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Marlborough

Pest control

Wednesday. June 3, 2026

blenheimsun.co.nz

027 226 2932 03 578 2430

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100% Marlborough

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King’s Birthday Honours

Pages 3, 4, &5

Recycling at Riverlands

Page 6

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Page 16

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2

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

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Advertising:

Sales Manager

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Sales Executive

Rebecca Sampson

021 201 8590

rebecca@blenheimsun.co.nz

Sales Executive

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027 260 5112

luke@blenheimsun.co.nz

Editor:

Paula Hulburt

027 280 1885

paula@blenheimsun.co.nz

Reception/Distribution:

SueSchwass &ClaireHeng

03 5777 868

office@blenheimsun.co.nz

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The Blenheim

An honour for former

Harbourmaster and

On-Scene Commander

By PaulaHulburt

Captain Alex van Wijngaarden

sent averyimportant messagethis

morning, atexttohis daughter on

holiday in French Polynesia.

In afew words, the former

Harbourmaster, told of becoming

aMember ofthe New Zealand

Order ofMerit in the King’s

Birthday Honours.

With atime difference of22

hours, theretired ships’ navigator

hasnocluewhenKaryn mayread

the text but wanted her tobethe

first person he told afterhis wife.

It was, he says, anaccolade, he

wasnot expecting.

“I got anemail confirming my

nomination in April and then a

letter of confirmation came last

week from theGovernorGeneral

andthe PrimeMinister.

“I’m not sure what I’ve really

done to warrantit.”

Speaking from the Blenheim

home he shares with wife Gerry, a

retirednurse,Alexsayshethought

thefirstemail wasascam,thenthe

confirmationletterarrived.

“Itwas notaletter Iwas expecting,”hesmiles.

Originally from theNetherlands,

Alex served as Picton’s Harbourmasterfor

22 years, wasthe

Regional On-Scene Commander

for the Marlborough region, and

National On-Scene Commander

since1996.

He has attended nationally

significant maritime incidents

and marine oil spill responses

including New Zealand’s worst

maritime environmentalincident,

the groundingofthe CV Rena in

2011.More than 1,300 tonnes of

Heavy Fuel Oil were eventually

recovered.

It was aheavy responsibility,

Alex explains after making the

decision to step away from therole

inFebruary.

“The contract came up for renewal,and

it wasanopportunity

to confirm that wewanted to

continue. At some stage, IknewI

had tolet it go and itlooked like

theperfect stopping point.”

As Marlborough Harbourmaster,Alexhas

ledmaritimesafety,

harbour operations and environmentalprotectionfor

thearea.

He was anavigating officer on

deep sea ships and ferries and

met his Kiwi wife on board a

passengershipcarryingbothmail

and passengers between the UK

andSouth Africa.

The pair first met somewhere

over theSouth Atlantic Ocean.

“We didn’thave GPS then and

had tonavigate and work out

positioning bythe sun and the

stars,” Alex says. “It was my

responsibility to plan passageand

talk to thecaptain aboutthe route.”

The couple settled in Blenheim

in thelate1980s andhad both their

children here. Sadly, their son

Paul, ahouse surgeon at Wairau

Hospital, died suddenly 24years

ago. Daughter Karynisasolicitor.

Marlborough isone of just two

places he would ever consider

living, with British Columbia

being the other. “It’s very much

like theSounds,”hesays.

Almost four months into retirement,Alexislearningtoadjustto

anew pace of life.

“You do need abit of aplan in

place astowhat you will do to

fillyourdays,”heexplains. “The

differencebetween workingtonot

workingisabigthing.”

He’s amember ofthe Marlbor-

Captain Alex van Wijngaarden

has contributed more than 40

years tothe maritime sector.

Photo: PaulaHulburt.

ough Guild ofWoodworkers and

volunteers as avisitor guide at

OmakaAviationHeritageCentre.

Thecouplehavediscussed travelling

more but will spend most of

theirtimeinMarlborough.

“Tous, it is home.”

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3

inbrief

The Sun

Prestigiousaward

A13-year-old student, Girvan Dick,

hasbeenawardedtheQueenElizabeth

II MusicAward. Theprestigious award

recognises musiciansaged18orunder

livingintheKaikōuraandMarlborough

districts.Atjust13, Girvan hasrapidly

progressedtocompleteGrade8piano,

passing with 140out of 150marks, a

very high distinction pass. His music

teacher Linda Lloyd says Gavin was

destined for great things musically.

“He isanincredibly talented young

manwho is extremelykeenonmusic,

very diligent to practice and has a

naturalaffinitytoplaythepiano.Girvan

is shown accepting his award from

MarlboroughMayor Nadine Taylor.

Foodbank donation

Families in Marlborough are set to

benefit from 100kg ofmince, 68kg of

sausages, and 24kg of meat patties

–more than 1000 servings of quality

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4

Wednesday June 3, 2026

inbrief

The Sun

Wateraddresses

AMarlborough District Council

initiativetointroducewateraddressing

for properties in the Marlborough

Sounds saw awave ofapplications.

Water addresses are assigned tosites

only accessible by boat.Council’s Road

Naming and Addressing Coordinator

BelindaDarrellsaiddemandconfirmed

the initiative was welcomed. “The

public’s patience is appreciated

while wework through the volume

of applications received,” she said.

Thereisnochangetothe existing jetty

numbering.

Book winner

Congratulations toBlenheim Sun

reader DesCampbellwhose name was

drawn to winacopy of Marlborough’s

Lost Army by RonHebberd.Thank you

to everyone who entered. The book

about the 6 th Independent Mounted

Rifles canbepurchased.Call 5757196

toorder.

Zero tolerance

Marlborough Girls’ College have

introducedazero-tolerance policy on

vapinggearedtocreatingasafe,healthy

and positive learning environment

for every student. Students are not

permitted tovape atschool, bring

vapesorvapingdevicestoschool,vape

ontheway toorfromschool,share,sell

or supply vaping products or vape at

any school event or activity. Support

is availablefor anystudent whoneeds

help.

Acommunity with

Joy atheart

By PaulaHulburt

By being named in the King’s

Birthday honours, Joy Fletcher is

followinginher father’s footsteps.

Sheisthe second member of her

closefamilytobecomeaMember

of theNew ZealandOrder of Merit,

sheexplains.

Her father, Charles Edward

Elsmore, known toall as Chic,

receivedaQueen’sService Medal

forhis contribution to sportand the

community.

Openingthe letter from thePrime

Minister andthe Governor General,confirming

herhonour, took her

thoughts to herparents,she says.

“I’ve always been the first one

to volunteer when someone needs

anything. Mother and father were

the same, so I’d say Igot it from

my parents.

“WhenImeet people whoknew

them, even now, they’ll say how

nice they were andhow much they

didfor thecommunity.”

At almost 80 years old and with

the demeanour of someone much

younger, Joyinsists sheisslowing

down.

Butreeling off hervoluntaryroles,

it isclear she isstill very active

when it comestohelping hercommunity.

Alibrary assistant for 31

years, sheretired at 70 yearsold and

stillrunsthe library’svital literacy

outreach Housebound Service.

Shehas been akey figurekeeping

Picton’s Little Theatre running,

volunteering as Manager, Treasurer

and Secretary. Joy has served as

both Secretary and Treasurer of

the Picton RSA, contributestothe

Picton Flower Ladies, organises

theannualPoppy Day, theANZAC

Day Dawn Parade, and isQuiz

Mistress forweeklyRSA fundraisingquiznights.

“I’m not really ayahoo person;

I’mthe quietone outthe back,” she

admits. “There are so many other

people Isee whoare so much more

deserving,”Joy says,humbleabout

allshe hasdone.

Born and raised inPicton, Joy

married first husband Tim Moorhouse,

and the pair had two girls,

Rachel and Lynley. But tragedy

struck andplans to startanewlife

in Australia came toanend when

Timdiedinaboatingaccident.

“Hewas only theretofind somewhere

for us to live and then the

accident happened,” Joy explains.

She and the girls, then just 7and

9-years old, moved in with her

parents. Picton became herforever

home.

Over thedecades,Joy builtahap-

The Blenheim

JoyFletcherhas devotedher time to helpingthe communityshe is

proudtocallhome. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

py andfulllife, workingatthe Bank

of NewZealand andlater,meeting

andmarryingDennisFletcher.

Sworntosecrecy aboutthe award

untiltoday,Joy says sheevenmanaged

to keep it asecretfromDennis

initially. “I only told himlastweek,

Ithink he wasabitspeechless!”

Off all she has achieved for the

community, what is she most

proudof?

“I’m pleased that I’vehelped the

RSAtokeepgoing,being atreasurer

throughthe years, Ibelieve,is

onething that’s really helped.

“It’sall been apleasure.”

Sometimestheycall hermother

Thealarm goesatfive-thirty.

Noleen pulls on hershoes,reaches

forthe cream on thebathroom

counter,and worksitintoher hip.

Then she’sout thedoor.

Circuitstartsatsix.Monday.

Wednesday.Friday. She’sbeen doing

it foryearsnow.She’s theoldestone

thereand sometimes… they call her

mother.

Shelikes that.

Noleen is 79 andshe hasalways

been one activewoman.

“Ifyou don’tuse it, you lose it,”

shesays. Shemeansthatcompletely.

She’swatched friends slow down.

Sitout.Gradually stop going. She’s

seen how quickly theworld shrinks

when you stop moving. Shehas no

interest in that.

Butthe thingabout bodiesis, they

carry everything you’ve done to

them.

Back in 1994, Noleen andher

husband were livingonthe West

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Herhusband liftedthe trunk.

Noleen scrambledfree, leaving

hergumbootsbehindinthe mud.

They walked back to thehouse.The

hospitalgaveher walkingpoles.

Nothingwas broken. Shehealed.

Kept moving.

Forthirtyyears, thehip held.

Then,about four yearsago, the

hipstarted making itselfknown. Her

husband put it together first.

“It’ll be fromthatbloody tree,”

he told her.

Sheknewhewas right.

What frustratedNoleen wasn’t

how it felt exactly.Itwas theattitude

sheran into.

“Theylook at how oldyou are,”

shesays, “anddecide that you don’t

have much left.Theydon’ttakeyour

lifestyle into account at all.”

Shewasn’tpreparedtoaccept

that.But thehip wasgettingharder

to ignore. She’dbeen usinga

magnesium ruband it helped,uptoa

point.But it wasn’t keepingpace.

Shewalkedintoher local

pharmacy andasked what else was

out there. Thewoman behind the

counter suggested Koru FX,anatural

cream made in NewZealand.

Noleen wasn’t sure anothercream

wouldmakeameaningful difference.

Butwhatdid shehavetolose?

Theroutinecametogether quickly.

Before circuit, sherubs it into thehip.

Shoes, bag, Koru FX.Inthatorder.

“Without that support, Imight not

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The Blenheim

Honourfor Marlborough film

makerwho flies underthe radar

By PaulaHulburt

Dr Paul Davidson has atalent

for telling stories that touch both

heartsand minds.

Creating hundreds of films,

documentaries, educationalfilms,

training videos and marketing

promotions for community organisations,

heisproud of his

achievements.

