Blenheim Sun: March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026 | LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS-LOCAL NEWS 

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Celebrate! 

Latin Soul Folklore performer Anny 

Zuñiga,catchesthecameraaspartofan 

energetic performance at the popular 

Marlborough Multicultural Festival on 

Saturday. Photo: Anne Gaelle. 

More photos on page 21 

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MarlboroughMayor Nadine Taylor wasinvited to officiallyopenthe newlookkitchen at thePictonMen's CommunityShed. 

Photos:AnneGaelle. 

Newlookkitchen a 

recipe forsuccess 

Phone: 5777 868 

72 High Street. Blenheim 

ww.blenheimsun.co.nz 

Follow the Blenheim Sun on 

Marlborough’s favourite read. 

When Picton Men’sCommunity 

Shed needed to upgrade 

their kitchen, they didn’thave 

to look veryfarfor theexpertise 

to help. 

Member Mike Underwood 

spent almost four months 

giving the space anew look, 

making it afresher place for 

memberstoenjoy. 

The refurbished kitchen was 

officially opened last week by 

Marlborough Mayor Nadine 

Taylor. She was also gifted a 

specially made wooden name 

badgeaswornbyall members. 

ThePictonMen’s Community 

Shed was established in 2009 

andhas 35 members. Thegroup 

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Police sting catches 

underage alcohol sales 

TwolicensedpremisesinBlenheim 

have been caught selling 

alcoholtounderagevolunteers. 

AControlled Purchase Operation 

wascarried outatthe endof 

last month byBlenheim Police 

alongside Marlborough District 

Council’slicensing team. 

Eightestablishmentsauthorised 

to sell alcohol inboth Blenheim 

and Picton were put to the test 

with two Blenheim premises 

failingthe check. 

Police said they were disappointedbythe 

results. 

“Disappointingly, ofthe eight 

licensed premises that were 

checked, two sold alcohol to 

minors -bothwereinBlenheim,” 

says Sergeant Graham Single. 

“The message isclear –ifyou 

are selling alcohol, you have a 

responsibility to do so lawfully. 

Selling alcohol to minors is 

illegal, it’s irresponsible and it 

causes harm in our communities.” 

The two premises who failed 

the checks will bedealt with 

through the Alcohol Regulatory 

andLicensing Authority. 

“It’s disappointing to have failures 

like this and Police ask 

licenseestotalktotheir managers 

andstaffabout theresponsibilities 

expected of them. 

“Alcohol continues tocontribute 

tocrime and harm inour 

communities, andweall need to 

contribute to reducing theeffects.” 

Making wavesinstyle at boat show 

By PaulaHulburt 

ABlenheimcouplehavebeen 

making waves atthe Antique 

andClassic Boat Show;winning 

twosoughtafter awards. 

Malc and Trina Russell from 

Blenheim won both the People’s 

Choice Award and the 

Mathieson/Jeffcott Trophy for 

best Motor-powered craft with 

theirAvantiII. 

High temperatures, asteady 

breeze for the yachts and clear 

skies for the aircraft flyover 

made aperfect weekendfor the 

Antiqueand ClassicBoatShow 

at Lake Rotoiti, drawingvintage 

boats, their owners and fans 

fromright around NewZealand. 

More than 140boats entered 

this year’s show at Lake Rotoiti 

at the weekend, with anestimatedcrowd 

of threethousand 

attendingoverthe twodays. 

Awarded for the 27th time 

since theshowbegan in 1989,the 

Jens Hansen Cupfor best vessel 

overall went to theveteran Ryan 

Craftpower boat,Thunderbird, 

builtand designed by Jack Ryan 

in 1958,and ownedbyScotCort 

of Christchurch. 

Solitaireowned by Joel Porter 

from Blenheim wonthe Boating 

NZRetro Boat Trophy. 

Co-organiser Pete Rainey said 

itwas greattosee thecontinued 

interest in the history of ‘on 

the water’ recreation inNew 

Zealand. 

“Highlights for me included 

The Jens Hansen Cup for best vessel overall went to the veteran 

Ryan Craft power boat, Thunderbird, built and designed by 

Jack Ryan in 1958. Photo: Supplied. 

the big turnout ofsea scouts 

and their impressive rowing in 

vintage clinker dinghies, the 

passionofentrantssuchasRuss 

Cloake from Southlandwho won 

best display with his 14 British 

Seagull and Anzani outboards, 

seeing NewZealand’s oldest racing 

boat Pit-a-Pat on the water 

andofcoursethe fly-pastofthe 

RNZAFBeechcraftT-6 Texans 

againstaperfectbluesky.” 

Wednesday March 11, 2026 3 

inbrief 

The Sun 

Waterwonder 

Massive congratulations to 

Marlborough Girls’ College swimmer 

Nicola Lovell for making history as 

the first ever female towin the 7.1km 

5Bridges River Swim inHamilton in 

87 years. Nicola also came first inthe 

NZ Secondary Schools Open Water 

Championshipattheweekend,winning 

the16–19-yearagegroupwithatimeof 

45 minutesand 10 seconds. 

Little Miracles Trust 

Congratulations toMiracle Market 

organisers TaylaGlaap andHolly Lyall 

whohelpedraise almost$9000 forthe 

Little Miracles Trust. Thecharity,which 

supportsfamiliesandcriticallyillbabies, 

helped both Marlborough mums 

when their baby daughters needed 

urgent care. “We are very proud to 

haveraisedthatamount,”thepairsaid. 

“Theresponsefromthecommunitywas 

incredible -it’salsobeengoodtobuild 

awareness and connect other NICU 

families alongthe way” 

Waterdiscoloration 

Another round of targeted hydrant 

flushing will be done in Blenheim 

to help resolve ongoing water 

discolouration. Council’s Treatment 

Operations Engineer Mike Davies 

said some discolouration had been 

reported following the addition of 

chlorine to the Blenheim network 

as aresult ofthe cleaning effect on 

the pipes.”This is why weflushed all 

1200-plushydrantsacross thenetwork 

before chlorination began -and that 

preparationhelpedreducetheimpact,” 

Mike said. For more information on 

Blenheim’s watersupply, go to:https:// 

links.marlborough.govt.nz/Blenheim- 

Water-Supply 

0800 421 001 harrisonsflooring.co.nz

4 


inbrief 


Alcoholwarning 

NewZealandFoodSafetyissupporting 

Lion NZ (LION) Limited in recalling a 

specificbatch of itsSteinlagerUltra Low 

Carb beer due toindividual bottles in 

some24-packsbeingincorrectlylabelled 

as alcohol-free. New Zealand Food 

Safety deputy director-general Vincent 

Arbucklesaidtheboxescontained4.2per 

cent alcohol. Steinlager’s UltraLow Carb 

24 Pack (24x330ml)with abestbefore 

date of 21/10/26 is affectedbythisrecall. 

Artfundraiser 

Aspecial exhibition highlighting 

the talents of creatives working in 

Marlborough’swineindustryhas raised 

$7500 for charity. Beyond the Blend 

held at the Marlborough Art Society 

last month, wasahugesuccess,raising 

moneyattheir gala nightfor Mastering 

Mountains,acharitydedicatedtohelping 

people with neurological conditions 

achieve their outdoor adventure goals. 

Congratulations tothe organising 

team, RaffaelaDragani,Kevin Mintenko 

andFiona Fenwick. 

Dairyfarmerfined 

AKaikōura dairy farmer has been 

fined $35,000 for failing his National 

AnimalIdentification andTracing (NAIT) 

responsibilities involving hundreds of 

cattle.Followingasuccessfulprosecution 

by the Ministry for Primary Industries 

(MPI), Trevor Ronald Bolton, 59, was 

sentencedinthe Kaikōura District Court 

lastweekonthreerepresentativecharges 

under the NAIT Act. Mr Bolton earlier 

pleadedguiltytothe charges. 

New chapter for 

Rarangi artist 


Alocal artist can now count 

illustratoramong hermanytalents 

as herworkispublished in anew 

children’s book. 

Tasmyn Kibblewhite, 21,from 

Rarangiwas askedtoillustratea 

book about New Zealand superbike 

legend MitchRees. 

Although Tasmyn reveals that 

shehad neverdrawn amotorbike 

before, she was delighted to be 

involved,especiallyasthere was 

afamilyconnection. 

“I’d neverdrawn abikebut got 

sent lots of photos andIspentages 

practicing,” shelaughs. 

The walls of her home are 

graced with art, pens and paintbrushes 

stand in pots on several 

surfaces.Atthe open door oneof 

the family’s free range chickens 

clucks softly to getin. 

On thetable is acopyofthe new 

book, My UncleMitch writtenby 

Tasmyn’s cousin TurianaBanks, 

wholives in Whakatāne. 

Turiana wrote the book asa 

surprise forher sister,Mihi, who 

is married toMitch and asked 

Tasmyn to get involved. Seeing 

the finished book for the first 

time was anexciting moment, 

Tasmyn says. 

“I wasthere when it came off the 

pressand it wasall quiteexciting. 

Icouldn’tstopsmiling. 

“Turiana hadapretty clearidea 

about what she wanted on each 

page whichmadeiteasier. Idrew 

whenever Icould findthe time.” 

The book tells the story of 

Mitch’s passion for motorcycle 

racing and being apositive role 

model. 

Doing the illustrations was a 

privilege, Tasmyn says. 

As well as her passion for art, 

Tasmyn worksatButlers Nursery 

in TuaMarina and is studying 

Horticultural science at Massey 

University remotely. 

She also makes jewellery, creates 

artfromfeltand is avolunteer 

firefighterwithRarangi Volunteer 

Fire Brigade. Herbrother,Adam, 

wasalsoavolunteer. 

“I wanted to help and then met 

some of the members who were 

so lovely and have been very 

encouraging,”Tasmynexplains. 

“I wanted to stay with the Brigade,sodistancelearningwas 

my 

preferredoption.” 

As she prepares for her third 

Firefighter SkyTower Challenge 

with thecrewatRarangi,Tasmyn 

stilldraws whenever shecan.Her 

mum, andfellowartist, Roseanne 

Illustrator Tasmyn 

Kibblewhite uses a 

range ofmediums 

to create herwork. 

PhotoPaula Hulburt 

Kibblewhite, says her daughter 

hasalwaysfollowedher dreams. 

“She hadapeninher hand before 

shewas ayearold.I’m really 

proud ofboth ofthem and love 

that they are getting the chance 

to follow theirpassions.” 

Thebookcan be orderedfor $25 

viaemail at bturiana@gmail.com 

or throughPrismaPrint on Alana 

PlaceinBlenheim. 

To donate to theFirefighterSky 

TowerChallenge visitwww.fire- 

fighterschallenge.org.nz/t/2026- 

rarangi-volunteer-fire-brigade. 


ArtistTasmynKibblewhiteloves 

animals and has free-range 

chickens she helps care for at 

home. Photo: PaulaHulburt 

Couple TiredofBeingTired Together 

For 38years, Alison and her 

husband hadsharedeverything 

Morning walks around the 

neighbourhood, evening meals 

at the kitchen table, and aqueensized 

bed they’d bought when 

they first married. But lately, 

they’d been sharing something 

else: sleepless nights. 

”I’d lie there, mind racing, 

unable to switch off,” Alison 

admits. “Every time Imoved, I 

worried I was disturbing him. 

Then he’d pat my shoulder to 

comfort me, which made mefeel 

worse. The guilt was almost as 

exhausting asthe sleeplessness.” 

The couple who once slept 

peacefully were now both 

exhausted. 

“When Alison couldn’t sleep, 

neither could I,” her husband 

explains. “I’d lie there listening 

to her breathing, knowing she 

was awake, wanting to help but 

not knowing how. Some nights 

I’d pretend tobeasleep just so she 

wouldn’t feel bad.” 

Sleep specialists confirm what 

this couple discussed with us. 

When one partner struggles with 

sleep, they will most likely both 

end up suffering. The sighs, the 

restlessness, getting up for water 

(in orout), all create acycle of 

disruption that leaves everyone 

drained. 

“We were both tired all the 

time,” Alison recalls. “Icouldn’t 

keep up when Iwent tothe pool 

or if Iwas on awalk with friends. 

He was grumpy. Iwas snappy. We 

just weren’t ourselves anymore. 

After 38years, wewere becoming 

strangers in our own home.” 

Alison’s troubles are quite a 

common age-related change. 

After 60, our bodies produce less 

melatonin and we spend less time 

in deep sleep. The brain will stay 

alert when it should be winding 

down. For couples, this creates a 

rippleeffectthattouchesevery part 

of your relationship. 

The change came when Alison 

visited their local pharmacy. 

“I was sceptical,” she admits. 

“I’d tried things before that 

promised the world. But I was 

tired of us both being so tired. The 

pharmacist suggested trying Koru 

Sleep and said that hehad couples 

coming back asking formore.” 

She appreciated that it had 

natural ingredients. Unlike 

products that just make you 

drowsy, it works to calm racing 

thoughts with passionflower and 

L-theanine, while supporting the 

body’s natural ability to produce 

its own sleep hormones. 

