Blenheim Sun: February 04, 2026

Marlborough 

Pest control 

February 4, 2026 | LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS - LOCAL NEWS 

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Artist Raffaela Dragani wants to give 

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Blend, will do just that. 

Photo: Jessica Jones. 

Story page 7. 

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Domino’s Blenheim has received six 

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Domino’s teams from both sides of the 

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Continued on page 2. 

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Rangatira Smith performs the wero as 

part of the Mihi whakatau. 

Photo: Supplied. 

NO 1 

for readership 

TRUSTED 

in our region 

for over 

22 years 

Senior students at Marlborough Girls’ College welcomed Year 9 students and their 

caregivers onto the school’s Mclauchlan Street campus. Photo: Paula Hulburt 

Editor: 

Paula Hulburt 

027 280 1885 

paula@blenheimsun.co.nz 

classifieds@blenheimsun.co.nz 

accounts@alliedpress.co.nz 

Warm welcome for new 

secondary students 

Phone: 5777 868 

72 High Street. Blenheim 

ww.blenheimsun.co.nz 

Follow the Blenheim Sun on 

Marlborough’s favourite read. 

Students starting on the next 

stage of their education have 

been warmly welcomed to 

both Marlborough Girls’ and 

Marlborough Boys’ Colleges. 

Mihi whakatau (welcome 

ceremony) was held at both 

Blenheim colleges as students 

starting Year 9 officially joined 

their new secondary school 

communities. 

At Marlborough Girls’ College 

four Manukura, Miriana 

Haitana, Māreikura Nepia, 

Sophia Nicholas and Piper Patrick, 

spoke to students and their 

whānau. 

Sharing memories from their 

first time at the college, each 

leader did their best to put the 

new starts at ease, referring to 

their own first day nerves. 

This was followed by shared 

kai in the school hall. 

At Marlborough Boys’ College 

new Year 9 students were also 

welcomed by senior students in 

front of staff, family and friends. 

Rangatira Smith, the Head Boy 

lead the wero, the challenge part 

of the ceremony, before a speech 

from principal Jarrod Dunn. 

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The Blenheim 

Art gala night to help 

move mountains 

By Paula Hulburt 

A Blenheim artist has been inspired 

to arrange a special exhibition in a bid 

to give back to a charity there for her 

in her darkest days. 

Raffaela Dragani discovered her 

talent for line art after being diagnosed 

with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 

just 42 years old. 

The Thornhill Horticultural Contracting 

project manager said discovering 

her skills sparked her curiosity 

about friends and colleagues in the 

industry. 

“I wondered how many people out 

there in the wine industry had other 

passions which is how the idea for the 

exhibition got started,” she said. 

“It’s also about people who may 

never have had a platform to show their 

work, this gives them both a stage and 

possibility. 

“I want people to dress up, get 

glammed up and have a good time.” 

Fifteen artists will create new pieces, 

across a range of mediums, especially 

for the Beyond the Blend show. Many 

works will be available to buy. 

There will also be some impressive 

items up for raffle, including thousands 

of dollars’ worth of wine magnums. 

Artist Joanna Dudson Scott from the 

Dudson Scott Art Gallery in Renwick 

is the judge for the night. Winning artists 

will get the opportunity to display 

their work at the Wine + Food Experience 

on Alfred Street in Blenheim. 

Funds raised will go to Christchurchbased 

charity, Mastering Mountains. 

The organisation helps those with neurological 

disorders experience hope 

and direction through self-directed 

outdoor adventure. 

The charity, which has helped 

Raffaela come to terms with her 

life-changing diagnosis, is a cause 

close to her heart, she said. 

“I’m trying to make my story one 

of ability, not disability. If I make one 

person feel less afraid then it’s totally 

worth it. They [Mastering Mountains] 

totally helped me.” 

Originally from Italy, Raffaela arrived 

in Marlborough in 2013 and met 

her husband, Adam while working at 

Indevin. His support, and that of the 

community has been invaluable, she 

explained. 

“The generosity of the community 

has been incredible, especially Fiona 

Fenwick, my leadership coach who 

sparked my desire to make this a 

reality and Kevin Mintenko, artist and 

committee member of MAS, who I 

described as ‘the real artist,” Raffaela 

laughed. “Without them this exhibition 

would just not have been possible. 

“It’s going to be a fantastic night.” 

Tickets for Beyond the Blend at 

Marlborough Art Society are $39 plus 

a booking fee and are available from 

eventfinder. 

Beyond the Blend will be held on 

February 19 between 6 and 8pm. 

See next week’s Blenheim Sun One 

on One feature to read more about 

Raffaela’s art and her determination 

to live her life as positively as 

possible. 

Artist Raffaela Dragani wanted to give back to the inspirational 

organisation which helped her, Mastering Mountains. 

Photo: Paula Hulburt. 

Wednesday February 4, 2026 3 

inbrief 

The Sun 

Parole denied 

Scott Waston, 54, has been declined 

parole after a two-hour hearing last 

week. The convicted murderer who 

has been in prison for the murders of 

Olivia Hope and Ben Smart since 1999, 

was denied parole for the sixth time, 

with the parole board suggesting he 

needed more treatment to address his 

attitude to violence and women. He is 

due before the parole board again in 

November. 

Diesel thefts 

Frost fans have been targeted by 

thieves, with police urging owners to 

check if they have any diesel missing. 

Senior Constable Goodyer said he is 

investigating thefts from between 1 

and 21 December 2025. Offenders cut 

padlocks or pulled bottom valves out 

and police are especially interested in 

any information about a white vehicle 

with a flat deck tray Ford Courier kingcab 

utility. Anyone with any information 

or finds they have had fuel taken in the 

same timeframe should contact Snr 

Constable Goodyer 021 1915578. 

Space for seals 

Reports of visitors getting too close 

to fur seals on Kaikōura Peninsula has 

the Department of Conservation calling 

for people to give native species space. 

DOC South Marlborough Operations 

Manager Stacey Wrenn said visitors 

need to treat native species with 

respect. It’s an offence under the 

Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 

to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill 

them. If you see someone getting too 

close to a seal or other native animal 

and call the DOC hotline 0800 DOC HOT 

(0800 362 468). 

Visiting Wellington 

and looking for art? 

Then, 

Find it 

here… 

Te Manu Muramura at Rydges Wellington Airport - access by 

escalator from the terminal - Entry Free - now through April - celebrates 

the themes of flight, movement, the sky, waves and surf to complement 

the new sculpture celebrating the story of taniwha Ngake and Whātaitai of 

Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) and the journey of the bird spirit 

Te Manu Muramura. 

Top: 

Judi Lapsley 

Miller's 

'At what cost 

forever?' 

LEFT: 

J. M. Beltran's 

'Sanctuary 

Under a 

Sleepless 

Night' 

Academy Summer Show at Wellington 

Cathedral, 2 Hill St - 14 February to 8 March 

- 10 am to 5 pm - Entry Free - just in time for 

Valentine’s Day, with a colourful display of works 

by artists from across the country responding 

to the warmth and light of the season in an 

enormous variety of styles and media. 

Helen Keen and Lynn Blann 

recent works - DoubleTree by 

Hilton Wellington, 

28 Grey St - Entry Free 

Call us (04) 499 8807 

Find us: www.nzafa.com 

Follow us: nzafa 

academygalleries

4 


inbrief 


Flight changes 

Originair has made some changes 

to its direct flights from Blenheim to 

Christchurch. Airline’s CFO, Warren 

Kitchin said its flight schedule would 

change from February 9, giving 

travellers more time each day in 

both locations. The airline’s double 

daily services to Christchurch will 

depart an hour earlier at 7.30am with 

a later 5.40pm departure home from 

Christchurch. 

Fatal crash 

A cyclist has died after a serious crash. 

State Highway 1 was closed for several 

hours on Monday after a serious crash. 

Drivers travelling between Blenheim 

and Kaikoura were warned to expect 

delays as emergency services attended 

the scene near Lake Grassmere. There 

were no detours available. The incident 

was reported shortly before 8 am and 

the road was closed between Seddon 

and Taimate Roads. 

Aerobatics delight 

The Southern Force Aerobatic Team 

were practicing their moves at Omaka last 

week, delighting those who caught the 

team in action. The team were at Omaka 

with an international aerobatic coach 

for intensive training in preparation for 

the upcoming Wanaka Airshow. Many 

Marlburians were lucky enough to spot 

some of the practice sessions. 

All your community news 

now also on the 

Blenheim Sun Facebook page 


Recycling challenge 

launched across region 


Marlburians are being encouraged 

to get creative – one unwanted 

item at a time. 

Blenheim’s Blue Door has 

launched a competition with the 

aim of getting people to think 

more about upcycling. 

The inaugural Marlborough Upcycling 

Challenge was launched 

on 1 February, with the countdown 

now on to create something 

new from used, damaged or 

discarded items. 

Blue Door has teamed up with 

Repost, Trillo Metals and Marlborough 

District Council to challenge 

Marlburians of all ages to 

help cut waste. 

Repost co-founder Dansy Coppell, 

who started the successful 

vineyard post recycling business 

with husband Greg Coppell, said 

the competition was a fun way to 

“to challenge the status quo and 

start conversations.” 

“Marlborough has some of the 

highest landfill costs in the country. 

Your rates pay fees, so it 

directly impacts every person in 

Marlborough. 

“Reuse isn’t niche or just for 

those who can’t afford new - it’s 

a consideration in every action, 

from purchase to end of life, as 

we pass this world onto the next 

generation. 

“Change really does start at 

home.” 

Repost have repurposed nearly 

1 million Marlborough vineyard 

posts, helping farmers nationwide 

fence 8,000km and divert 

11,000 tonnes of CCA timber 

from landfill. 

Materials with minor defects 

can be given a second life - reuse 

works, Dansy explained. 

“We’re excited to celebrate individuals 

and groups using innovation 

and problem-solving to find 

new ways to reuse! Who knows, 

maybe it will inspire a few people 

to change some habits too or see 

the beauty in everyday items. 

We’re simply making trendy values 

generations from yesteryear 

had instilled -practical, responsible, 

and worth celebrating.” 

Scrap metal recyclers Trillo 

Metals said they were proud to be 

part of the project as it “perfectly 

aligns” with their passion for 

salvage and reuse, explained 

managing Director Craig Trillo. 

“With our passion for reuse, 

creativity and keeping materials 

in circulation we’ve shared a long 

and valued relationship with The 

Blue Door over the years. 

“It is great to back an initiative 

Enid Craig has a hunt through items at the Blue Door for inspiration as 

the Marlborough Upcycling Challenge is launched. Photo: Paula Hulburt 

that reflects the commitment to 

sustainability and community. 

We can’t wait to see what gets 

created.” 

The competition is free to enter 

and open to everyone. 

There are four entry categories: 

School Team (aged up to 13 years 

and 14-18 years), plus Group, 

and Individual. Entrants have 

ten weeks to create something to 

impress the judges. 

People can work together with 

classmates, workmates or crafty 

friends. Solo projects are also 

welcomed. 

Local businesses, second-hand 

and reuse stores, and items that 

would otherwise end up in landfill 

are all potential sources. 

Prizes are up for grabs, with 

winners to be announced on 

Earth Day, 22 April 2026. Entries 

close on 10 April. For full details, 

including terms and conditions, 

visit thebluedoor.nz 

Her hips had other plans 

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Rosemary had plans for her 

retirement. Morning walks with 

friends, afternoons in the garden, 

weekends chasing grandchildren 

around the park. Her hip had 

other ideas. 

“It started gradually,” the 

68-year-old recalls. “First I’d 

feel it after long walks. Then 

after short ones. Eventually I was 

feeling it just lying in bed trying 

to get comfortable at night.” 

Her hips began dictating her 

days. She’d decline invitations, 

knowing she’d pay for it later. 

The garden grew untidy. Visits 

from grandchildren became 

something to manage rather than 

enjoy. 

“My world was shrinking,” 

she admits. “I was becoming 

someone who sat and watched 

rather than joined in.” 

Her daughter had noticed the 

change and left a bottle of Koru FX 

on Rosemary’s kitchen bench after 

reading about the natural cream in 

her local paper. 