Butonhearing he hasbeenmade

aMemberofthe NewZealand Order

of Merit(MNZM)for services

to documentary filmmaking, it is

other people heisquick to pay

tributeto.

“The people whoreallydeserve

an award are the many creative

crew who have helped mewith

their skills, and indeed the hundreds

of ordinarypeople whohave

featured in my films,” he says.

“UnlikePeter Jacksonorsimilar

filmmakers, Ican’t engage talented

andexpensive actors to star in my

documentaries. Instead, hundreds

of ordinary people sit down in

front ofthe camera, tell their

storiesand sharetheir experiences

in araw andhonestfashion,totally

withoutreward.

“I can’tmakeafilmwithout those

people,theyare therealstars,and

Ican’t thankthemenough.”

Afamiliar name and face in

Marlborough, well-known for

rescuing the Argosy and giving

it apermanent home, hesays the

honour was“totallyunexpected.”

AMarlburian for 30 years, he

graduated from polytechnic with

photography and later graduated

as aDoctor ofVisual Arts from

Queensland CollegeofArt. Hedid

aMaster of Arts degree in Media

Production, obtaining first-class

honours from the Film School at

GriffithUniversityinBrisbane.

Gaining appreciation for his

work is aspecial moment, he

explains.

“Although I’ve spent 45 years

telling stories of ordinary Kiwis

doing sometimes extraordinary

things, Ialwaysknewinaworldof

game showsand realitytelevision

that fewofmyfilmswould appeal

to mainstream broadcasters.

“But Ialso felt confident that

in 50years’ time, people would

appreciate that someonehad made

these films of life back then. So,

it’s very nice to getsomeappreciationoftheir

valuewhile I’mstill

around.”

While many ofhis films are set

in other parts of the country and

Australia, all his documentaries

are planned, scripted and edited

in hisWoodbournestudio.

Making films is formethe perfect

combinationofartandtechnology,

he explains.

“Making documentaries has

certainly been agreat way of

Filmmaker DrPaul

Davidson has been

recognised in the

King’s Birthday

Honours announced

today.

Photo: PaulaHulburt

getting toknow people, learning

aboutthe myriad things people do

with theirlives,and understanding

what makesacommunitytick.

“I actually enjoythatanonymity,

and itnever interferes with the

other aspects of my life here in

theMarlborough community. That

said, some ofmyMarlborough

films areamong my favourites,for

example The Final Flight, Once

Were Whalers, Hospice Story

and Making Marlborough –the

MigrantStory.

Now 81-years-old, he is still

filming, writingsongs andrecently

opened TheArgosyMuseum.

Preserving thepastisimportant

to him. This is why, as well as a

desire to give back to thecommunity

wherehelives,thatPaulisa

proud volunteer at Marlborough

Museum.

As currentpresident,protecting

the region’s heritage for future

generations isalso amatter of

pride. “I am also quiteproud of the

fact that Ihavemadeall thesefilms

withoutasingle dollar from GovernmentbodieslikeNew

Zealand

onAir or theFilmCommission.

“Rather they have all been paid

for bycharitable trusts, commercial

companies, local bodies,

crowd-funding orprivate supporters

–as well as significant

self-funding.”

Many of Paul’s Marlborough

videos anddocumentaries canbe

seen free to view on the Youtube

Channel Marlborough Video

Vault.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 5

inbrief

The Sun

Appearance industry bylaw

Council’sEnvironment andPlanning

Committee has agreed to the

development ofadraft Appearance

IndustryBylaw,includingacostanalysis

of resourcing it. Itisdesigned to

improvepublichealthandsafetyinthe

region’s beautyandindustrypractices.

If Councildecides to proceedwith the

bylaw,itwillgooutforpubliccomment

viaaSpecial Consultative Procedure.

Future of Work

Marlborough’s annual careers expo

will be held at the Marlborough

Convention Centre on 10 June 2026.

Free to attend and open toall, the

event brings together employers and

education providers to showcase a

wide range of opportunities. “It’s a

fantasticway foryoung people to see

therange of opportunitiesand career

paths that are available, and tohave

realconversationswithpeoplewhoare

doingthe mahi.” ProjectManager Kate

Gaines said.

Agingpipes upgraded

Work has begun on a$1.08 million

projecttoreplacetheageingwatermain

along Redwood Pass Road, between

Ugbrooke Road and Renners Road

near Seddon.Project Engineer Damith

Chanaka said the work would deliver

improvements to the local water

supply. The project isexpected to

take approximately 16weeks and be

completedinearly September.

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6

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Recycling at Riverlands

brings talent to the fore

Talented students with an

eye for the creative have

been showing the results of

theirlatest learning project.

Riverlands School hasjust

finishedaten-week technology

inquiry unit, learning

how todesign and create

newitems from old.

TheschoolalsoheldaBinbag

Ball for pupils to show

off newly crafted clothes

made from bin bags.

Principal Bradley Roberts

says theschool-wide project

proved very popular, with

allstudents, aged between5

and13years oldtakingpart.

“We’ve always done tech

of course, just not like this.

It was curriculum-based

focusing on design, make,

refine and process.”

Throughout the term,

classes visited either the

Recycling Centre’s Dump

Shop or Marlborough Four

Paw’s charity shop. Each

pupil had between $2and

$3 to spend.

Thetrips were aboutmore

than finding useful objects,

Bradley explains. “The key

thingfor ourschoolisfor us

to connectwiththe community

and the community to

connect with us.

“Childrenmay notrememberhow

they learnt to spella

word, but they will remembergetting

$2 to spendatthe

Dump Shop.”

The initiative also bought

out some quick-thinking,

with some students choosing

to pool theirmoney andbuy

more items.

“Some worked individually

doing their own thing

while others worked ina

group, pooling their money

and learning barteringskills

too,” Bradley says.

“We’re moving straight

into ascience unit next and

there are some links, anice

segway into our science

units.”

From an igloo crafted

entirely from recycled

milk cartons, unicorns and

whales to plants growingin

agum boottoacoffeetable

created from old pallets,

there was plenty to see.

Students across the school

were given the chance to

admire what their friends

and peers in other classes

hadcomeupwithonFriday.

Riverand Payton with theircoolcreations,repurposedfromitems they foundatthe RecyclingCentre’sReuse shop

andMarlborough Four Paws charitystore. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

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The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 7

Hand knittedhaulheading overseas

By PaulaHulburt

Aknack for knitting will see thousands

of hand createdknits headingtothose who

need help.

Kind-hearted Marlborough volunteers

have been knitting allyear–hand making

warm woollen blankets and clothes for

people living in poverty.

And before the array ofcarefully crafted

knitsare packaged up thepublicare getting

the chance tosee the woolly wonders for

themselves at aspecial exhibition.

Operation Cover up Top South co-ordinator

Carol Taylor has been part ofthe

volunteergroup foralmost26years.

“I started the group when Iwas new to

Renwick. I’m agiver and adoer and love

giving to thecommunity andIlove knitting.

“I watch TVinthe winter and just knit,

it’s very relaxing and you don’thave tobe

an expert knitter.”

Carol says some volunteers meet every

Wednesday at1.30pm atStChristophers

Anglican Church Hall or the library 10am

on aThursday. Others chosetoknitathome.

From blankets, slippers and socks to

scarves, mittens, hats andjerseys,all donationsare

gratefully received.Marlborough

knitters donated more than 1300 items

last year.

People canchoosewhattheywanttoknit,

Carol explains.

“There are alot ofindividual knitters,

people in rest homes, people living on their

own and in the Soundsand they all help.”

Liz Clarke from Taupo started the initiative

inNew Zealand after sponsoring a

boy called George living inaMoldovan

orphanage. Winter in Eastern Europe can

OperationCover Up Marlboroughvolunteers, from left,ShonnaHansen, DianneStorey, Glenys Parsons, CarolSpragg, CarolTaylor,

CarolToms, DianneLooms,Annette Sowman andDorothy Grocott, will be holdingaspecial exhibition of theirworkbeforeit’ssent

overseas. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

get aslow as -25°C and many children,

families andthe elderlyhavelittletokeep

them warm. Liz asked for help knitting

items for other children and people

responded.

Now two 40ft shipping containers are

shipped each year from New Zealand,

bursting with blankets and clothing.

Carol explains while volunteers donate

their time and often materials too, donations

ofpure wool are always gratefully

accepted. “Seeing all the donations, the

different styles together is quite amazing.

“Wepackitall ourselvesand getitready

forfreight.”

Two special handmade blankets will

be raffled onthe open day tohelp raise

money towards transport costs. Tickets

are $2.00 each or 3for $5.00 Cash sales

only on the day.

“Wedoask fordonations on theday too

as every bit helps.”

Theopenday will be held Saturday June

6from 10am to1pm at St Christophers

Anglican Church Hall on Weld Street.

Contact Carol 021 399 649 for drop offs

or pickups.

Winter Starts at Home.

Gather around warm textures, rich timbers, and inviting spaces

designed for slower evenings and easy living.

Winter Sale On Now — Ends 30 June

43 Scott St, Blenheim

Ph. (03) 577 9506

www.lynfords.co.nz


8

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Sun readershavetheir say... with theWORDonthe Street.

Do we need permanenttrafficlightsinMarlborough?

Bhenson Junio

Blenheim

No, Idon’t think there’s aneed.

Broughttoyou by...

Debbie Webster

Franchise Owner Blenheim

EmilyWoods

Blenheim

Yes, in lots of areasinBlenheimorin

Picton with trafficdue to theferries.

We need to move with technology.

JamesTalaoc

Blenheim

Yes, at the roundabout atSeymour

Square,the pedestrian lane

is notsafe.

GarryStuart

Blenheim

No,there’s no need.

To sell what you love, talktosomeone

who loves where you live.

Amelia Dougall

Blenheim

Yes, at the roundabout byMc-

Donalds.

Raine &Horne New Zealand PTY Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Letters

Letters onissues ofcommunity

interest are welcomed. Amaximum

of 150words please.

They must be signed and astreet

address provided toshow good

faith, even when anom de plume is

provided forpublication.

The editor reserves the right to

to the editor

abridgeletters or withhold lettersfrom

publication.

Email them tonews@blenheimsun.

co.nz orpresent to our office at 72

High St.

Please note that your name and

street address MUST beprovided

with emails.

Monocultures

Dear Editor,

Tony Orman’s excellent letter 27 May

regarding the stupidity ofthe dual monocultures

of growing grapes and pine trees

should be aloudand clearwakeupcalltothe

authoritiesand councilbureaucrats butare

they listening, will they payany attention?

We are told repeatedly that “diversity is

our strength” but that diversity does not

seem to applytolanduse andfarming where

it wouldindeedbeofgreat benefit.

YoursFaithfully,

DavidMack.

Liquidambartrees

Dear Ed

To theCouncil –pleasedonot cutdownor

remove theQueen Street Liquidambartrees.

Iunderstand that the leaves and nuts are a

nuisance when they fall,but council, youcan

deal with that.

The trees are beautiful and uplifting for

thetown.

Blenheim CBDneeds everyasset it hasto

counterthe threat of furthershops transferring

to Westwood.

