May 06 _ BLENHEIMSUN

local PeOPLe • local VIeWs • local neWs
Marlborough
Pest control
Wednesday. May 6, 2026
blenheimsun.co.nz
027 226 2932 03 578 2430
www.thespiderman.co.nz
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owned &operated
Stage stars
Page 5
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Page 18 &19
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proudly local & t rusted in Marlborough since 2002
Wave of
success
Mikayla Ikenasio hopes to follow her
parents into acareer inthe Royal New
Zealand Navy. The Year 12student was
picked to take part in theSchoolToSeas
Camp at DevonportNaval Base.
Storypage6.
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2
Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Advertise with
us, and grow
more sales
and customers
We’re here tohelp
Advertising:
Sales Manager
Simon Byrne
021 706 936
simon@blenheimsun.co.nz
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0274 304 460
katrina@blenheimsun.co.nz
Sales Executive
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021 201 8590
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027 260 5112
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Editor:
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027 280 1885
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TheRonja King arrivesatPictonPort, Marlborough. Photo: TimCuff.
Specialvesselmakes
Marlborough Sounds history
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Phone: 5777 868
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Follow the Blenheim Sun on
Marlborough’s favourite read.
After aroughly 70-day
journey from Norway, a
special addition tothe New
Zealand King Salmon fleet
arrived inthe Marlborough
Sounds.
The Ronja King arrived
in Picton last week, making
history asthe first wellboat
to arrive in Marlborough
waters.
At 57m long, the Ronja
King is aspecialised vessel
designed to transport live
fish inlarge, carefully controlled
seawatertanks
Its eagerly anticipated arrivalisamajorstepforward
says New Zealand King
Salmon Chief Executive
OfficerCarl Carrington.
“Wellboat technology
might bestandard globally,
but for our small-scale and
niche king salmon industry
here in Aotearoa New Zealand,
itisavery big deal.
“The RonjaKingisforecast
to boost our annual harvest
volumes byaround 2,metric
tonnes annually, which
we conservatively estimate
could generate anadditional
$60 million in annual
revenue –increasing even
furtheronceBlueEndeavour
is operational and scaled.”
The most significant delivery
the Ronja King will
undertake initially will be
transferring the inaugural
cohort of king salmon to
the Blue Endeavour site in
around amonth’s time.
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The Blenheim
Road safety week warning
about pedestrian crossings
By PaulaHulburt
Concerns over speeding around
school crossings has prompted a
plea from counciltoslowdown.
As part of national Road Safety
Week,Council’s MultiModal AdvisorCharlotte
Campbell-Lamertonsaysher
focusisonreducing
speed around zebra crossings,
especially near schools.
She says she wants people
to slow down, stop and think
about theirspeed near pedestrian
crossings.
“I am concernedatspeed around
ourschoolcrossings.Pleaseslow
down -let’s do everything we can
tokeepourselves andotherssafe
on theroad,”Charlotte says.
The theme of the week, which
waslaunchedonMonday, is Be a
Road Safety Hero.
From emergency services who
supportpeopleafter an accident to
road workersand school crossing
patrols, the initiative focusseson
allwho work to make roadssafer.
Everyone has apart to play,
Charlottesays.
“We can all play apart in
making journeys safer because
roads are for everyone, right?
Zebracrossings arethe only place
wherethe pedestrian haspriority
over themotor vehicle.
“It’s the driver’s responsibility
to be awareofpedestrians,especially
road crossingsbyschools.
“Not everyone crossesaroad in
super quick time and for some,
Be aheroand STOP at pedestrian crossings–thisRoadSafetyWeek.
roadsand crossing them canbea
scary part ofgetting to school in
the morningand returninghome
inthe afternoon,”Charlotte said.
People are encouraged towear
yellow for Road Safety Week
and the memorial fountain in
Blenheim’s SeymourSquarewill
turnyelloweachevening to mark
theoccasion.
Road Safety Week takes place
from 4-10 May, including the
annual crossing patroller Superhero
Day.
The Automobile Association is
getting behind the thousands of
Kiwi kids across Aotearoa donning
their superhero capes and
maskstoday as they assemble for
theirschoolcrossingpatrolduties
Thousands ofKiwi kids volunteering
for their school crossing
patrols dress up in superhero
costumes for their morning and
afternoonpatrols,highlightingthe
essentialroletheyplayinkeeping
students andcommunities safe.
AA road safety spokesperson
DylanThomsen said creating fun
opportunities helps kids engage
on thetopic of road safety,somethingthatiscrucial
to learnfroma
youngage.
“Assoonastheycan walk,kids
need to be learning therisks of the
road. Building habits, like using
pedestrian crossings, as well as
holdingmum or dad’shandwhen
crossing the road are simple and
useful skills to encourage.
“That’s why it’s so great
to see these kids stepping up
and volunteering tosupport
their friends and community as
crossing patrollers.Ifnot forthese
kids,the chancesofpeoplegetting
hurt wouldbesomuchgreater.”
Safety Week is coordinated by
Brake, the road safety charity,
and supported by NZ Transport
AgencyWakaKotahiand Beca.
Wednesday May 6, 2026 3
inbrief
The Sun
Luckyticket
ABlenheimLotto player hasscooped
$20,005inlastweek’smidweek draw.
The local winner joins nine others
acrossthecountrywhowonamidweek
windfall.The winningSecondDivision
ticket wasboughtinBlenheim’sPaper
Plus. Anyone who bought their ticket
from any ofthe above stores should
check their ticket as soon as possible
in-store, onMyLotto, orthrough the
MyLottoApp.
Deathafter boat capsizes
Aperson has died following an
incident in thewater near Kaikōura on
Saturday. Ataround 12.40pm, Police
were alertedtoaboathavingcapsized
in South Bay. One person was found
dead. Police have confirmed they
are not looking for further victims.
One ambulance crew attended and
police worked at the scene alongside
volunteers from Coastguard Kaikōura
andmembers of thepublic.
YouthCouncil
Collegepupilsare beingencouraged
to put their names forward for the
Youth Council. Applications for the
2026-27Youth Councilare nowopen.
They meet monthly todiscuss youth
issues, gain valuable skills and learn
aboutlocalgovernment.YouthCouncil
alsomakes decisionsregarding youth
funding and contributes to Council’s
decision-makingbyproviding ayouth
perspective. The Youth Council role
starts in July 2026 andrunsuntil June
2027. Please complete an application
online,which will requirethe support
of aschool staff member. For more
informationgoto:www.marlborough.
govt.nz/our-community/-youthcouncil
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4
Wednesday May 6, 2026
inbrief
The Sun
Clarification
Inthe29AprileditionoftheBlenheim
Sun,weprintedthatresthomeresident
JennyBowerslivedatAshwoodPark.In
fact,JennylivesatSpringlandsLifestyle
Village. We apologisefor theerror.Our
thanks againtoJenny fortalkingtous
abouther father’s WorldWar Iservice.
Road faultrepairs
The Marlborough Roads Recovery
programme continuestomakesteady
progressacrosstheKenepuruwithtwothirds
of all identifiedfaultscompleted.
As construction continues, planned
closuresintheKenepuruwillreturn. The
first closurebetween MahauRoadand
PortageBay will operatefromMonday
to Thursday, from 8am –12pm and
12.30pm–5pm.OnFridaythe closure
will have an early finish of3.30pm.
Timings and locations ofall planned
closures in theKenepurucan be found
ontheCDEMmaponCouncil’swebsite.
Shellfish warning
New ZealandFoodSafetyisadvising
people not tocollect or consume
shellfish from Port Underwooddue to
the presence oftoxins. New Zealand
Food Safety deputy director-general
Vincent Arbuckle says the warning
extendsfromnorth of RobinHoodBay
to Robertson Point and includes the
entire Port Underwoodarea. If anyone
becomesill aftereatingshellfish from
an area whereapublichealthwarning
hasbeenissued, phoneHealthlinefor
adviceon0800611116,orseekmedical
attentionimmediately.
The Blenheim
Community law mark
milestone birthday
By PaulaHulburt
People often arrive atMarlborough
Community Law at some
of the worst times intheir lives –
andusually leavewithasmileand
apathwayforward.
The Blenheim basedcentrewill
mark 30 years inthe community
on 10May. Asstaff gear upto
celebrate, Centre ManagerStephanie
Moses reflects on how the
centrereached this milestone.
It was inthe 1970s that the
concept for community law
centres was first mooted in
NZ.While therewas agoodlegal
profession thereweremanypeople
whofaced barriers to gettinglegal
help, Stephanieexplains.
“We believe that even if we can
seesomeone forjustfive minutes,
at leastthey’ve been heard, even if
theyhavetocomeback. It’s important
that people have thepower of
knowledge.”
“We could be likened tosocial
workers sometimes,” she says.
“You have to have empathy for
people and agood sense ofwhat
justice is.
‘We hear alot ofsad stories but
often there isareally good outcome.They[people]feel
listened
to andempowered.”
TheCommunityLawMarlboroughteam,fromleft,JennaBaker,JaimeeCraddock,StephanieMoses,MarianneStartup
andDharshini Ramanathan.Absent: Kent Arnott andShana Pinker. Photo: PaulaHulburt
In 1994 afterapublic meeting, a
steering group was formed, researchers
engaged and funding
sourced toassess the need for
acommunity law centre. This
allowed the centre to open its
doorson10May 1996 with amanager
andparttimecaseworker.
Joining Community Law in
1999 as alegal case worker,
StephaniethenbecomeMangerin
2014.Today theteamconsistsofa
manager, reception/admin, three
senior lawyers and two case
workers. Stephanie credits the
hard-working team forthe success
of theservice.
Due tothe increasing demand
the centre saw the need toprovide
aspecialist service in Elder
Law and introduced aKaupapa
Māori Service to ensure better
access to justice. Outreach clinics
are also provided inKaikōura,Pictonand
Havelock.
“Because we areafreeservice,
we arenot restrained by time and
costs, we candomore,”Stephanie
says.
The service’s core workload
hasn’t changed over the
decadeswithEmployment, adult
relationships, elderlaw,immigration
and wills and estate being
core concerns.
‘I’d like to thank the original
visionaries from way back in
1994 whohad thepassion within
them to create aspace where
people face less barriers forbetter
access to justice. To theMarlborough
communityyoursupport is
oursuccess,thank you.
“Heaha te meanui oteao? He
tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata
What is the most important
thinginthe world? It is people,it
is people,itispeople.”
25 Years: Bedbysix,upatone
Most people have never set an
alarmfor one in themorning. Helen
hasbeen doing this fordecades.
Sheworks airportsecurity,which
means shift work. Early starts
and the kind of schedule that flips
your body clock upside down and
expectsittokeep ticking.
“On anearly shift, you’re going
to bed at half past five in the
afternoon,” she says. “You sleep
for acouple ofhours, then you’re
awake at seven. And you know
you’ve got to be up againatone.”
That’s the reality of shift work.
While therestofthe worldishaving
dinner, you’re trying to sleep.While
they’re watching television, you’re
lyinginthe dark,willingyour body
to cooperate.
Helenhas done this for25years.
She knows the rhythm. She knows
thecost.
“I go to sleep fine,”she says.“But
Idon’tstayasleep.”
Shewakes fiveorsix timesasleep
period. And every time she surfaces,
thesamethought arrives.
“You start getting angry. Or
panicking. Because you know you’re
going to be awake for the next few
hours, and then you’ve got to get up
andfunction.”
The dread. The frustration. The
quiet rage at your ownbody.
“Oh, here we go again,” she’d
think. Night afternight.
