May 13 _ BLENHEIMSUN
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local PeOPLe • local VIeWs • local neWs
Wednesday. May 13, 2026
blenheimsun.co.nz
Marlboroughsrural
internetprovider
0800 003176
Run day at atime
Page 6
Seeing pink
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Bear necessity
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proudly local & t rusted in Marlborough since 2002
Matilda magic!
Blenheim MusicalTheatre’s much anticipated
production of Matildathe Music openstonight
at Whitehaven TheatreMarlborough.
Review page 4.
IN BLENHEIM &PICTON
WEDNESDAY 20 th MAY ONLY
seeinside for venues
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Wednesday May 13, 2026
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Fieldday delight
Marlborough’s favourite read.
ThankyoutoBlenheimSun readerMarianJohnswhocapturedthisshotofatractordriverhardatworkjustoutsideofBlenheim
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LOVE YOUR LAND
The Blenheim
Multiple Sclerosis arelief
after years of worry
Blenheim woman Judith Allen is one of
5000 people in New Zealand living with
Multiple Sclerosis(MS). AheadofWorld MS
DayonMay 30,she talkstoPaula Hulburt
abouther symptoms andthe struggle forthe
correctdiagnosis.
For Judith Allen, aneventual diagnosis of
Multiple Sclerosiscameasarelief.
Dealingwithsymptomsranging from tunnel
vision,extreme fatigueand asense of viewing
the world two-dimensionally, Judith says it
wasaterrible time.
But 30years ago, it took araft oftests,
including two lumber punctures and two
MRIscans fordoctors to discover thetruth,
sheexplains.
“Itwas very scary, Ididn’tknowwhatwas
happening tomeand began towonder ifit
wasall in my head.The dayIwasdiagnosed,
Icamehomeand Iwas so happy.”
The average age for diagnosis inNew
Zealand is34years old. Women are three
timesmorelikelytobediagnosed than men.
Judith believes her symptoms started two
yearsbeforeshe wasofficiallygiven aname
forher worrying health issues.
“I’d go forawalk most nights aftertea and
Inoticed one foot sounded different on the
footpath.I’d trip over little pebbles.
“I didn’t think much about it as you don’t
go running tothe doctor for every twinge,
butitgot worse.”
Her GPtentatively diagnosed arthritis but
Judith’s symptoms, and her concerns both
grew.“I’dgotobed at nightand just bawl my
eyes out, Ididn’tknowwhatwas happening
to me.”
It wasadoctor shewas seeing foracupuncture
who encouraged her to get asecond
opinion, sheexplains. Followingmorescans
andtests,aspecialist at Wairau Hospital broke
thenewstoher that shehad MS.
“I didn’t even know howtospell it [multiple
sclerosis],Judithlaughs. Akeenreaderwitha
passionfor murder mysteries, Judith says she
knows alot ofpeople with MSthrough her
speciallytailoredexerciseclasses.
Onehundred andthirty-four newcases are
diagnosedeveryear. Symptoms aredifferent
foreverybody, dependingonwhich partof the
brain, opticnerve or spinal cord is affected.
Symptoms and their progression are variable,
Judith explains. “Iget absolutely
exhausted,” she says. “It’s not just ago to
bed tiredness, and Ican’t control mybody
temperature.”
Forsome people, symptoms may bemore
consistently present, steadily progress and
change in severity over time.Judithdoesall
shecan to keep exacerbationsatbay.
“I go to exercisesclasses at theWeldStreet
BowlingClubasIwant to stay flexible.
“Keeping flexiblematters andIalso do Tai
Chi. Iwantmywhole body to be as flexibleas
possible.It’snot just aboutthe physical wellness
now, it’s also aboutmentalhealthtoo.”
ContactMarlborough Multiple Sclerosisand
Parkinsons Society onmmss@xtra.co.nz or
call:03578 4058 to findout more abouthow
they canhelp.
JudithAllensaysshewasrelievedtofinallyget
adiagnosis of Multiple Sclerosisafter months
ofunexplainedsymptoms.Photo:PaulaHulburt.
Wednesday May 13, 2026 3
inbrief
The Sun
Floodrescue
Six people were rescued from their
vehicles after becoming stuck in
floodwaters on SH6nearCanvastown
on Friday. The main road between
Blenheim and Nelson was closed on
Friday afternoon and reopened by
mid-morning onSaturday. Rescue
teamssuccessfullylocatedthestranded
travellers andtookthemtosafety.
Ambassador visit
The Ambassador of the People’s
Republic of China to New Zealand
His Excellency DrWang Xiaolong has
made his first visit to Marlborough,
hosted by Mayor Nadine Taylor who
said it was her great pleasure to
host the Chinese Ambassador. “As
an exporting region itisimportant
Marlborough isoutward looking and
internationally connected. Visits like
this are awonderful opportunity to
buildonour existing relationshipsand
strengthen our wine, tourism, people
andeducationconnectionswithChina.”
Thepipes arecalling
Marlborough Pipe Band are
celebrating asuccessful season. With
members inCanterbury and Nelson,
location is no barriersoifyou areina
band that is notcurrently competing,
or just wanttojoinateamdetermined
to take theirsuccess to thenextlevel,
email marlboroughpipeband25@
gmail.com or phone/TXT Joe Latimer
on 021716260.
4
Wednesday May 13, 2026
inbrief
The Sun
The Blenheim
Review:Matilda theMusical
Dancestar
Congratulations toMarlborough
AcademyofDance’stalentedperformer
IceywhotookthirdplaceatTheAustralia
DanceCrewChampionships(ADCC)Hip
Hop Championships and qualified
for Worlds inSydney. The dance
competition that brings together the
bestcrewsfromAustralia,NewZealand,
Asiaand Africa.
Pink breakfasthelp
BreastCancerFoundationNZurgently
needsmorepeopleinBlenheimtoget
involvedwith theirannualPinkRibbon
fundraiser.ThroughoutMay,and even
into June, Pink Ribbon Breakfasts
are held around the country toraise
funds for breast cancer education,
research, and support services. Each
year,around130womenacrossNelson
Marlborougharediagnosedwithbreast
cancer, and Pink Ribbon Breakfasts
help fund vital support, research and
education.Formoreinformationandto
registertohostaPinkRibbonBreakfast,
visitpinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz
Stop bank update
Acommunity meeting isplanned
for Wednesday 20May to update
Spring Creek residents on progress
with the Peninsula Road stop bank
project. Members ofthe community
are invited to attend from 7.15pm at
the Spring Creek Community Hall on
Ferry Road. Mayor Nadine Taylor will
open themeeting at 7.30pm.She will
be joined by councillors, Council staff
andcontractors.
Retired, butnot slowing down
Liz retired last November. She
hatesthatword.
“It sounds like you’re winding
down,” she says. “I’m not winding
down. I’m just doing differentthings.”
At 71, her weeks are fuller than
they were when she was working.
Pickleball three times a week.
Bachata dancing. Looking after
relatives.Coffeewith friends who’ve
known her for decades. Her former
colleaguesjoke that sheseemsbusier
now than sheeverwas at work.
“I found it frighteningatfirst,”she
admits. “Not knowing what Iwas
going to do with my time. But now
I’vegot more intereststhanhours.”
The only thing that needed sorting
washer sleep.
Liz has always been anight owl.
Herhusband is asleep by ten, but she’s
still up at midnight, and sometimes
later. It’s just how she’s wired, and
she’smadepeace with that.
But asshe got older, the sleep she
did get wasn’t giving her what she
needed. She’d wake during the night
and lie there, mind ticking over. The
hoursshe managedfeltthin, likethey
weren’tquite reachingher.She’d get
up in the morning feeling like she
hadn’treally rested at all.
“I tried other things,” she says.
“But Ijust didn’t like them. You’d
feel drowsy the next day and Igave
them away.”
That groggy feeling was worse
than the tiredness. She wanted
somethingthatworkedwith herbody,
not something that left her sluggish
andfoggy.
Blenheim MusicalTheatre
By SarahNathan
Oneofthe worrieswithtop billing
large-scale musicals isthat, when
transferredtoasmallerstage,some
of themagic is lost.There is no such
problem here. BMT’s production
of Matilda is ariotous and joyous
celebrationoftheatre.
Based onthe beloved book by
RoaldDahl, with musicand lyrics
by Tim Minchin, Matilda tells
the story of an extraordinarily
intelligent little girl born into a
spectacularly awful family. When
Matilda finally starts school, her
worldchanges dramatically.
From the opening moments, this
production sweeps us into Matilda’s
world. BMT has benefited from
investing inthe high-quality set,
costume and technical resources,
and production values are impressive.
The dynamicset workshard
andthe crew even harder to deliver
aseamless and magical audience
experience. Asalways with BMT,
the production isunderpinned
by atalented live orchestra. Itis
aparticularly unique score that
delivers allsorts of musicalquirks
andtricks, expertly guided by Vocal
&Musical Director,RobertTucker.
Director Liana Bell brings her
collective leadership style tothe
production-allowing forcharacter
interpretation that is fresh but sits
well within the creative vision.
Casting isinspired, and weare
Thenshesawanadinthenewspaper
forKoruSleep.She wasn’t expecting
miracles,but shewas curious enough
to try.
“It didn’t work straight away,”
Lizsays. “But of course,itdoestake
time.You’ve got to give these things
achance.”
She stuck with it, letting her body
adjust.After afew weeks, something
shifted. She was falling back asleep
more easily when she woke during
the night. The hours started to feel
likeactualrest.
“The beauty of it is, having togo
to the bathroom during the night, I
truly spoilt with the standard of
localtalent.
As Matilda’stimid teacher, Miss
Honey, Anne Vawter perfectly
captures the character’s sweetness
and vulnerability. Her exquisite
vocalpuritypairedwithemotional
authenticity resultsinanexceptional
performance.
As the horrifically entertaining
Mrs Wormwood, Camilla Piper
isadazzling feastfor theeyesand
ears.Her comictimingand physicality
are mesmerising, and every
moment crackles with energy.
Special mention goes to Sara
Bishell, as Mr Wormwood. The
counter-gender casting lands well,
adding alovely layer of absurdity
and gleeful unpleasantness to the
hilariouscharacter,towhich Itake
my hat off(ajoke that will make
senseonceyou’veseenthe show).
Andthenthere is thelegendthat
is Miss Trunchbull, arole that
requires enormous comicprecision
balanced with genuine menace.
Rhys Hingston delivers both,
paired with impressive vocalchops.
Thereisarefreshing subtlety to his
interpretation with the possibility
that Trunchbull may have analmost
thoughtful side.
At thecentreofitall of course is
ourhero, Matilda, played on review
night by12-year-old Alice Kingi.
Alice brings her personal brand
of spark, warmth and quiet determination,
creating aMatilda who
can fall straight back to sleep without
even thinking about it.”
That wasfive yearsago. She’sbeen
taking Koru Sleep ever since.
“You’ve got to listen toyour own
body,” she says. “Give it time to
work.That’swhatIdid.”
Liz still doesn’t sleep eight hours.
She never has. But the four or five
hours she gets now actually feel like
sleep.
“Even though Ionly get four to
five hours, Istill feel as if I’ve been
asleep,” she says. “I wake up fresh
andI’m good.”
Always read the label and take asdirected. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch
Alice Kingi brings her personal brand ofspark, warmth and quiet
determinationtothe role of Matilda. Photo: Supplied.
is instantlylovable andaccessible.
Hersensitive renditionof‘Quiet’ is
oneofthe most touching I’ve seen.
