Marlborough Weekly 1 February 2022 by Top South Media

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

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Warning after amputation shock PAULA HULBURT

paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

A young woman is warning others to look out for the signs of sepsis after a small ulcer cost her her foot.

Jessica Simmons, 32, from Blenheim has had her right foot amputated after struggling with potentially life-threatening bouts of septicaemia. The former Early Childhood Centre staff member is now call-

ing for more awareness over the infection in a bid to stop someone else suffering the same plight. “It [sepsis] can move so fast. “I felt absolutely awful, the high temps, the shakes and the vomiting. I didn’t realise how sick I was,

I thought I was just feeling a bit yuck but sepsis can kill you,” she says. A type 2 diabetic, Jessica was previously diagnosed with Charcot foot, a rare condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues

of the foot or ankle. A padded moon boot she was given to wear rubbed, causing a blister which made an existing ulcer worse, ultimately leading to

SEE PAGE 3

Essential donations a boost for refugees

Bunnings activities organiser Sandy McLauchlan and Red Cross Marlborough volunteer programme lead Hugo Ferreira with two trolley loads of useful household essentials donated by Bunnings for refugee families moving to the region. Read the story on page 8. Photo: Matt Brown.

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Disc golf gets off to a flying start MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

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One of the world’s fastest growing sports now has a home in Marlborough, thanks to the passion of the region’s only touring player. For more than two years, Blenheim Round Table vice president and Marlborough Disc Golf founder Chris Corbyn has been working tirelessly to establish a disc golf course. Now, after surveying several sites, tireless fundraising and countless hours of hard labour donated by Blenheim’s Round Table the first nine holes along the Taylor River Reserve are open to the public – and people are flocking to it. “I knew it would go big, but I didn’t realise how big and how quickly,” Chris says. “Generally, there’s a group of

people on each tee by 5pm. We counted more than 28 people on the course at 5pm last night.” Disc golf is just like ball golf, he says, but with specially designed frisbees. Instead of a hole, there’s a target. “Most people know what it [the target] is – but there’s the odd person who thinks they’re a cattle feeder,” Chris says with a laugh, recounting tales of other, clueless people overseas attempting to use a target as a makeshift grill. He’s quick to add that’s unlikely to happen here. A professional disc golf player himself, Chris says he was driven to set up a course in Blenheim since he moved here from Auckland; Blenheim being the last major town in New Zealand lacking a course. He says it’s the perfect sport for a pandemic – it’s easy to play while social distancing outdoors.

The Blenheim Round Table pledged $12,000 for the course. Marlborough District Council are footing the signage, says Chris. “We haven’t finished yet and we’ve spent the cash. “That’s with Round Table putting in all the labour for free. I’ve put hundreds of hours in – I’ve been there at 7pm pulling broom out with my bare hands. “Now we’ve got the front nine in, and it’s exploded in popularity, we’re hoping to get more cash for the back nine.” Chris says the sport is addictive and accessible for nearly everyone. “There’s no age restriction,” he says. “The number one player in New Zealand is 59 years old. “It’s all technique. Muscles are not required. “Basically, you’re going for a competitive walk with your

mates. “A lot of people bring their dogs. It’s a family affair.” Chris, a sponsored player on the New Zealand amateur tour, was involved in every facet of setting up the course, from inception to design to building. “This is a dream for me,” he says. “It’s a great feeling going down there and seeing 30 people playing.”

WHERE TO PLAY: Park at the car park behind the dump, walk across the ford, turn right and ten metres down the path, on the right side, is the first tee. You can rent discs from Marlborough Disc Golf for $20 per day, with $10 back when you return them. All proceeds go back into the local course.

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TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Sepsis survivor saved by surgery FROM PAGE 1 the amputation. “The blister opened the ulcer which got infected. It started swelling up and got really painful,” Jessica says. Since November, Jessica has been admitted to hospital three times. Surgeons initially operated to remove the infection and clean the foot. But after she was flown as an emergency to Nelson Hospital in January, surgeons mentioned amputation as an option. “I had got it [amputation] in my mind by this stage, I kind of

knew it was going to happen,” Jessica says. “There was only a five percent chance that I would have a healthy, functioning foot and I knew I just couldn’t keep doing all the surgeries. I knew there was a chance if I waited that I’d have to have an above knee amputation.” Septicaemia is when a bacterial infection enters the bloodstream. It is dangerous because the bacteria and their toxins can be carried through the body causing sepsis, the body’s immune response to infection. Jessica says surgeons amputated

from midcalf in Nelson Hospital on 12 January. She spent her first night at home on Wednesday. “I feel more like myself, more like me again,” she says. The recovery period will be slow says Jessica who is saving for a mobility scooter and towards travel costs when she gets her prosthesis fitted in Wellington. While some of the costs are publicly funded, Jessica will need to find a lot of the money herself. The Sepsis Trust New Zealand organisation says there is a lack of sepsis research, awareness and advocacy in New Zealand.

