an opportunity to step off the treadmill and draw breath.

Artist Jan Thomson feels extremely lucky to live at St Arnaud, surrounded by inspiration for her art. Painting mainly landscapes, her work in both acrylic and watercolour is sought after. “Most years I go to one of the high-country stations to paint so am always finding wonderful new vistas,” she says.

Particularly drawn by the different moods of light as it settles on alpine areas, she tries to paint plein air as much as she can. “Being outside with my paints and canvas in the landscape is very inspiring,” she says. Jan enjoys undertaking commissions which can include any subject matter from shearing gangs to birds or plants.” She also runs popular watercolour classes from her studio and shows her work at the Wall to Wall Gallery in Bridge Street and on her website. “Visitors are welcome to visit my studio from 10am to 4pm whenever I am home,” she says.

The Rainbow Ski Area, serving local communities, has been enticing people to its slopes for forty years thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and sponsors who have put their heart and soul into creating an alpine experience that everyone can enjoy. “We welcome skiers and snowboarders from complete beginners who have never seen snow before to those who are highly experienced, and this year we are excited to have an international team of instructors back with us who can provide coaching at all levels,” says mountain manager Andrew Malcolm. “There is no necessity to bring your own equipment because everything needed can be provided at our hire store on site,” says Andrew. Rainbow’s own café on site ensures hungry tummies are well catered for and there are a range of ski pass and package options available. There is also a shuttle hire available from the bottom car park if required.

HANMER SPRINGS

Clear Ridge Apartments in Hanmer are the perfect choice if you enjoy peaceful and luxurious five-star accommodation, appointed in a warm, contemporary style and with plenty of onsite facilities to cater to your comfort. Situated near the hot springs they have views of the surrounding natural beauty and adjoin the popular eighteen-hole Hanmer Golf course. Each apartment is a large self-contained suite with fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Twenty-four-hour security is maintained, and an excellent reception/ concierge service operates from 8am to 8pm daily with warm and welcoming staff able to book your in-suite luxury spa treatments as requested. Disabled units are also available with lift access. For those visitors who don’t wish to cook for themselves, Hanmer’s great selection of restaurants are only a short stroll away and the night can be finished off by luxuriating in your suite’s double spa bath or under the stars in the outdoor spa pool.

Settlers Boutique Motel in the heart of Hanmer is just a short walk from the thermal pools, local restaurants, cafes, and shops, and is much loved by those who stay there. Rated No 1 on TripAdvisor, it consistently receives rave reviews from guests delighted by the charm and character of its handcrafted heritage style, comfortable beds, and affordable rooms. Owners Sue and Brett are known for their warm welcome and go above and beyond to ensure their guest’s stay is memorable and relaxing. Quiet rooms and a tranquil setting allow guests to completely unwind. Popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway, those wanting to explore the myriad of outdoor activities that the area offers or others needing a quiet space to refresh and rejuvenate, Settlers Boutique Motel should always be your first choice.

Hanmer Springs Attractions is North Canterbury’s foremost adventure activity hub, with plenty of activities on offer at the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. Choose from an exhilarating jet boat ride, Canterbury’s only bungy jumping site, a rugged quad bike and buggy trek through the outdoors, a fun river rafting trip on a Grade 2 river, a paintball battle or clay bird shooting. Hanmer Springs Attractions’ activities suit a wide range of ages and are perfect for families. The team have a strong commitment to health and safety, and are the only adventure tourism operator in the Hurunui region to have both Qualmark Gold and Adventure Mark accreditation for their top safety practices. Their river base overlooking the Waiau River and historic Ferry Bridge is a great spot for viewing the activities and has plenty of parking. Hanmer Springs Attractions is the perfect choice for action-packed fun in Hanmer Springs!

What’s On

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

Sun 18 June

MORE FM MID WINTER SWIM

Don’t pack away the togs just yet - join the MoreFM Marlborough team as they jump into the freezing cold Picton Foreshore for the annual Mid Winter Swim

Sat 24 June

WINTER SOLSTICE AT ROCK FERRY WINES

Join the Rock Ferry team and enjoy an evening of live music from Double Shot, delicious food from La Ruca and special guests, the Omaka Observatory.

Rock Ferry Cellar Door, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim

Fri 7 - Sun 9 July

MARLBOROUGH HOME & GARDEN SHOW 2023

Packed with all the ideas and information you need to transform your surroundings into the space you’ve always dreamed of

Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, Kinross Street, Blenheim

Thu 22 - Sun 25 June

LIONS BOOK FAIR

Come and browse through thousands of books, puzzles, DVDs, and jigsaws at this popular annual fair. All funds go towards community projects

Tue 6 June

JACKIE GOES PRIMA DIVA

Arts on Tour NZ invite you to an evening with homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke as she turns on her powerhouse vocals and wicked humour to interpret the songs of the 20th and 21st centuries’ most legendary divas Picton Little Theatre, 9 Dublin Street, Picton

Tue 4 July

WONDERLAND GLOW SHOW

The much-loved Glow Show is back, this time in a fabulously Kiwified version of Alice in Wonderland.

Sat 15 July

A TASTE OF IRELAND

Experience one of the most prominent Irish dance shows in the world today. Get ready to enjoy an evening of great music, jaw-dropping acapella tap battles and world-class dancing .

ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim

Pick

ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street, Blenheim

Picton Foreshore

Waterlea Racecourse, Linton Street Entrance, Blenheim

Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

1. Jim Le Grys and William Le Grys

2. Charlie Proctor, Julian Cameron and Mark Dellow

3. Sharon and John Corbett

4. Deborah and Gary Bielby

5. Pam and Mike Judd

6. Tracey and Walter Langlois

7. Lynda Prior, Ann Bradley, Anther Franks and Owen Bradley

8. Juerg Walz and Shane Curgenven

Brent McGilvary

4

Cinnamon House 9th Birthday Celebration

House Design

Cinnamon

1. Louise Lissaman and Vanessa Tripe

2. Carolyn Gibbons, Marg Neylon and Libby Davi

3. Jenny Adams and Amanda Ryan

4. Di McAlister and Lorraine Larcomb

5. Christina Mathew and Enika Rood

6. Pam Hawkins and Lynda Butt

7. Toni Gillan, Deb Dalliessi and Simone Hill

8. Ally Shannon and Kim Whipp

Marlborough Magazine

Luxury Lodge

Reinventing Celebration

Escape To Picton

1. Kevin Paul and Dean Heiford

2. Trish Coleman, Juliearna Kavanagh, Warren Lewis, Matt Squire and Lisa Rossi

3. Juliearna and Warren Lewis

4. Christelle Heynike and Bronwyn Barnes

5. Scott Guthrie and Ben Cameron

6. Tupoki Wairau-Hunter and Tristan Gregory-Hunt

7. Anita Hendriks, Norma Lewis and Noeline Young

8. Mike and Seadon Baker

Marlborough Magazine