What people don’t always
understand about brokensleep is how
it bleeds into everything else. The
fogthe next day. Theshortertemper.
The way decisions feel harder than
they should.
Helen had tried herbal teas. A
herbalist had recommended the right
ingredients. But she wasn’t really a
teaenthusiast.
She didn’t want sleeping tablets.
But she wanted something natural
that could work with her body and
not override it.
That search ledher to Koru Sleep.
When she saw the ingredients,
something clicked. Passionflower,
magnesium, valerian. The same
things her herbalist had been
recommending, just in aform she
couldactually take that wasn’t tea.
Shewasn’texpectingmuch. When
you’ve been battling sleep for years,
you stop believing anything will shift
theneedle.The exhaustionwears you
down. Thedoubt settlesin.
Butshe trieditanyway.
“That first night, Ifelt itrelax my
nervous system,” Helensays. “Itwas
agood surprise.”
She still wakes up. That hasn’t
changed. But what has changed is
what happens next.
“I’m not panicking. I’m not getting
angry. It’s like, oh yeah, I’m awake.
Andthat’sit.”
The shift is subtle but real. Instead
of fightingthe wake-up, sheacceptsit.
Insteadofthe spiral,there’s stillness.
“It’s just more relaxed,” she says.
“Even though I’m awake, being
Always read the label and take asdirected. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch
relaxed means it’s easier todrift off
again.”
Andthatrelaxationcarries through.
Thedaysfeel easier. Thefog lifts.
Helen still works her shifts. Still
gets up at one in the morning when
therosterdemands it.
Butthe dreadhas loosened its grip.
“It’sthe best thingI’vefound,” she
says. “When you’re not panicking
every time you wake up, everything
else gets alittle easiertoo.”
Clearer. Calmer. Making decisions
from asteadier place. That’s what
Koru Sleep hasgiven her.
Not amiracle. Just abit ofground
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 5
inbrief
The Sun
By PaulaHulburt
Hischildrenshine on stage, and
hiswifeisabackstagesuperstar
now Marcello Pinheiro isset to
take to thespotlight too.
Thewhole family aretakingpart
in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s
(BMT) upcoming performance
of Matildathe Musical.
Themovemeans theBlenheim
family,Marcello, wife Paula, son,
Arthur anddaughterIsadora,also
gettospend more time together,
Marcello explains.
“Takingpartasafamily makes
it even more special. We share
tips, practise together, and learn
from oneanother.
“I’ve been especially inspired
by my children, learning from
their strengths as we rehearse
songs and choreography. Seeing
the spark in their eyes when we
perform together issomething
trulyspecial.”
BasedonRoald Dahl’s best-sellingbook,
themusical tellsthe tale
of Matilda–alittlegirlwithabig
brain, awild imagination, and a
knackfor standing up to bullies.
TheroleissharedbyAlice Kingi
andAddison Campbell.Their
performances are particularly
inspiring, Marcello says. “The
emotional depth they bring to
such ademanding role at ayoung
ageisimpressive.”
Arthur playsMatilda’s brother,
Michael while Isadora performs
Family’s flair forthe dramatic
as Matilda’sbestfriendLavender.
Marcello has the role of the
Escapologist –apart he wasn’t
confident he wouldget,hesays.
“Our children encouraged me
to getinvolved. At first,Ithought
it would beapolite ‘thanks, but
no thanks.’ However, thecreative
team -Liana Bell,RobertTucker,
andEllyMolloy—sawpotential,
and the idea of having an entire
family involved in oneproduction
became areality.
“Paula remainsour behind-thescenes
hero, organising hair and
makeup whilealsoactingasour
own manager -keeping me and
ourkidsonscheduleand making
sure we’rewhere we need to be.”
Arthur was 9-years old and
Isadorawas 7years oldwhenthey
first became involved in acting,
dance, anddrama.
Since then, their love ofthe
stage has continued togrow.
Arthur played PugsleyinBMT’s
The Addams Family and was
Lord Farquaad in acombined
colleges production of Shrek.
Isadora performed in Madagascar
the Musical with Te Tauihu
Performing Arts Studio.
“Being partof alarge production
is an incredible experience,” Marcellosays.
“It’sanopportunity to
meet new people, appreciate the
depthoftalentinBlenheim, and
feel part of asupportive theatre
communitywhere everyone lifts
each other upand shares their
The Pinheiro family, from left,
Marcello, Isadora, Arthur and
Paula will all be taking part in
BlenheimMusicalTheatre’s Matilda
theMusical. Photo: Supplied.
passion.
“Every member of the production;
actors, dancers, vocalists,
andmusicians,bringssomething
remarkable.
Blenheim Musical Theatre’s
Matilda isonatthe
WhiteTheatre Marlborough
from Wednesday 13May to
Saturday 23 May. Tickets
are available at the theatre
or througheventfinda.co.nz
“It has been an incredibly rewarding
experience, giving us
thechancetospend qualitytime
together and feel part ofthe
widerMatilda family.”
Amateurradio opportunity
Marlborough Amateur Radio Club
22 is looking for more members. The
group isholding an Amateur Radio
Licence weekend at the end of the
month.Participantswill getthechance
to learn arange of skills, including
emergency communications and
helping inadisaster, public services,
andhow to communicateanywherein
theworld withoutaphoneorinternet.
The training weekend will be held
on 23-24May. Toregister orfor more
detailscallJohn:021330956orGregon
027568 9729 or emailmarcbranch22@
gmail.com
Urgent repairs
Thomas Road Bridge in Tuamarina
closed forsix days from Monday after
crews uncovered significant hidden
faults. Extensive underpinning repair
workisrequiredurgently,Marlborough
Roads Area Manager Wayne Oldfield
said. Heacknowledged the short
notice for the closure and said it was
unavoidable. ThomasRoadBridge will
beclosedtoalltrafficfrom7amMonday
4May andwillreopenat5pm Saturday
9May 2026.
Tyingthe knot
Thenumberofcouplestyingtheknot
continuedtofall in 2025,according to
figuresreleasedbyStatsNZonMonday.
In 2025, there were 17,481 marriages
and civil unions, 3less than in2024
(18,033) andcontinues thedownward
trendseeninmarriagenumbers.
Allnew RAV4 is here–test drivetoday
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VehicleConsultants: Colin: 027 481 6867 I James: 027 450 0353 I Matt:021 502 344
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6
Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Navy tradition
afamily
affair
AMarlborough studentisset to follow in
the wake ofher parents, with acareer in
the Royal NewZealand Navy.
Marlborough Girls’ College student
Mikayla Ikenasio took part inthe School
to Seas Camp at Devonport Naval Base
earlierthismonth.
The Year 12student is praising the
experience, giving the camp top marks.
Shesaysshe enjoyedmeeting like-minded
students from around the country and
making new friends.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to work with them
in the Navy inthe future,” she says.
Sixteen female students took onaraft
of Navy experiences, including atour
of HMNZ Ships Aotearoa, Te Kaha and
Taupo, talked to sailors about life at sea,
learnedtotie knots, howtoboard vessels,
andexploredthe Navy’s dive unit HMNZS
Matataua.
Therewas also avisit to theTorpedo Bay
NavalMuseumand dailyphysicaltraining
sessions.
Mikaylahas been interested in theNavy
sinceshe wasinYear10. Shesaysshe was
surprised torealise the range of career
opportunitiesavailable.
“A career in the Navy, or NZDF, gives
you valuable skills, qualifications and
strong personal discipline,
as well as learning
teamwork. You also get
opportunities totravel
as well as representNew
Zealand.”
Both her parents
joined the Navy
straight after school
and about five years
agoher father switched
over to the Royal New
Zealand Air Force
(RNZAF), where heis
now awarrant officer
based atRNZAF Base
Woodbourne, Mikayla
explained.
Thebestpartofthe camp
was being able to talk to
people in different trades
abouttheir careers.
“Hearing aboutthe cool places
they had been was ahighlight of
the camp.”
RIGHT: Marlborough Girls’ College
student Mikayla Ikenasio was chosen to
attendaSchooltoSeascampatDevonport
NavalBase. Photo: Supplied.
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 7
Cardinal to reveal Conclave details
TheonlyNew ZealandCardinaltohelpelect a
new pope istoreveal more about what happens
at thesecretproceedings.
Cardinal John Dew was one of135 Cardinals
from across the globe to be part of the Papal
Conclave in theSistine Chapel afterthe deathof
Pope Francis.
NowCardinalJohnisset to shareinsightsinto
theelectionofPopeLeo X1Vlastyear.
He wasoriginallyscheduled to speakinFebruary
but unfortunately had to cancel that visit at
shortnoticedue to an urgent health issue.
Nowrecovered,CardinalJohnislooking forward
to visiting Marlboroughon6June.
Established in1274, this centuries-old process
requires atwo-thirds majority vote, with results
announced via smoke signals—black for no
decision, whitefor anew pope—fromachimney
at theVatican.
Star of theSea Parish pastoral councilchairman
BlairMcLeansaiditisaprivilegetohaveCardinal
John visitthe parish.
“CardinalJohnisagreatspeaker,and people will
be informed andentertained,” he said.
Cardinal John was the sixth Archbishop of
Wellington andthe Metropolitan of NewZealand,
serving from 2005 until 2023. Hewas created
acardinalbyPopeFrancis in 2015.
Born in Waipawa inHawkes Bay, Cardinal
John was apupil atSt. Joseph’s Primary School
in Waipukurau.Heworkedinabank andstudied
horticulture before starting hisstudies forthe priesthood
at Holy Name Seminary in Christchurch.
Cardinal John Dewistospeak at apublicmeeting
at St Mary’s Church in Blenheim on June 06 at7pm.
The event is ticketed, costing $15 for general
ticketsand $10for seniorsand juniors. Doorsopen
at6.30pmfor a7pm star.
Ticketsfor theevent canbepurchased online
https://events.humanitix.com/a-night-at-theconclave
Cardinal John Dew, right, is greeted by Pope Francis. Photo: Supplied
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8
Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Sun readershavetheir say... with theWORDonthe Street.
With Mother’s DayonSunday, we askedpeople
what they lovedthe most abouttheir mum?
Aria Knowles,
Brisbane
Sheloves me no matter what and
she’sthere forme.
Broughttoyou by...
Debbie Webster
Franchise Owner Blenheim
Bess Hire,
Blenheim
Shealwaysputsinaneffort foreverything
in life andinraising us.She
throws back at life no matter what
life throws back at her.
RebeccaBenhem,
Masterton
Shepassedawaybut Iremember
her unconditional love, she was
interested in what we were doing
andwas neverjudging.Her spirit
is stillherewithus.
CarliLewis,
Blenheim
SheisinNelsonbut always there
formetochattoifIneedto.
To sell whatyou love, talktosomeone
who loves where you live.
Zara Lewis,
Blenheim
Shealwayssolvesaproblem.
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Re redundantargumentusedby
councilredevelopment of WaitohiFerry
RedevelopmentProject
Going online, to have one’s say re the
above, Ifound the council was using the
same oldinformation it used,the first time
around, under the iRex project and, in
which case, its argument isfallacious and
really quitescare mongering.
For instance, it reference under option
2, that there could/would be uncertainty
of Picton’s future role as the port for the
Cook Strait ferry crossing. And likewise,
it also stated that there would have to be
renegotiation with Ferry Holdings. Note
they just changed the name from iRex to
Ferry Holdings. Both issues are nolonger
relevant as they have already been agreed
to at ministeriallevel.Fact.
