Blenheim Sun: June 13, 2024

June 12, 2024 | LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS - LOCAL NEWS 

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‘A human 

experience’ 

By Chris Valli 

An ‘extraordinary opportunity to 

witness a masterful performance’ and 

support a vital cause is on offer for locals 

at the Boathouse Theatre next weekend. 

A solo play called ‘The Voice of the 

Departed’ features award-winning 

Ukrainian actress, director, composer, 

and singer, Dasha Volga. Dasha’s poignant 

solo performance is promoted as an 

‘emotional rollercoaster’ as she brings 

to life characters from different times 

and cultures sharing stories of intimacy 

and love, solitude and togetherness, war 

and peace. 

Continued on page 2. 

Ukrainian and Blenheim based Anastasiia 

Shumkova says the show is 

a different type of theatre. “Dasha is 

representing herself, the audience will 

be part of the story and it will be an 

intimate experience,” she says. 

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2 

Wednesday June 12, 2024 

How to 

reach us 

Simon Byrne 

Sales Manager 

simon@blenheimsun.co.nz 

Katrina Whiteside 

Sales Consultant 

katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz 

Rebecca Sampson 

Sales Consultant 

rebecca@blenheimsun.co.nz 

Chris Valli 

Journalist 

news@blenheimsun.co.nz 

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in Marlborough. 

‘We can unite and bring 

our stories together’ 

Continued from page 1. 

Blenheim based Ukrainian Anastasiia 

Shumkova has been living 

in Marlborough since 2018 and 

works as a Health and Safety 

Compliance Officer with New 

Zealand Wineries at Riverlands 

Estate. She says she heard about 

Dasha through her Mum who 

says Dasha was a famous director/ 

actress ‘back home’. 

“She mentioned to me, you know 

she actually lives in New Zealand, 

Auckland now. How was I supposed 

to know?” she laughs. 

In February 2022, Russia 

launched a full-scale invasion 

of her home country. Anastasiia 

says when the Russian invasion 

happened, ‘all Ukrainians came 

to be united.’ Especially she says, 

migrants, being in a different 

country. 

“We soon came to realise our 

community is not that big,” she 

says, with a number of her country 

men and women connecting 

through social media platforms and 

networking. “That’s how I came 

across Dasha through a group chat 

sharing experiences and information 

such as fundraising and setting 

up trusts,” she says. 

“We also realised we can unite 

and bring our own stories together, 

especially through the arts. The 

play has only been shown once 

before in Auckland and was a great 

success. We talked that it would 

be great to bring it to Blenheim 

and especially in June as she will 

be turning 50 on June 19,” she 

says. “There’s no better place 

to celebrate your birthday than 

Marlborough.” 

Anastasiia, who hails from 

Slavutych, Chernihiv, in northern 

Ukraine, says she was asked why 

Ukraine was not represented in 

the Marlborough Multi-Cultural 

Festival in 2023. She admits it just 

wasn’t the right time. 

“I realised this year, it was actually 

a good time to talk, about our 

culture our people our identity,” 

she says. “It’s important to show 

(locals) our culture about Ukraine 

and not just about the war.” 

Following the show, on the Sunday, 

a ‘unique acting masterclass 

workshop led by Dasha will take 

place from 11am to 12:30pm. The 

workshop is based on the technique 

of the iconic European theatre 

practitioner Jerzy Grotowski and 

will teach the art of improvisation 

and quick reaction. 

Anastasiia says participants will 

engage their bodies and voices, 

exploring how life experiences are 

embodied. 

“This exercise serves as both a 

warm-up for professional actors 

and a chance for attendees from 

various fields to acquire valuable 

skills and psychological insights,” 

says Anastasiia. 

“The show is a different type of 

The Sun 

Award-winning Ukrainian actress, director, composer, and singer, 

Dasha Volga. The Voice of the Departed is promoted as an ‘emotional 

rollercoaster’ bringing to life characters from different cultures, sharing 

stories of love, solitude, war and peace. 

theatre. There is a piano and a 

microphone yet she is representing 

herself, the audience will be part 

of the story and the communication, 

it will be a close and intimate 

experience. A human experience.” 

50 percent of the profits from 

the performance will be donated 

to support Ukraine and the 

brave volunteers who are doing 

the impossible under terrifying 

circumstances. 

Voice of the Departed is at the 

Boathouse Theatre on Saturday, 

June 22 from 6 – 9:30pm. For 

more details contact: shumqo@ 

gmail.com or call Anastasiia on 

027 296 9287. 

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Wednesday June 12, 2024 3 

Proposed merger 

into co-op 


Marlborough supermarket 

shoppers are potentially in line 

for ‘more value and innovation’ 

with a proposed merger of 

Foodstuffs North Island and 

Foodstuffs South Island into one 

New Zealand-wide co-op. 

Last week, in a historic moment 

for the 100-year-old, 100 

percent NZ-owned co-ops, 

members voted strongly in 

favour of a merger. It means the 

merger can go ahead, subject 

to Commerce Commission and 

High Court approval. 

In November 2023, the Boards 

of both co-ops proposed the 

merger, saying it must deliver 

meaningful benefits for customers, 

members, teams, suppliers 

and communities. 

CEO-designate of the proposed 

national Foodstuffs co-op 

Chris Quin welcomed the result, 

which is a major milestone in 

the merger process. 

“This is a great day for our 

co-ops. New Zealanders want 

us to deliver more value and innovation. 

We’re up for this, and 

as one national co-op, we can 

do this faster and better,” says 

Quin. “We have to challenge 

every aspect of our business 

model to be as efficient as we 

can, because our number one 

job is delivering great prices at 

the checkout. It’s the right time 

after the significant changes 

over the past four years to make 

sure we’re doing the best for 

New Zealanders.” 

The two co-ops already share 

strong values and trusted 

brands, including PAK’nSAVE, 

New World, Four Square, and 

its own brand, Pams as well as 

Raeward Fresh and On the Spot 

in the South Island. 

“It’s been a lot of work to get to 

this point. We had to make sure 

it was the right thing to do for 

our co-ops and our customers,” 

says Quin. “There’s still more 

to be done, as the Commerce 

Commission clearance process 

is ongoing. We continue to 

engage constructively with the 

Commission. 

“We welcome competition and 

hope the New Zealand business 

environment enables more, but 

let’s not lose sight of the importance 

of a strong, well run, 

wholly New Zealand-owned 

and operated co-operative in 

the mix and what that means 

for our communities, country 

and economy. 

Across the Tasman, price 

dynamics have played a big 

part in supermarket and grocery 

store performance in recent 

years. The continued expansion 

of Aldi and Costco has forced 

the two established industry 

giants, Woolworths and Coles, 

to remain price-competitive on 

WELCOMING COMPETITION: Russell McKenzie, Foodstuffs Chair-designate 

and Chris Quin, Foodstuffs CEO-designate. Chris says Foodstuffs 

number one job is delivering great prices at the checkout. 

the consumer front. 

To differentiate themselves 

from low-cost supermarkets, 

Coles and Woolworths have leant 

into attracting customers with 

improved store refurbishments 

and expanded online shopping 

capabilities. These supermarket 

giants are also relying on loyalty 

programs and promotions as 

deceptive discounting practices 

face heightened scrutiny from 

regulators. 

Blenheim Sun readers who 

contacted the paper and didn’t 

wish to be named says it was 

‘long overdue’ there was competition 

for the best prices while 

another says we were ‘behind 

the eight ball’ when it came to 

what is happening in Australian 

supermarkets. 

In April, the Commerce Commission 

said it was concerned 

that if Foodstuffs became a 

single grocery entity it would 

further reduce competition in 

the market. 

It was concerned there was also 

potential for a merged Foodstuffs 

to coordinate with the other large 

national grocer, Woolworths, to 

get lower prices and more favourable 

trade terms from suppliers. 

inbrief 


Correction 

Our June 5 th issue of the Sun, page 3 

story on the The Woody Pig & Deer Hunt 

contained some errors. 

The sponsor of the grand prize, a 

Mitsubishi Triton ute should have been 

listed as the Marlborough Motor Centre, 

and presenting the prize was Ben 

Norris. The Blenheim Sun apologises 

for these errors. 

Marlborough MyLotto $24K 

A Marlborough MyLotto store and 

ticket was one of 29 lucky Lotto players 

who will be celebrating after each 

winning $24,952 with Lotto Second 

Division from last Wednesday night’s 

live Lotto draw. 

One lucky player also won Powerball 

Second Division, taking their total 

winnings to $79,461. 

Tasman population 

growing diversity 

The Tasman region is growing quicker 

than anywhere in the country with the 

population rapidly becoming more 

ethnically diverse. 

Census results show Tasman grew 

by 10.3% in 2023, compared to the 

previous census in 2018. 

Crop Swap 

Saturday 15th June 2.00-4.00pm, 

at Crossroads, 2 Redwood Street. $2 

koha to our hosts. Sharing abundance 

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preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, recipes, 

eggs, flowers, seedlings, baking. Giving 

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4 


inbrief 


Get ready to register 

your dog 

It’s that time of year again when 

your four-legged friend needs to be 

registered. The dog registration year 

runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 

and all dogs over three months old 

must be registered. Forms will be sent 

to owner’s last known address at the 

beginning of June. Please contact Animal 

Control if you don’t receive yours. All 

dog registration fees need to be paid by 

1 July; after 31 July late penalty fees will 

apply. For more information go to: www. 

marlborough.govt.nz/services/dogsand-other-animals/dog-registration 

Matariki Night Market 

Whitehaven’s Matariki Night Market is 

on at the Vines Village Saturday 22 June 

4.30pm – 7.30pm. A fun evening for all, 

explore the Vines Village vendors, night 

lit gardens with local producers and 

stallholders, live music, fire dancers, 

poi demonstrations, face painting, and 

a special treasure hunt. It will be an 

amazing encounter around every corner! 

Masquerade Ball 

The Cure Kids Masquerade Ball is on 

Saturday 29 June 6pm - 11pm at the 

Marlborough Events Centre. A black tie 

fundraiser, all proceeds go to Cure Kids NZ. 

Get yourself glammed up in your favourite 

ball gown or stylish suit, accessorise 

with an elegant mask, and prepare to be 

entertained by local band Eclectic Fix. 

Tickets available at ASB Theatre Box Office 

and online asbtheatre.com 

‘A once in a lifetime 

opportunity’ 


A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits for 

Seddon School student Claudia Richmond. 

The Year 8 student will be singing at the 

27th World Championships of Performing 

Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles after 

auditioning and being selected to represent 

New Zealand at the event. 

Claudia is the only child from the top of 

the South Island chosen to perform at the 

event and is one of 17 children selected 

from across New Zealand to take part. 

The ten day international event will see 

performers from up to 70 countries take 

to the world stage in Los Angeles. Claudia 

will be performing three songs of her 

choice from the pop and Broadway musical 

theatre genres. 

The international competition is often 

cited as the Official “Talent Olympics” 

for aspiring performers and entertainers. 

Highlights of the event will include a 

Parade of Nations, a Worldstars Boot 

camp and a global webcast where the 

Grand Champions of the World will be 

selected. As part of the event, Claudia 

will also attend performing art seminars, 

workshops and classes taken by renowned 

entertainment experts. 

Proud Mum Makaela says they have 

had wonderful support from the local 

community along with family and friends 

who have all helped Claudia to achieve 

her dream of performing in Hollywood 

and experience this once in a lifetime 

opportunity. 

The 13-year-old says she is looking 

forward to meeting children from different 

countries who love the performing arts 

like she does, and is excited to experience 

singing on the world stage in Hollywood 

and attend the performing art workshops. 

Claudia has performed on stage since the 

age of three and trained in dance, theatre 

and singing. She enjoys the excitement that 

live theatre performance brings and sharing 

her passion for the performing arts with 

the audience. 

Two of the high profile judges include, 

Steven Dorff, a music composer with 

three Grammy nominees. His many songs 

have been sung by artists such as Barbra 

Streisand, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. 

Another is Bob Garrett who does 

vocal coaching and technique work for 

celebrity artists such as Katy Perry, Drew 

Barrymore, Hugh Jackman and Channing 

Tatum. 

Special emphasis will be placed on 

the entertainment and marketing value 

during judging. They say this in no way 

takes away from the technical aspect of 

the performances but simply looks for that 

‘special charisma and stage presence’ that 

top entertainers have. 

The World Championships of Performing 

Arts is held June 28 - July 7. 


SEDDON TO HOLLYWOOD: Seddon School student 

Claudia Richmond in her Team New Zealand 

ceremonial attire for The World Championships of 

Performing Arts. The Year 8 student will be singing 

at the 27th World Championships of Performing 

Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles after auditioning 

and being selected to represent New Zealand at 

the event. 

Stuart Smith 

MP for Kaikōura 

Blenheim Office 

22 Scott Street, Blenheim 

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz 

03 579 3204 

Amberley Office 

103A Carters Road, Amberley 7841 

03 314 7441 

0800 STUART 

9.30am 

MONDAY 17 TH June 2024 

1171 WAIHOPAI VALLEY ROAD, MARLBOROUGH 

PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO ATTEND 

email: kate@marisco.co.nz 

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Authorised by Stuart Smith MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. 

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LEEFIELD STATION 

FARM MANAGER 

FARM VISITS AND ENQUIRIES WELCOME 

PH: 0275 511 011 greg@leefieldstation.co.nz



Wright choice for Dolores 

inbrief 



Amber Wright believes if it wasn’t 

for karaoke, the thought of auditioning 

for Stars in Your Eyes 2024, 

wouldn’t have happened. 