V.McMurtry

Blenheim

Visit usonline atblenheimsun.co.nz

with our Brand-New

Hunter Machine

BOOK TODAY! | DRIVE SAFE. DRIVE SMART

Hutcheson Street & Nelson Street, Blenheim 7201

03 577 9980

Thedifferencebetween Pampas andnativeToetoe

Kiwis urged to learn the difference

before it’s toolate.

Across New Zealand’s coastlines and

restoration areas, aninvasive plant continues

to spread quietly, damaging fragile

ecosystems andincreasingfire risk —yet

many Kiwisdon’t realisetheyare looking

at it.

According toTerence Stewart, Founder

andOwner of Native Restorations,invasive

Pampas Grass iscommonly mistaken for

native Toetoe,leading some well-meaning

NewZealanderstoaccidentallyspreadthe

pest plantorremovenativespecies during

weed controlefforts.

“Pampas and Toetoe are regularly confused

because from adistance they can

appear very similar,”saysStewart.

“Butthe environmentalimpactofgetting

it wrong can be significant. We’re seeing

Pampas continue to spread throughvulnerable

coastal and restoration areas because

many people genuinelybelieve it’s native.”

Native Restorations has recently been

involved in removing invasive coastalpest

plants, including Pampas Grass, as part

of ongoing restoration and revegetation

projects around NewZealand.

Originally introduced as an ornamental

plant, Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana

andCortaderiajubata) is nowconsidereda

serious environmental weed due toits aggressive

growth andprolific seedinghabits.

Once established, Pampas can:

•outcompetenativeplantsfor water, light,

andnutrients,

•increasefire hazards,

•reducebiodiversity,

•and make restoration work significantly

more difficult.

“One of the biggest issues is that people

stillcollect andplant Pampas becausethey

like thefluffyplumesorassumeitbelongs

in the New Zealand landscape,” Stewart

says. “Unfortunately, that unknowingly

contributes tothe spread of an invasive

species.”

In contrast, native Toetoe (Austroderia

species) plays animportant ecological

role in New Zealand ecosystems and is

commonly used in restoration planting

programmes forerosion control, habitatsupport,and

stabilisingvulnerablelandscapes.

AccordingtoStewart,education is oneof

the most important tools New Zealanders

have in protecting native environments.

“The more people understand the difference

between Pampas and Toetoe, the

better chance we have of protecting our

coastlines and preventing invasive species

from spreadingfurther,” he says.

Native Restorations is encouragingKiwis

to learnhow to identify invasive pest plants

correctlyand seek advice before removing

or planting species insensitive coastal or

restorationareas.

Arthur

Jo Lorraine Debby

GREAT HAIR DOESN’T

HAPPEN BY CHANCE,

IT HAPPENS BY

APPOINTMENT.

BOOK

NOW:

Txt - 027 437 0671

CALL - 03 5795470


The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9

Murphys Creek stormwater upgrade onhold

Council has paused its proposedMurphys

Creek stormwater upgrade forayear to

explore alternatives.

Murphy’sCreek is an environmentally

important, spring-fed waterway running

through residential Springlandsand forms

part of the urban stormwatermanagement

system.

Stormwater management in the Murphys

Creek catchment hasbeen the subject

of community concern and technical

investigation for nearly 20 years.

In 2017,after ayear-long consultation

with locals, ‘Option G’ (one of 10 options

presented) was chosen. It includedagroup

of projects, oneofwhich would diverta

significant amount of stormwaterflow from

Murphys Creek to the Taylor River. It was

estimated to cost $3.8 million.

“Duringpreparatory investigation works in

2024, groundwater was found in significant

quantities which posed major construction

challenges for this andother in-ground

infrastructure projects in the area, which

would result in an increase in budgetto$6.5

million,”Establishment CEO forMarlborough

Waters Richard Coningham told Council.

“In light of these circumstances it was decided

areview of the project was prudent,”hesaid.

Mr Coningham acknowledged the

community’sconcerns regarding deliveryof

stormwater infrastructurebut said adelay

would allow afresh look at issues, options

and solutions.

MurphysCreek in Springlands –its proposed

stormwater schemehas been paused

“It will enable acontemporary reassessment

of the relative merits of options identified,” he

said.

Councillors vote to support ferry

investment

Marlborough District Councillors

have voted unanimously to go ahead

with loaning Port Marlborough $110

million to finance the Waitohi Ferry

Redevelopment Project.

Mayor Nadine Taylor thanked

the 73 people and organisations

who submitted to the consultation

process.

“Weheard aclear message from

submitters on the importance of this

project to Picton and to Marlborough

and that it needed to proceed as

quickly as possible.”

Under theconsultation proposal

put forward by Council, Port

Marlborough will repay aloan of

$110 million in full, including interest,

as well as returning adividend to

Council which will be used to benefit

all of Marlborough. Theproject

will be structured to ensure it is

delivered at no cost to ratepayers,

with the provisionofafinancial

security package.

“This loan is an investment in

Marlborough’s future.There’s much

work to be done in the port and in

the town of Picton over the next

three years,”Mayor Taylor said.

“I’m very excited about the new

development programme,which

will lift the capability of the port

and provide safer,efficient and

more environmentally friendly ferry

services for both passengers and

freight.”

“This has unfortunately been a

drawn-out process, stretching back

to 2018, when the previous iReX

project was first proposed, and then

stopped in 2023. The community

has had to work through the

frustrations of Government changes

and the associated disruptions.

“While there is still alot of work

to do,I’m pleased to sayweare

now able to move forward with

confidence.The new ships are

being procured, Port Marlborough

has successfully negotiated a

60-year commercialagreement

to cement the Port’srole in the

Cook Strait crossing, and the$110

million financing, subject to final

negotiations, has been confirmed.”

Kerbside waste to be scrutinised

Don’t panic if you see someone rifling through

your rubbish.

From the middle of June,Council is carrying

out aSolid Waste Analysis Protocol (SWAP)

which requires Council’swaste management

team to audit 300 wastebins.

Solid Waste Manager MarkLucas said the

analysis allowed Council to understand the

composition of waste heading to landfill,

track changes over time and measure

the effectiveness of waste policies.Itwas

required as part of the Waste Management

and Minimisation Plan (2027 -2033).

“Starting 15 June, the audit will run fortwo

weeks, sampling 30 bins per day,resulting in

300 samples,”hesaid.

During the audit, random bins from locations

around Blenheim’s kerbside waste collection

area, will have contents emptiedinto liners

and taken for auditingpurposes.

There will be strict emphasis on privacy and

the anonymity of the audit.

“No actual bins will be taken, and no one is

being monitored,”MrLucassaid.

The audit helps to identify problemwaste

streams such as organics and plan forfuture

infrastructure needs and whethernew

servicesorupgrades, such as food scraps

collection, are needed.

It also confirms whether current services are

meeting community needs and being used

correctly and uncovers opportunities to divert

morematerials away from landfill, saving

space and reducing environmental impact.

“It enables us to create targeted education

campaigns based on real behaviours and

gaps in understanding and also helpstokeep

costs downbyreducing contamination which

will lowerprocessing anddisposal costs over

time,” Mr Lucas said. “It also supportsour

environmental goals by tracking progress

towardwaste minimisation.”

Picton’sWaitohi FerryRedevelopment Projectfunding has gone through

unanimously

Last day to pay rates reminder

The final payment date for the fourth

2025/2026 rates instalment is

Thursday,11June.

Overdue payments incur a10

percent penalty.Avoid this by paying

your rates on time.

Ratepayers who pay their rates by

direct debit never have to worry

about missing arates payment and

never incur penalties. It is theeasiest

and most flexible way to pay. You

choose how often you payand what

day of the week the payment comes

out of your account.

It is also agreat idea to go paperless

and receive your rate invoices by

email on the day they are sent,

instead of waiting for them to arrive

by post. Sign up for online invoices

here: https://data.marlborough.govt.

nz/OnlineSignUp/

If you would liketoknow more about

paying rates by direct debit go to:

www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/

rates/ways-to-pay/direct-debit

For more information call Council’s

Customer Support Officers on 03

520 7400,gotowww.marlborough.

govt.nz


10

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

RiverlandsSchoolpupils have been

repurposing newitems outofold as

partoftheir ten-week Technology

unit. We went along to admire their

hardworkand cool creations.

Grayson, Sophie,

Elliott and Heimata

take shelterintheir

class’s hand made

milkcartonigloo.

Photos:Paula Hulburt.

Elliottwith hiswonderful whalecreation.

ABOVE: Adira’smagical unicon

is pretty in purple andpink.

RIGHT: Frankie’s unicorn stood

outinprettycolours.

Keira with her beautifully coloured

elephant.

NJ made acool blue whale from amilk

bottle.

Heimata’sdinosaurcompletewith

stegosaurusbonyplates.

Eilee made aspecial turtle using arepurposed egg

carton andcardboard.

JackandHudsonhandmadeafantastic-lookingtablefromoldwoodenpallets.

Hugomadethiseye-catchingoutfittowear

to theschool’sbinbagball.

Vineyard Kitchen

$36 LUNCH SPECIAL

$36.00 for main orsmall plate and

aglass of wine or other beverage

Reservations Essential | Conditions Apply

Main excludes Celebration Platter.

To use the offer please inform staff.

Not tobeused with any other offer ordiscount.

Available

from 3rd June

to 28th June

Wednesdays,

Thursdays and

Fridays

www.saintclair.co.nz • 13Selmes Road (off Rapaura Road) Blenheim • cellardoor@saintclair.co.nz • Phone 03 570 5280


The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 11

Swimmer makes splash

with hidden talent

Athlete Rāwiri

Hawker hopes

to win aplace on

the swim team in

the next Special

Olympics.

Photo:PaulaHulburt

By PaulaHulburt

An athletewho startedswimmingtoalleviatesymptomsofaneurological

disorder

hasdiscoveredatalent forthe sport.

Special Olympian Rāwiri Hawker from

Blenheim was diagnosed with Functional

Neurological Disorder (FND)amonthago.

Experiencing partial paralysis in his right

leg, the 33-year-old started swimming to

improvemovement.

And within weeks, hehad set arecord

for his team in backstroke with help from

his coach and partner, Tiff, and mentor

BobTate.

“WhenIfirst startedswimminglengths

it took me oneminuteand 28 secondsbut

nowthat’sdownto39seconds whichis

thehighest record forthe team.

“Mynew mottoischallenge yourself

or lose it -and look what I’ve achieved.

“I didn’t expect to do that, but I

dared tochallenge myself and dared

to achieve.”

Rāwiri competed in bowlingatpreviousSpecial

Olympics buthis nervous

system disorder meant hestarted to

struggle,heexplains.

“I was losing mystrength tobowl.

Competing inChristchurch in2025, I

came thirdlastand Ijustknewsomething

was wrong, Iknew my body was losing

strength.”

“I needed awalking stick and was unsteady

on my feet at times.”

Officially diagnosedinMarch,Rāwirisays

his first reaction was to give up. “It went

throughmymindthatIwouldn’t be able to

do much butsince starting my medication

anddoing theswimming, Ifeelfreenow.”

Determined to improve his mobility and

strength,Rāwirisayshestarted to trainat

Stadium 2000s pool regularly. It quickly

made apositivedifference.