“Within days, I was settling 

easier,” Alison shares. “My 

husband noticed immediately. He 

said it wasnicehavinghis sleeping 

Always read the label and take asdirected. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch 

partnerback.Ithinkheslept better 

just knowingIwasfinally resting.” 

Bedtime now is peaceful once 

more. 

“We read together before lights 

out, just like weused to,” Alison 

smiles. “I’m swimming stronger 

than ever and he is back to his 

cheerful self. It is so much better 

than just coexisting.” 

Their 3am wake-ups have been 

replaced by 7amcups of teainbed, 

planning theirday out together. 

Her advice to other couples? 

“Your sleep affects everyone 

around you. Finding help isn’t just 

foryou. It’s an act of love.” 

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Writer’s poignant journey 

sharedinnew book 


AMarlborough writer who 

refused tolet great loss control 

herlifehas writtenabout herexperiencesinabidtohelpothers. 

Beyond the Nest by Milinda 

Higgins from Blenheim tells 

of her battle tohave ababy, her 

IVF journey, baby loss and how 

shecoped with thegrief of losing 

twobrothers. 

Thebook, whichtooktwo years 

to write, is geared towardshelping 

others with loss and finding 

joyagain. 

Milinda, areflexologistand life 

coach, says sharingher personal 

storywas very cathartic. 

“Through the years, I’ve felt 

deep anddarkand hadmoments 

whereIwanted to give up. 

“But there were these pockets 

when Iwanted tofeel joy and I 

focusedonthose.” 

From Havelock originally, 

Milindagrewuponthe family’s 

farm. She lived with her parents 

on hergrandparentsfarmbefore 

moving to Blenheim when she 

was7yearsold. 

She also had two brothers, 

Jonathan and Charlie, both of 

whom have passed away. 

“When Iwas 3years old my 

brotherJonathandiedatjustsixmonths.Hehad 

aheart condition. 

Charliediedwhenhewas 13 in a 

speedway accident. 

“I wasdealing with alot of grief. 

When Ilookback, Irealise that a 

lotofwhathappenedtomybody 

later was to do with grief. Iwas 

in fight or flight mode. It was so 

tough.” 

Thebookdetails Milinda’sIVF 

journeyand thesix miscarriages 

shehad whiledesperately trying 

to become amum.Itoutlinesher 

struggleswithreproductivehealth 

as ateenager and unexplained 

infertilitytoearly perimenopause 

at just 36 yearsold. 

Milindaexplainshow toolsshe 

turned to earlyinher life helped 

herthrough thedarktimes. 

“In 2019, Ihad amassive ‘aha’ 

moment, Ineeded to change my 

life.” 

Therapeuticpracticehad helped 

her asateenager and through 

her 20’s, and she switched from 

acareerinadmin andfinanceto 

massagetrainingand reflexology. 

“I wasliterally in themiddleofa 

groupmeditationwhenIhadthis 

wave of realisingthere hadtobe 

more to my life anditjustevolved 

from there,”Milinda says. 

From journaling to writing, 

spending time with her muchloved 

dog, Lilly, and helping 

WriterandlifecoachMilindaHigginshassharedherpersonaljourney 

of IVF, baby loss andgrief in abid to help others. Photo: Supplied. 

clients, Milinda says there is joy 

to be foundstill. 

“The loss never gets less but it 

does geteasiertolivewith.” 

Beyond theNest includes aforeword 

from FertilityNew Zealand, 

is published byPrisma Print and 

will be available tobuy at Paper 

Plus,via Essence&Soul’s website 

andonAmazonlater this month. 

Read more about Milinda’s 

journeyonpage10. 


inbrief 


SunnyFebruary 

Figures for February 2026 from the 

Blenheim Meteorological station at 

the Grovetown Park campus of the 

Marlborough Research Centre shows 

it waswarmerthan normal during the 

first half ofthe month with amean 

temperature of18.0°C. There were 

no days above 30°C but there were 

12 days that exceeded 25°C. The top 

temperaturewas29.1°Con10 February 

and the coldest was 6.5°C onthe 

morningof28February. Atotal of 245 

sunshine hourswererecorded. 

Pump stationupgrades 

Councilisupgradingthreewastewater 

pump stations in Springlands to 

improve capacity and reliability. 

The Purkiss Street Sewerage Project 

involvesupgradestopumpstationson 

PurkissStreetNorth,NelsonStreet,and 

Kingwell Drive, including significant 

upgrades to connecting sewermains. 

Fulton Hoganiscarryingout theworks 

which are scheduled for completion 

by July 2026.The Kingwell Accessway 

footpath will be closed untilthe endof 

April 2026. 

Bike filmnight 

Markingits12thyear,TheBigBikeFilm 

Night2026isbackand will be shown 

in Blenheim on Monday 30th March, 

5:00pm, and at 6:30pm at the Event 

CinemasBlenheim. 

For more information and tobuy 

ticketsvisit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz 

Corolla Crossticks 

allthe boxes 

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Services for terms of up to 36 months. A$9.20 PPSR and anestablishment fee ofupto$400 will becharged. Normal lending criteria apply. See Toyota.co.nz for full terms and conditions. 

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VehicleConsultants: Colin: 027 481 6867 I James: 027 450 0353 I Matt:021 502 344 

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6 



Marlborough’s wishlist: 

Catcurbing,roadsigns andaprettier bridge 

By Kira Carrington 

LDRReporter 

Marlburianshavecalledfor environmental, 

aesthetic and tourism 

improvements in theirannualplan 

submissionsthisyear. 

Submissions were received 

through the Marlborough District 

Council’s online dialogue portal, 

used forthe first time last year. 

It sought ideas prior to the plan 

being drafted, instead of during a 

lengthyconsultationperiodafter it 

wasdrafted. 

Catcontrol bylaw 

Calls for acat control bylaw, a 

popularsubmissionfromlastyear, 

were renewed. 

Asubmitter argued that with 

feral cats added to the Predator 

Free 2050 list, now was the time 

to mandate microchipping and 

neuteringofdomesticcats. 

“Conservationgroupswillnow be 

targetingferal cats to enhancethe 

current predator control. Inorder 

forthese groups to work near urban 

areas, they need to be confident 

they are not catching domestic 

cats,” thesubmitter said. 

“Many councils around the 

country have enacted cat bylaws, 

Marlboroughcouncil should follow 

theirlead.” 

The submission received the 

second highestnumberofvotes in 

theonlineportal, at 26. 

High St bridge 

One submitter asked the council 

to revamp thewestern entrance to 

the Blenheim CBD, the High St 

bridge over Taylor RiverReserve. 

“The High St bridge is an eyesore 

andhas been foralong time,” they 

said. 

“How about creating amuch 

better impression for visitors and 

locals by rippingdownthe buckled 

wooden approaches andreplacing 

with some nice wrought iron 

work.” 

The submitter said the sides of 

thebridgecould also be tastefully 

painted“withoutcosting afortune.” 

Signs, signs, signs 

Anti-litter signs, anti-dog signs, 

and information display boards 

were among the four submissions 

aboutsigns. 

One submitter said anti-litter 

signs should beerected on State 

Highway1between Blenheim and 

Picton. 

“Litter endangers our environment,our 

wildlife,and oureconomy.Itpollutesour 

neighbourhoods, 

decreases property and place values, 

and destroys our landscape’s 

naturalbeauty,”the submittersaid. 

“If wewant toreduce litter in 

Marlborough, we need signage 

like therestofthe countryand we 

need it now.” 

Another submitter said there 

were not enough signs in Picton’s 

dog-prohibited greenspaces, such 

as Picton foreshore, Shelly Beach, 

Waikawa Bay, and the Endeavour 

Park entrance at AdmiraltySt. 

An off-roadcycle trail 

Wine Marlborough suggested 

an off-road cycle trail toconnect 

Blenheim and Renwick, linking 

wineries,galleries,MakanaChocolate 

Boutique, and the Omaka 

Aviation Heritage Centre. 

The group suggested modelling 

off the Hawke’s Bay and Queenstown 

Lakestrails. 

Wine Marlborough said that 

taking atrail off road improved 

rider experience and resulted in 

higher completion rates. 

“Currently trails are not connected 

and/or have significant 

breaks in them,forcing riders onto 

state highways and narrow roads 

with high traffic volumes, traffic 

travelling at speeds of 80km plus,” 

thesubmissionsaid. 

Tree removal from Waipuna 

Stream 

Three submitters requested the 

removal ofcrack willow trees 

AsubmitterwantstoseeaestheticimprovementstotheHighStbridge. 

Photo: MarlboroughExpress/Supplied. 

alongPicton’sWaipuna stream. 

One submitter said the council 

considered the willows to be 

unwanted pests and harmful to 

theenvironment. 

“The willows clog the 

stream, harm biodiversity, look 

awful ‒especially when they 

shed their leaves for half ayear, 

[and] are counter towhat local 

communityvolunteersare trying 

to achieve inthe area,” the submitter 

said. 

The submitter said the council 

had an“ethical obligation” to 

supportthe efforts of community 

groups such as Te Ātiawa and 

Picton Dawn Chorus by removing 

thewillows. 

The council said they would 

consider all ideas, and feedback 

would beanalysed and collated 

and presented at the council 

budget meetinginApril. 

LDR islocal body journalism 

co-fundedbyRNZ andNZOnAir. 

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BoudicawasawardedHorseoftheYearattherecentMarlboroughHarnessAwards 

2025. Photo: Race Images. 

LocalHarness Racing legendsfromleft, GrantAnderson, Tony Thomas,Don Anderson,and Jackie 

Gill. Photosupplied. 

Annual Harness Racing 

Club awards 

Marlborough Harness Racing 

Club recently held their annual 

awards recognising excellence in 

harnessracingfor theyearJanuary 

1toDecember31, 2025. 

Horseofthe Year wasawarded to 

Boudica, trained byTony Thomas. 

Ofher 18 starts in 2025, she 

attained threewins, two2nds, and 

four 3rds,earning atotal of $61,101. 

Boudica’strainer,TonyThomas, 

was awarded the UDR Trainer 

of the Year. Of his 48starts he 

attained eightwins, two2nds, and 

ten3rds, earning$107,031. 

Boudica isnow officially retired 

from racing, and she isinfoal to 

King of Swing. 

Othertrainersofnoteinclude Don 

Morrison, Kendra Gill, and Allan 

Shutowski. 

Trials Horse ofthe Year was 

awardedtoKerally,trained by KendraGill, 

andFastest Qualifier of the 

Year wasawarded to SweetPatron, 

trainedbyGrant Anderson. 

Trials Driver of the Year was 

awardedtoDon Morrison. 

Other horses ofnote include 

Fredastaire, trained byAllan 

Shutowski with one win, two 

2nds, and two 3rds, earning 

$21,074; Ha’penny, also trained 

Allan Shutowski with two wins, 

five2nds, andthree 3rds,earning 

$27,941; and EltonJ, trained by 

Tony Thomas with four wins, 

earning$28,230. 

AlternativeGaitofthe Year was 

awardedtoJustRicky. 

TheMarlborough HarnessRacingClubislooking 

forvolunteers 

andpeopletojointhe club with a 

view to servingonthe committee. 

You would be working with a 

team of greatpeople, allofwhom 

are passionate about horses and 

harnessracing. 

The club’s principal annual 

fixture isthe Summer Harness 

Racing Meetingheldmid-January 

every year –atwo-day event 

whichattractsthousands of horse 

racing fans, both locals and from 

further away, to experience all 

thethrills that harnessracinghas 

to offer. 

If this sounds like somethingyou 

wouldbeinterestedin, please contact 

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Sun readershavetheir say... with theWORDonthe Street. 

What does themulticultural festival mean 

to youand ourcommunity? 

Alia Malik 

It is achance toshowcase our 

cultural heritage and share our 

whakapapawithMarlborough. 

Broughttoyou by... 

Debbie Webster 

Franchise Owner Blenheim 

Anne Gaelle 

Themulticultural festival brings our 

community together, bridging languageand 

culturethrough theuniversal 

connection of dance, music, 

energyand food. 

MarceloGonzales 

TheMMF is aboutbelonging,celebrating 

diversity, andcreatinga 

safe,truly inclusivecommunity. 

Sallie Bancroft 

It is thecomingtogetherinunity 

with no discrimination, guided 

by kotahitanga, manaakitanga& 

hari koe. 

To sell what you love, talk to someone 

who loves where you live. 

JoeOluwatosin 

It’s an opportunitytoshare culture 

through food, dance, and music, 

creating space where people can 

connect, celebrate, and experience 

traditions from around theworld. 

Raine &Horne New Zealand PTY Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 

Icingon 

thecake 

Oh my goodness. 

What astory. 

Ican certainly vouch for your cakes. 

What abirthdaycake. Fabulous. 

Coulddowithaslicenow.Yum. 

Ngaire Ritchie 

Great article, wishing Melissa all the 

best fornew location. 

StephenHarnett 

Amessage to our 

48,900 

readers 

Please 

support our 

advertisers, 

theheartbeat 

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 

Sun Weather Today 2-15 Thursday 8-15 Friday 6-14 Saturday 6-12 

Supermarket sweep! 

