June 24 _ BLENHEIMSUN

local PeOPLe • local VIeWs • local neWs

Wednesday. June 24, 2026

blenheimsun.co.nz

Marlboroughsrural

internetprovider

0800 003176

Family first

Page 4

Call of the wild

Page 10-11

Future proofing Furneux

Page 12

proudly local & t rusted in Marlborough since 2002

Life’s abeach

Shrieks ofshock and sounds oflaughter accompanied

thosebrave enough to take theplungeatthisyear’sMore

FM Mid-winter swim in Picton with CuddonsEngineering.

Around70peoplerosetothechallenge,manyinfancydress,

before enjoying ahose-off in warm waterkindlyprovided

byBlenheimRuralFireBrigademembers.Photo, Anne Gaelle.

More photos page 25.

Need help with a

goverNmeNtageNcy?

If you’re dealing withagovernment agency, or just aren’t sure

wheretoturn, myelectorate office and iare here to help.

Whetherit’swith acc, immigration New Zealand, Kāinga ora,

mSd, or other governmentservices, we can makeenquiries on

your behalf and help point youinthe right direction.

Stuart Smith mp

Kaikōura Electorate

Amberley Electorate Office

103a Carters Road,Amberley •03314 7441

Blenheim Electorate Office

22 Scott Street,Blenheim •03579 3204

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz

stuartsmith.national

Authorised by Stuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

2

Wednesday June 24, 2026

The Blenheim

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more sales

and customers

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021 706 936

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027 280 1885

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72 High Street, Blenheim

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Follow the Blenheim Sun on

Marlborough’s favourite read.

Allcuedupand setfor awin

By PaulaHulburt

Atalented artistic snooker

player who played his first

ever trickshotinBlenheimhas

been invited toattend aglobal

championship in the USA.

Dillon Pritchard, 35,who has

racked up millions of viewson

TikTok with histrick shots, has

alast-minute game of snooker

to thank for discovering his

skills.

“A friend wanted me to go and

play but Iwaved him off, then

he said they were desperatefor

aplayer, so Iwent.

“My life would look very

different nowifIwasn’t invited

to play pool that evening, who

knowswhatother things would

be occupyingmytime.”

Moving to Marlboroughfrom

Australia when hewas ateenager

in 2003, Dillon went to

MarlboroughBoys’ College.

Although he’s since moved

back to theGoldCoast,hesays

Marlboroughwas agreat place

to perfecthis craftand some of

hisbestyears were spenthere.

He movedontoplaying at the

former Clubs ofMarlborough.

“Cue sticks were chalked and

many raspberryand cokeswere

had,”helaughs.

“I also attended theinaugural

under21s CueSportsAcademy

in Christchurch in 2011, just

weeksbeforemy21stbirthday.”

Artistic pool is the execution

of setshots,utilising pointsystems,

demonstrating skill and

creativity. Itisperformed on a

9ft American style 9ball table,

whichDillonrecentlyacquired.

He trains four to five nights

aweek and with only three

months to the Championships,

Dillion says hedoesn’t have a

moment to waste.

Performing under the social

media handle Tasman Trickshots,

Dillon,who is marriedto

wife Rachel,needs to raisemore

to get toPhiladelphia for the

World Artistic Championships

in October.

Whilst Dillon will officially be

representing Australia, he says

Blenheim is where his journey

startedand he’s excitedtoshare

Trick shot snooker player Dillon Pitchford has been invited to

competeatthe WorldArtisticPoolChampionships.

Photo: Supplied.

his journey with all those in

Marlboroughwho helped.

“I want to make my friends

andfamilyproud,” he says.

AGoFundMePagehas been

set uptosupport Dillon to

achieve his dream, with agoal

target of $20,000 AUD to pay

for flights, accommodation,

entriesetc.

“Every donation helps,” he

says, “no matter how big or

small.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/

help-dillon-get-to-the-artisticpool-world-championships

to

donate.

tamantrickshots@gmail.com

Courtcallout afalsealarm

FirecrewsrushedtoBlenheimDistrictCourt

on Tuesday morning in response to what

turned outtobeafalsealarm.

Twoappliances were inattendance after

thecall at 8.17am,with crewssetting up a

roadblock totraffic. Seymour Street was

briefly closed as thebuildingwas carefully

checkedbeforepeoplewereallowed back

inside andthe road reopened.

Photo: PaulaHulburt

MEET THE

TEAM

Ann Buckley

Owner &Founder

Ann andher husband David

establishedCloudy BayFuneral

Servicesin2002. Ann is aproud

6th generationMarlburian from

the Rapaura district. Growing

up in Marlborough shehas seen

many changestothe region.

It’s been aprivilege to support

familiesoverthe last 24 years as

ahusband and wife team.

Pre-planning &Pre-paymentoptions

Phone us foranInformation pack

PH 5782004 -24Hrs

www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED FUNERALHOME

The Blenheim

Sky’s the limit as

expansion plans take off

OmakaAviationHeritageCentre

hasrevealeda$5millionplan

to boost the world-renowned

attraction by 3000 sqm.

TheNew ZealandAviationMuseumTrust

(NZAMT)lastweek

announced planning isofficially

underway forthe huge extension

at theBlenheim-basedcentre.

Private funding has made the

movepossible, with theremaining

moneyneededfor theinternalfit

out to follow from fundsraisedat

thenextMarlborough LinesClassic

Fighters Airshow inMarch

2027.

Theexpansion is settofocus on

thefurther developmentofthe acclaimed

DangerousSkies’World

War IIexhibition, effectively

doubling itssize.

NZAMTChair,Brian Greenall

says the Trust is excited about

the chance toadd to the worldclass

visitor attraction. “We are

delighted with this outcome,

and the opportunity toextend

‘Dangerous Skies’ as both another

hall full of greataviationexhibits

and stories and aunique event

venue,” he says.

This next phaseofdevelopment

aims toincrease the facility’s

capacity, providing anew home

for rare aircraft and creating a

premier venue for large-scale

events in theMarlborough region.

Thecurrent collection will also

increase itsscope,exploring new

GuideandTeamLeaderBrianMorlandwithOmakaAviationHeritageCentreChiefExecutiveJaneOrphan

in frontofpart of theacclaimed DangerousSkies’World WarIIexhibition. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

areasofhistoricinterest. Theextra

spacewillalsoboost theregion’s

business event infrastructure,

offering conference organisers

aunique off-site venue for up to

700delegates (500 seated)todine.

Guide and Team Leader Brian

Morlandsaysheisdelighted with

the news and is looking forward

to seeing it take shape.

“It’s very exciting and we can’t

wait to get started and see how

good the finished result will be.

I’m looking forward to helping

fit out the interior and make this

wonderfulplace even more of an

acclaimedattraction.”

Marlborough Mayor Nadine

Taylor and Destination Marlborough

have also welcomed the

announcement.

“I warmly welcome the announcement

of planstoexpandthe

OmakaAviationHeritageCentre,”

says Mayor Nadine. “This isa

significant vote ofconfidence

in Marlborough’s future and

will further strengthen Omaka’s

reputation as aworld-class visitor

attraction.”

Destination Marlborough General

Manager Tracey Green says

tourismgenerated outofbusiness

events, was agrowing sector for

theregion.

“The expansion ofthe Omaka

Aviation Heritage Centre has a

dual purpose, it provides additional

space for amazing, rare

aircraft and doubles as a3,000

sqmfunctionspace forconference

delegates.

“It truly is great tosee investment

in such important visitor

infrastructure.”

TheNZAMT is welcomingdonors

andsponsorstosupport them

in thecreationoftheatricalsets.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3

inbrief

The Sun

NZ Firstcandidate

JamieArbucklehas been selected as

theNZFirstcandidatefortheKaikōura

electorate. Over the weekend, the

former Marlborough Councillor

joined CabinetMinisterShane Jones,

meeting with constituents and

stakeholders before confirming his

selection. He said he was delighted

andproud to have been selected.

Matariki celebrated

This year’s Matariki Marlborough

event programme is out now and is

full of opportunities totake part. Te

Rā Aro kiaMatariki (Matariki Public

Holiday) is marked on Friday 10

July and isatime for remembrance,

celebrating the present and looking

to the future. The 2026 guide is

available from Marlborough District

Libraries, theMarlborough ArtGallery,

Council’scustomerservice centresand

online at www.marlborough.govt.

nz andwww.follow-me.co.nz

Health services pay

increase

Health New Zealand welcomes

the decision by Amalgamated

Workers Union New Zealand

(AWUNZ) members to ratify

the Hospital Services (Nelson

Marlborough) collective agreement.

About83hospitalservice workerswill

receivea2.5 percentsalaryincrease

in year 1, and a2per cent increase

in year 2over aterm of 24 months,

beginning1April2026.Thein-hospital

roles benefitting include Orderlies,

Driver Orderlies, Kitchen Assistants,

Supervisors, Cooks, Security,Service

Assistants,and PatientSupport and

Security Workers.

BUILDING THEMARLBOROUGH

DREAM FOR20YEARS

Since 2006, local family-owned

business Peter Ray Homes has

helped almost 400 Marlborough

families realise their dreams.

Yousee, Kurtis, Donna, and Rowan

don’t build houses -they create

bespoke homes that embrace the

families who inhabit them, with

an unwavering attention toevery

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Talk to Peter Ray Homes

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ph 03 579 2368

4


inbrief

The Sun

RenwickLotto win

Six lucky Lotto players will be

celebratingaftereachwinning$36,480

with Lotto Second Division inlast

Wednesday’sliveLottodraw–including

awinnerwho bought theirticketfrom

Fresh Choice in Renwick. Anyone who

bought their ticket from any of the

abovestoresshouldcheck theirticket

assoonaspossiblein-store,onMyLotto,

or through theMyLotto App.

Futsalplacing

Congratulationstothe Marlborough

Girls’College futsal team whofinished

thirdoverall at theTasmanSecondary

School Futsal Tournament inNelson

on 16 June.The team startedstrongly

inpoolplay, finishing second before a

draw with Nelson Girls’ College with

scoresat4-4.Thegirlsrespondedinthe

playoff forthird andfourth, defeating

Waimea Blitz3-2 to secure thirdplace

overall.

Overbridge works

Major work onanoverbridge at the

Auckland Street end ofDublin Street

in Picton will start inearly 2027, with

the KiwiRail-led project expected to

take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Part ofthe Government’s Cook Strait

Ferry Replacement Programme, the

overbridge will improve safety and

strengthen connections between

the town centre and the Port side of

town, KiwiRail Project Manager Stu

Ridley says. Detours for traffic during

construction areyet to be confirmed.

The Blenheim

End ofera for popular

family butcher

By KatPickford

For more than 50years, the

Adcock family hasbeenafamiliar

partoflifeinMarlborough.

From helpingfarmers afterhours

to employing local teenagers and

servinggenerations of customers,

Renwick Meat Market &Bakery

hasalwaysbeenabout more than

sellingmeat.

Now, after more than five decades,

the retail meat side of the

business has closed, marking the

endofanera forone of theregion’s

best-known family businesses.

Thebakery, alongwiththe homekill

andmeatprocessingoperation,

continuesasusual.

The decision has been along

time coming,saysco-ownerPaul

Adcock,who hasspent more than

40 yearsinthe tradealongside his

brotherIan.

“It’s been ahuge part of our

family’s life andwe’ve lovedevery

minute of it,” Paul says.“Butafter

decades of early starts, long days

and the demands that come with

running abusiness, Ian and I

decideditwas time forachange.”

Founded in1972 bytheir parents,

Graham and Bev Adcock,

RenwickMeatMarketgrewfrom

asmall family business into alocal

institution, known for its quality

meat, friendly service and, later,

itsfamouspies.

Graham,who previously worked

forFitzpatrick’s Butcheryon Scott

Street in Blenheim, remembers a

very different Renwick when he

andBev first opened theirdoors.

Whilethe population wasmuch

smaller, thetownshiphad athriving

collection oflocal businesses

andastrong senseofcommunity.

“Itwas agood little community

and everyone stuck together,”

Graham recalls.

Back then, Marlborough had

dozens of butchers and nolarge

supermarkets, and the family

worked long hours tomake the

business asuccess.

“Weworkedseven days aweek,”

Bev says. “My parents would

come out and look after the boys

whilewewereworking.”