Amber will take to the ASB Theatre 

in August as Dolores O’Riordan, 

the Irish musician and lead vocalist 

of the band The Cranberries. Thirty 

years after a lethal IRA bomb 

inspired its stark, chilling lyrics, the 

song she will be singing, Zombie, 

experienced an unlikely rebirth as a 

Rugby World Cup anthem for Ireland 

fans in 2023. 

A keen Singstar enthusiast (music 

video game for PlayStation consoles), 

it was a Thursday night out 

at Fairweathers karaoke and a conversation 

with host and former Stars 

contestant Chris Lippiatt (Eddie 

Vedder 2021 and Jack Black 2023) 

which provided the impetus to give 

the charity event fundraiser a crack. 

“He said ‘go on’, and I thought I’d 

try it,” she says. “I can’t really copy 

anybody else’s voice if that makes 

sense? The lilty sound that she can 

do, I found out that I can do that.” 

Throughout her life, O’Riordan 

had to overcome personal challenges. 

She struggled with depression 

and the pressure of her own success, 

and was diagnosed with bipolar 

disorder in 2015 and died from 

drowning due to alcohol intoxication 

in January 2018. In the months 

following her death, she was named 

“The Top Female Artist of All 

Time” on Billboard’s Alternative 

Songs chart. 

So how does the 29-year-old feel 

about portraying one of the most 

recognizable voices in rock from 

the 1990s, known for her lilting 

mezzo-soprano voice and strong 

Limerick accent? 

“I’m nervous for sure. I’m a Cranberries 

fan. If she didn’t show up to 

be part of the band, they wouldn’t 

have existed. I feel the same emotion 

as her when I sing the song. The 

entire world loves it for a specific 

reason….they all feel the same way 

and that’s why I love it.” 

Surviving members of the Cranberries 

said the song’s revival would 

have delighted O’Riordan. 

Amber, a born and bred Marlburian 

has a number one supporter 

in five-year-old son Finn. As for 

homework of Dolores and her 

physicality and movement, Amber 

says doing drama at Marlborough 

Girls’ College certainly helps ‘with 

a baseline’ or starting point. 

“I love to sing and that’s 

what I’m excited about. 

Weirdly, I’ve never done 

anything like this in 

front of a big crowd 

and I’ve never had the 

confidence either. I’m 

not even sure what 

has given me the confidence 

this time but 

let’s go with it, while 

it’s here.” 

“I like watching 

shows so it will be 

funny being part of, 

the people back stage. 

It’s hard to explain. I 

can’t wait.” 

Stars in Their Eyes is 

on Saturday, August 24. 

Amber Wright believes if it wasn’t for 

karaoke, the thought of auditioning 

for Stars in Their Eyes 2024, wouldn’t 

have happened. Amber will take to 

the ASB Theatre in August as Dolores 

O’Riordan, vocalist of the band The 

Cranberries. 

Taylor River channel 

capacity 

Improvement works are continuing 

on the Taylor River either side of the 

Hutcheson Street Bridge. 

Rivers and Drainage Engineering 

Manager Andy White says the work 

began at the beginning of May to 

recover channel capacity in the Taylor 

River. 

The Rivers and Drainage engineering 

team had been planning this precursory 

edging work ahead of a larger 

programme due to start later this year, 

subject to Long Term Plan approval. 

Bumper Winter Events 

Guide out now 

If you want to know what’s on in 

Marlborough this winter, look no 

further than the Winter Events Guide. 

Regional Events Advisor Samantha 

Young says the guide is now available, 

showcasing Marlborough events from 

1 June to 31 August. “This is the biggest 

Winter Events Guide ever, which is 

heartening considering the tough time 

many of our events have had these past 

few years,” Sam says. 

“Our events sector has shown a lot 

of determination and creativity in the 

face of challenges,” she said. “You only 

need look to the inaugural Pride Wairau 

Festival this June as a great example 

of a new event and Marlborough’s 

celebration of Matariki also continues 

to grow with an array of events and a 

programme due out soon as well.” 

Printed copies of the guide are 

available now from Council offices, 

libraries, isites and the ASB Theatre. 

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6 


Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street. 


Marlborough occupational and physio therapists are raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND) on June 22. 

We asked why and how the upcoming ice bucket 

challenge puts MND in the conversation 

Courtney Capener 

Blenheim 

I have worked with clients with 

MND and have seen first-hand 

the impact on themselves and 

their families. 

Jasmine Chua (South 

Island Regional Support 

Advisor MND NZ) 

Imagine, doused in ice, you are 

momentarily numbed and weak 

in your upper body and limbs and 

hands. The shock of the ice makes 

you lose your fine motor movement 

or dexterity. For MND you 

are not momentarily incapacitated; 

it’s for the rest of your life. 

Joanne Harper 


I’ve always wanted to do an 

ice bucket challenge and it’s a 

great cause. I want to support 

the people we actually work 

with and in memory of those 

who have gone before. 

Katya Old 

Auckland 

This year is the 10th anniversary 

of the Ice Bucket Challenge. 

It was started by pro golfer 

Chris Kennedy who poured a 

bucket of ice over his head for 

ALS (a type of MND and a term 

used more commonly in the 

US). 

Andrea Stringer 


It’s about supporting those we 

work with and their families, 

and the devastating prognosis 

of MND. 

Andrea Barnaby 


My work as a physio is about 

improving health and often 

those with MND it’s difficult for. 

This is about bringing awareness. 

Letters 

Letters on issues of community 

interest are welcomed. A maximum 

of 150 words please. 

They must be signed and a street 

address provided to show good 

faith, even when a nom de plume is 

provided for publication. 

The editor reserves the right to 

Scragged goat 

Tell me Mrs Hunt, how do you know it 

was “pig dogs” that scragged that goat? 

Did you see them/it? 

It could have been Joe Blog’s pet dogs. 

Pig dogs just look like anybody’s pet 

dog; in fact a lot of hunting dogs are the 

family’s pets. 

Keeping hope alive 

A massive thank you to Chris Valli for 

another fantastic article supporting Trinity’s 

fight for life. One day post-surgery, 

it is the girls hope to be able to meet you 

and thank you in person. 

Not only is Blenheim a stunning place 

to visit, it is also filled with some truly 

beautiful hearted people and we are so 

extremely grateful for all your support. 

We can NOT thank Chris from the 

Blenheim Sun highly enough for his 

support and courage, and his continual 

assistance in bringing awareness of 

to the editor 

abridge letters or withhold letters from 

publication. 

Email them to news@blenheimsun. 

co.nz or present to our office at 72 

High St. 

Please note that your name and 

street address MUST be provided 

with emails. 

The majority of pig hunter’s dogs are 

stockproof, after all they want to catch 

pigs and certainly not spend precious 

time chasing goats. It’s not a happy hunter 

who does that. 

Colin Geertson 


not only Trinity’s struggles with our 

current health system, but for all that are 

struggling. 

Whilst we as a family acknowledge 

the growing problem of Mental Health 

issues in our country this should NOT be 

used as an opportunity by specialists to 

deny care or further investigations when 

standard tests don’t show an issue. 

The Blenheim Sun, keeping it real and 

keeping hope alive. 

Lynn Hankey, grandmother 

Spring Creek 

What’s in a name? 

Dear Ed, 

The evolution of Maori and Te Reo is quite 

confusing. The Blenheim Med Lab for blood 

tests is now called Awanui Lab. 

However Awanui is a rural village just north 

of Kaitaia. So I cannot see any relevance to 

that. 

Awanui means “large river” according to 

Reeds “New Zealand Place Names.” 

But I still cannot see any relationship to that. 

So I went to the Raupo Maori dictionary, 

which said “awanui” is a trumpet shell. 

It still does not make sense. 

Amidst the confusion, I will stick to 

MedLab. 

Then I see the Whitney Street School has 

Answers from central government 

Without taking a breath or checking out 

the ramifications the incoming coalition 

Government cancelled the iRex InterIslander 

resilience project. 

Dublin Street at the eastern end had been 

closed for a year as contractors were preparing 

to build a road overbridge across the 

railway line. 

Soundings were taken, and piles were 

stacked ready for work to begin. 

Since that time all the materials for building 

the bridge have been removed, but still 

leaving Dublin Street truncated. 

About two months ago the mayor announced 

that as the bridge project was cancelled, 

the level crossing would be reinstated by 

KiwiRail, and that work would start shortly 

been translated to Witini. 

I am not sure why. What is wrong with 

Whitney? 

The English derived name Whitney may 

well apply to the name for another school, 

person or the like somewhere else in New 

Zealand. 

Will it, under Te Reo application there, be 

Witini or perhaps Whitnui, Whatiti, Watarangi 

or another? 

It’s all so confusing. 

I better go and lie down and rest my addled 

brain, 

Tony Orman 


after Easter. 

It is now nearly three months from Easter 

Monday, and no sign of work starting. 

Can anyone in authority advise us as to 

when this work will start, and about how soon 

can Dublin Street be reopened? 

The project was a brilliant solution that 

would have put the ferry operation on track 

for 25 plus years. 

Something similar will be needed to make 

the InterIslander operation reliable well into 

the future. 

We are back where we started three years 

ago with no resolution in sight. 

Phil Hunt 

Picton 

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Have you got your wheelie bin? 

Nearly 33,000 wheelie bins have been 

delivered to Marlborough households as part 

of the new expanded kerbside service. 

From 1 July wheelie bins will replace the black 

plastic bags. 

Each eligible household should have received 

two wheelie bins – a red top one for waste and 

a yellow top one for recycling. 

More than 2,000 maroon crates have also 

been delivered to households new to the 

service. These are currently used for general 

recycling but after 1 July will be used for glass 

recycling only, Solid Waste Manager Mark 

Lucas said. 

“Rubbish bags won’t be collected kerbside 

after 1 July,” Mr Lucas said. “The new wheelie 

bin service provides improved capacity and 

efficiency, saving 750,000 bags going to 

landfill every year.” 

If you haven’t received your bin yet call Council 

on 03 520 7400 or email mdc@marlborough. 

govt.nz 

Remember the new bins will not be collected 

until 1 July - if you notice your neighbour has 

put one out, remind them the service doesn’t 

start until then. 

After 1 July, bins should be placed on the kerb 

edge by 7am, facing the road and away from 

obstacles and overhanging trees. They need to 

be half a metre apart to allow trucks to lift them. 

Demolition of Picton ferry terminal set for June 

The landscape of Picton’s port waterfront is 

about to change, with the demolition of the 

Picton ferry terminal, scheduled to start in 

mid-June. 

The building’s demolition follows the 

cancellation of the iReX project, which had 

originally made provision for the terminal’s 

replacement. 

Constructed in the 1960s to support the 

passenger and freight service for New 

Zealand’s first rail-enabled ferry, Aramoana, 

the terminal building has seen the passage 

of millions of travellers between the North 

and South islands during its lifetime, Port 

Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn said. 

“Despite changes in the area, inter-island 

ferries will continue to operate from their 

usual berths, ensuring minimal disruption to 

passengers,” he said. 

The Picton ferry terminal soon after it was built in the 1960s 

Credit: Picton Historical Society 

Any households still holding rubbish bag 

vouchers can redeem them at Council offices 

or get a rebate up until 30 June. From 1 July, 

rubbish bags will not be collected from the 

kerbside; however they will be accepted at 

transfer stations, the Waste Sorting Centre or 

the Resource Recovery Centre. 

To make sure you are up to date with kerbside 

collection days and other specific information 

be sure to download the Antenno app. 

If you are unsure how to do this, get a 

family member to help or contact Council on 

Ph: 03 520 7400. 

To find out more, including a calendar showing 

collection days, go to: links.marlborough.govt. 

nz/kerbside-collections 

A new temporary terminal building and 

passenger walkway has been established 

for the Interislander to handle passenger 

and luggage services in the medium term 

and KiwiRail has reported that it is working 

well since it opened in June 2023. StraitNZ 

Bluebridge services remain unaffected. 

In recent years the building has not been 

maintained to usual high standards, due to 

its anticipated demolition under the iReX 

project. 

“The demolition of the terminal building will 

now clear the site for future port operations 

and Port Marlborough continues to work 

closely with government agencies on the 

next steps for development. The works 

are being managed carefully to ensure 

continued service efficiency and safety for 

our busy port,” Mr Welbourn said. 

New guide shines light on Matariki 

events in Marlborough 

A new event programme showcasing the 

celebration of Matariki in Marlborough is 

now available. 

Council’s Project Lead for Arts, Culture 

and Heritage Nicola Neilson said Council 

decided to produce the new guide due to 

the growing number of Matariki events. 

“It is wonderful to see Marlborough 

embracing Matariki with more events 

every year. They provide a special 

chance to come together as a community 

to learn, reflect on and celebrate the 

Māori New Year, and immerse oneself in 

te ao Māori,” Mrs Neilson said. 

Events this year range from traditional 

dawn ceremonies to night light shows. 

“The events all celebrate the three major 

principles of Matariki: remembrance - 

honouring those who have died since 

the last rising of Matariki; the present 

- gathering together with family and 

friends; and the future - looking forward 

to the promise of a new year,” she said. 

Nine applicants were successful in 

receiving support from Council’s 

Mānawatia te Kahui o Matariki/ 

Marlborough Matariki Event Fund. 