Your LocalManufacturingJeweller 

Jewe lery Repairs • Ring Sizing • Rhodium Plating 

Custom Makes • Remake • Re-Design 

WatchBatteries • Watch Straps • Engraving 

91 Weld St,Redw odtown |info@gmwjewe lery.co.nz |5 7 9340|(FB)/GMWJewe lery |gmwjewe lery.co.nz 

Phone us : 035777 868 

From left, Wiliam Hawker, Evalyn 

Hawker, Witherlea School Acting PrincipalKateDeane, 

New WorldBlenheim 

owner, operator Tineke Powe l, Theo 

Sheard and Rose Powell ar excited 

abouttheupcomingraffle. 

LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS-LOCAL NEWS 

Being Social 

QueenStreettrees 

face thechop 

Use anappropriate native tree to replace 

them. Itwould be nice to hear the tui and 

bellbird in town. 

VaughanMcKenzie 

Tryusing evergreentrees andthennoleaf 

litter problem. 

LynMcKay 

ZontaClubof 

Marlboroughmarks 

InternationalWomen’s Day 

Thank you @ZontaClub, Christine 

Law, Pam Walker for this amazing opportunity 

to share our humble experiences 

that have shaped the person you see today. 

Looking forward to this day Celebrating 

InternationalWomen’s Day. 

NyaraNyajena 

Well done to Dr Osmith Vides Contreras, 

EwaZielinska,Nyara Nyajena, andMatilde 

Tayawa Figuracion on being part ofthis 

specialevent! 

Melody Magengezha 

It’s good to see agreat line up! Cheering 

youonNyara Nyajena. 

Michelle Zuze 

Letters 

Letters onissues ofcommunity 

interest are welcomed. Amaximum 

of 150words please. 

They must be signed and astreet 

address provided toshow good 

faith, even when anom de plume is 

provided forpublication. 

The editor reserves the right to 

to the editor 

abridgeletters or withhold lettersfrom 

publication. 

Email them tonews@blenheimsun. 

co.nz orpresent to our office at 72 

High St. 

Please note that your name and 

street address MUST beprovided 

with emails. 

Should NZ reintroduceconscription? 

Dear Ed, 

Military chiefs in theUKare urging the 

Britishgovernmenttoseriously consider 

reintroducing conscription after the 

US and Israel struck Iran onSaturday 

28th Feb. 

War has escalated atpace across the 

Middle East. Afailed Iranian attack on 

aBritish base in Cyprus necessitated the 

evacuation of the families ofmilitary 

personnel. AftercomplaintsfromTrump, 

cowardly Keir Starmer U-turned and 

grantedUSforcespermissiontouse UK 

basestocarry outtheir attacks. TheUK 

is now part ofthe US/Israeli onslaught 

againstIran. 

Previous warnings by senior military 

figures that Britain must act swiftly 

to train thousands of new recruits in 

preparation for widespread hostilities 

have consequently resurfaced. 

Apublicpollbythe Mirror newspaper 

in theUKtoday (3rd March) showed that 

afrightening 62%ofresponderswerein 

favour of the move. 

Given the speed atwhich events are 

moving in both Ukraine and Iran, and 

theway in whichour presentgovernment 

goes along with whatever the kings of 

Englandand Americarequire,Iwouldbe 

surprisedifwedidn’timmediately follow 

suit should the Brits start recruiting - 

somethingthatcould conceivablybegin 

within weeks. 

Based onthat understanding, could I 

suggest that the Sun jump the gun (pun 

intended) and emulate the Mirror by 

asking your readersinMarlborough the 

same question: Inthe light ofcurrent 

events do you think NZ should reintroduce 

conscription? 

Gavin Richards 

Blenheim 

Arthur 

Jo Lorraine Debby 

GREAT HAIR DOESN’T 

HAPPEN BY CHANCE, 

IT HAPPENS BY 

APPOINTMENT. 

BOOK 

NOW: 

Txt - 027 437 0671 

CALL - 03 5795470



Staged replacement of street trees for Blenheim town centre 

Council’sInfrastructureand 

Community Facilities Committee 

has agreed astaged plan to replace 

liquidambar trees in central Blenheim, 

responding to concerns from some 

property owners while preserving the 

longterm health and character of the 

town centre streetscape. 

Councillor Brian Dawson,who chairs 

the committee,said the assessment 

found that while largescale removal 

was not justified, asmall numberof 

trees are causing issues. 

“Sixteen of the trees -primarily along 

Queen Street -overhang building 

verandas. Council has received 

complaints about leaf fall, seed 

debris and blockedgutters. While 

these issues are common with 

deciduous street trees, Council has a 

responsibility to reasonably manage 

risks within public spaces. 

“Anarborist assessment confirmed 

that the 54 liquidambar trees provide 

significant benefits, including shade, 

amenity and biodiversity. However, 

the trees are expected to gradually 

outgrow their sites over the next 10 

to 15 years andCouncil’sTree Policy 

2024 identifies liquidambars as 

unsuitable for narrow street berms. 

“The approach agreed recommends 

the shortterm removal of three trees 

on Queen Street and George Street, 

continuedpruning of overhanging 

branches, and the development of a 

replacement plan for the remaining 

trees, aligned with future town centre 

revitalisation projects. 

“The staged replacement programme 

will allow Council to coordinate works 

and engage with local businesses and 

the wider community. Replacement 

trees will be chosen for their suitability 

to the constrained urban environment. 

“Removingthe first three trees will 

befunded through the annual tree 

maintenance budget. The largerscale 

replacement programme will be 

considered through the Long Term 

Liquidambar trees on Queen Street,Blenheim 

Plan process, which alsoallows for 

communityinput,” Clr Dawson said. 

“The staged approach balances 

the need to managethe immediate 

nuisance issues,while continuing 

to maintain ahealthy,attractive and 

cohesive urban tree canopy for the 

town centre.” 

The decision is subject to ratification 

at the full Councilmeeting on 2April 

2026. 

Morgans Road Bridge closing tovehicles 

A78-year-old bridge on Morgans 

Road, Lower Wairau, has reached 

the end of its life for carrying 

vehicles. 

The narrow 18m long timber #2 

bridge, which crosses Roses 

Overflow, will shortly be closed to 

traffic and modified into awalk/ 

cycle footbridge. There is already 

an alternative route via Jones Road 

for the 10 residential properties and 

the rowing club in the area. Council, 

via Marlborough Roads, is in contact 

with those directly affected. 

Marlborough Roads System 

Manager Wayne Oldfield said the 

bridge, built just after the Second 

World War, had been structurally 

assessed late last year and afull 

closure of the aging structure to 

vehicles was required for public 

safety. 

“Over the past 20 years the 

bridge has had incremental weight 

restrictions put in place and the 

width reduced to now limit vehicles 

to 2.2m wide and amaximum eight 

tonne in weight, so heavy traffic is 

already using alternative routes,” he 

said. 

As there is an alternative route 

nearby, the case for areplacement 

bridge does not meet NZ Transport 

Agency funding thresholds and 

therefore would need to be entirely 

ratepayer-funded, MrOldfield said. 

The current estimate for a“like for 

Morgans Road Bridge #2, built in 

1948, will be modifiedfor walk/cycleonlyaccessthismonth 

like” bridge replacement would be 

more than $800,000. 

The route is popular for cyclists and 

walkers, both locals and visitors, so 

Marlborough Roads will alter the 

existing bridge to make itsafe for 

this use for $20,000. 

Marlborough Roads will also 

work with Council to look at more 

weather resilient access for the 

properties in the area as both 

Morgans Road and Jones Road 

have been impassable during recent 

major weather events, Mr Oldfield 

said. 

Work will begin on modifying the 

old bridge from 16 March and it will 

reopen to walkers and cyclists by 

the end ofMarch. 

autumn 

events 

1March to 31 May2026 

Pick up your copy from 

MarlboroughDistrictCouncil 

marlboroughnz.com/whatson

10 


one on one 

with the Sun 


Hope after loss 

TheauthorofBeyond theNest explains howshe learnedself-compassion and 

resilience when life gave herrepeatedloss. MilindaHiggins talkstoPaulaHulburt 

abouther journeyand survivingher darkestdays. 

Writer MilindaHiggins shares wellnesstools andreflective exercises-includingjournalling prompts, 

groundingpractices,and spacetopause andprocess. Photo: JessicaJones. 

Milinda Higgins always wanted to 

be amum. 

She had seen her baby, safe in her 

arms,tinyfingerscurledinslumber. 

The nursery would have arocking 

chair, made for soft lullabies and 

long nights. Tiny outfits all chosen 

with love wouldhavebeencarefully 

washed andtuckedaway. 

Thesedreamsstill linger occasionally,whispersofwhatmight 

have been, 

butfor Milinda, thereality of herloss 

is something she has learned to live 

with. Now, she wants tohelp others 

navigate theirgrief. 

“Fromayoungage,Ialways wanted 

to be amum,Ithoughtitwould be as 

easy as breathing, it wasmypurpose,” 

Milindasays. “Whenwe’re growing 

up, wehave alot of aspirations, but 

life doesn’talwaysworkout like you 

thinkitwill.” 

From puberty, Milinda suffered 

extreme pain during menstruation. 

Oftenbedbound, shesuffered heavy 

cycles and debilitating migraines 

which saw her hospitalised several 

times. It was only when she was 

around 16 years ofage that doctors 

begantotakeher strugglesseriously, 

sheexplains. 

“It went onfor agood couple of 

years and they [doctors] suspected 

endometriosis but there was no sign 

of it.” 

Milinda, now 39years old, was 

started onabi-monthly injection 

of Depo Provera, acontraceptive 

which stopped her cycle completely 

at ayoung age. Thepaindisappeared. 

“WhenIgotto19, 20 yearsold Ikind 

of needed my period back if Iwanted 

to have children,” sheexplains. 

“I’d hearditcould take awhile after 

stopping.” 

There isaneasy warmth toher 

smile, asereneness that belies all 

shehas endured. Dailyinjectionsfor 

infertilitytreatment,six miscarriages, 

and amarriage break upwere all 

heartbreakingindifferentways. 

But there is more tragedy totell 

of. Milinda gently speaks of her 

two brothers, Jonathan and Charlie. 

Milinda was never supposed to be 

an only child. 

Jonathan died at just 6months old 

from aheart condition and Charlie 

died at 13 yearsold afteranaccidentat 

Blenheim’s EasternStatesSpeedway 

in 2007. 

“Losing mybrothers meant Iwas 

no longer asister,” she says. “Ikept 

thinking,theywould neverget to be 

uncles;Charlie especially wouldhave 

been afantastic uncle. Itoo would 

neverhaveniecesand nephews. 

“I was dealing with alot of grief,” 

Milindareveals.“It wassotough and 

thereweretimes when Idid thinkI’d 

been dealtarawdeal. 

“I went to see acouple ofdifferent 

counsellors and did agrief therapy 

thing. It didgivemetools whichIstill 

usenow.The loss nevergrewlessbut 

it didget easier to deal with.” 

Now blessed with three younger 

siblings through her father’s side, 

Milinda says she cherishes the relationshipsshe 

shares with them. 

‘I love them to pieces,” shesmiles. 

“I wasdealing with 

alot of grief” 

Growinguponthe family’s farm in 

Havelock, Milinda remembers her 

early childhood filled with outdoor 

adventures,fields,openspace to play 

in androomtobreathe. 

Since1885, four generationsofher 

family have lived and worked on 

the farm, it was difficult to leave it 

behind when the family moved to 

Blenheim when shewas sevenyears 

old, shesays. 

“But Iamvery lucky to still have 

my grandparents,” she says, “I love 

them so much.” 

As atherapeutic reflexologist anda 

qualified life coach, Milindausesher 

own journey to help others. Beyond 

the Nest was anatural progression 

forher. 

Introducing... 

Create your story 

Collectyourmoments 

Layeryourlook 

www.gmwjewellery.co.nz | ph03577 9340 | 91WeldSt, RedwoodHub Redwoodtown


Wednesday March 11, 2026 11 

Two years in the making, 

the pages tell of her battle to 

conceive and carry ababy to 

term.Itisbothhonestand raw, 

the grief palpable. Itisalso a 

bookofhope. 

“When Ifirst started trying 

to conceive, there were alot of 

hospital appointments, alot of 

griefand alot of loss.” shesays. 

“Onpaper,everythinglooked 

great, butthere were no answers, 

it wasput down to unexplained 

infertility.” 

Then Milindadeveloped apotentiallyserious 

complication of 

the fertility treatment, Ovarian 

hyperstimulation Syndrome 

(OHSS). She spent aweek as 

an inpatient inChristchurch 

Women’sHospital. 

“It was very painful. Ihad 

gained eightlitresoffluidin24 

hours, andthe fluid wascoming 

up into my lungs. Icouldn’t 

breatheproperlyand it wasvery 

traumatic. 

“They did warn me it could 

happen, but Iwas so focused 

on theend goal Inever thought 

aboutit.”The stress took itstoll 

on Milinda’s marriage, and it 

ended not long after her fourth 

miscarriage. “Wejustdealt with 

things differently,” shesays. 