“I wasn’t expecting much,” 

Rosemary admits. “But I massaged 

some into my hip and within 

minutes felt this lovely warming 

sensation, then a cooling that 

settled everything down. The edge 

came right off. I was pleasantly 

surprised to be honest.” 

The New Zealand-made cream 

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the skin. Unlike sticky gels she’d 

tried before, this one felt pleasant 

with a light peppermint scent and 

no residue on her clothes. 

What impressed Rosemary 

most was how quickly it worked. 

“I’d been putting up with this for 

months, modifying everything I 

did. Suddenly I had something that 

actually helped, and helped fast.” 

She began applying it before her 

morning walks, before gardening, 

before the grandchildren visited. 

The activities she’d been avoiding 

gradually returned to her routine. 

“Last weekend I spent three 

hours at the park with them,” she 

beams. “Running around, pushing 

swings, picking them up for 

cuddles. Six months ago that would 

have been unthinkable.” 

Even bedtime improved. “I used 

to dread lying down because my 

hip would niggle until I finally 

drifted off. Now I apply some Koru 

FX, settle in, and I’m away. It’s not 

that the issue is gone, my hip just 

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trying to go to sleep.” 

Her husband has noticed the 

difference. “He says he’s got his 

wife back,” Rosemary shares. 

“I’m doing things again, making 

plans, saying yes instead of making 

excuses.” 

She keeps bottles throughout 

the house now: bedroom, kitchen, 

hallway, and has introduced it to 

her mother-in-law and walking 

group friends. 

“It’s not about being twenty 

again,” Rosemary reflects. “It’s 

about your body not holding 

you back from the life you want. 

I wasted months accepting 

limitations that didn’t need to be 

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“Simply having something 

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Mental health bike 

boost begins at home 


A late-night trawl through Trade Me 

sparked a whale of an idea for a Marlborough 

landscape gardener. 

Self-confessed night-owl Andy Johnson 

from Blenheim was idly searching 

the online auction site when he spotted 

a bike trailer. 

For the keen bike fan, who credits 

cycling for helping improve his mental 

health, the find felt like it was meant to be. 

Within weeks he had bought the trailer 

and set up Marlborough’s first bike 

shuttle service, Ride the Whale. 

Now he hopes others might benefit from 

the bike boost too. 

“Cycling is just something I’ve always 

done. I find it very relaxing and is great 

to clear a busy mind. 

‘Being a bloke, there’s a whole taboo 

about talking about it [mental health] and 

cycling helped me find freedom. A few 

hours on the bike and I come back feeling 

like a changed man.” 

Launching the new service on 21 

February, Andy said he had suffered from 

burn-out in the past. Regular cycling 

has helped him find joy in life again, he 

explained. 

“I’m more laid back than most athletic 

riders. I’m here for the everyday 

cyclist. Once you remove the objective 

of exercise, casual cycling is actually 

very enjoyable. Fitness, strength and 

endurance comes naturally.” 

“Cycling is a great time to process my 

thoughts and help me work out what 

needs to be actioned and what can be 

discarded.” 

The father of two said he usually headed 

out on his bike when his children, Miles, 

9, and Martha, 5, were asleep for the 

night. 

Spotting the bike trailer, which can 

hold up to 24 bikes at a time, was a light 

bulb moment, Andy explained. He then 

convinced his wife, Kiri, about the merits 

of his idea. 

“It all started with the bike trailer and 

grew from there. Public transport and 

accessibility can be tricky at times, and 

this helps with the logistics of that. 

Andy has joined forces with Brent 

Ackroyd from BikeFit Marlborough to 

help those looking to hire a bike. 

There are parts of the region which are 

only accessible by bike or on foot, Andy 

explained. The new Whale Trail is a great 

way to see more of those areas. 

“The quality of riding is truly outstanding, 

I don’ think many people realise 

what an amazing trail we have here right 

on our doorstep. 

“I aim to be as flexible as possible and 

have tried to keep prices affordable as I 

want people to be able to access these 

places and enjoy them for themselves.” 

For more information visit www. 

ridethewhale.co.nz 

Ride the Whale company owner Andy Johnson credits 

cycling for helping maintain his own mental health. 

Photo: Paula Hulburt 


inbrief 


Māori tourism seat 

Council’s Strategy and Community 

Partnerships Committee last week 

approved the addition of an eighth 

seat on the Destination Advisory Group 

for Marlborough, dedicated to Māori 

tourism. 

Destination Marlborough General 

Manager Tracey Green said the 

Marlborough Destination Management 

Plan placed strong emphasis on Te Ao 

Māori principles and on developing 

and engaging Māori tourism operators. 

“Having this seat at the table will 

ensure we have inclusive views 

of tourism and will support us to 

integrate levels of Te Ao Māori 

stewardship principles into our work, 

planning, and regional vision,” she 

said. 

Petrol service restored 

Petrol supply will be reestablished at 

Elaine Bay thanks to the government’s 

Regional Infrastructure Fund and 

Council’s Mayoral Relief Fund. 

A 20,000-litre petrol tank and 

dispensing facilities will sit alongside 

the existing diesel infrastructure, 

restoring a vital service for Sounds 

residents. 

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the fuel 

supply would have been lost forever 

if minister Shane Jones and the 

Kānoa Fund hadn’t stepped in to 

support it. 

“It’s excellent news that Elaine Bay 

Fuel Services have been successful 

with their application - Council is very 

pleased to be able to 

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6 



Rare 

bloom 

blossoms 

A flower in rare bloom 

has been captured in all 

its glory by Blenheim 

Sun team member Sue 

Schwass. 

The agave plant takes 

about 10 years to flower, 

producing a tall, central 

flower stalk that can 

tower up to 40 feet. 

Growing near 

grapevines on Dillons 

Point Road, the flower 

will only bloom once 

before dying off. The 

plants only flower once 

in their lifetime. 

Thanks to the reader 

who called to let us know 

the agave was flowering. 

Does anyone else have 

these in their garden? 

Buoy oh boy! 

Council’s harbours teams 

have welcomed a new addition 

to their ranks – he’s short, 

smiley and loves to spend time 

in the ocean. 

A new boy-shaped buoy will 

be popping up in places around 

Marlborough’s waterways, reminding 

boaties about marine 

safety. 

And the hunt is on to name 

the new team member, with 

the winner scooping a VHF 

handheld radio. 

Maritime Officer Kelsie 

Small says buoys already remind 

boaties about hazards, 

mark deep water, and guide 

safe navigation, 

“This one is part safety-marker, 

part character, 

and will be placed just 

15 to 30 metres offshore 

to remind people about 

boat safety, things like 

wearing lifejackets, 

checking the weather 

before venturing out, 

and ensuring you 

carry two forms of 

communication,” she 

said. 

“It is hoped our 

‘spokesbuoy’ will be a 

bit of fun for families; 

while sparking those important 

conversations - and 

we’d like your help to name 

him.” 

The competition also pro- 

motes the new bylaw, which 

requires boaties to have two 

forms of communication on 

the water. 

The harbours crew are also 

asking people not to tie up 

to, untie or move Buoy Boy. 

Buoy Boy is provided by Safer 

Boating, Maritime NZ 

For some extra fun, anyone 

using an unpowered vessel 

who gets a selfie with the Buoy 

while he’s out and about and 

sends it to harbours@marlborough.govt.nz 

will receive five 

extra entries in the draw. 

Entries to the naming competition 

can be made via the 

Marlborough District Council 

Facebook page. 

The latest addition to Marlborough 

District Council’s 

harbours team needs a 

name. Photo: Supplied.



Inspiring art 

in Picton 

A new solo exhibition, focusing on joy and 

exploring ideas about family, environment, 

culture and connection has opened in Picton. 

Olioli had its opening night on Sunday as 

renowned artist and NZ Arts Foundation icon 

Fatu Feu’u unveiled his latest works. 

Feu’u has been an exhibiting artist since 

the early 1980s and became a full-time artist 

in 1988. 

In 1995 he became the first artist of Pacific 

heritage to be awarded the James Wallace Art 

Award. He was appointed an Honorary Officer 

of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001. 

Diversion Gallery Director Barbara Speedy 

said Feu’u has been an inspiration and mentor 

to many Pacific NZ artists over many years. 

The exhibition is on at the Diversion Gallery, 

London Quay until 7 March. 

The Beta Alia CX300 coming into land at Marlborough Airport. Photo: Jim Tannock 

Amped up over 

electric plane’s arrival 

Renowned artist Fatu Feu’u, NZOM, with Diversion Gallery Director Barbara Speedy at the 

opening of his latest exhibition, Olioli. Photo: Anne Gaelle. 

New Zealand’s first electric plane 

arrived in Marlborough last week, as 

the next stage of testing gets underway. 

The electric aircraft touched down at 

Marlborough Airport last Wednesday 

to a small crowd of excited onlookers. 

With its quiet motor, the Beta Alia 

CX300 swooped in silently, flown by Air 

New Zealand pilot James Owen. 

Air New Zealand’s General Manager 

of Strategy, Networks and Fleet, Baden 

Smith, says crossing the Cook Strait 

marks another important milestone 

in the airline’s technical demonstrator 

programme with BETA Technologies. 

Marlborough Airport Chief Executive 

Dean Heiford said it was a big day for a 

small airport and one they were proud 

to be part of. 

“It’s early days, but this is a first step in 

understanding the transition that we’ll 

need to take as a regional airport looking 

to the future of aviation. 

“We have made significant investments 

in infrastructure over the past year, also 

taking the opportunity to install charging 

facilities for the electric aircraft and our 

own hybrid vehicles.” 

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8 


Photo: Paula Hulburt. 

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Story page 8. 

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Fire station 

fun 

Picton volunteer firefighters 

were out in force on Saturday, 

thankfully not for an emergency, 

but welcoming visitors to 

the station. 

Raising money for a new practice 

dummy, the team held an 

Open Day with members of the 

public enjoying the chance for 

a closer look inside the station. 

From racing mini wooden fire 

engines to getting the chance to 

ride in a fire engine there was 

lots to keep people of all ages 

entertained. 

From left, firefighters Josh 

Gregory, Andrew Whear, Pete 

Seddon, Chief Wayne Wytenburg, 

Ryan Mills, Eden and Ihaia 

Sadd, Josh Black, Monica Bean, 

Darren Neilson, Iwan Jones and 

Alec Sadd. Photo: Anne Gaelle. 

Debbie Webster 

Franchise Owner Blenheim 

To sell what you love, talk to someone 

who loves where you live. 

Raine & Horne New Zealand PTY Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 

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 

A deathly silence 

Dear Ed 

When will citizens of Israel and innumerable 

others throughout the world aligned to the 

Jewish faith, raise their voices in concern about 

the Netanyahu government’s callous disregard 

for human life in Gaza and the West Bank 

territory of Palestine? 

A message to our 

48,900 

readers 

Please 

support our 

advertisers, 

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of our 

community 

August 6, 2025 | LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS - LOCAL NEWS 

Marlborough Sounds - Picton - Koromiko - Tuamarina - Rarangi - Spring Creek - Rapaura - Grovetown - Woodbourne - Renwick - Havelock - Wairau Va ley - Seddon 

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From left, William Hawker, Evalyn 

Hawker, Witherlea School Acting Principal 

Kate Deane, New World Blenheim 

owner, operator Tineke Powe l, Theo 

Sheard and Rose Powe l are excited 

about the upcoming raffle. 

LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS - LOCAL NEWS 

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. 

At the time of writing this letter, according 

to Aljazeera, a reputable world news agency, 

71,458 Gaza citizens have been killed in 

disproportionate and indiscriminate actions 

by the IDF – the Israeli army, during their 

eradication of purported Hamas cells post 

7 October 2023, the day Hamas attacked 

Israeli settlements. 

Since 10 October 2025, the start of the 

ceasefire negotiations, 481 citizens of Gaza 

have been killed in direct military actions 

or as ‘collateral’ casualties by IDF actions. 

In the same period, 1108 citizens of the 

West Bank have died, in many many cases, 

at the hands of Israeli ‘settlers’ who are actioning 

their governments complicit policy 

of occupying designated Palestinian territory 

by destroying farmland and citizens 

homes and substituting Jewish settlements. 