The fund was established in 2023 and 

celebrates and supports the regeneration 

of mātauranga associated with Te Kāhui 

o Matariki. The contestable fund aims to 

support the community in hosting events 

that recognise not only Te Rā Aro ki a 

Matariki, the public holiday, but also the 

wider kaupapa and principles of Matariki. 

Successful cruise season concludes 

Port Marlborough has wrapped up an 

exceptional cruise season, setting new 

records and receiving high praise from 

visitors. 

This season, 55 cruise ships berthed 

at Waimahara and Waitohi wharves, 

including 10 maiden calls. The 2023/24 

season brought 100,859 passengers 

and 43,876 crew members here, a slight 

increase on previous years. 

Port Marlborough’s GM Port and Marine 

Ryan Lock said to commemorate the 

first-time visits, representatives from Port 

Marlborough and Council presented 

plaques to the ships’ captains. 

“The team at Port Marlborough facilitates 

the cruise industry for Marlborough 

through the provision of pilotage and 

towage services, port planning and 

administration, and wharf logistics 

including gangways, security, marshalling 

and fencing. Our team is proud to play 

a part in this key tourism trade for our 

region,” Mr Lock said. 

“Our team reported that cruise 

passengers were particularly impressed 

by the unique experiences offered in 

Marlborough, which stood out in contrast 

to other ports. The proximity to both the 

natural environment of the Sounds and 

IMAGE: RANGITĀNE O WAIRAU 

MĀnawatia 

te KĀhui o 

Matariki 

Pick up your copy from 

Marlborough District Council 

Matariki is the star cluster also known as 

Pleiades. It’s part of a larger constellation 

called Taurus and is one of the earliest 

recorded groups of stars in human 

history, with a record that dates back 

some 17,000 years. For Māori, the rising 

of Matariki signals te Mātahi o te Tau, the 

Māori New Year. In 2022 Matariki became 

an official public holiday in Aotearoa New 

Zealand. 

The guide is available from Marlborough 

District Libraries, the Marlborough Art 

Gallery and Council’s Customer Service 

Centres, and online at www.marlborough. 

govt.nz and www.follow-me.co.nz 

being centred in New Zealand’s biggest 

wine-producing region allows for a 

variety of engaging activities that cater 

to the diverse interests of passengers, 

which was reflected in the positive 

stories we heard from passengers after 

their days ashore,” he said. 

Winery tours proved to be a major 

draw, with many passengers taking 

the opportunity to sample some of 

Marlborough’s finest at cellar doors. 

Water taxi tours in the Sounds were 

another highlight, offering passengers 

the chance to explore the Sounds up 

close. 

“The local artisan markets which are 

organised by the Picton Lions Club 

were also well regarded, and our local 

hospitality and retail outlets proved 

popular for passengers to enjoy 

refreshments, top-notch meals and local 

souvenirs,” Mr Lock said. 

Picton Flower Ladies once again 

provided a warm welcome for cruise 

visitors throughout the season. 

Nationally the number of cruise visits for 

next season is slightly down, however Mr 

Lock said there was no major reduction 

in numbers for Picton, with around 52 

visits scheduled.

8 


one on one 

with the Sun 


Marlborough’s volunteers 

– ‘the best in the country’ 

National Volunteer Week 2024 runs from June 16 – 22. There is no shortage of good folk in 

Marlborough when it comes to giving back to the community. Chris Valli spoke with former Mayor 

Alistair Sowman about his volunteer role as Chairman of Alzheimers Marlborough. 

This Sunday, June 16, marks the 

beginning of National Volunteer 

Week which runs until June 22. The 

week honours the collective energies 

and mana of all volunteers across the 

country. 

When it comes to Marlborough’s 

volunteers, there is no shortage of 

people putting their collective hands 

up to ‘freely offering’ to undertake 

a task from sending a team up to 

Auckland to help in the aftermath of 

Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 

to animal welfare group Marlborough 

Four Paws going above and beyond 

their volunteer hours of ‘animal care’. 

Cue Alzheimers Marlborough. 

Manager Catherine Donnelly says 

they wouldn’t be able to operate the 

centre the way they do if it wasn’t for 

the volunteers. 

The Wither Road location currently 

has 40 volunteers and they 

need more. Among other roles, the 

volunteers help transport clients 

to and from the centre, assist with 

morning and afternoon teas, and 

enable the running of an invigorating, 

stimulating programme. 

Fourth generation Marlburian and 

former Mayor Alistair Sowman is 

currently the Chair of Alzheimers 

Marlborough, and volunteers accordingly. 

In 2009, at the then TrustPower 

Marlborough Community Awards, 

Alistair acknowledged the significance 

of volunteers saying it was 

important that we ‘publicly acknowledge 

those people’ who are prepared 

to give their time and energy in the 

voluntary work that provides the glue 

to our community. 

“I hate to think what would happen 

without the volunteers who keep 

the sports clubs functioning, those 

behind the scenes with our cultural 

groups, those who work without pay 

at the community Hospice and Barnados, 

or those who give countless 

unpaid hours through the service 

clubs,” he says. 

Alistair says Alzheimers Marlborough 

have 64 day clients plus 93 

community clients with dementia. 

The progressive brain disease 

destroys memory with brain cell connections 

themselves degenerating, 

eventually destroying memory and 

other important mental functions. No 

cure exists, but medication and management 

strategies may temporarily 

improve symptoms. 

“It’s because of 

our volunteers, and 

the generosity of 

people” 

“When a person gets dementia, 

it takes two people who also get 

diagnosed,” he says. “It’s a full time 

job. You can make their lives more 

comfortable with the right treatment 

and with the right people.” 

“When I first joined them they used 

to have clients walk down the road 

but now there are active walking 

groups climbing the Wither Hills. We 

have three vans now which take them 

out, and we’re starting to get those 

with dementia at around 50 plus. 

Diagnosis of dementia is one of our 

biggest problems, early diagnosis is 

key and getting the brain stimulated.” 

Alistair’s involvement as a volunteer 

with Alzheimers Marlborough 

came about during his mayoralty 

when a ‘couple of board members 

came into the chambers asking for 

land, such as at 8 Wither Road.’ 

“It was when friends from my 

college days put the hard word on 

to find some land for them, and 

finding money to get things up 

and running that I really got 

involved. The building is now 

freehold. We set up a committee 

and then a board. It’s about 

being financially stable, like 

any board, making sure the 

staff is doing their jobs. If you 

have good people, it certainly 

helps.” 

“We have a number of people 

who come in and play the piano 

or music and give their time, 

the clients are up dancing, and it 

keeps them going and stimulates 

them. We had a quiz recently which 

got them thinking, it was great.” 

At the end of this month, Alistair 

will step down as chair after six 

years in the position. The reason 

he says is ‘because the constitution 

says six years’. There could be 

other roles or positions and he says 

‘we’re looking at what that might 

look like.’ 

He is adamant as a collective community, 

especially with Alzheimers 

Marlborough, and after attending 

an AGM in Wellington recently, 

‘we have the best facilities of any 

Alzheimers organisation in New 

Zealand. 

“We are treating people and 

forming relationships. Those that 

are volunteering working alongside 

dementia clients have had 

Fourth generation Marlburian and former Mayor Alistair Sowman 

is currently the Chair of Alzheimers Marlborough, and volunteers 

accordingly. “Helping people overcome dementia is what drives 

us all, and giving them a better quality of life,” he says. 

contact with someone who has 

alzheimers. Some of the people 

who started volunteering 

in 1987 are still here today. 

There are dedicated funding 

groups with the likes of the 

Arts Trail, auctions and golf 

tournaments. Still here raising 

money, it’s a huge satisfaction 

to see people’s faces out there, 

enjoying it. 

“It’s because of our volunteers, 

and the generosity of 

people, they are the best in 

the country. Helping people 

overcome dementia is what 

drives us all, and giving them 

a better quality of life.” 

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Seaview Home 

marks a milestone 

By Glenise Dreaver 

Thirty years ago, Donna and Jake Kreft left 

Central Otago for Picton to realise a dream. 

They could see the potential of the old Picton 

Hospital, owned by the community under the 

ownership of the Picton Health Trust. 

They knew it would need a lot of work to turn 

it into a modern rest home. 

“We wanted to create a home for the elderly who 

wanted to remain in Picton and we wanted them 

to be somewhere near family and in a home that 

had a family atmosphere,” says Donna. 

It took six months before they could open in 

1994, with Jake working alongside local contractors 

to establish Seaview Home for 28 residents. 

Thirty years later, virtually all those contractors, 

or their successors, are still available to them. 

Donna who was the Clinical Manager, adds 

that the early residents and their families were 

supportive to them while the home was extended 

to capacity. 

Jake confirms that the local support for them 

has been “wonderful”. 

On Friday May 31, they held a wonderful 

celebration, with speeches and a cake cutting 

ceremony to mark their 30 year journey. 

It was thirty years ago that the-then Picton 

Paper recorded the start of it all with the writer, 

a young(ish) reporter on ‘back to industry’ leave 

from what was The Open Polytechnic of New 

Zealand. 

When that same reporter, now local Glenise 

Dreaver, was invited to record the thirty-year 

milestone, she was both flattered and incredulous 

at the way the wheels had turned. 

Donna and Jake Kreft, directors of Seaview Rest 

Home in Picton, celebrated the home’s 30 years 

of successful service to the community at a recent 

ceremony. 

The cat’s jewels 

On Monday GMW Jewellery in 

the Redwoodtown hub starts a 

two week food drive for Marlborough 

4 Paws cleaning jewellery 

in exchange for pet food 

donations for the local charity. 

Owner Gina Botham says having 

four cats and two dogs 

herself it’s a charity ‘close to her 

heart’ saying last year when she 

delivered the food donations to 

Marlborough 4 Paws, she left 

with another kitten to add to 

her family with ‘Little Gidget’. 

Customers can bring in up 

to three items for cleaning in 

exchange for food. Last year we 

had so much food we looked as 

much like a pet food store as a 

jewellery store. 

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10 



16 - 22 June 2024 

Whiria Te Tangata 

Weaving the people together 

The Gallery Havelock 

‘A dedicated team of volunteers’ 

The Gallery Havelock is a unique 

charitable trust located in Havelock 

at the entrance to the Pelorus Sounds. 

A dedicated team of volunteers keep 

the Gallery operating and open seven 

days per week, 362 days of the year. 

Gallery Director Vicki Parker says their 

19 volunteers (including five trustees) 

are dedicated to the vision of the gallery, 

a non-profit trust that showcases Marlborough 

artists and gives away profits 

back to the community. 

“Some of our volunteers have been 

there from its opening on October 14, 

2014. As long as the gallery is open 

each day there’s an opportunity for a 

piece of artwork to find a new home. 

Our volunteers make that possible by 

showing up every day. Most volunteers 

do a three hour shift either in the 

morning 10-1pm or afternoon 1-4pm 

once per week,” says Vicki. 

Vicki thanks the volunteers for showing 

up every day with profits going 

back into the community (greater 

Pelorus area) by way of grants or 

donations. Examples are donations to 

local fire brigades, rescue helicopter, art 

classes at local schools, local food bank, 

Maud Island trip for Pelorus Cluster of 

schools, local theatre, and Link pathway 

to name just a few. 

To date some 120,000 visitors have 

visited the Gallery in Havelock. The 

Gallery charges the artists a weekly rent 

and takes a small commission on works 

sold with profits being given back to the 

community. 

To date, $85,000.00 has been donated 

to community organisations in Havelock, 

Linkwater, Canvastown and Rai 

Valley. 

Thank you to 

our volunteers 

for being the 

heart of... 

A unique non profit 

art gallery showcasing 

Marlborough artists. 

OPEN Daily 10am - 4Pm 

60 main Road Havelock | 03 574 2821 

Left of photo around the table: Mandy McQuarrie (Trustee), Edward Barron, Lindsay Jefferis, George Harbord, Trish Hope, Karen Kellaway, 

Jennie Johnson, Vicki Parker (Gallery Director), Mo Leggett, Jo Mayes (Trustee), Lucy Jefferis, Jo Downey (Trustee), Beth Fairbairn, Ruth 

Sussmilch. Not pictured: Nan Buchanan-Brown (Trustee), Ruth Bray, Trish Brown, Marcia Nalepa, Liz Matthews 

27 artists from the Marlborough area are currently 

represented in the gallery with a variety 

of art mediums represented including oil and 

acrylic paintings, mixed media, photography, 

sculpture, bone and jade carving, woodwork, 

jewellery and ceramics. 

During the winter months the gallery can 

offer space for current artist’s exhibitions or 

to emerging artists who can have a Pop Up 

exhibition for a few weeks. 

The Gallery Havelock will celebrate its 10 

year anniversary in October 2024. 

Crossroads 

Marlborough 

Crossroads Marlborough provides 

a community kitchen and cafe where 

everyone is welcome. 

The primary kaupapa is meeting 

the needs of those dealing with food 

insecurity, isolation during stressful 

times, and loneliness 

In response to the need within the 

Marlborough community Crossroads 

has increased its staff and volunteers. 

“We have a Kitchen Supervisor 

overseeing and preparing the meals 

and daily menu. But we simply could 

not operate without our team of 

Volunteers. 

“They are the lifeblood of this 

place. They collect kai, serve, cook, 

clean, and are the first friendly face 

our Tangata see when they arrive.” 