Twoseparate casts of the child
players are necessary with such a
demanding production, and Iwas
fortunatetoalsosee thealternative
cast perform. The ‘other’ Matilda
is played by AddisonCampbell, 11,
who gives the most astonishingly
faithful portrayal ofthe original
‘West End’ Matilda. You will fall
in love with them both.
The entire child ensemble deserves
enormous praise for the
sheer scale of what they accomplish.
Sharp comic timing, emotional
honesty and remarkable
Fresh enough for pickleball. Fresh
enough for dancing. Fresh enough
forthe full, busylifeshe’s built since
stepping away fromwork.
Five yearson, Koru Sleep is part of
her routine. She takes it on holiday.
Shenotices when shedoesn’t have it.
“Thishas been thebestone,really,”
shesays. “Brilliant.”
Some people expect retirement to
mean slowing down. Liz expected
more from herself. She just needed
hersleep to keep up.
“Sleep is my best friend,” shesays.
Andafter fiveyears,she meansit.
Advertisement
professionalism are bought to the
stage. They arethe epicentreofthe
show,and your heartwilljustburst
watching each individual hilarious
andenergetic performance.
The wider ensemble performance
throughout the production
is outstanding. Thechoreography,
directed by Elly Molloy, isfast,
intricate and demanding and the
company rises magnificently to
thechallenge.The ActOne finale,
‘Bruce’, is an absolute triumph,
tightly executed and overflowing
with joy.
This is an outstanding achievement
from Blenheim Musical
Theatre. Yousimply must seeit.
special offer
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 5
Rest home residentspush
forurgentfinancialchanges
By PaulaHulburt
Rest home residents are being urged
to continue the campaign for urgent
financial reform andfightfor theirown
money.
TheRetirementVillagesAct 2003 review
is scheduledtogobeforeparliament
inJunethisyear.
Aproposal toensure operators pay
back resident capital within 12months
is not acceptable, warns Residents’
AssociationNationalVicePresident Di
Sinclair.
Sheadded currentresthomeresidents,
the very people who fought so hard for
change,willmissout.
Speaking with residents atRedwood
Care Centre andVillage on Monday,Di
saidthe cliff-hangerclausewas thewait
time forcapital to be repaid,oncearesidenthas
died or movedout of avillage.
“We had asked for amandatory payback
timeframe and we got one, the
proposed law will gift operators 12
months to sitonresidents’money while
they attempttorelicense aunit.
“In ashock move, the Government
decided these new rules won’t apply to
anyresidentcurrently living in avillage
–unlimited wait timeswillcontinue, for
everypersonthatfoughtfor change.”
Concerned Redwoodtown residents
heard The Retirement Villages Act is
nearly 23 yearsold,written forasector
that no longer exists in itsoriginalform.
The time for change was now, Di
said,urgingresidents to sign theonline
petition calling for afull repayment of
residents’ moneywithinthree months of
theagreement ending.
“Wechose to move into avillage,and
the vast majority ofresidents remain
happywiththatdecision. Villageliving
itself is notindispute.
“Whatisindispute is theimbalance of
powerbetween operatorsand residents.
Until that imbalance is addressed,
fairness for residents will always be
conditional—notguaranteed.”
Shesaidretirementvillageshad grown
bigger, more complex and vastly more
profitable. Aseven year wait for fair
and modern protections was “basically
adisaster” shesaid.
“When the Government announced
National Vice President
of the Retirement Village
Residents’ Association Di
Sinclairaddressresidentsat
RedwoodCareCentreand
Village. Photo: PaulaHulburt.
changes inDecember 2025, residents
were led tobelieve that real reform
had finally arrived.…basically, it was a
disaster forthe 56,000 residentslivingin
villages around NewZealand.”
Di added claims from Minister Tama
Potaka that there was no appetite for
retrospectivechangewerewrong.
“For four years Ihave travelled the
country, metwithresidents,and listened
to their experiences. The message has
been unanimous: withoutretrospectivity,
this packageisano deal.
“It isinadequate, it is unjust, and it is
unacceptable.”
“Unlimited repayment delays will
continue,and theverypeoplewho fought
forreformwillbethe ones locked outof
it.Thatisnot reform -itisexclusion.”
New
beginnings
Aftertwoyearsofuncertainty,itwasachanceto
commemorate anew
beginning and honour
thepastasmembers of
Blenheim BowlingClub
and Marlborough RSA
joinedtogethertomark
anew era.
The new addition, including
anoffice and
RSAmemorabilia room
was officially opened
on Friday by Marlborough
RSA President
Sandy Snell, immediatepastPresident
and
Blenheim BowlingClub
Greenskeeper John
Capill, Marlborough
Mayor Nadine Taylor
andBlenheimBowling
Club President Lloyd
Gallop.
Addressing apacked
club room, Mayor Nadine
said the moment
wasanimportantonein
Marlborough’shistory.
Photo: PaulaHulburt
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6
Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
Aheart of
gold
By PaulaHulburt
Ayoung Marlborough boy with abig
heart ismaking great strides, raising
moneyfor charity.
Twelve-year-old Louis Guthrie started
running 100km at the beginning of the
month to raise vital funds for the Heart
Foundation.
Now the Bohally Intermediate School
pupil isgiving others arun for their
money, coming third out ofmore than
13,000 people in thenationalcampaign.
Louissayshedecided to raisemoney for
the HeartFoundationbecause hasfamily
friends whose babies have had heart
conditions butthe main drivewas deputy
principal KerryWilkin.
The Bohally Intermediate Teacher
developedaheartissue afew yearsago.
“He plays football with useveryday
and refs matches. He is someonewecan
always go to when we need help.”
Deciding on what to do forhis school’s
Maximising Potential goal, the Year 8
student said initiallyhehad hopedtorun
afullmarathon. MumKateGuthrie says
they had torule that out as although he
was capable, hewas still too young, not
yet at theminimum ageof16years old.
Signinguptorun 100kmbythe endof
May instead, Louis has already raised
more than $3800. “I hopedtoraise $450
so it’s been goingreallywell,”hesays.
Withmorethan40kmalready achieved,
Louisisconfidenthewillmeet
his goal.
“I like to run and Itry to
do it everyday.WhenIget
alittlebit tired, Ijustthink
about why I’m doing it
andthathelps.”
The keen golfer, who
also raises money for
Life Flight byselling
eggs from his freerange
hens, says ultimately,
he would like
to be aprofessional
sportsman.
“Mydream is to play
the Masters at Augusta.”
The Marlborough
School Cross Country
champion,who also plays
basketball and touch rugby,
can easily tackle 10km
at atime, Kate explains.
Louisalsocamethird in the
SolarPower NZ Skedaddletrail,
beatingadultstothe podium.
“He’sapretty modest kidthough,
and Idon’t thinkherealisesjusthow
amazingitiswhathe’sdoing forthese
charities,”Katesays.
‘I’m really proudofhim.”
To donate to Louis fundraiser, visit
www.mymarathon.co.nz/fundraisers/
louisguthrie/mymarathon-2026
LouisGuthrie startedrunning 100kmat
the start of May toraise money for the
HeartFoundation. Photo: PaulaHulburt.
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 7
‘Uninhabitable’ senior housing
unitsfinallyset fordemolition
By Kira Carrington
Blenheim senior housing units
that have sat empty for almost
adecade are finally set to be
demolished, with residents saying
it’s abouttime.
MarlboroughDistrictCouncil has
putout atenderfor thedemolition
of five units at the council’s 26-
unit senior housing complex on
Blenheim’s Andrew Place.
Acouncil spokesperson said that
theunits hadbeenprogressively vacatedoverthe
last eightto10years
aftertheywereruled uninhabitable
duetonatural ground slumping.
“These properties wouldnot meet
today’sHealthy HomesStandards,”
they said.
Aresident, who LDR agreed notto
name,saidthey’dstopped believing
the council would ever demolish
the empty units, as rumours of
aplanned demolition had been
swirling since they’d moved in
sevenyears ago.
“Tell mesomething that we
[don’t know]... we’ve heard it so
many times, we’rewaiting foritto
happen,” theresidentsaid.
Councillor David Croad, chairperson
of the housing for seniors
sub-committee, told LocalDemocracy
Reporting last Tuesday that
the council had determined years
agothatthe cost to remedy theunits
was“just notviable”.
Butthe councilhad also struggled
to justifydemolishing them.
Ademolition proposal was consideredin2020,
butthe unitswere
found tohave asbestos, which
substantially increased the cost of
demolition.
Anotherresident, RollandMauke,
said he was more concerned that
twopreviouslyoccupiedunits were
still vacant two months after the
previous tenant movedout.
“These ones areall inhabitable, so
people canliveinthere ...and they
don’tdoanything. It’s just sitting
empty,”hesaid.
“Wehavealotofpeoplecoming
through looking and asking because
people have problems with
gettingaccommodation.”
There were 26people onthe
waitlist for senior housing at the
endofJanuary.
David said the previous tenants
of thevacantunits hadbeenthere
forseveral years. Refurbishments
would need totake place before
theunits couldbere-let.
Without central government
funding, thecouncil couldnot afford
to buildnew units, he added.
FiveseniorhousingunitsinBlenheim’s AndrewPlaceseniorscomplexareslatedfordemolitionafterstanding
emptyfor almost10years. Photo: Kira Carrington/LDR
Thecouncil also typicallyrented
out its senior housing ataprice
lower than market rental rates,
so the income from those houses
wouldnot coverthe cost of buildingnew
homes.
But with the contractor market
currently “better than it’s been ...
post-Covid”, Davidsaidthe councilhad
decidednow wasthe time
to move forward with demolition
as “weshouldn’t just leavethemto
deteriorateany further”.
He said thecouncil hadnoplans
to sell the land, and had not
given uponredeveloping the
unitsaspartoftheir aspiration to
future-proof their senior housing
portfolio.
“We still have an eye onthe
future,[and] we’d love to do something
tomodernise, but none of
that is in play at this pointintime.”
Tendered offers were due to
close onJune 4with the council
expecting the demolition would
take place before the end ofthe
year.
LDR islocal body journalism
co-funded by RNZand NZ On Air.
Virtual After-hours
Primary Health Care 24/7
Marlborough Primary Health is partnering
with Practice Plus to provide virtual
afterhours health care inMarlborough 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
8
Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
Sun readershavetheir say... with theWORDonthe Street.
Matildathe Musicalopens tonight, if youcould seeany
musical in theworld what woulditbe?
KelsiTeeling,
Blenheim
Iwould go andsee Matildatosee
andcheer thelocal talent.
Broughttoyou by...
Debbie Webster
Franchise Owner Blenheim
SamTeeling,
Blenheim
I’ll choose Matildatosupport local.
Anna Casey,
Gold Coast
I’d love tosee Mama Mia for the
really cool atmosphere of this musical.
GedCasey,
Nelson
Isaw Cats afew years ago in
Auckland andIwould seeitagain
as it wasabsolutelysuperb!
To sell what you love, talk to someone
who loves whereyou live.
JanetCasey,
Nelson
I’d love tosee The Sound of Music.
We hadfourkidsand it brings
back some lovely memories as it
remindsmeofabig happyfamily.
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Allyourcommunity news
nowalsoonthe
Blenheim Sun Facebook page
Letters
Lettersonissuesofcommunity interest
arewelcomed. Amaximum of 150words
please.
They must be signed and astreet
address provided toshow good faith,
even when anom de plume isprovided
forpublication.