Before long, sons Paul, Ian and

Neal were helping around the

shop, and the tradition has continued,withmanyofthe

family’s

grandchildren –and now even a

great-grandchild –spendingtime

in thebusiness.

Creating opportunitiesfor future

generations has been one ofthe

greatest rewards, Graham says.

“When the grandchildren have

wanted ajob,there’s always been

something for them to do, and

Four generations ofthe Adcock family, from left, Neal Adcock,

Ian Adcock, Sam Adcock, Cheryl Adcock, Hayley Adcock, Graham

Adcock,BeverlyAdcock,EllaHodgkinson,RileyHodgkinson,Mhicca

Hodgkinson, Leah Adcock, Nicki Devir, Paul Adcock and Chloe

Devir. Photo: Supplied.

they’ve worked bloody hard –

same with the boys. We’revery

proudofthem.”

The business has also provided

afirst step onto the employment

ladder for dozens oflocal young

people. Some stayed for afew

months,somecompleted apprenticeships

and built careers in the

trade, and others are still part of

theteamyears later.

With all staff retained across

the business, Paul says the support

from customers since the

announcement has been overwhelming.

“We’ve met some great people

and shared plenty oflaughs over

the years,” he says. “We’re still

here, the pies are still rolling out

of theovenand we’restill helping

locals with theirprocessingneeds.

Thedoor’salwaysopenifpeople

want to popinfor ayarn.”

Struggle of Sleep After 60

Alison hadbeen strugglingwith

aproblem shared by many Kiwis

over60.

I’venever been one to sitstill,” she

laughs. “There’s always something

happening, someone to see.”

If she’snot down at herlocal pool,

Alison can often be seen briskly

walking around the park with

friends.The 64-year-old has always

been active. Firsttoorganiseacoffee

catch-up, last to leaveadinnerparty,

the one who remembers everyone’s

birthday.

But lately, Alison was quietly

struggling with sleep. Her energy

woulddip afterapoor night,leaving

her exhausted, more than she

realised.

“When Idon’tsleep well, Ireally

noticeit,”Alisonexplains.“Without

good sleep, Istruggle tokeep up

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The pool sessions became harder

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The Blenheim

Newchapter for

multiculturalcentre

By PaulaHulburt

Afterthe sudden deathofher father

when shewas just ateenager

in the Philippines, Matilde Figuracionvowed

to stay in school.

Sheentered quizzestowin monetaryprizesand

worked when she

couldsoshe couldbuy thebooks

sheneeded.

Now, the Blenheim businesswoman

has anew achievement

to add toher accomplishments

-CentreManager at Marlborough

MulticulturalCentre(MMC).

It is, she says, anhonour she is

delighted tohave taken on after

starting therolelastMonday.

“Ifyou told me that thegirlIonce

was would one day become the

MCCmanager,thatgirlwouldn’t

have believed you.

“If Iwanted tokeep going to

school, Ineeded tofind away to

make it happen formyself.”

Introducing herself at MMC’s

monthly morning tea atTeKahu

oWaipuna -Marlborough Library

last week, Matilde said she was

alreadyenjoyingher newrole.

Beingonthe MMCBoard since

2021 as both Treasurer and then

Chair, Centre managerwas ajob

shehad neverconsidered.

“PartofmyroleasBoard Chair

was toupdate Mayor Nadine

Taylor andItold herwewould be

advertising and she said Ishould

apply.

“Sometimes, ittakes someone

who sees something inyou that

you can’t see yourself. Idon’t

thinkany of us getveryfar entirely

on our own, we go far because

someonebelievesinus.”

With plenty of ideas for the

Centre, Matildesaysshe wantsto

build onwhat has been achieved

over thelast20years.

“Watch this space,”she smiles.

It was acolleague atthe Senate

of the Philippines where Matilde

worked as astrategyanalyst leader

whoencouragedher andhusband

ClarktomovetoNew Zealand21

yearsago.

“Hehad just returned from New

Zealand and said Ishould think

aboutmoving. He plantedthe seed

andthenClark andImade oneof

thebiggest decisionsofour lives.”

The couple first lived in Wellington,

where Matilde initially

worked as acarer in aresthome.

She went ontopioneer Wellington’sfirst

Filipino magazine and

was the region’s first Filipino

Justice of thePeace.

The couple also owned afood

truck, started arice importation

business andopenedarestaurant.

Lookingfor aquieter pace of life,

Matilde Figuracion isthe new Centre Manager at Marlborough

MulticulturalCentre. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

thepairlookedtobuy abackpacker

business in Marlborough but

ended upbuying Mountainview

VillaLuxuryLodge instead.

“All Icould thinkwhenIsawit

was “we are going to need alot

of sheets andtowels,”she laughs.

After six years ofsplitting her

time betweenBlenheimand Wellington,

Matilde retired from her

government role as aPrincipal

Analyst inJanuary –but didn’t

stay retiredfor long.

“Itmeans making sure that MCC

keepsbeing aplace wherepeople

from every culture feel valued

and connected whether they’ve

just arrivedorhavebeenherefor

decades.

“I hope my storyinspiresothers.

It really is more than ajob.”

The Marlborough Multicultural

Centre is anon-for-profit organisation

dedicatedtofostering social

unityand asense of belonging.

Visit their website www. mmc.

nz to find out more about the


inbrief

The Sun

Missingcockatoo

Harleythecockatoohasbeenmissing

from Ngaio Street inRarangi since 9

June.Thewood-lovingwhitefeathered

bird enjoys tearing bark from trees

andhidingout in cosy places,sayshis

worriedowner Janelle. If anyone spots

Harley or signs hemay have visited,

please call Janelle asap on: 021 196

1268.

Wine winner

CongratulationstoNo.1FamilyEstate

who’sRoséMéthode Traditionellehas

been awarded gold atthe Decanter

WorldWineAwards. Decanter Judges

TastingNotesdescribeditas“Glistening

with finesse: ripe raspberry and

strawberry fruit wrapped in juicy

citrus.Mineral purity drives thepalate,

cheered onbythriving acidity and

elegantbubbles.”

NewZealand Angusrecord

Lot3fromtheTaimateAngussalehas

sold for $168,000 toTangihau Angus

earlierthismonth -creatinganew New

Zealand Angus record in the process.

Congratulationstothe TaimateAngus

team on this outstanding result, and

to Tangihau Angus onsecuring this

exceptionalsire.

news tips

Send your tips to

news@blenheimsun.co.nz

organisation. 72 High Street,Phone 03 5777868

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6


The Blenheim

Student’sbiking

charity bid

Alex Partridge is usinghis impressive endurance skills to ride 100kmto

raisemoney forthe Nelson MarlboroughRescueHelicopter.

Photo: PaulaHulburt

By PaulaHulburt

Ayoung cyclist who regularly

bikes 18kms to school is using

his love ofthe sport toraise

money for charity.

Twelve-year-oldAlexPartridge

who lives with his family in

Rarangi, loves cycling so much

he sometimesleavesthe houseat

7.40am to get toschool.

Nowthe Year 8Bohally Intermediate

student is putting his

skills to agood cause, pledging

his support to the Nelson Marlborough

Rescue Helicopter.

Alex is undertaking the

Maximising Potential

challenge atschool

and as part of

this challenge

has opted to

bike 100km

from Lake

Rotoiti to

Blenheim

the first

weekend

of theJuly

school

holidays.

The keen

mountain

biker says

he was inspired

to help

by seeing the

helicopter at

events.

“I was inMethven

at achampionship and

thehelicopterwas thereand

about 11ambulances. Then I

was atChristchurch Adventure

Park and afriend of mine got

knocked out.

“He was out for quite along

time.Iwasright behind himand

sawit[the accident] happen.”

Amember ofMarlborough

Mountain Bike Club and MarlboroughCyclo

CrossClub, Alex

also plays and referees hockey.

Aftercomingupwiththe idea to

raise money for the Trust, Alex

hascreated aGivealittle page.

Donations have already exceeded

$1700 which is beyond

hisexpectations, he says.

“I thought itwould also be

good to use mychallenge as

away to raise money for the

Nelson Marlborough Rescue

Helicopter Trust.

“Although mountain biking is

very fun itcan also be adangerous

sport with big accidents

that sometimes need the rescue

helicopter.Idon’tget scared but

sometimesIdo getabitnervous.

“The Nelson Marlborough

Rescue Helicopter is vitaltoour

region.”

To donate visitAlec’sGivealittle

page atgivealittle.co.nz/

fundraiser/my-100-km-mtbride-rescue-chopper

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The Blenheim


Gene Tech law onhold

By Cathie Bell

Concerns by farmersand growers

about the Government’s proposedGeneTechnologyBillhave

led tothe bill being sent back for

more work.

Science Minister Penny Simmonds

has confirmed Prime

Minister Christopher Luxon’s

announcement at aBlenheim

public meeting recently, saying

the bill needed changes before it

couldgofurther.

PrimeMinisterChristopher Luxon

answered aquestion from the

public querying theGovernment’s

supportfor gene technology.

Amember ofthe public said he

wanted the proposed law change

to go through another round of

consultation, “Iwant more engagement

from thestakeholders,”

he said.

TheGeneTechnologyBill2024

aims to enable the safe use of

gene technology and regulated

organismsinNew Zealand.

Minister of Science, Innovation

andTechnologyPenny Simmonds

told the Blenheim Sun that as anew

Minister with arural background,

shewas “particularlycognisant of

theconcernswithinthe agriculture

sector andour ruralcommunities”.

She had sought further advice

from officialsonthe best path forward

on some key policy aspects

of theBill.

“The PM supports me doing

this extra policy work and has

instructed me to take the time to

getitright,” shesaid.

“Myrolefromhereistocarefully

consider potential changes to the

Bill, tomake sure Iinstil trust

and confidence in the regulatory

framework wedeliver. Iremain

committed toprogressing this

work.”

Minister Simmonds said that “as

notedbythe PM in Blenheim,the

select committee heard adiverse

rangeofviews from thepublicand

business community”.

“Many submitters highlighted

the transformative opportunities

amodernised, enabling gene

technology regulatory environment

would bring, particularly

in healthcare, research, and our

primaryindustries.

“However,wealsoacknowledge

that some NewZealandersshared

concerns.”

Almost 15,000 submissions

were received by theHealthselect

committee, and 97per cent were

opposedtothe bill.NZFirst leader

WinstonPetershas announcedhis

partywillnot vote forthe bill in its

currentform.

Minister of Science, Innovation andTechnologyPenny Simmonds.

Hedge blazesparks

huge crew callouts

Fire and Emergency New

Zealand have been battling

multiple significant vegetation

fires, including alarge hedge

fireinWardonSaturday.

Crewsrushedtothe area after

getting acall at 6.11pm. At

onepoint,upto20crews from

across Marlboroughand Nelson

were at the scene, covering

around onehectare.

CrewsfromFlaxbourne, Blenheim

VRFF,Seddon, Blenheim,

Renwick, Rarangi, Waihopai,

Nelson,Tasman, Koromiko and

Northbankattendedthe scene.

Thefire hadbeencontained by

around 9pm, with no active fire

fronts. Crews remained overnight

asstrong winds proved

asignificant ongoing risk,

Nelson-Marlborough District

Commander Grant Haywood

said.

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8


The Blenheim

Being Social

OmakaAviationHeritageCentrehas revealed planstoboost the

world-renowned attraction by 3000 sqm.

AMarlborough Boys’College

studentseizedthe chanceto

takehis politicalconcerns to

thetop -stopping thePrime

Minister in histrackstodoso.

The place is astunning

museum andahuge assetfor

the area and New Zealand.

Amust-see destination for

anyone, whether you’re into

aircraft or not. The displays

areincredible.

KevinAdams

Lovedour time there. Very specialplace. BevGibbs

Given Omaka has an

Argosy, ifThe RNZAF

museum is unable to take

a757 when they retire,

couldyou?

CathyHowat

Wahoothisisamazing news.

Omakaisworld classand just keepsgetting better!

DavidBlair

Awesome, agreat reason to revisitinthe future.

Paul Spinoglio

What an inspiring young man with every bit

of integrity. Youholdyourselfwellinwisdom.

Good on youLucas forabright future aheadif

you. Will be watching to hear more of you in

thefuture.