Crossroads Marlborough and the 

services it provides is a reflection of 

“the Magic of Marlborough where 

we come together to help each other”.



16 - 22 June 2024 

Whiria Te Tangata 

Weaving the people together 

A tribute to our 

Marlborough 

volunteers 

“As we celebrate National Volunteer 

Week, we reflect on the incredible journey 

we’ve undertaken, a journey made possible 

by our dedicated volunteers,” says Hilary 

Gill, Volunteer Coordinator Cancer Society 

Marlborough. 

“Every day, our volunteers are fundamental 

in helping us achieve our goals. 

“They offer their time, skills, and hearts 

to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.” 

Marlborough’s Cancer Society volunteers 

contribute in numerous ways: providing 

transport to cancer-related appointments, 

supporting the centre’s operations, assisting 

in fundraising efforts, and so much more. 

Greg Stretch, Cancer Society Marlborough’s 

newly appointed Centre Manager 

says their roles are as diverse as the individuals 

themselves, yet each contribution 

is invaluable. 

“Additionally, our executive board members, 

who govern us with unwavering 

commitment and guidance, play a crucial 

role in our success.” 

As more people are impacted by cancer, 

the need for volunteers has never been 

greater. 

Volunteers not only make a difference to 

the lives of those affected by cancer but 

also strengthen the fabric of Marlborough’s 

community. 

“To our volunteers, past and present, we 

extend our deepest gratitude. 

“Your generosity, compassion, and dedication 

have brought us to where we are today. 

“As we look to the future, we know that 

Greg Stretch, nearly appointed to the 

Marlborough Cancer Society team as Pou 

Whirinaki/Centre Manager. 

with your continued support, we can face 

any challenge and continue our mission 

to support those affected by cancer in the 

Marlborough region. 

“Join Marlborough’s Cancer Society this 

National Volunteer Week in celebrating our 

collective impact and the incredible spirit of 

our volunteers. 

“Together, we weave a stronger, more 

compassionate community. Thank you for 

being the heart of the Marlborough Cancer 

Society,” Hilary says. 

To our amazing volunteers, 

you are the heart of our team, 

and we couldn’t achieve what 

we do without you. 

One Of The greaTesT gifTs 

yOu can give is yOur Time 

Thank you to all our volunteers 

Supporting a 

dementia 

You really do make 

friendly 

a difference 

for people affected by dementia. 

community 

for their support for our organisation. 

Alzheimers Marlborough | 8 Wither Road, Blenheim | 577-6172 

Thank you to all 

our volunteers for 

your support for our 

organisation. 

You really do make a 

difference for people 

living with by dementia. 

Alzheimers Marlborough 

8 Wither Road, Blenheim 

Phone 577-6172

12 



Keep calm and carry yarn 


The wonderful knitters of 

Marlborough have come together 

once again to spin a yarn. 

Children in war-torn Ukraine 

will have some winter woollies 

from Marlborough to keep warm 

this winter. The group of volunteers 

are part of a wider network 

of volunteers across the country 

which knits clothes and blankets 

for orphans in Eastern Europe, 

Ukraine and Moldova. 

Operation Cover Up relies on 

donations. Hundreds of community 

volunteers come together to 

make a little bit of difference - the 

ladies at Redwoodtown are no 

exception. 

Winter in Eastern Europe can 

get as low as -25 degrees Celsius 

and many children and families 

have little to help them face the 

harsh cold. 

Knitting items such as jerseys, 

cardigans, socks, gloves and 

scarves are all needed for the 

2024 shipment while non-knitted 

items such as clothes and shoes 

for children aged between four 

- 15-years old are also required. 

This year there is also a need for 

knitted items for babies. 

Shipping per container was 

about $16,000, which was funded 

by Mission Without Borders 

donations, but Operation Cover 

Up relied on its own donations 

to provide wool to local knitters. 

Mission Without Borders director 

Andrew Wilks says through 

Operation Cover Up, children, 

families, homeless and elderly 

recipients learnt that people 

on the other side of the world 

cared about their struggle to 

survive and wanted to ease their 

suffering. 

“It is putting loving concern 

into action.” 

The Redwoodtown knitting 

display will be at the St Christopher’s 

Hall, Saturday June 22 

from 10am - 1pm. 

Co-ordinator Carol Taylor says 

anyone wishing to donate items 

(must be brand new) to drop off 

to St Christopher’s on Friday, 

June 21 from 10am - 1pm. Carol 

also says that any donations of 

wool will be a huge help. 

If any Sun readers would be 

able to offer the group a trailer 

FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Knitters from back left: Carol Taylor, 

Christine O’ Neill, Ann Saunders, Annette Sowman, Diane 

Looms, Irene Wilde and Naomi Old. Front: Margaret Marfell, 

Janet Aberhart, Pam Brown and Dorothy Grocott. 

for a few hours on the Saturday 

morning, please contact 

Carol on 021 399 649. 

Operation Cover Up was 

founded by Taupō woman 

Liz Clark 25 years ago, with 

Liz writing a book, The 

Warmth of Love, about her 

experiences with Operation 

Cover Up. 

‘Their new normal’ 

OpiniOn 


One of the news 

stories the past 

week which really 

hit home as a Dad of an eleven-year-old 

was the story of a 

Christchurch family ‘rocked by 

tragedy’ after the parents of two 

young girls died from cancer 

within the same week. 

At first glance, I had to re-read 

the opening intro. Cancer? Two 

parents dead? Within a week? 

Nigel and Marjan Joyce died 

from brain cancer and breast cancer 

respectively, leaving behind 

two young girls, aged 8 and 4. 

Nigel was diagnosed with a brain 

tumour, and shortly after, Marjan 

was diagnosed with triple-negative 

breast cancer. 

Apparently, once a breast cancer 

diagnosis has been made using 

imaging tests and a biopsy, the 

cancer cells will be checked for 

certain proteins. If the cells do 

not have estrogen or progesterone 

receptors (ER or PR), and also 

do not make any or too much of 

the HER2 protein, the cancer is 

considered to be triple-negative 

breast cancer. 

Reports says Nigel suffered 

a ‘health crisis’ on Anzac Day 

and was placed into end-of-life 

hospice care with two weeks to 

live. Marjan, after finishing her 

radiation treatment and being told 

her breast cancer had gone at the 

beginning of May, began experiencing 

vision loss and seizures. 

She was placed in hospice care and 

died on Thursday, June 6. 

A Give a Little page with more 

than $93,000 has been raised to 

support the couple’s daughters. 

It was a week when news of my 

best friend’s sister was diagnosed 

with MND (motor neuron disease) 

and given two – five years to live. 

Such news stops one in their daily 

routines and makes one look at the 

big picture, and not fretting over 

the impending rates or mortgage 

payment. 

This writer lost his own mother 

to bowel cancer in 2004 and the 

hole she left in the family was 

unmeasurable. It didn’t make 

sense. The feeling of her life being 

cut short when she had so much 

more to live for. 

How precious is life when the 

stability of parenting and the home 

is rocked by cancer? It’s truly 

heart-breaking and puts into perspective 

the importance of quality 

time with all the loved ones in our 

life. To be present. Human. Alive. 

The usual hug for my own 

daughter was held just that little 

bit longer over the weekend. All 

parents need to live for their kids 

and vice versa. 

WAIRAU VALLEY 

We're headed your way! 

Honda Marlborough is thrilled to announce that our full range 

of Honda products is now back, and we can’t wait to celebrate. 

You’re invited to a gathering with a free BBQ 

at the Wairau Valley Community 

Hall on Tuesday, June 18th. 

Everyone is welcome - please join us! 

Date June 18, 2024 | Time 10am to 2pm 

www.hondamarlborough.nz 

30 Redwood Street, Blenheim | 03 578 3600 | steve@croads.co.nz


Wednesday June 12, 2024 13 

Ice, MND, community 


A group of Occupational and 

Physio therapists who work in 

the Marlborough community are 

raising funds by pouring ice over 

their heads. 

To be fair, it’s a bigger picture 

with the fundraising to support 

the vital work of Motor Neurone 

Disease New Zealand, the only 

charity focused on improving 

quality of life, funding research 

and campaigning for people affected 

by MND in the country. 

Occupational Therapist Jo Harper 

says collectively the therapists 

have 50 plus years’ experience 

working alongside those affected 

by the disease and their family/ 

whanau. 

“We are hoping our colleagues 

and community will get behind 

us in fundraising to help towards 

this awesome cause.” 

MND is a cruel, rapidly progressing 

disease that affects 

people from all communities, 

ethnicities, and occupations. At 

present, there is no truly effective 

treatment and no known cure, and 

the average life expectancy is two 

to five years. 

The name is given to a group of 

diseases in which the nerve cells - 

neurones - controlling the muscles 

that enable us to move around, 

speak, breathe and swallow, fail to 

work normally. With no nerves to 

activate them, muscles gradually 

weaken and waste. The patterns 

of weakness vary from person to 

person. 

Jo says their fundraising goal 

is $1000. Sun readers can make 

a donation at the following 

link. mndactionmonth.org.nz/ 

joanne-harper. The ice bucket 

challenge is on June 22 at Pollard 

Park, 12pm. 

Kiwis have embraced the tradition 

of the MND Ice Bucket 

challenge since its inception in 

2014. The initiative began in 

the United States as a vehicle 

to raise awareness and much 

needed funds for MND. While the 

connection between an icy bucket 

of water over the head and motor 

neurone disease is not precisely 

clear, what is clear is that it has 

become an extremely powerful 

tool for spreading information 

about MND and raising funds to 

help fight the disease and support 

those living with the diagnosis. 

MND had been in the news 

recently with Rob Burrow, an 

English rugby league player hailed 

for raising awareness of the disease 

after being diagnosed with 

it in 2019, died on June, 2 at the 

age of 41. Burrow banded with 

his close friend and former Leeds 

Rhino teammate Kevin Sinfield to 

raise millions for research and to 

support people with it, including 

establishing a care centre in Leeds. 

TAKING ACTION TOGETHER FOR MND are (back) Courtney Capener and 

Joanne Harper, and (front) Andrea Stringer and Andrea Barnaby. They 

are hoping their colleagues and community will get behind them in 

fundraising for motor neurone disease. 

Combating Old Man’s Beard 

Native Restorations leads the fight against invasive plants in New Zealand 

New Zealand’s unique biodiversity is 

increasingly threatened by invasive pest 

plants, which disrupt native ecosystems 

and degrade habitats. One of the most 

notorious of these invaders is Old Man’s 

Beard (Clematis vitalba), a vine that poses 

a significant threat to the country’s native 

flora. At Native Restorations, we are 

dedicated to eradicating these pest species 

and restoring native vegetation to protect 

our natural heritage. 

“We are hearing a lot of chatter on social 

media platforms about the prevalence 

of Old Man’s Beard in bushland and 

also in local settings,” Terence Stewart, 

the Founder and Owner of Native Restorations 

says. “It’s important for the 

everyday Kiwi to understand how to 

correctly remove this pest plant, and to 

seek professional advice for removal to 

ensure they do not continue the spread.” 

Old Man’s Beard is a vigorous climber 

that forms dense, tangled mats capable 

of smothering native vegetation. This 

invasive plant is prevalent across New 

Zealand and sadly in many homes. 

Important Steps to Prevent the Spread 

of Old Man’s Beard 

Terence Stewart, Founder and Owner 

of Native Restorations, emphasises the 

critical need to prevent the spread of Old 

Man’s Beard, especially when it is in full 

flower. Here are the steps to properly 

remove this invasive plant: 

• Cut the vine: Cut the vine close to the 

ground. Do not pull it from the other 

foliage as this could release flowers and 

further spread the plant. 

• Apply herbicide: Immediately poison 

the vine at both cutting points—the 

roots and the tangled vine. 

• Leave the vine: Let the cut vine remain 

off the ground. Wrap it around other 

foliage to ensure the poison works at 

both ends. 

Terence explains, “By cutting and 

poisoning both ends, you effectively kill 

the plant without increasing the risk of 

spreading its flowers and seeds. Avoid 

pulling the vine from your foliage until 

it is completely dead to prevent further 

spreading into your garden.” 

Terence also suggests using Corteva 

Vigilant Herbicide Gel as the product 

traces back to the root. “It will need 

a number of applications over a few 

months,” he advises. “A good process 

is to be as thorough as you can and then 

check a month later and apply to the vines 

that are still alive. The dead vines will be 

obvious by then and will make it easier 

to find the living vines to be sure that you 

have got it all, or as much as possible.” 

By following these steps, you can help 

protect New Zealand’s native ecosystems 

from the invasive Old Man’s Beard. 

“This invasive plant outcompetes native 

species for light and nutrients,” he says. 

“This often leads to the death of the host 

plants.” 

Its rapid growth and ability to spread 

through wind-dispersed seeds make it 

particularly challenging to control. 

“At Native Restorations, we believe 

in proactive and sustainable pest plant 

management through removal, invasive 

species control and community education.” 

• Pest plant removal – “Essential for 

restoring native habitats, we employ 

manual removal and herbicide application 

to eradicate invasive species like 

Old Man’s Beard.” 

• Invasive species control – “We use 

a combination of control measures to 

manage and prevent the spread of these 

plants, ensuring the ecological balance 

is restored.” 

• Community education – “By educating 

the local community, we empower 

individuals to identify and manage pest 

plants in their own backyards.” 

“Removing invasive plants like Old 

Man’s Beard is crucial for protecting New 

Zealand’s ecosystems.” 