BeingSocial
Avery talented &lovely
whānau, apleasure working
with youall!
Michelle Lavender
Prayerstoall involved
and wishing
the person
on the mobility
scooter aspeedy
recovery.
DianeKirkwood
People crossing
DON’T look before
they walk,run,shuffle,
cycle, scooter,
mobility scooter
across.
ChristineBrown
to the editor
The editor reserves the right to
abridge letters or withhold letters from
publication.
Emailthemtonews@blenheimsun.co.nz
or presenttoour officeat72HighSt.
Please note that your name and street
addressMUSTbeprovidedwithemails.
Congratulationstothe Pinheiro family,
we wish youand allthe cast of Matildathe
Musicalthe very best foropening night.
So proudofyou guys.Awesome
family.Goodluckand
have fun.
BronwynBrown
Ihave amobility
scooterand Iget scared
to crossthe crossings...
seen afew near misses
myself!!! Ihope this
person is alright!!!
KaaraWalker
Great work Pinheiro
family
Drew Jelena Manson
Apersononamobilityscooter hasbeentaken to hospital
with moderate injuries afterbeing hitbyacar.
So sad toread this,
my friend got hit by a
carand shenever used
her mobility scooter
afterthat. it really gives
them such afright.
WendyReynolds
Indian Free Trade
Agreement
Dear Ed
Iamdeeply concerned at what
National,Act andLabourhavesigned
up to with the Indian Free Trade
Agreement. It is surprising that they
did not first discuss with Winston
Peters,who is theircoalition partner
and whose vast experience and
position as Foreign Minister could
have brought about abetter deal for
NewZealand.
Large scale immigration atatime
when our health system and infrastructure
are underenormousstrain
does not benefit either kiwis or
immigrants. Immigration,UNDRIP
and the Paris Climate Accords have
no place insuch anagreement. A
straight TradeAgreement wouldhave
been sufficient but why add these
clauses? It is surprising that David
Seymoursignedanagreement which
includes UNDRIP. How does this
line up with hisTreatyBill? Toolate
to backtracknow thedealissigned.
Thepublicdeservesafull explanation
as to how this will work for the
benefit of everyone.
June Auret
Marlborough
ArtDevine
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ART. DEVINE@NZSIR.COM
+6427481 3545
Proudly selling
Marlborough
Art brings aDevine eye for detail and athoughtful
and professional approach to every client relationship.
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to deliver refined strategy and outstanding results.
Each office is independently owned and operated. NZSIR Canterbury Limited (licensed underthe REAA 2008) MREINZ.
The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 9
New modelling shows reduced threat
Council’slatesthydrodynamic models
indicate areduced risk from predicted
sea level rise and coastal flooding in the
Lower Wairau Plain, thanks to improved
modelling techniques.
The Sea Level Rise Modelling and Lower
Wairau Hydrodynamic Assessment,
created by EarthSciences NZ (formerly
NIWA) for Council, marks asignificant
step forward in Marlborough’s climate
change adaptation efforts. Moving
beyond previous static, or ‘bathtub’,
models, the new modelling simulates
water interactions with river channels,
lagoons, stop banks, and coastal barriers,
providing amore accurate understanding
Chinese Ambassador visits
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic
of China to New Zealand His Excellency
Dr Wang Xiaolong has madehis first visit
to Marlborough, hosted by Mayor Nadine
Taylor.
Marlborough has ahighly successful sister
region relationship with Ningxia, China,
established in 2017.
MayorTaylor saiditwas her great
pleasure to host the Chinese
Ambassador.
“Asanexporting region it is important
Marlborough is outward looking and
internationallyconnected. Visits likethis
are awonderful opportunitytobuildon
our existing relationships and strengthen
our wine,tourism, people,and education
connections with China,”she said.
Council’sGroup Manager,Strategic
Management Neil Henry said the
purpose of the visitwas specifically to
showcase Marlborough’s wine industry
to the ambassador.“It provided achance
to update him on the success of the
Marlborough wine region partnership in
wine consultancy,winetechnology and
wine education.”
The ambassador was accompanied by
Consul General Madame He Ying who
hasvisited previously, along with Third
Secretary Wang from Chinese Embassy
inWellington and ViceConsul Cui and
Ferry consultation now open
of potentialflooding and supporting
better risk management and planning.
The assessment, reported to lastweek’s
Environment and Planning Committee,
shows that while the central and southern
WairauPlain remain vulnerable to even
minor sealevel rises,the potential
flooding is less widespread than
previously believed.
Thestudy also identifies where
overtopping of flood protection features
mightoccur and notes asignificant
increase in risk of 1.8 to 1.9 metres of
sealevelrise.Importantly,the modelling
confirms that coastal storms can elevate
river levels, emphasising the need
ChineseAmbassador Dr Wang Xiaolong
(left) and Consul General MadameHe
Ying duringtheir recent visit, with Mayor
Nadine Taylor andSaint ClairSenior
Winemaker Kyle Thompson
Vice Consul Li from Chinese Consulate in
Christchurch.
Saint Clair Family Estate Senior
Winemaker Kyle Thompson was one
of several in the hosting party and
spent acouple of hours describing the
winemaking process in the winery as well
as conducting atasting and vineyard visit.
for coordinated river and coastal
management.
Council will use the improved
information to inform policy,
spatial planning, consenting and
infrastructure investment, in line
with national guidance and adaptive
planning approaches.This work is
part of the Council’sClimate Change
and Adaptation Action Plan, initially
adopted in 2020 and recently updated
to steer Marlborough’s climate
initiatives through to 2028.
Council and Earth Sciences NZ
are also examining the potential
impacts of predicted sea-level rise
on groundwater levels in the Lower
Wairau Plain. Groundwater levels
are higher on the lowerplain, and
Council manages adrainage network
tokeep the levels low and support
land productivity.The results of this
investigation are also expected this
year.
Avideo of the committee presentation
and Earth Sciences report is available
on the Meetings sectionofCouncil’s
An indicative sample from thenew
simulatedSmart Maps
website.Updated information
including simulated SmartMaps will
be available on Council’swebsite later
this month.
For background information on
Council’sClimate Change and
Adaptation Action Plan, visit:
www.marlborough.govt.nz/
environment/climate-change
Public consultation is open until 19
May for the public to have their say
on whether Council should loan$110
million to Port Marlborough for its share
ofPicton’s infrastructure required for
the Government’sferry replacement
programme.
This week there are three ‘drop-in’style
public meetings at:
• Picton: Port Marlborough Pavilion, Wed
13 May,1-3pm
• Picton: Port Marlborough Pavilion, Wed
13 May,6-8pm
• Blenheim: Lansdowne Hub,Thu 14
May, 6-8pm
Representatives from Council, Port
Marlborough, Ferry HoldingsLtd and
Marlborough Roadswill be thereto
answer questions.
The online form is the quickest and
easiest waytomakeasubmission. Go to
links.marlborough.govt.nz/haveyoursay
10
Wednesday May 13, 2026
one on one
with the Sun
The Blenheim
Keeping calm
and carrying on
By PaulaHulburt
Pointing to the cover of his latest
book, Blenheim writer Ron Crosby,
is matter of fact as he revealsone of
the soldiers depicted was killed just
hoursafter thephoto wastaken.
Hisgazelingers on theglossyfront
cover, Corporal Douglas Grant,
captured foreverrunning towardsthe
BritishCouncil Compound as flames
took hold.
Keep Calm -Weare Coming: The
NZSAS inaction inAfghanistan,
2009–2021 is Ron’s tenth book.
The acclaimed historian and former
barrister gives an as-it-happened
account offour major engagements
undertaken by New Zealand special
forces (the NZSASregiment) during
deploymentsinAfghanistan.
“A VBIED had exploded,” Ron
explains, “and Corporal Grant was
runningstraighttowards theattacked
compound. Some hours later ashe
racedunder firetomakecontact with
aKiwi strike force outside toassist
in recovery of three British Council
civilians, he wassadly shot.”
After years of earning the trust
of New Zealand special forces and
operatorsand retellingtheir realities,
the vernacular ofwar comes easily
to Ron, as does his readily apparent
respectfor thoseheinterviewed.
The dedication atthe front ofthe
bookhas been made in memory and
recognition ofCorporal Grant who
died on 19 August 2011.Underneath
is another name, Lance Corporal
Leon Kristopher Smith, who along
with another NZSAS operator had
courageously entered over the high
wall compound and, despite being
underfire,recovered Dougie Grant.
“Heprovidedimmediate aidtoCorporalGrant,onlytobekilledhimself
afew weeks later, Ron explains.
While acknowledging the sadness,
Ronsayshis task is to help preserve
their memories; to acknowledge the
many acts of braveryand courage.
“Really, my role is just trying to
capture memories and feelings,” he
says.
Readers are taken onajourney
-fromthe attacksatthe Indian Guesthouse,
theIntercontinentalHotel and
the British Council in2010 -2011,
to the Kabul airport uplift ofKiwi
document holders.
Ron’swords pay tribute, simply in
the retelling, ofhow small, highly
trained teams saved many lives in
horrendously dangerous circumstances.
Histalentfor nuance perhapsunsurprisingfor
aretired barristerwho was
amember ofthe Waitangi Tribunal
for 13years. “Iread asmuch asI
couldabout theNZSAS,not that there
wasmuchinNew Zealandavailable,”
Ron explains. “I became aware that
physically andmentallytheyhad to be
outstandingcharacters, whichindeed,
they were.”
“Really, my role
is just trying to
capturememories
andfeelings”
Interviewing these NZSAS regiment
menand women, Ronneededto
establishtrust.“Thegreat majority of
initialinterviewswould be questions
coming my way asthey ascertained
what kind of blokeIwas,”Ron laughs.
“We’d find similar values and
asense of humour. Among their
[NZSAS] tenets are the pursuit of
excellence, anunrelenting sense of
discipline, humility and humour
which are all values Icertainly hold
in high regard.”
Ronwas admitted to theBar in 1971
aftergaining aBachelorofLawswith
HonoursfromAucklandUniversity.
In 2002 he formally retired asa
partner ofthe law firm Gascoigne
Wicks but continued asaconsultant
foranother fiveyears finally retiring
at the end of December 2007 to
concentrateonwriting.
Married toMargy, who is of Te
Rarawa/Te Aupouri descent, the
After years of research and interviews,
Blenheim based writer Ron
Crosby, has published his tenth
book, Keep Calm -Weare Coming:
TheNZSAS in action in Afghanistan,
2009–2021. Photo: PaulaHulburt
couple have threeadult children,
alleducatedinMarlborough,and
eightmokopuna.
With his latest book now published,Ron
hopestospend more
time in thebackcountryandwith
family,especiallyhis grandchildren.
“Margy always jokes that
if Iwant toget one ofthe grand
children to sleep, Ishould give
them oneofmybooks to read!”
Ron was engaged bythe NZ-
SASTrust.Seventy-five percent
of all proceeds made from the
book’s sale will go to theTrust.
Keep Calm -Weare Coming:
TheNZSAS in action in Afghanistan,
2009–2021 is available
in shops and online and can
be ordered through orders@
bookreps.co.nz
Vineyard Kitchen
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The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 11
ADVERTISEMENT
John Bertrand Collectables
Buying inBlenheim and Picton
Next Wednesday 20th May
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers
from Wellington company John Bertrand
Collectables are visiting Blenheim and Picton next
week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you
are downsizing or wanting to disposeofthings because
they no longerserve anypurpose to youoryour family
bring them in”. “Next week will be agreat opportunity
to have any items you want tosell assessed by our
buyers” said MrGrant. Particularly wanted are Gold
and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such
as Coins, Banknotes, War
Medals, OldWind-up Watches
and other interesting Small
Collectables.