Likewise, they allude tothe fact that if
Port Marlborough has to go to the market
place, it mayhavetopay an additional 1%
which, in reality, is only $1.1m inextra
borrowing fees! Yetthe council asserts
that will,not might, lead to alossof$1.5m
in annual dividendstothe council! It must
be remembered these are only estimated
possible losses or profits by the Harbour
Board! Somethingelseratepayershavenot
been able to view,quite importantintoday’s
cruise market which has seen less cruise
shipsdocking in Picton!
As theHarbour boardworks in acommercial
environment, this really is only acommercial
undertaking and should not have
anything to do with us,ratepayers. Whileit
maybeagoodideatohaveabackupplan,
initially the Harbour board should go out,
into the market place, tosee what the cost
Riverstands
Dear Ed
Couldn’t help watching theTV1 NEWS on
Wednesday29thApril.One storywas about
people down South, building alovelyshelter
and stand for people, including disabled, for
duck shooting. Such agreat idea. No doubt
great for the whitebait too ifthey came that
way.
Good on Southland Council for letting
them do this and looking after them. Yetin
Marlborough recently, it was the opposite!
Councilpulling outpeople’swhitebait stands!
Granted, the public wouldn’t beallowed to
shoot there, (being close to town), but the
stands stillserve apurpose.Evenjustfishing.
Makesone wonder.
ConcernedBlenheimresident.
Name andaddress supplied.
is to borrow theseadditionalfunds.Weare
notshown in anyofthe council’sarguments
what is the cost ofborrowing through
the Local Government Funding Agency
(LGFA) vs current commercial rates. If
councilisalwaysborrowing throughLGFA,
then howdoesthataffect Sand Pfavourable
review of council’sfinancialstanding? And
if not, then surely with such alarge amount
borrowed,musthavealong-termeffect on
thecouncil’s currentfavourableAArating.
In summary, as abackup plan B,yes, go
forit, butnot as afirstchoiceplan. However,
Idoubt our councillors will take any note
of what us ratepayers think, they will vote
yes, regardless,theyalwaysdo.
ChrisDavies
Picton
Arthur
Jo Lorraine Debby
GREAT HAIR DOESN’T
HAPPEN BY CHANCE,
IT HAPPENS BY
APPOINTMENT.
BOOK
NOW:
Txt - 027 437 0671
CALL - 03 5795470

The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 9
Slow down at zebra crossings
Chilean Needle Grass spreads further
This Road Safety Week the spotlight
is on getting Marlborough motorists to
slow down, stop and thinkabout their
speed near pedestrian crossings.
Council’sMulti Modal AdvisorCharlotte
Campbell-Lamertonsays her focus is
on reducing speed around pedestrian
crossings, particularly nearschools.
“I am concernedatspeed around our
school crossings. Please slow down
-let’sdoeverything we can to keep
ourselves and others safe on the road,”
Charlotte said.
The theme of the national weekfrom
May 4to10isBeaRoad Safety Hero.
Fromemergency serviceswho support
people after an accident to road
workers and schoolcrossing patrols,
this Road Safety Week focusseson
all those who work to makeour roads
safer.
“Wecan all play apart in making
journeys safer because roads are for
everyone,right?Zebra crossingswere
the only place where the pedestrianhas
priority over the motor vehicle.
“It’sthe driver’sresponsibilitytobe
aware of pedestrians,especially road
crossings by schools.
“Not everyone crosses aroadinsuper
quick time andfor some,roadsand
crossing them can be ascary part of
getting to school in the morning and
returning home in the afternoon,”
Charlotte said.
People are encouraged to wearyellow
for Road Safety Week and the memorial
fountain in Blenheim’s Seymour Square
will turn yellow each evening to mark
the occasion.
Road Safety Week is coordinated by
Brake, the road safety charity,and
supported by NZ Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi and Beca.
For more information go to:
www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz
Be aheroand STOP at pedestrian crossings–this Road Safety Week,and always
Chilean Needle Grass(CNG)
continues to pose aserious
threat to Marlborough’s rural
economy.
The scale of the problem was
highlighted with 22,206 plants
controlled between November
and February.This significant
effort involved six contracting
companies and five Council
Biosecurity staffvisiting 312
properties to undertakecontrol,
surveillance and compliance
work.
“CNG is ahighly invasive
agricultural pest that can spread
rapidly,especially during seeding
season,”Council’sBiosecurity
Manager Liam Falconer said.
“Weurge everyone -farmers,
contractors and visitors -tocheck
Council’sBiosecurity Smart Maps
before entering rural properties
or starting work, particularly
between November andMay
when seeds are most visible.”
Mr Falconer said anyone
operating machinery or vehicles
in an affected area must ensure
it is clean before leaving the
property.“Even if the property is
not known to be affected, steps
should be taken to prevent the
movement of soil and organic
material, as the cost to the region
continues to growwith invasive
species being moved around the
district.”
Surveillance during 2025/2026
covered 81 properties, with
five new affected properties
identified, bringing the total to
268. CNG now covers2,642.6
hectares an increase of 16
hectares from last year.
Chilean NeedleGrass continues
to poseaserious threat
“Given the growing number
of affected properties, we are
reviewing ourprogramme
strategy.It’snolonger feasible to
continue with the currentmodel,”
Mr Falconer said.
The risk of spread within the
region andtootherparts of
the country remainshigh due
to the ongoingmovementof
contaminated stock, equipment,
vehicles andmachinery from
affectedareas. CNG seeds
can hitch arideonequipment,
vehicles andmachinery,and
contaminated soil or hay can
retain viable seedsfor many
years.
Specific rules are outlined in
the RegionalPest Management
Plan as detailed on the Council’s
website.
Council supports landowners with
management plans, inspections and
biosecurity signage. Early detection
and strict hygiene protocols are
vital. Anyone who suspects CNG
is on their property is urged to
contact the team at biosecurity@
marlborough.govt.nz.
Kenepuru Road closures return toextended hours
The Marlborough Roads
Recovery programme
continues to makesteady
progress across the Kenepuru
with two-thirds of all identified
faults completed.
Moetapu Bay Road crews
have finished aretaining wall,
installed six new culverts and
two road retreats. Three new
retaining wallshave been built
between Mahau and Onahau
roads.
At Te Mahia, road realignment
and drainage improvements
are largely complete,with one
site to go.OnToreaRoad,
aretainingwall, stabilising
alarge over slip and aroad
retreat are now complete.
Between Nikau Cove andthe
Kenepuru Heads campsite,
crews have startedaroad
retreat and culvert installations.
As construction continues,
planned closuresinthe
Kenepuru will return to
extendedhours that were in
place before Christmas.
The first closurebetween
Mahau Road and Portage Bay
will operate from Monday to
Thursday,from 8am–12pm and
12.30pm–5pm, on Friday the
closure will have an early finish
of 3.30pm.
Timings andlocations of
all planned closures in the
Kenepuru canbefound
on the CDEM map on the
Marlborough DistrictCouncil’s
website.
The Marlborough Roads
Recovery programme remains
focused on reinstating
safe,reliable access for
the community. Drivers are
thanked for their patience.

10
Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Sea-level rise impact ‘less
widespread’ than predicted
for Lower Wairau
By Kira Carrington
The impacts of sea-level rise
on Marlborough’s Lower Wairau
PlainnearBlenheimcould be less
serious than originally predicted,
newmodelling suggests.
Newsea leveland flood mapping
by Earth Science New Zealand
(formerly Niwa) had come at
“exactly the right time for usto
reassure thecommunity”, aMarlboroughDistrictcouncillorsaid.
Council head ofenvironmental
policy Pere Hawestoldcouncillors
at the environment and planning
committee on Thursday that the
new dynamic modelling was far
more accurate at predicting the
impacts ofclimate change than
the“bathtub” modellingconducted
in 2023.
“[Thebathtub model] wassimply
if the land is at this level and sea
level rises at another level then
that [land] will be inundated,”
Peresaid.
“It didn’t take into account,
for example, links or barriers to
the water getting tothat land ...
particularly in termsof[how] river
management and flood management
wouldhaveaninfluence.”
The new modelling would be
publicly availableonthe council’s
SmartMapswebsite on May14.
Earth Science New Zealand
coastal hazards scientist DrScott
Stephens said two models had
been developed, onethatpredicted
averagesea-level rise,and onethat
predicted the effects ofrising sea
levels on stormflooding.
Thestorm modelfound that,even
with increased sea levels, current
flood protection infrastructure
would keep storm flooding more
localised to riverareas than previouslythought,Scott
said.
“Thefloodingisrestrictedtothe
TheLower Wairau coastline. Newmodelling of sealevel rise predicts that existing flood protection infrastructure will keep thesea at baybetter
than previously believed.
areas where it runs up against the
stop banks, [which] gives amuch
more accurate prediction of the
actual flooding,”hesaid.
However, the flood protection
would not hold indefinitely. Scott
said that at about 1.8m to1.9m of
sea-level rise, flood protection infrastructure
wouldbegin to overtop
andwater wouldmoveinland.
Whilethere washighuncertainty
as to when Marlborough would
experience 1.8m of sea-level rise,
modelling for the “worst-case
scenario”, in which global CO²
emissions continued toincrease,
predicted the region would hit
1.8m sea-level rise inroughly the
year 2140.
But Scott said the “worst-case
scenario”was lookingincreasingly
unlikely,withaless severe scenario
pushing 1.8m sea-level rise back
to 2200.
While flooding could be less
severe than initially predicted,
Scott said there were still sections
of the plain that would become
underwater.
“We found that the central and
southern coastal sections ofthe
wider plain are most sensitive,”
he said.
“The northern Rārangi coastline
is more resilient due to its higher
elevations andmoresedimentbuildingupthe
land there, butresidential
areas would still beexpected to
experience impacts ataround 1m
of sealevel rise.”
Critical infrastructure like the
Blenheim Sewerage Treatment
Plant, located near the Wairau
LagoonsWalkway,would be “inthe
seainthe future”, Scottsaid.
Thecouncil’s rivers anddrainage
engineeringmanager,AndyWhite,
said the modelling proved how
critical stop banks, such as theone
beingrebuilt at Spring Creek, were
forthe protection of communities.
“The work we’redoing at Spring
Creek isobviously not just about
howfloodprotectionisgoing to be
needed forcoastal protection in the
future ...and that wasafactor in that
design work that we did.”
Mayor Nadine Taylor asked how
the improved modelling would
impact insurance retreat. AAInsurance,
for example, had stopped
offering insurance tohomes in
some flood-prone areas toreduce
thecompany’s risk exposure.
The council’s strategic planner,
Jaime Sigmund, said hehad met
with an insurance company and
found they had “little regard to
council-held data”astheyconducted
their own risk assessments. But
the council’s modelling would be
publicly available, and insurers
wouldbefreetouse it.
Councillor Gerald Hope said
the new modelling was “the most
compelling, powerful modelling
that we’ve probably had presented
to us”.
“I’m reassured, that’s themessage
Igot from thereport,”hesaid.
“The results that have been produced...
[it’s] exactlythe righttime
forustoreassurethe community.”
Gerald urged councillors to be
cautious in howtheycommunicated
the results to the community,
not wanting to alarm people in
lower lying areas, but rather give
them arealistic time frametomake
decisionsabout resilience or retreat.
LDR islocal body journalism
co-fundedbyRNZ andNZOnAir.
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 11
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12
Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Kelvin keen for startup
studio buzz
The experiences in his new job inspired
Kelvin Watt to sign up for this weekend’s
Startup Studio event so that he can learn
what settinguphis ownbusinessislike.