Native Restorations invites all Kiwis to 

join our efforts in combating these threats. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Learn to identify pest plants - Familiarise 

yourself with common invasive 

plants using resources such as field 

guides and online databases. 

• Report sightings - Inform local authorities 

or conservation agencies if 

you spot invasive species in your area. 

• Participate in conservation activities 

- Engage in local eradication efforts and 

support habitat restoration projects. 

About Native Restorations 

Native Restorations is a leading conservation 

organisation dedicated to preserving 

New Zealand’s natural heritage. 

We specialise in invasive species control, 

habitat restoration, and community 

education to ensure the survival of our 

precious native wildlife. PBA. 

Deliciously auThenTic Thai 

Come try our range of 

gluten free, vegetarian, 

vegan and keto meals! 

Takeaway and Delivery available 

To order ph 03 972 2799 message us via Facebook 

or download the Thai9 app 

31 Scott St, Blenheim | 03 972 2799 | Open 7 Days 10.30am – 14.00pm, 16.30pm – 21.30pm

14 



June 15, 2024 

Your local 

total mobility 

provider 

Dignity and respect 

marlborough 

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03 

577 5511 

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www.marlboroughtaxis.nz 

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- let’s talk about what will 

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help! 

Visit us online at blenheimsun.co.nz 

Around the world many 

countries are experiencing the 

combined effects of people 

living longer and having smaller 

families - an aging population. 

Here in Aotearoa, New Zealand 

the number of people aged 

65 and over is projected to be 

1.2 million by 2035, along with 

a 130 percent increase in people 

aged 80 and over. 

Elder abuse can be physical, 

emotional, financial, sexual, 

institutional, and also includes 

neglect. 

Unfortunately, the warning 

signs of abuse are often missed, 

ignored, or explained away, even 

by well-meaning people. In fact, 

it’s likely that most cases of elder 

abuse go unreported. 

The abuser is often someone 

close to their victim, someone 

trusted and relied upon like family, 

a friend, and even neighbours. 

Some dementia patients abuse 

their caregivers. This kind 

of abuse is a result of the behavioural 

and psychological 

symptoms of dementia. This can 

be difficult to manage particularly 

when the person has had a 

major personality change and is 

nothing like their former self. 

Our Elder Abuse Response 

Service (EARS) at Maataa 

Waka addresses the immediate 

safety needs of older people 

experiencing or at risk of experiencing 

abuse and neglect. The 

service is for people 65 years 

and over. 

The service can help when a 

person aged over 65 is being 

abused or mistreated, we can: 

• Act as an advocate, Work with 

the person and their family/ 

whānau to prevent or resolve 

issues of abuse and help put 

together a safety plan. 

• Link the older person to essential 

resources and services 

within the community for 

example support their access 

to legal advice. 

• Help protect them if they 

are vulnerable and ensure 

that their best interests are 

observed, counsel if support 

and assistance are needed and 

provide appropriate options 

and support to ensure the 

person is safe and their physical 

and emotional needs are 

being met. 

Once elder abuse is determined 

to be occurring or at risk of 

occurring and we have consent 

to work with a client, service 

delivery focuses on ensuring the 

older person’s safety and ongoing 

protection while respecting 

their independence. 

Referrals may be self-referrals, 

referrals from family and/or 

friends or from people working 

in a professional capacity with 

an older person. 

A referral form can be found 

on our website or people can 

give Maataa Waka a call 

If the police are involved, they 

will contact us. 

When someone is referred to 

EARS They can expect to 

• be listened to and kept informed. 

• be treated with dignity, respect 

and honesty. 

• be supported to make their 

own choices and decisions. 

• have their information kept 

confidential unless consent is 

given to us to share this with 

people named by themselves 

(unless life is at risk). 

Maataa Waka’s Elder Abuse Social Workers, Anthea MacDonald 

and John Lyons. 

What we can all do to ensure 

greater safety for vulnerable 

older people 

• Understand and address the 

influences that put people at 

risk. 

• Listen to them and their caregivers 

to understand their 

challenges and provide support. 

• Report abuse or suspected 

abuse to elder abuse services, 

or the police. 

• Have no tolerance to elder 

abuse. 

• Understand and protect their 

rights. 

• Encourage them to stay connected 

to family, friends and 

services. 

• Support them to stay active. 

• Discuss information to support 

them to recognise scams. 

• Encourage them to attend 

regular community events. 

• Maataa Waka also offer training 

in Understanding Elder 

Abuse to other agencies in 

the community who work 

primarily with older people. 

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"Poipoia Kaumātua" - Keeping our elderly safe 

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0800 Mātā Waka | 0800 6282 9252 | 03 577 9256 | admin@maataawaka.co.nz



June 15, 2024 

Women’s Refuge - ‘walking beside their clients’ 


Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s 

largest nation-wide organisation that 

supports and helps women and children 

experiencing family violence. 

On average around 50,000 women 

and children were referred to their 

services each year with 400 women 

and children being referred in Marlborough 

last year. 

Marlborough Women’s Refuge 

and SV Support Centre Manager 

Rachel Black says while using their 

services there is much time, care, 

and assistance each client needs, 

and deserves, to build a life of safety. 

“Many of the women we work with 

face seemingly unsurmountable barriers: 

where to live, how to support 

themselves, how to re-build lost 

connections with friends and family, 

fear of losing their children and, for 

many, the need to repair a severely 

damaged sense of self,” she says. 

Rachel says there is no time limit 

to this work and Women’s Refuge 

advocates help across a wide spectrum, 

ranging from help accessing 

healthcare and counselling, support 

with MSD and budgeting advice, 

obtaining a protection order and 

legal assistance, finding a place to 

live, helping to fund activities for 

tamariki and establishing relationships 

with schools and teachers, 

even meeting basic needs like food, 

clothing, and much more. 

“Essentially, we support our clients 

with whatever they need to begin 

their healing journey. We walk 

beside them throughout this process 

and work with them to ensure the 

new life they may have never thought 

was possible can be achieved.” 

Marlborough 

Women’s Refuge 

Support 

Centre Manager, 

Rachel Black. 

for the abused, the hurt, the lonely, anxious, those living 

with mental illness, those affected by domestic & sexual 

violence, the LGBTQ A+ community, P.O.C. 

Marlborough Women's Refuge and Marlborough Sexual Violence Support Centre is a 

non-profit organisation that provides support and advocacy services to survivors of 

domestic and sexual violence. 

Need help? Call our 24/7 Crisis Line: 0800 733-843

16 


review 


Marlborough market fish (Blue Cod) with leek 

panna cotta, Fennel and Riesling Veloute. 

Homemade Gnocchi with Estate Rucola, 

ViaVio Bocconcini and organic Spinach. 

Harvest Flat Bread with Prosciutto Nashi 

Pear, Rucola and Thorvald Feta. 

Merino Lamb Stifado with Preserved 

Lemon, Rainbow Carrots and Purple Potato. 

Where freshness meets flavour 

If you ask a local if one has been to the 

Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, it would 

be intriguing to gauge the reply. If you 

have, kudos to you - if you haven’t, why 

not? 

Harvest Restaurant is located in the 

‘Marlborough Estate’, 16 acres of which is 

a boutique hotel, restaurant and vineyard. 

The hotel with 10 unique rooms produces 

its own estate wine under the label, ‘TM’. 

Clever. 

In all matters of transparency, this was a 

new experience for a self-confessed Otago 

chap consumed by a burgers and fries diet 

with a pint of craft beer. The experience 

that was a Saturday afternoon lunch 

combined with a stunning Marlborough 

winters day was the crisp, ambience of 

great food, wine and staff. 

Organic seasonal vegetables from the 

onsite gardens are instrumental to what 

is served on the plate and is freshness 

and taste personified. Local Marlborough 

suppliers provide Harvest with what the 

name suggests, quality harvest, while the 

menu changes regularly to the season and 

produce on offer. 

As for the menu, the variety of options 

for what is referred to as ‘small plates’ 

was tantalising. The Harvest Flatbread 

with prosciutto/nashi pear/feta which 

was moreish, causing a desire for more. 

As for the Watercress Mills Bay Mussel 

Croquette with Basil Pistou Crispy, good 

golly, yes please! 

Other entrée/small plates highlights 

included the Estate Beetroot Salad with 

plum/rucola/macadamia and finished 

with local goat cheese (Cranky Goat, no 

less). 

Large plate favourites included the Merino 

Lamb Stifado with Preserved Lemon, 

Rainbow Carrots alongside the Purple 

Potato which was an added education. 

Indeed, purple is power - the royal shade 

comes from anthicyanins, disease fighting 

antioxidants. It was simply delicious. The 

Harvest Homemade Gnocchi was not only 

a wonderful texture but had my taste buds 

singing and dancing!. 

Yet, it was so much more than the wine 

and food which made the experience. The 

authentic customer service was genuine, 

conversant and personable, notwithstanding 

the environment one surrounds one’s 

self in that is the Marlborough Boutique 

Hotel and Vineyard. The Marlborough 

has a philosophy, creating a place where 

guests are genuinely welcomed and 

farewelled. We experienced that and 

then some. 

The sense of home, connection and 

belonging in the restaurant and hotel is 

all-pervasive. German-born and now 

‘local’ Head Chef Wieland Matzig and 

his culinary team, keep simple taste done 

well which ultimately elevates the diner’s 

sensory experience. 

The restaurant has been awarded a 

New Zealand Cuisine Award Winner, a 

chef hat, awarded for ingredients, taste, 

presentation, technique, value and consistency. 

Oh, and that’s just for the food. Get 

there Marlborough. Treat yourself. The 

Harvest is a gem in the culinary landscape 

that is Rapaura. 

The Harvest Restaurant’s opening hours 

are 11:30am - 3pm Lunch (Sat-Sun), 

4pm - 5pm Aperitivo Hour (Thu-Mon), 

4:30pm - 9pm Dinner (Thu-Mon). 

PBA. 

Blenheim Sun journalist Chris Valli savouring a glass 

of Valli ‘The Real McCoy’ Orange Pinot Gris. 

Not enrolled with a GP 

in Marlborough? 

For people living in Marlborough who are not currently enrolled 

in a General Practice, phone Marlborough Primary Health on 

03 520 6200 and ask to be placed on a waitlist. 

We will help you enrol in a local General Practice. 

Needing Healthcare? 

For people requiring urgent care, including people who are 

not a permanent resident, you may visit Marlborough Urgent 

Care Centre between 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday. 

For people wanting free health advice, information and 

treatment from a healthcare professional, you can contact 

Healthline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. 

Ph 03 520 6200 | 22 Queen St, Blenheim | www.marlboroughpho.org.nz



MASSIVE 

WHITEWARE SALE 

Save BIG on All Whiteware 

Hisense 10kg Front Load 

Washing Machine 

60002636 HWFS1015E 

$949 $ was 

1499 

Hisense 8kg Heat 

Pump Dryer 

60002637 HDFS80HE 

$1049 $ was 

1699 

35% 

OFF # 

Hurry, limited stock on some items. 

Stock may vary by store. 

winter 

furniture 

sale. 

50% off 

Enjoy your favourite winter 

inactivity with these deals. 

Sleepyhead Matrix & 

Chiropractic Equalise 

Beds # Excludes Pop-up 

Fisher & Paykel 

15 Place Setting 

Freestanding 

Dishwasher 

$1179 

60000790 DW60FC1X2 

was 

$1699 

30% 

OFF # 

Samsung Stainless 

310L Bottom Mount 

Fridge 

$935 

9057988 SRL335NLS 

was 

$1449 

35% 

OFF # 

40% off 

Ava Bedroom Furniture # 

50% off 

New York Dining, Living 

& Bedroom Furniture # 

5x Airpoints Dollars on all Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pumps ~ 

Russell Hobbs 

Brooklyn Air Fryer 5.7L 

60003325 RHAF57 

$139 $ 299 

50% 

was 

OFF # 

Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog 

Bagged Vacuum Cleaner 

60002160 12396510 

$679 $ 949 

25% 

was 

OFF # 

Anaheim 5 Seater Fabric 

Recliner Lounge Suite - Grey 

9076338 

$1999 $ 3999 

50% 

was 

OFF # 

Limited Stock 

60 months 

interest free * 

on purchases over $1250 

+BE IN TO WIN YOUR SHARE OF 

Airpoints Dollars 

10,000^ with Smiths City 

Smiths City Blenheim 

18 Kinross Street, Blenheim Central, Blenheim 7201 

Offers valid dates vary. Available while stock lasts. See individual product pages online for details. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits apply. Some products on display in selected stores only. Please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. 

*Credit and lending criteria and fees apply, including a Gem Visa $55 establishment fee and annual fees ($65 Gem Visa (charged $32.50 half yearly) / $65 Gem CreditLine (charged $32.50 half yearly)). Prevailing interest rate (currently Gem Visa 

29.49% p.a./Gem CreditLine 29.95% p.a.) applies after any interest free term ends. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment of 3% of the outstanding monthly balance or $20 (whichever is more), will not be sufficient to repay the purchase 

amount(s) within the promotional period. Amount payable will be shown on your monthly statement. For cash advances, an interest rate of 29.95% p.a. and fees of ($2 Gem Visa/$6 Gem CreditLine) applies. Available on participating Gem Visa 

or Gem CreditLine credit cards only. New customers must apply and be approved for a Gem Visa credit card. Excludes gift cards and some promotional items. #Discount is off our full retail price. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. 