“We are keen buyers,
especially ofthe items inthe
list below” said Mr Grant.
“Nothing is too small for our
consideration. We are just as
happy buying 1item aswe
are buying 1,000 items” he
said. The buyers will be in
Blenheim and Picton next
week. (see details below). As
Tony Grant points out “Ifyou
areindoubt about anyitems
you may wish to sell, bring
them along for an instant
appraisal.”
Mr Anthony (Tony)
W. Grant
Fellowofthe RoyalNumismatic
Society of NewZealand Incorporated
Director and Buyer
John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd
Author of the John Bertrand
NZ Coin &Banknote Catalogue
Gold &Silver
At Very High
Prices
Overthe last couple
of years, we have
seen a sharp increase
in the price of precious
metals. The gold price in New Zealand
is still at historically high levels. So, gather
up all your unwanted items and make an
appointment to see the buyers. Tony Grant
says “We can buy gold items in all forms,
including Jewellery(Rings,Chains,Brooches
etc.), Coins (Sovereigns and the like),
Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything,
even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling
Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery
and OldCoins”hesaid.
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
Early New Zealand Banknotes dated
before 1932 are currently fetching
big money! This is according to Mr Tony
Grant, author of the John Bertrand New
Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue.
Mr Grant is in Blenheim and Picton
next week on a buying trip for John
Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would
be very keen to see any of these issues.
“We will pay at least $300 for any
undamaged TenShilling or One Pound
Interesting Small
Collectables Wanted
The buyers from John Bertrand
(Collectables) Ltd, visiting Blenheim
and Picton next week, are happy tolook
at any interesting items, for example
vintage pocket and wristwatches such as
Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold
watches etc. Also wanted, pre1950’spicture
postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old
fountain pens and other small antique or
historical items.
“If you have something unusual which
you would like tosell, please bring it into
one of our venues, we would like the
chance to at least have alook at it” said
Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We
will consider anything which may be of
interest toacollector” hesaid.
banknote from a New Zealand trading
bank dated 1932 or before.
Denominations of five pounds and
higher would be worth from $700. “Any
banknote dated prior to1900 would be
worth at least $1000” said MrGrant.
Also purchased are any Reserve Bank
of New Zealand pre-decimal issues,
especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas
banknotes are also wanted, especially
early Pacific Island issues.
C
D
Collectors Need WarMedals
urrently, throughout NZ and the world there isabig
demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all
wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and
the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the
later KoreaandVietnam conflicts.New Zealand Servicemen
and Women first served overseas in the Boer WarinSouth
Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this
service are needed by the buyers, asare any other Medals
from earlyNew Zealand and the NewZealand Wars.
General service medals from both the First and Second
World Wars willalsobepurchased, but as can be imagined
these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If agroup
of medals has any special award for bravery such asthe
MilitaryMedal,MilitaryorFlying Cross or other medalsfor
Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can
add great value toagroup” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer
for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have
old medals, some dating back toearly Imperial days, that
they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in
the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will
be happy tolook at any war medals whatsoever, just bring
them in to venues”hesaid.
OldCoins CanTossUpaRarity
oyou have abunch of old coins sitting around in
your drawers and cupboards? Youjust never know
what rarities may be lurking there.The advice from Tony
Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to
“bring them inand let ushave alook”. “No need to sort
anything out just bring them in‘as is’ and please don’t
clean them! We can go through coin accumulations
and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are
particularly keen to purchase pre-1946 New Zealand
Silver Coins and World Silver Coins.“In any event we will
buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.
JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) ARE BUYING NOW!!
OLD GOLD
•Unwanted Jewellery or Broken Rings
•Gold Chains
•Gold Watch Cases
•Alluvial (River) Gold
•Dental Gold
•Gold Coins
•Gold Racing &Trophy Cups
COINS
•All Gold &Silver Coins
•Gold Sovereigns
•Gold Half Sovereigns
•NZSilver Coins 1946 &Before
•Also wanted NZ &World Coins after 1946
•Australian Silver Coins to 1963
•English Silver Coins to 1946
•NZ1935 “Waitangi Crown”
•USA Coins up to 1964
•Old Collections &Accumulations of World Coins
•Modern Collector’s Coins &Sets
•NZReserve Bank Sets
*No Pennies or Halfpennies Please*
BANKNOTES
•NZ&Australian “Trading Bank”Notes pre1932
(e.g. Bank of New South Wales, Bank of NZ etc)
•Reserve Bank of NZ Pre-Decimal Notes
•Any £20, £50 or £100 Notes
•Hong Kong &Malayan Banknotes
•Australian Pre Decimal Notes
•Australian “Star” Notes
•Early Fijian and Samoan Banknotes
•NZTraders Promissary Notes (1840s)
•NZGovernment Debentures
•NZBanknotes overprinted for
use inFiji, Cook Islands etc
•Postal Notes
•All other World Banknotes
WE WANT
TO BUY –
CASH-IN
NOW
GOLD &SILVER
•Racing Cups
•A&P Show Cups
•Sports Cups
•Presentation Keys &Trowels
•Show Pieces
•Sterling Silver Tea Sets
•Sterling Silver Cutlery
•Scrap Gold &Silver
*No EPNS or Silver Plated items Please*
WRIST &POCKET WATCHES
•Gold &Silver Pocket Watches
•Any Rolex Watches
•Omega Gents Watches
•Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron &
Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches
•Moon Phase Watches
•Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist)
•Military Watches
•Divers Watches
•All other pre 1950s wind up watches
(parts value only)
*No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*
TOKENS
•NZ&Australian “Tradesmen’s” Tokens
•NZTransportation Tokens
•Railway Passes
•Tram Tokens (not Dunedin Tramways)
•Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens
•Bread Tokens
•Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc
•Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand
COLLECTABLES
•Albums &Accumulations of Pre 1920s Postcards
(used or unused)
•Old Fountain Pens
•Small Chinese &Japanese Antiques
•Maori &Pacific Artefacts
No item too small for
our consideration
JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) LTD
OUR BUYERS ARE IN YOUR AREA
NEXT WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY
REDWOODTOWN
Wed 20 May
Community Centre Hall,
Corner Weld &Cleghorn Streets
9amto10.30 am
WAR MEDALS ETC
•The New Zealand Wars &Boer War Medals
•1st World War Medals
•2nd World War Medals, Stars etc
•Orders and Decorations
•Korea &Vietnam Medals
•Antarctic orother Polar Medals
•Fire Brigade Medals
•Lodge Medals
•Shooting Medals
•Military Badges and all other
Military Medals
•Gold returning Fob Medalsor“Tokens of Honour”
from residents of small town New Zealand
HISTORICAL MEDALS
•A&P Show- Gold, Silver &Bronze Medals
•Commemorative Medals &Medalets
•Prize Medals (Gold &Silver)
•Sports Medals (Gold &Silver)
•Life Saving Medals
•Shipwreck Medals
•Coronation Medals
•etc, etc, etc
BLENHEIM
Wed 20 May
St Andrew’s Church Hall,
5Henry Street
11.30 am to 1pm
John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited
T: 04 232 9832 •E:info@bertrand.co.nz
Level 1Harcourt’s Building, 215 Main Road,
Tawa, Wellington 5028
PO Box 323, Wellington 6140
PICTON
Wed 20 May
Holy Trinity Church Hall,
Nelson Square
John Bertrand The Trusted Name In Numismatics Since 1965!
2pmto3.30 pm
NO
APPOINTMENT
NECESSARY
Please note: If you sell
anything to us, suitable ID is
required. Please also bring
your bank account details
for the deposit of funds for
larger purchases.
Membersofthe Australasian Numismatic
DealersAssociation and the New Zealand
Numismatic Dealers Association
12 Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
Teddyand Train Family
FunDay
Teddies galore, miniature train rides and
some very happychildrenmadeNurture@
HomeMarlborough’sannualTeddyandTrain
Family FunDay ahuge success.
The sun shone and there were plenty of
smilesand gigglesaschildren, families and
carers gathered last Tuesday atBlenheim’s
Brayshaw Park.
From teddythemedcookies andentertainment,crafts,stalls,andameetandgreetwith
Betsythe Bear,there waslotstokeeppeople
of allagesentertained.The miniaturetrain
rideswereapopular attraction,withplenty
ofyoungstersmakingthemostofthechance
foraride.
Photos:Paula Hulburt
Arlo Dowling with his rabbit
Floppy at Nurture atHome’s
teddybearpicnic.
ABOVE: Hazel with her Paw Patrol
bear.
LEFT: Olivia andKimberly.
Kate Reedy-Webb andson Alex with Jess thedog at theteddy
bear’s picnic.
Karcin andEsmefromKidzKindy at thepicnic.
Emilla Downey with herChristmas Bear.
ABOVE: NurtureatHomeminiature trainridetreat.
LEFT: GraceYeardleyatthe picnic.
The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 13
M a r l b o r o u g h
14 Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
CommunityLaw Marlborough
Te Ture Umanga mō te IwiWhānui
P: 03 577 9919 |0800 266 529
www.commlawmarlb.org.nz
14 Market Street,Blenheim
Proud to supportHospiceAwareness
Hospice
Awareness Week - May 11-17
RAising AWAReness...
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is not a
building; it is
aphilosophy
of care
“Most peopledon’tknowabout Hospice until
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after 5pm on weekdays, all day at
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phone your General Practice and
you will beconnected with ahealth
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about your symptoms
and help book
an appropriate
appointment.
Phone 03 520 6200
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www.marlboroughpho.org.nz
Proud tosupport
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Awareness Week
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Lexie’sLife
Hellomylovelies.
It is all very exciting now with Hospice
AwarenessWeekwellunderway.Goodthing
I’ve been here tokeep aneyeoneveryoneand
pointapaw in theright direction.Idon’t know
howthey’dmanagewithout me!
Allthishardworkcertainly makesagirl a
bitpeckish butpleasedon’t fret,Imake sure
toshowuplikeclockworkeverydaytocollect
my treats.These lovely people whoworkso
hard wouldbedisappointedifIdidn’tshowup
formyregular rounds of yummies!
Anyhow,backtoAwareness Week,it’sall
happening here. Throughout this week we
have more lovely volunteers out and about
across the region collecting donations and
sellingraffle tickets.
Ilovethe chance to winaprize andthere
are plenty onoffer, from beauty vouchers
to massagetherapy.Now,obviously Idon’t
need abeauty voucher, it’s hard toimprove
on perfection,orshouldthatbepurrfection,
butamassagesoundslikesomething abusy
girl like me couldbenefitfrom.
Our Open Day is today, Wednesday,
and everybody iswelcome. Come along to
Hospice Marlborough at Gate 2, Hospital
Road and meet some ofthe team, find out
what services and care weprovide and
discover more about volunteering. There’ll
alsobeburgers!Thekind-heartedcrewfrom
Rapid Relief will beselling their legendary
burgersand coffees, with allproceedsbeing
donated toushere atthe Hospice. Yum…
burgers.
Proud tosupport
HosPice AwAreness
Sausages are also afavourite subject of
mine and tomark the end ofour special
Awareness Week wewill beholding a
sausagesizzleatBunningsonSunday17May.
Such abounty ofdeliciousness, Ican smell
them now. Ihopesomeone savesmeabit;I’m
boundtobebusykeeping theteamontrack.