Sincestartinghis newjob at Future FX,
where heishelping Marlborough Capital
founderand highly successful businessman
RichardCoonset up anew financial literacy
programmefor Marlboroughyoung people,
Kelvin hasbeenlearningalotmoreabout
howthe business worldoperates.
As part of his financial literacy work,
Kelvin hasbeenworking with thosesetting
up newstartup busineses. He attendsAngel
Investor Marlborough monthly meetings
and regularly meets founders and listens
to theirpitches forfunding.
“It’ssuper-inspiring andI’m keen to learn
more aboutit,”hesays.
“But also to experience it –weall know
that’s the most compelling way to learn...
This is atestofwhatit’sabout.I’m finding
outmore.”
Kelvin says he hasn’t done anything like
this before.
“It’s apersonal challenge. I’ve spent
my professional life encouraging young
people.Thisisn’t somethingIwouldhave
ever done, but now the opportunity has
come up.”
The startup space has impressed him
with how itshows people pivoting and
changing directionasissuespop up or new
opportunitiesdevelop.
“Regardlessofwhatdirection it goes,it’s
ususally got some pretty good learning
experiencesout of it.”
Having the right people around you is
importantinall areasoflife, butparticularly
in thestartup space, he says.
“Bringing ateam together to take it
from one level to the next, that’s another
compelling challenge. Idoenjoy that part
of it. Getting to share anexperience with
otherlikemindedpeopleisalwaysfun.”
Business Trust Marlborough is holding
theStartup Studio -ashortintensive event
taking people from coming up with an idea
to pitching to judges in just 24 hours-at the
Tech Hub, Te Ao Pūngao,startingat5pm
on Friday May8,and finishing at 10pm on
Saturday May9.
Business Trust Marlborough’s manager
BrianDawsonsaysthisevent is foreveryone
and anyone who has ever wondered
what goes into starting abusinessand who
wantstolearnmore aboutbusinessstartups.
Ticketsare availableonthe Business Trust
Marlboroughwebsite:
www.businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz/
events/the-startup-studio
Tickets are $79. As well as the event’s
activities,tickets also providedinnerboth
days, cereals for breakfast, and apacked
lunchonSaturday. Vegetarian optionsare
available.
For more information, contact Brian
Dawson,BusinessTrust Marlborough, on
027 978 7637 or manager@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz
As part of hisfinancial
literacy work, Kelvin
hasbeenworkingwith
those setting up new
startup businesses.
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 13
M a r l b o r o u g h
Celebrate mum’slove
of the greatoutdoors
withhunting &fishing
10 th
May
marlborough!

14 Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
GREYPOWER
Marlborough Inc
MARLBOROUGH
Interim-President’s
Message
Well, we’ve had our first taste of winter (and not
liking it at all). Itisareminder forustothink about
keeping warm through the coming months. Dig
out those woollens and ensure that all your heating
systems andappliancesare in good workingorder.
ThewinterEnergypaymentsstarted from 1May.
It ispaid automatically if you receive NZ Super or
Veteran’s Pensionand runs throughuntil Thursday 1
October. This paymenthelps with thecostofkeeping
your home warm anddryover winter. This year’s
payments beginpartway throughthe paymentperiod,
soonTuesday 5May youwillreceive apart-payment.
ThefirstfullWinterEnergyPayment for2026will
be paid on Tuesday19May. Couples andpeoplewith
dependent children will get$31.82aweek.Singleand
widowedpeoplewillget $20.46 aweek.
Ahuge thank you toall of you that responded to
oursurveyregarding Safe Crossing over Main Street.
Thetimeyou took to complete thesurveyhas been
verymuchappreciated andhas resulted in useful and
relevantmaterialfor us to submit to thelocal Regional
TransportCommittee. Itwillalsobeonthe agenda
for our May meeting with the Mayor and for the
next Access &Mobility meeting. Your comments
will assist thosevarious forums to getanideaofthe
issuesand concerns thereare forseniors as regards
gettingaroundBlenheimsafely.
We are also very pleased to announce our new
relationship with Mitre 10 Mega here inBlenheim.
Youwillfind more detailsonthese
pages, andwelookforward to
along and mutually beneficialassociation
with the
good folk at Mitre10.
Stay warm andsafe.
AnniePercy,
Marlborough
Grey Power
access tocash
From theReserve Bank of NZ
Over the last decade, banks have
closed around 40% of their branches
around thecountrymaking it harder for
people andsmall businesses to access
thecashservicestheyneed.
Whycashstill matters
•Cashisstill importantfor many New
Zealanders. Weuse cash forsocial,
economic andculturalreasons,like
koha.
•Over80% of adults usecashsometimes
for everyday purchases, 8%
of adults rely on cash andmorethan
50%store cash.
•72% of smallbusinessessay they will
beworse off if cash is notavailable.
•Cash comes into its own during
digitaloutages andduringemergencies,
like Cyclone Gabrielle, when
paymentsystems aredown.
What We’reProposing
To improve access tocash services
across Aotearoa New Zealand. Cash
services are services tohelp with the
following;
•deposit cash into your bank account
•withdrawcash
•swap cash for adifferent mix of
banknotesand coins.
•ATMs and bank branches that
providecashservices.
We’reasking banks to provide free
cash services at enough sites across
thecountry so youdon’t have to travel
too far to access them or wait in long
queues. Banks can choose how they
provide these services, but whatever
they do each district needs tohave
enough cash services forits population.
What this wouldmeanfor you
•freecashwithdrawals anddeposits
•freecashswapservices.
•Asmartphone displaying amap
showingthe nearestATM
1. Easy access for urban communities
2.Most people living in towns and
cities should be within 3km
•reasonabledriving distancesinrural
areas
People in rural settlements (with
NZ Post update relevant to Seniors
NZ Post will be updating pricing
for Mail Holds and Redirections
–services totemporarily hold or
redirect mail whichcan be orderedin
retailstoresand online. The changes
will mean NZ Post will no longer
offer free 4-week Mail Hold or free
2-month domestic Mail Redirection
for thoseover65, butinstead Seniors
will be able to receivea50%discount
on thestandard‘Household’ rate that
will apply for everyday household
consumers across all Mail Holds
and domestic Mail Redirections.
Theseniors discount will also apply
to extensions,which were previously
only availableatthe Householdrate
(i.e. there was nofree offering for
seniorsfor extensions).
All customers no matter their age
bracket, can also receive an additional
30% offthe fee when they
apopulation of200 to 999 people)
shouldn’tneedtodrive more than 15km
one way for cash services. People
living in more remote areasshouldn’t
need to drivemorethan30km. We’ve
alreadypreparedsomemapsshowing
what this couldlooklikeinevery district.
Youcan seethese at ourwebsite
(linkbelow).
Other countries are already doing
this. The UK,Ireland andthe Netherlands
already have or are bringing in
newrules to make sure people canstill
access cash services when they need to.
Tell us what you think. Fill out our
online survey to let usknow ifyou
agreewithour proposed cash services
standard, and if you think it meets
the needs of your community. Your
feedback will help shapethe future of
cash in NewZealand.
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/
Public consultation is open until 31
July 2026.
Reserve Bank ofNew Zealand,
Te PūteaMatua
complete theirrequest online,which
meansfor Seniorstheycan receivea
furtherdiscountiftheyapply online.
Thesechanges took effect21April
2026. Customers will be able to
find out more information onthese
changes onNZPost’s website -
https://www.nzpost.co.nz/ -and
instore.
Matthew Kenning, Government
RelationsAdvisor
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 15
GREYPOWER
Marlborough Inc
MARLBOROUGH
Mitre10partnerswithGreyPower
NewMarlborough Mitre10Megaowners
Kartik and Khushboo Badiyani have
announcedapartnershipwithGreyPower
Marlborough, offeringa5% discount to all
GreyPower members.
Kartik andKhushbootookownership of
MarlboroughMitre 10 Mega late last year
and say they love Marlborough and are
enjoying gettingtoknowthe locals.
Grey Power Marlborough’s interim
president,Annie Percy, extended aheartfelt
thank you tothe Badiyanis, saying it
would be hugely appreciatedbylocalsasa
lotofelderly folksare finding it very tough
at themoment.
Khushboo andKartiksay they arethrilled
to beable tosupport the Marlborough
community in this wayand look forward
to seeing Grey Powermembers in store.
So, the next time you gotoMitre 10
Mega, remember tobring your membership
card or acopy ofyour e-mail
membership receipt.
It is now easier tobuild asubsidiary
dwelling (like a‘granny flat’) onyour
property, thanks to recent changes to
consent rules. This could be agood
option if you’re looking todownsize, to
live closer tofamily while keeping your
independence,orcreatespace forcarers.
From January 2026, new single-storey
standalone dwellings up to 70 square
metres can bebuilt without needing a
building consentoraresource consent, if
they meet certainrequirements.
Under the Building Act changes, the
Grey PowerMarlborough’s AnniePercy with Mitre10Mega’sPauline Tisch, and
ownersKhushbooand Kartik Badiyani.
Good on you, Mitre10Mega!
About this offer
5% discount store-wide, present your
Grey Power card in store toredeem the
offer.
Howlongisthisoffervalid for?
The offer is ongoing.
Granny flats -how newrules couldworkfor you
dwelling must:
•besimpleindesign
•complywiththe Building Code
•observe minimum distances from the
mainhouse andthe property boundary
•bedesigned and built bylicensed
professionals
Youwillstill need to:
•apply to your localcouncil foraProject
InformationMemorandum(PIM)
•notify your council before the work
starts,and when it’s finished
•ensure water, wastewater andelectricity
Termsand conditions
Offer may not be combined with any
otherdiscounts,offers andpromotions, and
maynot be validfor selected products and
specialorders.
areavailable
•check localplanningrules,which may
include additional requirements.
Before starting,you should getprofessional
advice and check that your plans
meet all the requirements under both
the Building Act and the NES-DMRU.
Find out more athttps://www.building.
govt.nz/.
Also please note that aseminar regarding
this topic will be hosted by Grey Power
Marlborough inthe very near future.
Watch outfor detailsinalaternewsletter.
Office
sniPPets
• Thank youverymuchtoall our
lovely memberswho have paid their
subscriptions. It is nevertoo late
to payyoursubscription, or to join.
Youcannotaccessthe discounts
andbenefits of membership until
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Each monthwewould like to acknowledgethe
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16 Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
InTernaTIonal
Nurses Day
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Our Nurses.
Our Future.
empowered
nurses Save lives
Proudly supporting
International Nurses Day
At the heart of nursing
Call Tania at021 150 4577
to make an appointment!
www.mtplumbingmarlborough.nz
Eighteen yearsago, AmberVenning-slater graduatedfromMassey
Universitywith aBachelorofNursing. Now workingwithMarlborough’s
PublicHealthOrganisationasProgram Managerfor Clinical Services,Amber
tells PaulaHulburt whycaringcan change lives.
Proudly supporting
International Nurses Day
mArlborough
taxis
2022ltd
03
577 5511
www.marlboroughtaxis.nz
Proudly supporting
International
Nurses Day
Phone 03 520 6200
22 Queen St, Blenheim
www.marlboroughpho.org.nz
The phone on Amber’s desk
rings and rings, then eventually
stops. Thereisapauseofperhaps
five seconds, and it rings again.
Amber isalready on acall, chatting
to ateam member onher
mobile. Asheaf of paper isput
on her desk, and she mouths a
thank you, now writing notes as
she talks.
Hanging up, she switches her
attention tothe landline, picking
it up with apracticed swoop and
tucking it under her chin as she
scribblesdowninformation on the
A4pad in frontofher.