Trustee Dr Paul Huggan says the infection affects one in 200 adults in New Zealand each year. “It often complicates underlying conditions or injuries, so people should be aware of the symptoms of sepsis when they’re receiving medical treatment or surgery (www.sepsis.org.nz). “All hospitals should have sepsis protocols, and all healthcare providers will know that sepsis is serious, so just ask, ‘could it be sepsis?’” To donate to help Jessica visit https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ please-support-my-amputation

Jessica Simmons is adapting to life after amputation. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

DHB hospital bully culture allegations continue JONTY DINE Despite an investigation into her behaviour a senior nurse is allegedly continuing to bully staff. In 2021, an investigation into the nurse’s behaviour at Wairau Hospital was carried out and she was stood down with pay for four and a half months. Now a group of nurses from Nelson Hospital allege the culture is so toxic that it put one into a deep depression. “Our hospital system is broken, and it is almost beyond repair,” one nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says. The nurse, whom Marlborough Weekly has decided not to name,

oversees a department at both Wairau and Nelson Hospital. She returned to work last year after an investigation into her conduct However, according to a group of nurses, her behaviour has not changed. Nelson Marlborough Health’s general manager people and capability, Trish Casey, confirmed actions were taken to improve the working environment. “There has been a process of looking into some concerns in relation to that employee. There have been recommendations, actions and suggestions which are being implemented.” The nurses allege the senior col-

league has been allowed to stay on as she has been seemingly financially successful at running what they say is an underfunded department. Nurses also say there is a high staff turnover. “I have seen about 50 nurses come and go,” one says. “They are getting rid of good people, people who care.” Nelson Hospital’s director of nurses, Sandy McLean-Cooper, says she is disappointed to hear of the allegations and encourages any nurses with concerns to come to her. “It is sad to think nurses feel they can’t put their hands up.” She says care is at the heart of

everything they do. “We take this really seriously; people don’t come to work to not feel safe.” Sandy says they try to settle grievances at a management level before it escalates. “We are fairly confident we have good processes in place.” The health board’s Trish Casey says they have a robust process for dealing with staff complaints. “With 3000 staff we do have a number of issues come up and they can range from fairly minor things that managers can deal with on the spot, through to things that require HR support, to full blown investigations.” She says issues will try to be re-

solved by a manager in the first instance before progressing to Human Resources. “If wrongdoing is found, the appropriate remedies will be put in place if something meets the definition of bullying.” Trish says they are guided by the WorkSafe definition of bullying, which is that it must be repeated, unreasonable behaviour targeted at an individual or group which can result in physical or psychological harm. The nurses say they all fear for their jobs if they complain about the culture. “You can fight, and fight, and fight - and lose,” one says. “Or just walk away.”

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Nelson Marlborough chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker (pictured with chief executive Lexie O’Shea). Photo: Braden Fastier/STUFF.

Covid-19: Nelson Marlborough cases could peak at 700 a day MAIA HART

Local Democracy Reporter

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Modelling suggests at its peak Nelson Marlborough can expect between 200 and 700 Omicron cases a day, the region’s chief medical officer says. Dr Nick Baker says while the variant was leading to fewer hospitalisations, this could require the use of between 15 and 30 hospital beds for Covid-19 patients across the region at the peak of the outbreak. Dr Baker says there were various models projecting New Zealand’s cases, but you only had to study infection rates overseas to understand how the country might be affected by the Omicron variant. “Most countries get a substantial surge with Omicron, much bigger than they have previously,” Dr Baker says. “If you look at what’s happened in the UK, Australia and other places, they surge up to somewhere in the region of 2500 to 4000 cases a million, per day. “Which in a New Zealand context, for the whole country, we’re getting somewhere between 6000 and 25,000 new cases a day.” He says all modelling at the moment, indicated a peak by late March, or in April. “Typically Omicron peaks five to 12 weeks after it starts,” he says. “We’re hoping we can bend this curve by encouraging everyone to redouble their effort with mask wearing, QR coding, social distancing, hand-washing, staying away from people if they’re sick. All those basics, that will allow us to get a lower top peak. “It’s really important for us in the health system, to flatten that curve.” It was become “increasingly clear” that Omicron was not as severe as previous variants, which could lead to fewer people getting tested for Covid-19.