I’ve been keeping mypaws busy, helping
prep for our wonderful Fabric-a-brac
event. Even though it is in July, westill
need donations. Think anything sewing and
fabric, ifyou’re having aclean out and find
things you nolonger need inthe sewing
department,dropthemtoour HospiceShop
in RedwoodtownorPictonand just mention
it is for Fabric-a-brac. Mention that Lexie
sent you, you’ll be well looked after.
This eventisheldonSaturdayJuly18from
10am-1pm at Connect Blenheim (corner
of Beaver Road and High Street). There’ll
be fabric galore, plus food (more food!) and
Baristacoffeefor sale.
Speaking of drinks, and while I’m not old
enough to partake, Imusttellyou aboutan
incredible collaboration wehave launched,
with RootsDry Gin.
This hasbeenaworkinprogress, andwe
aresoexcited to have it offthe ground.Iam
litereally rubbingmylittlepawstogetherin
glee!WehavejoinedwithRoots to produce
aLimited Release Hospice Marlborough
RootsDry Gin, anditisnow forsale. Head
to theHospice MarlboroughFacebook page
or websitetofind thelinkand you’ll be able
to purchase yourstoday.
Chartered Accountant
Proudly supporting
Hospice AwAreness
• Kitchens
• Laundries
• Wardrobe
systems
• Storage
• Custom
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• Internal doors
We offer awide range of
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For more information on how our expertise
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For expert design and service
Showroom 19 Nelson St, Blenheim
5784 788 | www.2dayzkitchens.nz
Ph 03 579 1173
212 Howick Rd, Witherlea
www.adraccounting.co.nz
The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 15
Hospice
Awareness Week - May 11-17
Hospice
is not a
building; it is
aphilosophy
of care
RAising AWAReness...
“Most peopledon’tknowabout Hospice untilsomeone they loveneeds theirservices”
Each purchase supports vital specialist care in
our community, offering comfort, dignity, and
compassiontothosewhoneeditmost.When
youshare thisginwithfriendsandwhnau,
you’re not just raising aglass, you’re
honouring the present, celebrating
meaningful connections, andgiving
back to theplace we call home.
We’rethrilledabout working
withRootsandareverygrateful
forall thesupport.Havealook
at thelabel andsee if youcan
spot afamiliarand,dareIsay it,
beautiful face.
Well, that’s it for this
month, please support us
this Awareness Week, every
donation helpsuscarefor people
in ourcommunity whoneedusthe
most. Oh,did Imention theburgers?
Andsausages….?
Untilnexttime, stay gorgeous,
Love Lexie
Stuart Smith
MP forKaikōuraElectorate
Proudtosupport Hospice
AwarenessWeek
Blenheim Office
22 ScottStreet
Ph 03 5793204
Authorised by Stuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
16
Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
ABOVE: Godwitsabout to land.
LEFT: Pied Stilts wading in theshallows.
Havelock Lions new
Bird Viewing Hide
Awatershed eventinthe history
of Havelock Lions transpired
on 28 April, 2026. Wehad done
all the preliminary work for the
project tobuild aBird Viewing
Hide, consulted on the best site
on the Marina Mole, got all the
consents we needed andthanksto
Anna Bensemann who prepared
theapplication,havethe Resource
Consent. We were ready tohold
apublic information meeting
to seek the consent Havelock’s
consenttogiftHavelockwiththe
Bird Viewing Hide. This is to be
our 60 th birthday present toour
community.
Our President, Siobhan Skinner
outlined ourreasons forthe build:
•Itwillenhance locals’interest
when they use this popular
walk, enabling them tosit for
afew minutes and enjoy the
panorama before them.
•Itwillbeapoint of interest for
visitors to Havelock if it is well
advertised and sign boards
refurbished.
•Itwill offer schools the opportunity
to bring classes to the
Mole to observethe bird life.
The enthusiastic listeners also
heard from Trish and Linton
Brown. Trish spoke of the 25
different varietiesofbirds shehad
seen at the site, and David Lightfoot,the
architectexplained that it
will be establishedadjacenttothe
public walkway. Access from the
track will bevia atimber ramp/
boardwalk into the structure.
It will serve afunctional need
to facilitate birdwatching over
Marlborough Sounds and will
contribute to theenjoyment of this
public area.
It will be establishedonpiles and
will be in dark recessivecolours so
will notlimit peoples’ enjoymentof
the immediate area and hopefully
will addtoit.
TomLennon, thePropertyManager
at Port Marlborough confirmedPortMarlborough’s
support
forthe Hide andAnnaBensemann
also spoke.
Therewas spontaneousapplause
when Heather Graham, the Small
TownsProject Managerannounced
that theCouncil hadmadeagrant
of $25,000 from the Small Towns
Projects fund towardsthe $69,000
cost of theproject.Later an anonymous
donor donated afurther
$10,000oncondition that theHide
wasbuilt by Labour Weekend.
Donationsare welcomed andcan
be paid to LionsClubofHavelock
Charitable Trust
38-9027-0025006-00
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The Blenheim
SpeAK up, STAnd TOgeTher, STOp bullying!
Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora
Pink shirt day
Friday 15 May 2026
Thinkingpink andmakingpositivechange
By PaulaHulburt
Wednesday May 13, 2026 17
DaViD Boon
accountant Limited
69 Cleghorn St, Blenheim |027 579 3341
Part of the Redwoodtown Village
david@dbaccountant.co.nz
Proud to support
Pink Shirt Day
Proudly supporting Pink Shirt Day
marlborough
taxis
2022ltd
03
577 5511
The anti-bullying message isgetting
throughbut more stillneeds to be done.
MarlboroughYouth Trustisgearing up to
mark Pink ShirtDay on Friday 15 May, with
memberssteppinguptohelp.
Manager Maxine Sweeny says while she
believes celebratingdiversity andinclusivity
is helping, the battle against bullies isstill
ongoing.
“It’s sometimes asurvival mechanism,”
shesays. “Ifyou do it [bullying] to someone
first then there’s the mindset that itwon’t
happen to me.
“The minute youdon’t fit into thebox,you
suddenly become targeted.”
Pink ShirtDay is aboutreducingbullying
by celebratingdiversity in allits formsand
supporting schools, workplaces, and communities
to be safe,supportive, welcoming,
andinclusive.
It is aday Aotearoa comestogethertotake
astand againstbullying. Runbythe Mental
Health Foundation of NewZealand (MHF-
NZ), thecampaignstarted in 2012.
Youth worker, mentor and coach Lee
Tepuia says it’s important that people are
accountable for their actions, especially
thosetargeting others.
“You need to keep people accountableas
to why they’re being abully. Youneed to
talk with them andfind outwhy.
“To me, if someone’s being abully and
Marlborough Youth Debate presents
CommonGround,agenerational debate on
May22, 2026,atMySpace on 18 Kinross
Street from 6pmto7.30pm. Live Qand A
sessionand free snacks.Opentoall.
AGardenofVoices
Monday to Friday at MySpace. Open to
all youth in the community from 3pm to
5pmorother timesbyarrangement.
Youth Week 2026 T-ShirtDesignComp:
TheMarlboroughYouth Trustteamare hoping forplentyofpinkshirtsonshowinthe
communityastheygearuptomarktheannual anti-bullyinginitiative.Photo: PaulaHulburt.
finding someonetotakeitout on that shows
alack ofawareness. It’s about recognition
andthe thoughtprocess aboutwhy they are
doingit. It comesfromsomewhere,but they
can’talwayssee where.”
Marlborough Youth Trust are not only
highlighting Pink ShirtDay butalsogearing
up to celebrate Youth Week 2026 with a
T-shirtdesigncompetition andagenerational
debate.
Membersofthe MarlboroughYouth Debate
Club will be pitting their oratory skills
againstapanelofinvited speakers,including
Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith, Labour Party
candidate Matt Flight and Marlborough
Boys’College PrincipalJarrodDunn.
Submit adesign that issimple, high contrastand
embodiesthe theme“Ourvoices
matter and wedeserve to be heard –Taringawhakarongo!
Ki te reoongā taiohi!”
Join the Pink Shirt Day movement to
Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, MauriTū, Mauri
Ora –Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop
Bullying!
Manager Marlborough Youth Trust
Maxine Sweeney
They’remixingthingsup, Maxine explains,
whichshouldmakefor aheateddebate.
“We’re going tospin itaround with the
adults arguingfromthe youthpoint of view
andthe youthtakingheadult side.”
As part of widerYouth Week celebrations,
MYTare also encouragingyoung adults to
leavetheir mark.AGarden of Voices mural
needsartists to addapersonal touch, Maxine
explains.
“Itcould be aflower –anythingthatrepresentsyourpersonality
andvoice.”
www.marlboroughtaxis.nz
Proudly supporting
Pink
Shirt
Day
Together we create aculture
of kindness andrespect
Phone 03 578 0119
5Stephenson Street,Blenheim
Free call
0800 733 843
Proud tosupport
Pink Shirt Day
at Women’srefuge, we providethe
support andinformation youneed
when dealingwithfamily violence in
yourlife. Oursexualviolencecrisis
support specialists areavailable 24/7
forwomen.
Getintouch (03) 577 9939
Proudtosupport
Pink ShirtDay
121MahersRd, Kaituna
Ph 027519 8282
www.davidwraightcottages.co.nz
Stuart Smith
MP forKaikōuraElectorate
Proudtosupport
Pink ShirtDay!
Blenheim Office
22 ScottStreet
Ph 03 5793204
Authorised by Stuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
18 Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
Mother’s Day Competition
it’s official, Marlborough
mums are the best!
Ahugethank youtoeveryonewho wroteinand emailedustotelluswhy they love theirmumssomuch.
Fromplaying boardgames to readingstories andsteppinginwhentimes aretough,our mums are
always therefor us.Wehad so many wonderfulmessages, pickingour winnerswas no easy task!
Aheartfelt thankyou to allwho took thetimetowrite andcongratulations to ourprize winnersand to
ourgenerousadvertisers,you helped make Mother’s Dayextra specialthisyear.
AndrewSilvawrotehow hismumwasthebest
becauseshegave himlotsofcuddles,winning
heraspecial Lottoprize pack from Redwood
Village Lotto and some delicious Makana
Confectionstreats.
Izzy Morton from MayfieldSchooltoldusabout herlovelymum,Mel,
whohelps herwhenshe gets sad, givesher lots of cuddlesand support.
Izzy’s beautifullettersaw hermumwinagenerousgiftbasketfromFour
Square Spring Creek.
Iasamina Ifopo wrote to tell us how her mum Rebecca is
fantastic, terrificand awesome, tuckingher in at nightwith
love in hereyes. Iasamina’s beautifulletterwon hermum a
gorgeouscollectionofgoodies from Cerise,
Laura Layton, pictured here with mum
Sharon and son Thomas, won her mum a
portrait sessioncourtesyofHelen Nickisson
Photography after telling us how her mum
wasalwaysthere forher,helping hertolearn
to sparkleagain.
AmiraIeremia,picturedherewith
brother Nico, told us how good
her mum is at readings stories
and that she was the best mum
in the world, winning her mum
avoucher for the very delicious
goodiesatBocky BooGelato.
FlorencePorter’s wonderfullywrittenletter
praisedhermumHeatherforherkindness,
yummy foods and how much she loves
Heather, winningagenerousvoucherfrom
Blenheim’s BockyBoo Gelato.’