“I’m doing alot better since Istarted

swimming and feel like I’vehad abit of a

breakthrough.Ino longer need my walking

stick.

‘I miss the bowling team, but the truth

is Iget to face anew challenge. There’s

always achallenge andit’show youfaceit

that matters.”

Rāwiri needs towin ribbons attwo

regional swim meetstoqualify forthe next

SpecialOlympics. Travelling to meetscosts

moneyand he hopesmorelocalswillhelp

supportthe team.

“More sponsorship for the club would

be wonderful sowecan get tothe Special

Olympics.Webelieve we candoitnow we

have someonetobelieve in us.”

To find out more about sponsorship

opportunities with Marlborough Special

Olympics or to join ateamasanathlete or

volunteer, visitSpecial Olympics Marlborough

NZ on Facebook.

Donations can also be made directly to

theClub’sbankaccount:Special Olympics

Marlborough 03-1355-0532270-00, using

theathlete’s name as reference.


12

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Gym first for new

women owners

By PaulaHulburt

Acouple who trained together ata

Blenheim gym have bought itto become

the first female franchise owners in

Marlborough.

Holly Ewens Smith and Alex Radford

took over Snap Fitness 24/7 Blenheim

Every Saturday •6PM

Bingo nightS froM 7PM to 8PM

Blenheim Railway Station

Join us for afun-filled evening -and

it’s free entry for board games.

We’ve got you covered with coffee,

soft drinks, beer, wine &cocktails

available.

Bingo night: 7.00pm -8.00pm

Entry: $5 pEr tickEt

Exciting prizes to be won!

Bring your friends, grab a

drink, and enjoy agreat

night out with us!

last Friday.

The delighted pair believe

the move makes them the

only women toown agym

franchise inthe region.

As manager atthe gym for

nine years, Holly says the

opportunity totakeover was

too good topassup.

“My boss was inCanterbury

and wanted tokeep

businesses local tohim and

wanted togive methe first

opportunity toget in on it. I

was thinking, ‘are we really

going to do this?’ then got

excited and messaged Alex

straightaway.”

With aBachelor ofSports

and recreation, majoring in

Exercise Science, Hollynever

thought she would become a

gym owner.

Now she is, making people

feel comfortable iskey, she

explains.

“The biggestthing forusis

making sure the gym aligns

with our values. We’re community

driven and help out

where wecan.

“It’snot lost on us that when

people walk through the

doors forthe first time it can

be scary. We want people to

be part of thefamilyhere, to

feel safe and welcome.”

Alex will work part time

as she runs and manages

Te Paranui Animal Sanctuary

nearPicton.

The gym she now co-owns

was also the first she ever

signed up forshe explains.

Thekeenrunnerisworking

towardsbecomingapersonal

trainer.

“It [being a co-owner]

hasn’t really sunk in yet but

I’m looking forward tothe

opportunitiesahead.

“Until I’m qualified, I’ll

help out doing what Ican.”

No strangers tohard work,

the duo ran acharity race in

March, clocking up 100km

to raise more than $3000 for

Endometriosis Awareness

NewZealand.

They have more fundraising

ideas inthe pipeline, Holly

says.

“Watch this space.”

RIGHT: HollyEwens Smith and

AlexRadfordarethenewfranchise

owners atSnap Fitness

24/7 Blenheim.

Photo: PaulaHulburt

Winter

events

1June to

31 August 2026

Pick up your copy from

Marlborough District Council

marlboroughnz.com/whatson


The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 13

M a r l b o r o u g h

NEW

Mariner

black adults

NEW colours

Egmont

Womens

2pack

$

129 .99 Rhino Sheild $

Navy adults 229 .99 Mariner V2

Navy Kids

Egmont

Mens

2pack

$

79 .99

NEW colours

Egmont $

Kids Single 34 .99

$

79 .99

NEW colours

$

124 .99


14 Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

GREYPOWER

Marlborough Inc

MARLBOROUGH

Interim-President’s

Message

Iamthrilledtohearthatgoodnumbers

of our members have taken advantage

of the discount offered byMitre 10 to

our members. Ifyou haven’t taken

advantageofthisofferyet,rememberin

ordertoget thediscountyou will need

to present your proof of membership -

either acurrent membership card or your

emailreceipt. And remember that cards

are availablefor everypaid-up member

fromthe office.

Also some good news coming ourway

as fundinghas been made availablefor

apilot SeniorsNavigator role. Thisrole

aims to help Seniorsmakeconnections

to the right services and/or assistance

to resolve any senior-specific issues

they may be experiencing. Lottie is

the Navigatorand canbereached on 03

3649815MondaytoThursday8.30am

to 1pm. If sheisunavailable just leave

amessage and she will ring you back.

This isapilot program and itishoped

that it will prove the need for this role

in ourcommunity so that we cansecure

future fundingfor an ongoingservice.

Til’ next time,keepwarmand safe.

AnniePercy

Vice President,

Grey Power

Marlborough

Smart money tips for

older Kiwis

August is Sorted Money Month —a

nationwide campaign dedicatedtohelping

NewZealandersboost theirmoney skills

and feel more confident abouttheir financial

future. Age Concern Auckland has

put together some practicaltipsfor Seniors

to help youmakethe most of your money.

1.Build an emergency

fund youcan rely on

Those “rainy days” are often more like

sudden storms —car repairs, vetbills,or

unexpected health costs can hit without

warning. Having anemergency fund

meansyou won’tneedtoborrowinahurry

or dipintoyourKiwiSaver early.

• Start small: Aimfor $1,000 as afirst

goal,evenifyou canonlysave$5–$10

aweek.

• Make itautomatic: Set up asmall

transfer into aseparate high-interest

savings account.

• Usewindfalls wisely:Put taxrefunds,

rebates, orunexpected gifts straight

intoyouremergency fund.

2.Avoid costly credit traps

Credit cards, payday loans, andBuy Now

PayLater canseemhelpful in apinch —

buthighinterestand late fees canquickly

snowballintolong-term debt.

• Compare interest rates before borrowing.

• Considersafer lendingoptions such as

credit unions orcommunity finance

schemes.

• Ifyou’realready in debt,contact afree

budgetingservice before things spiral.

3. Trackyour spending to

find“moneyleaks”

It’s easy forsmall expenses to addup—

unusedsubscriptions, multiple streaming

services,oradailycafécoffee caneat into

your budget.

• Keepasimple spending diaryfor one

month.

• Use afree budgeting app orspreadsheettospotpatterns.

• Cancel anything you no longer use

or enjoy.

4. Review your KiwiSaver

settings

If you are contributing to KiwiSaver,

make sure your fund type matches your

stageoflife. Oldermembers mayprefer

lower-risk funds toprotect savings from

bigmarketswings.

• Check your fees —evensmall differencescan

addupovertime.

• Makesureyou’regetting theGovernment

contribution if eligible.

5.Shopsmarter foreverydayessentials

With rising living costs, shopping smart

is more importantthanever.

• Takeadvantage of seniors’ discounts

at supermarkets,cinemas,and public

transport.

• Compare prices across stores or use

groceryappstotrack specials.

• Avoid “multi-buy” deals that cost

more than buying what you actually

need.

6. Checkfor benefitsand

supportyou’reentitledto

Many older Kiwis miss out onhelp

they’reeligible for —sometimes simply

becausetheydon’t know it exists.

• Investigate NZ Super top-ups, the

Rates Rebate Scheme, and power

companydiscounts.

• Ask AgeConcern or Work &Income

to help checkyourentitlements.

7. Plan aheadfor big

annual costs

Insurance premiums, car registration,

and annual health expenses can cause

financial stress if you haven’t set money

aside.

• Createa“sinking fund”—aseparate

savingsaccountfor predictableyearly

costs.

• Dividethe annual totalby12and set

asidethatamounteachmonth.

Youdon’t need to tackle everything

at once —even one small change can

improve your financial security over

time. DuringSortedMoney Month, take

amoment toreview your situation and

make aplanthatworks foryou. For more

information, call 0800 652 105, orgoto

https://www.ageconcern.org.nz/.

Your local

total mobilitY

provider

marlborough

taxis

2022ltd

03

577 5511

Marlborough's only 24/7days taxi company

www.marlboroughtaxis.nz

Your Local

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2. CustommadeJewellery

3. WatchBatteries

4. JewelleryRepairs

5. WatchStraps

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member benefits

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Arevolutionary

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•Tilting •Rolling •Sectional Doors

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•Ph: (03) 578 8251

Email: info@dominatorblenheim.co.nz

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Picton Clinic

We are bringing high quality

ear and hearing care toPicton!

•Wax Removal

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Contact the clinic to book your appointment

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T: 03 579 3092 | blackmoreaudiology.co.nz


The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 15

GREYPOWER

Marlborough Inc

MARLBOROUGH

RatesRebateinfo-from

Marlborough District

Counciland Inland Revenue

Followingchanges to theRates Rebate Scheme,

more people will be eligible forhelpwiththeir

rates, and the maximum rebate will increase

from $805 to $830. Incomethresholdsare also

increasing, meaningmorepeoplewillqualify for

support. ForSuperGold Cardholders, theincome

threshold will rise from $45,000 to $46,400.

Thesechanges will take effect1July,2026.

SuperGold Cardholders receiving only New

Zealand Superannuation andpayingmorethan

$2,000 ayearinrates,shouldqualify forthe full

rebate. New applicationforms will be available

from localcouncilsand theNew ZealandGovernment

websitefrom1July 2026.

Important: Forthose applying forthese rebates,

there is now arequirement for them to submit

What haschanged:

From 15 January2026, building asmall

standalone home under 70m², such as a

granny flat, maybesimpler becauseBuilding

and/or Resource consent may not be

required if thehomemeets thenecessary

design and safety standards.

The changes are designed tomake it

faster and more affordable to add asecondary

dwelling. You will still need to

meet theBuildingCodeand localcouncil

asummary of income from Inland Revenue

confirmingtheir income detailsfor theprevious

taxyear. Most people getsentanautomatic tax

assessment inJune orJuly each year and this

should be used when applying for the council

rates rebate. These assessments come out in

June or July. Pleasenotethatnot everyone will

receive papercopies; if they areregisteredfor a

MyIR accounttheywillget an electronic version

instead.

Either way, keep theseassessments when they

come out rather than throwing them away, as

they canbeusedfor thefollowing year’s rebate

application. Ifyou think you may qualify, or

havequestions concerning this scheme,contact

your localcouncil foradviceabout applying.

Councilpresentationonnew building

rules forsmall homes(granny flats)

requirements, including zoning and site

coverage rules.

To familiarisethose interested,Marlborough

District Council Building Control

Team Leader Brendon Robertson will

present aone-hour session onthese

changes onThursday 4June at 10am in

the Community Centre meeting room

on Alfred Street. Anyone interested in

learning more about the new building

rulesiswelcome to attend.

OffICesnIppets

• Thank you toall the volunteers

who helped usdeliver invoices

to ourmembers who are not on

email. We really appreciate your

help and ithas saved ussignificant

postagecosts.