Hercomputermonitor is decoratedwithcolourful
notes, prompting
her toremember tasks and calls
and itpings every few seconds,
heraldingthe arrivalofyet another
email. It may look hectic, she
explains,but theheart of nursing
hasn’t changed.
“Nursesstill care,theystill want
to help, and they join the profession
to be part of asolution,” she
explains. “Nursing is ademanding
profession, but it can also be
incredibly rewarding when the
right balanceisinplace.”
Growing upinWhanganui,
Amber began her career inthe
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
in Wellington. She then moved
to Melbourne, working inthe
IntensiveCareUnitatThe Royal
Children’sHospital.
After taking some time out to
have her two children, she transitioned
into PrimaryCare. It is a
move sheisgratefultohavemade,
she explains. “I built mypassion
forthisareaoveradecade working
in generalpracticeinWellington.”
Moving to Blenheim two years
ago, Amber says the best part
of her role issupporting strong
primary care inMarlborough. “I
continue to be incredibly proudof
thecareprovidedand theintegrated
health system here,” shesays.
“In mycurrent role, I’m able
to support teams and services
across awider part of thesystem,
whichmeans theworkcan make a
differencefor more people.
“Working for aprimary care
organisation that is so closely
connected toits practices and
community has been afantastic
opportunity, and I’ve also been
privileged to learn from and
be mentored by experienced,
passionate professionals.”
International Nurses Day 2026
highlights thetheme “Empowered
Nurses Save Lives,” honouring
nurses’leadership, clinical expertise,
and vital role inimproving
patientoutcomes.
There are challenges to face,
Amber explains, and what has
changedisthe pace andcomplexityofhealthcare,
alongwithmajor
advances in technology and the
continued expansion of nurses’
scopeinprimary care.
“Tools such as telehealth and
virtual consultations, along with
innovations like continuous glucose
monitoring, have changed
howwedeliver care andimproved
access for many people,” Amber
explains.
“Overall, nursing has become
more connected, more data-informed,
and more focused on
supporting people to manage their
health earlierand closer to home.
“It’s still about compassionate,
patient-centredcare.”
Today, some of the biggest barriers
tonurses reaching their full
potentialinclude workforceshortages,constrained
funding, andthe
ongoingchallenge of maintaining
asustainable work–life balance,”
Amberexplains.
“Attimes, health can feel like
apolitical “ping-pong,” which
can make itdifficult to maintain
long-termprioritiesand consistent
investment in resources.
“Despite these pressures, nurses
enter the profession to help
people—and to be part of the
solution.”
It was her love of working with
people andbeing able to help in a
practical way which drew her to
nursing, Ambersays. “I’vealways
liked the combination ofclinical
skill and connection: building
trust with patients and whānau,
listeningtowhatmatters to them,
andsupportingthemtostaywell.
Amber Venning-Slater believes
the heart of nursing is
still the same as it was when
shegraduated.Photo: Supplied.
“Overall, ithas been what
Ihoped for— rewarding and
meaningful —the privilege of
beingalongside people through
vulnerable moments, andseeing
theimpactofgoodcare, is what
continuestomotivateme.”
Any advice for those considering
joining the profession?
“Be kind toyourself inthe
hard moments, because they
will come,and they don’tmean
you’re notcut outfor nursing.
“Most ofall, remember why
you started: the relationships
youbuild andthe differenceyou
make for people will bewhat
carriesyou through.”
Proudly acknowledging and
celebrating the hard work and
sacrifice of our Nurses.
Proudly
Supporting
International
Nurses Day
Visit our Cellar Door
603 Rapaura Road
03 572 8803
Wed – Sun
9.30am – 4.30pm
Your TRUSTED LOCAL
Glass Companyfor over 50 years.
Ph 03 578 0850
47 GroveRoad |viridianglass.co.nz
wine@hunters.co.nz
www.hunters.co.nz

The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 17

18 Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Mother’s Day Competition
Happy Mother’s Day
Ahugethank youtoeveryone whotookthe time to enterour popularMother’sDay
competition,weloved readingabout howwonderful allour Marlboroughmumsare!
Belowisasmall selection of some of theamazing letterswegot.While allour
mumsare winners, we didhavetochoosejustafew to winsomeofthese great
gifts.Those luckywinners will be revealed in next week’s Blenheim Sun. Ahuge
thank youtoourclients fordonatingsomeverygenerousgifts.
We hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Redwood
Lotto
Redwoodtown Shopping
Centre, 77A CleghornSt
Prize:
$50
Gift pack
Prize:
spring creek
2226 SH1, Spring Creek
foursquare.co.nz
03 570 5891
ASPECIAL
GIFT
BASKET
Dearestmum,you’realwaysthere when Ineedyou themostand I
can always rely on youwhenI’vesomething troublingme. You’re so
kindand caring andalwayshaveanencouraging smileonyourface. I
love howyou came on thehydro slidewithmeatHanmerSprings and
how Iwentdownbackwards butthenwespunyou around andyou
were goingbackwards whileyou were literallyfreakingout.Everyone
outthere mightbethinkingI’m just saying that forthe competition
but that’s nottrueyou trulyare thebestmum in theworld.
Scarlett McGlone
Ourmum is thebestmum in theworld.She is kind,caringand
always therefor us no matter what.She cheers theloudest at our
gamesand always tellsusshe’s proudofus. Even when my brother
andIargue,mum remindsustobekindand treatothershow we
wouldwanttobetreated.She teachesusimportant lessonsevery
day. When we’resick, shetakes care of us andmakes us feel safe
andloved.She always puts us first.Tous, she’sour Supermum,
oursafeplace andour hero.Weloveyou to themoonand back.
Nevaeh andJaxon
Hi,mynameis
Hannahandwhen
Mother’s Day
comesaround,
I willbenine
weeksold.My
mama is awesome
becausebeforeI
wasborn,she had
onlychanged two
nappies in her life
and is now an expert
in myopinion.
My mum is awesome
because…she helps me
when I’m sad. Shecuddles
me and she supportsme.
Shegets mereadyfor
bed. Shebuysmespecial
clothesand specialtoys.
Sheprovidesahomeand
also food.She tells me
abouther culture because
sheisnotfromNewZeeland.
Shehelps plan my birthday
parties. She worksreally hard,
sheworks four jobs.
IzzyatMayfield School.
Dear Mum, whenthings get hardyounever
give up. Everynight you workedsohardto
get thingsdone, andtogiveusmoney. next
morning Isaw you sleeping downstairs and
I found out thatyou were so tired afterthat
long work.When youroldestdaughter
wasn’t here,Ifound out that it’s hard without
her. WhenIfeelthat Iwant to give up, you
always tellmetonot give up.You makeme
sure I got everythingthat Ineed. You are so
funny evenwhenIwas sosad. When I feel
uncomfortable, you makemesafeand happy.
I LOVE YOU MUM.
Love Hola Fili.
Tomum
Everything in the world is good,not as
good asmyMum.MyMum caresfor
me and loves me. She isthe bestMum
in the world,thank you Mum for being
kindand havingakind heart. Love you
Mum so much.
My Mum works hardfor me and my
family and my Mum is differentfrom
everyoneelse. She helps me whenI
am struggling todosomething. She is
really caring andsupportsmeduring
hard times. MyMum is sweet assugar
and she makes me happy.
I LOVE YOU MUM
Evangelia Jobin

The Blenheim
To mum/nan,
Idon’t even know wheretobegin,because “thank you” will neverfeellikeenough
for everything you’ve done forme. At 32 yearsold,you arestill my person.You
alwayshavebeen. No matter what life throws at me,you arethe oneIturn to –
the onewho makeseverythingfeelsafeagain.
Thispastyear hasn’t been easy,but youopenedyourhometomeand my son
without hesitation.You took us in,wrapped us in your love,and helped me
pick up thepiecesofmyselfwhenIdidn’tknowhow.You reminded me of who
Iam, andslowly, you’ve helped me learn howtosparkle again. You’ve been
everythingweneededand more.You fedus, held us.Cuddled us andstood
beside us throughsuchabig andoverwhelmingchangeinour lives.
Watchingyou as anan hasbeensospecial,you trulyare thebest. Thomas is
solucky to have you. Andme? I’mjustaslucky.Evennow at 32,you stilltake
care of me like I’myourbaby…just alittlebiggernow.You aremymum,my
best friend.Mysafeplace.Mystrength–andtome, youare thebestmum
inthe world. Iloveyou more than words caneversay.You’reamazing!
Lovealways, Lauraand Thomas.
Ithink mymum is thebestandthisiswhy.She gives me lotsof
cuddles. She is aone-of-a-kind motherand never changes.I
love it when she calls me banana or pickle. She alwaysmakes
thebest dinners. I especially likeherchicken pie.Ilove to play
board games withher.Most of thetimeIwin. She’s agood
loser.Here’s a Mother’s Day joke. Whydid thechicken cross
theroad? Toget to the bestmother inthe world. Where was
themissingchicken? At mymother’shouse!
Andrew Silva, Aged 9
Mother’s Day Competition
Prize:
Makana
Macadamia Butter
Toffee Crunch
Wednesday May 6, 2026 19
Prize: $150
Gift Basket
Open 7days 9am -5.30pm
Ph 03 570 5370
180 O’DwyersRd,
Rapaura
Iwouldlovetonominate mywife, an incredible mum to
ourchildren.Despitelivingwithchronic illnesses and
dailypain, herdedication to ourfamily never wavers. She
shows up everyday with love, strength,anddetermination,
always putting ourchildren’s wellbeingand feelings first.
Througheverything,shecreates awarm, supportive
home andteaches ourchildren resilience, kindness,
andcourage.All her effort, often quietlyand without
recognition,isso braveandcommendable.
She deserves tobecelebrated not justtoday,but every
day.
Wade
My mumisawesomebecause…she cooksmydinerand breakfast.
Mumhelps mewhenIamsad andwhen I’mhurt.She washes
me,myclothes andmyhair.Shebraidsmyhair. Mumdrivesme
toschool andtoveryfun places. Mum isthebestbecause she
cuddlesme. Mumisnicetomeand she setsupEaster Egghunts
formysiter andme. Shelets mestay uplateevery weekend.
Mum watchesmovies with me.Mumsignsmeupforfunthings
likedrama class andboxing.She ismyonlymumandthe bestmum
intheworld.
Milani at Mayfield.
Prize:
85 Market St,Blenheim
OPEN 7DAYS10am-9pm
blenheim@bockyboo.co.nz
Ph 03-927 3165
2x $40
VOUCHERS
SOMETHING
SPECIAL
FOR MUM!
Blenheim’s Destination Gift Shop | 96 Market St | Ph 03 577 8867 | www.cerise.nz
Complimentary Giftwrapping

20 Wednesday May 6,2026
The Blenheim
Café Nautique’s connectedspeakers
It was asold-out success as well known
PictonlocalAmy Craggsharedherpersonal
storyaspartofCaféNautique’sconnected
speakers series.
Amyspoke aboutworking in hospitalityas
ayoung mum, playingtop levelrugby and
netball, andhow acancerbattleforcedher
to refocus.
the Oxley’s bar &Kitchen owner spoke
in front ofafull house last Wednesday,
managing to keep thelaughscomingamid
the more serious storiesbeforeanswering
questionsfromthe floor.
Photos:AnneGaelle.
Out&
...with The Sun
your localpaper
AbOut
Have an event?
Contact035777 868
AmyCragg,LoganandCliveGodsifftooktimetocaptureaspecialmoment.