“But it’s so contagious that it goes across a community very quickly,” he says. “There will be quite a lot more disease than we know of, which makes the modelling a challenge.” He says they expected those unvaccinated to be “over-represented” in hospitalisation rates. Across a year it was expected case numbers would most likely be higher in Nelson than in Marlborough, due to Nelson’s larger population. “But on any particular day, the local burden of disease depends on local spread, so even a small community can get a major spreader event,” he says. “Think about the Bluff wedding way back. So it could be even the smallest community could have a spreader event.” Dr Baker says while there is some high dependency care available in Wairau Hospital, Covid-19 patients who required ventilation would be transferred to Nelson or Wellington. “If they come into hospital, and they’re deteriorating, and they look like they will need to be ventilated, it’s easier and safer to move them before they get desperately ill,” he says. “We have a preference for Nelson, because it’s easier access for family.” Covid-19 patients would be cared for in the hospital’s negative pressure rooms, which controlled airborne contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses, and restricted contaminated air from circulating. “Covid is coming. Follow the instructions. Look at your household kits ready. Be ready to be self-sufficient,” he says. “We will have so many cases in the community that not everyone will be able to get support. We want to reserve that support for those who desperately need it.”

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TUESDAY 1 February 2022

New silver screens go for gold MATT BROWN

matt@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

They’ve been screening stars since Brosnan was Bond, but now the old, tired silver screens have had a dramatic upgrade. The two largest projection-screens at Blenheim’s Event Cinemas were scuffed and marred – a reminder of the days when, depending on whether the film, masking would conceal the edges of the viewing area. Event Cinemas cinema manager Matthew Scott says the previous screens were a bit old and had a few marks on them. “People weren’t happy. They

were old screens,” he says. “I think they just weren’t set up correctly, and the masking caused a bit of damage. “It’s great to upgrade these screens finally and make the experience a lot better.” The large screens measure about four by eight metres and had to be made specially in China. Then, they had to wait for the screen guy – he puts up all the movie screens across the country. Matthew says they took the opportunity to upgrade a few other bits and pieces behind the scenes, like the servers that hold the movies. The projectors have had a ser-

vice, too. “Overall, it should make the experience a lot better. “The screens will definitely make the biggest impact. “When you get a lighter shot, like of the sky, it was picking up the scuffing,” he says. “They last for a long time – the last ones were damaged when we went from 2D to 3D under the previous owners. “Unless there’s a new format, we should get 10 to 15 years or more.” Matthew says there are other things he would like to look at upgrading, like the seats. “Hopefully we’ll get there one day soon.”

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Close fight for top viticulture title STAFF REPORTER New Zealand’s best young viticulturist has been named – but the country’s top wine producing region will have to settle for second best. Sam Bain, who works at Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay, took out the top title at the 2021 Corteva NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year final, held last week at a secret location to keep numbers limited amid the new traffic light restrictions. Jess Wilson from Whitehaven Wines in Marlborough came second for the second year running while Courtney Sang from Obsidian, Waiheke Island came third. Competition national co-ordinator Nicky Grandorge says with the move to red in the Covid traffic light system, original plans were very quickly changed to ensure the competition was safe to go ahead. “We always throw in a curveball for the National Final… but none of us were expecting another Covid curveball! However, thanks to the passion and determination of the amazing Young Vit Community we managed to run the competition safely and avoid postponing for a third time,” she says.

Whitehaven viticulturist Jess Wilson came second.

2021 Corteva NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year Sam Bain. Photo: Supplied. “It has been immensely uplifting to have everyone come together and pull out all the stops, so the 2021 National Finalists could finally get together and compete.” The original competition was set for 26 August, then rescheduled for November, before being rescheduled again to January due to Covid restrictions. For extra safety it was relocated to a remote ‘secret’ vineyard to

keep numbers very limited and to be away from a winery or other people. Everything was outside with all government recommendations followed. The Awards Dinner was cancelled although a celebration dinner will be held later in the year when safe to do so. The contestants were tested on a wide range of skills and knowledge including setting up a seed

T U O W O N

drill, trellising, pest and disease, an interview, frost protection as well as the BioStart Hortisports. They had already previously submitted a research report entitled “Assess various pruning options during a labour shortage”, addressing one of the real challenges currently facing the wine industry. Jess Wilson won $1000 for the best report and presentation. Finally, the contestants gave a speech – this year in the vineyards, instead of at the dinner – where they had to promote the best new varietal or clonal option for their region. There were some very insightful recommendations, suggesting the New Zealand wine industry has an exciting and successful future ahead. The other contestants were Albie Feary from Ata Rangi, Tristan van Schalkwyk from The Boneline and Katrina Jackson from Chard Farm.