• Membership cards and Discount

Booksare available tobecollected

from the office. If you cannot

get tothe office, please get in

touch (see below)and we will

post/deliver them out.

• Weuse Facebook to pass on

information from other groups

about eventsand news that

may berelevant tosome ofour

members. Just look up Grey

PowerMarlborough.

• Basic help with devices, e.g.

mobile phones, tablets and

laptops, is available atTeKahu

oWaipuna/Blenheim Library on

Wednesdays 10am to 12 noon

each week.

events:

• New Building ‘granny flat’

Seminar(free), Thursday 4

June at 10am in the Community

Centre meeting room at25

Alfred Street.

• Falls Prevention (free session

foranyone atrisk orhas had a

fall)atStChristophersChurch,

92 Weld Street, Redwoodtown

on Wednesday 10June, 10am to

12noon. Contact Donna tobook

in at 027 385 2333 or donna@

stchristophers.co.nz

• JPs are available at the Marlborough

Library (Blenheim)Mondays,

Wednesdays, Thursdays

and Saturdays, 10.00 am to 12.00

pm, and at Picton Library and

Service Centre every Wednesday,

11.00 amto1.00 pm.

• Weencourage youtolook

throughyour DiscountBook,

there are some greatsavings

to be had. The DiscountBook

is available online atwww.

greypowermarlborough.co.nz/

members-discount. Each

monthwewould like to acknowledge

the supportshown

to our members by some of the

businesses: Auto Electric City

Blenheim, Auto Super Shoppe

Blenheim (Topp Motors),

Automotive Solutions Blenheim,

Ben Elborough –Tall Poppy

Real Estate, Blenheim Appliance

Repairs, Blenheim Chimney

Cleaning 2024 Ltd, Blenheim

Electric House, Blenheim Petanque

Club, Blue Penguin New

Zealand Gifts, Brown’s Chimney

Service (2025)Ltd.

• Falls Prevention free session at

Marina Cove Retirement Village,

53Waikawa Road, Picton,

Tuesday 16June, 10am to 12

noon. Contact Amanda to book

in, 027 208 2780 orfalls.prevention@nbph.org.nz

• ChargeOn e-bike skillscourses

will be held on Saturday 13

June. Subsidised byMarlborough

District Council; formore

information ortobook in, go to

https://www.chargeon.co.nz/

Contact usat: 03 578 4950,

25 Alfred Street, Blenheim,

office@greypowermarlborough.

co.nz

03 578 3209

42 Grove Road

Blenheim

gnec@xtra.co.nz

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16

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Marlborough students named

as scholarship winners

MarlboroughNMITstudentshave

been revealed as the newest recipientsofa$33,000scholarship

fund.

Five students have been recognised

at the 2026 NMIT Marlborough

Scholarship Presentation

Ceremony last week.

Themoney wassharedtosupport

learners entering keyindustriesincluding

nursing, aviation engineering,and

viticultureand winemaking.

The scholarships were supported

bythe Marlborough Research

Centre, Churchill Private Hospital

Trust, the New Zealand Aviation

Federation, and the Zonta Club of

Marlborough.

NMIT Director Academic and

Teaching Susannah Roddicksaidthe

scholarships reflected the strength

of collaborationbetween education,

industry,and communityorganisations

across theregion.

“Education hasthe powertoopen

doors, change futures, and create

lasting impact, not just for individuals,

butfor families,industries, and

thewider region,” shesaid.

“The supportbeing recognised today

goes well beyond helpingsomeoneintostudy.Itisaninvestmentin

the future workforce ofour region

and inthe people who will help

shape it.”

Held at theMarlborough Research

Centre on NMIT’s Marlborough

campus, the ceremony brought

together scholarship recipients,

whānau,community organisations,

andindustrypartnerstocelebrate.

Speaking on behalf of the scholarship

recipients, Nursing student

Hayley Gill said being astudent at

NMIT hadchanged herperspective

onlearning.

“Beginning nursing has pushed

me outofmycomfort zone from the

verybeginning.

“There have been stressful moments,

long study days, and times

where balancing everything felt

overwhelming, but each challenge

has helped me become more resilient

anddetermined.

“One of the biggest things Ihave

learntthisyearishow much theright

environment can influence your

confidence and success. AtNMIT,

Ihavefeltencouragedtobelieve in

myself,ask questions, andchallenge

myself academically in ways Inever

didbefore.

“I am excited tokeep developing

both personally and professionally

and toone day give back toothers

through the care and support I

provide as afuturenurse.Ihope to

make as much of apositive differenceinpeople’slives

asothershave

made in mine.”

Thefive scholarshiprecipients, from left:MattRawlinson,HayleyGill, CaitlinHawkes-Bradding,Maggie

Pan, Lindis McMurray. Photo: Supplied.

Scholarship

recipients included:

Lindis McMurray, Bachelor of

Viticulture and Winemaking,

recipientofthe MarlboroughResearch

Centre StudentInternship

valued at $13,000

Matt Rawlinson, Aeronautical

Engineering, recipientofthe New

Zealand Aviation Federation

Scholarshipvaluedat$10,000

Caitlin Hawkes-Bradding,

Bachelor of Nursing, recipient

of the Churchill Private Hospital

Trust Scholarship valued

at $8,000

Hayley Gill, Bachelor of

Nursing, recipientofaZonta

Club of MarlboroughScholarship

valued at $1,000

Maggie Pan, Bachelor

of Nursing, recipient ofa

Zonta Club ofMarlborough

Scholarship valued

at $1,000

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Wednesday June 3, 2026 17

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18 Wednesday June 3, 2026

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The Blenheim

Wednesday June 3, 2026 19


20

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Your Local Manufacturing Jeweller

proud to bring you this puzzle page

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

453

SUDOKU

Every row, column and box should

contain the digits 1to9.

WORDBUILDER

356

S C O

R S A

12 13 14 15

16

17 18

19

20 21 22 23 24

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.

O

Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 27

25 26

27 28

29 30

31 32

33 34

Across

1. Abstainfrom(6)

5. Round-up (6)

10. Goes up (7)

11. Strew(7)

12. Appropriate (6)

15. Defy (6)

16. Considered (7)

17. Uncommon(4)

18. Greenstone club (4)

19. Snare(7)

20. Discourteous (4)

22. Hold together (4)

25. Entrance(7)

27. Commences (6)

28. Depriveoffood (6)

31. Endurance(7)

32. Maim (7)

33. Settlecomfortably(6)

34. Dull, slow-witted(6)

Decoder

Down

2. Aidintimeofneed (7)

3. Impede (6)

4. Desire (4)

5. Fog(4)

6. Formed(6)

7. Wrap around (7)

8. Debonair(6)

9. Twistinagony (6)

13. Residue (7)

14. Help develop or grow (7)

15. Inhibit, curb (7)

20. Sturdy (6)

21. Demean (7)

23. Bursts into (7)

24. Intensify(6)

25. Charge (6)

26. Stern(6)

29. Foundation(4)

30. Reverberate(4)

Crossword

Across: 1. Eschew, 5.Muster, 10. Ascends, 11. Scatter, 12. Proper, 15.

Resist, 16. Reputed, 17. Rare, 18. Mere, 19. Capture, 20. Rude, 22. Bind,

25. Ingress, 27. Begins, 28. Starve, 31. Stamina, 32. Cripple, 33. Nestle,

34. Obtuse.

Down: 2. Succour, 3.Hinder, 4.Wish, 5. Mist, 6.Shaped, 7. Entwine, 8.

Dapper, 9.Writhe, 13. Remains, 14. Nurture, 15. Repress, 20. Robust, 21.

Degrade, 23. Irrupts, 24. Deepen, 25. Indict, 26. Strict, 29. Base, 30. Echo.

WordBuilder

ACROSS, arc, arco, arcs, ass, car, cars, cor, cos, crass, cross, oar, oars,

oca, ocas, orc, orca, orcas, orcs, oscar, OSCARS, roc, rocs, sac, sacs, car,

scars, soar, soars, sos.

DECODER

Each number represents adifferent letter of the alphabet. Write the

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

which letters are represented by the other numbers.

VOLUME 1

Enjoy WordFit? Magazines available.

See www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

Sudoku

3 rd -20 th

June

2026

Canfor a Clean

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The Blenheim

OneDay Sports Tournament

theMarlborough FilipinoCultural SocietyhostedaOneDay

Sports tournament on Saturday 30 May atMarlborough

LinesStadium.the Filipino communitycametogetherto

connectwithfriends,old andnew,and celebratethe unity

that makestheir communitystrong.

Photos:AnneGaelle

Out&

...with The Sun

your localpaper

Wednesday June 3, 2026 21

AbOut

Have an event?

Contact035777 868

Airene Donna, AyingTrinidad,AmeliaGrace Aying, Arya Trinidad. Rolly Sabejon,BromCabredo. Gemma ReyBasio andJeric Mendoza.

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John Carl Avelino, Levane Palarao, RichmonSacay,JaysonCruzfromthe committee.

HeartieSacay,EulaMae Jarlega, Martin Jarlega, IanMercado from thecommittee.

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Every day in June


22

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Lets

'

Chat

• Areyou adog or catperson?

Dog person (Loves both).

• What’s your favourite snack?

Freshmadesandwichand beef jerky.

• What wouldyou buyifmoney wasnoobject?

Full size NBAcourt with afullsizegym.

• Celebrity-wise whowould be at your dream

dinner party?

LeBron James.

• Savouryorsweet?

Savoury.

• Theshopyou can’twalkpastis...?

ChemistWarehouse.

• If youcould boardaplanetomorrowwhere

wouldyou go?

Maldives.

• What’s thebestthing youcan cook?

Theperfect steak.

• Areyou amorning person or anight owl?

Morning.

• What’s your favourite colour?

Lightgreen.

• If youhad to choose anotherjob what would

it be?

Owning asupplementcompany.

• What is your favouriteplace forcoffeeor

lunch?

Pak’nSave.

WE ALSO

REPAIR:

with

Zac

Co Owner-RocketShine

By George Elder

MARLBOROUGH'S

MULCHER MOWER

SPECIALISTS

Everything from repairs to

rebuilds -All makes &models.

Allocate your RM Budget and

talk to us today!

•undervine and down-the-row cultivators

•earthmoving equipment including bucket rebuilds,

undercarriage repairs &rebuilds for all your tracked machinery

9Pak Lim’s Road,

Renwick, Marlborough

w: byrnebuiltengineering.co.nz

e: byrnebuilt@xtra.co.nz

Health Program,

Week 5and 6

Time for consolidation.

Give

your digestiontime

to catch up. No

changestoyourdinneryet because

theprogram is staged andgradual.

Dinner will only begin tochange

in week 6. Make sure you are

hydrating well and having that

morning glass of water with 1/2

teaspoon of salt. Hopefully you

have got breakfast sorted and you

no longer eatcereals,orangejuice,

bagels, oats, bread, toast orboxed

breakfast foods. Ifyou slip up or

get invited out for dinner and can

noteasilymakegood choices, don’t

sweatit. Just do your best andget

straight back onto theplanatyour

next meal.

Week 5.