And then today, it’s reported that two kids 

out foraging for firewood in N. Gaza, were 

killed by a drone strike…… ... Children! 

These are cold, hard, irrefutable facts. 

The Israeli government’s policies are 

generating growing horror throughout the 

world. When oh when in God’s name is 

basic humanity going to assert a meaningful 

concern for the wellbeing of Palestinian 

people and stop this slaughter? Presumably 

Jewish folk share this anguish? Will they not 

join the cry “enough, enough”? 

Neville Sutherland 


Rate increases 

Dear Ed 

Rates increases have been a sore point with 

the rate paying public. Recently the Taxpayers 

Union released increases figures for local 

bodies of increases to councillor “salaries”. 

It should be noted that inflation currently is 

running at about 2.5% to 3%. 

Marlborough District Councillors received 

an increase of $3505 or a 7.77% increase 

taking their basic “salary” from $45,134 to 

$48,639. 

Marlborough’s mayoral position went from 

$155,456 to $172,545, an increase of 10.99%. 

The only consolation for Marlborough 

ratepayers is that some other local bodies 

gave their councillors much higher such as 

Napier with a whopping $14,447 increase 

The future of Molesworth 

Dear Ed 

Around three years ago the Marlborough 

Tramping Club and club individuals, amongst 

many others submitted on the future direction 

and management of the Molesworth Recreational 

Reserve. 

As its designated status is a “Recreational 

Reserve” the general consensus was that 

recreation should take precedent over farming 

with the recreational reserve opened up and 

made more accessible to the general public. 

Unfortunately, the voice of the people 

has been largely ignored with recent media 

releases by Stacy Wrenn, DOC South Marlborough 

Operational Manager stating that 

“DOC expects farming to be the primary 

activity” and in another release “There MAY 

be improved access”. 

This would be at odds with legislation that 

safeguards “Recreational Reserves” of which 

Molesworth is one. 

Under New Zealand Law, public recreation 

and enjoyment take priority over commercial 

operations in a recreational reserve. 

The primary purpose of a recreational 

reserve, defined in Section 17 of The Reserves 

representing an increase of over 20% while 

Queenstown councillors received $16,620, a 

gigantic 33.13% increase. 

I feel sorry for Napier and Queenstown 

ratepayers, but still I’m far from happy 

that Marlborough councillors took a 7.77% 

increase when inflation has been under 3%. 

No doubt, they will excuse themselves by 

blaming central government. But Marlborough 

councillors could have been respectful 

and considerate of ratepayers and said, “no 

thanks.” 

Did any graciously decline? 

If not, “follow the money trail” dominates 

councillors’ culture. 

Rate payer 


Act 1977 is to provide for public recreation, 

sporting activities and physical welfare. 

Primary vs Secondary Use. Commercial 

trading in a public space is considered a 

secondary function, whereas as non-commercial, 

public recreation (sport, leisure, nature 

appreciation) takes precedence. 

While most acknowledge that grazing is beneficial 

for retaining the heritage values, weed 

control, fire hazard mitigation etc. This should 

never come at the expense of its recreational 

reserve status and values. 

Recreation and farming can happily co-exist, 

a wonderful example in our own backyard being 

the Wither Hills Farm Park, an 1100-hectare 

sheep and beef farming operation enjoyed 

on a daily basis by hundreds of Marlburians 

walking and biking. 

If our voice continues to be ignored then this 

is essentially privatisation by stealth of our 

public space set aside for sport, leisure and 

conservation appreciation, something we must 

vigorously oppose as once lost, it is lost forever. 

Murray Chapman 

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Young designer wins Waitangi Day 

banner competition 

A budding young designer has had her 

artwork selected to line the streets of 

Marlborough this Waitangi Day. 

Nine-year-old Pirihira Smith answered 

the call from Council last year for local 

designers to create a piece of artwork 

that encapsulated what Waitangi Day 

means to them; the pick of which would 

be displayed in Wairau (Blenheim), Waitohi 

(Picton), Awatere (Seddon) and Motuweka 

(Havelock) during the weeks surrounding 

the national holiday this year. 

Pirihira’s design features two people doing 

a hongi, representing the treaty and people 

coming together. She was inspired by her 

love of art, and the opportunity to illustrate 

an important message. 

“I wanted [my design] to be the flag, and 

so everybody could see it, my art. Te Tiriti 

o Waitangi is important because it brings 

everybody together, and to make peace,” 

she said. 

Council Kaitohutohu, Hononga ā Iwi 

– Advisor, Iwi Relationships, Ruihana 

Smith said the initiative was one way to 

acknowledge our national day, and the 

importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for New 

Zealand. 

“We wanted to challenge our community to 

think about what Waitangi Day means for 

them and for the wider community, and to 

create artwork which might inspire others 

to do the same,” he said. 

“Young people are the future of 

Marlborough, and New Zealand as a whole, 

and it’s heartening to see them take an 

interest in Te Tiriti, our founding document. 

We are hopeful that encouraging them to 

think about the history of Aotearoa will help 

inspire a bright future for our young people, 

built on a foundation of understanding.” 

Council staff in the Te Kahui Aka Tokai and 

Parks and Open Spaces teams judged 

the entries blind, selecting Pirihira’s 

piece for its thoughtful design and 

talented execution. It has been displayed 

throughout the district in time for this long 

weekend. 

Waitangi Day banner design competition winner Pirihira Smith, 

9, with her winning design, which will be displayed throughout 

Marlborough in celebration of Waitangi Day 2026. 

Vandals put community safety at risk 

Council is calling on the community to 

help safeguard important environmental 

monitoring sites. 

It follows two recent acts of vandalism and 

theft resulting in thousands of dollars in 

damages and interrupted critical floodwarning 

systems. 

In January, cabling and backup 

communications were deliberately cut 

at a Rai River monitoring site, severing 

power and data connections to specialised 

river-level and flow-monitoring equipment 

that offers real-time data for Council, 

Marlborough Roads, and Emergency 

Management during severe weather 

events. The critical rainfall recording 

system, vital for flood warning decisions, 

was also damaged. Temporary repairs 

have been made, but replacing the cabling 

will cost about $4,000 plus $300 for the 

aerial connection. 

A second incident occurred at a Wairau 

River monitoring site, where an attempt 

was made to break into the secure 

housing and steal equipment. While 

unsuccessful, it caused damage and is part 

of a series of thefts in the area, which has 

included two solar panels stolen over the 

past year. 

“These sites are absolutely critical for flood 

warning, emergency management, waterquality 

monitoring, and environmental 

compliance,” Team Leader Environmental 

Monitoring John Sutherland said. “If this 

damage had occurred before a major 

weather event, the consequences could 

Damage to the environmental 

monitoring equipment housing at 

Wairau River 

have been significant. Some of our 

equipment is highly specialised and 

can take weeks or months to replace. 

Ultimately, the cost of replacing and 

repairing this vandalised equipment falls 

on Marlborough ratepayers. 

“I want to thank the private landowners 

for permitting access and monitoring on 

their land, and for their support in the 

environmental monitoring activities we 

do. Their help is critical for environmental 

and emergency management decision 

making, and benefits all within the 

community.” 

Anyone who notices suspicious activity 

near monitoring sites is encouraged to 

report it to 105 Police Non-Emergency 

and contact Marlborough District Council 

on 03 520 7400. 

Council proposes changes to 

Alcohol Control Areas 

An increase in disorderly behaviour 

has prompted Blenheim Police to 

ask Council to review its Alcohol 

Control Areas (ACAs). 

Chief Licensing Inspector Karen 

Winter said police had asked for 

extended ACAs in the Blenheim 

and Picton CBDs and to create one 

in Renwick. A public consultation 

would follow. 

ACAs increased public safety and 

gave police greater powers, said 

Mrs Winter. “It gives the ability to 

regulate and mitigate disorderly 

behaviour and criminal offending 

linked to the consumption of 

alcohol in these public places,” she 

said. 

Council met with Blenheim Police 

last year to discuss the extension 

under the Alcohol Control Bylaw. 

The existing ACAs have been in 

place since the bylaw came into 

force in 2018. 

In Blenheim, Council is seeking to 

extend the Alcohol Control Area 

to include parts of the Taylor River 

public walkways while in Picton it 

is proposed to include the whole 

of the CBD as well as the Picton 

Library carparks. 

An Alcohol Control Area in Renwick 

would extend from Alma Street 

including part of High Street and 

extending to Inkerman Street. 

Police had reported issues with 

alcohol in the proposed Blenheim 

extended areas on weekdays and 

weekends, particularly around 

mid-afternoon to early evening. 

Similarly, Picton Police had ongoing 

complaints from the public and 

local businesses about alcohol 

consumption. 

“Without ACAs police only have 

statutory powers which are limited 

and don’t provide strong and 

effective tools to enhance public 

safety in these areas,” Mrs Winter 

said. “The proposed ACA in Picton 

is within the CBD, considered an 

area of relatively high public safety 

due to increased human traffic and 

police presence. Despite this, these 

areas are proving hard to manage 

under normal statutory powers.” 

Similarly, police have reported an 

increase in alcohol related crime 

and disorderly behaviour in Renwick 

township. “This is exacerbated 

by people being able to drink 

anywhere in the township,” Mrs 

Winter said. 

A subcommittee consisting 

of Mayor Nadine Taylor and 

Councillors Sally Arbuckle and 

Barbara Faulls will be set up to hear 

submissions.

10 


one on one 

with the Sun 


A helping paw and 

happy vibes 

With her calm demeanor and love of people, German Shepherd mix Poppy 

makes a perfect therapy dog. Owner Rose Harrison talks to Paula Hulburt about 

the role and the special connections it has brought them both. 

Cuddled up on the couch, happy next 

to her human, Poppy looks away as 

Rose explains how the bundle of fur 

and knowing looks, once chewed her 

way through the end of a sofa. 

Resplendent in her official St John 

Therapy pet bandana, and now more 

mature, in both age and demeanor, 

Poppy’s couch chewing days are 

long behind her. Sticks, however, are 

another matter. 

Almost four years ago, Poppy successfully 

completed her training as a 

St John Therapy Pet, passing with an 

almost perfect score. “It was quite a 

process,” Rose explains. “I had to be 

police vetted and then Poppy had to 

do some tests out at Riverlands Hall. 

She passed with flying colours except 

where a bowl of food was put in the 

middle of the hall and we had to walk 

around it without eating. It was a fail,” 

Rose laughs. 

Originally her daughter Bonnie’s 

dog, Rose explains she took on the 

role of surrogate mother when Bonnie 

went to university. It’s clear how close 

the pair are. 

From days on the beach to acting as 

unofficial security at the Barristers 

Chambers where Rose’s husband 

works as a barrister, Poppy has always 

been included as part of the family. 

“She’s always expected people to 

love her,” Rose smiles. “I wanted 

to enrich Poppy’s life and she loves 

people; she’s just made for it [to be a 

therapy dog]. She’s very calming and 

puts people at ease.” 

Today, Poppy is at Hospice Marlborough 

visiting patients. Her giant paws 

tread softly on the carpet, and she 

waits for Rose’s instructions, never 

veering far from her side. Calm and 

quiet, she is a natural people magnet, 

with staff and visitors coming up to 

say hello, patting her in delight. Poppy 

soaks up the admiration happily. 

On the reception desk, curled into a 

shallow box, Lexie, the hospice’s cat, 

raises an eyelid, nose twitching as 

Poppy walks by. “Her and Lexi stay a 

respectful distance apart, Rose laughs. 

Poppy is a bright moment in people’s 

days. She brings a sense of normality 

and distraction. Her large tail wags 

almost constantly and she seems to 

smile, clearly happy to be there. 

“People tell us about their pets,” 

Rose says. “I remember the first time 

we came [to Hospice] and the spark in 

the man’s eye when he saw Poppy. It 

was so gorgeous to see. 

“I think she puts 

them at ease, they 

really open up to her” 

“It’s about connecting with people 

who might be at a vulnerable moment 

or need some love. 

“I imagine it gives them a little 

distraction from what’s happening 

in their lives, she always sparks a bit 

of joy. It makes you treasure the little 

moments. 