“Asyoung as Ican remember, 

I’ve always hadadiary, created 

poems and journalled things. 

For mewellness therapies and 

finding pocketsofjoy have been 

alifesaver. 

“It’s like having awellness 

toolkitofhelp.” 

Milindafound love againwith 

her partner, Hayden, who she 

met 12years ago. His support 

hasbeenunwavering, shesays. 

“He’ssuper supportive and 

hasbeenthrough my journey. 

We triedtohavechildren, one 

last hooray but Imiscarried 

again.”HereMilinda pauses 

for amoment, gathering her 

thoughts. 

“You imagine and plan a 

future, you envisage how 

thenursery will look andthe 

clothesyou will buy.”Itisthe 

loss of achild, and the loss 

of dreams which hit hardest, 

Milinda says. Then, the 

choice wastaken away from 

her. “I started having severe 

gynae problems and early 

perimenopause inmymid 

30’s.Itwas rock bottom.” 

Writingthe book hashelped 

enormously, she adds. “It’s 

raw, it’s honest and Ihope 

it reaches the people who 

need it. 

“It’s not about the empty 

nest, orthat the nest is not 

quite how you’d imagined 

it.Itis, at theend of theday, 

stillanest.” 

Beyond theNestisavailable 

at Paper Plus inBlenheim, 

on the Essence and Soul 

websiteand availabletobuy 

on Amazon laterthismonth. 

“Theydid warn me it couldhappen, 

butIwas so focusedonthe end 

goal Inever thoughtabout it” 

ABOVE: An extractfromBeyondthe Nest by MilindaHiggins. 

Photo: Supplied. 

RIGHT: BeyondtheNestwaswrittenasawayforauthorMilinda 

Higginstoprocess loss andtohelpothersfind acceptance 

too. Photo: Supplied. 

Virtual After-hours 

Primary Health Care 24/7 

Marlborough Primary Health is partnering 

with Practice Plus to provide virtual 

afterhours health care in Marlborough 24/7. 

To access primary health care after 5pm on weekdays, all day 

at weekends and public holidays, simply phone your General 

Practice and you will be connected with ahealth professional 

who will talk toyou about your symptoms and help book an 

appropriate appointment. 

Virtual appointments are safe and effective for many health 

concerns and have been successfully treating thousands of 

people every year all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Prescriptions 

can beemailed directly toyour nearest pharmacy for collection. 

From 01 April 2025 Marlborough General Practices will 

have virtual appointment options through Practice Plus 

for after-hours care. 

Tūhonotia te Hapori: Connecting Communities to Wellbeing 

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

12 Wednesday March 11, 2026 


Theopening gala nightofBeyondthe Blend 

atMarlborough ArtSociety last monthwas a 

huge success.Organised by RaffaelaDragani, 

Kevin Mintenko andFiona Fenwick, the 

exhibition showcasedthe talentsofartists 

working in Marlborough’swine industry and 

raised$7500 forcharity MusteringMountains. 

Artist AwardwinnerLevon Mierau afteraccepting herawardfrom 

Joanna Dudson-Scott andKevin Mintenko. 

JulieSmith andStuartSmith MP attend the 

openingnight to supportlocal artists. 

Lookingstylish: FromleftJulieYonge,exhibitingartistSarahClark, 

andCilla Cairns. 

Beyond The Blend Organising Team, from left Raffaela Dragani, 

KevinMintenkoand FionaFenwick. 

Artist Award winners, from left, Tegan 

Foster andArabella Waghorn. 

BevDoole andPeter Jerram admire some of theartwork as they 

attend theopening nightgalaofBeyondthe Blend. 

Celebrating instyle: From left, Mick Hansen, event organiser Fiona Fenwick, Stephan 

Walliserand DonnaMcTavish.



M a r l b o r o u g h 

New Catalogues 

OutNOW 

Come in store to collect



CELEBRATINGTHE BRANDNEW 

Afire station built with the 

community at heart 

Community focusedbuild 


The new Flaxbourne Fire Station isa 

milestonebuild whichhas been createdwith 

thewider communityinmind. 

From thevolunteer firecrews to thewider 

population,the newstation is geared to be a 

community hub, aplace where people can 

gather in emergencies. 

With abetterand bigger layout than theold 

station, Flaxbourne Fire Station has been 

purpose-builtwiththe widerneighbourhood 

in mind. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Group 

Managerfor MarlboroughChris Hayles said 

thenew stationisfitfor purposewitharaft 

of improvements. 

“The newstation provides afitfor purpose 

building that hasagood-sized training room, 

meaningwecan bringtrainingtothe Brigade 

(when possible) instead ofhaving Brigade 

membersgoawayfor training. 

“It isagreat complement tothe new 

Flaxbourne Heritage centre,and alarge area 

wherethe communitycan gather during an 

emergencyfor information.” 

Almost double the size than the old Ward 

Fire Station, thenew building’s layout means 

appliances canbeparkedsidebyside. 

“Having the appliances side by side, as 

opposed toone in front ofthe other like in 

theold station, allows equipmentchecksetc 

to be carriedout easier,” Chrisexplains. 

Situated on the site where the old Ward 

Fire Station was, the new station replaces 

the damaged station which needed repairs 

afterthe Seddon andKaikōuraearthquakes. 

Sincethen, thestation hadbeenearmarked 

forreplacement,Chris says. 

“It had temporary repairs carried out to 

ensure it was safe tooperate from, but the 

intent wasalwaystoreplace it eventually. 

“The initialconcept wastalkedabout afew 

yearsago andthe greenlight wasgiven approximately12monthsago.Ithinkthe 

build, 

whichhas hadits fair shareofweather hold 

ups, hastaken about10monthstocomplete. 

The new station isfunded byFire and 

EmergencyNew Zealand. 

The original Flaxbourne Fire Station 

building is ownedbythe Flaxbourne Settlers 

Association, and they have kindly allowed 

theFlaxbourneBrigade to operateout of that 

building forsomeyears. 

This building will now bereturned tothe 

community. 

For over 25 years FFP Nelson 

Marlborough Fire have been 

locally owned and operating at the 

TopofThe South of New Zealand 

assisting clients with design build, 

fit outs, alterations and extensions 

of fire protection systems and 

with the on-going management of 

Building Warrants of Fitness. 

Proud to provide fire detection 

to the Flaxbourne Fire Station 

12a, Elms Street, Stoke Nelson 

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FLAXBOURNEFIRESTATION 

Abuildingwithpurpose 

Flaxbourne Fire Station Controller 

Duncan Robertssaysthe purpose-built 

station isstrong enough tocope with 

naturaldisasters. 

“It’sbeendesignedtowithstand major 

earthquakesand to be self-sufficient,”he 

explains.“It hasthe abilitytoplugintoa 

generatorthat’salwaysonsiteand will 

be headquarters for the community in 

theevent of adisaster.” 

Afirefighter since 2008, Duncan 

said the station’s volunteer crew was 

reasonably static at 12. The new build 

will make training much easier he says. 

“We’re kept busy; vegetation fires, 

motor vehicle accidents and structure 

fires, pretty much anything really. We 

also respond tomedical events if the 

ambosare notclose enough.” 

Duncan, who is also afarmer, said 

helping the community hecalls home 

was what prompted him to first volunteer. 

“It’sacommunitything;Ididn’t want 

to seethe neighbour’splace burn down 

andnot be able to do anything to help.” 

Featuring anoffice area, training 

room, kitchen and plenty ofspace for 

the appliances, Flaxbourne Station is 

ideal, he adds. 

“You’d have wanted averyshort tailed 

cattoswing in theold one,”hesmiles. 

AwArd winning experts 

for All your electricAl needs 

Proud to be apart of the 

Flaxbourne FireStation project 

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16a Timandra Place,Blenheim



CELEBRATINGTHE BRANDNEW 

FLAXBOURNE FIRE STATION 

Aprivilege to be involved 

ContractorsTWConstructionpartneredwithlocal 

trades andsuppliers 

to deliver this exciting project, with 

90 per cent ofthe trades sourced 

locallyfromacrossMarlborough. 

Senior ProjectManager Willem Du 

Preezsaysitwas aprivilege to deliver 

infrastructure forfirstrespondersthat 

play such acritical role inkeeping 

communitiessafe. 

“We are incredibly proud ofwhat 

this project means for the Marlborough 

community. From theoutset, we 

committed topartnering with local 

expertise, andmorethan90per cent 

of all trades and suppliers involved 

were Marlboroughbased. 

“Supporting the community while 

building essential infrastructure is 

somethingweplace real valueon. 

As ateam, we understand how 

critical these facilities are. Fire stations 

must operate flawlessly under 

pressure and delivering abuilding 

that balances high operationalperformancewithawelcoming, 

highquality 

environmentfor volunteercrews has 

been arewarding challenge. 

Thesestationsdemandahigh level 

of technical coordination —includingIL4 

structural performance, integrated 

operational communications 

systems, andappliance bays designed 

formodernfleetrequirements. 

Having now delivered stations in 

both Flaxbourne (Ward) andHawke’s 

Bay, we are proud to be building 

genuine capability inthis specialist 

sector. 

The new Flaxbourne station isa 

modern,fitforpurposehomefor local 

volunteers, and we are confident it 

will strengthen emergencyresponse 

resilience across thewider district for 

many yearstocome.” 

Proud to have installed the HVAC systems for the new Ward Fire Station. 

Congratulations on the outstanding new facilities for the 

Flaxbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade. 

Supporting Marlborough’s emergency services with quality 

heating & cooling solutions since 1983 

Installation, Maintenance & Repairs 

Air Conditioning & Ventilation 

Chiller & Freezer Rooms 

In-house Design Services 

12A Certification for BWOF 

24/7 Emergency Service 

1 Freswick St, Blenheim | office@martella.co.nz | 03 578 0030 | www.martella.co.nz 

we’ll 

take 

care 

of it 

* 

Congratulations on this 

wonderful communityasset 

Blenheim Electorate Office 

22 Scott Street,Blenheim 

03 579 3204 or 0800 STUART 

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz 

Amberley Electorate Office 

103a Carters Road,Amberley 

03 314 7441 

Your loCAl ExPErtS For: 

• Carpet Cleaning • Flood restoration 

• upholstery Cleaning 

• Fire restoration • Stain treatment 

• Pest Control 

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0800 225 552 or Blenheim 578 1581 Picton 573 8997 

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The placetoeat! ! 

Your daily 

Locals specialon 

Friday Night 

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10% off on Friday night for Locals! 

Simply quality cut of fresh fish matching with 

beautiful Cloudy Bay wines 

Saku At Cloudy Bay | 230 Jacksons Rd | 03577 5977 

Fantastic range of vegan,vegetarian 

and gluten free food available! 

Monday-Friday 7am-4pm | Saturday 7am-3pm 

Sunday 8am-2.30pm 

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The Place to Eat 

Every Thursday: 

Kids Eat FrEE! 

Happy tummies, no dishes, happy family! 

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kids Menu 

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chicken 

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Let ourMarlborough foodies know 

aboutyourcafeorrestaurant! 

Email katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz 

Restaurant Sasa 

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03 577 5996 

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Lexie’sLife 

Hellomydarlings, 

It’s been abit fresharoundherelatelywith 

winter feelinglikeit’sarrivingalittleearly 

for myliking, just as well Ihave abeautiful 

furcoattokeepmewarm. 

I’m keen onmycreature comforts soI’ve 

takentopopping in to sayhello to my fans, 

it is atotal coincidencethatIhappen to visit 

thosewho have treats forme. I’mnot that 

cunning. 

Such alot happeninghereatHospice now, 

thelovelyteamatHomeplusBlenheimare 

working onour 24-hour entrance cover. 

This work is beingdoneinkindfor us which 

is incredibly generous.Wereallydoliveina 

wonderful community, without whom projectslikethiswouldnevergetofftheground. 

Such kindness always makesmepurr. 

Speaking of kindness, ahuge thank you 

must go to Colin atInstant Auto who 

completedtherepairsonacar andthensold 

it on,donatingthe sale proceeds of $2610 

to us here at Hospice. Bigpurrs andahuge 

thankyou Colin! 

We also received awonderful donation 

from the team atGuthrie Bowron, who 

held their annual golf day and ran araffle, 

generously donating all raffle proceeds 

($1425) toHospice Marlborough. This 

communitytruly is incredible! 

Our Hospice Vehicle Display is fast 

approaching! Make sure youheaddownto 

WaterleaRacecourseon Sunday 15 March, 

10am –2pm.There will be abeautiful range 

of cars on display, plus amazingcoffee, food, 

andraffles. It’s abrilliant waytospend your 

Sunday,bring thewhole whanau! 

Less exciting forme, butwhollynecessary 

was avisit from the wonderful team at 

Vet Marlborough. They called intodomy 

vaccinations.Urgh, notmyfavourite wayto 

pass thetimebut Idid getsometreatstoo, 

so allisforgiven! They also donatedabagof 

catfood. Iheard mumblingsthatitwillkeep 

me goingfor awhile,haha, Ihaveplans for 

that bagged yumminess! 