Stillfocused on lunches. My suggestions

for easy lunches or when

traveling include: boiled eggs,

omelette, cold cuts, avocado, full

fatGreek yoghurt, cottagecheese,

gherkins,cheese, sardines in extra

virgin olive oil, cold sausages,

tuna,ham,dinnerleftovers or cold

chicken. Buyacooked chickenfor

Ryan Webb

lots of tastymeat. Only eatwhen

youare hungry andifnot hungry,

then don’teat.Nocountingcalories

here.

Areminder that you must avoid

sugar. Did you know that carbohydrates

are just chains ofsugar

molecules. Any foods made with

flour turn to sugar inyour mouth

immediately they are mixed with

saliva. Also remember that we

arenot trying to eatlotsofsalads,

they do have some valuebut best as

asidedish. Ourfocus is on protein

andfats. Don’tbeconcerned about

over-eating protein unless you

are actively fighting cancer, and

higher proteinonlyharms already

damagedkidneys.

Week 6.

This week -Dinner. This is where

the changes have more impact.

When planning dinner we are

goingtotake4steps:

1. First, your protein. Youmust

aimfor amealcontainingabout 30

gramsofprotein usingany meats,

BBQ, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese,

sausage, beans, lentils, tofu or

similar.

2. Next,choosefatstogowiththe

protein. Most fats come packaged

Super Rugby

Update

By Ryan Webb –The

RugbyOpinioneer

BluesvChiefs

The Blues got off

to an amazing start

as avital team interplay

move saw

Toren Barnes barge

over for the first

try. Then Kyren

Toemoefalou benefited off asilky out

wide play to score the Chiefs’ first try.

Tyron Thompson scored astunning try

for the Chiefs off aspicy driving maul

move andthensomebacklinewizardlyled

to Daniel Sinkinsonscoring in thecorner

for the Chiefs as well. Then some quick

passing through the hands of the Blues

team, saw AJ Lam dot down at the other

end. TheChiefsled by 4atthe break, the

scorewas 19 -15.

Inthesecondhalfitwas allone-way traffic

as theChiefswentonarampage; trieswere

scored by WallaceSatiti, Daniel Sinkinson,

Liam Coombes-Fabling, Ngatoi Ah Kuoi,

Reon Paul andSampafiniFinau.

The Blues did manage toscore through

EliOudenryn(oneofthe best triesIhave

seen by adebutante), CalebClarke, andthe

last tryofthe game by Xabi Taele.

The Chief well and truly ran away with

thegameinthe last 20 minutes.

Thefinalscore was59-34 Chiefs.

CrusadersvHurricanes

This was Sevu Reece’s 100th Super

with proteinanywaysothismakes

things easy. Surprise, surprise.You

need fats to lose weight. Often this

is achoice ofwhat tocook with

(coconut oil, butter, lard, animal

fats)orwhattoput on thefoodsuch

as butter or olive oil dressing. No

seed oils please.

3. Now consider some carbohydrate.

Use above-ground vegetables.

No potato or corn, rice,

pasta, bread, or pastry. Suggestions

include cauliflower rice, beans,

cruciferous veggies, greens, (not

spinach),carrots,onions.

4. Dessert, only 1piece of fruitor

70%+ dark chocolate.

Tips: Eat well.Avoid grains,anything

labeledlow-fat,mayonnaise

and chips. Nosmoothies, plant

milk or proteinbars. Drinkaglass

of water with 1Tbsp apple cider

vinegar before dinner. Always

finisheatingatleast 3hours before

bed.

If you want advice, email meat

takebackyrhealth@gmail.com.

Seek medicaladvicebeforedietary

changes, particularly if on medication.

George Elder, Certified

Health Coach, Author,Diploma in

Nutrition. Thebestthing youcan

do foryourhealthiseat better.

Rugby game for the Crusaders and he

played ablinder. Hescored first offa

driving maul, but the Hurricanes struck

straight back throughBradShields through

apowerfulcarry. Anelectricrun by Sevu

Reece set up Noah Holtham toscore the

Crusaderssecondtry of thenight. Johnny

McNicholl then scored for the Crusaders

again bysoaring through some weak

Hurricanes defence.

Christian Lio-Willie benefited offsome

greatteamworktoscore forthe Crusaders

againinthe corner.

Thescore at half time was26-7.

Manumua Leitu scored the first try of

the second half for the Crusaders off a

simple pick and go. Another simple pick

andgobythe Hurricanes at theother end

saw Pouri Rakeke-Stones get over the

line. Great awareness bythe Crusaders

sawKylePreston scoreatry, butthe final

try ofthe night belonged toSevu Reece

who benefited from some great passing

by theCrusaders andpoordefence by the

Hurricanes and hescored inthe corner.

To finish the game off brilliantly, he then

convertedhis owntry.

Finalscore:47-14 Crusaders

It was great to see some Tasman Mako

players ondebut this week, asEli Oudenryn

got on the field for the Blues and

Cooper Roberts for the Crusaders. They

both slotted into the teams seamlessly

when they gotonthe field as theirperformances

showed. Look out for the two of

them,asIfeel they couldbegreat AllBlack

prospectsinthe future.

Sun Weather Today 6-15 Thursday 11-17 Friday 9-17 Saturday 7-17 Sunday 7-13 Monday 4-16


The Blenheim

Re:Savingfor necessities

I’m hearing you! And rates and food will

keep going upalong with insurance and

everything else.Itmakes foraprettysmall life

in retirement.Ireallyhopethe afterlifewillbe

moreaffordable!

Re:CookStraitFerries

Good point, but rates will go up regardless.

The$110million will beamuch-neededboost

to thelocal economy. AndevenifGovtwere

paying for the upgrade, wewould still end

up paying through our taxes. Focus onthe

positivesitwillbring to ourregion.

Cats

Adog ownerhad to paya$4K vetbillwhen

someone’s cat was hurt. It’s about time cat

owners took responsibility for their cats. Ifa

dogwentontotheir property therewould be

consequences.Adoghastoberegisteredand

chipped. Acat should have to be registered

andkeptfromwandering.

Transfer station

Ialwayshaveachuckleto myselfwhilewaiting

togoontotheweightbridgeatGreenFingers/

rubbish dump. The notice about what’s not

accepted-under hazardouswaste.One of the

itemslistedisanti-freeze.Notsurewhodidthe

sign, butthe spellcheck wasn’t on that day. I

guesswe’re allabit “anti-fees”!

txt talk with

Dame Lynda

Wasitthe time forheremaining Topp twin to blastthe govt about

the lack of Arts fundinginher speechatthe recent musicawards.

Re:Rumaki

What are you on about? Idon’t know of a

single cafe that is EnglishlanguageONLY. You

make it soundliketheywon’t allowany other

language. Idon’t have aproblem with what

Rumaki aredoing butfor goodnesssakeget

your factsright!

Re:Rumaki

To the texter who said all cafes in NZ ARE

Englishlanguageonly, whereisyourevidence?

Ican go to thecafeacrossfrommyworkand

orderacoffee in Spanishand thebarista will

take my order.

Re:Rumaki

Your response is embarrassing. Name one

cafe that insists on the use of English only.

Therearen’tany.Rumakiisstipulating Te Reo

only,which is perfectlyfine if that’s what they

want to do.English gets spoken in most other

cafes because it’s the most commonly used

language. That’s completely different from

stipulatingEnglish only.

Please indicate

Hospital Road Dairy. Please indiciate when

pullingout onto MaxwellRdheading South.

So many times Igototurn into Hospital Rd

from Wither Rd end and cars just shoot out

nearlycausing an accident.Weare lookingat

cars coming straight on, not someone suddenlypulling

out. Nighttimeisworse.Thanks.

The Sun

Kirk’s searchfor answers.

WishingKirkand hisfamilyall thebestfor his

road ahead.

Well donetothe reporter on writingafairand

balanced story.

Seeking answers

What an interesting story on front page of

theSun last week.Myheart goes outtoKirk

andhis family.You hear of this so much these

days, doctors not picking things up. Imean,

they’reonlyhuman andmostlyoverworked,

particularly in ED.It’satoughone,our health

system hasbeenbrokenfor years.

Frontpagestory

My sympathies to Kirk. Ialso had red flags

ignored andnow have stage4cancer. Being

treated, butlikeyou,had to payfor initialultra

soundstuff. Staff have to listen as youknow

your body.

Letterstothe Editor

Three interesting letters inlast week’s Sun -

two byChris Davies (presumably the same

person)and of course Tony Orman’sLetter.

Thankyou forpublishing.

Trafficlights

Chris Davies is100% correct. Wedon’t need

traffic lights, simply drive properly and plan

your journey. Regular driver through town

andI’vebeenheldupfor more than acouple

of minutes.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 23

Talk of theweek

VolunteerFire

Fighters

Itakemyhat off to the

Blenheim businesses who

employ FENZ volunteers and

give them paid time off work

to attend theirtrained service.

Theseservice people attend

road accidents, houseand

building fires andrisktheir

lives. Oftenworking allhours

anddoing unpleasant duties.

Your work is appreciated.

Re:LittleCafe

Little Cafe on Charles-I

lunchtheir often, just love

everything aboutit.

Pig&Deer Hunt

Anotherfantastic

WoodyPig &DeerHunt!

What an amazingevent puton

by theformidableteamatthe

Woodbourne Tavern -Stacey,

Rowan, andamassive team of

helpers-you really know how

to turn it on.

Such an amazingasset to

Reniwckand theMarlborough

community.

So sad

SosadtohearofthepassingofJoolsTopp.The

topp TwinshavebeenasiconicasSplit Enzfor

NewZealand-cultural treasures, really.Alife

well lived. RIPJools.You will be missed.

Tipping

Have readers noticed the insidious creep of

tipping in NZ?Iwill nt be patronising anysuch

place. Staff are paid towork and provide a

service. In some overseas countriesthisisnow

completely outofcontrol in many aspectsof

dailylife.

Re:Poorquality of road works

Yes, Iagree.Roadrepairs in Marlboroughare

ajoke. MarlboroughRoads should be sacked.

Give them amedal!

If themedia andthose behind yjecampaign

to have teacher Michael Li stood down and

possibly runout of town succeed, they should

be givenamedal-the ‘Small Town Prejudice’

medal. He is afine teacherwhich thecollege

reallyneedsandwouldbehardtoreplace.So,e

toleranceofneurodiversityiscalledfor please.

Re:Marlborough’s Monoculture

Couldn’tagreemorewithTonyOrman’s Letter

to theEditorlastweekre: Marlborough’sMonoculture.I’vebrought

this issueupnumerous

times tonumerous mayors, councillors and

CEO’s. We are totally locked into failure. So

unnecessary.

Re:Speeding

Yes, I’ve had aticket along there. And Isee

cops parked up and cruising upand down

thereall thetime. So don’t worry. If people are

speeding,soonerorlater they will getpinged.

We welcomeyourtexts on

027242 5266.

Limitto70words please.

We reservethe righttopublish at our

discretion.Pleasenotethe opinions

expressedare notnecessarily thoseofthe

Sunmanagement.

Re:All Blacks

Totally agree, unbelievable, definitely Old

Boys Club!