“We’ve met some lovely people 

here.” 

Apart from hospice, Poppy is also a 

regular fortnightly visitor to Bohally 

Intermediate School. There she is 

a star, mobbed wherever she goes 

by delighted students. She happily 

sits while children read to her, eyes 

watching as they speak, seemingly 

taking it all in. 

Poppy and owner Rose Harrison have a close relationship. Photo: Paula Hulburt 

RIGHT: Poppy as a puppy on a beach in the Marlborough Sounds. Photo: Supplied. 

“I think she puts them at ease, 

they really open up to her,” Rose 

says. “They chatter to her and 

even bribe her with a treat. She 

will do anything for a treat! 

“I remember being told about 

one boy who developed more 

self-esteem and was able to read 

out loud in the classroom. That 

was wonderful to hear.” 

As Poppy has aged, she has remained 

as active as ever. However, 

Rose is aware her therapy dog 

days can’t go on forever. “She’s 

very active at the park, running 

and barking. If you see her, you’d 

think how very different she is. 

“She can be quite competitive 

over a ball or a stick but will then 

drop it for one of her friends, a 

Jack Russell, to pick up. 

“She has a bit of arthritis, so 

she gets Green Lipped Mussel 

(Lyprinol), disguised as yummy 

food of course! I’ll know when the 

time’s right for her to stop.” 

For now though, Poppy continues 

to visit, to help and to cheer 

and, of course, lap up the love she 

gets wherever she goes. 

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12 



Dry-dock supporting 172-year-old 

ship Edwin Fox at risk of failing 

By Kira Carrington 

LDR 

An expert panel reviewing the 

future of the Edwin Fox maritime 

museum in Picton says its dry 

dock needs urgent repairs. 

A recent inspection of the Edwin 

Fox Museum found numerous 

issues including corroding walls, 

cracked beams and deterioration 

of the 172-year-old ship itself. 

Built in 1853, the Edwin Fox 

was the last convict ship to bring 

criminals from England to Australia 

and was the last wooden 

ship to bring immigrants to New 

Zealand. 

The panel’s report was presented 

to the Marlborough District Council 

strategy and community partnerships 

committee last Thursday. 

The four-person panel, made up 

of naval architect Harry Stronach, 

marine and coastal structural 

engineer Grant Pearce, maritime 

heritage experts Sara Gainsford 

and Kurt Bennett spent two days 

inspecting the ship in August. 

Heritage Marlborough manager 

Liz Ward told councillors 

the walls of the ship’s dry dock 

had not been fit for purpose in 

decades. 

“The dry dock walls are corroding. 

This was a known issue and 

had actually been identified as a 

problem from quite early on in the 

dry dock’s life,” she said. 

“They were only ever designed 

to be temporary.” 

Liz said the panel found both 

the concrete keel blocks and 

wood used to prop up the ship 

were showing cracks and the 

sheet metal piling was actively 

corroding. 

“The ship is open to the elements 

on one side and is showing greater 

deterioration on that side, than the 

covered side,” she said. 

Without substantial intervention, 

the dry dock would partially 

or completely fail within five to 

10 years, the inspection report 

revealed. 

Enhancements to the dry dock, 

designed by Harry, were already 

under way by Abel Ships. Works 

would be completed by autumn, 

making the ship safe enough for 

public tours to resume. 

The report laid out three options 

for the long-term preservation of 

the Edwin Fox including keeping 

the existing dry dock with a 

new structural support system, 

building a shallower dry dock, 

or relocating the ship to a purpose-built 

support facility. 

Each option is technically challenging 

and would require a 

budget of at least $20 million to 

$35 million the report said. 

Councillors unanimously voted 

to refer the options to the Long 

Term Plan working group for 

further consideration. 

Museum metamorphosis 

Council’s cultural and heritage 

manager Nicola Neilson told 

councillors the museum had 

completed 80 per cent of its firstyear 

goals. 

This included washing and 

repainting the building’s façade, 

installing heat pumps, and upgrading 

the museum’s IT and 

point of sale systems, she said. 

“These changes, they’re modest 

and small, but they’ve made a big 

difference to the general visitor 

experience and how we run the 

facility,” 

The museum also undertook 

a rebrand with a new website 

launched, she said. 

“We’ve established our public 

facing identity ... and that now 

includes online ticket sales and 

donations, and we’ve found that 

to be a success and rising.” 

LDR is local body journalism 

co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. 

The expert panel inspecting the Edwin Fox in August. Photo: Supplied. 

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14 Wednesday February 4, 2026 


President’s Message 

Kia ora, Happy New Year, and welcome to the first 

newsletter of 2026. 

Our fabulous office staff, Paula and Tamara along 

with the committee are back, recharged and ready 

to go. Our vision continues to further our belief in 

a country and community where seniors can live 

in dignity enjoying a comfortable and sustainable 

quality of life. 

A new year also brings new beginnings made all 

the more special for me by the arrival of another 

grandchild. It is a reminder how rich my life is and 

how special family moments become with each 

new generation. 

Last month the committee spent time completing 

the yearly budget. It is more than balancing numbers 

– it is about carefully planning so we can continue 

to advocate strongly and support our members. 

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GREYPOWER 

GREYPOWER 

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Marlborough Inc 

MARLBOROUGH 

A voice for all 

New Zealand 

Seniors 

Speaking of advocating, this month we have our 

quarterly meeting with the Mayor. If you have 

any issues you would like raised, please do not 

hesitate to contact me. My email is president@ 

greypowermarlborough.co.nz or I am always happy 

to chat over coffee. 

Have you seen the Marlborough website? If 

not, have a look at www.greypowermarlborough. 

co.nz. There is lots of useful information on the 

discount book, community services and resources 

in Marlborough, and all the latest news. And 

congratulations to Sylvia the 

winner of the Cerise voucher 

in December. 

I look forward to 

2026 and what we 

will achieve together. 

Ngā mihi, Bron 

Mogredge 

Proposed Total Mobility Changes 

Risk Undermining Independence for 

Disabled and Older New Zealanders 

Grey Power New Zealand has 

expressed serious concern over 

proposed changes to the Total 

Mobility Scheme, warning that they 

risk further disadvantaging disabled 

and older people who already face 

significant barriers to independence 

and social participation. 

Grey Power New Zealand President 

Gayle Chambers says the proposals 

appear to prioritise cost-cutting over 

the real-world impacts on some of the 

country’s most vulnerable citizens. 

“The Total Mobility Scheme is not 

a luxury. It is a lifeline that enables 

people of all ages with disabilities 

to remain independent, connected, 

and active in their communities,” 

Ms Chambers said. 

The scheme currently provides 

subsidised transport through taxis, 

community transport services such 

as Driving Miss Daisy, and other 

user-pays providers. For many 

people who cannot drive or use 

Marlborough 

Grey Power 

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public transport, this support is 

essential for everyday activities such 

as shopping, medical appointments, 

and social engagement. 

Under the proposed changes, the 

current subsidy of up to 75 percent 

would be reduced to 65 percent, 

eligibility criteria tightened, and 

a tiered system introduced that 

would limit support for high-use 

customers. 

“These changes come just days 

after the release of the New Zealand 

Disability Strategy, which speaks 

of inclusion, dignity, and participation,” 

Ms Chambers said. “Yet the 

reality for disabled people could be 

increased isolation, higher personal 

costs, and reduced access to their 

communities.” 

Grey Power is particularly concerned 

that the proposals target 

people who already struggle to 

maintain independence, rather 

than addressing broader systemic 

Elder Law 

We can guide you on matters 

pertaining to Elder Law: 

• Housing 

• MSD 

• EPOA 

• Resthomes/Subsidies 

• Wills/Interred wishes 

• PPPR Act 

• Gifting/loaning money or assets 

• Intergenerational living 

• Relationships later in life 

Contact us to make 

an appointment 03 5779919 

reception@commlawmarlb.org.nz 

www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz 

efficiencies. 

“There is also a real risk that any 

perceived savings will be offset 

by the cost of implementing and 

managing a more complex administrative 

system. More rules, more 

assessments, and more confusion 

do not necessarily equal better 

outcomes—or lower costs.” 

Grey Power New Zealand acknowledges 

the fiscal pressures 

facing government but questions 

why reductions are being directed 

at a scheme that plays such a critical 

role in supporting independence and 

wellbeing. 

“We urge the government to reconsider 

these proposals and to engage 

meaningfully with disabled people, 

older New Zealanders, and advocacy 

organisations,” Ms Chambers said. 

“Total Mobility works. It should be 

strengthened, not weakened.” 

Gayle Chambers, National President, 

Grey Power NZ Federation Inc 

A notice to all members. 

This year’s Annual General 

Meeting will be held on 

Monday 16th March at 10.00 

am at the meeting room in 

the Community Building, 19 

Alfred Street. All members are 

welcome, and if you are interested 

in or know anyone who 

may be, nominations for office 

can be obtained by contacting 

our office on 5784950. We will 

have more news in next month’s 

newsletter. 

Graeme Faulkner, Secretary, 

Grey Power Marlborough 

We are delighted 

to be bringing 

you the 

GREY 

POWER 

MARLBOROUGH 

monthly 

newsletter. 

Marlborough’s largest circulating newspaper



GREYPOWER 

GREYPOWER 

MARLBOROUGH Inc. 

Marlborough Inc 

MARLBOROUGH 

Our hospitals need you! 

We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic 

people who are great at 

supporting our patients, families, 

visitors, and staff in our hospital 

facilities. We have a variety of 

volunteer roles currently available 

- some are individual and 

meet a specific purpose and time 

period, then there are other roles 

that operate on an ‘as and when’ 

basis. Our volunteers only work 

weekdays between the hours of 

8.30am and 4.30pm 

Information Desk (Reception) 

– an ‘as or when’ basis 

As a welcome wayfinder, you 

help visitors navigate our hospital 

system by directing people to the 

departments they have come in 

for. Answering questions, sometimes 

assist by calling taxis or 

In an emergency, every second 

counts. That’s why having your 

vital health information easily 

accessible can make all the difference. 

The St John ICE (In Case of 

Emergency) Booklet is a simple tool 

to help keep you safe and prepared. 

This handy booklet stores all the 

critical details first responders and 

healthcare professionals need - fast. 

With just one glance, emergency 

personnel can learn about your 

medications, medical conditions, 

patient history, and emergency 

contacts. No searching, no delays; 

just accurate information when it 

matters most. 

shuttles for return trips home and 

occasionally supporting our admin 

teams. Here we need people 

to join our ‘pool’ volunteers who 

can be called on to cover sickness 

and leave, potentially moving 

into a permanent role should one 

become available. 

Library Assistants/Companions 

– regular rostered shift 

Combine your love of books/ 

magazines and visiting people 

as part of our library team. We 

are seeking friendly faces with 

an easy communication style to 

help take a trolley of books and 

magazines to various wards for 

patients to enjoy. Occasionally 

this may mean connecting with 

patients who may require additional 

support such as reading a 

A voice for all 

New Zealand 

Seniors 

Be prepared with a St John ICE Booklet 

Ideal for seniors, those with chronic 

conditions, or anyone who wants 

to be prepared, the ICE Booklet 

offers peace of mind knowing your 

health details are always close 

at hand. This resource ensures 

caregivers and first responders 

can provide the best possible care 

without unnecessary delays. 

Each booklet comes with a clear 

pouch and a magnet, making it easy 

to keep on your fridge door - right 

where emergency responders look 

first. You can also carry it in your 

bag or keep it in a visible spot at 

home. 

The ICE Booklet can also be 

few articles from the local newspaper 

or talking about services 

outside of the hospital that are 

available. 

Day Stay Supporters – regular 

rostered shift 

This role operates under a different 

agency at the moment and will 

be transferring to us in 2026. This 

role supports patients who have 

been in for day surgery by offering 

refreshments and providing blankets, 

with occasional ad-hoc tasks 

as well all in a clinical setting. 

All volunteers are required to 

provide references and undertake 

a police and health check. 