All smiles: Back, from left, Lauren Cunningham, Sam Nicodemo,
Hayley Davidson andAlexRoberts.
Lois Millar andGloria Harrison.
DebbieandKokoLambertwerehappy to catchup
andlistentoAmy’s inspiringstory.
SusanneDukeson andAlanWilkinson enjoyedthe food,which is
all part of theevening andhelps to encourageconversation.
Marion Hollandand MarieJoyce enjoyrefreshmentsaspart
of theevening.
RobSavageand George Sproull.
Bronny Lane andAmandaInkster.
AnjevWÿchers andTonyAshworth.
Café Natique’sDavid Hancockand AmyCragg.
Tuesday Special
$
3
Criss
Cross
Chips
$
4Works
$
5Deluxe
Every Tuesday in May
60 Main Street
6am -11pm •7days
Blenheim
Ts &Csapply
Monthly Special
Mt
Cookies
&Cream
Deluxe
Shake $ 5
Every day in May

The Blenheim
Wednesday May 6, 2026 21
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22 Wednesday May 6, 2026
The Blenheim
Proudly brought to youby
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
9 10
449
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1to9.
WORDBUILDER
349
L A N
V E E
11 12
13 14 15
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 14 Very Good 19 Excellent 24
16 17 18 19
20
21 22 23
24 25
26 27
Across
1. Cutinhalf(6)
4. Hydrophobia(6)
9. Hint(4)
10. Decorative (10)
11. Defeated (6)
12. Derision (8)
13. Reliant (9)
15. Make arun forit(4)
16. Stretched (4)
17. Sickened (9)
21. Leech(8)
22. Course of action (6)
24. Mutual (10)
25. Assist (4)
26. Visible, but distant (6)
27. Coming (6)
Decoder
Down
1. Accept as true (7)
2. Exhausted(5)
3. Congested(7)
5. Fleet (6)
6. Harmless(9)
7. Bright red(7)
8. Stubbornness(13)
14. Instruction(9)
16. Calamity (7)
18. Confused or distorted(7)
19. Sincere(7)
20. Ferocious (6)
23. Ignominy(5)
Crossword
Across: 1. Bisect, 4.Rabies, 9.Clue, 10. Ornamental, 11. Bested,
12. Ridicule, 13. Dependent, 15. Bolt, 16. Taut, 17. Disgusted, 21. Parasite,
22. Resort, 24. Reciprocal, 25. Abet, 26. Yonder, 27. Advent.
Down: 1. Believe, 2.Spent, 3.Crowded, 5. Armada, 6. Innocuous,
7. Scarlet, 8. Intransigence, 14. Education, 16. Tragedy, 18. Garbled,
19. Earnest, 20. Fierce, 23. Shame.
WordBuilder
Ale, alee, anele, ave, eel, elan, eve, even, lane, lav, lave, lea, lean, leave,
LEAVEN, lee, lev, leva, nave, navel, vale, van, vane, veal, vela, venal.
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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EverySaturday7am to Noon, Railway Station Carpark
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Funds go to local and international projects

The Blenheim
Little vandals
Readingofthe kids ageapprox 10 yrsvandalisingthe
toiletsatWitherHills farm park.Sadly
yes, alackofparentalcontrol thesedaysisrife.
Notgood.
Medicalstaffshortages
NZ’s levelofstaffinour hospitalsis, it seems
leadingtocases of babies notmakingitsafely
into this world and patients not getting the
care they need or operations in time.Not only
adisgracebut incredibly sad.
Fuel crisis flying
Defence todelay flying while there isafuel
crisis! Give me abreak. They need to keep
theirflying hours up.Remember, they arealso
involved in search andrescue, monitoring out
waters forforeign boatsfishing outwaters.
Wairau riverpileups
Why are the gravel levels sohigh under the
Wairau road,train bridge andriverbedalong
SH1 going into winter? There’s also alot of
trees and slash still building up on the piles
restricting the flow. Is this part of Councils
‘managedretreat’, and15min city plan?
Public holidaystill needed?
I’mnot sure apublicholiday wasneededon
Monday forAnzac Day. Everythingseemedto
beopenasnormalreally. Mostpeople&shops
etcseemedtostill observethisimportant day
on theSaturdaystill.And rightlyso.
Afar cry
Celebrity Treasure Island NZ-apoor man’s
Survivor Australia. Hard tocompete, hard to
watch.
Swiping in vain
Foundmyselffuriouslyswipingatanewspaper
picturetoenlargeit andrealisedthatImustbe
wiredtoelectronics.
txt talk with
Re:Hospitalparking
To the person who wants more trees removed -are you aware
thereare about150 carparks behind thehospital. Ashortwalkand
you’re done.
Re:Disrespect
Isn’t ittime westopped labelling women as
aggressive because they’re assertive? IfTova
O’Brienwasamantherewouldbenomention
of aggression.I’m pleasedshe makesyou feel
uncomfortable. BreakfastTVisabetterplace
forher.
AnzacDay
Look, I’d like to just point out that there are
photos of all sorts, dignitaries etc, but I’ve
yettosee PadreTerry Terrills photoorname
mentioned, he brings outscripture andprays
important prayers, please don’t ignore his
presence there, thankyou.
Sunnewspaper praise
Very impressed with The Sun’s extensive
coverage on ourrecentlocal ANZACparades.
Topjob,kudos to you.
Powerprice gouging!!!
Unless itwas avery sick belated April Fools’
Day joke, the recent announcement of(yet
another) increase in ourpower chargesdefies
belief.Inaword,‘NO’. NZ’s powercharges are
already atanextremely excessive level. And
how onearth are the worst affected (and
seeminglyforgotten)900,000oddPensioners
meanttocope, giventhe alreadyinadequate
National Superannuation and temporary
energy supplement rates. Unfortunately,
many won’t and will not use heating during
thewintermonths.
RedwoodStreetrevamp
Was this supposedto beaserious submission?
The‘revamp’ismoreifapatchupthanareseal.
Idon’t fancy the odds of it lasting through
winter.
Waterway weed
IwonderifaDuckDerby wastobeheldonthe
Waterlea Stream,(that runs alongsidetheGolf
course), that CouncilRiverways maintenance
mightdig allthe waterweeds outthatare still
clogging it -likewas donetothe PollardPark
waterway!
The Sun
Re RedwoodStreetreseal
Whoever did this job should be ashamed of
themselves. Did they not use aroller? The
road is bumpiertodrive on nowthanwhen
there were potholes. They should be made
to redo it forfree.
WhaleTrail
Well done tothe team who are making this
worldclass cycletrack availableinour region.
Agreat asset forMarlboroughand hopefully
agreat touristattractioninthe future.
Athought for today
This is thebeginning of anew day.
Ihavebeengiven this daytouse as Iwill. Ican
wasteitoruse it forgood.
What Idotoday is important because I’m
exchanging aday of my life forit.
When tomorrow comes, this daywillbegone
forever, leavinginits placesomething Ihave
traded forit.
Iwant ittobegain, not loss; good not evil;
success, not failure; inorder that Ishall not
regret theprice Ipaidfor it.
Re:Hospitalparking
Whywould youpullout thetrees on Maxwell
Road?Shame on you. Ioften seepatientsand
family walking among them. Obviously, you
aren’t apersonwho looksatthe beauty.Only
greenbackupthisend of town.
Kindness andgenerosity
While shopping at Couplands onFriday, an
oldergentleman’s eftposcarddidn’tworkandI
offeredto payforhispurchase. This resultedin
my eftpos card notworking either.Seems that
ANZ and another bank’s system was down.
Therefore, Icouldn’tpurchasehisormy goods.
Then,alovelyladycameoverand offered to
pay for his and mine, asshe had adifferent
card whichworked. It wouldhavebeenover
$20!Thankyousoverymuchforyourkindness
and generosity. Iwas overwhelmedand will
definitelypay it forward. Yes, thereare stilllots
of amazingpeoplearound. Thankyou.
Dumped mattress
I’dliketoknowwhy anyone wouldthink it was
acceptable to leavealargegrubbymattressin
frontofthe recyclingbinstop of Stuart Street,
it’s beenthereforseveraldays.They shouldbe
named &shamed.
Wednesday May 6, 2026 23
Talk of theweek
Thank you
To thewonderful person
whofound my wallet that I
mislaid whilst supermarket
shopping,you areastar.
Thank yousomuch.
Netball open day
Greattosee everyone
enjoying themselves.
To thepeoplewho can’tget
aparkpleasedonot park
on residences grassberms
on LansdowneStreet. Poor
visibilityatdriveways on these
particular days is badenough
withoutyou contributing.
Help at thecarwash
Thank youtothe kind man
thathelpmethrough thecar
wash next to thewarehouse
thereissomekindpeople
around.
Greatserviceat
Mitre10byArdee
Ashout outtoArdee forhis
exceptionalservice at Mitre10.
Such ahelpful youngman.
We welcomeyourtexts on
027242 5266.
Limitto70words please.
We reservethe righttopublish at our
discretion.Pleasenotethe opinions
expressedare notnecessarily thoseofthe
Sunmanagement.
Church missionaries
Abig shout out for the group ofvery nice
youngLDS Church missionaries whocleaned
up my overgrowngardenand lawn.Acredit
to theirChurch.
Gotanimportant issuetosharewithMarlborough? Text your thoughts to 027242 5266
100%
Marlborough
Owned
COMPLETE SCRAP METALSERVICES
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24 Wednesday May 6, 2026
To advertise ph 03-5777-868 The Blenheim
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email: grant@
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The Blenheim
Classifieds Advertising Ph03577 7868
Wednesday May 6, 2026 25
8-week health program
Week 1and 2
By George Elder
As abonus for those
readers who have been
reading mycolumns
and would like to know
wheretobegin ahealthy,
low-carb,weightlossjourney,Ihave decided
to create aseries with simple step-by-step
instructions tohelp you start. The process
willrun over 8weeks andifyou slip up,you
can just back up aweekand carryon. At the
endof8weeks, youshouldbewellonyour
way to losing weight andunderstanding what
youneedtofocus on.The instructions will be
so simple that youmay feel theneedtomove
faster and domore. Don’t. The slow steps
aredesignedtomakecompliancesimpleand
easyand allowtimefor your body to adjust to
the changeswhich canminimizeadaptation
sideeffects. Becausethiscolumnisprinted
fortnightly, Ihaveincluded2weeks in each
column. The first 2weeks will only focus
onbreakfast.
Week 1
Take a‘before’ photo and measure your
waistlinewithatape measure. If youare on
medications, particularly diabetes or blood
pressure meds, check with your doctor on
the impact of your meds with alow-carb
diet together. Some effects can beimmediate
although the program is designed to
minimize this by taking thechanges slowly
and step-by-step.
Youare to change your breakfast to3or
better 4scrambled eggs (only) every day
cookedinbutter, withouttoast. Noother diet
changes are necessary. This will increase
your protein level to20-30 grams starting
each day and you should feel full for the
wholemorning. The fullness should displace
any usual morning snacks you have. Your
breakfast will be very nutrient dense, and
your cholesterol will be scarcely impacted.
Salt and pepper totaste. Whole eggs are a
super food.
Week 2
After 7days, you are going to build onto
the first week by keeping the protein high
butnow begintoadd alittlevariety. Maybe
substitute some sausage, chicken, mince,
bacon,salmon, cottagecheese, smallfish,or
cookedbeans,for oneofthe eggs. Nobread,
toastorfruit forbreakfast. Continueyour
normal lunch and dinner. Beef, sardines
andsalmonare superfoods.