Alison Waltho

Awww so cool Lucas!!

CharlotteHundal

Marlborough will help trainfuturedoctors in abid to boostthe number of

medicalprofessionals across theregion.

Fantasticnewsand this is thesortofgreat

innovation that will increase our health

workforcetocopewithincreasingpopulationsinNelson/Tasman

andMarlborough.

Nelson PatientSupport &Advocacy

Absolutely stellar outcome for

Marlborough congratulations to

allinvolved.

DeborahDalliessi

Wonderful. We are blessed

with our medical teams here in

Marlboroughbut we need more!!

ElizabethJillTaylor

Debbie Webster

Franchise Owner Blenheim

To sell whatyou love,talktosomeone

wholoves where you live.

Raine &Horne New Zealand PTY Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Letters

Lettersonissuesofcommunity interest

arewelcomed. Amaximum of 150words

please.

They must be signed and astreet

address provided toshow good faith,

even when anom de plume isprovided

to the editor

for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

abridge lettersorwithholdletters

from publication.

Emailthemtonews@blenheimsun.co.nzorpresent

to ouroffice

at 72 High St.

Please note that your name and

street addressMUSTbeprovided

with emails.

Monoculturerisk

My original letter on this subject aroused

afair lot of comment and dare Imodestly

say, rightlyso.

Thequestiontherefore is,did notthe Marlborough

District Council see the potential

pitfallassociatedwithmonoculture?

My mind flicked back to the last election

campaign forMarlborough District Council.

While Idid not attend every candidate’s

meeting, Iattendedseveral.

The only candidate -and thankfully

councillor -who didsound awarning about

monocultures wasDeborah Dalliessi.

Monoculture -the practice ofgrowing a

single crop or plantspecies over alarge area -

leadstosevereenvironmental andeconomic

drawbacks. It causes rapidsoildegradation,

vulnerability topest outbreaks, decreased

biodiversity and inevitable financial risk to

farmers/growersand to thelocal economy.

Tony Orman

Marlborough

Money

Dear Ed

The creature who has been given

more power than any human has

experiencedcan most certainlyregard

climatechangeasafantasy.

No raging storm, no killing heatwave,

nodrought, nounprecedented

blizzard,nocliff-collapsing downpour

canaffect Trumpinany way.

We humans have createdthe perfect

shield against such happenings. It’s

called MONEY.

Have enough of it -and Trump

has ever increasing, unimaginable

amounts -and the effects of climate

change can have noeffect onyou

whatsoever.

Yoursfaithfully

Bill Holvey

Fuel economy

Dear Ed

Getting more K’s per litre of fuel has

become very necessary thanks toTrumpy

Boy, and ofcourse fuel prices will remain

inflatedwhen, if ever,the waronIrancomes

to an end.

I’ve insulated myself just alittle bit from

petrol bills asI’ve got an engine pre-heater

on my wagon.

This follows onfrom experience with the

emergency services, where you couldn’t

have an engine spluttering onyou at acold

getawayfrombase.

Thelovelything is,never having cold starts

meansavoidingthe wear andtear, even with

modern oiltechnology, that astone-coldengine

suffers –moreinthe first 5or10K than

in athousandKof operatingtemperatures.

Alookatoil on thedipstickbears this out.

Heater and especially demister availability

from theget-go. Having to park on thestreet?

Oh dear.

My mechanic sonsourced theblock-heater,

made in Chinaand forthe Russianmarket.

Blenheim Radiator Services plumbeditinto

the coolant circuit asneatly asyou’d wish,

anditdraws minimalelectricity viaatimer

forsome3hoursbeforewe’re away.

Lovely,smoothstarts, no harshnessatall.

Just couldn’t imagine having wheels that

didn’t incorporate pre-warming, that’s for

sure.

Bill Holvey

Blenheim

PS:The bike is so good forrunning roundtown

errands. Greatexerciseand no parking

hassles.

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The Blenheim


Marlborough 2055 –what matters

to you?

Public engagement has started

for Council’snext Long Term Plan

2027-2037,with the launch of a

community priorities survey. While

formal consultation will takeplace

in 2027,Council wants your early

feedback to inform the plan.

Anyone who lives, works or plays

in Marlborough, or who has an

interest in its future,isinvited to

have their say on considerations

such as:

•the challenges and

opportunities -identifiedfor

Marlborough in acomprehensive

future strategic scan

•where Council should prioritise its

activities –its work and spending

–considering the keychallenges

and opportunities

•adraft vision and mission

statement, and proposed values

•draft community outcomes for

the Long Term Plan

To have your say,you can

Date/Time

Wednesday 24 June

10am to 12pm

Thursday 2July

10:30am to 11:30am

Friday3July to Sunday 5July

Wednesday 29 July

10am to 12pm

Thursday 30 July

10:30am to 11:30am

complete an anonymous online

survey,which is opennow on

Council’s Consultation Hub:

https://haveyoursay.marlborough.

govt.nz/

Three supporting documents are

also available on the Consultation

Hub: Marlborough 2055 –A

StrategicScan (summary and

fulldocument) andthe Council’s

proposed Draft Vision, Mission and

Values statement.

Youare also invited to attend

apublicdrop-in meeting at the

following places and times:

Location

Blenheim Library, Te Kahu oWaipuna

Picton Library

Home and Garden Show,Marlborough

Lines Stadium 2000

Blenheim Library, Te Kahu oWaipuna

Picton Library

Feedback sought on SH1 speed reviews

Over the next six

weeks, people are

invited to have their

say on proposals to

lower speed limits

on two sections of

state highway near

Blenheim.

NZTA Waka Kotahi

Director Regional

Relationships Emma

Speight said this

was in response to

community feedback

that current speed

limits were not suitable

for these parts of SH1.

“Our assessments

show alower

speed limit is more

appropriate for these

sections of highway.

“Slower speeds would

reduce the risk and

severity of crashes,

give drivers more time

to react, and help road

users better judge

gaps in the traffic,”

Emma said.

These targeted

changes focus on areas with high

safety concerns, and it’s expected the

proposals would have minimal effect

on overall travel times.

“We encourage people to have

their say and share useful insights

and information. Public feedback

will help inform final decisions. It is

one aspect we consider alongside

technical assessments, safety

data and evidence, and costs and

benefits,” she said.

The speed limit proposals are for SH1

between Spring Creek and Blenheim

and Riverlands from east of Alabama

Road to east of Cloudy Bay Drive.

Each section is proposed to change

from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Consultation closes at 5pm on 27

July. Further information: www.nzta.

govt.nz/targeted-speed-limit-reviewssh1-blenheim-area

Get the best from your wood burner

As days growshorter and

nights become cooler,many

Marlborough residents depend

on their woodburners to stay

warm during winter.

Are you making the most of

yours?Here are five tips to keep

your home cozy and yourburner

functioning well:

•ensure firewood isdry, aswet

wood forces the burner todry

it instead of producing heat

•have aprofessional clean

your flue and inspect your

burner; worn parts or a

clogged flue from last

year’s residues can reduce

efficiency and increase fire

risks

•use paper and dry kindling or

pinecones to start your fire

•let the fire establish itself

before adding larger or more

wood

•after 15 minutes, checkyour

chimneyoutside: aproperly

burning fire will be hot with little

visible smoke.

If your burnerisover 15 years old,

it isn’t as efficient, meaning you’ll

burn more wood for the same

heat. Burners installed before

September 2005 are no longer

allowed in the Blenheim airshed.

For furtherdetails,goto:

www.marlborough.govt.nz/

environment/air-quality/what-aregood-burning-practices

Smoke from domesticheatingand ruralburning across Blenheim

10


one on one

with the Sun

The Blenheim

Adventure ofaLifetime

GrowingupinacoastalregionlikeMarlborough proved pricelesswhen Margot Martin-Babin

found herselfsurroundedbywater foralmostaweek. Shetalks to PaulaHulburt abouther

voyagetoAntarcticaand beingbrave enough to take achance.

The huge waves heaved their

mighty weight with astrength she

had never witnessed. Relentless

peaks and troughs tumbled with

aroar asonboard the historic tall

ship,Margotclosedher eyes briefly,

willing the almost overpowering

nausea to just stop.

The Bark EUROPA pitched and

bowedasitcarried eightyoung New

Zealanders, their three mentors,

31 other passengers and 18 crew

across the Drake Passage towards

theAntarctic Peninsula.

Known for its treacherous

waters, the Drake Passage

links Cape Horn inChile with

theSouth Shetland IslandsinAntarctica.

While unprepared for its

might, Margot says she was never

trulyscared.

“The DrakePassage wasdefinitely

intimidating. Iexpected to feel

seasick, butnothing really prepares

youfor howintense andall-encompassingitcan

be.Seeingthe size of

the swell and how small the ship

felt in comparison wasconfronting.

“That said, Inever felt truly unsafe.

The Antarctic Heritage Trust

andthe Bark EUROPA crew made

safety their absolute priority, and

the ship itself has been carefully

restored and used asatraining

vessel on voyagesaroundthe world

formorethan25years.

“Knowing that gave me alot of

confidence, even when the conditionsfeltoverwhelming.”

Born in Hawke’s Bay, Margot

moved toBlenheim with her

French-Kiwifamilyjustbeforeher

sixth birthday, after her father’s

work in the local wine industry

broughtthemsouth.

Growing upinacoastal region

taught her torespect the sea. The

former MarlboroughGirls’College

student spent three weeks sailing

from Ushuaia inArgentina to the

Antarctic Peninsula and back.

“Growing up in asmall town in

NewZealand taught me that

opportunitiesdonot always land

in your lap. ”

Margot Babin-Martin,centre, with mumCathy Babinand dadDamianMartinatthe MarlboroughResearchCentreon11June. Photo: Anne Gaelle.

Following in the footsteps of the

heroic-era Antarcticexplorers was

an opportunity Margot wanted to

take,she explains.

“Growing up in asmall town

in New Zealand taught me that

opportunities donot always land

in your lap. Sometimes you have

to actively seek them out.

“LivinginBlenheimencouraged

me to put myhand up, apply for

things andbackmyself. That willingness

toput myself forward is

probably oneofthe biggestreasons

Iended up with this opportunity.

“Spendingtimeatthe beachand

out inthe Sounds meant Ihad

very little fear of the water, but a

healthyrespect forits power. That

waspriceless when Ifound myself

surrounded by open water for

almost aweekstraight.”

The Antarctic Heritage Trust

is aworld leader in cold-climate

heritage conservation and looks

afterthe historic expedition bases

and artefacts left behind by early

Antarctic explorers, including

Captain Robert Scott, Sir Ernest

Shackleton,Carsten Borchgrevink

andSir Edmund Hillary.

The Trust encourages the spirit

of explorationthrough itsInspiring

ExplorersExpeditions.

Applying was achance for her

to try something new, Margot

explains. The sights, memories

andfriendships will stay with her

forlife.

In her mind’s eye, she pictures

the Gentoo penguins, waddling

with determination ontheir big

orange feet, pristine white tummies

leadingthe way. Sheseesthe

flurries ofwhite snow settling on

thedeckofthe EUROPA andhears

the laughter assnowballs were

flung. Asmall snowman stood

to attention ondeck asfriends

with cold-reddened cheeks and

icy noses enjoyed the once-in-a

lifetime moment.

“The moment which has stayed

with me most came notonland, but

on the water, inthe Graham Passage,”

Margot says.

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“Snowfelland settledonthe deck

ofthe EUROPA as four humpback

whales fed right beside the ship. It

felt magical, asifthe whales were

dancing through the ocean and

the snow. After the intensity of the

crossing,itfeltgood to laugh.

“Beneath that joy, Iwas overwhelmed

bythe privilege ofthe

moment, and immensely thankful

for the generosity ofthe strangers

who hadmadeitpossiblefor me to

be there–theTrust is acharity and

relies on donations.”

Standing at thefootofthe glaciers,

Margot felt dwarfed bytowering

walls of ice. Bundled inlayers of

protective clothing, she turned to

look over her shoulder, struck by

how small the ship looked as it

awaitedtheir return.

She describes feeling small and

inconsequentialyet also intensively

alive. “There wassomething incredibly

groundingabout that,” shesays.

Bonds were forged quickly, notjust

on the115-year-oldTallShipbut in

the training catch ups beforehand.