Gotanimportant issuetosharewithMarlborough? Text your thoughts to 027242 5266

100%

Marlborough

Owned

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Ph 03 578 0340 | 2B Cloudy Bay Drive, Cloudy Bay Business Park, Blenheim |enquiries@trillometals.co.nz


24 Wednesday June 3, 2026

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The Blenheim

Classifieds Advertising Ph03577 7868

Wednesday June 3, 2026 25

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf club

May 18th 9hole mixed stableford Ian

Hatcher 22Ross Agnew 21 John Pullar

21 Ray Herd 20Barry Mosley 20 Bob

Tapp 20Graeme Parker 20 JennyAdams

20 May20LGU nett medalVickieLane

77 Elaine Brown7809holes Nett medal

Dawn Walker 32 JennyEavans34

May21st9hole stableford George Addis

22 BobTapp22PaulCrosbie 21 18 holes

Stableford Steve Anderson 41Patrick

Norton 40 Reg Reid 40Doug Shaw 39

Mike McDonald 39 Don Lamond 38

Stuart Parker 37 DonMarch 37

May23rdNettmedal ChrisHill65Jan

Cronje 67 Tere Poa 68Mark LeCompte

68 Graeme Parker 68 Jim Findlay 68

Doug Russell 69Clive Drummond 69

Sam Rainbird 69Tom Bainbridge 69

Michael Daines 70Colin Pitkethley 70

DonLamond70Ray Herd 70

May25th9holemixed Stableford Chris

Currie 22 GrantFlynn 21 IanHatcher 21

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.

BerniceArnold20Don March20Jenny

Evans 20Doug Shaw 19DiBetts 19

JennyAdams 19 Doug Russell18David

Waters 18 AnnWalker18Barry Mosley

18 DonLamond17VickieLane17Helen

Neame17DaveDyer17DawnWalker17

BobTapp17

May27thStablefordSue Duckworth36

Elaine Brown359holes Stableford Jenny

Adams24Chris Currie 18

May 28th Par Rachael Bell 2Wayne

Stringer 1Stuart Parker 0Gary Ytsma

0Clive Drummond 0Desz Campbell 0

Doug Russell 09hole stableford Ross

Agnew21Ian Hatcher21David Waters

21 George Addis20

May30thAmericanStablefordUrshula

Gardiner 60 Robyn Breen 60 Andrew

Stowell 59Doug Shaw 58Bob Tapp 56

DonLamond55RossAgnew 55 Leanne

Stowell54KobeGiblin54Sam Rainbird

54 Mike Gardiner 54

Public Notices

MARlboRouGHHunTinG &FisHinG

Come down to Marlborough Hunting

and Fishing for all your outdoor needs.

46 Main Street,Blenheimph03579 1600

Picton Golf club

Thurs 14May S/F-Guy Latham 38,

Graham Morell 38, Minty Molloy 36,

Nick Wright 35, Hirman Taylor 34,

Jerome January 34, Rodger Jones 34,

Tim McCaffrey 33, Ollie Overend 33,

BarrySlater33, Mark Ivamy32, Gary

Aldridge 22.

Sat 16May Varham Cup S/F-Frank

Burns 36, Anita McCaffrey 35, Maria

McConway 35, Graham Morell 35,

Mike McGuire 35, Roger Jones 35,

Richard Avery 34, Barry Slater 34,

Jeff Pascoe 33, Mark Ivamy 33, Mark

Wilson 33.

Tues 19 MayS/F-OerallwinnerMary

Butler 37,Lin Stone34, MariaMcConway33,

EllieGillies 33,Jenny Hart 30.

Thurs 21May S/F-Dean Post 39,

BrianCarver37, Jack Wicks35, Barry

Slater 34, Jeff Pascoe 34, Jelle Keizer

34, Hiram Taylor 34, Nick Wright 34,

Murray Selwyn 34,GaryAldridge34.

Sat 23May Nett-Mark Ivamy 68,

Trevor Gullery 70, Andrew Sunley

70, Jerome January 70, Ahern Watene-Jones

71,Ollie Overend72, Aaron

Wilson 72,HirmanTaylor72, Richard

Avery72.

Thurs28May S/F-RowdyRobertson

42, Ian Aldridge 38, Jerome January

38,MurraySelwyn38, Gary Aldridge

38, Barry Slater 38, Aaron Wilson

37,Iain Berrie 37,Ollie Overend 37,

Rodger Jones 36, Andrew Sunley 35,

JeffPascoe35.

Lost

CoCkATiel bird, lost Lower Redwood

Street. Please phone 035784952.

uRGenT

services

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital

Grounds. Entry offHospital Rd, Blenheim,

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

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578

0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands

Pharmacy: Monday -Friday 8.30am -

6pm. Saturday 9m -5pm. Sundayclosed.

Public Holidays -phone us to be advised.

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 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours:

Daily 2.30pm -8pm, children under 12

may visit parents only.

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

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

at all times is subject to the discretion of

the nurse in charge of the ward.

Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau

Hospital 5209999.

Picton:

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579

4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph

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

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph928 4265,

Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

txt

talk

027242 5266

Public Notices

AGM

REAP Marlborough

Tuesday23rdJune

4.30pm

9SutherlandTerrace

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette

Atkinson-Parker

For your sewing requirements

Phone 03 578 1010

or 027 578 1010

Quality Service Guaranteed

Riverlands School

GaRaGeSale

Sunday7th June

10am -2pm

School Road,Riverlands.

Homewares,toys, small furniture, books and more.

Wanted

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

amount top prices paid. Pennylane Records

430Colombo Street,SydenhamringDave021

222 6144, 7days.

PennylAne Records always buying records.

Excellent prices paid, 430 Colombo

Street, Sydenham, 366 3278, open 7days

FlyinG NUN RECORDS /tapes Will pay

$1000 Pin Group, Coat, Suburban Reptiles

Sat Night pc $1600 Anything by25cents,

Gordons, Builders, Clean, Mainly Spaniards,

Playthings, Toy Love or any other Flying Nun,

80s alternative, punk bands etc Pennylane

Records Dave 021 222 6144

Personal

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Auction

CleARAnCe AuCTion

"CAMbRiA House"

7Cambria Street, Nelson. 11am Saturday 6th

June (viewing from 9am).Top qualityfurniture,

includingkingbeds, w/ware,gardenfurniture,

tools, antiques etc etc

PHOTOS/INFO: www.jwauctions.co.nz

Payment: Cash -EFTPOS-VISA-Mastercard

John Walker -Auctioneer, 027 443 2525

Youare invited toexpress your interest in our upcoming

celebration of Blenheim Rural Fire's 25 th Year Anniversary.

When:Saturday 17 th October 2026

We are keen to hear from any ex-brigade members who would like toattend.

We are also very interested to receive any photos, videos or historic media

(ie newspaper articles) that can be displayed and shared with not only guests,

but the wider Marlborough community.

Email blenheimruralfire@gmail.com to register your interest.

We look forward tocelebrating with you.

Missed an issue? Visit usonline at blenheimsun.co.nz

Situations Vacant

DELIVERERS WANTED

Get fit with part time work delivering

newspapers and mailers into letterboxes.

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26

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

Death notices

Memorial Service

STEVENS, Ronald (Ron):

ADAMS, Margaret Joy(Joy):

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27,

2026 atMaxwell Lifecare. Dearly loved wife of

the late John. Loved mother and mother-in-law

of Gary and Nic (Christchurch), Tracy and Geoff

(Blenheim); and Richard and Martin (U.K). A

loved Nana ofall her grandchildren. All messages

tothe Adams family, c/- PO Box 9Blenheim,

7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. Due to

Joy’s love for animals, inlieu offlowers, donations

to the Marlborough Four Paws Trust (Bank

Acc: 02-0600-0312016-00 ref: Joy) would be

appreciated. Heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff

at Maxwell Care for the wonderful love and care

shown toJoy. Inaccordance with her wishes, a

private cremationhas takenplace.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

COOK, Daphne Margaret (nee Penny):

(23/4/1931 –31/5/2026) Dearly lovedwifeofthe

late Leo. Loved mum of Brent, Debra, Glenda,

David and families. Nana to 10 grandchildren &

great-nana to14great grandchildren. The family

would like toacknowledge the care given to

DaphnefromAshwood Park overthe last 9years.

MessagestoHewsonFamily,575 Waikakaho Valley,

RD3, Blenheim, 7273 or C/O www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Afuneral service will be held

at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral

Services,15Boyce Street,Blenheim on Saturday

6thJune at 10am. Followbyinterment at TuaMarina

Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed

and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral

Services Website.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

CURRY, Alan James(Jim):

On 28th May 2026, peacefully at Hospice Marlborough

aged 76 years. Dearly loved husband of

Bev for 51years; father to Michael and Andrew;

and father-in-lawtoJoshand Rebecca. Cherished

grandfatherofOscar andZoe;brother of Ann, Jill,

Ianand thelateRoss; andfriendtomany.You will

be greatly missed and forever held inour hearts.

The family would like toextend their heartfelt

thanks to allthe staff at HospiceMarlborough for

their care and support ofJim and his family. In

lieu offlowers, adonation toMarlborough HospiceTrust,account

number06-0601-0148609-00,

wouldbeappreciated.All communications maybe

sent to the Curry family, c/- Sowman’s Funerals,

PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. Afamily gathering

to celebrate Jim’slifehas been held at Sowman’s

Funerals MayfieldChapel, corner Hutchesonand

ParkerStreets, followedbyaprivatecremation.

KENNEDY, JenniferAnn (nee Newnham, formerlyWheeler):

On 1stJune 2026, peacefully at BethsaidaRetirement

home, aged 89 years. Dearly loved wife of

the late David Kennedy. Loved mother/motherin-law

of Caroline, and Rebecca and Phil. Loved

stepmother andstepmother-in -law to John andJanine,

Kate andJan,Liz,and Cookie. Much loved

grandma ofLeilani and Kahu, Alex, Oliver and

Kari-Moana, Isadora, River and Wilfred. Loved

brotherand sister-in-lawofRoger and Mary Ann

Newnham. Loved aunty ofTania and Rachael.

Her final margarita has been poured. Any messages

for the family can be sent to C/- Kennedy/

Wheeler Family; POBox 110Blenheim 7240 or

made via www.sowmans.co.nz Acelebration of

Jennifer’slifewill be held in theSowman’sMayfieldChapel,

cnrofHutcheson andParkerSts,on

Friday 5thJune at 2.00pm.

EVANS, LewisTudor,ONZM, Ph.D.

Died on 27 May 2026 atHospice Marlborough,

Blenheim, aged 82 years. Dearly loved husband

of Sharon Daly Evans. Loved son of the late

Kathleen and Tudor Evans, and loved brother

of Geoffrey Evans. Loved brother-in-law ofLiz

Evans, Berys Daly and Ian Verrall. Loved uncle,

grand-uncle and great-grand-uncle. His family

owes grateful thanks to Hospice Marlborough

staff for their compassionate and professional

care. As atribute, adonationtoHospice Marlborough

or the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute

via their websites would beappreciated (Ref: L.