For more information please 

contact Jo Moon at volunteernmh@nmdhb.govt.nz 

or phone 03 

546 1800. 

quickly taken with you if you need 

to leave home in a civil defence 

emergency, ensuring your essential 

health information is always with 

you. 

Be prepared. Visit our Grey Power 

Office in Blenheim to pick up your 

St John ICE Booklet today. 

Office snippets 

• Invoices for the next subscription 

year will be going out in 

March. Please let us know if 

you have changed your email 

or postal addresses. 

• Marlborough Lines (MEPT) 

are paying a Distribution 

Payment of $50 to eligible 

customers. It was paid to your 

power provider on 22 January, 

so watch out for this on your 

next power bill. 

• Videos are still circulating 

on Facebook and other social 

Events 

• Falls Prevention are holding 

a free session at Blenheim 

Library, Te Kahu o Waipuna, 

on Monday 16 February, 

10-12noon. Phone Amanda 

on 027 208 2780 for more 

information and to book in. 

• Age Concern’s ‘Staying Safe’ 

refresher driving course will 

be held in Blenheim on the 

19 February, 10am to 2pm 

with a free lunch provided. 

media of Christopher Luxon 

and Chris Hipkins giving 

investment advice. THESE 

ARE A SCAM. Please do not 

invest any money. 

• ICE booklets are available 

from our office. See the article 

elsewhere in this newsletter. 

• Hearing aid batteries, sizes 

A10, A13 and A312 are available 

from the office. $6 per 

card of six batteries. Badges 

with “I have a hearing loss” 

are also available, $8 each. 

Picton will have a course on 

21 April. Call 03 579 3457 

to book your place. This is a 

free course. 

• Seniors’ Expo is on Tuesday 

3 March, 9am to 1pm at the 

Marlborough Events Centre. 

Find out about recreation, 

activities, health and wellbeing 

information for older 

people in our community. 

Rare Plants Fundraiser for Ranui House 

One of our members recently 

spent 42 nights at Ranui House in 

Christchurch while her husband 

underwent treatment following a 

very serious accident. Grateful 

for the care and support she 

received, Tina is now keen to 

give back by fundraising for 

Ranui House. 

Tina is growing and selling a 

wide range of rare perennial 

plants that are becoming increasingly 

hard to find. She previously 

owned Tina’s Perennials Nursery 

Plants and brings a wealth of 

experience to this project. 

The plants are small grade, making 

them ideal for establishing in 

your garden. There are over 90 

different varieties available, with 

approximately 20–25 plants of 

each. Some varieties are more 

challenging to grow and may 

be available in limited numbers 

only. 

Plants are priced at just $3 each, 

or 4 for $10. Viewing and pickup 

are in Blenheim. 

Tina’s contact details and plant 

order forms are available from 

the Grey Power Marlborough 

office. A full list of plants can 

also be viewed on the greypowermarlborough.co.nz 

website. 


Your Local 

Manufacturing Jeweller 

1. Jewellery for all occasions 

2. Custom made Jewellery 

3. Watch Batteries 

4. Jewellery Repairs 

5. Watch Straps 

Ask instore about Grey Power 

member benefits 

www.gmwjewellery.co.nz | ph 577 9340 

91 Weld St, Redwoodtown 

Pre-arrangement and Pre-paid options available 

FREE Death notices in the local papers 

and our website 

www.sowmans.co.nz 

03 578 4719 

Cnr Hutcheson & Parker Sts, Blenheim 


Diabetic 

Oedema 

Raynaud's 

Plantar Fasciitis 

Medical Grade 

Arthritis 

7 Maxwell Road, Blenheim Ph: 03 578 8002 

www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz 

Explore our 

new range of 

specialty 

socks, shoes 

and gloves - 

instore 

today!

16 



Let ' 

s 

Chat 

with 

Lucy McKnight 

‘Picks and Petals’ 

Smart lighting 

scheme a bright idea 

Marlborough has switched 

on to a brighter future with 

the rollout of a new smart 

lighting pilot across the 

region. 

Led by Marlborough 

Roads, the initiative marks 

a major step toward modernising 

the streetlight network 

by improving safety 

and reducing emissions. 

Streetlights in Waikawa, 

Rārangi, and at the Alabama 

Road/Maxwell Road 

intersection are involved in 

the pilot which uses a smart 

lighting system that adapts 

to conditions, monitors 

faults and tracks energy 

use. 

The lighting responds to 

traffic and environmental 

conditions, improving visibility 

while its adaptive 

dimming and targeted illumination 

reduce energy use. 

A pilot using smart lighting is underway in Waikawa, 

Rārangi and Blenheim. Photo: Supplied. 

• Are you a dog or cat person? 

Definitely dogs - although cats are nice for a good pat session! 

• What’s your favourite snack? 

Sweet - Whittaker’s creamy milk. 

Savoury - avo on toast. 

• What would you buy if money was no object? 

Land - endless opportunities. 

• Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream 

dinner party? 

I’m not a huge celeb follower to be honest, but I wouldn’t mind 

a sit down with Gemma McCaw. 

• Savoury or sweet? 

Savoury - dinner’s my favourite meal of the day! 

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

Anywhere with a flat white … always a treat when in town. 

• If you could board a plane tomorrow where 

would you go? 

Oooo hard one, somewhere tropical or warm. Fiji or over to 

Europe! 

• What’s the best thing you can cook? 

Love steak, baby spuds and salad. 

• Are you a morning person or a night owl? 

Night owl. 

• What’s your favourite colour? 

In flowers - white and green. 

Me - blue. 

• If you had to choose another job what would it 

be? 

Probably go back into my pre kid expertise - animal health. 

• What is your favourite place for coffee or lunch? 

Can’t beat my local Starby Eats for a coffee! Blenheim I would 

have to say Wairau river. 

Lexie’s Life 

Well, hello again! How nice it is to be back into 

my usual routine. My fans are back in force after 

some took well deserved breaks. I held the fort 

admirably of course; the work doesn’t stop here 

at Hospice Marlborough. I still had staff, patients 

and families keeping me company and, very importantly, 

making sure my food bowl was replenished. 

It has been lovely to see the sun again after what 

feels like weeks of gloomy, wet weather. The rain 

is not my friend; it makes my fur stand up in spikes 

and detracts from my natural beauty. At least for 

now my rain dodging days are behind me. 

What a wonderful week we’ve had, with some 

lovely donations coming in, some just for little old 

moi, which is very kind, thank you. We are lucky here 

that people often ask how they can help – and it 

can be as simple as donating small, practical items. 

I don’t want to sound self-centred at all but treats 

for me are always gratefully received. 

Other helpful donations include scented candles, 

comfort snacks, especially for our visiting families, 

and even essential oils. These small things make a 

big difference to our team and those we care for. Oh 

yes, and cat treats, did I mention cat treats? If you’d 

like to know more, head to our website to see how 

these donations help at www.hospicemarlborough. 

org.nz 

Well, it’s a new year and that brings us back to a 

fresh start on our fundraising events too. We kick 

the calendar off with our popular annual Hospice 

vehicle Display on 15 March. 

This is run by the amazing team at Omaka Classic 

Cars. All funds come directly back to us here at 

Hospice Marlborough. Of course, I am biased when 

I tell you to head along but this is truly a wonderful 

family day family day out, with cars, raffles, food, 

and plenty of fun, so be sure to mark your calendars. 

Wait until I tell you! Great news. As part of our exciting 

fundraiser plans, we will be holding a Hospice 

Marlborough Charity Ball. Think Bridgerton, gentle 

reader only much, much better. Keep an eye on our 

socials and around the community for more details 

this is one elegant night you won’t want to miss! 

Of course, I can’t sign off for this month without 

thanking everyone single person who continues to 

support us. We truly do live in an amazing community, 

and we couldn’t do what we do without you. Time 

for me to head off for now, I have treats to search 

for and a snooze in the sunshine beckons. 

Thanks for caring, until next time, 

Love 

Lexie xxx 

nheim South Bootsale 

Market 

Every Saturday 7am to Noon, Railway Station Carpark 

$5 per carpark to have a site, no need to book 

Funds go to local and international projects



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Urgent call to protect 

NZ’s coastlines 

Experts say nature-based solutions + new pest animal control services are essential 

As climate change, development 

and invasive species increasingly 

threaten Aotearoa’s precious 

coastal ecosystems, local company 

Native Restorations is urging 

landowners, councils, hapū/iwi 

and community groups to take 

immediate, coordinated action to 

safeguard our shorelines through 

native regeneration and pest 

animal control. 

Healthy dunes and coastal wetlands 

are not just scenic landscapes 

— they are living, working 

systems that protect communities 

from sea surge, storms and erosion 

while supporting uniquely 

Kiwi biodiversity. Yet across the 

country, these natural defences 

are under pressure from human 

activity, weeds, and introduced 

predators such as feral cats, rats, 

stoats and other pests. 

“We’ve worked on hundreds 

of coastal projects up and down 

Aotearoa, and time and again we 

see the same pattern — planting 

without pest management simply 

isn’t enough,” says Terence Stewart, 

Founder and Owner of Native 

Restorations. 

“Coastal regeneration only 

thrives when pests are actively 

managed and native plants are 

given a chance to establish, 

spread and perform their role as 

nature’s frontline defence.” 

Responding to increasing demand 

and ecological evidence, 

Native Restorations now offers 

pest animal control services 

specifically tailored to coastal 

environments. This targeted service 

helps reduce pressures from 

invasive predators — an essential 

step in restoring breeding habitat 

for vulnerable shorebirds, native 

plants, and invertebrates. 

Predators such as feral cats 

are particularly damaging to 

native wildlife because they 

roam widely, breed quickly and 

prey on ground-nesting birds, 

bats, lizards and insects. DOC 

and academic research show 

feral cats have contributed to 

significant declines in native bird 

populations and disrupt entire 

coastal ecosystems. 

Native sand binders like spinifex 

and pīngao trap wind-blown 

sand, helping dunes rebuild after 

storms and reduce erosion. Coastal 

wetlands and estuaries support 

biodiversity, filter water, reduce 

flood risk, and act as carbon 

sinks. Native plants and predator-free 

spaces give threatened 

shorebirds and coastal species 

the habitat they need to breed 

and thrive. 

“Coastal restoration is about 

more than planting. It’s about 

understanding the system,” Stewart 

says. “This includes thorough 

knowledge of the vegetation, the 

predators, the hydrology, the history 

of disturbance, and working 

with all of those elements so 

nature can do what it does best.” 

A Proven, Scientific Approach 

Native Restorations work reflects 

best practice from community 

groups and science-backed methodologies 

for dune and coastal 

ecosystem recovery. 

“Communities often start with 

great intentions, but without 

understanding how dune systems 

and coastal habitats function, and 

without pest control in place, 

good work can be undone within 

a season. That’s why we’ve expanded 

our services, to make sure 

restoration efforts actually work, 

long term,” Stewart adds. 

About Native Restorations 

Founded by ecological restoration 

specialist Terence Stewart, Native 

Restorations has more than two 

decades of experience protecting, 

restoring and revitalising 

landscapes across New Zealand. 

The company works closely with 

landowners, iwi/hapū, councils 

and coastcare groups to deliver 

tailored restoration plans that 

blend ecological insight with 

practical implementation, now 

including specialised pest animal 

control services, for coastal and 

terrestrial environments. 

Valentines 

Day 

TO SPOIL 

OR GIFT 

SEE GMW 

JEWELLERY 

February 

14 th 

Be my 

Valentine 

Shop Gift ideas 

instore or online 

91 Weld St, Redwoodtown | info@gmwjewellery.co.nz | 577 9340 | (FB)/GMWJewellery | gmwjewellery.co.nz



A top croquet 

tournament is to be 

hosted in Blenheim 

Croquet New Zealand has 

bestowed the honour of hosting 

the South Island Golf Croquet 

Championship to Croquet Marlborough 

Nelson West Coast 

Association. 

The championship will be held 

at the Brooklyn Croquet Club 

Inc, at Whitehead Park from 

Thursday 5 February through to 

Sunday the 8 of February. 

Referred to as the South Island 

Golf Croquet Championship, the 

competition alternates between 

the North and South Islands. 

Targeted at top level players, 

this year’s tournament has attracted 

entrants from Taranaki 

too South Canterbury. 