NEWS Hospice thank you: Hospice Marlborough will receive $14,791.24 from the Farmers Christmas Charity Campaign which was run in the Blenheim store as part of a nationwide campaign. Across the country, the fundraising initiative raised $908,000. The support from the Marlborough community was amazing say hospice staff. Friendship group: Age Concern Marlborough is restarting its Friendship Group next month. The initiative is open to all and is set to help people make new friends and connections. The $2 cost includes morning tea, entertainment and guest speakers. It will be held on the second Tuesday of the month from 10-11.30am. Please ring the office at Age Concern Marlborough for more information on 579 3457 Cancer Society boost: Marlborough’s Hole Lotta Golf! team (Jamie Norton, Matt Croad, Jason Giblin and Bob Tate) played golf nonstop for 24 hours in December as part of the Cancer Society’s nationwide fundraiser, The Longest Day. The team have revealed they are just shy of taking out the country’s top fundraising spot, bringing in $32,947. Congratulations on an epic effort.

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Boaties well-behaved MATT BROWN Boaties enjoying the Marlborough Sounds received a passing grade from patrols this summer, but there’s still room for improvement. Speed was the biggest complaint for Marlborough harbour master Luke Grogan – closely followed by a low standard of basic boating know-how. “On the whole, we’ve consistently been quite pleased with the general compliance out there,” Luke says. “Speed wise, we still have some issues with vessels going to fast close to the shore and near swimming areas.” Speed is an issue on the Wairau River, too, Luke says. “On a narrow waterway, and a shared space with swimming and rowing, the risk is high. “It’s important that people take the time and read the signs. “There are places on the Wairau where people are limited to less than five knots.” Luke says there have been the usual issues with jet skis and speed, but their own jet ski patrol has had some good engagement with rule breakers. Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) fishing patrols also re-

port good behaviour overall. MPI regional manager compliance fish Howard Reid says Blue Cod continues to be the fish of choice in the Marlborough Sounds. “Unfortunately, we have found some people with undersize Blue Cod though,” Howard says. In the Marlborough Sounds the catch limit is two per person per day with a minimum size of 33cm. “Keeping an undersize fish can cost you a $250 instant fine. “If you find you’re catching plenty of Blue Cod but putting most of it back because they’re too small, try exploring a different area to your usual favourite fishing spot. “Generally, people have been following the rules which is pleasing and helps ensure the resource will be sustainable into the future for everyone to enjoy.” With roads in the Sounds closed to holiday makers, Luke says they’ve seen fewer boats this season. “People usually trailer their boats in and because people haven’t been able to access holiday locations, a lot of that boating traffic hasn’t been present.”

Instead, jetty space has been at a premium as holiday-makers only option to access the best spots has been by boat. “There’s a bylaw that prevents people from obstructing jetties,” Luke says. “It’s a courtesy and consideration thing. If people are courteous, they usually don’t contravene the bylaw. “Don’t go for a picnic after tying up – use jetties for pickups and drop offs. It prevents conflict from arising.” Luke says there are some major issues within the recreational boating space. He says basic knowledge of the boat regulations is often at a lower standard than it should be because there’s no requirement under law for certification or training. “We come over it again and again, people that don’t understand give way rules or basic boating bylaws,” he says. “That’s why we’re regularly out there educating and performing enforcement. “One of the good things we’ve seen, despite no requirement for basic training, people have been reasonably well prepared with two forms of communication, life jackets and basic safety equipment.”

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Rangitāne boss powers up with extra role PAULA HULBURT The head of one of Marlborough’s oldest iwis is set to help solve power problems after landing a top role. General Manager at Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau Trust Corey Hebberd has been appointed as a future director with Utilities Disputes Ltd. The move means Corey will be part of a team who help people who have problems with their electricity, gas or water company. Revealing the governance appointment last week, Board chair Hon Heather Roy says Corey’s experience and caring attitude is a welcome addition. “The UDL board decided to appoint a future director. We believe in helping to develop the next generation of directors and are excited to welcome Corey to the Board expecting he will also help us in the development of new ideas. “Corey is passionate about caring for communities, which is at the heart of who we want to help. We hope to learn as much from him as he will learn from us.” Corey has whakapapa connections to Te Ātiawa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Apa, and Ngāti Kuia, as well as Rangitāne. He says the 12-month role provides a chance for him to help the com-

Corey Hebberd is a director with Utilities Disputes Ltd. Photo: David James. munity. “Joining the UDL Board provides an opportunity for me to add value in a space that supports our community and whānau in resolving their disputes with their utility provider. “I am delighted to join the Board, and as a future director, hope to grow my capability and skills in a way that can meaningfully add to our community in the future.” Utilities Disputes (formerly The Office of the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner, or EGCC) provides a free and independent dispute resolution service for electricity, gas, and water complaints. It also deals with disagreements about access to shared property for fibre installations. Most disputes they deal with are resolved between the parties. Utilities Disputes uses a wide range of dispute resolution techniques, including mediation and conciliation.