Breaking her foot just aweek

before ateam-building weekendin

Lyttelton meantMargotwas forced

tosit on thesidelines.

“I wish Ihad an exciting story

about howIfracturedmyfoot, maybe

something involving climbing

mountainsoranimpressivesporting

event,” Margot laughs, “but alas,

Iwas simply walking home and

trippedoverthe curb.

“Along with itwent asignificant

chunkofmyconfidence anditalso

affectedmyability to connectwith

theteamduringour training weekend,

so Iwas definitelynervous.”

TheyoungestInspiring Explorer

was just 18 yearsold andthe oldest

Zodiac (small boat) setting off from the Bark EUROPA, Antarctic

Peninsula. Photo: Margot Martin-Babin/Supplied.

was30. Butonceonboard,Margot

explainsthe differences mattered

far less. Helping crew the ship,

steering, handling sails, navigating

and standing watch forged

bonds she believes will endure

nowthe trip is over.

“When you share something so

intense, challengingand special, it

creates aconnectionthatishardto

replicate,”she explains.“We may

all return todifferent places and

routines,but IknowIhave come

homewithlifelongfriends.”

Now living in Auckland Margot

livedinBlenheimuntil sheleftin

2015 to studyHealthScience and

Commerce at the University of

Auckland.She returnsregularly.

“I am sure that as Icontinuetoreflect,learnandgrow,

more lessons

will emerge.For now, it hasleftme

with astronger belief inmyself,

adeeper sense of responsibility

for thenatural world, andadesire

to keep chasing challenges that

stretchme. Andyes,Iam already

alittlebit desperatetogoback.

“There is something incredibly

motivating about living through

an experience whichreminds you

that life is finite, andthatalong life

is notalwaysguaranteed.

“After that, the fear of doing

nothing with your life starts to

outweigh thefearofdoing somethingcrazy.

“ToAntarctic Heritage Trust, the

Inspiring Explorers programme,

and its sponsors, Iam forever

grateful for the opportunity to

be part of this expedition. Tothe

crew of the Bark EUROPA, our

mentors, the other voyage crew,

andeveryoneelsewho made this

journey possible, thank you. You

changed this young woman’slife

morethanyou will ever know.”

“Thistripwas thehardest thing

Ihave ever done –and also the

best.Ihave learnedsomuchabout

Antarctica, about sailing, and

aboutmyself.”

To findout more aboutthe Antarctic

Heritage Trust visit www.

nzaht.org

Margot standing in front ofChinstrap penguins, onthe Ridgeline in

OrneHarbour, AntarcticaPeninsula.Photo: Margot Martin-Babin/Supplied.

Margot standing on the bow of the EUROPA inthe Lemaire Channel,

AntarcticPeninsula. Photo: Margot Martin-Babin/Supplied.

THANK YOU!

The Marlborough Combined Colleges would like toextend

aheartfelt thank you to the Platinum and Gold Sponsors

of our 2026 Formal, Saturday 27th June. Your generous

contribution and support are greatly appreciated.

We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to

helping make this event possible and more affordable

for our students. The ongoing support of our local

community and businesses iswhat makes this annual

event such asuccess.

We are proud to celebrate the partnerships that continue

to invest inyoung people across Marlborough and help

create amemorable experience for students from all

participating colleges.

12


The Blenheim

Historic lodge safeguarded

for future generations

By PaulaHulburt

Aglimpse into how anhistoric

Marlborough landmark will look

followingamajorrefresh hasbeen

unveiled.

Furneaux Lodgeinthe Marlborough

Sounds hasbeenundergoing

arevampofits iconic main lodge

building.

Themovewillhelpsafeguard the

legacy of the 123-year-old lodge

which had started toshow signs

of deterioration.

Builtbythe Howden family as a

homestead, theLodge is acentral

gathering place and remains one

of themostrecognisablehospitality

buildings in the Marlborough

Sounds.

Projects, Compliance &Assets

Manager atMarlborough Tour

Company Cade Grice says the

building needed significant investment.

“Over time, natural wear and

deterioration made itclear the

building required significant investment

and care topreserve its

legacy while preparing it for the

future.

“Thisproject is acontinuationof

ourlong-term vision forFurneaux

Lodge, ensuring the property

continues toevolve through investment

in infrastructure, guest

experience andpeople.”

Honouringthe building’s history

while protecting its future has

been key inthe redevelopment

process. Construction started in

Aprilafter months of research and

preparation.

The refurbishment forms part

of Furneaux Lodge’s long-term

master plan and represents asignificant

investment inpreserving

and enhancing the heart of the

property.

Originally built asthe Howden

family homestead, the building

has long held aspecial place in

thehistory of Furneaux Lodgeand

the wider Marlborough Sounds

community.

Akey driver behind the project

has been the long-term vision

and commitment ofthe Burkhart

family.

Managing Director for Marlborough

Tour Company Barbara

Burkhart explains the renovation

projectwillensurethe iconic lodge

will be enjoyed bygenerations to

come.

“This refurbishment is about

more than upgrading abuilding.

It is about stewarding one of the

An artist’s impression by HawkinsArchitecturereveals howFurneux Lodgewilllookinthe future.

Graphic/HawkinsArchitecture.

MarlboroughSounds’ most iconic

hospitality landmarks so it can

continue to be enjoyed byfuture

generationsfor thenext100 years

andbeyond.”

A state-of the art kitchen,

upgraded hospitality areas and

layout improvements. Cade says

the Lodge is important tomany

people andthe changeshavebeen

done in away that honour’s the

Lodge’suniquepast.

“Being part of aproject that contributes

positively to its ongoing

story issomething we are very

proudof,”hesays.

Theproject hasbrought together

awide range of local expertise

and trusted partners, including

Hawkins Architecture, Robinson

Construction,Findlater Construction,

Laser Electrical, SENG Engineering

Consultancy, Majestic

Plumbing, Kenny Barging and

several other Marlborough-based

contractorsand suppliers.

Furneaux Lodge has also continued

to work closely with iwi

throughout theproject.

Aconfirmedreopening date will

be announced closer tocompletion,

but the Lodge should open

itsdoors againinSpring.

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ourcommunity who areinneedofassistanceshouldtheir vehiclebreak

down,belostand need some direction, or in need of medicalattention.

Anyone canapply if youare of good characterand arewanting to do

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The Blenheim


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14


The Blenheim

It’s Fabric-a-brac time

again inMarlborough

Thewaitisalmostover, as the

countdownbeginstowards the

popular Fabric-a-brac market,

raisingvital fundsfor Hospice

Marlborough.

Marlborough Fabric-a-brac

Coordinator Tracy Johnston

says people can expect tofind

plenty on offer, from everyday

essentials torare, vintage

treasures.

Also on sale will be some

unfinishedsewingand embroidery

projects andsecond-hand

sewing machines and tools.

“New to theevent this year is

therummage tablewhere fabric

that mighthavegonetolandfill

is beingofferedfor adonation,”

Tracy says.

The fabric and sewing market

ishighly anticipated by

crafters,dressmakers,knitters,

quilters andembroidersacross

the region.

“It’s where they gather their

supplies forfutureprojectsand

getinspiration forprojectsthey

hadn’t yet dreamed,” Tracy

explains.

“It’s also the ideal place for

those just starting out and

looking toset up their sewing

or craft supplies.”

Marlborough Hospice Shops

in Redwoodtown and Picton

are still taking donations

of good quality fabric ofall

shapes andsizes,haberdashery,

wool, sewing and craft tools

andsuppliestosellatthe event.

Fabric-a-brac isdelivered

by ateam ofvolunteers and

supported bylocal suppliers.

This allows every dollar

earned from the pop-up cafe,

stallholder fees, gold coin donations,

rafflesand salesoffabric

and sewing supplies on the

Hospice tables togodirectly

back to Hospice Marlborough.

Fabric-a-brac Marlborough

hasraised$32,733 forHospice

Marlborough since it started

in 2021.

This year’s Marlborough

event will beheld onSaturday

18 July at Connect Blenheim

on the corner ofBeaver Road

andHighStreet, runningfrom

10am till 1pm.

Volunteers (from left) Lyn, Annette

and Pam helping prepare

the donated materials

for Fabric-a-brac Marlborough

2026. Photo: Supplied.

KINDLING

WOOD

$6.00 per sack

Available from our self-service honesty shed

Monday-Friday from 8.45am to 2.45pm

Open on weekends ifthe sign is out

Four-wheel fun

showcasesMarlborough

Four-wheel drivefanshave

enjoyed six-days exploring

the region, raising money

forlocal organisationsalong

theway.

TheMarlborough 4-Wheel

DriveClubhostedthe New

Zealand 4Wheel Drive

Associationrecently, raising

moneyfor localschools and

MarlboroughHospice.

Culminatinginthe Annual

GeneralMeeting,members

then enjoyed adinner and

auction atthe Queen CharlotteYacht

Club in Picton.

Auctioneer Errol McConnell

says 4WD experiences

were organisedfor each day

taking drivers throughout

Marlboroughand theWestcoast,

with Club trip leaders

guidinggroups.

“It was afull house at the

annual dinner, with thanks

to sponsors, asuper auction

concluded the week’s

events.

“We would like to acknowledge

and sincerely

thankour sponsors fortheir

quality gifts given for the

auction,”Errol says.

Abig thank you toRapaura Timber who very kindly

donated the wood again this year, and our amazing

volunteers, the choppers, baggers and deliverers.

All money raised stays in Marlborough.

TheMarlborough 4-WheelDrive Club hosted theNew Zealand4WheelDrive Association

to theregion, attracting around 60 trucks. Photo: Supplied.

8Wither

Road,

Blenheim

Sponsors

• Helen Horton,Jamie

Gilbertand Toby Morris

from TwoRiversWines

• TonyO’Donnelfrom

Repco

• MathewRyanfrom

Mathew’s Mechanical

• Hunting &Fishing

Blenheim

• Burnsco Picton

• Michael Ponder from

theMikePonderArt

Gallery

• Ben Leggettfrom

RootsGin

• DanielLeBrun

from theNo1 Family

Estate

• Ben Thompson from

Copper Art

• BrodieAutoElectric

City

• Waihopi OliveOil

The Blenheim

June 24, 2026 15

Wednesday

Redwoodtown

Village & Hub

The heart of convenient

community shopping

PaulaHulburt

Combining convenience and character,

Redwoodtown offers the opportunity to

enjoymoremeaningfulshoppinginfriendly

andwelcoming surroundings.

With astrong sense of community, the

neighbourhood is adrawcard for residents

and visitors where everything is close at

hand,parking is free andfriendlyservice is

ahallmarkofthe area.

GMWJewellery

Along-time supporter ofthe neighbourhood,the

talented jeweller opened herstore

eight yearsago.Since then,she andher team,

AmeliaPask, AidenSmith,Laura Main and

Maya Polhavehelpedmanyhappy clients.

With the bespoke business going from

strength to strength,the team areset to move

Cleghorn Street,Redwoodtown,hometomanywell-establishedand long-standingbusinesses, is always busy.

into new premises in July, Gina explains.

Staying in Redwoodtown just made sense

sheexplains.

“We’ve been in Redwoodtown for eight

years and in that time, we’ve grown tothe

pointthatwereallyneedmorespace.

“I didn’t want to leave the area, we’re

established here and there’s great parking

andwe’re easily accessible.”

The new premises at 73 Cleghorn Street

(the former Beyond the Fringe building)

means more space to display the beautiful

collections ofrings, earrings, necklaces,

pendants, bracelets and watches GMW

Jewelleryare renowned for.

“It[themove] will give us even more of a

street presence,” Gina says,“andthe ability

to getmoretraffic.”

TheGMW Jewelleryteam, from left,Aiden Smith,Duke, Gina Botham,Laura Main and

Maya Pol. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

Marlboroughs lockand

keyspecialists

For all your

key cutting,

auto locks and

transponder keys,

lock hardware,

fire protection, safes,

Come and see the team

Servicing

MARLBOROUGH

for over

40 years

intruder alarms and CCTV

systems - we do it all!