Games will start at around 

8.30am on Thursday 5 February 

through to late afternoon on the 

8 February. The Singles winner 

receives the CNZ’s Timaru 

Trophy. 

Croquet Marlborough Nelson 

West Coast Inc President Peter 

Burt said visitors are welcome to 

come along and watch players, 

including top Marlborough 

player Brian Goodwin, at the 

Brooklyn Club on 15 Brooklyn 

Drive. 

Brian Goodwin contemplates his next shot ahead of the 

Croquet NZ South Island Championships. 

“SO YOU CAN KEEP DOING 

THE THINGS YOU LOVE” 

Mon 16th February, 10 - 12 noon 

Blenheim Library, 15 High Street 

BLENHEIM 

Mon 16th March, 10 - 12 noon 

Picton Library, High St 

PICTON 

Thursday April 9th, 10 - 12 noon 

St Christophers Church 92 Weld Street, Redwoodtown 

BLENHEIM 

Friday 15th May, 10 - 12 noon 

Blenheim Library, 15 High Street 

BLENHEIM 

WHO CAN ATTEND: 

Anyone wanting to 

improve their strength & balance 

ABOUT THE SESSION: 

A FREE session for anyone at risk of 

falling or who has had a fall 

TOPICS INCLUDE: 

• Maintaining independence 

• Causes of falls 

• Strength/balance exercises 

• Bone strength 

• Making your home safer 

• Eating well 

TO BOOK - 

Falls Prevention 

Amanda Inkster 

Cell: 027 208 2780 

fallsprevention@nbph.org.nz 

www.nbph.org.nz 

An awesome band line up with... 

Have you got 

your ticket yet? 

Ready for something a little untamed! 

Sir Dave Dobbyn 

Tadpole 

Sonar Flare 

The Lady Killers, featuring Annie Crummer 

Also lots of Wild food Stalls to get your 

taste buds buzzing! 

And...Why not go even more Wild!!! 

Dress up and enter the Feral Fashion 

competition where you can 

win some amazing prizes! 

www.wildfoods.co.nz



Your 

LOCAL E-BIKE ExPERTs 

proud to bring you this puzzle page 

CROSSWORD 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 

10 11 

12 13 14 15 

16 

17 18 

19 

20 21 22 23 24 

25 26 

436 

SUDOKU 

Every row, column and box should 

contain the digits 1 to 9. 

WordBuilder 

WORDBUILDER 

E P N 

T R E 

336 336 6 

T R E 

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 

How words or beginning with a capital are 

from many 

allowed. 

the words 

There's 

six letters, of three 

at least one 

using or more 

six-letter 

each letters, 

word. 

only 

including once? plurals, can you make from the six 

TODAY 

letters, Good using 12 each Very letter Good only 16 once? Excellent No 22 foreign 

No words beginning with a capital are 

words Solution or words 

allowed. 

335: 

There’s 

aba, beginning ABOARD, 

at least 

ABROAD, with a capital 

one 

ado, 

six-letter 

baa, are 

allowed. bad, bar, There's bard, boa, at boar, least board, one bod, six-letter bra, brad, word. bro, 

word. broad, dab, dob, drab, TODAY oar, orb, rad, road, rob, rod. 

Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 22 

letters, including plurals, can you make 

Solution 335: aba, ABOARD, ABROAD, ado, baa, 

bad, bar, bard, boa, boar, board, bod, bra, brad, bro, 

broad, dab, dob, drab, oar, orb, rad, road, rob, rod. 

27 28 

29 30 

31 32 

33 34 

Across 

1. Shelf above a fireplace (6) 

5. Having a rank taste or smell (6) 

10. Grille (7) 

11. Afraid (7) 

12. Ditch (6) 

15. Seedy, sordid (6) 

16. Rumour (7) 

17. Sprint (4) 

18. Successor (4) 

19. Item of clothing (7) 

20. Prudish (4) 

22. Listen to (4) 

25. Holidaymaker (7) 

27. Motive (6) 

28. Morose (6) 

31. Scottish symbol (7) 

32. Banded, streaky (7) 

33. Rue (6) 

34. Be undecided (6) 

Decoder 

Down 

2. Naive (7) 

3. Spasm, tic (6) 

4. Welsh symbol (4) 

5. Floating platform (4) 

6. Almost (6) 

7. Blow up (7) 

8. Delighted (6) 

9. Theatrical performer (6) 

13. Six-sided figure (7) 

14. Of first importance (7) 

15. Melancholy (7) 

20. Equality (6) 

21. Envisage (7) 

23. Oval (7) 

24. Strip (6) 

25. Move unsteadily (6) 

26. Small tower above a building (6) 

29. Warmth (4) 

30. Taken advantage of (4) 

Crossword 

Across: 1. Mantel, 5. Rancid, 10. Lattice, 11. Fearful, 12. Trench, 15. Sleazy, 

16. Hearsay, 17. Dash, 18. Heir, 19. Garment, 20. Prim, 22. Heed, 25. Tourist, 

27. Reason, 28. Sullen, 31. Thistle, 32. Striped, 33. Regret, 34. Dither. 

Down: 2. Artless, 3. Twitch, 4. Leek, 5. Raft, 6. Nearly, 7. Inflate, 8. Elated, 9. 

Player, 13. Hexagon, 14. Primary, 15. Sadness, 20. Parity, 21. Imagine, 23. 

Ellipse, 24. Denude, 25. Totter, 26. Turret, 29. Heat, 30. Used. 

WordBuilder 

Enter, ere, erne, neep, net, pee, peen, peer, pen, pent, per, pert, pet, pre, 

preen, rent, rep, REPENT, ret, rete, tee, teen, ten, tern, tree. 

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. 

All puzzles copyright 

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

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 

Sudoku 

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Blenheim’s Walnut Ranch Animal Park held a 

Summer Bonanza on Sunday. Photographer 

Anne Gaelle was there to capture the fun as 

visitors enjoyed carnival games, meeting the 

animals and even a spot of line dancing. 


Out & 

...with The Sun 

your local paper 

About 

Have an event ? 

Contact 03 5777 868 

Ayla Lyll, Leo Sim and Millie Cooze. 

Dr Monishita Islam with Tahim and Zara. 

Grace Binnie, Artie and Florian Binnie Rayner and Dan Rayner. 

Rachel and Oscar Wood with Amy. 

Katie, Hannah and Maia Saddler. 

James Schofield, Gina Batemen and Harlow feed 

the rabbits. 

Danielle, Olivia and Mason Mallard. 

Juliette Nowaski, Willow Baker, Gina Batemen and Katie Saddler 

Raiden, Misato and Karl Offard 

Tuesday Special 

Thickshakes 

$ 

4 

Every 

Tuesday in 

February 

60 Main Street 

6am - 11pm • 7 days 


Ts & Cs apply 

Monthly Special 

Mousse 

Golden 

Bikkie or 

Neapolitan 

$ 

4 

Every day in February

22 



Getting to grips with grubs: By Wally Richards 

gardening this week 

Why Neem Oil works 

I had the good fortune of introducing Neem 

Tree Products to the home garden market 

many years ago. 

First it was a brand of Neem Tree Oil and 

later Neem Tree Pellets. 

It was interesting that gardeners which 

were high uses of chemical insecticides and 

fungicides, which meant, spray the aphids 

on the roses one day and be mostly clear of 

them within a day. 

Neem Oil as it is not a poison; it is an 

antifeedant, which means once the insect 

consumes a little Neem Oil they stop eating. 

Gardeners would phone me up and tell 

me they sprayed their roses for aphids and 

the pests were still on the plant a couple of 

days later. 

I would tell them to grab a magnifying 

glass and go out and look at the aphids on 

the plant and watch them to see if they are 

feeding or not. 

If after a long watch you do not see any 

evidence of feeding then the Neem Oil has 

worked. Within a few days they will have 

fallen off, and the plants will be clean of them. 

Powder and Granules 

My company imports three Neem Products 

from India, Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil 

which is what is used in India for pest control. 

This is pure cold pressed Neem Oil from 

the Kernels/seeds of the Neem Tree with a 

natural emulsifier added so the oil will mix 

with water. 

Wallys Neem Tree Powder is the same 

as Wallys Neem Tree Granules except the 

powder is finer. The powder is nice to work 

with where granules aren’t suitable. The big 

advantage of the granules is they take longer 

to break down so they give you a much longer 

time advantage under trees and shrubs. 

When you buy or make up your potting mix 

or compost you can add 100 grams of Neem 

Powder to 50 litres of mix. This gives great 

soil insect control and in particular against 

root mealy bugs, root nematodes and grass 

grub larva. 

Also the powder can be sprinkled on top of 

the growing medium on container plants in 

the area where you water. 

On indoor plants it can be used bearing in 

mind that Neem has a distinct smell which 

you may like or not but it will help eradicate 

those nasty root mealy bugs that love living 

in container plants roots, sucking the vitality 

out of your house plants, palms and cacti/ 

succulents. 

In the garden placing a little Neem Tree 

Powder in the planting hole of seedlings not 

only gives the plant some natural food but 

protection as well. 

Keeping your carrots clean 

Earth worms and microbes in the soil are 

not affected by the Neem only insect pests. 

Carrot fly in some areas is a curse. 

When you sow your carrot seed in the 

traditional way (a long row), sprinkle Neem 

Powder along with the seeds and then 

spray with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) 

before covering with soil. When the carrots 

germinate and the tops are a centimetre or 

so above the soil you side dress the row with 

more Neem Powder. 

If you grow carrots like I do which is not 

in rows but over a bed or raised garden then 

simply spread the Neem Powder with the 

seeds, spray with MBL, cover and keep 

moist. 

When the tops come up, dust Neem Powder 

and lightly water down with the hose. 

Grass Grub control. 

Depending on where you are in NZ most 

of the grass grub beetles will have emerged. 

They will have been actively eating the 

foliage of your plants, mating and laying 

eggs in the lawn. 

Later on the grubs hatch when the soil has 

moistened with autumn rains and start eating 

the roots of the grasses, working their way up 

over several weeks to the base of the grass. 

This leaves the grass with virtually no roots 

but as it is heading into the cold wet of winter, 

it survives till the spring when it perishes as 

it tries to grow. Sometimes when mowing 

or other activities on the lawn rootless grass 

will be lifted. 

The best time to treat the grubs is when 

they are near the surface in the autumn and 

you can determine this by cutting a square 

in the lawn with a spade and lifting the turf 

to see the white grubs. 

Once discovered then you can begin treatment. 

It pays to lift turf in different areas as 

some areas will have a lot of grubs where 

others few or none. 

Sprinkle the Wally Neem Tree Powder 

over the area you wish to treat at 50 grams 

per square metre of mowed lawn. The soil 

should be moist then lightly water to ensure 

the powder reaches the soil. 

Another interesting thing to note is often 

there are root nematodes in the lawn also 

feeding and weakening the grasses. 

To find if that is so treat a few square metres 

of lawn as above any time of the year. If after 

a few weeks you notice the grasses in the 

treated area look better than the untreated 

then you had nematodes. 

Treat the whole lawn for a lasting improvement. 

Sun Weather Today 8-20 Thursday 10-26 Friday 13-28 Saturday 12-26 Sunday 12-27 Monday 13-25


A slap in the face to retailers 

The BNZ Pay app ad is disgusting. TVNZ should 

be ashamed for showing it. 

Filtered water stations 

With the filtered water stations built around 

town there must have been quite a cost. 

Why did the council not put that expense and 

time at the main water outlet, so everyone has 

filtered water to their homes? No complaints 

on that. 

Small ice creams 

The size of ice cream at the cinema, what a joke. 

So small. Why so small for the price? 

Hay balers required on Harling? 

Or is this highly popular Witherlea recreational 

park earmarked for residential development 

by the much maligned ‘local’ Council? 

Why else would regular basic maintenance 

have been halted at Harling Park? 

Re: Dump fees 

Maybe you don’t realise that you have been 

paying more in rates to go with the increased 

dump fees. 

MDC rate increases of over 30 per cent in last 

3 years should have funded core services like 

dump fees without the need for an increase 

but no our council has been double dipping. 