The biggest change this week is to replaceany
soda,energydrinks, Cola,fruit
smoothies, chocolate milk, shakes, fruit
juices of anykind, or breakfastdrinks, with
water, unsweetenedtea,coffee,green tea,
or no-sugar kombucha. You should still
feel full after breakfast and the feeling
should last until lunchtime without the
need forsnacks.
Tip: Make sure to hydrateand keep up or
increase salt, avoiding bread and cereals
reducesyourincomingsalthugelyand you
will probably need to compensate forthis.
Find linkstomybooks,healthcoaching
or subscribefreefor health blogsatwww.
takebackyrhealth.com. Seekprofessional
advice before dietarychanges,particularly
if on medication. (Particularly SGLT2
inhibitors). George Elder, Certified Health
Coach, Author,Diploma in Nutrition. The
best thing you can dofor your health is
eatbetter.
Public Notices
ni iS StArting AnEW Political party.
Enrol now to vote in elections 2026.
AnivaAFruean,3Taylor Cres,Blenheim7201.
Text 0224327381.
Forms tosign are in my boot ofmycar in
driveway.
Sign please.
txt
talk
027242 5266
AGM
REAP Marlborough
Monday 25thMay
4.30pmatREAP
65 SeymourSt
Clothing Alterations:
by Lynette
Atkinson-Parker
For your sewing requirements
Phone 03 578 1010
or 027 578 1010
Quality Service Guaranteed
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
Public Notices
MS/PArkinSonS Society Marlborough
Autumn Raffle Results
1St -18609 -Graham
2nd -17132 -Lee B
3rd -17690 -Louisa
CongrAtulAtionS to the winners and a
BIGthank youtoeveryonefor theirparticipation
in the raffle and for their donations.
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.
Situations Vacant
IN-HOME CARE WORKER
Part-time
Experience preferred but not
essential as training will be provided.
Would suit active retirees or others
wanting some extra income.
Text or call 021 045 2950
Public Notices

26
Wednesday May 6, 2026
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
Golf
Results
Picton Golf Club
Sat 25April Tohis VTussocks
Winners Picton S/F- Maria McConway
(P) 33, Mary Butler (P) 32,
Lin Stone (P) 32, Andrew Sunley
(P)38,Andrew Noad (A)36, Trevor
Gullery (P) 35, Aaron Wilson (P)
35,Blake Beattie(P) 34,Jeff Pascoe
(P) 34, Blair Bavin (A) 33, Steven
Hitchman (A) 33, John Billingsley
(A)32.
Sun26April ITMBusinessHouse
S/F-MariaMcConway37, Mary-Reinke
34, Annelize Erasmus 34,
Rete Kydd 31, Aaron Wilson 36,
Jack Evans 36, Graham Morell 35,
Andrew Sunley 34, David Proctor
34, Richard McLean 34, Clinton
Gapper 33, Jeff Pascoe 33, Tim
McCaffery32,BashYarrall 32,Gary
Aldridge 32.
Tues 28 AprilLGU-OveralWinner
Barbara Speedy 66, Vicki Eastgate
75,MargaretFrisken 76,Ellie Gillies
78,DiBetts 79,JudyJones 79.
Thurs30April S/F-RichardAvery
40,GrahamMorell37, Mark Ivamy
36, Ian Aldridge 36, Barry Slater
36, Don Latimer 35, Ezra Kahaki
35, Tony Calvert 35, Nick Wright
35, Rowdy Robertson 35, Ollie
Overend35.
Fri1May9HPutts-JudyJones 14,
Lin Stone 14,Lyn Pawson 16,Sue
Latimer 18, Don Latimer 18, Liz
Taylor 18.
BARNES, William Patrick (Bill):
Passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his
new home, Redwood Care Centre, aged 96
years. Beloved husband of the late Audrey.
Loved Dad to Bob, Peter, and the late Debbie;
and father-in-law of Libby, Pauline,
and Stephen. Cherished Grandad to11and
proud Great Grandad “GG” to 5. Special
thanks to Nurse Maud, Redwood Care Centre
and Wairau Hospital staff, and Sowmans
Funerals. Messages may be sent to the family
at 16 Litchfield Street, Redwoodtown,
Blenheim 7201 In lieuofflowersadonation
to Order ofStJohn New Zealand would
be appreciated and may be made to a/c 12-
3244-0055909-02 Ref. Barnes In accordancewithBill’swishesaprivatecremation
and farewell has been held.
BLAYLOCK, Velma Joyce “Val” (née
Haines):
Passed away onTuesday,April 28, 2026, at
AberleighVillage,Blenheim, aged 84 years.
Loved wife ofthe late Paul, and previously
to the late Raymond Lohmann; mother of
Danny and Kim; and grandmother. Messages
may be sent to the family at 433 High
Street,Motueka 7120 In lieuofflowersadonation
toAlzheimers Society Marlborough
Inc would beappreciated and may be made
to a/c 02-0600-0112284-00 Ref. Blaylock.
Aservice for Val will be livestreamed and
details may beviewed at: www.sowmans.
co.nz/upcoming-funerals The service will
be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, cnr
Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim, at
11.00am, on Wednesday,May 6(TODAY).
COUGHLAN, Leonard ‘Lenny’ (Snapper):
Passed away peacefully at Aberleigh Village
on Saturday, May 02, 2026, at the age of 77
years. Dearly lovedfatherofKatrina andIain.
Cherishedgrandfatherofhis 7grandchildren.
Former husband ofFiona andKaye. Heartfelt
thanks and appreciation tothe staff of Aberleigh
Village who have lovingly cared for
Lenny for many years. All messages tothe
Coughlan family can be sent via the Cloudy
Bayfuneralservices website at www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
Asper Lenny’s wishes, a
private cremation has taken place, followed
byafamily remembranceatalatertime.
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph 03 578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
MATKIN, Edward Charles(Ed):
Passed away peacefully at Marlborough
Hospice onFriday 1st May 2026, aged 85
years. BelovedHusband of Julie.Thank you
to the wonderful team at Marlborough Hospice
for your care of Ed. Inlieu offlowers,
donations to Marlborough Hospice would
be greatly appreciated and can be made
via ‘Marlborough Hospice Trust’ 06-0601-
0148609-00. Ed will be loved and remembered
byall that knew him. In keeping with
Ed’s wishes, aprivate cremation has been
held.
Death notices
GIBSON, MalcolmDonald:
On 6January 2026, peacefully at Marlborough
Hospice, aged 85 years. Dearly lovedhusband
of Shona.Muchlovedfatherand father-in-law
of Adam andJude,Sarah andBen,and David.
Adored Poppa of Otis and Ari. Dearly loved
husband of the lateAnnette. Loved stepfather
of Rebecca andNeil, andDaniel. LovedPoppa
of Logan and Travis, and Eligh and Phoenix.
The family sends their warmest thanks to everyone
involvedinMalcolm’s careduringthe
course of his hospital stays. Special thanks
to CJ and the wonderful team and nurses at
Wairau Hospital, Marlborough District Nurses,
Carmen and the Vascular team at Christchurch
and Nelson Hospitals, Hospice Marlborough,
Ashwood Park Resthome, St John
Ambulance, Tamara and the Nurse Maude
care team and the NZ Flying Doctor Service.
Messages toThe Gibson Family, c/- PO Box
723, Blenheim 7240. In lieu offlowers, adonation
can be made to Marlborough Hospice
Trust, St John Ambulance, or NZ Flying Doctor
Service via their websites oratMalcolm’s
service. In accordance with Malcolm’swishes,
aprivatecremationhas takenplace. Aservice
celebrating Malcolm’s life will be held at the
Springlands Chapel,Cloudy BayFuneralServices,
15Boyce Street, Blenheim on Friday 8
Mayat10.30am
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
MASLIN, June Mary:
Passed away athome onThursday,April 30,
2026 aged 79 years. Loving wife of Keith,
mother andmother-in-law of Bevanand Shona,
Warren and Tracy, and Tony and Bonnie.
LovedgrandmothertoRhys,Frankie, Brooke,
Melissa, Ryan, Jordan, Jada, and June’s 2
great grandchildren, and the late Mylee. Lovingdaughter
of thelateIan Claude Butlerand
thelateMurielButler. Loving sister andsisterin-law
of Elaine and Trevor Brown, Ian and
Claire Butler, Peter and Tania Butler, Yvonne
and Noel Wallace, Noeline and TomBryant,
and Hilda and the late Colin Nicholls. Loved
by all her nieces and nephews. Thank you to
thestaffatWairauHospitaland HospiceMarlborough
for their excellent care and support.
Allmessagestothe Maslin family, c/-POBox
9Blenheim,7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.
co.nz.Aprivatecremationhas takenplace and
aMemorial Service for June will be held on
Friday 8th ofMay, 2pm at the Springlands
Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services Blenheim.
This service will be livestreamed and
can be viewed on theCloudy BayFuneral Services
website.
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
TURNBULL, Alistair Raymond:
On Wednesday,April 29, 2026. Dearly loved
husband ofCatherine. Dearly loved father of
Tony and the late Jeremy, and father-in-law
of Catherine and Tonia. Loved grandfather
of Annabelle, Nicolas, Ben and Lucinda.
Lovedbrother andbrother-in-lawofJockand
Kennie, and the late Hamish and Gwyneth
Turnbull. Messages may be sent to theTurnbull
family c/- Sowmans Funerals, POBox
110, Blenheim 7240. Aservice for Alistair
was livestreamed and details may beviewed
at https://youtube.com/live/f0-GuM1o9Uk?-
feature=share The service was held at the
Church of the Nativity, 76Alfred Street,
Blenheim, at 1.30pm,onMonday, May4.
The Blenheim
WEATHERBURN, Paul Earl:
Passed away suddenly atWairau Hospital
on Friday, May 01, 2026 aged 73 years.
Dearly loved Husband of Pamela. Loved
Father of Andrew, Jeromie and Leana.
Special grandfather toBrianna, Samantha,
Caitlyn, Sienna, Amelia, Eric, Zara, Gemma
and Travis. All messages tothe Weatherburnfamily,c/-
PO Box9Blenheim, 7240
or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. Paul was
farewelled byhis close friends and family
in aprivate service.
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
Acknowledgement
TOMLINSON, Katherine (Kathie)Mary:
The family of Kathie wish to thank you for
the cards, messages, flowers, food, and expressions
of sympathy received following
our loss. Your kindness has been deeply appreciated.
Please accept this asapersonal
acknowledgement of our gratitude.
Ray, Greg,Scott andfamilies.
Wanted
BiRd cage,suitablefor medium sizedparrot.
Phone 0274175214.
7”, 45’s, singles, eps records wanted, any
amount top prices paid. Pennylane Records
430Colombo Street,SydenhamringDave021
222 6144, 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
Personal
aRE yoU tEmPtEd GENtlEmEN?
Hours 10am till 7pm. Phone 02102228031,
no txts.
GENUiNE doWN toEaRtH lady
Standing at 5ft 4in, with alovely figure,
blonde hair, and kind brown eyes. She loves
the simple pleasures in life, being outdoors,
cookingand goingondrives. She’shopingto
meet an honest andkind man forfriendship/
companionship.
PlEaSE call 0800-446-332.
QUotE code 11.
Public Notices
maRlBoRoUGHHUNtiNG &FiSHiNG
Come down to Marlborough Hunting
and Fishing for all your outdoor needs.