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Opinion / News facebook.com/marlboroughmedianz marlboroughapp.co.nz 52 Scott Street, Blenheim

Opinion: Be grateful for good service PAULA HULBURT I was gobsmacked. Sitting in the waiting room at Wairau Hospital, I watched in horrified amazement as a member of the public started to shout at staff. The elderly man was looking for the outpatient department and was most disgruntled when he realised he was in the wrong department. He stood and waited for the world

to revolve around him. We were in the Accident and Emergency Department – a part of the hospital that does exactly what it says on the tin. Perhaps the man had a bad day or perhaps he was just ungrateful but as he was kindly wheeled out by a member of staff towards outpatients he took a passing swipe, shouting dire warnings about unhelpfulness and lack of skill wishing those still waiting a sarcastic “good luck.” Err, hello? You made

a mistake, not them. As I sat a bit longer, I watched staff screen patients before they were allowed into the department – you’d have thought they were asking people for their left kidney. Yes, being asked Covid screening questions may delay your entrance by all of two minutes, but the process is vital to help stop the risk of infection entering the hospital environment. Come on people, it truly isn’t the end of the world, take one for the team and

for great aunty May tucked up for the night on the medical ward. ‘Mask’ had somehow become a trigger word for some who stood outside the door and huffed and puffed dramatically when asked to put one on. Then there was one with a mask exemption proudly worn around their neck who sat smugly, daring staff to ask them to put one on. It was a battle staff did not have time for. We are damn lucky to have a hos-

pital in Marlborough like Wairau. We are lucky we have access to a huge range of services and experienced staff right on our doorstep. I hope you never have to visit the Accident and Emergency Department but if you do, spare a thought for the team there keeping the ball rolling in unprecedented times. Be a bit kinder, a bit more grateful and, yes, less entitled, after all no one is perfect, are you?

Bunnings’ back Red Cross refugee initiative MATT BROWN Refuge families moving to Marlborough are getting a trolley-load of help to make a fresh start. Red Cross and Bunnings have paired up to donate essential household items to people making Marlborough home. The new partnership means families can move in and have a head start on settling in. There are about 40 people set to arrive this year says Red Cross Nelson volunteer programme lead Megan Riddell. “Every family has a team of volunteers that support them for three to six months. “The numbers would usually be higher, but the government is having to tackle how that works because of the pandemic. “Each area settles specific communities – for Blenheim, it’s people from Colombia.” Local volunteers help set up

Red Cross Nelson volunteer programme lead Megan Riddell, centre. Photo: Supplied. houses before the families move in. The donations from Bunnings are included alongside items given by the public. “They [Bunnings] provide us with things that often don’t get donated – things like multiboards – and it’s nice that it’s all new stuff.” “The Bunnings welcome packs are showing manakitanga to families when they come, and so are the volunteers. It’s a nice

extension. “It’s such a generous and kind offer that makes such a difference to families when they arrive.” Red Cross are looking for support people to help with the initiative. Training days will be held on 17, 19 and 20 February. Get in touch with Hugo at hugo.ferreira@redcross.co.nz or on 027273451 to take part.

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Motoring

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Motoring

Car mad

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Car-mad Kevin Wilkie talks to the Marlborough Weekly about his British pride-and-joys.

Is your job car-related and have you been car mad from a young age? I’m old enough to retire and I’ve always enjoyed original cars. What are you driving? I currently have a 1963 Vauxhall Victor – it’s simplicity itself. I also have a 2006 Jaguar XJ8. I love the smell and the English heritage. What’s under the bonnet? Vauxhall: 1600cc OHV pushrod engine. It gets zero to a hundred in about three days. Jaguar: 4.2 litre V8. Grace, space and pace.

Kevin with his 2006 Jaguar XJ8.

What is it you love most about this vehicle? The simplicity of the Vauxhall takes me back to my apprentice days at Terry Motors – what is now Motorworld Blenheim. Where is it from? Is it a German-engineered masterpiece or a once-prevalent Jap import? Both have English heritage, as does my wife. Where did you get it? The Vauxhall was sold new in Nelson. The Jag I bought in Auckland. Was it expensive to buy, and is it expensive to run? Fine British engineering is priceless!

Kevin says his 1963 Vauxhall Victor is simplicity itself.

Is it your dream car? If not, what is? No, my dream car would be to find a new MKIII Zephyr.