Picton news, or is it? 

With all the instant news you can receive these 

days, it can be easy to be caught out. I got a 

news headline saying of a tragic accident in 

Picton. 

Turns out it was in Picton, Australia. It pays to 

check all the details. I wonder how many have 

googled things happening in Marlborough 

and end up looking at UK sites. 

txt talk with 

Grandkids 

Spending time with these little souls makes my day. They grow so 

fast and grandparents input is so worthwhile. So big ups to all who 

love and help care for these little treasures. 

Picton RSA Cemetery 

Totally shameful to see RSA Cemetery in Picton 

without a flag flying. Very tatty one there prior 

to Christmas gone, probably thanks to the 

wind. Time RSA members in Picton took some 

responsibility for this cemetery. 

Insurance adverts 

You will have noticed we have all had an 

excessive amount of advertising on the TV 

regarding over 50s insurance. One I notice is 

paying at least $5000 a day. 

Who pays for this, you do if you agreed to 

sign up for it. This is a similar scheme to one 

about ten years ago at which thousands of us 

signed up to it. 

Well within about three years seven of these 

companies went out of business and we all 

lost thousands. One of the owners now has a 

holiday home in Hawaii. 

Watch your wallets! 

Gloom and Doom 

I joined a group of regulars at a garden bar who 

I had not seen for a while. There I was greeted 

by facial expressions of unwanted disdain. 

It soon felt like you were having a beer in a 

funeral parlour being in their company, so I 

decided to find a bar where humour is allowed, 

leaving them to regroup and wait for their next 

unwelcome visitor. 

Roadworks 

Spring Creek SH1 repairs we deserve better. 

How about night work as they did at Koromiko. 

Wednesday contractor had packed up at 4.30. 

Vehicles backed up through the roundabout 

and this is not the only time. Third world 

transport, deserves better. 

Indicate 

As the schools start back and the workers 

return from holidays, the amount of traffic 

increases. Please don’t forget to use your 

indicators, especially on roundabouts so we 

all get to our destinations safely. 


Professional care at Wairau 

Hospital 

I took a friend to Wairau Hospital Outpatients 

for her cardiac ultrasound. The two 

sonographers were very professional whilst 

being caring and putting her at ease with 

explanations. A true delight! 

Take care at roundabouts 

Please be very careful on a roundabout. l had 

a car crash a year ago. 

The SUN does shine 

I agree with last weeks texter. The Sun paper is 

looking great and always my go-to read each 

week as I enjoy a cuppa. 

Summer rain 

Yes we have experienced a different Marlborough 

Summer Season weatherwise. 

However, there are positives. The Wither Hills 

farm park has remained open for users. The 

rain is free irrigation. 

The rain has been a blessing reducing the usual 

high fire risk in Marlborough, and hopefully 

our dedicated and hardworking Fire Service 

has had a quieter season. 

Our province has been more fortunate than 

some with this Summer’s weather. Lots to be 

thankful for. 

Summer 

Thought of judging our summer but then 

when I look around the world I see it’s everywhere. 

Unsettled and unusual. 

Re-registering of Incorporated 

Societies 

I wonder how many small clubs and voluntary 

organisations we will lose because they 

haven’t re-registered by April 2026. 

Figures supplied by the Minister’s office 

showed that of the 23,684 total incorporated 

societies, some 11,020 were still operating 

under the 1908 Act. Our organisation was 

pleased to have Wendy Coutts who made 

us aware of the need to re-register and also 

provided a very helpful document to make 

the process easy. 

How many put it into the too hard basket and 

will no longer exist after 5 April? 


Talk of the week 

Free aerobatics 

How great has it been over 

the last week to live in a town 

with 2 airports. 

One provides mundane 

travel and the other has given 

us a week of free aerobatic 

displays which have been 

fantastic to watch. 

Love Marlborough. 

Skilled tree 

removers 

Thank you to the men who 

came to our small street and 

removed 3 huge trees. We 

have daylight in our homes 

now and will have warmer 

homes this winter. You are 

very skilled at your jobs. 

Thank you. 

Kindness 

I see and read alot of kindness 

around our community. 

It doesn’t necessarily 

surprise me but sure does 

fill my heart. Kindness costs 

nothing but can really make 

someone’s day. 

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. 

Westwood footpaths 

Who decided the footpaths were to be on 

opposite sides in Westwood, instead of being 

continuous? Just saw an elderly man being 

pushed in wheelchair on the road trying to 

get to Harvey Norman! 

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

WOULD YOU LIKE 

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Checkout our rates and options now! 

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To advertise ph 03-5777-868 The Blenheim 

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FOR ALL YOUR 

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PAINTING TEAM 

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Call now to arrange an 

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Ph 0800 080096 

or 021 264 8235 

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We are dynamic 

team of experienced 

electrical, solar 

and heat pump 

experts based in 

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www.sulex.co.nz 

Ph 03 577 8539 

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PROMOTE 

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on the sun’s 

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services 

pAge 

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577 7868 

for detAils 

YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS, 

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Domestic Residential 

Commercial Industrial 

Security Alarms & CCTV 

Commercial Appliances 

Irrigation Electrical 

Offgrid Solar 

Thermal Imaging 

General Servicing 

03 579 4445 

office@cmelectrical.co.nz 

www.cmelectrical.co.nz 

On call after hours service available 

SERVICES LIMITED 

Casual or 

Long Term 

Rentals 

Maintenance & 

Repair Services 

Locally Owned 

and Operated 

Phone: 579 2921 

21 Redwood St, Blenheim 

www.forklifthireservices.co.nz 

garage doors 

GARAGE DOOR 

SYSTEMS 

• Sectional Doors 

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32 New Renwick 

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Ph 578 8251 

info@dominatorblenheim.co.nz 

gates GATES 

Classic 

Gates 

ENGINEERING 

MARLBOROUGH 

POWDERCOATING 

See the experts for: 

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Powdercoating 

Gates, Fencing 

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Pool Fences 

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Ph/Fax 578 0374 

a/h 021 838 550 

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on the sun’s 

Trades & 

services 

pAge 

CAll us todAy 

577 7868 

for detAils 

LOUVRES & MORE 

• Custom design 

outdoor louvres 

• Automated louvres 

with rain sensors 

• Manual & automated 

outdoor blinds 

• Outdoor heaters & 

LED lighting options 

• Louvre shutters 

• Timber & iron fences 

• Pool fencing 

• Decks 

• General landscaping 

Grant (Spud) McLeod 

email: grant@ 

louvresandmore.co.nz 

027 540 4412 

Advertising 

Advertise your 

business & services 

in Marlborough’s 

best read newspaper 

Delivered into over 19,000 

Marlborough homes every week. 

Ask us about our fantastic cost 

effective packages that really work! 

Ph 5777 868 

simon@blenheimsun.co.nz 

katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz 

The 

Sun 

Blenheim Marlborough 

Moving / Storage 

Plumber 

Solar 

TREE CARE 

vineyard 

Blenheim’s only locally owned movers! 

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Moves and Storage 

Let us help you get to where you want to be! 

Phone us on 03 579 5154 

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WHETHER YOU NEED 

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Call Steve today 

021 625 378 

Slash your 

power bills 

• Premium Solar 

Systems to suit your 

home, lifestyle 

and budget 

• Finance available. 

Buy now, pay later 

Jono Underwood 

Local Business Owner 

021 869 808 

0800 00 33 55 

harrisonssolar.co.nz 

Tree Removal 

Height Reduction 

Trimming/Thinning 

Branch Chipping 

Hedge Trimming 

Line Clearance 

Stump Grinding 

Mulch Supplies 

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Ph. 03 578 0083 

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for a free quote.


Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868 


Situations Vacant 

Public Notices 

2019 Grape Harvest 

Tractor & Harvester Drivers 

2026 Grape Harvest 

Tractor & Harvester Drivers 

Vintage Harvesters operates a modern fleet of harvesters 

and tractors throughout the Marlborough District. 

We are looking for experienced harvester and tractor 

drivers. You will need a minimum of a class 1 driver’s 

licence for tractor driving and a wheels endorsement for 

harvester driving. 

We anticipate work will commence approximately mid- 

March and finishing mid-April. Drivers must be available 

for extended hours and weekends. 

Please phone the office on 578 5300, 

text Jason Tripe on 027 043 427 12421 

or email admin@jtcvit.co.nz 

www.vintageharvesters.co.nz 

Looking for experienced Harvester and 

Tractor Drivers to assist with Harvest. 

Harvesters – with wheels endorsement 

Tractor Drivers – with minimum Class 1 

Work anticipated to start mid-March and 

finish around mid-April. Drivers must be 

available for 12-hour shifts and weekends. 

Please email your name, contact number 

and Tractor/Harvester experience to 

admin@jtcvit.co.nz or text Jason on 

0274342712. Solid team, doing good work. 

Check out what we have been up to here: 

www.vintageharvesters.co.nz and 

www.youtube.com/ watch?v=u97NGyMJcyU 

100th 

FLAXBOURNE 

A & P SHOW 

SUNDAY 22 MARCH 

Weld Park, Ward 

ENTRIES CLOSE 

20 FEBRUARY 

Schedules available 

or online entries 

ww.showdayonline.com 

FREE TRADE & 

CRAFT SITES 

available on application 

Bernadette Gilmore 

027 6886 533 

flaxbourneshow@gmail.com 

Public Notices 

Double Glazing - Beat the rush with Marlborough 

Glass. Stay warm, dry, and healthy 

with Retro-fit Double Glazing for your Timber 

and Aluminium Windows. DON’T DELAY - 

TALK TO US TODAY FOR A FREE MEASURE 

AND QUOTE! Ph 578-5374. 

MARLBOROUGH HUNTING & FISHING 

Come down to Marlborough Hunting 

and Fishing for all your outdoor needs. 

46 Main Street, Blenheim ph 03 579 1600 

txt talk 

027 242 5266 

Clothing Alterations: 

by Lynette 

Atkinson-Parker 

For your sewing requirements 

Phone 03 578 1010 

or 027 578 1010 

Quality Service Guaranteed 

Visiting podiatrist 

at Marlborough 

Health Hub 

1 st Wednesday 

of the month. 

Veterans Affairs accredited 

To book an appointment 

email info@mobilepod.nz 

(fastest) or leave a 

message on 

022 419 0205 (slower) 

Situations Vacant 

MARLboRough 

“The heavy work 

done for you” 

FuRnituRe 

Moving 

ReLocAtion 

stoRAge 

FReight & 

distRibution 

ph: 027 211 1908 / 03 577 7222 A1contracting.co.nz 

Locally owned family business 

Appearing at the Brayshaw Park Chapel, 

Marlborough Museum grounds, Arthur Baker Place, Blenheim. 

Tickets at door $20 | Thursday 5 February | 7.30 pm 

More info ring 027-234-7373 McNamara 

www.alexseeljonsanders.com 

Staying SunSmart 

This Summer in 

Marlborough 

Summer in Marlborough means long 

days outdoors, time with whānau and 

friends, and enjoying everything our 

region has to offer. It’s also the season 

when being SunSmart really counts. 

Skin cancer is one of the most common 

cancers in Aotearoa, but many 

cases are preventable. Simple steps 

make a real difference: slip on protective 

clothing, slop on sunscreen, 

slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on 

sunglasses. These habits are especially 

important for children and young people, 

whose skin is more vulnerable to 

sun damage. 

In the months ahead, Cancer Society 

Marlborough will be working with local 

schools to support and strengthen 

SunSmart practices. Helping schools 

build good routines around sun protection 

is one practical way we can 

support the long-term health of our 

community. 

You’ll also see us out and about at local 

events, including the Marlborough 

Wine & Food Festival. Our team will be 

there providing free sunscreen for the 

community, sharing practical advice, 

and offering opportunities to donate. 

Every dollar raised stays right here in 

Marlborough and goes directly towards 

supporting local people affected 

by cancer through services such 

as transport to treatment, supportive 

care, and wellbeing programmes. 

If you see us over summer, please 

stop by. Protect your skin, grab some 

sunscreen, have a chat, and if you’re 

able, consider making a donation. 