72 CleghornStreet, Redwoodtown

03 578 4102 |Shop@chinglocks.co.nz

Relocation

Was $1,899

NOW $ 999

Handcrafted 9ct rose

gold cameo ring

Sale

Sterling Silver Graduated

Circle Drop Earrings

Was $219 NOW $ 99

Ph 5779340|www.gmwjewellery.co.nz|91WeldSt, Redwoodtown

Was $459

NOW $ 298

Handcraftedsterlingsilver

textured freshwater pearl

necklace

16 Wednesday June 24, 2026

The Blenheim

Redwoodtown

Village & Hub

Gary ChingLocksmiths

RedwoodLotto shop

Gary Ching isaname synonymous with

locksmithing in Marlborough. For the past 47

years, it’s been providing ongoing, dedicated

locksmith services for the region –and it’s still

goingstrongtoday.

Theirhandy premises,based at theheart of the

Redwoodshoppinghub,showcases awiderange

of qualityhardware, security products,locks and

accessories. With adedicated customer carpark

at the rear ofthe building, the business is both

convenient andeasytoreach.

Theteamcut alltypes of keys,withahuge range

of specialist keyblanksand cuttingequipment.

Theteamstays up to date with thelatestdevelopments

from international security hardware

suppliers and manufacturers. Recent trends in

electronic automotive remote and transponder

keys mean they can provide arange of options

andsolutions suited to meet your exactneeds.

They also specialise in the latest intruder

alarms, CCTV systems, mechanical, keyless

and digital access locks for residential and

commercial premises.

Whether you’relocked in, locked out orjust

want to lock it up -call the team at Ching

Locksmiths todayon578 4102 or emailShop@

chinglocks.co.nz.Anafter-hours calloutservice

is availablebyarrangement.

TheluckiestLotto shop in Marlborough

has been afeature onCleghorn Street

since 1987. Owners Peter and Claire

Matthews have much to be proud off,

includingalongstanding luckystreakthat

has seen their customers win more than

$32million worthofprizes.

“Wehavehad 13 FirstDivisionwinners

purchase their tickets here,” Peter says

with asmile.Manycustomers have been

shopping at Redwood Lotto franchise

for years, knowing when they’reontoa

good thing. Peterand Claire know alltheir

regulars and whether you’re along-time

RedwoodLotto owner

Peter Matthews has

seen millionsofdollars

in Lotto prize money

woninhis shop.

Photo: File/BlenheimSun.

customer or lookingtotryyour luck somewherenew,you

canalwaysbeassured of

afriendlychatand greatservice.

The store also stocks arange of cards

andmagazines

Redwood Lotto

Luckiest

Lotto Shop in Blenheim

13x1 st

Division

Winners

CoMe AnD GeT YoUr TiCKeTs ToDAY

Redwoodtown Shopping Centre, 77A Cleghorn Street

The Redwood SeRvIce cenTRe: no one wants to be coughing and spluttering this

winter,not even your car! Take it in to seethe “car GP”for acheck up!drdarrel’steamat

RedwoodService centre cancheck your cars health from batteriestoantifreeze, brakes

to tyres, andanythingelseitneeds to be safe andhealthy on theroadthiswinter.

Soothyourcar’s splutterandbookanappointmentnowforawinterservicewithdrdarrel’s

team at RedwoodService centre,yourcar’s GP,onScott Street.

TheteamatRedwood Servicecentre: Rafi, Patrick, dr darrel,and Shan.

No one wants to be coughing and spluttering this Winter, not even your car!

Take it in to see your

“Car GP” for acheck up!

Kardos &Co

Kardos &Co

hair design

91 Weld Street Redwoodtown, Blenheim

03-578 8044 | hairbykardos@yahoo.co.nz

•All automotive repairs &

maintenance

•Pick up &drop off

service

•Pre-purchase inspections

•Fleet maintenance

•Oil Change

•Tyres

•Batteries

•WOFs

Book your winter service NOW before you

head out and explore our stunning backyard!

225 Scott Street, Blenheim

Monday -Friday: 8am –5pm

Ph 03 578 4959 | rsc@cargp.co.nz

www.redwoodservicecentre.co.nz

The Blenheim

June 24, 2026 17

Wednesday

Redwoodtown

Village & Hub

Bikes&Scooters

When it comestoconvenience,

Bikesand Scooters arededicated

to making sure everycustomeris

ahappy one. Thespecialiste-bike

storesituatedacrossfromWoolworths

hasthe largestselection of

electric bikesinthe region.

Notsurewhattoexpect? Their

try before your buy initiative

allows would-be buyers to testride

an e-bike. From town and

commuter e-bikes leisure and

trails bikes, full suspension and

hardtail eMountainbikes, Road

eBikes and even folding eTrikes

andScooters, thereissomething

to suit everylifestyle.

Co-owner Chris Lang says

optionsare wide andvariedand

staff will help getyou on theroad

(or trail) with the perfect bike

foryou.

“The free eBike test rides are

availablebyappointment or walk

in buttoavoid disappointment get

in touchsowecan bookyou in.”

The SuperGold Card discount

is available toresidents aged 65

andoverisalwaysofferedacross

thestore.

Triketrials: Bikesand Scootersco-owner ChrisLangon

oneofthe eTrikes, part of thestore’s extensivestock

on site. Photo: PaulaHulburt.

Meet the faces behind your next great hair day -the team at Hairphoria: Gemma,

Nikisha, and Paige -acollective ofcreatives who care deeply about the experience

they offer.Eachmemberbringstheir ownuniquetouch,whether it’s precisioncutting,

colour artistry,orsimplyknowing howtomakeyou feel seen andheard.Theyvalue

connection,craftsmanship, andcreatingaspacewhere youcan trulyunwind.

Unichem RedwoodtownPharmacy

Runbylocals, forlocals.

At Redwoodtown Pharmacy, we’re proud

to providetrusted healthcare services to the

Redwoodtown and Blenheim community.

Locally owned and operated, we combine

professional healthcare expertise with

genuinecommunity care.

We offer awiderange of services,including

walk in immunisations and Vitamin B12,

blood pressure checks,blood glucosetesting,

zinc testing, ear piercing, passport photos,

andhomedeliveryservices.

We specialise in Medication induced

nutrition depletion consultations byaward

winning pharmacist helping you achieve

better health through personalised advice

andnatural healthcare solutions.

Eligible patients canreceive free prescriptionsfor

children under14years,adultsaged

65 and over, and patients with Community

Services Card holders onfully subsidised

medicines. We also provide subsidised

pharmacist services for children under 14

years, including treatment and advice for

fever, conjunctivitis, oral rehydration, scabies,

and head lice. Subsidised Emergency

ContraceptivePill(ECP) anduncomplicated

UTItreatment services arealsoavailable.

Grey Power members receive 10% off

eligible purchases.

As acommunity-focused pharmacy, we

proudlysupport localcharities andcommunity

initiatives.

UnichemRedwoodtown Pharmacy –Run

by locals, for locals. Caring for our community.

Visit ustoday for expert advice, quality

healthcare,and friendly localservice.

REDWOODTOWN

PHARMACY

Unichem

Redwoodtown

PhaRmacy

Runbylocals,

for locals.

Caring for our community.

Grey Power members receive10% off eligible purchases

70 CleghornStreet, 7201 | Phone 03-578 5748

Redwoodtownpharmacy@gmail.com

www.redwoodtownpharmacy.co.nz/Unichemredwoodtownpharmacy

OPen MOn-FRi 8:30-17:30 | Sat 9:00 -13:00 | Sunday CLOSeD

With the

biggest range

of eBikes

available in

Marlborough, we

have one to suit

every rider.

Come and demo a

bike with us today!

Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, Redwoodtown | Phone 03 578 0433

Mon to Fri 9am - 5.30pm & Sat 10am - 1pm

www.bikesandscooters.co.nz

18


The Blenheim

Feedlot proposal lack of

consent queried atParliament

By Cathie Bell

The people behind afeedlot proposal in

Kenepuru Sounds described as“bonkers”

will have to meet projectmilestonesorsellthe

land, officials from the Overseas Investment

Office say.

In response to questioningbyKaikōuraMP

Stuart SmithatParliament’sprimary production

select committee, theOverseasInvestment

Office’s Pedro Morgan said every approved

proposal came with conditions.

If the proposal was not delivered, the land

needed to be disposed of,hesaid.

Land Information Minister Mike Buttrick

said at thesameselectcommittee meetingthat

he wasinterestedinthisissue.

“It’s aprivilege being able to invest in

sensitivelandinNew Zealand. It comeswith

conditions and those conditions should be

adheredto.”

Catherine Reid, the lawyer who prepared

the application for the United States buyer

Sjerp William Ysselstein as trustee for The

MarlboroughFamilyEstateTrust,was unable

to be contactedbeforedeadline.

TheSun hasrequested thefulldecisionand

itsconditions.

The Overseas Investment Office, which is

partof thegovernmentdepartmentLandInformation

NewZealand,madepublicthe proposal

earlier this year, saying that Sjerp William

Ysselstein as trustee for The Marlborough

Family Estate Trusthad been grantedconsent

to buyapproximately 288.1hectaresoflandlocatedat69Titirangi

Road,KenepuruSound,

Marlboroughfor $4.245 million.

The application says the Applicant has

an extensive background indairy and beef

farminginNorth America.

The Applicant intends toconvert the Land,

currentlyusedasasheepand cattle breeding

and finishing farm, into an intensive feedlot

farming system utilising barn systems for

feedingand housingcattle, it says.

“The keybenefits that will likely result from

this investment are economic benefits in the

form of increased production and export receipts,creationofemploymentand

additional

capitalexpenditure.”

Consent was granted asthe Applicant had

met the investor test criterion and the investment

was likely tobenefit New Zealand, the

OIOsaid.

Thedecisionhas stunnedand surprisedlocals

becauseofthe remote location,roughly atwohour

drive down the Kenepuru Road which

has only just been re-opened after two years

afterstorm damage.Repairs arestill ongoing.

Astock agentcontacted by theBlenheimSun

describedthe proposal as “bonkers”. He said

theKenepuruSound location was“aridiculous

placetobuild afeedlot”.

People commenting on social media noted

economic and environmental concerns, and

queried whether the proposal would be able

to getresourceconsent.

Marlborough District Council spokesman

Glyn Waltersconfirmednoresourceconsent

applicationhad been lodged forthe proposal.

StuartSmithquestionedParliament’s primaryproductionselectcommittee.Photo: File.

Insight.

In sight.

On site.

With the arrival ofSouthern Eye,

Blenheim can now quickly and

easily access expert eyecare.

Dr Conner, Dr Rawstron, DrWong,

and DrOliver are now taking

appointments. Their experience

and insight covers ahuge range

of specialist expertise. Specialist

clinics and free laser eye surgery

assessments are available now.

Considering laser eye surgery?

Book your free assessment today

info@welaser.co.nz ı (03) 355 6397

Dr Genevieve Oliver

Specialist: Diseases &surgery

of the retina, vitreous &

macula specialist cataract

surgeon

Dr Elizabeth Conner

Paediatric ophthalmologist,

LASIK, SmilePro, PRK, PTK,

anterior segment, cataract

surgeon

Dr John Rawstron

Cataract, LASIK, SmilePro,

PRK, PTK, corneal transplant

Dr Dickson Wong

Glaucoma, oculoplastics,

cataract surgeon

31 Hutcheson St, Blenheim

www.southerneye.co.nz

The Blenheim


The littlethings

aren’t little to us

They’rethe moments that

createjoy in every day.

At Oceania, our Aged Careteamknows it’s the little

things that make allthe differenceinyour lovedone’s

day. It’s making sure theirfavouritesnackisready

whenthe game ison. Acup of teathat’s delivered

before they even ask.Afreshly prepared meal, enjoyed

together.It’safamiliar face who knowstheir stories,

their habits, and exactlyhow they likethings done.

To learn more, call our team on 0800 333 688.

oceaniahealthcare.co.nz

*No referral required.For residents aged65years and above.

Because the little things aren’tlittletous.

They’rethe thingsthatbring joy to every day,

and we’reheretomakesureofit.