When Wade Williswrote abouthis wife Stephanie,
he gave plenty of heartfelt reasonswhy sheshould
winabeautifulgifthamperfromUnichemPharmacy
in Springlands. Stephanie, who lives with chronic
illness, cares for the couple’s non-verbal, autistic
daughter andher love,strengthand dedication to
thefamilynever waivers.
A BIG THANK YOU THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO
HELPED MAKE OUR MOTHER’S DAY COMPETITION A SUCCESS!
spring creek
Redwood
Lotto
The Blenheim
Wednesday May 13, 2026 19
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20 Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
local cleaning experts
proud to bring you this puzzle page
CROSSWORD
450
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1to9.
WORDBUILDER
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11
350
A O T
T P E
12 13 14
15 16 17
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 18 Excellent 24
18
19 20 21 22
23 24
25 26
Across
7. Starving (8)
9. Racquet sport(6)
10. Demeanour (4)
11. Overstate(10)
12. Smoothly(music) (6)
14. Reprimand (8)
15. Code (6)
16. Elude (6)
19. Tedious (8)
21. Remorseful (6)
23. Restriction(10)
24. Spurn(4)
25. Syndicate (6)
26. Ragged, worn (8)
Decoder
Down
1. Deep gorge (6)
2. Zealous (4)
3. Solitary(8)
4. Mark of disgrace (6)
5. Curry favour (10)
6. Aversion (8)
8. Position (6)
13. Recognise withgratitude (10)
15. Vital(8)
17. Power(8)
18. Illustrate (6)
20. Prophet (6)
22. Loan shark(6)
24. Search (4)
Crossword
Across: 7. Ravenous, 9.Tennis, 10. Mien, 11.Exaggerate, 12. Legato, 14.
Chastise, 15. Cipher, 16. Escape, 19. Tiresome, 21. Rueful, 23. Limitation,
24. Shun, 25. Cartel, 26. Tattered.
Down: 1. Ravine, 2. Keen, 3. Lonesome, 4. Stigma, 5.Ingratiate, 6.
Distaste, 8. Stance, 13. Appreciate, 15. Critical, 17. Strength, 18. Depict,
20. Oracle, 22. Usurer, 24. Seek.
WordBuilder
Ape, apt, ate, atop, eat, eta, oat, opt, pat, pate, pea, peat, pet, poet, pot,
tap, tape, tat, tea, TEAPOT, teat, toe, top, tot, tote.
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
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The Blenheim
MarlboroughFarmer’sMarket
Mother’s DayMarket
Mother’s Day was full of sunshine and smiles asfamilies
madethemostofthebeautifuldayvisitingtheMarlborough
Farmer’sMarketand RootsGin ShackatVines Village.
Photos Anne Gaelle.
Out&
...with The Sun
your localpaper
Wednesday May 13, 2026 21
AbOut
Have an event?
Contact035777 868
Lisa andMaisieWilliamswith herhandpainted pot.
Autumn,Darcy andLaura Dalziel.
Lisa Pearce with hermum WendyGamble.
Kael,KC, Richel andKaela Meneses.
Lainiana andIowaneVasole.
Gabrielle Pedersen from Little Faces painting with Raphaella
Scott-Villacroux.
ClaireMcCullochandBenLeggett,ownerofRootsGin.
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Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
Lets
'
Chat
• Areyou adog or catperson?
Dog.
• What’s your favourite snack?
Chocolatefondue with apples,bananaand strawberries.
• What wouldyou buyifmoney wasnoobject?
Ahouse with aview, swimming pool, suana and spa, and a
personal chef.
• Celebrity-wise whowould be at your dream
dinner party?
Notreallyacelebrity butStevenBartlettfromthe Diaryofthe
CEO. Ituneintohis podcasts alot.
• Savouryorsweet?
Savoury.
with
SarahLee Whyte
Hairstylist&FounderofSirah Hair Studio,
parttimecellardoorhost&tourguide
• Theshopyou can’twalkpastis...?
IKEA -sogladit’sfinallyinNZ.
• If youcould boardaplanetomorrowwhere
wouldyou go?
JapanorItaly.
• What’s thebestthing youcan cook?
Creamy mushroom,chicken andleekpasta.
• Areyou amorning person or anight owl?
Nightowl.
• What’s your favourite colour?
Lilacpurple.
• If youhad to choose anotherjob what woulditbe?
Real Estate Agent.
• What is your favouriteplace forcoffee or lunch?
My house forcoffee andmymum’s placefor lunch.
gardening this week
Leaves androbbers: By WallyRichards
Iwas asked byareader recently
what is best waytouse leaf fall from
deciduoustrees whichishappening
rightnow.
In the past, people that had small
woodlotswould make achicken wire
hammockstrungbetween twotrees
at waisthigh.
They wouldgatherthe fallen leaves
in autumn and place them into the
hammock.
Theretheywould be left to ageand
change to ‘leaf mould’, avaluable
gardening nutrient and growing
medium.
The best method toutilise fallen
leaves is to collectand spread over an
area of lawn whereitdoesnot matter
with arotary lawn mower, catcher
on, run over the leaves chopping
them andthe grassup.
Stuff the collected material into
black plastic rubbish bags while
spraying it with Mycorrcin asyou
go.
Also sprinkling calciumhydroxide
over thematerialasyou stuff thebag.
Once full tie offthe bag and then
with anail punch alot of little
holes all over the bag to aerate the
contents.
Standthe bags in asunny situation
andevery week or twoliftthe bags
andgivethemashake.
Thematerialinsidewillbebreaking
down and rewarding you with
rich leaf mould to use inyour
containers or gardens.
It is free,doesnot take much time,
and the result is some of the best
growing medium you could ever
hope for.
Now for our other topic which I
have called ‘Robbers’ in that plants,
shrubs andtrees will stealgoodness
youapply anywhere near them.
Raised gardens sitting on the
ground will be ruined by trees that
are many metres away asthey find
outabout your createdfertile raised
garden.
Howtheyfind outisfromthe Mycorrcin
fungithatattachthemselves
to thetree’sroots andspreadout over
great distances gathering food and
moisture to feed thetree’sroots for
exchangeofcarbohydrates.
This wonderful relationship betweenplantsand
fungican increase
the plant’sgathering zone by 800%.
NowwhenalotofMycorrcin bring
goodness from acertain area, the
plantsaysthere must be agoldmine
of food over thereand Iwantmore.
So feeder rootsare sent outinthat
directionand once at thesourcethey
multiply into amassoffibrousfeedingroots
filling theareatowithina
fewcentimeters of thetop of thesoil.
Your raised garden is afteraseason
uselesstogrowany qualityvegetables
andmostifnot allthe nutrients
arestollen.
The offending plant will have
grown much bigger thanks toyour
efforts.
Thus any raised garden must be
placedonaconcrete padabout 5-6
cm thick.
Butonthe otherhand, we canuse
apileofgoodness to benefit aplant
or tree bymaking arich source of
goodness next to whereitisgrowing.
An email this week from my
friends at Land of the Lotus in
Whangarei (https://landofthelotus.
nz/) prompted me to write onthis
aspect.
The email said: Thanks for your
informative newsletter asalways,
butIwouldsuggest youtry heavily
mulchingupyourbananas forwinter.They
are one ofthe few plants
that can benefit from agood thick
pile oflawn clippings etc infact
as Ialways say, treat them like a
compostheap!
The heat generated helps keep
them growing, and they are gross
feeders. For the home garden, the
best way ofplanting bananas is to
create ashallow pitand around the
raisedlip plantthe bananasleaving
anorthfacingopening foraccess.
Fill the pit with all your garden
waste and watch those bananas
grow.It’scalledabanana circle and
is ahandy wayofhidingyourcompost
heap andmakinggreat fruit.
Cheers andkeepupthe good work
that frostprotectionstuffisworking
well!
Ihaveseveral varietiesofbananas
Ihave purchased from Land of
The Lotus growing in100 litre
containers made from 200 litre
plasticdrums cutinhalfplusanother
banana growing nearby inopen
ground.
If you have alook onTradeMe
for empty 200 litre drums for sale
you may find some inyour neck
of the woods selling from $25.00
upwardswhich makesthemacheap
long-lasting containerfor bananasor
fruittrees when cutinhalf.
Bananas Isee can be grown in
most areas ofNew Zealand with a
care against frost damage by using
Wallys Spray onFrost Protection
monthly while frosts are apossibility.
Even damaged byfrost Ihave
foundtheywillrecover andproduce
more pups. Incontainers Isimply
add chicken manure to the top of
the growing medium along with a
bit ofFruit and Flower power now
andthen.
Apastuse of kitchenscrapswas to
digatrench in thevegetable garden
andplace thescrapsintoone endof
thetrench, covering over as yougo
till thetrenchisfull.
Then plant vegetables ontrench
soil and start another trench alongside.
Agreat and easy way of using
kitchen scraps tobest advantage.
Alittlehydratedlimeapplied occasionally
as youfill.
So to usethe method of ourfriends
from Land of The Lotus youcould
say out from afruit tree, berry
fruiting or citrus;bythe drip line dig
aholeand putall your kitchenscraps
andorganic wasteintothe hole as a
feeder source forthem.
Likewise on vines such asgrape
and passion fruit all heavy feeders
make aholeabout half ametre from
thetrunk anddispose of thewastes
into that.
All good stuff and free which is
even better.
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The Blenheim
Overstayers
I’ve only just learned that wehave approx
20,000 overstayers inNew Zealand. Omg. If
they arenot prepared to leaveontheir own
accord,thentheyneedtoberemoved.
Speeding
Ioften come roundthe corner by Lansdowne
Park onto New Renwick Road, which is now
50km all the way past Summerset, only to
have othervehiclescomeroaring up behind
me because they still want to do 70km. The
speedlimit waschangednearly4years ago!
Allfor CliffordBay relocation
Looking sensibly tothe future, the ferries
should locate to Clifford Bay where there is
roomto grow.Shorterdistance, less time/fuel/
emissionsfor most heavyinter island freight.
SH1roadconditionwouldbeimproved(think
Weld’s Passandthosebigtrucks).Basically,less
stress on everything andeveryone. Picton will
becomeabeautifultouristholiday destination
withoutuglyfreight andvehicle hassles.
Toofar left
If it wasn’t bad enough for TV1 news and
Breakfast tobepolitically biased, then what
aboutbringinginanother frontpersonwho
was aflat mate of aformer PMnow living
overseas?About timeTVNZ CEOwas replaced
with someonewho canstayinthe centre of
politics. Nowonder their ratings are hitting
rock bottom.
So-calledfuelshortage
Amazingeverything slowly butsurelycreeping
up. Watch what won’t come down after
the so-called fuel shortage. But note all the
nice newutesand vehicles that belong to the
companies. Also note theamountbeing used
on weekends. Great perks for workers. not
good forconsumers.
txt talk with
Defecating doginmydriveway, Pitchill Street
Whose-everdog it is,pleasedon’t letituse my driveway as itstoilet.
Imightbetempted to leaveitagiftofchocolate.
QueenStreetbirdpoo
Aftergoing into theMDC office andemailing
photos of themessonthe QueenStcrossing, I
am pleasedtosee that this area hasnow been
cleaned. Iwas told it is thejob of Marlborough
Roads to keep ourstreets clean. It wouldbe
nice to know whythisisnot doneonaregular
basisinstead of requiringacomplain to have
acceptable standard of presentation of our
town centre forbothlocalsofvisitorstoenjoy.