Evans). Messages tothe family may be sent to

the Evans family c/o POBox 9, Blenheim 7240

or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. Inaccordance

with Lew’s wishes, aprivate cremation has takenplace,

and afamily farewell will be held in the

Marlborough high country at alater date.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

KAWHARU, Rose Caroline(Carol)

Passed away onSunday, May 24, 2026 (at her

happy place, D’urville Island), in her 97th year.

Dearly loved wife ofthe late Jim. Loved motherand

mother-in-lawofRobyn andGregBrown;

Dyne andDaveReece (bothdec); Lauren Kawharu

and Roger Turnbull; Paul and Sophia-Jane

Kawharu. Carol was an adored grandmother,

great-grandmother and great-great grandmother,

and alovedand respected auntyofher nieces and

nephews. Loved byher pet dog and companion,

Jack.All messagestothe Kawharufamily,c/- PO

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

Special thanks to Coastguard Marlborough,

especially Kelsie, for their wonderful and

respectfulcareofCarol as shemadeher final journey.

Inlieu offlowers, adonation toCoastguard

Marlborough, viatheir website wouldbeappreciated.

In accordance with Carol’swishes, aprivate

cremationhas takenplace.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

KEITH, Carole Elizabeth:

On May 25, 2026, passed away peacefully at

Bainswood on Victoria Rest Home in Rangiora,

aged 84 years. Much loved mother ofHeather,

Philip,and Hamish, andgrandmotheroftheir five

children. Wife of the late David. Messages may

be addressed to: PO Box 60, Amberley, 7441. A

privateservice hasbeen held.

North Canterbury

03 313 1430

RITCHIE, Murray Hunter,

We are saddened toshare the passing of Murray

Hunter Ritchie, who passed away peacefully at

Springlands Lifestyle Village on 31 May 2026,

in the 93rd year of life. Murray issurvived by

his partner Rae Patricia Cooze. We would thank

the staff atSpringlands for the care ofMurray.

Murraywas thefounderofManaTransport anda

highlyrespected andhonoured businessentrepreneurwithinthe

transportindustry. Over many decades,

Murray made alasting contribution tothe

sector and was admired for leadership, integrity,

and commitment. Beyond business, Murray was

deeply loved byfamily and friends and fondly

remembered bythe many young people Murray

supportedand mentored as they camethrough the

transportindustry. Murray’sguidance, generosity,

and belief inothers left alasting legacy. Murray

will be greatly missed and remembered with respect

and gratitude. Inkeeping with Murray’s

wishes, aprivate cremation has been held. Messages

for the family may besent toC/- Ritchie

Family, PO Box110 Blenheim 7240 or made onlinevia

www.sowmans.co.nz

HOLDAWAY, Barry Noel:

Died 1June 2026, aged 82.Youngest son of Len

& Mirrie Holdaway. Dearly loved brother of

Wyn, and the late Ross, Lester &Ian. Cherished

uncle and beloved friend ofmany. Acelebration

ofBarry’s life will be held at Springlands Chapel,

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15Boyce Street,

Blenheim at 10am, Friday 5th June 2026. Any

messagescan be sent to theHoldawayfamily,C/-

26 SpenserPlace, Blenheim.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph03578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

ROGOWSKI, JanJozef (John):

Passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, surrounded

by family, aged 93years. Dearly loved

husband of thelateColleen.MuchlovedDad,Father-in-law,

Grandad, Great-Grandadand friendto

many, Messages toc/- PO Box 9Blenheim 7240

or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Dad will leave

ahuge gap in our lives, and his memories will

be cherished always.Acelebration ofJohn’s life

will be held at DonegalHouse, 258School House

Road, Kaikoura onJune 6th, at3pm. All family

and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating

alifewelllived.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph03578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

PAYNE, Irene Patricia (née Winfield):

Passed away onTuesday, May 26, 2026, unexpectedly

at Wairau Hospital,aged86years. Loved

wife ofthe late Peter; mother of Peter and Kirk,

and their families; grandmother ofScott, Jamie,

Georgia, Devon, Mitchell, Max and Hugo; great

grandmother ofCharlie, Sophie and Frank. Specialthanks

to thestaffatAshwood Park retirement

village for their care and support. In accordance

with Irene’s wishes aprivate cremation and service

hasbeen held.

SMITH, Anthony James

Passed away peacefully at Bethsaida Retirement

Village, Blenheim on Monday, May 25, 2026

aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of the late

Mary.Lovedfatherand father-in-lawofTerry and

Karyn, Ramon and Theresa, Kirstine and Jason.

Treasured GrandadTony to all his grandchildren

and great-grandchildren. All messages to the

Smith family, 4Whitney Street, Blenheim 7201,

or viawww.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz.The family

extends theirheartfeltthanks to theteam at Bethsaida

Retirement Village for their care and support.

As per Tony’s wishes, aprivate cremation

has taken place. Acelebration service for Tony

will be held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church,

KaikouraonSaturday, 6June at 1:00 pm.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

STEVENS, Ronald (Ron)

Reg. No,E39265(Vietnam)

Passed away peacefully at Springlands Lifestyle

Village on Sunday, May 10, 2026 aged 88years.

Aprivate cremationhas takenplace with aMemorial

Service tobeheld atthe Springlands Chapel,

Cloudy BayFuneralServices,15BoyceStreet on

Friday 5Juneat2.00pm. Theservice will be livestreamed

andcan be viewed on theCloudy BayFuneralServiceswebsite.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Returned servicemen arerequested to attend the

service for the late Ronald Stevens. Reg. No.

E39265 Vietnam

Ron’s memorial service will be held at the

Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services,

15 Boyce Street on Friday 5 June at

2.00pm.

In Memoriam

MORAN, Marion Catherine:

Belovedwifeof“Johnny” John CharlesMoran.

BelovedmotherofWilliamand family.

“Weloveyou always. Most of allMum,weloveyou

themost”.

Watt, Edith Annie

(Ward) 06.06.2004

Watt, Stanley John

(Builder)

(Picton) 25.11.2020

Stan and Edith Missed

Love Christine

Anniversary

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

60 years ofMarriage

Treena(neeRobertson)and

Pani (Barney) Swann

At 2pmSaturday4th June 1966

TheChurch of Nativity Blenheim

OfficiatingMinister:ArchdeaconKirkham

Diamond Wedding

Congratulations fromallyour Whanau

Public Notices

Allyourcommunity news

nowalsoonthe

Blenheim Sun Facebook page


The Blenheim

what’s on in sunny Marlborough

Wednesday June 3, 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

McKay5778307 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.

Marlborough Women’sClubMahjong

-12BattysRoad,Blenheim,1pm-3.30pm.Phone

Dianne 021214 7757 forinformation.

Picton Line Dance.

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

Formoreinfo-Carol021-2125252

orRaewyn021-715484.

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 topractice

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

forfun,friendshipand fellowship.PhAnne578

7046, 0211156828.

Lions’ Club of Blenheim

-Liketoknowmoreabout theLion’sClub? Meet

on the1st and3rd Wednesdayofthe month. For

moredetailsContactDelphineLee0299425004.

BlenheimRockNRoll Club Nights

-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

-11am at Brayshaw Park everyThursday. Ride to

variousdestinationsforlunch.Bringyourlaughinggear,

athermal to wear andastory to share.

Marlborough CommunitySingers

–Allwelcomewhethercompletelyneworanold

hand. No audition.Thursdays at REAP,6.30pm-

8.30pm. $9 casual.PhAmanda022 6424805.

LibraryBook Club

–5.30pm-7pm, Marlborough District Library.

We meet on the last Thursday ofthe month.

Simply bring abook torecommend to other

members and enjoy listening to other member’s(including

librarians)bookpicks.

Picton LibraryBookClub

-6.30pm-8pm -Picton Library and Service

Centre. Join usinmeeting new people and

chatting about books. Wemeet onthe first

Thursday of each month. To register email

pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz.

Knit andNatter-

MarlboroughLibrary 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,

leaving 8pm for approx 2hrs. Nofee, super

casual. More info onFacebook, Blenheim

Nightriders group or contact info@ridethewhale.co.nz.

Friday

Blenheim FamilyHistoryGroupinPicton

-PictonLibraryon the1st and3rd Friday of the

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

family historyresearch? Meet membersofthe

Blenheim Family HistoryGroup.ContactHelen

0210390106.

Marlborough Vintageand Farm Machinery

Society

-BrayshawHeritagePark,openweekdays10.00

am -3.00 pmand Saturday mornings. For

furtherdetails contactGerard (Secretary)022

0392460.

Saturday

Marlborough Quilters meeting

-every 2ndSaturdayofthe monthatMarlborough

Vintageand Farm Machinery, Brayshaw

Park.10am-4pm.Learn quilting or bringyour

own projects. Sewing Machines available.

Newcomerswelcome.Liz 0212067382.

Blenheim ChessClub

-Venue TBC, every Saturday 10am –1pm.All

welcome.

UlyssesClub

- Every Saturday,coffee at TheRunwayCafé,

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. Othertimes by arrangement. Ph

Ross 0272122902.Donationappreciated.New

memberswelcome.

BlenheimBonsaiGroup

-Islington Gardens, RowberryRoad on the2nd

Sunday of themonth 1pm-3.30pm.

FidelioBlind Tasting

Fidelio Cafe and Wine Bar, 2Sinclair

Road, Blenheim. Tuesday June 9th,

from 6pm. $30 per person, 4wines,

booking recommended. Enjoy an

interactivetastingexperiencedesigned

to challenge your palate and elevate

your wine knowledge. Test your instinctsand

trytobeatyourfriends as

youidentify thegrape,regionstyle of

each glass.

Justiceofthe Peace

MarlboroughLibrary,Blenheim.Every

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and

Saturday, 10am-12pm.

Social Animal,

StephenPapps

Picton LittleTheatre, June9th, 7.30pm-

9pm. Stephenwillplaytwelvecharactersin

this funnyplayaboutaman who

loses face inadesperate attempt to

regain hisrelevance.Satire andtheatre

wizardry fuse in this roller coaster

journey about the fear ofirrelevance

and the healing power of an animal.

Recommendedfor ages 13 +.

COMING UP

Wheels&Coffeeat

Omaka

Sunday June 14th,9am-12pm, Omaka

Aviation Heritage Centre, 14Rosina

Corlett Lane, Blenheim. Alaid-back

gatheringforclassiccarandmotorcycle

enthusiasts. Bring your pride and joy,

grab breakfastfromthe cafe andwander

through the line-up while talking

allthingsmotoring.

NOT TOBE

MISSED!

An internationally acclaimed

Russian concert pianist with

an extraordinary repertoire.

Thursday 18 June 2026, 7:30pm


28

Wednesday June 3, 2026

The Blenheim

NEED HELP WITH

AGOVERNMENT

AGENCY?

Stuart Smith MP

Kaikōura Electorate

If you’re dealing with agovernment agency, orjust aren’t

sure where to turn, my electorate office and Iare here

to help.

Whether it’s issues with ACC, Immigration

New Zealand, Kāinga Ora, MSD, or other government

services, wecan make enquiries on your behalf and

help point you in the right direction.

Amberley Office

103A Carters Road, Amberley •03314 7441

Blenheim Office

22 Scott Street, Blenheim •03579 3204

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz

stuartsmith.national

Authorised byStuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

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