The Blenheim

Pet Scene

Everything for the pets we love

support love local

Cosy Warm Dry

Individually

Housed Units

Offering asafe, secure and

climate controlled environment

Pick up /Drop off

service available

Phone 027 570 5223

www.cattery122.co.nz

CompassionateAt-Home Euthanasia

“I offer agentlerelease of thesoulinthe

familiarityofyourpet’s home”

Dr Charlotte Patterson-Green

BVMS |Veterinarian and Reiki Master

Ph 021 575 426 | Email soulvetmarlborough@gmail.com

www.soulvetmarlborough.com

Joint Flex for pets -the most

comprehensive supplement for

arthritis on the market for well over

20 years

Joint flex provides abalanced

blend of 18 nutrients to optimize

normal physiological function for:

•Cartilage health and tissue repair

•Promotes freedom of movement

•Post operative healing

•Joint and bone development in

large breed dogs

Animal Health Limited

9Isobel Place, Blenheim |027 498 5404

www.greatandsmall.co.nz

Arthritis

support

As winter kicksinitisthe best time to

watchfor signsofarthritis in your pets

• Stiffnessespecially after rest

• Reluctance tostand up after rest

and especially first thing inthe

morning

• Irritable andreluctant to be touched

• Morecommoninolder dogs especially

large and often overweight

large dogs

• Worse in cold anddampconditions

Joint Flex isthe most comprehensive

product for arthritis available for over

20+ years Joint Flex isalso useful

especially in younglarge breedpuppies

to help supportthe developmentofbone

and joint cartilage. It is also valuable

afterjoint surgery topromote healing.

PET DOORS

For cats and dogs

of all sizes!

COME TO US FOR THE RIGHT ADVICE

Your trusted local glass

company for over 52years

Call today:03578 0850

47 Grove Road |viridianglass.co.nz

Because pets deserve the best!

The Blenheim


SummersetBlenheim

Open Day

If you’re lookingfor arelaxed lifestylewithinavibrantand welcomingcommunity,take

alookatSummersetBlenheim.

With abrand-new villagecentreatits heart, everything is designed to supportan

active,socialand independentlifestyle.Catch up with neighbours,enjoy acoffee at

theDivineCafé, join in activities or simply spendtimedoing what youlove–allwithout

leavingthe village.

We know moving to aretirementvillage is abig decision.That’swhy we invite youto

ourOpenDay.Walkthrough thevillage,viewthe homesand explorethe villagecentre.

Seehow Summersetsupportsthe life youwanttolivenow,withroomtokeepdoing

more of what matterstoyou.

Love thelifeyou choose.

OpenDay

Thursday 25 June,10am-2pm

Summerset Blenheim

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim

03 520 6042 |summerset.co.nz/blenheim

Images are indicative. Homes sold under licence to occupy, subject to availability. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.

Care is subject availability and eligibility criteria.

SUM9522_FP


The Blenheim

Women’sRefuge

Awareness Month

1–30 July

crisisline: 0800 reFUGe

or 0800 733 843

Women’sRefuge–creating

safer communitiesand lives

Only thepersonusing violence canchoose

whether the violence stops orcontinues.

Photo: Stock.

Proudly supporting Womens Refuge

marlborough

taxis

2022ltd

03

577 5511

www.marlboroughtaxis.nz

Proud tosupport

Women’s

Refuge

Awareness

Interior Design •Wallpapers

Curtains •Upholstery

Blinds •Rugs &Cushions

(03) 578 5398

NOW AT

28c GEORGE ST

e: furnishing.centre

@outlook.com

By PaulaHulburt

Increasing demand

Demand for services from

Marlborough Women’s Refuge

remainshigh, reflectingongoing

pressures faced by many families,ithas

been revealed.

Manager Rachel Black says

they areseeinganincreaseinthe

number of women reaching out

forhelpinrecentmonths.

She says while numbers fluctuate,

demand has remained

consistently high with theorganisationreceiving

169referrals for

their community, safe housing

and children’s services sofar

this year.

“The current economic climate

adds significant stress to

households, which can escalate

existing tensions and increase

theriskoffamilyviolence.

“Financial pressure can also

make it harder for women to

leaveunsafesituations, particularly

ifthey are worried about

housing, childcare, orbasic

living costs.”

Women’s Refuge provides

emergency safe housing, safety

planning, advocacy, and emotional

support. It also offers

supportfor children,helps navigating

legaland courtprocesses

andaraft of otherservices. The

team can help clients connect

with housing, financial, and

communityservices.

“Manypeopledon’t realisethe

breadthofongoing supportavailable

beyond crisis intervention,”

Rachel says.

Thecentreoffers an eight-week

Women’s Education course for

those impacted byfamily violence.

This interactivecoursecan

be completed individually oras

part of asmall,supportivegroup.

Thereisalsoa10-weekcourse

specifically for children, also

done in asupportive and small,

group. “Sessionsare designed to

facilitate open communication

about children’s experiences

with events in their lives, and

exploresafety,”Rachelsays.

“Wesupport victimsoffamily

violence whether they wish to

continue therelationshipwiththe

person whohas harmed them or

not. We support them whether

they remain in their homes and

communities orneed toutilise

oursafeaccommodation.”

Rachel says whilereachingout

can feel overwhelming, there is

no need to face family violence

alone. Afirst step iswhat feels

safest to thepersonseeking help.

“Whether that’s calling, visiting,

or speaking to someonethey

trust. Ourservice is confidential,

non-judgmental,and focusedon

empowering women tomake

theirown choices.”

Beingavictim of

family violence is

neverachoice

Only thepersonusing violence

canchoosewhether theviolence

stopsorcontinues.

For the victim, itisnever as

simple as just leaving. Of the

women who access Women’s

Refuge,50per cent believetheir

abusers might kill them at the

time that they reachout forhelp.

It takes alot ofcourage and

Whilereachingoutforhelpcanfeeloverwhelming,thereisnoneed

to face Family Violence alone. Photostock.

often alot oftime toleave an

abuser. Itisimportant to be

non-judgemental. Respect your

loved one’s decisions even if

they decide to stay –they still

need your love and support. On

averageitcan take sevenattempts

to leavefor good.

The most important part of

caring and supporting someone

who isconcerned about family

violence is to listen without

judgementand to sharethatthere

is help andsupport available.

“Avoid puttingpressureonthem

to leave, as this can beavery

complex and dangerous time.

Encouraging them toconnect

with support services and offeringpractical

help canmakeabig

difference,”Rachelexplains.

“I thinkthere is stillalotmore

work to do to ensure people fully

understand the complexities of

abuseand feel confident stepping

in to supportthose affected-our

families,communities andpolitical

leadersincluded.”

For more information on how

to help aloved one oryourself,

call Women’sRefuge crisis-line

on 0800 REFUGE.

Freecall

0800 733 843

Proudly supporting

Women’s

Refuge

Proud to support

WOMEN’S

REFUGE

AWARENESS

At Women’s Refuge, we provide the support and information you need

when dealing with family violence inyour life.

Our sexual violence crisis support specialists are available 24/7 for women.

Get in touch (03) 577 9939

Open 7days |Ph: (03) 572 7170

193 Rapaura Rd|www.vinescafe.co.nz

Your TRUSTED LOCAL

Glass Companyfor over 50 years.

Ph 03 578 0850

47 GroveRoad |viridianglass.co.nz

The Blenheim


MARLBOROUGH

SHOW

SPECIALS!

EXPERT

ADVICE!

IT’S ALL ABOUT IDEAS AT THE

MARLBOROUGH HOME & GARDEN SHOW!

3-5 JULY, MARLBOROUGH LINES STADIUM 2000

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and lifestyle

Compare products, gather quotes, and connect with local and

national businesses all in one easy location

100+ exhibitors showcasing builders, renovators, spas, décor,

plants, art, outdoor living, heating & cooling, glazing, & more

Show specials, giveaways, and family fun with Resene Paint-a-

Pot (Sat & Sun, 11am–2pm)

Talk to the experts, bring along your plans, questions and ideas

Artisan goods, lifestyle products, great food, and coffee - make

a day of it with friends at the Show

Enter to WIN a Bedtime Ortho Align Medium Bed thanks to

Beds4U PLUS a $250 Resene Voucher

VISIT HOMEANDGARDENSHOW.CO.NZ FOR MORE

3-5 JULY

MARLBOROUGH LINES STADIUM 2000

FRI, SAT 10-5, SUN 10-4

ADULTS $5, GOLD CARD

$2.50 (FRI ONLY), UNDER 16 FREE

DOOR SALES OR BUY ONLINE

HOMEANDGARDENSHOW.CO.NZ


The Blenheim

Your

local E-BikE ExpErts

proud to bring you this puzzle page

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

456

SUDOKU

Every row, column and box should

contain the digits 1to9.

WORDBUILDER

359

E E V

S R W

11 12

13 14 15

How many words ofthree or more

letters, including plurals, can you make

from the six letters, using each only

once?

No words beginning with acapital are

allowed. There’s atleast one six-letter

word.

Good 14 Very Good 20 Excellent 25

16 17 18 19

20

21 22 23

24 25

26 27

Across

1. Mollycoddle(6)

4. Heavyfood (6)

9. Collapse, fall in (4)

10. Associatewith(10)

11.Cable(6)

12. Daring (8)

13. Boundaryline(9)

15. Yearnfor (4)

16. Coagulate(4)

17. Existing stateofaffairs(L) (6,3)

21. Nice(8)

22. Go beyond (6)

24. Preposterous (10)

25. Assist (4)

26. Kindlyand soothing (6)

27. Otherwise(6)

Decoder

Down

1. Sham or pretence(7)

2. Distorts(5)

3. Compel (7)

5. Formalagreement (6)

6. Perilous (9)

7. Resulting(7)

8. Demonstration, display(13)

14. Seclusion(9)

16. Vocation (7)

18. Actofbetrayal(7)

19. Futile (7)

20. Nonchalant (6)

23. Pursue (5)

Crossword

Across: 1. Cosset, 4. Stodge, 9. Cave, 10. Fraternise, 11. Hawser, 12.

Intrepid, 13. Perimeter, 15. Long, 16. Clot, 17. Status quo, 21. Pleasant, 22.

Exceed, 24. Ridiculous, 25. Abet, 26. Gentle, 27. Unless.

Down: 1. Charade, 2. Skews, 3. Enforce, 5. Treaty, 6. Dangerous, 7.

Ensuing, 8. Manifestation, 14. Isolation, 16. Calling, 18. Treason, 19.

Useless, 20. Casual, 23. Chase.

WordBuilder

ere, eve, ever, eves, ewe, ewer, ewers,ewes, res, resew, rev, revs, see,

seer, sere, serve,sever, sew, sewer, SWERVE, veer, veers, vees, verse,

wee, wees, were.

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.

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USE CODE

W I N T E R 3 0

Zara Readyand Connie Coldwell from MarlboroughGirls’College

with their Layer’d Cake Jars created aspart ofabusiness and

enterpriseinitiative.

Firemen Ryan Anderson, Paul Henley, George Jackson, Wayne

Davies andMarkHodgesfromBlenheimRural Fire Brigademade

it alongafter alongday on Saturday battling alarge fireinWard.

AmariaandMatt

PerryfromEvery

Little Thing in

PictonwithMaia

and Astra won

thefamilydress

up competition.

This year’s oldest swimmer, Diane Pannel

was all smiles as she bravely took the

plunge.

Sylvia Gregorycameasmoral supportfor WyuneGarrick whohas

attended nearly all themid-winterswims since they first started.

SharkDay with Conservation Kids NZ at

QueenCharlotte YachtClub Photos:AnneGaelle

DenniseBaasand ShelleySavagetooktop

placeinthe adultdress-upcompetition.

Scott, Evie andRia adding colourfulplastic bottle lids on afuture

sharkmural.

ABOVE: Debora andAbigail Ellis.

LEFT: Shark Conservation Diver Brad

Taylor with Elayna, Jasmine, Graeme

andHelen Taylor.

Bootsale

Market

EverySaturday7am to Noon, Railway Station Carpark

$5per carparktohaveasite,noneed to book

Funds go to local and international projects

26


The Blenheim

Bigstrawberriesfor you: By WallyRichards

gardening this week

June is thefirstmonth of winter

and the month that most ofthe

different types of strawberry

plants become available ingarden

centres.

Strawberries are awoodland

plant, and modern strawberries

such as Monterey have been

bred from theoriginalwildones.

Strawberries thereforedobest

in apartlysunny situation, with

ample woodland debris such

as rotting leaves and decaying

wood.

As there are ample fallen

leaves availableatthistime, you

can collect these and put them

through ashredder or lay them

on abit of lawn and run over

them with arotary mower.