^ 10x 1,000 Airpoints Dollars to be won. Promotion terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. Valid 22 May – 18 June 2024. Visit smithscity.co.nz/gem for full details. ~ Valid 1 - June 31 July 2024. Airpoints terms, conditions and 

exclusions apply. See smithscity.co.nz/airpoints for details.

18 


The Sun



MOTORCYCLE LICENCE 

TRAINING AND TESTING 

LEARN FROM 

THE BEST! 

• Learner practical test - $100 

• Restricted licence test - $130 

• Full licence test - $100 

• Refresher rides 

Check out the dates on our 

website and give us a call 

Broken windscreen repairs 

Windscreen replacements 

Emergency service 

Chip repairs 

YOUR TRUSTED 

LOCAL GLASS COMPANY 

47 Grove Rd, Blenheim | P: 578 0850 

www.viridianglass.co.nz 

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN 

TO YOUR FAMILY THIS 

WINTER... 

Driving in 

winter 

Specialists in all aspects of 

Aluminium Cooling 

Components 

• Radiators • Oil coolers 

• Heat exchangers • Inter coolers 

44 Main St, Blenheim 

Phone 578 8176 anytime 

BEFORE you hit the road this winter lose 

the ice on all windows and get rid of fogged 

up windscreens. Surely, we all know that no 

matter how far we plan to go we must be able 

to see clearly. Ice scrapers (and not your bank 

credit card) and cloths are your friends. Have 

you got both in your car? Go check. 

Hitting the road: We all know that winter 

driving conditions can affect our vehicle’s 

handling and braking ability because icy and 

wet roads are greasy. 

What seems a long way away from the car 

in front on warm, dry roads won’t seem so 

far when we have to brake in the wet. 

Learn to read the road conditions: Black 

ice is tough to pick, but if there’s been 

overnight rain which has cleared to a frosty 

morning, think about black ice before you 

set out. 

Remember too that even when it’s dry and 

the ice has gone, grit spread over a tarmac 

road can be like driving on marbles. 

Grip on the road: Go now and check 

that your tyres are inflated to the correct 

pressures and have more than the road legal 

1.5mm of tread. 

Give yourself the best chance of holding 

the road and/or stopping in time. 

Distractions: Steering one ton or more of 

metal down a road or through a mountain 

pass is quite a responsibility, and it is a task 

deserving of our full attention! 

Winter 

driving 

changes 

everything 

TAKE 

EXTRA 

CARE 

Advertise your 

business in our 

MArlborough 

Motoring 

Call Simon today 

on 03 577 7868 to advertise 

in our next issue. 

or email katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz

20 


Marlborough 


local cleaning experts 

proud to bring you this puzzle page 

CROSSWORD 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

9 

10 11 

352 

SUDOKU 

Every row, column and box should 

contain the digits 1 to 9. 

WordBuilder 

WORDBUILDER 

252 

6 

L N A 

D O M 

12 13 

14 15 16 17 18 

19 20 21 

How many words of three or more letters, 

How including many plurals, words can you of make three from or the more six 

letters, using each letter only once? No foreign 

words or words beginning with a capital are 

from allowed. the There's six letters, at least one using six-letter each word. only 

once? TODAY Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 21 

Solution 251: able, age, alb, ale, amble, bag, bagel, 

bale, balm, bam, beam, beg, bel, bema, blame, 

elm, gab, gable, gal, gale, GAMBLE, game, gel, gem, 

glam, gleam, lab, lag, lam, lamb, lame, lea, leg, mag, 

word. 

mage, male, meal, mega. 

letters, including plurals, can you make 

No words beginning with a capital are 

allowed. There’s at least one six-letter 

Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 21 

22 23 24 25 26 

27 28 

29 

Across 

1. Soldiers held by the enemy 

(9,2,3) 

10. Speck (5) 

11. Chewing gum flavour (9) 

12. Deficiency of red blood cells (7) 

13. Add sugar (7) 

14. Velocity (5) 

16. Complaint (9) 

19. Contaminant (9) 

20. Indications (5) 

22. Gesture of respect (7) 

25. Boating event (7) 

27. Make up (9) 

28. Intended (5) 

29. Cowardly (7-7) 

Down 

2. Be vaguely familiar (4,1,4) 

3. Vapour (5) 

4. Longing for the past (9) 

5. Stinks (5) 

6. Us (9) 

7. Midriff (5) 

8. Entourage (7) 

9. Quagmire (6) 

15. Chicken leg (9) 

17. Arbitrate (9) 

18. Bad dream (9) 

19. Largest ocean (7) 

21. Barely adequate (6) 

23. Jewish teacher (5) 

24. Pine (5) 

26. Person who plays online (5) 

Crossword 

Across: 1. Prisoners of war, 

10. Ounce, 11. Spearmint, 

12. Anaemia, 13. Sweeten, 

14. Speed, 16. Grievance, 

19. Pollutant, 20. Signs, 22. 

Curtsey, 25. Regatta, 27. 

Fabricate, 28. Meant, 29. 

Chicken-hearted. 

Down: 2. Ring a bell, 3. 

Steam, 4. Nostalgia, 5. 

Reeks, 6. Ourselves, 7. 

Waist, 8. Retinue, 9. Morass, 

15. Drumstick, 17. Intervene, 

18. Nightmare, 19. Pacific, 

21. Scanty, 23. Rabbi, 24. 

Yearn, 26. Gamer. 

WordBuilder 

ado, ALMOND, and, dam, 

damn, dan, DOLMAN, don, 

lad, lam, land, load, loam, 

loan, mad, man, moa, moan, 

mod, modal, monad, nod, 

nodal, nomad, old. 

DECODER 

Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the 

given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out 

which letters are represented by the other numbers. 

Decoder 

Sudoku 

All puzzles copyright 

T H E P U Z Z L E C O M P A N Y 

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 

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AME Winter Series 

Dressage Marlborough Group held their second day of the 

AME Winter Series at the Marlborough Equestrian Park in 

Spring Creek recently. Approximately 40 riders of all 

levels turned up with their horses and ponies. 

Out & 

...with The Sun 

your local paper 

AbOut 

Have an event ? 

Contact 03 5777 868 

Anita Parnwell on her horse Graeme’s Clover, winner of both Intro 

Horse classes. 

Cadence Dean on her pony Tommy, who won both Lead Rein classes. 

Nikki Griffith, on her horse SE Gym Bellomi, 

winning both classes in the non-graded 

Novice Horse classes. 

Marlborough Combined Colleges Formal 

Photos - Brya Ingram Photography. 

the Marlborough Combined Colleges formal was at the Events Centre on Saturday 

night with no shortage of fine fare and vehicles lined up for the red carpet event. 

Parent Bryan Gilchrist helps out 

MGC student Isla Read from a 

Woolworhs delivery truck 

Luke Zillwood arrives in style. 

Girls' College student Bess Welbourn 

looking superbly glamorous. 

Macie Taylor on her pony Jubilee Go Lightly, winning the Intro 

Pony class. 

The Glover family arrive with nothing but smiles. From left, George, Molly and Hazel. 

Younger brother Max Sowman and Sister Ella arrive in true family style.

22 


5 minutes with... Exclusive 

Sarah 

Macdonald 

Spring Creek 

School teacher 

• Are you a 

dog or cat 

person? 

Love both, but I 

think I’m a cat person. 

• My friends 

would say I am… 

Very competitive, especially 

at a quiz. 

• The best advice I ever received was? 

Hakuna Matata – no worries. 

• What would you buy if money was no 

object? 

A belated honeymoon to Scotland to see the UCI Mountain 

Bike World Cup at Fort William. 

• Local coffee haunt? 

Ritual. 

• Favourite takeaway? 

Thai 9. 

• The shop you can’t walk past is...? 

Ruby Tuesday. 

• What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever 

received? 

My husband Blair made me my own birthday gameshow – I 

won. 

• Where is your happy holiday place? 

D’urville Island. 

• Favourite programme or series currently 

watching? 

True Detective. 

• What’s one thing on your bucket list? 

See the Northern Lights from a glass iglo. 

Interview! 

gardening this week 

Plants in winter: By Wally Richards 

Before we get onto this weeks subject; 

a question that was asked this week from 

a gardener who has wood ash from a fire 

place and wants to know if they could 

be use on the garden. 

Wood ash from burning non-tantalised 

wood is great for the garden and in particular 

for flowering and fruiting plants. 

Spread it around it is a nice mild source 

of potash, hence the name. 

You should not be burning tanalised 

wood in your wood burner as the gases 

that will seep out into the room are not 

good for your health and likewise the 

chemicals still present in the ash are not 

good for your gardens. 

Now that winter is starting to make its 

presents known it’s important to protect 

frost tender and cold tender plants, and 

the easy way to achieve this is a spray of 

Vaporgard, Spray On Frost Protection. 

The film gives down to minus 3 

degrees frost protection within 3 days 

of application for about 3 months. 

If there is just an occasional frost every 

few days this is likely to be the only frost 

protection you need. 

If however there are several frosts 

in a row, night after night then extra 

protection will be required from the 

second night on till there is a break in 

the frosts. 

Your sprayed plants will gain more 

energy from the sun light which is also 

a great advantage this time of the year 

when daylight hours are much sorter. 

A lady gardener from the Deep South 

emaied me recently about her two 

container planted lemon trees which she 

has brought indoors because of frosts 

down to minus 6. 

Her question was also what to feed the 

plants with. 

I pointed out that being indoors the 

plants will suffer from lower light when 

compared to being outdoors or in a frost 

free sheltered situation - a glasshouse or 

conservatory is ideal. 

Indoors right in front of a northern 

facing window would be best and once 

a week rotate the plant 180 degrees to 

get even light and prevent stretching. 

This indoor light thing is very important 

this time of the year for your 

indoor plants. 

Another aspect is the watering of the 

plants, all container plants should be 

kept a little on the dry side and only 

given smaller drinks to prevent stress 

from dry growing medium. 

Saucers underneath plants are great to 

prevent getting surplus water all over the 

place, but an hour or so after watering 

any water in a saucer should be removed 

to prevent wet feet. 

Container plants outside where they 

are rained on should NOT have a saucer 

under them this time of the year and 

have the container raised slightly off 

the ground to allow water to drain away 

quickly. 

Losses will occur if your plants are wet 

in the root zone during winter. 

If you have plants which require free 

draining situations you can spray their 

foliage with Wallys Perkfection to help 

prevent wet weather diseases. 

In door plants need only a fraction of 

their water requirements in winter when 

compared to summer. 

The reasons are low to nil growth 

because of lessor light levels with shorter 

daylight hours. 

Which brings us back to light and the 

amount of light plants receive when they 

are grown indoors. 

For instance my excellent light meter 

tells me that at my south-west facing 

window at 1pm right against the window 

pane I have 550FC (foot candles). 

Where my plants are on a shelf 50cm 

away from the window pane it’s down 

to 325FC; One meter away 250FC, and 

at 3 meters 160 FC. 

If I take a measurement at the far side 

of the room we see its only 50FC. 

That is where only the lowest light 

loving plants will survive in winter if 

they are kept fairly dry in their mix. 

A spray of water over the foliage is 

beneficial at times and ensures that 

the foliage is dust free as that further 

reduces the light level available. 

A window facing the north will have a 

much better FC reading at the window 

pane but once again the FC drops 

dramatically once you are about a metre 

or more away from the window pane. 

Our eyes automatically adjust to light 

intensity so we do not notice the light 

levels till they become very low or very 

high - plants on the other hand do notice. 

A general rule of thumb is the plants 

with the largest leaf surface will do ok 

in lower light levels where plants such 

a maidenhair ferns, with very small leaf 

surfaces, need a much higher light level 

to grow well. 


We can think of ferns in a shady area 

outside, but outside there is much more 

light than indoors with light entering 

only though a window. Not overhead. 

In summer time you have long hours 

of light and that makes a difference to 

plants that need a good level of light even 

if they are not near a window. 

In winter these plants will look poorly 

as a result of low light levels and instead 

of moving the plant closer to the window 

the tendency is to water the plant which 

maybe the last straw and the plant dies. 

Flowering plants need ample light to 

form flower buds and open the bud into 

flowers. 

A cyclamen within a metre of a good 

light window will flower well but if 

taken across the room you will see both 

flowers and leaves stretching to the light 

source. 

Too much water in this situation will 

mean goodbye cyclamen. 

A timely reminder to be very careful 

watering container plants, keeping them 

a bit on the dry side and where possible 

move them closer to a good light source. 

In mansions in Victoria times and the 

likes of Downton Abbey where lushes 

ferns, palms and other indoor plants 

appeared to flourish in rooms that were 

of low light often with drapes closed 

to protect furnishings and paintings 

from UV. 

So how come the plants always looked 

good? 

Very simply; they had two of everyone 

with large conservatories where each 

week the servants would take the plants 

out of the house and into the conservatory 

then pick up its twin to replace inside 

the house. The plants would not suffer in 

the week and would be refreshed when 

in the conservatory. 

The answer to the food question back 

near the beginning I just sprinkle a little 

Unlocking Your Soil over the mix and 

dilute either some Mycorrcin to give 

some mild food. 

You don’t really want to encourage 

growth in winter. 

Keep warm. 

Freshen up your property 

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Shopping bags 

Re: Inferior Brown Bags at Woolworths 

Supermarkets. 