Talkingoffood, andIdoliketobut notas 

much as Ilike eating it, if you’re heading to 

Bunnings Blenheim on Saturday 28 March, 

make sure you stop byand grab asausage 

from theHospice sausagesizzleonyourway 

out! Ouramazing volunteers will be serving 

upsnagsasafundraiser, andwhodoesn’tlove 

asausage sizzle?Idefinitely do! 

Forall things HospiceMarlborough make 

sure you’re following our Instagram and 

Facebook pages, and checking our website 

www.hospicemarlborough.org.nz 

Byefor now, keep well andhaveasausage 

(orthree)for me, 

Love 

Lexiex 

More SuperRugby 

thrillsand spills 

By Ryan Webb –The RugbyOpinioneer 

Chiefs vMoana Pasifika 

The Chiefs got underway through 

unbelievable back-play and Quinn Tupaea 

struck first. They struck again 

quickly through ablockbusting run by 

LeroyCarter, whothenpassedittoLiam 

Coombes-Fablingfor asweet finish. Glen 

VaihushruggedoffsomeChiefsdefenders 

to find the gap toscore Moana Pasifika’s 

first points. 

TheChiefsscoredagain throughasweet 

burstbyLeroy Carter,who gotanawesome 

pass from Quinn Tupaea and scored the 

Chiefs’third try. Then Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa 

scored offthe back of the scrum for 

Moana Pasifika to make the score 19-14. 

Emoni Narawa scored off abeautiful 

offload byJerome Brown and scored the 

Chiefs’fourthtry. 

Abrilliant kick from Cortez Ratima 

whichwas caught by Damien MacKenzie, 

then offloaded back toCortez Ratima 

who delivered it to Lalakai Foketi tosee 

him streak away for his first try in the 

Chiefs jersey. The Chiefs were leading 

31-14athalftime. MoanaPasifika struck 

first in thesecondhalfbyway of aunique 

carry bySemisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa toscore 

hissecondtry. 

From thereitwas oneway trafficfor the 

Chiefs who scored through Leroy Carter 

twice (he got ahattrick of tries), Kyle 

Brown and some forward play off the 

drivingmaulsaw Tyrone Thomsonscore 

as well. However, Moana Pasifika had 

one last flourish as they scored through 

Tevita Ofa. 

FinalScore:57-24 TheChiefs 

LONDON MOUNTAIN FILM 

FESTIVAL 

Raising money for the 

Life Flight Trust 

Air Ambulance 

HighlandersvWesternForce 

Some phenomenal passing through the 

hands ofthe Highlanders saw Veveni 

Lasaqa scorethe first tryofthisgame. A 

dynamic pick and go by Vaiolini Ekuasi 

saw the Force strike back. Then the two 

teams really got into each other asthey 

went back andforth as they scored through 

Jonah Lowe (Highlanders),Jeremy Williams(Force),and 

Hamish Stewart(Force), 

which led to the Force leading byfour 

points at half time. 

Then the tit-for-tat rugby continued as 

CalebTangitau(Highlanders),Carlo Tizzano 

(Force), George Bridge (Force), Caleb 

Tangitau (Highlanders),and Jonah Lowe 

(Highlanders)all scored tries. TheHighlandershad 

some setpiece wows in thefirst 

half;their lineouts weren’tconnectingthat 

well,which ledtosomeForce opportunities 

that they should have capitalizedon, in my 

opinion. They were fortunate enough to 

sort these out in the second half. Anice 

penaltyfor theHighlanders sealed thedeal. 

FinalScore:39-31 TheHighlanders 

MVPs: Caleb Tangitau -Highlanders, 

LeroyCarter-Chiefs 

Thanks to allmyreaders,I 

appreciate thesupport. 

For more in-depth 

analysis of this 

week’s rugby, 

check out 

my YouTube 

channel 

therugbyopinioneer. 

Ryan Webb


Wednesday March 11, 2026 19



Marlborough 

local cleaning experts 

proud to bring you this puzzle page 

CROSSWORD 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 

10 11 

441 

SUDOKU 

Every row, column and box should 

contain the digits 1to9. 

WORDBUILDER 

341 

U A R 

M E N 

12 13 14 15 

16 

17 18 

19 

How many words ofthree or more 

letters, including plurals, can you make 

from the six letters, using each only 

once? 

No words beginning with acapital are 

allowed. There’s atleast one six-letter 

word. 

Good 19 Very Good 24 Excellent 28 

20 21 22 23 24 

25 26 

27 28 

29 30 

31 32 

33 34 

Across 

1. Cadaver (6) 

5. Accident (6) 

10. Din (7) 

11. Intimidate(7) 

12. Linger (6) 

15. Frustrate(6) 

16. Need (7) 

17. Shade (4) 

18. Pace (4) 

19. Immediate(7) 

20. Smack(4) 

22. Minor argument (4) 

25. Block, frustrate(colloq) (7) 

27. Skilled(6) 

28. Naturalability(6) 

31. Canonise (7) 

32. Stupidand silly (7) 

33. Agreement (6) 

34. Type of ring (6) 

Decoder 

Down 

2. Loud applause(7) 

3. Appropriate (6) 

4. Britishpeer (4) 

5. Heath(4) 

6. Boil withanger (6) 

7. Determined (7) 

8. Shape (6) 

9. Restrained or repressed(4-2) 

13. Leftover(7) 

14. Sell to thehighestbid (7) 

15. Cheap pieceofjewellery (7) 

20. Worn out,threadbare(6) 

21. Debts(7) 

23. Assumption (7) 

24. Wobble(6) 

25. Figureofspeech(6) 

26. Classification (6) 

29. Abscess (4) 

30. Prohibits (4) 

Crossword 

Across: 1. Corpse, 5.Mishap, 10. Clamour, 11. Overawe, 12. Loiter, 

15. Thwart, 16. Require, 17. Tint, 18. Step, 19. Instant, 20. Slap, 22. Spat, 

25. Snooker, 27. Adroit, 28. Talent, 31. Beatify, 32.Asinine, 33.Assent, 

34. Signet. 

Down: 2. Ovation, 3. Proper, 4.Earl, 5. Moor, 6.Seethe, 7. Adamant, 8. 

Sculpt, 9.Pent-up, 13. Remnant, 14. Auction, 15. Trinket, 20. Shabby, 21. 

Arrears, 23. Premise, 24. Totter, 25. Simile, 26. Rating, 29. Cyst, 30. Bars. 

WordBuilder: amen, are, arm, arum, ear, earn, emu, era, man, mane, 

MANURE, mar, mare, mean, men, menu, mun, name, namer, near, ram, 

ran, ream, rue, rum, rumen, run, rune, unarm, urea, urn. 

DECODER 

Each number represents adifferent 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. 

VOLUME 1 

Enjoy WordFit? Magazines available. 

See www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 

Sudoku 

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Aubree-Raine Stevens-Moaand Hunter Stevens. 

HasinahKassim,AnnMareeWhite,MargaretWesternwereallsmiles 

as theday unfolded. 

MarlboroughMulticulturalFestival 

Ricky andKim So,Hannahand KatrinaNg. 

$ 

3 Pies 

MerylBroult andTheoBehetyfromFrance. 

Tuesday Special 

MarlboroughMulticultural Festival 2026 celebratedits20th 

anniversary on Saturday as people from all walks of life 

gathered to mark the special occasion at Churchill Glade 

in PollardPark. Photographer Anne Gaelle captured smiles 

on theday. 

60 Main Street 

6am -11pm •7days 


Out& 

...with The Sun 

your localpaper 


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Have an event? 

Contact035777 868 

Denise Kracimik,Clo Galuez,FlorOtis, PabloCariello, Mark Appleton,AlexGauna,all from Chile, Argentinaand 

England. 

Josh andApril Clawson, KellyGillchristand Seulki Song. 

Kiara and Mark Naluis enjoy anice cream 

break. 

Maia and Katarina Moanaroa enjoy some 

of thefoodonofferfromaroundthe world. 

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22 



Lets 

' 

Chat 

with 

SarahGatjenS 

Conveyancing Practitioner 

KeyConveyancingLimited 

• Areyou adog or catperson? 

We have astaffie and2cats,Iadoreall! 

• What’s your favourite snack? 

Don’tget me started! 

• What wouldyou buyifmoney wasnoobject? 

Expensivesupermarket food that is neverwithinbudget. 

• Celebrity-wise whowould be at your dream 

dinner party? 

Dawn French. 

• Savouryorsweet? 

Tricky question as Ialwaysneedsomething savourytobalance 

out thesweet. 

• Theshopyou can’twalkpastis...? 

Anyshopwhich sellsplants. 

• If youcould boardaplanetomorrowwhere 

wouldyou go? 

Japan.Ilivedhere for2yearsaged18 andwouldlove to goback. 

• What’s thebestthing youcan cook? 

Crumbedpork chops. 

• Areyou amorning person or anight owl? 

Totallyamorning person.Donot text or ring me after8.30pm! 

• What’s your favourite colour? 

Yellow. 

• If youhad to choose anotherjob what woulditbe? 

Iwould considerany outdoorjob. 

• What is your favouriteplace forcoffee or lunch? 

Mills Bay in Havelock for yummy fish and chips and mussel 

croquettes. 

gardening this week 

Garden questionswithanswers: By WallyRichards 

Hello readers, some ofyou may 

have among the 900 people who 

tuned inthis week tothe webinar 

on RCRwithmeand Rodney Hide 

discussing gardeningmatters. 

As always,the sessionisrecorded 

andifyou want to youcan listen or 

watchithere: 

https://rcr.media/episodes/ 

wednesday-webinars-lifestyle-series-winter-planting-with-wally-richards/ 

During thesession listenerswere 

able to send in gardeningquestions 

whichdue to lack of time very few 

were answered on air. 

Iwill endeavor here toanswer 

some of them> 

Q. Any hints on growing tomatoes 

in winter on aporch? 

A. Yes, if you get started now 

and inagood size container you 

can grow some varieties such as 

Russian Red, Patio Hybrid and 

Tumbling TomRed. 

The seeds of these are available 

from Egmont seeds and ideally 

yougerminate afew on aheatpad 

this time of the year. Transplant 

into 20cm pots or larger; abucket 

size is good. 

Use friable compost and Wallys 

Secret Tomato Food with Neem 

Granules and some ofour Real 

Blood &Bone inthe growing 

medium. 

The secret inthe cold weather is 

to keep theplantsalittle on thedry 

side only giving small drinks of 

warm waterasneeded. 

Over water them and you will 

freeze the plants inthe cold times 

andtheywilldie. 

Have in aprotected position 

gettingasmuchsunlightaspossible 

and increase the sun factor by 

spraying the plant every few days 

with Liquid Sunshine. 

(Tablespoon ofmolasses into a 

litre ofhot water todissolve and 

add10mlofMagic BotanicLiquid 

(MBL). 

On asunny day when inflower 

tap plant to make it vibrate toset 

thefruit. 

Ensure that theplant hasadequate 

moisture withoutoverwatering. 

Give theplant adrink in themorningand 

by thetimenight comesit 

should be fairly dryand notaffected 

then by thecold. 

Your sprays of Liquid Sunshine 

will also help with theplant having 

sufficient moisture. 

Q. What is MBL? 

A. Afull description can be 

foundonmygardenWeb site here 

https://www.gardenews.co.nz/ 

product.html#Magic%20Black%20 

Liquid 

BasicallyitisHumateand Fulvic 

acid from NZ fossilised coal which 

is as good as if not better than the 

best knowninthe world. 

It does real wondersinthe garden 

changing aso-so garden into ashow 

garden from regularsprays. 

Add the molasses to it and be 

amazed as many gardeners have 

reported to me. 

Q. Is baking soda afungicide? 

A. Yesithas fungicidepotentials 

forcontrol as it is alkaline. 

Diseasesporeslandonthe plants 

foliageand to breakthe toughskin 

of the leaf they shoot out alittle 

acid, ifbaking soda ispresent, it 

neutralisesthe acid andthe disease 

can’testablish. 

Very good at this time of theyear 

to preventpowdery mildewsand if 

used with Raingard it will protect 

forupto14days. 

Also aboutatablespoon of baking 

soda into alitre of water sprayed 

on foliage ofOxalis will shrivel 

thefoliage. 

It won’tkill the bulbs inthe soil 

butyou canuse it with Raingard to 

keep your gardens clear of oxalis 

foliage byspraying the leaves as 

soon as they appear. 

Even better,use CalciumHydroxide 

asitismore alkaline and has 

also aburning action as well.Ifyou 

have hens, you can use Calcium 

Hydroxidefor preserving eggs. 

Ihaven’t tried itbut if you dump 

about acouple of tablespoons of 

CalciumHydroxide over theoxalis 

plants where itwill wash down 

into the soil, there isafair chance 

as oxalis is an acid loving plantyou 

maydestroy thebulbs in thesoil. 