Your catcher should befull

of nicely shredded leaves. Mix

with this aboutasimilaramount

of untreated sawdust for the

decaying wood.

Agood sprinkling of Wallys

Real Blood and Bone incorporated

will become your woodland

mix.

This should be spread into

the area where you are going

to plant your strawberries and

covered with alayer ofgood,

purchased compost.

If you are going toplant into

containers or into troughs, then

add your woodland mix toan

equal amount ofcompost.

Incorporate all together well

forthe potting medium.

Plantupyourstrawberryplants

and then drench them with

Mycorrcin, MBL and water.

TheMycorrcin hasbeenproven

in trials,toincreasethe yield

of strawberries by 200to400%.

Atwo-weekly spray of the

plants with Mycorrcin isthe

ongoingtreatment.MBL canbe

added tothisifyou like.

Forthose that like to obtain the

most health benefits from their

home grownproduce,add some

Ocean Solids and Unlocking

Your Soil to the above mix.

For gardeners that have existingstrawberriesnow

is thetime

to collect the rooted runners

to start offafresh strawberry

patch.

Existing plants that have done

well andare free of diseasecan

be left in thebedsand drenched

with the Mycorrcin.

Any plants that have not done

well or have diseases should be

removed from the bed.

Ilike tolift mystrawberry

plantatthistimeofthe year out

of theirraised gardens.

Theold plants will have formed

clumps and with asharp knife

you can divide up the plants.

Ensure that whilethe plants are

out ofthe ground, the roots are

kept moist.

Abasin with waterinitisideal

for this soasthe clumps are

separated, they can beplaced

into the basin.

Once all the plants are lifted

and sorted, you can refresh the

bed with the mix described

above.

Then select the best ofthe

plants from the basin and plant

them into the fresh bed along

with any runners that you have

notput into aseparatenew bed.

The earlier you establish your

new strawberries, the better

the crop you will achieve this

coming season.

Late plantings inspring or

early summer will never be as

good as plantingsnow.

Here are some new types to

look out -forget-me-not Monterey

which has alarge red

strawberry, which is deliciously

sweet aswell asanoutstanding

flavour.

Monterey also hasgood disease

resistance.

Importantly itisalso aday

neutralstrawberryvariety,which

ensures along harvest starting

from Octoberand allthe wayto

March.

This varietyisprotected PVR,

whichmeans unlicensed propagation

is notallowed.

Youcan findMontereyinyour

favorite M10store with thename

SweetAs, or in TheWarehouse

store the retail label will say

Sweetie, and inthe Bunnings

store itisjust called Monterey.

Also available atmost ingroup

garden centre members.

Ventana, avariety of medium

sized bright red strawberries,

with adelicious sweet juicy

flesh, has agood yield from

OctobertoDecember.

Large upright growth habit

and isalso protected by PVR

so unlicensed propagationisnot

permitted.

AvailablefromBunningsover

themonthsofJulyand August.

Cabrillo, alarge bright red

strawberry,alsowithadelicious

sweet juicy flesh, anexcellent

flavour with agood yield.

Aday neutral variety fruiting

from OctobertoMarch,Cabrillo

hasagood tolerancetorainand

weatherdamage. Availablefrom

Bunnings over June and July.

Tender plantprotection

There are anumber ofgarden

plants that do not like the cold

or frosts they will have to face

through the next fewmonths.

Some also detest wet soil

conditions which can lead to

wet weather diseases such as

root rot.

Citrus trees are agood example

ofthis; wet feet will cause

root rots with thelossofleaves

andcrops,insomecases theloss

of the tree.

Newer foliage can also be

blackened byfrost nipping the

tree back.

All your evergreen garden

plants that resent wet conditions

can be assisted to cope

better with amonthly spray of

Perkfection.

Remove any mulches around

citrus or other plants that don’t

like wet feet, or they may die

during awet winter.

Those plants that are cold

or frost tender can then be

sprayed with Wallys Spray on

Frost Protection at50mils per

litreofwater to give them frost

protection down to minus 16,

for one month within 24hours

of spraying.

Then amonth later amaintenance

spray at 25 mils per litre

of water. Repeat maintenance

spray every 4weeks.

Sun Weather Today 5-19 Thursday 5-17 Friday 5-16 Saturday 5-18 Sunday 8-19 Monday 7-18

The Blenheim

Update please

Ward St residentsare frustrated with ongoing

roadworks.

Councilcontractorsstarteddiggingforawater

upgradeabout5+ weeksagoandfinishedthe

main work quickly. After testing, leaks were

found,andforthelastfewweeksthey’vebeen

repeatedly diggingupand patching thesame

areas. Thewhole street is nowamuddymess.

Canwepleaseget an update on when this will

finally be completed?

Fuel prices

So allofthe goodsand services that increased

in cost duetofuelprices.......how long before

they getreduced when fuel prices drop?

Re:Roundabouts

Some very ‘interesting’ &entertaining texts

to theSun.But,bottomline, forthose drivers

who have had adequate driving instruction,

negotiatingroundaboutsis nogreatproblem.

Thehazardousdrivers whodon’t usestraightforwardcommonsensewhilstutilising

roundabouts......like

u-turners atintersections &

those who drive with parklights ononly (ie

unsupported byheadlights), should sell or

give theircarsaway&walk or take up cycling!

Re:Roundabouts

Yes, Iagree -roundabouts were invented to

keepthetrafficflowing.Youdon’tneedtostop

to wait andsee what everyone else is doing.

Youjustneedtohavealookasyou approach

and proceed accordingly. If the car on your

right lookslikeit’sabout to give waytosomeoneontheir

right, keep moving.

Re:Roundabouts

Lovedthe 4suggestions!!

Fullyagree.

txt talk with

Tooexpensive

Whyare theretirementvillagessoexpensive andthe weekly fees so

high in Blenheim?Iknow of at least8people whowould sell their

homes andmoveintoavillage as they love Blenheim.

YummyReBurger

Wow what aburger! Greatbun,superbsauce

andthe best friesIhaveeverhad.I’llbeback.

Wairau BarRoad

It is disgusting, many potholes that ruin car

tyres. Many people have mentioned the

condition ofthe road, it’s really bad, but no

onegoesand looksatit. Somethingneeds to

be done soon,it’shorrible.

Frontpage

Lovely photo onfront page of The Sun 17

June of Lucas Mulitalo and PM Christopher

Luxon. Had togrin when Lucas said the PM

interrupted him when they were discussing

immigration. BecauseIhad recently watched

the PMatapress conference tell areporter

off forinterruptingand told to have respect.

Bit of alaugh.

Food ForFiscal Thought!

If CentralGovernmentcan operatewithtotal

fiscalresponsibly,despite having to cleanup

thehorrendousmessbythe last lotinpower,

why can’t our local Councillors follow suit?

Competency problems?Yes?

Either step up......both operationally&fiscally.

Keep the proposed rates increase for 26’/27’

to absolutely no more than anacceptable

2-2.5%. Or step out before the next Local

Body Elections.

Re:Roundaboutcorrect

etiquette

To last week’s texter re stopping at entrance

to aroundaboutbeforetraveling over.Please

note it is aGiveWay intersection,not aStop

intersection. For the roundabout towork as

intended, please do not stop unless totally

necessaryieanothervehicle is either directly

in your path or has indicated to go around.

Thank you.

The Sun

Re:Power costscomplaints

Totally agree with your letter to the Editor

about power costs complaints. Wouldn’t it

be good.

Re:Roundabouts

Youdon’t have to stop at aroundabout. It’s

agive way, not astop. The whole idea with

roundabouts is to keep thetraffic flowing, not

bringittoastop.

As you approach the intersection there is

ampletimetoassesswhatishappeningat all3

exits.Youmighthavetoputyourphonedown.

Re:Cats

Yeah......thatdoesn’tsoundlikecats.Theydon’t

tend to pooinany oldplace.Not like dogs.My

neighbour’s dog routinely leaves it’s doings

on my frontlawn, in fact Ithink it’s part of the

eveningroutine when it’s ownerbringsitout

forawalk. No problem, he’llkeep.

For you, Isuspect it’s something other than

acat.

Re:Cats

To thepersonclaimingallthecatspooontheir

driveway.Havingowned cats for45odd years

I’ve neverseenacatpooprandomly on lawns

or driveways. They like to burytheirbusiness. I

thinkyou’llfind itsprobablyhedgehogs.

Re:Speeding

To the texter from some weeks ago about

speeding on OldRenwick Road.Yup,Iagree,

it’s definitelyhappening.

There isawhite SUV with emergency tape

around it right atthis minute. It looks as

thoughitcameracingupNew RenwickRoad

headingtotown,hasfailedtotakethebendby

LansdowneParkand endupagainst he fence

by theclubrooms.Ohdear.

Cattlefarm

ReplytoAmericanowned cattle farm.

Notsurewhatyou thinkiscruel abouthaving

good food andshelter forstock!


Talk of theweek

ThanksGina

Greatinitiativebythe local

business ownerofGMW

Jewellerytoexchange a

servicefor petfood donations.

Ifor onesay thanks andIbet

thecatsand dogs do too.

Respect

Respecttothe crew on

thereplacement culvert

jobonKenepuruRoad,

Linkwaterend.

Nottoo much sunthere!

Harling Park

Thank youtothe man

whospent severalhours

at HarlingParkrecently

removing allthe leaf and

bark rubbishfromthe rocks

on either side of thestream.

What adifference it made.

Theplace lookssomuch

better andtidier.

Very kind andthoughtful

of you.

We welcomeyourtexts on

027242 5266.

Limitto70words please.

We reservethe righttopublish at our

discretion.Pleasenotethe opinions

expressedare notnecessarily thoseofthe

Sunmanagement.

Helpline

How many hours have we wasted on a

HELPLINE that is “currently experiencing high

volumeofcalls”etc? Ifthesystemtruly“records

allcalls fortrainingpurposes” then wouldn’t

more PEOPLE be employed?Thatisifyou can

getthroughinthe first place!

Gotanimportant issuetosharewithMarlborough? Text your thoughts to 027242 5266

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On call after hours service available

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Phone: 579 2921

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fuRNIshING

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GARAGE DOORs

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See the experts for:

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The Blenheim

Classifieds Advertising Ph03577 7868


Situations Vacant

Personal

FoR loVeRS oFFINe PleASuRe.

Phone 02102228031, notexts. Hours 10am

to 6.30pm.

Public Notices

Golf

Results

Board member wanted: Financial Lead

St Marks residential alcohol and drug rehab islooking

for anunpaid Board member to be the financial lead

for the Board.

Youwill be familiar with Xero

Youwill liaise with our external accountants

Youwill work closely with our Operational manager

on budgets

Youwill prepare bimonthly profit and loss reports

Youwill support auditors with annual accounts

St Marks Board has areal team approach and

supports the great work of the operations:

If interested, please contact Peter Diack:

diackpeter@gmail.com

DELIVERERS WANTED

Get fit with part time work delivering

newspapers and mailers into letterboxes.

•Regular weekly work

•Noexperience necessary

•Weare alocally owned company

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

Email: deliveries@alliedpress.co.nz

Include your name, address, email, phone number

OR SCAN THE

QR CODE

TO APPLY

In

Memoriam

Remember

your lost

lovedone

on their

anniversary.

The deadline is Monday

5.00pm. Please contact the

Sun for further details.

72 High Street, Blenheim,

email office@blenheimsun.

co.nz or phone 577 7868.

Double Glazing -Beat the rush with Marlborough

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with Retro-fit Double Glazing for your Timber

and Aluminium Windows. DON’T DELAY -

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MARlboRouGHHuNTING &FISHING

Come down to Marlborough Hunting

and Fishing for all your outdoor needs.