How about using recyclable bags? There are 

now many varieties available at a low cost. It 

is a one time outlay and they are used many 

times over. Another plus, no concerns of your 

purchases being damaged and it is also better 

for your pocket and the environment. 

Store all bags inside one and put them in your 

vehicle, ready for the next shop, easy. Here’s to 

a better shopping experience ! 

Thumbs up for Free Speech 

Just think what could happen to any protest 

rally if we didn’t live in a democratic nation. 

Sea shells 

The little mermaid wears sea shells because A 

and B shells are too small. 

Awesome! 

A belated ‘well done’ from me to the Woody! 

Another awesome Pig Hunt. Was a fantastic 

weekend, hunting and hanging with me mates 

at the Woody. Good on ya team! 

Well done 

$20 SuperGold Card Lunch on Mondays during 

Winter at Dolce Cafe, Restaurant & Bar. 

Delicious food and drinks. 

Thanks Owen and the Dolce Team 

Abuse 

Another poor baby has lost its life at just 10 

months old. Maybe better than enduring the 

poor parenting and abuse that it has obviously 

endured. Incredibly sad. I note it is up North 

again. 

These people disgust me. 

txt talk with 

Birth Notices 

Good to see a birth notice in this week’s paper. 6.6.24. Was wondering 

why we don’t see more of them in the Sun paper. Always good 

to see hope there’s more in future papers 

Honours for Volunteers 

Why do honours recognise business people 

instead of volunteer unpaid heroes? Follow 

the money trail I guess! 

Paper Bags 

Here’s a paradox. Years ago paper bags were 

used, it was then discovered paper comes from 

trees, and it’s bad for the environment to cut 

down all the trees. 

So, they went to plastic, now THATS considered 

by the experts to be bad for the environment! 

Watch this space to see plastic return. 

Plus the whole silly argument of paying for 

your bag is supposed to be good for the 

environment? Who thinks of these silly things? 

Forms from CAB 

To the regular “whinger” to your paper please 

be informed that the CAB has all the tax forms 

you will probably ever need. 

Vote of no confidence 

Tax cuts in one hand taken away in the other 

by council rate hikes. Rate payers losers again. 

Time rates were linked to cost of living. Vote 

of no confidence in government and council. 

Falcon car 

To the person who hit blue falcon car Tuesday 

4th June corner Maxwell and Alabama Rds 

thanks for not letting us know. 

Auckland 

Who’d want to live in Auckland? Full of violence. 

Very disturbing what NZ is coming to 

and the gangs need to be sorted. 

Prison 

Put the person that violently beat the 10 

month old baby to death in prison for ever, or 

bring back what they used to do. 


Thank You 

To the caring person who handed my lost 

Ford keys into the Police Station, thank you, 

you are a gem. 

Cinema Missed 

I sure do miss the defunct Picton Aquarium 

cinema. He always had something interesting 

on offer for oldies. I despair at what’s generally 

on offer at the Blenheim one. Occasionally 

a good one, but mostly so much pulp stuff. 

It makes one wonder at the average IQ. of 

Blenheim population. 

Rest homes 

A North Island case in the news this week. 

Incredibly sad to hear again of our elderly 

being mistreated. Whether homes are understaffed 

is one thing but general compassion 

is another. And our elderly need and deserve 

every care. 

It’s worrying to think we are only hearing some 

cases I would suspect. Families be vigilant 

if you have a loved one in a facility. On the 

positive side I applaud the many great care 

workers around our country. 

Busy Pak’nSave Sunday 

May I please say an incredible thank you to 

the PaknSave staff for Sunday 9th. With more 

customers than usual for a Sunday and many 

staff away due to sickness. You pulled in all the 

extra staff you could. 

Thank you to everyone who helped, and also 

to other supermarkets and businesses trying 

to operate smoothly with staff away due to 

Winter sickness. 

Re: To wave or not? 

Yes, the PayWave fee is simply a bank tax 

for something we didn’t ask for. Sure, it’s 

convenient and fast, but so was the swipe and 

PIN method. 

This a another example of what we have to 

look forward to if we become cashless. And 

believe me, the banks are all pushing for this. 

Imagine, no cash for them to manage. All they 

do is come up with new and interesting ways 

of extracting ever increasing fees from us. 

Remember, a $50 note is still worth $50 no 

matter how many times it changes hands, 

unless it is banked, then it incurs a fee. With 

electronic transactions, the bank clips the ticket 

every step of the way. It’s just another tax. 

Talk of the week 

Formal 

Great to see the Formal is still 

a highlight for our teens. Some 

wonderful attire along with 

happy faces and laughter. 

Baby pic 

Lovely to see a good old 

fashioned baby birth notice 

in The Sun. Seems the young 

ones don’t do this much 

anymore. Facebook has taken 

over for now. 

Thank you 

Thank you so much to 

the wonderful people 

who helped when I fell on 

the pedestrian crossing 

at Cleghorn St last week. 

Thank you for the blanket 

which kept me warm. Thank 

you for the pillow which was 

so comforting. Thank you 

for phoning my husband 

and thank you for phoning 

for an ambulance. Thank 

you for slowing the traffic. 

Just a HUGE thank you to 

you all. 

Leonie 

We welcome your texts on 

027 242 5266. 

Limit to 70 words please. 

We reserve the right to publish at our 

discretion. Please note the opinions 

expressed are not necessarily those of the 

Sun management. 

Well done 

What a huge difference walking along the river 

by Raupo. It now looks like we take pride in our 

wonderful asset, the Opaoa River. Well done 

that man with the weedeater! 

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough? Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266 

Love our Locals 

Enjoy a 20% discount on food when dining 

between 4:30pm-6pm Thu to Mon 

Come see our 

Revised Wine list 

Pricing and 

NeW 

Winter food menu 

both dinner & 

lunch 

Special Dish 

Monday only; Pumpkin Gnocchi & a glass of 

TM Estate wine 4:30pm-9pm for $28 

New operatiNg hours 

Lunch Sat & Sun 11:30am to 3pm | Aperitivo Thu - Mon 4pm to 5pm | Dinner Thu - Mon 4:30 to 9pm 

776 Rapaura Rd, Rapaura | Phone (03) 570 5700 | www.harvestrestaurant.co.nz

24 



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bobcat digger and tip truck 

available for general earthworks 

grant oborne | 027 287 4807 

www.bobcattipperservices.co.nz 

We service all 

Commercial Kitchen & 

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Local agent for 

Starline Dishwashers. 

Ph: 579 4445 

www.cmelectrical.co.nz 

forKlift Hire 

SERVICES LIMITED 

Casual or 

Long Term 

Rentals 

Maintenance & 

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Phone: 579 2921 

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Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 


Situations Vacant 

Public Notices 



AGM 

MARLBOROUGH UNITED 

FRIENDLY SOCIETY 

Clothing Alterations: 

by Lynette 

Atkinson-Parker 

We have an exciting opportunity 

for a part time 

Year 7/8 Homeroom or 

English Teacher 

to join our teaching staff at Kuīni 

Harata/Queen Charlotte College. 

You will possess the following key 

attributes:- 

• Ensure quality of teaching and 

curriculum delivery is of a high standard 

• A good understanding of the NZ 

curriculum 

• The ability to drive new initiatives in a 

positive manner 

• Be forward thinking of upcoming events 

• Have a high level of communication 

with staff, students and whānau 

This position is for 10 hours per week, 

fixed term, starting Term 3 or by 

negotiation. Please state any areas of 

strength and interests that you have. 

Kuīni Harata is a successful co-educational, 

Year 7-13 school located at the gateway to 

the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. 

Applications close 28 June 2024. 

To apply and for information regarding 

this role, please email: 

Executive Officer, Debbie O’Connell, 

doconnell@qcc.school.nz or phone the 

school office 03 573 6558 ext 743 

AGM and Community Meeting 

12th July -7pm onwards 

Renwick Community Hall 

Guest Speakers 

Andy White, MDC 

Stephen Rooney, MDC 

Michael Porter, Marlborough Police 

Marlborough Returned and 

Services Association (Incorporated) 

The Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove 

Wish to thank the following for their 

assistance with our annual olive harvest: 

Alan Wilkinson and his ALAPA 

Viticultural Workers 

Pernod Ricard 

Mike Newman – Meaters 

Calvin Hart – Waterfront Bar and Grill 

The Marlborough Olive Press 

And our helpers who attended on the day. 

The Harvest resulted in 900 Litres of Oil 

Many Thanks. 

In addition to the normal Agenda 

items of an AGM there is a proposal 

for a rule change to simplify the 

transfer of the assets of the Pharmacy 

to the 3 Debenture holding Lodges. 

If you hold a 2023/24 MUFS discount 

card you are welcome to attend. 

When; 1st July 2024 at 6pm 

Where; Redwood Tavern 

AGM 

BLENHEIM UNITED 

FRIENDLY SOCIETY 

In addition to the normal Agenda items 

of an AGM there is a proposal for a rule 

change. Now that the Marlborough 

United Friendly Society Dispensary is 

closed the Blenheim United Friendly 

Society can no longer offer any 

benefits. At the AGM a rule change 

is proposed to allow the committee 

to terminate the membership of any 

person whose dues remain unpaid 

after the 1st of May 2024. 

If you wish to challenge this expulsion 

please contact the Secretary, Robin 

Cox on 5784115 or robincox@xtra.co.nz 

within 10 days of this notice appearing 

If you hold a 2023/24 MUFS discount 

card and you paid the annual sub of 

$15 at the Dispensary then you are 

welcome to attend the AGM. 

When; 10th July 2024 at 7pm. 

Where; Vintage Car Club Rooms, 

Brayshaw Park 

AGM 

Queen Charlotte Yacht Club 

Sunday 16th June 2024, 1pm 

For further information please 

go to www.qcyc.org.nz/about-1/ 

governance-policies 

All apologies to the Secretary 

Beautiful 

lawns and 

gardens 

By your 

local 

expert. 

• Residential mowing 

• commeRcial mowing 

• Ride on mowing 

• hedges & PRuning 

For your sewing requirements 

Phone 03 578 1010 

or 027 578 1010 

Quality Service Guaranteed 

• all woRk guaRanteed 

• gaRdening / sPRaying 

• section clean-uPs 

• Rubbish Removal 

• gutteR cleaning 

Call 0800 454 654 

or book online 

www.jimsmowing.co.nz 

Franchises 

Available 

Visit us online at blenheimsun.co.nz 

CANCELLED 

txt 

talk 

Got an important issue to share 

with Marlborough? 

Text your thoughts to: 

027 242 5266

26 Wednesday June 12, 2024 


URGENT 

services 

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital 

Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 

8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377. 

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 

0797. 

After Hours Chemists: Springlands 

Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 

6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am 

- 4pm. We will be closed on the following 

days: Anzac Day 25 April, Kings Birthday 

3 June, Matariki 28 June 

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the 

Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am- 

8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. 

Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr 

helpline. 

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence 

Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis 

line number phone 0800 refuge or 

03 5779939. 

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 

846) 

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS 

- 0800 229 6757. 

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, 

confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am - 

4pm. Phone 578 4272. 

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: 

Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 

may visit parents only. 

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. 

Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting 

at all times is subject to the discretion of 

the nurse in charge of the ward. 

Picton: 

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 

4870. 

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 

573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. 

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, 

Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm 


RIVERSDALE PROMOTIONS INC 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Date: Tuesday June 25th 2024 

Time: 7:00 pm 

Place: Riversdale Community House 

131 Budge Street, Blenheim 

Election of Officers & Reports 

Speaker: Mayor Nadine Taylor 

All Welcome, 

Supper to follow 

A copy of the agenda can be obtained 

from the Administrator 

riversdalecommunityhouse@xtra.co.nz 

fact of the 

week 

Australia is one of the 

most sparsely populated 

countries in the world, with 

just 3.5 people per sq km. 

FRIZZELL, Betsy Rosina. Died peacefully 

on Tuesday June 4th, 2024 in Blenheim. 

Aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of 

late Trevor Frizzell, treasured mother and 

friend of Rosemary and Godfrey (Wairarapa), 

Helen and Peter and special dog friend 

Ralph (deceased) (Dunedin), John and 

Sarah (Bristol), Richard and Rosie (Nelson). 

Special Nana to Libby, Felicity, Tomas, 

Nico and Robyn. Many thanks to her 

friends and Springlands Lifestyle Village 

staff for their care of Betsy. Messages to 

Richard Frizzell,18 Brough Terrace, Nelson 

7010 and www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz or 

email: richardtfrizzell@gmail.com In lieu 

of flowers a donation to Marlborough Forest 

and Bird, email: marlborough.branch@ 

forestandbird.org.nz would be appreciated 

or may be made at the service. A service 

to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held at the 

Church of Nativity, 76 Alfred Street, Blenheim, 

on Wednesday, 12 June, at 11.30am 

followed by interment at the Fairhall Cemetery. 

The Service will be livestreamed and 

can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral 

Services website. 

Cloudy Bay Funerals 

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z. 

MORTON, Allan Edwin (Snow): Passed 

away on Saturday June 8, 2024. Aged 91 

years. Dearly loved husband of the late 

Josie. Loved father and father-in-aw of Gary 

and Susan (Hamilton), Andrew and Robyn 

(Blenheim), and the late Lisa. Loved grandad 

and great-grandad. The family would 

like to acknowledge the wonderful care given 

to Snow at Maxwell Life Care in his last 

20 months. Messages may be sent to Andrew 

Morton, 199 Maxwell Road, Blenheim 

7201. A private cremation has been held and 

a private farewell will be held for Snow at a 

later date. 