While itisactive inthe soil the 

bulbs will have problems sending 

up foliage. Letmeknowifyou are 

successful.Samecan be used to kill 

twitch. Calcium Hydroxide, food 

grade isnot so easy to find these 

days,but we have it here at..... 

https://0800466464.co.nz/product/calcium-hydroxide-1-kilo/ 

Q. Canyou applyblood &bone 

on topofthe soil? 

A. Yesbut not very effective as 

likely to bake in sun when moist, 

Real Blood &Bone should be 

placed in planting holes ofseedlingsormixed 

into soil or growing 

medium. 

See https://0800466464.co.nz/ 

product/wallys-real-blood-bone- 

1-kilo/ 

Q. Howdoyou getrid of ants in 

thegarden? 

A. Make up abaitsolutionusing 

Granny mins Ant Bait and place 

some inside small jars laying on 

their side onthe soil by any trails 

or activity. 

The value of Granny mins Any 

Bait is that it is averyold recipe that 

ants neverbecomebaitshy from my 

experience.Alsoitisnot expensive 

at only $9.00ajarwhich makesup 

aboutalitreoffullstrengthbait. 

See https://0800466464.co.nz/ 

product/granny-mins-ant-bait- 

120g/ 

Also if youmakeupWallysSuper 

Pyrethrumatone milto2Lofwater 

in atrigger sprayer and spray the 

ants directly on plants or wherever 

you see them you will certainly 

upsettheir population levels. 

Sun Weather Today 7-20 Thursday 13-25 Friday 10-26 Saturday 10-22 Sunday 10-25 Monday 10-24 

“I will have poetry inmylife.And adventure.And love. Love above all.” 

MARLBOROUGH REPERTORY SOCIETY PRESENTS A B OATHOUSE PRODUCTION OF 

DIRECTED BY PAM LOGAN & AMANDA TOLLEMACHE 

MUSICAL DIRECTOR LIZ MCKAY 

BOATHOUSE THEATRE 

APRIL 15 TH TO 25 TH 2026 

BOOKINGS & TICKETS 

AT ASB THEATRE 

BASED ON THESCREENPLAYBY 

MARC NORMAN & TOM STOPPARD 

ADAPTED FOR STAGE BY 

LEE HALL 

SUPPORTED BY 

ACommunity Theatre production ofShakespeare inLove by special arrangement with Samuel French andThe Play Bureau. 

©Disney


Re:Rates capping 

It’s arealpitythatthe pro-ratescappers don’t 

look further into how capping revenue will 

drive increases in borrowing. Borrowing 

benefitscapital with interest payments.Rates 

capping meansweall paymoreoveralonger 

period of time. Perhaps it’s time to source 

information and analysis from sources other 

than Reality Check Radio, TPU, The Platform 

or any other extremist propaganda-driven 

media. 


Youpeoplethinkingofvotingfor ratescapsbe 

carefulwhatyou wish for. Enforced caps by 

centralgovtwillmeancutstoMDC services, 

what areyou prepared to give up?Thiscoalition 

govt hasmadeour economy worse, not 

better.The proposed rate caps on councils is 

justcentralgovt’sattempttomake theirfailure 

onreducingthe cost of living better. 


I’m not happy about the level of rates Iam 

paying,but Idonot agreewithrates caps.We 

will endupwithcutstocouncil services.They 

alreadycop waytoo much criticismand they 

have amassivejob on theirhands. 

OrangaTamariki 

Again, is this organization doing enough to 

protectinnocentvulnerablechildren? Reading 

of another case ofneighbours desperate to 

help alittlegirlnextdoorwho they believeis 

in danger, just breaks my heart. NZ we need 

to actand fix this problemquickly.Our track 

record is appalling. 

Re Al Jazeera 

Mr Sutherland in hisletters to theSun states 

that AlJazeera is ‘reputable’ with ‘factual 

reporting’.Itisownedbythestategovernment 

ofQatar, thesecondbiggestsponsorofMuslim 

brotherhoodand terrorismsupportingjihad 

efforts around theworld,backedbythe CCP. 

NS also questionsifHamas is aterrorist group. 

It is designated as such by most Western 

countriesincluding NZ andthe EU.Wakeup. 

txt talk with 

PollardParkdog walkers 

Please keep your dogonalead. Notall children acomfortable with 

adog runninguptothemand jumpingaround. Thankyou. 

Re:Ardern 

It astonishes me to think that some people 

will spend the rest oftheir lives filled with 

hate andrageabout an ex-PM. Isuppose it’s 

agood distraction from thinking about the 

actual seriousissuesthataffectus all. Pathetic. 

Re:Ardern 

Jacinda was the leader ofademocratically 

electedgovernmentwhosecaucuscollectively 

made thedecisions youcriticise andcertainly 

does notdeserve your narrow mindedvindictive 

attitude.Indeed,noone does! 

Re:Ardern 

Iamnot asupporter of Ardern orLabour 

andsomeofthe hair-brained initiativesthey 

wasted millions oftaxpayer dollars on, but I 

abhor thepersonalattacks andname-calling 

that goes on,particulary on social media. 

Sheisahuman beingaswell. Argue aboutthe 

issues,but don’tget personal. 

There’snoneedfor it. 

Re:ABs head coach 

Itake back myunkind thoughts concerning 

DavidKirk. Dave Rennie is an excellentchoice, 

with Jamie Jointhe 1/1 asavery suitable 

head coachwhenDRennieretires (whenHE’S 

ready).Myfaith in theNZRUisrestored. 

Speedway success 

Well done to allinvolvedinrunning agreat 2 

nights ofracing atEastern States Speedway 

last week.Despite ahuge crowdonSaturday, 

leaving wasn’t aproblem atthe end of the 

meeting. 

Treesinthe CBD 

It’s apitythatthe liquid ambar(yes, it’s ‘bar’, 

not‘ber’)treescauseaproblemwiththeirseed 

pods andwillprobablyberemoved from the 

town centre,astheyput on abrilliant display 

ofcolourintheautumn.Thetowncentrelooks 

beautifulthen. 


Re:Fireworks comment 

March4th 

Greatfor theChinese NewYearCelebrations 

butisitnecessary to letoffalargeamountof 

Fireworksinthe middle of Redwoodtownat 

9pmatnight?Iamsurethere areother ways 

to celebrate and have fun without scaring 

animalsand waking kids up,asthat’snot “a bit 

of fun” forthose off us that have to locate and 

settle down our pets. Where was the public 

advancewarning? 

HelenClarke 

2ndMarch,Helen Clarkwhenasked during an 

TV 3interview on thetroublesinthe Middle 

East,“should we notwaitfor theevidenceto 

comeinregardingthelegalityoftheIsraeli-US 

operation?”She replied“absolutely not”. 

If Iweretocomment on that replyIguessshe 

wouldsue me. 

Meat prices 

Can the supermarket owners please explain 

why weare being charged export prices for 

meat when the meat supermarkets buy is 

only 2ndor3rd grade. Ibet we neverget any 

owners to explain. 

EasterShopTrading policy 

The MDC’s Easter Shop Trading Policy. Have 

just completed anonline submission. The 

council’sformatisclear andthelanguageeasy 

to understand. 

Thankyou forthe opportunityto have my say. 

Fish nChips 

Ireadarecentsurveyabout thecostoffish n 

chips rising.But they arestill more affordable 

than otherfastfood. Ourlocal does a‘family’ 

pack for $32.50 that would def feed and averagefamily. 

With thehuge cost of meat it’s 

notsurprising parentsmay choose this option 

once aweekorfortnight. 

No sense 

reading about the young girl hiking the 

Tararua ranges andgot lost.I’m glad shewas 

foundsafebutwhywouldshehaveattempted 

that alone? That’s just asking fortrouble in so 

many ways. And then others have to spend 

time lookingfor her. 


Talk of theweek 

PAK’nSAVE 

Greatarticle on PAK’nSAVE 

Blenheim andownersMark 

andAndreaand staff.Ihave 

experiencedtheir generosity 

in supporting alocal 

communityagency. Thanks 

guys,sonicetoreadabout 

an employer with asocial 

conscience. 

ThanksLizel 

Thankyou,Lizel from 

Blenheim Woolworths 

store. Even afterher shift 

hadfinished,Lizel delivered 

outstandingcustomer 

servicewith asmile. Amazing 

customer service. 

Greatjob done 

Thankyou to allthe people 

whocollect ourrefuse, great 

jobdone.Iespeciallyadmire 

thepersonwho collects the 

glass, having to climbinand 

outoftheir vehicleand empty 

some of thebinsbyhand, 

some of them very full andno 

doubtveryheavy. 

Betyou don’thavetogo 

to thegym! 

We welcomeyourtexts on 

027242 5266. 

Limitto70words please. 

We reservethe righttopublish at our 

discretion.Pleasenotethe opinions 

expressedare notnecessarily thoseofthe 

Sunmanagement. 

Free to aircricket coverage. 

Nottrue. It’s nottruethatcricketis live andfree 

to AironTV1 +. Youhavetohavebroadband, 

that alot of us don’t have. 

Gotanimportant issuetosharewithMarlborough? Text your thoughts to 027242 5266 

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sales@acwireless.co.nz 

www.acwireless.co.nz 

0800 003176 

louvres &More 

•Customdesign 

outdoor louvres 

•Automatedlouvres 

with rain sensors 

•Manual &automated 

outdoor blinds 

•Outdoor heaters& 

LED lightingoptions 

•Louvreshutters 

•Timber &ironfences 

•Poolfencing 

•Decks 

•General landscaping 

Grant (Spud) McLeod 

email: grant@ 

louvresandmore.co.nz 

027540 4412 

Advertising 

Advertise your 

business &services 

in Marlborough’s 

best read newspaper 

Delivered into over 19,000 

Marlborough homes everyweek. 

Ask us about our fantastic cost 

effectivepackages that really work! 

Ph 5777 868 

simon@blenheimsun.co.nz 

katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz 

The 

Sun 

Blenheim Marlborough 

Moving /storAge 

pluMBer 

solAr 

tree CAre 

Blenheim’s only locally owned movers! 

Local, National, International 

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Let ushelp you get towhere you want tobe! 

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Exciting nutritionnews 

By George Elder 

Theold food pyramidand 

food plates, the 

mainstay of nutrition 

guidance for 

the last 50+ years, have at last 

been updated toreflect true science. 

These newguidelinesmatch 

what Ihave been saying inmy 

books, blogs and health columns 

over the past 5years. It will take 

some time for many people, institutions 

and commerce to adapt to 

this profound change. Beprepared 

for pushback from those who had 

astake in the old regime (pun 

intended) and recognize that for 

many, this will shake up their 

training and their beliefs making 

it hard to accept. Although ithas 

been obvious that the old regime 

was failing, many refused to see 

theproof in frontofthem, that bad 

diet resultsinpoorhealth. 

Youcan find the review at realfood.gov 

Proteins, full-fats, vegetables, 

dairyand some fruits have become 

themainstayofgood nutritionand 

thepreviousemphasisongrainsis 

removed. Thechangeisnot perfect 

as there isstill a10% limit on 

saturatedfat,but Ican ignore that 

mistake. This positive change will 

improveoverall health. Aspeople 

adapt tothese guidelines, nutrient 

levels will improve with the reductioningrains(breads,cereals), 

reducing insulinand thechelation 

of key dietary minerals such as 

iron andzinc. Lownutrition grains 

will be replaced by higher nutrition 

foodsincreasingkey minerals plus 

vitamins A, D, E, B12and K2. 

The recommended level ofsugar 

in children’s diets isreduced 

with zero added sugar until age 

10.Sugar hasnonutritional benefit 

and instead creates inflammation 

and glycates proteins, reducing 

their availability tothe body, not 

to mention the psychological impact 

it seems tohave onmany 

children. Hopefully this will 

graduallyreducethe typicalchild’s 

preference for sweeter food and 

increase their willingness to eat a 

wide varietyoffoods. 

The new guidelines focus on 

real food, vegetables and healthy 

fats including butter, tallow, fats 

from nuts, beans and fruit-based 

fats e.g. coconut oil, olive oil, 

and avocado. These are mostly 

saturated and monounsaturated 

fats which are less reactive than 

theseed-oil basedpolyunsaturated 

fats which dominate processed 

foods. Lower reactivity reduces 

oxidative stress, lowering whole 

body inflammation. 

If youare notinthe USAormake 

your ownfood, what relevancedo 

theseguidelineshavetoyou? The 

guidelines set out the diet for institutions,schoollunches,hospital 

food,militaryfood andmanyother 

providers. They have dominated 

the teaching ofnutrition, which is 

whymanydietitianshaveextended 

their education far beyond their 

original training. Read Michelle 

Hurn’s book, “The Dietitians 

Dilemma”. The standardsimpact 

manufactured food andhavebeen 

unfortunately exported all around 

the world replacing healthy traditional 

foods tothe detriment of 

many. 

Find links tomybooks, my 

health coaching clinic or subscribe 

for health blogs at www. 

takebackyrhealth.com. Seek professional 

advice before dietary 

changes, particularly if on medication. 

George Elder, Certified 

Health Coach, Author,Diploma in 

Nutrition. Thebestthing youcan 

do foryourhealthiseat better. 