Re:Afarcry
Totallyagree,the CTIcontestantslive in luxury
comparedtoSurvivorcontestants.OnSurvivor
they need their wits about them and don’t
seem to have so many crying festivalseither.
Re:Redwood Street reseal
Totallyagree.ConsideringuptilnowRedwood
Streethasmostlyhadgoodworkcompletedin
thepast, this lotleavesalot to be desired. Like
goingoverjudder bars now. What happened
to rollingitflat oreventakingprideinthework
youdo? Notproud of that!
Abig thank youtoLaser
Electrical
Thetwo ladies at FrontDesk,awelcome smile
andchat.Thejobwasnotaneasyoneforthem
butweare elated to have it allgoing again.
MAGA mistake
Sadly I’ve succumbed to what Blenheim is
notedfor,talking aboutpeoplewhenthey’re
absentfromtheir club.
Living in Blenheim for awhile now and a
member at alocal club,lastFridayIjoinedthe
club of divulgers,which ItoldmyselfIwould
neverbecome.
Idivulgedthatthisone member wasaDonald
Trumpsupporter,I’m nowhoping my selfishness
will noteffect theirclubmembership.
The Sun
Love thyneighbour
Thanks, whinging neighbours, you wonder
why your rates are through the roof? You
wasted 10 MDCman hours moaningabout a
fire. Theoutcome is notwhatyou wouldlike
buttoo bad, we areheretostay.
Re:PublicHoliday needed for
ANZACDay
Personally,myanswerisYES.Evenifitfalls on
theweekend. Some people arestill working
andwouldappreciateaday offwithfamilyand
friendstorememberthe people whoserved.
I, myself am retired and still feel it’s agreat
ideahavingthe extraday to observe. Plus,it
givespeopleachancetogoawayfor acouple
of days break.
WhaleTrail
Iagreethatthecycletraillooksgoodandcould
bean assettoour region.Willbeinteresting to
seewhatlevel of useitreceivesfromnow on
to evaluate whetherall thetimeand money
spentwas worthwhile.
News
Ihavetoagreewith thepersoncongratulating
our free papers, particularly this one the
‘Sun’, afterthe MarlboroughExpress stopped
printing paper newspapers, you guys have
filledinthatgap.
Very proudofyou,and grateful.
Morning news presenter
Howcan we getthatawful female presenter
off TVOne. It is justas well we have radionews
andgoodpresentersinthe evening. Nobody I
speaktolikes herbut Chrisisgreat.
Just curious!
If ourcouncil is spending heapsofour money
on upgrading sewer lines everywhere atno
extracosttoaffected properties,Iwonder if
they wouldconsiderdoing thesamefor our
non-existingsewerlineonNewRenwick Road
at Burleigh.Iholdmybreathwithtongue in
cheek.
Wednesday May 13, 2026 23
Talk of theweek
Grateful
Very grateful to NewWorld
customer whohandedin
my twolostplastic cards.
Thank you.
Thank you
Iwould liketothank
thelovelyfemalestaff
member at Harvey
Norman Photoshop for
herwonderful help this
Monday,the 4thMay,at
1pm. Imadeaphotobook
forawee girl.Itwas all
very overwhelmingasI
hadn’t done it before.But
thelovelystaffmember
navigatedmethrough,
helpingmedoacutewee
book. Excellentservice,from
Harvey Norman.
Awesome
What an absolutely
awesomevenue theWine+
Food experience is.
If youhaven’t been yet, you
must.Marlborough’s best
is showcased and available
fortasting.
Paired with thesuperbOak
&Ivy restaurant next door,
youhavethe makingsofa
memorable evening.
We welcomeyourtexts on
027242 5266.
Limitto70words please.
We reservethe righttopublish at our
discretion.Pleasenotethe opinions
expressedare notnecessarily thoseofthe
Sunmanagement.
Gotanimportant issuetosharewithMarlborough? Text your thoughts to 027242 5266
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Ph 578 8251
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POWDERCOATING
See the experts for:
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The
Sun
Blenheim Marlborough
The Blenheim
Classifieds Advertising Ph03577 7868
Wednesday May 13, 2026 25
Golf
Results
Blenheim Golf Club
April 229hole net medal Dawn
Walker 40 Bernice Arnold 4018
hole MedalElaineBrown 77
April 23rd Par Stuart Parker 4
Stuart McLagan 2Ytsma Gary 1
Don Lamond 1Guido Bertogg 1
9hole Stableford Dave Horrell 22
George Addis 20Paul Crosbie 18
DavidWaters18
April25th4BBBStablefordAdam
Hurring +Hendrik van Dyk 48
Sam Rainbird +Norbert Thaler 47
Ryan Windleburn +DougShaw45
RayHerd+Ross Agnew44Andre
Tewhiu +Doug Russell 44 Bob
Tapp +Nigel Smith43
April27thMixed 9holeStableford
John Burns 21Darren Simpson 20
Graeme Parker 20 Sam Rainbird
20 Yvonne Hore 19 Dean Ormsby
19 Dave Horrell 19Dave Menzies
19 Chis Currie 18 Georg Addis 18
Clarry Neame 18Don Lamond
18 Jenny Adams 18 In Hatcher 17
Vickie Lane 17 Jenny Evans 17
BrianBurgess 17 NigelSmith 17
April2918holestablefordJudith
Batty 30Vickie Lane 309hole
stableford Chris Currie 21Bernice
Arnold 18 Yvonne Hore 13
April30th9holeStablefordDean
Ormsby 21 David Waters 20Bob
Tapp 20 Ian Hatcher 20 April 30th
Nett Medal Stuart Parker 69Buck
Asplet 69 Rachel Bell 70 Colin
Pitkethley 71 Reg Reid 71Grant
Flynn71GraemeParker71
May 4th Mixed 9hole Stableford
Jenny Adams 21 Elaine Brown 20
BarryMosley20MikeMcConnell
20 Debra Nicholls Ann Walker 19
Dean Ormsby 19 In Hatcher19Ida
Beets-Huchshorn19DawnWalker
19 George Addis 18Jenny Evans
18 Don March 18 Ray Herd 17
Yvonne Hore 17 Don Lamond 17
DanCrawford17
May 6th LGU Medal Nett Judith
Batty 73Elaine Brown 74 9hole
Nett MedalJenny Adams32Chris
Currie 34 BerniceArnold34
May 7th Stableford Reg Reid 46
DonLamond41Tom Bainbridge 40
Tere Poa 39Grant Flynn 38Jason
Giblin 37 9hole Stableford Dean
Ormsby 21 Panni Swann 20Paul
Crosbie19
May 9th Nett Medal Karandeep
Shahi 70Jan Cronje 70 Andrew
Stowell 71Warren Ingram 72
TomBainbridge 72Sam Rainbird
73 Desz Campbell 73 NTP 3/12
Sowmans Andrew Stowell 9/18
JanCronje
Public Notices
MARLBOROUGH
COMMUNITY FOODBANK
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday,May 21,2026 at 1.30pm
SalvationArmy Rooms, HenrySt, Blenheim
OutofZoneVacancies
TheBoard of Trustees advisesthat20Year7
outofzonevacancies have become available
at BohallyIntermediateSchoolfor the
enrolmentofthe 2027 Academic year.
Becausethe Board operates an enrolment
scheme,itisrequiredtofill anyvacantout of
zone places by ballot when thereare more
applications than places available.
This is necessaryfor allout of zone
students includingthose currentlyinour
contributingschools.
Themap canbefound on ourwebsite.
Theboard is prepared to receiveapplications
fromWednesday 20th Mayuntil 4pmFriday
24th July.
TheballotwillbeheldonThursday30thJuly.
Families will be notifiedFriday31stJulyvia
theemail address provided.
Enrolmentdetails canbefound
on ourschoolwebsite
www.bohally.school.nz
Mā te whiritahi, ka whakatutukiaingā
pūmanawa ātāngata
Together weaving the realisation of potential
TheRiverlands School BoardofTrustees has
determined thatthereare 9out-of-zone
places availableatthe new entrantlevel for
Cohorts 5to8during Terms3and 4 of 2026.
AtRiverlands School,weare committed
to nurturing everylearner’s strengths and
aspirations through connection, collaboration,
andhigh expectations.Wewelcome inquiries
from families who wishtojoinour inclusive
and supportivelearning community.
If the number of applications exceeds the 9
places available, aformalballotwillbeheldin
accordancewith the Education and Training
Act 2020.
Formoreinformation, to request an
enrolmentpack,ortoarrange aschool
tour:
• Phone: (03) 578 7077
• Email: office@riverlands.school.nz
• Address: 21 School Road,RD4,
Blenheim
• Website: www.riverlands.school.nz
Please get in touch with our school office for
further details on the enrolmentprocess
Thedeadline forapplications is May27.
Public Notices
Situations Vacant
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 toyour door
Email: deliveries@alliedpress.co.nz
Include your name, address, email, phone number
OR SCAN THE
QR CODE
TO APPLY
26
Wednesday May 13, 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
In Memoriam
Remember your
lost lovedone on their
anniversary.
The deadline is Monday5.00pm.Please contact the Sun for
further details. 72 High Street,Blenheim, email
office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.
txt talk
Gotanimportant issueto
sharewith Marlborough?
Text your thoughts to:
027242 5266
ANDERSON, Margaret Alison (Fowler):
It iswith heavy hearts that we saygoodbye.
Margaret passed away peacefully on 7th
May surrounded byher family after avery
long battle with cancer, aged 81, at Bethsaida
Retirement Village. Dearly loved and
cherished wife ofJohn for anamazing 63
years. Much loved Mum and Mother in-law
ofGreg&Tina,Sara&Chris. Adored Nana
to Kayla, Tessa, Stephen, Nicholas, Bradley
and Samara. Wonderful and treasured
Great Nana to Manaaki. Best friendofAnne
Daines. We wouldliketothank theamazing
staff atBethsaida and Hospice for the wonderful
care and respect you gave Margaret
in her final weeks. Aprivate cremation has
taken place, and amemorial service will be
held at alater date. Messages toAnderson
Family 124 Scott Street, Blenheim, or via
Cloudy Bay Funerals website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
FLETCHER, Helen Christine (Chris), nee
Harp:
Sadly passed away while returning from yet
another amazing adventure inAfrica, living
life tothe fullest atage 78. Loving wife to
the late Colin. Loving mother toMark and
Michelle.Adored mother-in-law toRachael
and Paul. Loving grandmother toHarrison
and Bella. Cherished sister to Bill and Carol
and loving aunt. In lieu offlowers, donations
to the Marlborough Hospice Trust,
via their website, would beappreciated, or
may be made at the service. All messages
to the Fletcher family c/- POBox 9Blenheim
7240 or via www.cloudybayfunerals.
co.nz Aremembrance gathering tocelebrate
herlifewillbeheldatthe Springlands Chapel,
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15Boyce
Street, Blenheim, on Wednesday, the 20th
of May, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Incelebration of
Chris’s vibrant spirit, colourful attire isencouraged.
The service will be livestreamed
and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral
Serviceswebsite.
HAMILTON née Mortimer,Lynnette:
Died atDumfriesRoyal Infirmary on Thursday2nd
Aprilaged86yr.Dearly lovedmother
ofLachlan &Fraser.Atreasured sister of
Robyn Clarkand thelateThoraMurrell, Reece
Mortimer, Rona Howell, Dawn Brownlee
andTerry Mortimer. Forthosewho knew
her the service can be viewed from Friday
24 April 2026 to 24 May 2026 at Dumfries
Baptist Church https://www.youtube.com/
live/p6tgAmDUvAI SCOTLAND.