TURNBULL, Stephen William (Steve). On 

9 June 2024 peacefully at Wairau Hospital 

after a short battle with cancer, aged 67 

years. Loved husband of Deb. Loved Dad 

and father in-law to Jaron and Rebecca, and 

Step Dad of Lily and Gemma. Loved Grandad 

of Asah, Mario and Lucy. Brother and 

Brother in-law of Marianne and Malcolm 

Kendell (Perth) Graeme (Chuck)Turnbull 

(Auckland) Christopher Turnbull(deceased) 

Allan Turnbull (Perth) Phillip Turnbull (deceased) 

Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 

7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A 

private cremation will take place with a Memorial 

Service to be held in Auckland and 

Havelock respectively, dates to be advised. 

Death notices 

T: 03 578 4719 

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz 

W: www.sowmans.co.nz 

Cloudy Bay Funerals 

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z. 

In Memoriam 

Remember your 

lost loved one on their 

anniversary. 

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for 

further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email 

office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868. 

VERRY, Gwendoline Kate: 1924 - 2024. 

Passed away peacefully at Springlands 

Lifestyle Village on Sunday June 2, 2024. 

Dearly loved wife of the late George, much 

loved mother and mother-in-law of Bruce 

and Diana, Paul and Tracey. Loved gran 

of Louisa, Anna and Craig, Brendan and 

Shae, Hayden and Anya; loved great-gran 

of Petra and Violet. Loved sister of Judy 

and Sue, sister-in-law of Peter. The family 

would like to thank Springlands Lifestyle 

Village for the wonderful care of Gwen. 

Messages may be sent to 6 Scotston Grove, 

Witherlea, Blenheim 7201. A family farewell 

has been held in accordance with Gwen’s 

wishes. 

T: 03 578 4719 



WEBBER, Anne Theresa: Sadly passed 

away with family by her side, in her 84th 

year, at Hospice Marlborough on Wednesday 

June 5, 2024. Dearly loved partner of Douglas 

Morrison (deceased), and sister of Patricia, 

James (deceased), Paul, John, and Clare. 

Sister-in-law of Errol and Heather Morrison, 

and aunty and great aunty of many nieces 

and nephews. Special friend of Barbara and 

April. Messages may be sent to P O Box 

25, Tua Marina, Marlborough 7246. Special 

thanks for all the care given by Dr Rhondda 

Turner, the Oncology team at Wairau Hospital, 

St. John and Hospice Marlborough. In 

lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough 

a/c 03-1369-0365207-00, or St 

John a/c 12-3167-0165142-00 Ref. WEB- 

BER would be appreciated please. At Miss 

Webber’s “request”, a farewell service has 

been held. 

T: 03 578 4719 



WILLETTS, Ryan Todd “Chucky”. Suddenly 

at home, June 5th 2024. Much loved 

son of Jess and the late Kevin. Loved Dad 

of Zachary. Loved by all his aunties, cousins 

and friends. Messages may be sent to 

2A Walnut Lane, Islington, Blenheim 7201. 

A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at 

The Pelorus Tavern, 21 Wakamarina Road, 

Canvastown at 1.30pm on Friday June 14. 

R.I.P. Ryan. 

T: 03 578 4719 



In Memoriam 

EDGAR, Marion Levens 21.04.1935 - 

16.06.2022 Death leaves a heartache no one 

can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can 

steal. Greatly loved and deeply missed by 

Brian and Bronwyn. 

HUTCHINSON, Alison Mae (Nee Hills) 

29.09.1936-14.06.2021 It’s been 3 long and 

lonely years since you went to the place 

where there is no pain or suffering. I look at 

your picture every day and see your beautiful 

smile and think how lucky I was to have 

had you for 64 wonderful years. Always 

remember, I love you. Brian XXXX Sadly 

missed by your loving sons, Barry, David, 

Ross and Neil. Daughter-in-laws Vivian, 

Claire, Christine and Lauree. Your lovely 

grandchildren and beautiful great grandchildren. 

Rest in peace. 

Sun Babies 

Demmocks: Xanthe Ida Joy 

Born June 7, 2024 

Weight 3.14kg 

Hospital Wairau 

Amanda, Conrad, and big sisters, Wynne and 

Cara are excited to announce the speedy 

arrival of Xanthe on her due date. Big thank 

you to midwife Aiméé for taking such great 

care of us. 

HAD A BABY? 

Tell the rest of 

Blenheim for FREE. 

Please email your photo and details 

to babies@blenheimsun.co.nz 

Community notices 

Havelock Lions annual 

Shortest Day Market. 

Saturday 15th June. 9am -1pm A 

wide variety of stalls in the Town Hall 

with plants, crafts, preserves, baking 

and much more. Sites still available 

$5. Contact Ian 574 2558. 

Share your 

community events! 

Community Noticeboard is 

for non-profit organisations! 

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words. 

EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special 

meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into 

our office at 72 High St. 

For Sale 

PiNE, 3cu/m $230 Macro 3 cu/m $280. No 

texting, no computers. 0273267416 

FiREWooD: 2.5m3 old man pine / macrocarpa 

$250, or pallet wood $150. Pinecones 

$6 large sack. Kindling $5 box. 0275970492 

STEEl bath 1500mm long, removed for renovation. 

Good condition. $50. 02040613326. 

SUNbURST Yacht, 3 sails, road and launch 

trolley. Phone 035736574. 

Wanted to Buy 

WANTED TO BUY- Old tobacco tins, NZ 

postcards, military items, garden tools, woodworking 

tools, records from the 1970’s/80’s, 

old petrol station related items, fountain pens, 

crystal decanters/whisky & wine glasses, NZ 

history books, gold jewellery, antique bottles, 

Tonka, Fun Ho & tin toys, white Crown Lynn 

vases & swans & all collectables. Collector of 

NZ / Maori & whaling related artifacts. All of 

the above are popular & fetching good money 

at the moment. Free quotes we travel. Rarity, 

condition & collectability = more $$$. Just 

Browsing 26 Battys Rd (03)5775402.



sport 

Grassroots rugby show 

set to return 


Marlborough club rugby fans 

have welcomed the news that 

New Zealand Rugby Commercial 

(NZRC) has announced 

the Grassroots Club Rugby and 

Heartland Rugby programmes 

will air on NZR+, You Tube, Sky 

Sport and TVNZ from late June. 

In March, Sky TV dropped the 

two shows that extensively cover 

the club and lower-level provincial 

scenes. 

The Grassroots Club Rugby and 

Heartland Rugby programmes 

are amongst the longest-running 

rugby shows on New Zealand 

television, celebrating the best of 

Kiwi grassroots community and 

provincial rugby - the “Country 

Calendar of rugby”. 

Awatere Rugby Club’s Andrew 

Lawson says any coverage of 

grassroots rugby is good for the 

game and creates a bit of a buzz 

while former Tasman Rugby 

Referee Manager Dave Patterson 

says it is great news as grassroots 

is at the heart of many small 

communities and covering these 

games is important for supporters. 

Provincial rugby programme, 

Heartland Rugby (currently 

known as Mainfreight Rugby) 

started in 1999 and covers the 

Bunnings Warehouse Heartland 

Championship. Grassroots Club 

Rugby started airing in 2002, 

covering club and school rugby, 

showcasing local talent and their 

communities across the country. 

The shows will return in a fresh 

format with All Blacks legend Ian 

Jones returning as a presenter, and 

plans to continue evolving them 

across new formats for social 

as well as traditional channels. 

New Zealand Rugby Commercial 

CEO, Craig Fenton says grassroots 

rugby is a story that needs 

to be told, and it’s best told from 

the grassroots by the volunteers, 

coaches, players and clubs. 

“I’m deeply grateful for the 

partnership of our Heartland 

Provincial Unions, the clubs and 

communities they represent, for 

the leadership of the community 

rugby team at New Zealand Rugby, 

and especially proud to have 

the support of Sky and TVNZ, 

who have united with us.” 

GRASSROOTS: Marlborough club rugby fans will once again get the opportunity 

to see grassroots rugby later this month after the announcement last 

Friday Grassroots Club Rugby and Heartland Rugby programmes will air 

on NZR+, You Tube, Sky Sport and TVNZ. 

Winter Series in full trot 


Dressage Marlborough Group 

held their second day of the AME 

Winter Series at the Marlborough 

Equestrian Park in Spring Creek 

recently. 

The AME Winter Series comprises 

four days where regional 

and local dressage riders compete 

against each other during the winter 

months to practise for their dressage 

test for more challenging events 

such as the championships later in 

the year. 

Spokesperson Helen Buitendijk 

says approximately 40 riders of all 

levels turned up with their horses 

and ponies in what was a wonderful 

event with great companionship 

and a relaxed vibe. 

Helen says a special thanks to 

local sponsor AME Auto & Marine 

Electrics for making it possible to 

run the event. The next day of the 

AME Winter Series will be held on 

Sunday, July 7 at the same location. 

For more information regarding 

this event or group visit www. 

sporty.co.nz/marlboroughdressage 

or follow their Facebook Page 

Dressage Marlborough Group. 

Locals know it as the ‘Woody’ 

and soon community groups will 

get to know it through a logistical 

lens. 

The Woodbourne Tavern and 

Motels in Renwick have a new 

vehicle for community groups 

to utilise to get to sporting or 

cultural events. 

Co-owner Rowan Ingpen says 

the idea for a vehicle came about 

when the ‘girls in the kitchen’ 

Caroline Houghton on her horse RM Limbo, winning the non-graded 

Small Tour international test at the Marlborough Equestrian Park 

recently. 

The Woody’s new vehicle for 

community groups 

who play rugby for Marlborough 

Girls’ College, asked about using 

the Woodbourne Tavern’s courtesy 

van to get them over to Nelson 

for rugby. 

The vehicle, courtesy of the 

Marlborough Motor Centre, is 

a seven seater Mercedes V350. 

The interior is ideal for group 

excursions across the region and 

has plenty of space to throw bags, 

kit and sporting equipment in. 

Rowan says they have already 

had a few businesses enquiring 

how they can help out and sponsor 

the van. As for when community 

groups can use the vehicle he 

says it’s a work in progress as 

insurance needs to get sorted first. 

“We are working through the 

process now as there may be a 

charity trust that could take it on 

so we don’t have to reinvent the 

wheel,” he says. 

Golf Results 

Blenheim Golf Club 

June 3 9 Hole stableford: Dan 

Crawford 22 David Horrell 21 

Ian Clark 21 Leo Hawkins 21 

Dean Ormsby 20Barry Mosley 

20 Derek Bowman 20 Brain 

Burgess 19 Mike McConnell 19 

Les Boniface 19 Leo McKendry 

18 Ina Hatcher 17 Ladies Jenny 

Adams 22 Bernice Arnold 20 

Yvonne Hore 20 Dawn Walker 

20 Elaine Brown 19 Jane Ingram 

19 June 5 Ladies 9 hole all in stableford 

Jenny Adams 23 Yvonne 

Hore 22 Sue Duckworth 19 

Kay Ayson 19 Dawn Walker 19 

Odette Roper 18 Trees Rewi 18 

June 6 Stableford Stuart McLagan 

46 Duncan Cassidy 40 Desz 

Campbell 37 Graeme Parker 36 

Picton Golf Club 

Sat 1 June Nett-Jeff Pascoe 

71; Nick Wright 72;Phil Hawke 

74,Mark Ivamy 74,Ian Johnson 

74,Len Barlow 74,Maria Mc- 

Conway 75. Tues 4 June LGU- 

Overall winner Anita McCaffrey 

63; Div 2-Lin Stone;Mary Butler 

68; Dido Harper 71,Jenny Hart 

71; Div 3- Margaret Frisken 72. 

Doug Shaw 36 Steve Anderson 

36 Stuart Parker 36 Mike Gardiner 

35 9 holes stableford David 

Horrell 22 Arnold Newman 21 

Justin Taipana 20 June 8 Single 

Stableford Graeme Parker 38 

Warren Ingram 38 Don Lamond 

37 Brian Yarrall 35 Doug Shaw 

35 Mike McDonald 35 Helmut 

Adendorff 35 Terry Duff 35 Patrick 

Norton 35 Andrew Stowell 

34 Ross Agnew 33 Ryan Windleburn 

33 Rau Herd 33 Brent Baker 

33 Murray Ingram 33Ladies Sue 

Greenstreet 36 Robyn Breen 36 

NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Ray Herd 

Sowmans 3/12 Trent Davies and 

Doug Shaw. 

Thurs 6 June S/F-Tim McCaffrey 

43;Nick Wright 38,Ant Booker 

38,Graham Couldrey 38,Leigh 

McGlynn 37; Murray Selwyn 

36,David Bunt 36;Gary Aldridge 

35,Warren Roertson 35. Fri 7 

June 9H S/F- Ellie Gillies 20; 

Judy Jones 19;Lin Stone 17; 

Trudy McClelland 16. 

The Woodbourne Tavern has a new vehicle for community groups 

to utilise to get to events.

28 Wednesday June 12, 2024 


Two 

weeks only 

10 th -24 th June 

It’s back… 

CAN 

for a 

CLEAN 

Up to 3 items of jewellery cleaned 

in exchange for a donation of food 

for our furry friends at 

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(right next to Bikes and Scooters) 

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2023

Blenheim Sun: June 13, 2024

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