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TUESDAY 1 February 2022

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Barton Cup hotly contested MATT BROWN Cars of all types were tested to their limits on Sunday as the Marlborough Car Club took to rural roads for the annual Barton Cup standing quarter mile. Rare light winds and hot tarmac at Seddon’s Seaview Road meant conditions were perfect for the entry-level event. Club president Richard Bateman says the cars stood up well, too – no breakdowns meaning the

event was done and dusted by lunchtime. “We’ve had a few people having a hoon in their home car and a few race cars,” he says. “There were no breakdowns, until the very end which was considerate of them.” The entry-level event means any car, and non-members, were able to take part – and 31 entries was a great turnout. “The Porche Cayenne did all right, at 12 seconds,” Richard says.

The Barton Cup standing quarter is one of the club’s longest standing events, first won in 1964 by Gifford Tait from Nelson in a Chev Coupe Covette with a time of 14.6 seconds. The event has been raced on Seaview Road since 2005. The Clubs next event is the Tua Marina Seal Bent Sprint on 13th March for the Evans Trophy this event is restricted to those cars that run the safety gear of roll cages.

The only breakdown of the day: Marlborough Car Club members leave no one behind, and with a mighty team effort man-handled an unresponsive Evo onto the trailer. Photos: Matt Brown.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st

Neil Webb Jack Webb Richard Bateman Jason Clark Hayden Payne Tane Malcolm Paul Meehan Scott Alexander Brendon Forde Marius Otto Tim Alexander James Moselen Bjorn Cowdrey Daniel Hall Nick O’Hagan Colin Payne Kyle Butt Peter Morey Colin Harvey Andrew Fishburn Jan J Nel Ryan Geyser Jack Webb David Taylor Roy Large Neil Webb Sharisse Guckert Allan Kermeen Phil Parkes Liam Gee Tom Heather

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10.69 10.89 11.24 11.78 12.48 12.59 12.62 12.86 12.92 12.97 13.04 13.1 13.13 13.25 13.39 13.4 13.6 14.11 14.22 14.32 14.91 15.03 15.28 15.36 15.42 15.45 15.64 15.68 16.12 16.14 16.34

Freedom camper clampdown: Mandatory toilets, $1000 fines to flush out abuse Tough new freedom camping laws aimed at preventing abuse and enhancing the country’s tourism reputation will be brought in next year, the Government says. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash last year lamented bad campers and indicated he was examining rules to stop international tourists from hiring vans without toilets. “We get all these vans driving round at the moment that are not self-contained, so the driver or the passenger wants to go to the toilet ... they pull over to the side of the road and they s*** in our waterways.” Now he plans to follow through,

with a new law expected to flush away abuse from next year. “We are setting clear, minimum expectations for campers. Higher standards must be met before vehicles can be certified as truly self-contained with fixed toilets,” Nash said. “Backpackers in budget vehicles are welcome. Motor homes and towed caravans are welcome,” he added. “Despite Government investment of $27 million in freedom camping programmes since 2018, there are still problems, including the inappropriate disposal of human waste.” The minister says some small

communities had suffered an unfair burden. “Abuses in the past included campers slapping bogus blue stickers on vehicles to falsely claim compliance.” He says when international borders re-open, tourism will not match pre-Covid levels but greater pressure can be expected. New laws will mean freedom campers must be in a certified self-contained vehicle to stay overnight on land which local councils manage. Freedom campers will be able to stay on DoC land in vehicles that are not self-contained, unless DoC has formally restricted

New standards for self-contained campers are coming. or prohibited camping in such vehicles. Freedom campers can continue to stay overnight in tents, where permitted. But infringement penalties will increase from $200 to $1000. “To be certified as self-contained, a vehicle will need a fixed toilet,” Nash says.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will oversee certification. Nash says once the bill is passed, changes will be phased in over two years to allow vehicle owners time to ensure their vehicle meet the new standards. The minister says the government has committed $10 million to help local councils educate freedom campers and develop local bylaws over two years. “Freedom camping will always be a valuable part of our tourism experience, but must meet minimum standards and respect our tourism brand.” NZ Herald

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Feature

Kelvin Agent and Kevin Woodham (Woody) on a demolition job at current social welfare office at Alfred Street

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Earthworks team, building water reservoir within Marlborough

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Sport

Fijian sevens’ tough first tourney A Marlborough-based Fijian sports club faced a particularly tough introduction to top-level competition in Wellington last weekend. Turning up for a friendly sevens tournament in the capital, the “Marlborough Fijians” were drawn in the same pool as New Zealand’s top team, the New Zealand men’s All Black Sevens, known as NZ Ignite. Club manager Charlie Tikotikoca says playing the All Black Sevens had never crossed the “star struck” players’ minds. Although they lost 55-0, the Marlborough players relished the opportunity to rub shoulders with such quality opponents. “They [NZ Ignite] were in the same pool, and we thought damn, that’s going to be amazing,” Charlie says. The team played five games, winning one against Cross Victory Whanganui 22-27 and narrowly missed out on a place in the bowl final, losing to Lomaiviti NZ 24-