Situations Vacant 

Business for Sale 

Public Notices 

Public Notices 

Teacheraide 

BohallyIntermediateislooking fora 

teacheraidetosupport ourstudents 

with theirlearning. 

4days9am -1pm (including Friday) 

(Schooltermonly) 

Term 2toTerm42026-Fixed term 

possibilitytostart earlierifrequired. 

Direct enquiriesand applications 

(by19thMarch)toJoSena(Deputy Principal) 

jo.sena@bohally.school.nz 

DELIVERERS WANTED 

Get fit with part time work delivering 

newspapers and mailers into letterboxes. 

•Regular weekly work 

•Noexperience necessary 

•Weare alocally 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 

LAWN, GARDEN 

HEDGETRIMMING 

BUSINESS FORSALE 

• 55regular clients 

• Turnover of$80k 

• Plenty ofscope to grow further 

Call 0274 996 869 for more info 

Allyourcommunity news 

nowalsoonthe 

Blenheim sun Facebook page 

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 AFREE MEASURE 

AND QUOTE! Ph578-5374. 

MARlboRouGHHuNTING &FISHING 

Come down to Marlborough Hunting 

and Fishing for all your outdoor needs. 

46 Main Street,Blenheimph03579 1600 

Clothing Alterations: 

by Lynette 

Atkinson-Parker 

For your sewing requirements 

Phone 03 578 1010 

or 027 578 1010 

Quality Service Guaranteed 

news tips 

Send your tips to 

news@blenheimsun.co.nz 

MobIle ToeNail Cutting and foot care service 

by Registered Nurse. Iwill come toyou. 

$55.00 Phone 0222816647. 

GOLD &SILVER 

CASH BUYER 

Pay up to the following prices: 

$100- $3000 Gold &Silver Watches 

$1000- $10000 Gold Nuggets 

$100-$3000 Gold, Silver Chains, 

Bangles, Bracelets 

$1800 Sovereigns 

$2000 Sovereign Cases 

$100- $500 Gold Wedding Rings 

$5000 Diamond Rings 

$100-$300 Silver &Gold Medals, 

Bar Brooches, Pendants, Tie Pins, 

Cameos, Vesta Boxes, Lodge Medals. 

$10000 Silver Ware,Canteen 

Cutlery,Coffee &Tea Service Cups, 

Silver Trays, Photo Frames, Urns, 

Vinaigrettes, SnuffBoxes, Thimbles. 

$5000 Bronze &Marble Deco 

Figures &Lamps. 

Buy anything old &interesting. 

Will call anywhere 

Phone Murray 021 441 400 

AdvertisingSales Consultant 

We’vebeen publishing in Marlborough for 

23yearsand are the region’s most read and 

most trusted newspaper. 

We’re looking foranatural communicator 

with aknack forcreativeproblem-solving. 

Someone that thrives on building relationships 

and drivingresults andsolutions forour valued 

advertisers. 

Join our awesome fun team and help local 

businesses grow! This position isbased at 

ourBlenheim office, and youwillneedavalid 

driver’slicence. 

The ideal teammatewill possessthe followingqualities: 

• Not afraid to knock on doors and meet new people 

• Able to think creatively and develop solutions forclients (training provided) 

• Ahigh levelofself-motivation, integrity,strongteam work ethic, and the 

ability to work to deadlines 

• Asense of humour and team collaboration 

Weoffer: 

• Base salary +commissionpackage +KiwiSaver 

• Southern MondaytoFridayrole+hours Cross medical to be negotiated 

• Agreat team environment with plenty of support 

If this sounds likeyou, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please email simon@blenheimsun.co.nz with a 

briefoutline of your experienceand whyyou 

thinkyou would be agood fit forour team. 

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) 

txt 

talk 

Text your 

thoughts to: 

027242 5266 

2026 trustee elections 

Voting is nowunderway forthree trustee positions on the board of 

Marlborough Electric PowerTrust. 

Retiring Trustees Domenic Romano and Lynette Rayner have been 

nominated forafurther term. Nominations have also been received from 

TanyaPouwhare,Nicki Stretch, and Khalid Suleiman. 

Voting papers will either be emailed or posted to all eligible consumers 

named on the consumer roll and identified as connected to Marlborough 

Lines Ltd networkasat5.00pm on the 19th of January2026. 

Consumers mayvote by: 

• Votingonline (using the unique voter credentials shown in their email 

or on the voting paper); or 

• Posting their completed voting paper to the returning officer using the 

pre-paid envelope; or 

• Hand delivering their completed voting paper to aballot boxat 

Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim. 

To be counted all completed voting papers must be in the hands of the 

returning officer by 12 noon, Monday23rdMarch 2026. 

If yourequire to confirmthat youare on the consumer roll or require 

aspecial vote paper contact the Election Helpline 0800 666 033 or 

assistance is available at the offices of Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour 

St, Blenheim during their normal office hours of MondaytoThursday9am 

to 5pm. 

To confirmeligibility forareplacement voting document youwill be asked 

to provide your name,address and your ICP number/(s). 

Ensure your vote counts by mailing or emailing your vote paper early or 

delivering to Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim before 12 

noon on the Monday23rd March 2026. 

BJ Munro 

Returning Officer

26 


BENA, Ronald James. 

Ex USA. Passedawaypeacefully at Waterlea 

LifecareBlenheim, on 3rdMarch 2026, aged 

74 years. Dearly lovedbrother of theTheresa 

and family. Loved son of the late Helen and 

WilliamBena. In keepingwith Ron’swishes, 

aprivate watercremationhas been held. 

BENSLEY, Christopher Allan: 

Chrispassedawaypeacefully 4March 2026, 

aged 73 years. Dearly lovedhusband of Lorraineand 

brotherofRogerand Simon, Chris 

will be deeply missed byall who knew and 

loved him. Messages tothe Bensley family 

c/- POBox 9Blenheim 7240 or www. 

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A private cremationhas 

been held as perChris’s wishes,and 

acelebration ofhis life will be held in the 

comingweeks. 

CloudyBay Funerals 

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

CLOUGH, Jacqueline (Jackie): 

On 9March 2026, aged 78 years. Dearly 

loved wife ofthe late Ian. Loved mother 

of Paula &Allan, mother-in-law ofPaul & 

Kirsten. Adored GrandmaofAbbie, Paige& 

Emma. Messages tothe Clough family c/- 

PO Box 9Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz 

The family wish to acknowledge 

the staff atRedwood Retirement 

Village fortheir wonderfulcareand support. 

In accordance with Jackie wishes, aprivate 

cremationhas taken place. 


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

URGENT 

services 

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital 

Grounds. Entry offHospital Rd,Blenheim, 

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

Ambulance: Urgent111. Non urgent 578 

0797. 

After Hours Chemists: Springlands 

Pharmacy: Monday -Friday 8.30am - 

6pm.Saturday 9m -5pm. Sunday closed. 

Public Holidays -phoneustobeadvised. 

After Hours Chemists. Phone number is 

035782271 

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the 

Blenheim Warehouse,open 7days 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 5784272. 

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: 

Daily 2.30pm -8pm, children under 12 

mayvisit 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, Ph928 4265, 

Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm 

Death notices 

BOFELT, Birgite (née Naslund): 

Passed away at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim 

on 3March 2026 aged 86. Loved mother of 

John, mother-in-law ofKim, grandmother 

of Amielle and Jaylen. Loved sister ofEric 

and Ann Marie (both inSweden). Loved 

mother of the late Anders and late partner 

Graeme Kumar and afriend tomany. She 

will be missed. Thanks to her many friends 

for the warmth and joy that they have 

brought over the years. Thanks to the wonderful 

staff atSpringlands Lifestyle Village 

and Wairau Hospital for their support over 

the years. Tributes for Birgite can be left on 

the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website 

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Aservice for 

Birgite hasbeenheld. 


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

CHANDLER, PercyJohn: 

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded 

by family on Sunday 8th March 2026, in 

his 77th year. Stoically stubborn but deeply 

loved dad and father-in-law ofthe late Carl, 

Tracy and Brendan, Nathan andKrystle,and 

Philippa and Philip. Cherished and adored 

grandad ofAiden, Kyla and Nick, Thomas, 

Jocelyn, and Lucy-Ann. Loved brother and 

brother-in-law of Lyn and John, and their 

family.Messagesfor thefamily maybesent 

to C/- Chandler Family, POBox 110, Blenheim 

7240. AcelebrationofPercy’s lifewill 

be held inthe Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, 

cnr of Hutcheson and Parker Streets on 

Thursday 12th March at 1pm, followed by 

interment with his late wife Barb atFairhall 

Cemetery. 

GRAY, Brian Neil: 

03/03/1963 –05/03/2026 Our darling Brian 

went to be with Jesus, suddenly athome, 

aged 63. Dearly loving husband of Imogen 

and aloving father of Haley, Taylor, Vincent, 

Jeremy, Quinn, Darcy, Ida, Marnina, 

Silas, Layne and Mary. Those who knew 

Brian arewelcome to join us at 224 Rarangi 

Beach Road, RD3, Blenheim 7273 on Friday13March 

from4pm to celebrate hislife 

with food, drink &stories. Please bring a 

plate offood to share. Brian’s tradition was 

scruffy. Messages tothe Gray family c/- PO 

Box 9Blenheim 7240 orwww.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz 

“I am just asimple man, working onthe 

land;I amjust asimple man, working with 

my hands.” 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that 

he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever 

believeth in him should not perish, but 

have everlastinglife. 


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

WARREN, PeterVincent Gary: 

Passed away peacefully at home onSunday 

8March, 2026. Loved husband of Ceciley. 

Loved father ofMike and Gaynor Warren. 

Loved step-father of Scottie, the late Brent 

and Wayne Smith. Beloved grandfather of 

Luke and Mitch Warren. Messages may 

be sent to the Warren family at 90 Milton 

Terrace, Picton 7220. Private service asper 

Pete’s wishes. 

CROMBIE, Judith Ann(néeWilliams): 

19.07.1941 –05.03.2026 Born in Cobden, 

passedawayinBlenheim. Dearly lovedwife 

of Ian (deceased). Loved mother ofGordon 

and Christine, mother-in-law ofDelia. 

Adored Nan ofStephanie, Heremia, Nikita, 

Tianna,Zane(deceased), Declan andCiaran. 

Beloved great grandmother and great-great 

grandmother. LovedsisterofMargaret, Lorraine, 

Don, Erroll, Jan, Barry, Billy, Gwenda 

(all deceased) and Dot. The family wish 

to acknowledge the staff atRedwood Care 

Centre fortheir wonderfulcareand support. 

Messagestothe CrombieFamily c/-POBox 

9Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz 

As per Judith’s wishes acelebration 

ofher life has been held, and aprivate 

cremationhas takenplace. 


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

CROUDIS, Lynn Beverley: 

On 24 February 2026, peacefully at her 

home, in her75thyear.Lovedand respected 

mother of Deanna, Kerry, Mark and Shane. 

Much loved nana ofCharlotte, Chad, Luke, 

Rhys and Dean. Loved great Nana to Sophie. 

Much LovedSisterofHelen andGreg, 

LovedAuntyofMitchell andTroy. Thepain 

someone feelswhentheylosesomeone they 

love is unimaginable. At least wecan take 

comfort knowing you are nolonger inpain, 

no longer suffering, and that you were surroundedbypeoplewho 

lovedyou andcared 

for you deeply. You were strong, stubborn, 

and full of love.You faced your illness with 

determination, courage, and your own unmistakable 

spirit. We will miss you terribly. 

Restpeacefully mum, you arelovedand will 

never beforgotten. “Grief never ends, but it 

changes. It’s apassage not aplace to stay. 

Grief is not asign ofweakness, nor alack 

of faith, isitthe price oflove.” At Lynns 

request aprivate cremation has been held. 

In lieu offlowers, adonation tothe SPCA, 

would beappreciated. A/C SPCA, 03 0599 

0278454 00 

HYLAND, DavidFrederick: 

On 2March 2026, aged 73 years. Dearly 

loved husband of Anna. Messages tothe 

Hyland family c/- 206A Maxwell Road 

Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals. 

co.nz In accordance with Davids wishes, a 

privatecremationhas takenplace, andaprivate 

family service tocelebrate his life has 

been held. 


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

In Memoriam 

R.I.P Burdy. 

MISS YOUMATE. 

In Memoriam 

Remember your lost loved 

oneontheir anniversary. 

The deadline is Monday5.00pm.Pleasecontact the Sun for 

further details. 72High Street,Blenheim, email 

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


Auction 

FARM CLEARANCE AUCTION 2867 Mot 

Valley Highway, Woodstock. Farm Sold.11am 

Saturday 14th March(viewingfrom9am). Ford 

3000 tractorloaderand forks, 2xhondaquad 

bikes, lg qty waratahs, fence posts, lgqty 

gates, electricfence reelsand standardsetc, 

40 biground baleshay,spray unit,calffeeds, 

tools, trailer and ride on mower asnew. 