Your support helps ensure that no 

one in Marlborough has to face cancer 

alone. 

DELIVERERS WANTED 

Get fit with part time work delivering 

newspapers and mailers into letterboxes. 

• Regular weekly work 

• No experience necessary 

• We are a locally owned company 

• It’s easy, we drop the newspapers/mailers to your door 

Email: deliveries@alliedpress.co.nz 

Include your name, address, email, phone number 

OR SCAN THE 

QR CODE 

TO APPLY 

Cancer Contacts 

Cancer Society Marlborough, 76a Maxwell Rd, 

PO Box 233, Blenheim. Phone 03 579 4379 

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4:00pm 

Email address: marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz 

Cancer helpline: 0800 CANCER (226 237) 

Cancer Society website: www.cancer.org.nz 

for reliable and up to date information, 

links and chat forums. 

The Cancer Society is funded entirely by charitable 

donations and thanks the Marlborough community 

for its continued support.

26 


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 closed. 

Public Holidays - phone us to be advised. 

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the 

Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am- 

6pm. Closed on Public Holidays. 

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. 

Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau 

Hospital 5209999. 

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 

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. 

NEAL, Denise Francis (née Kerry): 

Denise, aged 64, of Blenheim, Marlborough, 

passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 

28 January 2026, surrounded by her 

loving family. Born on 22 July 1961, Denise 

was the eldest daughter of the late 

Kenneth and Jean Kerry. Denise’s greatest 

joy in life was her family. She was a deeply 

loved mother to Angela and Craig, a 

cherished mother-in-law to their partners, 

Tea and Mollie, and a devoted and proud 

grandmother to Matthew, Angus, Daniel, 

and Maeve. Her love extended warmly to 

her wider whānau and friends, including 

her many cousins, sisters and former partner 

Geoffrey, with whom she shared a lifetime 

of cherished memories and laughter. 

A passionate traveller, Denise embraced 

every opportunity to explore new places, 

always returning home with stories to tell 

and experiences to share. She brought that 

same enthusiasm, determination, and sense 

of adventure to dragon boating, where she 

was a valued and much-loved member of 

the New Zealand dragon boating community. 

Denise will be especially missed by 

her Simply The Breast teammates. “Denise’s 

kindness, strength, and love for life 

touched many, and her presence will be 

deeply missed.” Messages to the family of 

Denise Neal c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 

or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A Memorial 

service for Denise will be held at the 

Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral 

Services, 15 Boyce Street on Saturday 7 

February at 11am. 

Cloudy Bay Funerals 

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

TEMPLEMAN, Robin Neal (Tempy): 

On 29 January 2026, peacefully at his 

home, surrounded by family, aged 76 years. 

Much-loved husband of Sandy, loved father 

and father-in-law of Kiley and Tony; 

Simon and Gina; Jodie-Lee and Niels; 

and Jason and Amber. Special grandad of 

Annika, Stella and Raymond; Zander and 

Jayden; Isaac, Katie, Max and Matty. A 

loved and respected friend to many. Messages 

to the family of Robin Templeman 

c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www. 

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A Celebration of 

Tempy’s life will be held at the Linkwater 

Memorial Hall, Linkwater on Friday 6 February 

at 1pm followed by interment at the 

Mahakipawa Cemetery. 



THOMSON, Andrew James (Jimmy): 

Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 

24 January 2026, aged 84 years. Son 

of the late Jock and Ann Thomson. Father 

of Coreen, the late Clayton, Simone and 

Quinn. Grandfather, Great grandfather and 

friend. A private service and interment have 

been held. He has been laid to rest at Picton 

Cemetery. Messages to 18 Lindens Road, 

Mt Pleasant RD3 Blenheim 7273 or www. 

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz 



Death notices 

www.sowmans.co.nz 

03 - 578 4719 

We’ll handle the details so you can focus on 

what truly matters. 

Unique farewells, arranged with love. 

Community notices 

Scottish Country 

Dancing 

Intro course starting Monday 9th 

February, 7pm-9pm, St Andrews 

Church Hall, corner Henry and 

Alfred Street, Blenheim. All welcome. 

No partner required. Contact 

Heather 02102587325 or Linda 

0221656699 

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. 


Auction 

Estate Auction end of Beacon Road. Look 

for signs from Dillons Point Road, 11am Saturday 

14th February, 2026. 2010 Suzuki Jimny, 

Ford van (as is), 88 Honda Civic, 2 x boats, 

2014 Swift SE580 caravan, 2 x boat motors, 

canoe, old RALister motor, steel, tanner saw, 

chainsaws. 2 potter's wheels, kiln, trailers, 

Fergusson tractor, mower, shipper, quad bike, 

Boxford lathe, lg selection of top-quality tools 

etc... BBQ on site. More info/photos: www. 

jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer, 

027 443 2525 

For Sale 

Saw Bench for firewood. 700mm blade, 11HP 

Briggs & Stratton. $60 ono. Phone 0274612173 

Trailer, 2.5m x 1.5m, spare wheel. Reg and 

WOF. $459 ono. Phone 0274612173. 

Personal 

021-0592664 pretty Asian sexy curvy body 

busty 40D, good services no rush 

Asian sexy bust good services best deep 

tissue relaxing massage ph 021-2398399 

Wanted 

Pennylane Records always buying records. 

Excellent prices paid, 430 Colombo 

Street, Sydenham, 366 3278, open 7days 

7”, 45’s, singles, eps records wanted, any 

amount top prices paid. Pennylane Records 

430 Colombo Street, Sydenham ring Dave 021 

222 6144, 7 days. 

Business for Sale 

LAWN, GARDEN 

HEDGETRIMMING 

BUSINESS FOR SALE 

• 55 regular clients 

• Turnover of $80k 

• Plenty of scope to grow further 

Call 0274 996 869 for more info 

All your community news 

now also on the 

Blenheim Sun Facebook page 

txt talk 

Got an important issue to 

share with Marlborough? 

Text your thoughts to: 

027 242 5266 

news tips 

Send your tips to 

news@blenheimsun.co.nz 

72 High Street, Phone 03 577 7868


what’s on in Sunny Marlborough 


27 

Each week we showcase a different category of local events. 

These include Health, Wellbeing and Sport; Community Connection; and Hobbies Clubs 

and Groups; along side a spotlight on a few local events happening this week. 

Regular Events: 

Health, Wellbeing and Sport 

Monday 

Summer Table Tennis 

- every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, 

Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm $5 per 

person. Contact Janice 027 422 9095 

Target Rifle Shooting Summer Shoots 

– Athletic Park range, 7.30pm visitors 

welcome, all gear provided. Cost $10. 

Ph 02102464417 or 021667746 

Whitehead Park Bowling Club Redwoodtown 

- Monday afternoons from 12.30pm to 

3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 

4013 or John 577 5295. 

Tuesday 

Table Tennis 

- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre. Table 

Tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm 

- 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at 

front desk. 

Picton Table Tennis Club 

– Every Tuesday 10am-12pm. Picton 

Little Theatre. Bats provided. Cost $4. 

Brooklyn Croquet Club 

Whitehead Park, Doubles 1pm - 3pm 

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays. All 

Welcome. Mallets available Give it a go! 

Target Rifle Shooting 

- Athletic Park Range. Services Club 

7.00pm, cost $10, contact 0276522640. 

Cancer Society Marlborough: 

Blue Brothers – Men’s exercise and 

comradery - FREE exercise and peer 

support - Every Tuesday -10 am Stadium 

2000, Kinross Street, Blenheim. 

Marlborough Tennis Club 

–Social Tennis Parker Street. Every Tuesday 

8.30am to midday. Morning Tea at 

10am. Non Members $5. All Welcome. 

Contact 0275786436. 


Breast Cancer Support Group - Peer 

support and connection in a safe welcoming 

space. Every second Tuesday 

of the Month 7pm - 8pm at the Cancer 

Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road, 

Blenheim. 

Pilates @ Nativity Church 

- 76 Alfred Street. 9am-9.45am. $10 per 

person. 

Pilates @ Connect 

- 8 Beaver Road. 10.45am followed by a 

cuppa. $5 per family. 

Wednesday 

Target Rifle Shooting 

- Athletic Park Range. Riverside Club 

7pm, cost $10, contact 021667746. 


Live Stronger - Women’s exercise, peer 

support and wellbeing for women living 

with cancer. Wednesdays 6pm - 6:45 pm. 

Well & Good, 1 Grove Road. Blenheim. 

Cost $5 members, $10 casual. 

Pickleball 

- Simcox Indoor Sports Stadium, Battys 

Road. Wednesday 1pm-3pm. Cost $6 

including equipment. 

Nia Dance 

- Want to be fit without pain and with 

fun? NIA empowers people of all shapes, 

size and level of fitness. Every experience 

can be adapted to individual needs 

and abilities. Step into NIA and positively 

shape the way you feel, look, think and 

live. Every Wednesday 9-10am at 207 

Oakwood Lane. Corinne 0273245757 

Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown 

- 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all 

welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. 

Wairau Valley Tai Chi & Qigong 

– Wairau Valley Hall, 10am, with Nancy. 

Ph 5722844, text 0275722881, lasfronteras@xtra.co.nz. 

Thursday 

Keeping You Moving 

- Every Thursday except 4th Thursday 

of the month. Gentle indoor walking 

exercise for seniors. Aims to maintain 

and increase mobility confidence, 

fitness and balance. Class followed by 

a cup of tea. 11.30am-12.30pm $3.00. St 

Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 

027 385 2333 or donna@stchristophers. 

co.nz 

Social Table Tennis 

- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre. Table 

Tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm 

- 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at 

front desk. 

Social Badminton Club 

- 9am-11.30 Thursday mornings. Simcox 

Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults 

welcome. For more details phone Cathy 

021 503 348. 

Picton Table Tennis 

– adults. 10am-12pm Port Marlborough 

Pavillion. $5, morning tea inluded. Ph 

Helen 0211034050. 

Tai Chi & Qigong 

– Redwoodtown Hall, 10am beginners, 

11am advanced. Love stronger for 

longer! Ph Nancy 5722884. 

Friday 

Pickleball 

- Simcox Indoor Sports Stadium, Battys 

Road. Friday 6pm-8pm. Cost $6 including 

equipment. Fun for the whole family. 

Saturday 

Brooklyn Croquet Club Whitehead 

Park 

- Doubles 1pm - 3pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, 

Saturdays. All Welcome. Mallets 

available Give it a go! 

Blenheim Park Run 5km 

– Every Saturday 8am. Arrive 10mins 

early for race briefing. Free enrty but 

register at parkrun.co.nz, print off your 

barcode and bring it with you. Open 

to runners and walkers, and everyone 

in between. 

Sunday 

Marlborough Tennis Club 

– Social drop-in Tennis. 3pm-5pm Parker 

Street. Non Members $2. All welcome. 

Contact 027 578 6436 for information. 

spotlight 

Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot 

Competition 

Omaka Airfield, Saturday 7 

February, 10am-2pm. Watch 

skilled pilots compete to see 

who can take off and land in 

the minimum distance possible 

and witness some of the 

finest flying skills New Zealand 

has to offer. Free entry. 

Friday Night Skating Disco 

Blenheim Skating Rink, Stephenson 

Street Blenheim, 

5pm-8pm. Held the first Friday 

of the month. A fun event for 

the whole family, suitable for 

all skating abilities. Helmets 

compulsory. Cash sales only. 

Hire skates $5, own skates $2, 

spectators free. Warm toasties 

on offer too! 

Pilates at Nativity Church 

Church of Nativity, Alfred 

Street Blenheim. 9am-9.50am. 

Held weekly, $10 per class. An 

uplifting class, designed to 

renew your body and spirit. 

No previous experience doing 

Pilates required. 

Webber Bros 

Circus 

Rewi Murray Polo Ground, 

Redwood Street, Blenheim. 

Runs from 6-15 February, multiple 

show times. 2 hours of 

family friendly stunts and fun. 

Times and tickets available at 

www.iticket.co.nz 

If you have an event email The Sun 

office@blenheimsun.co.nz 

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Ph 577 7868 | Email: simon@blenheimsun.co.nz - katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz - rebecca@blenheimsun.co.nz

28 



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