21. “We were ahead 19-17, and they scored at the last minute,” Charlie recalled. “They had a young, fast winger.” The brand-new Marlborough Fijians team was established in December with the bulk of the players coming from the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. The club did three fundraising pushes and with a bit of help from the community fund, 48 players and supporters made the trip over the Cook Strait to take part in the inaugural Bula Fiji 7s tournament on Saturday 22 January. “We had one team, but a lot of support,” Charlie says. “We wanted it to be a community thing.” He says the club started with playing touch in the afternoon and turned into a sevens team. Based around a wellbeing programme, Charlie says the club will provide support and opportunities for RSE workers and the Pacific Island community.

The Marlborough Fijian sevens team, in the camo jerseys, with the All Black sevens team at the Wellington event. Photo: Andy McArthur. “It’s more for welfare – they’re here to work, but they want to play, too,” he says. “Stay and play.” “It’s opportunities – who knows what’s behind that door?” Half of the team work for Rai Silviculture, who sponsored the team’s camo jerseys while the RSE workers are mainly from Hortus. “We were lucky to get sponsors on board over the Christmas period,” Charlie says. “Especially

when people don’t really see what we’re doing.” He says they want to keep up the hype and have a Marlborough sevens tournament in the works. “It’s a dream that we want as a community,” he says. “We’ve booked Renwick, but we hope to get through to the mayor and use Lansdowne.” Planned for Labour Weekend, the vision for the Marlborough Well-

being Tournament is that of a festival atmosphere, with food stalls and information tents on health and wellbeing. Scores: Waikato 0 - 21 Marlborough Whanganui 22 - 27 Marlborough All Blacks 7’s 55 - 0 Marlborough Rotorua 32 - 0 Marlborough Bowl finals Lomaiviti 24 - 21 Marlborough

Renwick bowlers snare Taranaki trophy PETER JONES

A quartet of Renwick bowlers have landed the top prize at one of the country’s most prestigious events. Skip Jane McIntyre, Judy Hopgood, Dot Arnesen and La Rita Franklin combined superbly to take out the Taranaki women’s

open fours lawn bowls title in New Plymouth at the weekend. The Renwick four scored a convincing win in the final on the Paritutu BC greens, beating the Kia Toa (Hastings) combination of Natarsha Grimshaw, Hanna Rio da Silva, Sue Rogers and Sara Weeks 24-11 after leading the decider all the way. They battled their way through

in the qualifying rounds, claiming their fourth win in their final match to qualify for post-section play. They won their quarterfinal match 24-20 over a Palmerston North four, then beat the Tower club (Hawera) quartet 23-20 in a close semifinal. The Taranaki event, which also features a men’s four competition, is in its 70th year.

The victorious Renwick four – from left Judy Hopgood, La Rita Franklin, Dot Arnesen and Jane McIntyre. Photo: Supplied.

Sport

TUESDAY 1 February 2022

Wairau Rowing Club medallists: GOLD (5) Women’s premier four (Emily Bowden, Brooke Pitchford, Meg Flanagan, Orla Fitzgerald) * Women’s club single (Charlotte Lightfoot) * Men’s novice coxed quad (Luke Martella, Thomas Pitts, Louis Girling, Oliver Watts – Tyran Carter) * Men’s premier quad (Reuben Cook, Kobe Miller, Edward Lopas, Fred Vavasour) * Women’s club double (Kyla Otway, Charlotte Lightfoot) *

Reuben Cook and Logan Docherty set off in the premier double heat. Photos: Sharron Bennett Photography.

Wairau rowers get among the medals PETER JONES

peter@marlboroughmedia.co.nz

The South Island rowing championships at Lake Ruataniwha may have been abbreviated, but it could not stop a steady flow of medals going Wairau’s way. Eighty-two members of the Wairau Rowing Club, plus 12 coaches, travelled south for the annual event on Saturday and Sunday, which was able to go ahead this year under strict COVID constraints. Windy weather disrupted the latter stages of Saturday’s racing, necessitating a hefty schedule on day two. With time constraints an issue after a late start on Sunday, the regatta organisers were forced to curtail proceedings mid-afternoon, meaning several A finals were not able to be contested. Consequently, medals were decided by fastest heat times. The Wairau contingent, a mix of Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College athletes, plus a group of slightly older rowers, picked up five gold medals, plus nine silver and nine bronze. Kaye Surgenor, who coaches the older athletes, said that despite the truncated schedule, it had been a worthwhile exercise for her charges.