SCHIMANSKI, ValerieAileen (Val):
Passed away peacefully at Wairau Hospital
on Saturday, May 02, 2026 aged 87 years.
Dearly loved Wife of John and a loved
Mother and Mother-in-law of Glen and
Andrea, and Kim and Julian Aloved Nana
of Melissa, Matthew and Ben. All messages
to the Schimanski family, c/- PO Box 9
Blenheim, 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.
co.nz. Inaccordance with Val’s wishes, a
privatecremationand servicehas been held.
Death notices
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph 03 578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph 03 578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
POPE, Clive Collinson:
1955-2026 Passed away peacefully at
home onSunday, May 10, 2026 surroundedbythe
love of hislifeJill andhis brother
Brent. Loved byall who knew him. Messages
to the Pope family, C/- PO Box 9
Blenheim, 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.
Special thanks to all atHospice
Marlborough and the nursing staff who
cared for him at home. Donations to the
Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website
would beappreciated. Asper Clive’s
wishes aprivate cremation will take place
and acelebration ofhis life will be held at
the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral
Services, 15Boyce Street Blenheim
on Wednesday 27 Mayat2pm.
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
POWER, Faith Helen:
Passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough
on Thursday, May 7, 2026, aged
75 years. Dearly loved Wife of Patrick.
Loved sister toGloria, Beverly, and Colin.
Loved Mother and Aunty. Cherished Nana.
Ahuge thank you to the Hospice Marlborough
staff. Inlieu offlowers, please make
adonationtothe Hospicevia theirwebsite.
All messages tothe Power family, c/- PO
Box 9, Blenheim, 7240 or https://www.
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. A service for
Faith will be held at the Springlands Chapel,
Cloudy BayFuneral Services,15Boyce
Street, Springlands, Blenheim, on Wednesday,
May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM, followed
by Private Cremation.
LocallyFamilyOwned
FDANZ ph03578 2004
cloudybayfunerals.co.nz
WALLACE, Jack Frank:
Oneofour local RSEworkers passedaway
on May2,2026, in Blenheim. Ourthoughts
go out to Jack’s family and loved ones. A
farewell for Jack will be held at Sowman’s
Mayfield Chapel onWednesday, 13May,
2:00pm.
www.sowmans.co.nz
03 - 578 4719
We’ll handle the details so you can focus on
what truly matters.
Unique farewells, arranged with love.
The Blenheim
Wanted
DRy offcUTs for alog burner. Approx
30cm. Will take anything aslong asdry and
right size. Phone 035784942.
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
For Sale
KiNG single mattress.Lovelyclean condition.
7years old. Make anoffer. Phone 5705858
Personal
aRE yoU TEmPTED GENTlEmEN?
Hours 10am till 7pm. Phone 02102228031,
no txts.
Public Notices
DoUblE Glazing -Beat the rush with Marlborough
Glass. Stay warm, dry, and healthy
with Retro-fit Double Glazing for your Timber
and Aluminium Windows. DON’T DELAY -
TALK TO US TODAY FOR 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
The Blenheim
what’s on in sunny Marlborough
Wednesday May 13, 2026
27
Monday
PokemonTrading andGameplay
–TabletopCafé, ScottStreet. 4pmComealong
andtrade cards, getout your battle decksand
have trainerbattle.
Picton Senior Citizens Club
–Meets everyMonday,1.30pmatUnion Parish
Church Picton. Housie, raffles and all sorts. Ph
Sandy5738324
Rotary ClubsinBlenheim
-Monday&Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm.Rotary
isaworld-wideserviceclubformenandwomen,
doing great things in your community. For
furtherdetails phoneKevin on 0211 738784.
Blenheim Scottish CountryDance Club
-EveryMonday at 7.00pm at St AndrewsChurch
Hall,CornerAlfredand HenryStreet, Blenheim.
Come andtry it!You don’tneed apartner.For
information ring Heather02102587325.
BeginnersLineDancing
-Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:00-
3:00pm &6.00-7.00pm.Comealong andenjoy
themusic,makenew friends,have funandlearn
to dance. Youdon’t need apartner.All welcome
andchildrenover12.Firstlessonfreethen$7per
class.For informationphone Judith 5787554or
0212341095.
Care andShare craftsession
-Run at Nativity in conjunctionwithGreen Prescription.EverysecondMonday
untilDecember
9:30-11:30 am. For anyone who loves doing
crafts,aplace to create,chatwithlike-minded
creatives, share ideas, learn new crafting skills
and make friends. For more details contact
Nativity office 578 3909 orGreen Prescription
at thePHO.Freeevent.
Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club
-34ArthurBaker Pace. Phone 021157 3496 for
moreinformation.
Rotary ClubsinBlenheim
-Monday&Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm.Rotary
isaworld-wideserviceclubformenandwomen,
doing great things in your community. For
furtherdetails phoneKevin on 0211 738784.
U3aBlenehim
-Every 2nd Monday ofthe month held at
Cloudy Bay Funeral Services Rooms,15 Boyce
St,Springlands,2pm.Keeping thematurebrain
active.Ann 0204 1440 371.
Tuesday
Hobbies, Clubs and Groups
Friendship Club Marlborough
-SemiRetiredorRetired.Meet4thTuesdayofthe
month10amatStMary’sParishCentre, Maxwell
Road.Speakers,outingsallinFriendship,Fellowship&Fun.Les
McKay5778207 or 021463922
LionsClubofHavelock
-Providing community service in the Pelorus
area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, atHavelock
Hotel.InquiriestoIan Cameronphone5742558.
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’s no need 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
learn andplay. $7 Ph Christine0272077631.
PencilPals
-meets at Connect, corner of High Street and
Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to3.00pm.
Come and join Sydney and Issie to practice
your drawing skills and enjoy the company of
like-minded people. Sydney 0211568398; Issie
0204668008.
Wednesday
Senior Citizens Club Blenheim
–Every 2nd an 4th Wednesday of the month.
2pm,SeniorCitizensClubrooms,172HighStreet,
Blenheim. An entertaining afternoonincluding
aguest speaker, Housie, and afternoon tea
provided. Allwelcome.PhShirley 0210388616.
BlenheimProbus
–First Wednesday ofthe month, 10am LansdowneHub.For
retiredorsemiretireeslooking
for fun, friendship and fellowship. Ph Anne
5787046,0226353919.
Lions’ Club of Blenheim
-Liketoknowmoreabout theLion’sClub? Meet
on the1st and3rd Wednesdayofthe month. For
moredetailsContactDelphineLee0299425004.
PictonMahjong
-Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road,
Pictonat1pm.Phone Adrianne 02102591639or
Kaye 0211312331 formoreinformation.
Blenheim Rock NRollClubNights
-7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock nRoll
Club,clubnightsatthe Blenheim BowlingClub,
bring comfyshoes andwater.Great music, have
fun and exercise atthe same time. Phone Erin
0272341709.
Picton Scottish CountryDance Group
-7.30pm at Picton Little Theatre. Beginners
welcome. First nightfree. No partnerneeded
just apairofsoftsoled shoes. PhoneLynda on
0212600860 forfurther information.
Picton Cribbage Club
–PictonLibrary.Wednesdays1pm-3pm.
Marlborough VintageCar Club
-1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl,
Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph
Ross 0272122902. Donation appreciated. New
Members welcome.
Thursday
Marlborough Camera Club
-meetings on2nd Thursday ofthe month at
St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rdat
7pm.Workshops areheldonthe 4thThursday
of the month. Everybody with aninterest in
photographywelcome.
Picton Poets
–Held the 4th Thursday ofthe month, 10.30-
11.30am, Picton Library, allwelcome.Phone Lyn
021 1294342.
UlyssesRetreadsGroup
-11amatBrayshaw Park every Thursday. Ride
to various destinations for lunch. Bring your
laughing gear, athermal to wear and astory
toshare.
Marlborough CommunitySingers
–Allwelcomewhethercompletelyneworanold
hand. Noaudition. ThursdaysatREAP, 6.30pm-
8.30pm.$9casual. Ph Amanda 022642 4805.
LibraryBookClub
-6.30pm-8pm Marlborough District Library.
We meet onthe last Thursday of the month.
Simply bring abook torecommend to other
membersandenjoylisteningtoothermember’s
(including librarians)bookpicks.
Picton LibraryBookClub
-6.30pm-8pm-Picton Libraryand ServiceCentre.
Join us in meetingnew peopleandchatting
aboutbooks.Wemeetonthe first Thursday of
each month. To register email pictonlibrary@
marlborough.govt.nz.
Knit andNatter
-Marlborough Library from 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,BlenheimNightriders
grouporcontact info@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
Vintage and 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, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl,
Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph
Ross 0272122902. Donation appreciated. New
memberswelcome.
BlenheimBonsaiGroup
-Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the2nd
Sunday of themonth 1pm-3.30pm.
Boatbuilding
Exhibition
Friday 15th May, Picton Heritage and
WhalingMuseum, 9London Quay,Picton.
10am onwards, free entry. Part of the
MarlboroughHeritageFestival.Explorethe
history, craftsmanshipand storiesbehind
boatbuilding in Picton andthe Sounds.
TheMarlborough
ArtSociety Members
Autumn Exhibition
Marlborough Art Society Gallery and
Studio, High Street, Blenheim. Free entry
into this eventshowcasingmembers-only
creations across multiple mediumssuchas
painting,sculpture,drawing,photography
and mixed media. Runs 19th May to31st
May, 10.30am- 4.30pm daily.
Rotary Blenheim South
MammothGarageSale
andBook Fair
15th and 16th May 9am-5pm, 17th May
9am-1pm. Waterlea Racecource, Linton
Street entrance. Come along and grab
yourself abargain–China,glassware,brica-brac,
sports equipment, kitchenware,
furniture, tools books and plenty more.
Proceeds from the sale gotowards community
projects.
COMING UP
Pink RibbonYoga
Picton
22 May, Port Marlborough Pavillion, Endeavour
Park, Picton. 9.15am-10.45am.
This classisopentoall levels andisamix of
Hathaand Vinyasastyles. Come andhave
fun, wear alittleoralot of pink andjoinin
forbreakfast afterclass at Le Cafe,Picton.
$15cashordonations over $15.
28
Wednesday May 13, 2026
The Blenheim
SummersetBlenheim
Open Day
SummersetBlenheim’snew villagecentreisofficially open! Thoughtfully designed to
be thevibrant heartofthe village, it offersresidents andtheir families arange of resortstyleamenities
to enjoy. Theseinclude aresidentbar,abeautifullyspaciousloungewithan
entertainmentarea, an exercise room,acafé,and alibrary.
“MovingintoSummerset Blenheim whileIcould, notwhenIhad to,was thebestdecision.
Ifeelsecure, supported, andstill independent, with awelcoming communityand plenty to
do.Myfamilyseeshow much I’mthriving. If you’re consideringamove, don’twait!” ALLISON,
RESIDENT AT SUMMERSETBLENHEIM
We know that moving to aretirementvillage is abig decision.Sowhy notcomealong
to ourOpenDay,and seefor yourself whyresidents love theSummerset life.
Love thelifeyou choose.
OpenDay
Thursday 14 May, 10am -2pm
Summerset Blenheim
183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim
03 520 6042 |summerset.co.nz/blenheim
Images are indicative and village centre renders are artist impressions only. Homes sold under licence to occupy, subject toavailability.
Summerset does not offer rental accommodation. Care subject to eligibility.
SUM9458_FP