46 Main Street,Blenheimph03579 1600
Sat &Sun 9am --3pm. Neighbour
collectivesale. Household,
kitchen, workshop tools, garden
tools, rods &reels, paintings
etc. 191 Waikawa Rd Picton
021971570.
Book your spacenow in
our next (by5pm Monday)
Garage Sale Column!
Phone5777868

The Blenheim
what’s on in sunny Marlborough
Wednesday May 6, 2026
27
Community, ConneCtion and Children Manwithapan -
Monday
Care andShare craftsession
-Run at Nativity in conjunctionwithGreen Prescription.EverysecondMonday,9:30-11:30am.Foranyone
wholoves doingcrafts, aplace to create,chatwith
like-mindedcreatives,shareideas,learnnewcrafting
skills and make friends. For more details contact
Nativity office 5783909orGreen Prescription at the
PHO. Free event.
Rotary ClubsinBlenheim
-Monday &Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotaryisa
world-wide serviceclubfor menand women, doing
greatthingsinyourcommunity. For furtherdetails
phoneKevin on 0211 738784.
RenwickMuseumand Watson Memorial Library
-HighStreet,Renwick.Opendaily10.00am–4.00pm.
Freeadmission.VolunteerspresentMonday10.00am
–2.00pmtoassistwithany research or information.
ContactDavid Ph:022 1063685.
RenwickLions Club
–MeetsecondMondayevery monthatthe Woodbourne
Tavern,backbar,at6pm.Comeand join us
to seewhatit’sallabout.PhoneAnnie0211537094for
more details.
Tuesday
Friendship Club Marlborough
-Semi Retired or Retired. Meet 4th Tuesday of the
month10amatStMary’sParishCentre,MaxwellRoad.
Speakers,outings allinFriendship, Fellowship&Fun.
LesMcKay 5778207or021463922
Cancer SocietyMarlborough:
Breast Cancer Support Group -Peer support and
connectionin asafewelcoming space. Everysecond
Tuesday ofthe Month 7pm -8pm at the Cancer
SocietyRooms,76AMaxwell Road,Blenheim.
Cancer SocietyMarlborough:
Blue Brothers –Men’s exercise andcomradery-FREE
exercise and peer support -Every Tuesday -10 am
Stadium2000,Kinross Street,Blenheim.
LionsClubofHavelock
-Providing community service in the Pelorus area.
Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, atHavelock Hotel.
InquiriestoIan Cameronphone 5742558.
Marlborough Museum
-Brayshaw Heritage, open Tues/Thurs/Sundays
11-3pm.Costofentry $10, children free.
Marlborough BereavementGroup
meets2nd Tuesdayofevery month(except January)
from 10.30amtil noon in theSavvy Barofthe Scenic
Hotel inAlfred Street for acuppa and achat (buy
your own beverage). Phone 0274389024 for more
information.
RenwickMenzShed
–Every Tuesday 8.30am -2pm. Anglican Church
Grounds, High Street Renwick. All males over 18
welcome. Come alongand seewhatweare about.
Cheeky Monkeys
-Marlborough Library. Join one ofour sessions
of fun and creativity for children under five years
old. Session1,10amto10.45am or Session2,11amto
11.45am. Sessions include stories, songs andsimple
funcraft.Noneed to register,justcomealong.
Artand Craft
–PictonLibrary.Every Tuesdayduringschoolterm.
3.30pm-4.30pm. After school arts and crafts. Bring
clothing suitable formessy play.
Wednesday
Blenheim Probus
–First Wednesdayofthe month, 10am Lansdowne
Hub. For retired or semi retirees looking for fun,
friendship and fellowship. Ph Anne 5787046 or
0211156828.
Lions’ Club of Blenheim
-Liketoknowmoreabout theLion’sClub? Meet on
the1st and3rd Wednesdayofthe month. Formore
details ContactDelphineLee 029942 5004.
GenealogyDrop–in
–withthe Blenheim Family HistoryGroup.Marlborough
LibraryWednesday afternoons 1pm-3pm. No
appointmentsneeded.
DigitalDrop-in
–EveryWednesday10am-12pmMarlboroughLibrary.
Bring your device and staff will behappy to help
youwithquestions youmay have aboutusing your
smartphone or otherdevice.
Picton Men’sCommunity Shed
–EveryWednesday8.30am-2.30pm.2MarketStreet,
Picton. Come along for acuppa and achat or get
involved in ourlocal “RepairShop”.
FieroCodeClubPicton
–Every Wednesday3.30pm-4.30pm,PictonLibrary.
Here’s your chance to build awesome games and
websites as you learn coding in asupportive, fun
environment. No registration needed, just come
alongontheday.
Te Whanau HouGrovetown Lagoon
–Plant, weed, mulch. 9.30am-11.30am. Phone
Rosannefor more information0210709267.
DeathCafe
–First Wednesdayofthe month, Fairweathers functionroom,alternatingbetweenmorningandevening
meetings.Nextmeeting April1st 7pm-8.15pm.Lifitingthetaboo:sharewhatisonyourmindaboutdeath
anddying in asafeand open environment. Formore
informationsee deathcafe.comorphJoss5794771.
Thursday
OlderPersonsSeminar
–Held onthe 4th Thursday ofeach month, 10am-
1pm, St Christopher’sAnglicanChurch.Aseminar for
peopleages65+, withaguestspeaker, entertainment
and light-hearted fun. Morning tea and lunch
provided for$6.
Manwithapan
-SeniorsSocialClubformen-EverysecondThursday
of the month, 11am-1pm atConnect Church Hall.
Hosted by AgeConcern Marlborough. Come along
foracoffeeandachatwhilstpreparinghealthymeals,
cakes and puddings. Learn new cooking skills and
take your meal home or eatthere.All free.
Cancer SocietyMarlborough:
Womenpartnersofmen living with cancer Support
Group -Coffee and connecting. Peer support for
women partners ofmen living with cancer. Every
thirdThursdayoftheMonth1:30pm-3:00pm.Cancer
SocietyRooms,76A MaxwellRoad, Blenheim.
CompanyCafé
–PictonLibrary10.30amThursdays.Popinandspend
awhile with us chatting, chilling and relaxing. Tea,
coffeeand snackprovided. Everybodywelcome.
Marlborough Museum
-Brayshaw Heritage. Exhibition open Tues/Thurs/
Sundays11-3pm. Cost of entry$10,childrenfree.
Forest andBirdMonthly Talk
-Third Thursday of themonth.7pm Blenheim School
Hall.Comeandlearnfromexpertspeakers.Goldcoin
entry. Open to everyone.
FieroCodeClubBlenheim
–Every Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm, Marlborough
Library. Here’s your chance to buildawesome games
andwebsitesasyou learncodinginasupportive, fun
environment. No registration needed, just come
alongontheday.
Te Whanau HouGrovetown Lagoon
–Plant, weed,mulch.1.30pm-3pm. PhoneRosanne
formoreinformation 0210709267.
Friday
ClassicCoffee
–Weekly atConnect Marlborough, 3Beaver Road.
9am-12pm. Agroup ofmainly retirees who enjoy
connecting with others in thesamestage of life but
if youare youngerorstill in theworkforce,don’t let
that stop you!
Link Boardgames andPuzzles
–1pm-4pm Nativity Lounge,Churchofthe Nativity,
76 AlfredStreet.Atimeofboardgamesandafternoon
tea. No strangershere, only friendswehavenot met.
Gold coin donationisappreciated. Transporttoand
fromLinkcanbearrangedifneeded,phone5783909.
RenwickMenzShed
–Every Friday 8.30am -2pm. Anglican Church
Grounds, High Street Renwick. All males over 18
welcome. Come alongand seewhatweare about.
Picton Newcomers
–Every Friday 5pmatFork&Fable,Picton.
Play andLearn
–BlenheimLibrary 9am-12pm during term time.No
cost.Care-giverled play-based learning forchildren
under5.Books,toys, games, puzzlesand activities
available foruse.
Saturday
RedwoodtownMarket
-8am-12noon,CleghornSt.SupportingMarlborough
Food Bank.Varietyof stalls.Something foreveryone.
TheBlenheimRotaryClubBootSaleMarket
-8am till midday.BlenheimRailway StationCar Park.
MarlboroughArtesianCraft Market
-Cnr Market Street &HighStreet, 9:00am -2:00pm
Stallholders include local artisans both casual and
regular attendees as well as visitors from around the
country. Entertainmentareafor kids.
Blenheim Crop Swap
–Every 3rd Saturday ofthe month except January.
Held at Crossroads, 2pm-4pm. Swapping 2.30pm
sharp. Sharing abundance from our kitchen and
gardens, fruit, vegetables,preserves,jams, relishes,
herbs, recipes, eggs, flowers, seedlings, baking.
Giving generously andmindfully taking. Forfurther
detailsphone 02108198520
Picton Men’sCommunity Shed Garage Sale
–LastSaturdayofthe month, 9am-12pm.Partofthe
communityshed’s“Repair Shop”.
Sunday
MarlboroughFarmerMarket
-9am-noon. MarlboroughA&P Showgrounds. Fresh
produce from your local farmers. Tasty line upof
freshandseasonal,gourmetandartisanproduceand
products that this region hastooffer.
Picton Rail andSail
-Onthe Foreshore-minitrain ridesand mini yacht
hiretosailonourpondeverySunday11am-3pm.Only
20 centsper ride/yacht hire!
MarlboroughMuseum
-Brayshaw Heritage Park. Exhibition open Tues/
Thurs/Sundays 11-3pm. Cost of entry $10, children
free.
Lego Club
-Picton Library@ 1-4pm. Marlborough Library
@10am-4pm, Come along each Sunday afternoon
to buildaLegokit in thelibrary.Eachweekthere is
an assortment ofkits tochoose from tobuild in a
designated area.Everyoneiswelcome to have ago.
This free activity is greatfun forthe wholefamily!
ForrestWines Cosy Sunday Sessions
–Every Sunday through until Easter, 1pm-4pm.
ForrestEstateWinery, BlicksRoad,Renwick.Freeentry
to hear stunning live musicfromlocal entertainers.
Families,kids, anddogsonleadall welcome.
SeniorsSocialClub
formen
EverysecondThursdayofthe month,
11am-1pm at Connect Church Hall.
Hosted by AgeConcern Marlborough.
Come along for acoffee and achat
whilst preparinghealthy meals, cakes
and puddings. Learn new cooking
skills andtakeyourmealhomeoreat
there. Allfree.
ClassicCoffee
Weekly at Connect Marlborough, 3
Beaver Road. 9am-12pm. Agroup of
mainly retirees whoenjoy connecting
with others in thesamestage of life but
if you are younger orstill in the work
force, don’tlet that stop you!
Care &Share
Monday 11th May9.30am-11.30am,
and ongoing, every 2nd and 4th
Monday of the month. Church of
Nativity, 76Alfred Street, Blenheim.
An eventfor anyone wholoves doing
crafts -here’s your chance tocreate,
chat with like-mindedcreatives,share
ideas, learn new skills and make new
friends.
SAve THeDATe
Rotary Blenheim South’s
MammothGarageSale
andBook Fair
Friday 15th May toSunday 17th May,
dailyfrom9am,WaterleaRacecourse,
Linton Street, Blenheim. Come along
agrabyourselfabargain: China, glassware,
bric abrac, sports equipment,
kitchenware, furniture, tools, books
andplentymore. Donationsare being
excepted via pick upordrop off -
Wednesdays 2-4pmorSaturdays 9am
-12pm. If you need items collected
phone Ray 020 4182 2788. Proceeds
from theevent go toward community
projects in Marlborough.

28 Wednesday May 6, 2026
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