The women’s premier four of Emily Bowden, Brooke Pitchford, Meg Flanagan and Orla Fitzgerald push hard on their way to gold. “It is a pity we didn’t get to race [the A finals] … we would have liked the boys to race the premier double and the girls to race the premier four again but those races got chopped.” The women’s premier four of Emily Bowden, Brooke Pitchford, Meg Flanagan, Orla Fitzgerald were the fastest in their heat and awarded the gold medal, while Kobe Miller and Fred Vavasour were second fastest in the men’s premier double, with Reuben Cook and Logan Docherty third. Charlotte Lightfoot picked up gold in the women’s club single then teamed with Kyla Otway to produce the fastest time in the women’s club double. Surgenor said the effort of Cook to get third in the premier single was a standout, es-

pecially given his age and the fact he is a lightweight. “That was a really big achievement for him,” she suggested. “The women’s premier pair of Brooke Pitchford and Kyla Otway also did extremely well to get second.” She also highlighted the effort of the men’s premier quad, comprising Cook, Miller, Edward Lopas and Vavasour who shaded handy West End and Avon combinations to claim gold. MBC head coach John Robinson said his group, who won eight medals, “were shaping up well”. He had special praise for the under-15 group who he said were showing plenty of promise, while singling out the gold-medal-winning novice

coxed quad of Luke Martella, Thomas Pitts, Louis Girling, Oliver Watts and coxswain Tyran Carter as the group’s standout crew. “They sculled very well … winning their heat by around 100m. They unfortunately only had one row, but if there is any such thing as a certainty [for gold] in the final it was them.” Martella and Pitts backed that effort up with silver in the men’s novice double. The under-19 coxed quad of Leon Poswillo, Zachary Jenkins, Hugh Straker, Ashley-James Fitzgerald and cox Walter Wickham grabbed silver after limited preparation together while Fitzgerald picked up a “very creditable” bronze in the senior single. While the MGC crews did not manage to bring back a gold, they claimed six medals. Showing the way were the under-17 coxed four of Daisy Vavasour, Lexi Timpson, Emma Flanagan, Molly Glover, with cox Elizabeth Bowron and the under-15 eight, comprising Grace Straker, Mila van Reusberg, Jessica Brown-Shi, Sophie Saggers, Stella Cornelius, Harriot McLauchlan, Eliza Glover, Bella Rayner, plus cox Molly Wilkes who both bagged silver.

SILVER (9) Boys’ under-15 octuple sculls (Hamish Lindstrom, Jock Flanagan, Louis Girling, Ben Musgrove, Te Ariki Hook, Aston Underwood, Brodie Materoa, Oliver Wakelin – Jack Shaw) Women’s premier pair (Brooke Pitchford, Kyla Otway) Men’s novice double (Luke Martella, Thomas Pitts) * Men’s premier double (Kobe Miller, Fred Vavasour) * Boys’ under-16 coxed quad (George Lindstrom, Hunter Nelson, Shane Henry, Blake Fitzgerald – Walter Wickham) * Women’s intermediate single (Grace Waring-Jones) * Men’s under-19 coxed quad (Leon Poswillo, Zachary Jenkins, Hugh Straker, Ashley-James Fitzgerald – Walter Wickham) * Girls’ under-17 coxed four (Daisy Vavasour, Lexi Timpson, Emma Flanagan, Molly Glover – Elizabeth Bowron) * Girls’ under-15 eight (Grace Straker, Mila van Reusberg, Jessica Brown-Shi, Sophie Saggers, Stella Cornelius, Harriot McLauchlan, Eliza Glover, Bella Rayner – Molly Wilkes) * BRONZE (9) Girls’ under-15 coxed quad (Grace Straker, Mila van Reusberg, Jessica Brown-Shi, Sophie Saggers – Molly Wilkes) Men’s premier single (Reuben Cook) Men’s senior single (Ashley-James Fitzgerald) Girls’ under-17 eight (Daisy Vavasour, Lexi Timpson, Emma Flanagan, Holly Feltham, Jorja Bacchus, Ella Barnes, Jessica Bennet, Molly Glover – Elizabeth Bowron) Men’s senior pair (Edward Botherway, Dylan Burton) Men’s premier double (Reuben Cook, Logan Docherty) * Women’s club pair (Lexi Timpson, Daisy Vavasour) * Men’s intermediate double (George Lindstrom, Shane Henry) * Boys’ under-15 quad (Hamish Lindstrom, Jack Flanagan, Louis Girling, Ben Musgrove – Tyran Carter) * *Final placings decided on heat times – A finals cancelled

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