PhOTOs/INFO: www.jwauctions.co.nz 

JOhN Walker -Auctioneer -027 443 2525 

Wanted 

ANY VIDEO GAMES wanted play station, 

xbox, nintendo, sega, atari, vintage etc Pennylane,Sydenham, 

Christchurch,7days, 021 

222 6144 

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

amount top prices paid. Pennylane Records 

430Colombo Street,SydenhamringDave021 

222 6144, 7days. 

MUsIC TAPESwantedbylocal andoverseas 

bands, especially Flying Nun, Xpressway, 

Onset Offset Failsafe, Private press, etc any 

amount,excellent prices paid.Pennylane Records, 

021222 6144,Sydenham, Christchurch, 

7days 

GIG POSTERSwantedbylocal andoverseas 

bands. Excellent prices paid especially for 

hand pulled or silk screen posters. Will pay 

$1000 for Suburban Reptiles Sat Night. Any 

amount. Dave 021 222 6144, Pennylane Records, 

Sydenham, Christchurch, 7days. 

PENNYLANE Records always buying records. 

Excellent prices paid, 430 Colombo 

Street, Sydenham, 366 3278, open 7days 

FLYING NUN RECORDS /tapes Will pay 

$1000 Pin Group, Coat, Suburban Reptiles 

Sat Night pc $1600 Anything by25cents, 

Gordons, Builders, Clean, Mainly Spaniards, 

Playthings, Toy Love or any other Flying Nun, 

80s alternative, punk bands etc Pennylane 

Records Dave 021 222 6144 

sCOUTs &Boys Brigade Memorabilia wanted. 

Patches, Blankets &Uniform all items 

considered. Ph0800 559922 

TYPEWRITER wanted. Modern orold, any 

considered. PhBenjamin 0800 559922 

RUGBY PROGRAMMEs &BAdGEs wanted.Small 

to largelotsany rugbymemorabilia 

considered, ph0800 559922 

TAXIdERMY NZ wanted.Exoticskins,heads, 

birds &mounted animals any considered, ph 

0800 559922 

COsTUMEJEWELRY wanted.Glass beads, 

old brooches and pendants. All considered, 

ph 0800 55 99 22 

WATChEs wanted. Wrist and pocket style, 

going ornot. Any considered. 0800 559922 

MAsONIC Freemasonitems wanted.Badges, 

aprons, regalia &cases. Any considered, ph 

Benjamin 0800 559922 

CAMERAs wanted.Filmtype. Single cameras 

to whole collections modern and old. Any 

considered, phBenjamin 0800 559922 

COINs & BANkNOTEs wanted. Pennies, 

Threepences NZ&foreign. All types. PhBen 

0800 55 99 22 

FOUNTAIN pens wanted. Conway Stewart & 

Parker style. Anyconsidered, ph 0800 55 99 22 

MEdALs wanted.Militaryand sports medals. 

Any medals &badges considered, ph 0800 

55 99 22 

MILITARY items wanted. Uniform, buttons, 

books, badges andphotosany itemsconsidered, 

ph0800 559922 

NZR New Zealand Railways items wanted. 

Badges, signs, uniforms &documents, ph 

0800 55 99 22 

BAYONETs swords andpocketkniveswanted.Modernand 

old.Any considered,ph0800 

55 99 22 

sTAMPs, first day covers and post cards 

wanted.Modernand old. Anyconsidered, ph 

0800 55 99 22 

RECORds wanted.33s,12s,45s.Modernand 

old. Any considered, ph0800 559922 

GOLd & sILVER wanted. Coins, jewelry, 

scrapand alluvial.Small to largelots. Highest 

ever NZ prices paid.Ph0800559922for free 

no obligation appraisal. 

Visit usonline at 

blenheimsun.co.nz


what’s on in sunny Marlborough 


27 

Monday 

PokemonTrading andGameplay 

–TabletopCafé, ScottStreet. 4pmComealong 

andtrade cards, getout your battle decksand 

have trainerbattle. 

Picton Senior Citizens Club 

–Meets everyMonday, 1.30pm at UnionParish 

Church Picton.Housie, rafflesand allsorts.Ph 

Sandy5738324 

Rotary ClubsinBlenheim 

-Monday &Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. 

Rotaryis aworld-wideservice clubformenand 

women,doinggreatthingsinyourcommunity. 

ForfurtherdetailsphoneKevinon0211738784. 

Blenheim Scottish CountryDance Club 

-EveryMondayat7.00pmatStAndrewsChurch 

Hall,CornerAlfredand HenryStreet, Blenheim. 

Come andtry it!You don’tneedapartner. For 

informationringHeather 02102587325. 

BeginnersLineDancing 

-Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:00- 

3:00pm &6.00-7.00pm.Comealong andenjoy 

themusic,makenewfriends,havefunandlearn 

todance.Youdon’tneedapartner.Allwelcome 

andchildrenover12. First lesson free then $7 

perclass.ForinformationphoneJudith5787554 

or 0212341095. 

Care andShare craftsession 

-Run at Nativityin conjunctionwithGreen Prescription.EverysecondMondayuntilDecember 

9:30-11:30 am. For anyone who loves doing 

crafts,aplace to create, chat with like-minded 

creatives,share ideas, learnnew crafting skills 

and make friends. For more details contact 

Nativity office 5783909orGreen Prescription 

at thePHO.Freeevent. 

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club 

-34ArthurBaker Pace. Phone 021157 3496 for 

moreinformation. 

Rotary ClubsinBlenheim 

-Monday &Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. 

Rotaryis aworld-wideservice clubformenand 

women,doinggreatthingsinyourcommunity. 

ForfurtherdetailsphoneKevinon0211738784. 

Tuesday 

Hobbies, Clubs and Groups 

Friendship Club Marlborough 

-Semi Retired or Retired. Meet 4th Tuesday 

of themonth 10am at St Mary’s Parish Centre, 

MaxwellRoad. Speakers,outings allinFriendship, 

Fellowship&Fun.Les McKay5778207 or 

021463922 

LionsClubofHavelock 

-Providing community service in the Pelorus 

area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock 

Hotel.InquiriestoIanCameronphone5742558. 

Knitters andSpinners 

-Picton Library and Service Centre from 

10.30am. Bring your morning tea along and 

current project to work on. Share your ideas, 

skills or simply enjoytimewithfellowcreators. 

There’snoneed to book aspot, simply turn up 

on theday. 

Picton Line Dance. 

Anglican Church Hall,10-11.30.Cost$7. Beginnerswelcome.Formoreinfo-Carol021-2125252 

or Raewyn 021-715484. 

RenwickArmsCountry Club,CardSection 

-1pm RedwoodTavern, Cleghorn Street.Meet 

and play EUCHRE. Beginners are welcome to 

learnand play.$7PhChristine 0272077631. 

Pencil Pals 

-meets at Connect, corner of High Street and 

Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to 3.00pm. 

Come and join Sydney and Issie topractice 

your drawingskillsand enjoythe companyof 

like-mindedpeople. Sydney 0211568398;Issie 

0204668008. 

Wednesday 

Senior Citizens Club Blenheim 

–Every 2ndan4th Wednesdayofthe month. 

2pm, Senior Citizens Clubrooms, 172 High 

Street, Blenheim. An entertaining afternoon 

including aguest speaker, Housie, and afternoon 

tea provided. All welcome. PhShirley 

0210388616. 

BlenheimProbus 

–First Wednesday ofthe month, 10am LansdowneHub.Forretiredorsemiretireeslooking 

for fun, friendship and fellowship. PhAnne 

5787046, 0226353919. 

Lions’ Club of Blenheim 

-LiketoknowmoreabouttheLion’s Club?Meet 

on the1st and 3rd Wednesday ofthe month. 

For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 

9425004. 

Picton Mahjong 

-Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, 

Pictonat 1pm.PhoneAdrianne02102591639 or 

Kaye 0211312331 formoreinformation. 

Blenheim Rock NRollClubNights 

-7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock nRoll 

Club,clubnightsattheBlenheimBowlingClub, 

bringcomfyshoesandwater. Greatmusic,have 

funand exercise at thesametime. PhoneErin 

0272341709. 

Picton Scottish CountryDance Group 

-7.30pm atPicton Little Theatre. Beginners 

welcome. First nightfree. No partnerneeded 

just apairofsoftsoled shoes. PhoneLynda on 

0212600860 forfurther information. 

Picton Cribbage Club 

–PictonLibrary.Wednesdays1pm-3pm. 

MarlboroughVintage CarClub 

-1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, 

Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph 

Ross 0272122902.Donationappreciated.New 

Memberswelcome. 

Thursday 

MarlboroughCameraClub 

-meetings on2nd Thursday of the month at 

St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rdat 

7pm. Workshopsare held on the4th Thursday 

of the month. Everybody with an interest in 

photographywelcome. 

Picton Poets 

–Heldthe 4thThursdayofthe month, 10.30- 

11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone 

Lyn021 1294342. 

UlyssesRetreadsGroup 

-11amatBrayshawParkevery Thursday. Ride 

to various destinations for lunch. Bring your 

laughing gear, athermal to wear and astory 

to share. 

Marlborough CommunitySingers 

–All welcome whether completely new or 

an oldhand. No audition.Thursdays at REAP, 

6.30pm-8.30pm. $9 casual. PhAmanda 022 

6424805. 

LibraryBook Club 

-6.30pm-8pmMarlboroughDistrictLibrary.We 

meetonthelastThursdayofthemonth.Simply 

bringabookto recommendtoother members 

andenjoy listeningtoother member’s (includinglibrarians) 

book picks. 

Picton LibraryBookClub 

-6.30pm-8pm-PictonLibraryandService Centre.Joinusinmeetingnewpeopleandchatting 

aboutbooks.Wemeetonthe first Thursday of 

each month. To register email pictonlibrary@ 

marlborough.govt.nz. 

Knit andNatter 

-Marlborough Libraryfrom 10am.Comealong 

and join the friendly group ofsocial knitters 

upstairs in thelibrary each Thursday morning. 

Bring along your knitting project and/or get 

inspiration from other knitters. Noneed to 

register. 

Blenheim Nightriders 

-Weekly, local, off-road bike rides 10-40kms 

forfitness, social andsafety. Meet at thelibrary, 

leaving8pmforapprox2hrs.Nofee,supercasual.MoreinfoonFacebook, 

Blenheim Nightridersgroup 

or contactinfo@ridethewhale.co.nz. 

Friday 

Blenheim FamilyHistory GroupinPicton 

-PictonLibrary on the1st and3rd Friday of the 

month, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Need help with your 

family historyresearch? Meet membersofthe 

Blenheim Family HistoryGroup.Contact Helen 

0210390106. 

Marlborough Vintageand Farm Machinery 

Society 

-BrayshawHeritagePark,openweekdays10.00 

am -3.00 pmand Saturday mornings. For 

further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022 

0392460. 

Saturday 

Marlborough Quilters meeting 

-every 2ndSaturdayofthe monthatMarlborough 

Vintageand Farm Machinery, Brayshaw 

Park.10am-4pm. Learnquiltingorbring your 

own projects. Sewing Machines available. 

Newcomerswelcome.Liz 0212067382. 

Blenheim ChessClub 

-Meets at Table Top Café, Scott Street, every 

Saturday 10am –1pm.All welcome. 

UlyssesClub 

- Every Saturday, coffee at The Runway Café, 

Woodbourne, 10am. Departing The Runway 

at 10.30am. 

Sunday 

UlyssesSocialRide 

-Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under 

Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are 

weatherdependent. 

MarlboroughVintage CarClub 

-1:30-3:30pm,BrayshawPark, Arthur BakerPl, 

Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph 

Ross 0272122902.Donationappreciated.New 

memberswelcome 

BlenheimBonsaiGroup 

-Islington Gardens, RowberryRoad on the2nd 

Sunday of themonth 1pm-3.30pm. 

22nd Havelock Mussel 

andSeafood Festival 

Saturday March14 th ,HavelockMarina, Cook 

Street, Havelock. 10am-6pm. Celebrate 

flavoursoftheMarlboroughSoundswithafull 

dayoffreshlocalseafood,liveentertainment, 

celebritychefdemos,andfamilyfun.Includes 

kids zone andover40foodstalls! 

Crop Swap 

Crossroads Cafe RedwoodStreet, 2pmsharp, 

every3 rd Saturday ofthemonth.Swapbegins 

at 2.30pm. $2koha for hosts. Connect with 

like-mindedpeopleand help foster sustainable 

food production.Givegenerously, take 

mindfully. 

Annual HospiceVehicle 

Display 

Sunday 15 March, Waterlea Raceway. Public 

veiwing 10am-2pm. Gold coin entry, all 

monies donated to Marlborough Hospice. 

Bringapicnic,supportHospicewithasausage 

sizzle,ortry otherfoodand drinks available. 

HarvestFestival 

Celebration Service 

Sunday 15 th March, 9.30am, StLuke’s 

Church,SpringCreek.All welcome. 

Something for Everyone 

April 18 

10.30am –11.15am 

12.00pm –12.45pm 

Tickets available at 

www.asbtheatre.co.nz


The Blenheim

Blenheim Sun: March 11, 2026

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