46 Main Street,Blenheimph03579 1600

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette

Atkinson-Parker

For your sewing requirements

Phone 03 578 1010

or 027 578 1010

Quality Service Guaranteed

AGM

Marlborough Branch Red Cross

Monday13July2026

7pm, 33 Redwood Street

All welcome

blmredx@outlook.com

Visit usonline at

blenheimsun.co.nz

Blenheim Golf Club

June 17th Stableford 18 holes

Judith Batty299Holes Stableford

Jenny Evans 17 Ann Walker 17

June 18th Combined Gross Tom

Bainbridge &Grant Flynn 172

Graeme Parker &Tere Poa 181

Duncan Cassidy &Gary Ytsma

186 Duncan Cassidy &Reg Reid

187 Buck Asplet &Richard Anderson

1889holestablefordDavid

Horrell 19Chris McKendry18

June 20th Medal Nett Luke

Yarrall 72Grant Flynn 72Desz

Campbell 72 Warren Ingram 73

Chris Hill 73Brent Baker 74Jan

Cronje 74 Tom Bainbridge 74

Don March 75 Marion Flynn 76

RayHerd76Jim Findlay77Mike

Gardiner 77 NTPSummerset 9./18

Luke Yarrall,Sowmans3/12Desz

Campbell

Wanted

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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,

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ViNeyard For SaLe

• Planted area appx 4.06 ha.

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• Centrally located.

• Sold with orwithout aGrape Supply Agreement.

• Sale byTender on9July 2026

news tips

Send your tips to

news@blenheimsun.co.nz

For further information contact

Wain &Naysmith Lawyers

(03) 520 6103 or enquiries@wainlaw.co.nz.

30


URGENT

services

Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital

Grounds. Entry offHospital Rd,Blenheim,

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

Ambulance: Urgent111. Non urgent 578

0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands

Pharmacy: Monday -Friday 8.30am -

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

Public Holidays -phoneustobeadvised.

After Hours Chemists. Phone number is

035782271

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the

Blenheim Warehouse,open 7days 9am-

6pm. Closed on Public Holidays.

Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr

helpline.

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence

Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis

line number phone 0800 refuge or

03 5779939.

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842

846)

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS

-0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly,

confidential advice. Mon -Fri 9.30am -

4pm. Phone 5784272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours:

Daily 2.30pm -8pm, children under 12

mayvisit parents only.

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

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

at all times is subject to the discretion of

the nurse in charge of the ward.

Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau

Hospital 5209999.

Picton:

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579

4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph

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

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph928 4265,

Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

txt talk

Gotanimportant issueto

sharewith Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to:

027242 5266

STEEL, Aileen Millicent:

Passed away peacefully at Springlands

Lifestyle Village on 17 June 2026, aged

85 years. Devoted wife of the late Brian

(known tousall as Byron). Beloved Mum

to Mark (Winchester, UK),Amanda (Blenheim)

and Penny (Gold Coast). Beloved

Mother-in-Law toMelissa Doughty Scott

(Winchester, UK), Paul Bates (Blenheim),

and Jason Raggett (Gold Coast). Loved

grandmother tothe most gorgeous young

women, Elspeth (Winchester, UK) and

Amber (Gold Coast). Treasured sister to

Alan (AUS), and the Late Joan, Max and

Neil. Stepmother to Bronwyn Steel (AUS)

and Keith Steel (Invercargill). Wonderful

and much-loved friend toBridget Moran.

The Scott Family would like tothank the

amazing team at Springlands Lifestyle Village

for their care and support for Mum.

Messages for the family may besent toC/

Amanda Scott-Bates, 212 Tyntesfield Road,

WaihopaiValley, RD 6, Blenheim 7276. As

perAileen’swishes, aprivate cremationhas

been held.

MCLEOD: RichardAnthony (Rick)

It is with profoundsadness we announcethe

passing of Rick on Tuesday 16June 2026,

in his 83rd year, after ashort but bravely

fought battle with cancer. Beloved and

adored husband of Chrissy. Loved father

and father-in-law of Richard and Wilma

Knobben, Tim and his partner Rochelle,

Mike and Felicity, and Shane and his partner

Leisha. Adored Grandpa Ricko toall

his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Loved elder brother and brother-in-law of

Ken and Ann (Blenheim), and Dave and

Marilyn (Blenheim); and also Ann Pedler,

Patricia McLeod, Lynette McLeod, Daniel

McLeod (dec) and Stuart McLeod (all

residing in Australia). Special Uncle and

Great Uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Messages to Rick McLeod’s family c/- PO

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

Grateful thanks to Dr Matt

Lewis, Marlborough Hospice and Nurse

Maude.AcelebrationofRick’slifehas been

held.The service was livestreamed and can

be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services

website.

“Rest Peacefully OldDiver”

Death notices

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph 03 578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

BURROWS, MarieTheresa (née Laffey):

07/07/1933 –16/06/2026, aged 92. Dearly

loved and devoted wife of the late Rex Burrows

and dearly loved mother ofJohn, Alan

and Karen. Loved and respected mother-inlawofLiz

andJennifer. Lovedgrandmother

of five grandchildren and old “Nanny” to

hergreat-grandchildren. Allmessagestothe

Burrows family, c/- PO Box 9Blenheim,

7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz. A

Funeral servicefor Mariehas been held.The

family wouldliketoextendaspecial thanks

to Dr. Emily Marfell, Dr. Ros Gellatly and

the staffatRedwood RetirementVillage.

LocallyFamilyOwned

FDANZ ph03578 2004

cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

WRATT, Mary Cecilia

On 17th June 2026, peacefully at Redwood

Care Centre in her 94th year. Dearly loved

wife of thelateDoug; mother to Kevin, Barry,

Trevor, Debbie and Dianne and motherin-law

to Robin, Anne and Lisa; wonderful

granny, great granny and great great granny

to so many.Cherished twin sister of Colleen

and her other siblings.Aunty tomany and a

friend to so many lovely people. Youwill be

treasured in our hearts forever. The family

wouldliketoextendtheir heartfeltthanks to

the staff atRedwood Care Centre for their

care ofMary and the support shown tothe

family. All communications may besent to:

Wratt Family, C/- Sowman’s Funerals, PO

Box 110, Blenheim 7240. Afamily service

to celebrate Mary’s life has been held followedbyaprivate

cremation.

Acknowledgements

MCLEOD, Stuart Hector:

Stuart’s family wish tosincerely thank all

those who supported usbysending flowers,

baking, letters andcards during thelossofa

very special person. Thank you to all those

who attended the funeral service and helped

us celebrate thelifeofsomeone so very dear

to us. Thank you also to Hospice Marlborough

and Springland’s Health for their care

over the years. Please accept this asapersonal

acknowledgement.

Allyourcommunity news

nowalsoonthe

Blenheim Sun Facebook page

The Blenheim

In Memoriam

CONNIERICHARDS

16.2.1932 - 30.6.2023

DearestConnie

It still feels as if youleftonlyyesterday.

Funnymemories pop up and with them

the pictureofyour lovely face enjoying

themoment in true “Connie” fashion.

Your gifted plants aredoing youproud

in our various gardens.

We knowyou arestill working behind

the scenes forspecial friends.

And we celebrateyour passing with

love, sadness, but also so much

gratitude we knewyou, dear FRIEND.

EsTaTE GaRaGE salE

Market St, Picton.

9am Saturday 27th.

Book your spacenow in

our next (by5pm Monday)

Garage Sale Column!

Phone5777868

In Memoriam

Remember your

lost lovedone on their

anniversary.

The deadline is Monday5.00pm.Please contact the Sun for

further details. 72 High Street,Blenheim, email

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

Business

Owners

Reach your most

valuable audience and

grow your customers

and sales with us.

Ournewspaper is theBEST

medium to target the

lucrative45-70 audience.

• Recentcensusdataconfirms that the45to

70 agegroup hasthe highestwealthinNZ

• The most effectiveway to reachthis

audience is in theBlenheimSun

• Place your advert in ourtrusted

publicationand be seen -our

advertisinggetsresults!

Marlborough’s favourite read for 22years

LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL VIEWS -LOCAL NEWS

For aFREE professional advertising consultancy for your business -contact us today.

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

The Blenheim

what’s on in sunny Marlborough


31

Monday

Picton Senior Citizens Club

–Meets everyMonday, 1.30pm at UnionParish

Church Picton.Housie, rafflesand allsorts.Ph

Sandy5738324

Rotary ClubsinBlenheim

-Monday &Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm.

Rotaryis aworld-wideservice clubformenand

women,doinggreatthingsinyourcommunity.

ForfurtherdetailsphoneKevinon0211 738784.

Blenheim Scottish CountryDance Club

-EveryMondayat7.00pmatStAndrewsChurch

Hall,CornerAlfredand HenryStreet, Blenheim.

Come andtry it!You don’tneed apartner.For

informationringHeather 02102587325.

BeginnersLineDancing

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

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

themusic,makenewfriends,havefunandlearn

todance.Youdon’tneedapartner.Allwelcome

andchildrenover12. First lesson free then $7

perclass.ForinformationphoneJudith5787554

or 0212341095.

Care andShare craftsession

-Run at Nativityin conjunctionwithGreen Prescription.EverysecondMondayuntilDecember

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

crafts,aplace to create, chat with like-minded

creatives,share ideas, learnnew crafting skills

and make friends. For more details contact

Nativity office 5783909orGreen Prescription

at thePHO.Freeevent.

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club

-34ArthurBaker Pace. Phone 021157 3496 for

moreinformation.

Rotary ClubsinBlenheim

-Monday &Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm.

Rotaryis aworld-wideservice clubformenand

women,doinggreatthingsinyourcommunity.

ForfurtherdetailsphoneKevinon0211738784.

U3aBlenehim

-Every 2nd Monday of the month held at

Cloudy Bay Funeral Services Rooms,15 Boyce

St,Springlands,2pm.Keepingthematurebrain

active.Ann 0204 1440 371.

Tuesday

Hobbies, Clubs and Groups

Friendship Club Marlborough

-Semi Retired or Retired. Meet 4th Tuesday

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

MaxwellRoad. Speakers,outings allinFriendship,

Fellowship&Fun. LesMcKay 5778307or

021463922.

LionsClubofHavelock

-Providing community service in the Pelorus

area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock

Hotel.InquiriestoIanCameronphone5742558.

Knitters andSpinners

-Picton Library and Service Centre from

10.30am. Bring your morning tea along and

current project to work on. Share your ideas,

skills or simply enjoytimewithfellowcreators.

There’snoneed to book aspot, simply turn up

on theday.

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

or Raewyn 021-715484.

RenwickArmsCountry Club,CardSection

-1pm RedwoodTavern, Cleghorn Street.Meet

and play EUCHRE. Beginners are welcome to

learnand play.$7PhChristine 0272077631.

Pencil Pals

-meets at Connect, corner of High Street and

Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to 3.00pm.

Come and join Sydney and Issie topractice

your drawingskillsand enjoythe companyof

like-mindedpeople. Sydney 0211568398;Issie

0204668008.

Wednesday

Senior Citizens Club Blenheim

–Every 2ndand 4thWednesday of themonth.

2pm, Senior Citizens Clubrooms, 172 High

Street, Blenheim. An entertaining afternoon

including aguest speaker, Housie, and afternoon

tea provided. All welcome. PhShirley

0210388616.

BlenheimProbus

–First Wednesday ofthe month, 10am LansdowneHub.Forretiredorsemiretireeslooking

forfun,friendshipand fellowship.PhAnne578

7046,021 1156 828.

Lions’ Club of Blenheim

-LiketoknowmoreabouttheLion’s Club?Meet

on the1st and 3rd Wednesday ofthe month.

For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029

9425004.

Blenheim Rock NRollClubNights

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

Club,clubnightsattheBlenheimBowlingClub,

bringcomfyshoesandwater. Greatmusic,have

funand exercise at thesametime. PhoneErin

0272341709.

Picton Scottish CountryDance Group

-7.30pm atPicton Little Theatre. Beginners

welcome. First nightfree. No partnerneeded

just apairofsoftsoled shoes. PhoneLynda on

0212600860 forfurther information.

Picton Cribbage Club

–PictonLibrary.Wednesdays1pm-3pm.

MarlboroughVintage CarClub

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

Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph

Ross 0272122902.Donationappreciated.New

Memberswelcome.

Thursday

MarlboroughCameraClub

-meetings on2nd Thursday of the month at

St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rdat

7pm. Workshopsare held on the4th Thursday

of the month. Everybody with an interest in

photographywelcome.

Picton Poets

–Heldthe 4thThursdayofthe month, 10.30-

11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone

Lyn021 1294342.

UlyssesRetreadsGroup

-11amatBrayshawParkevery Thursday. Ride

to various destinations for lunch. Bring your

laughing gear, athermal to wear and astory

to share.

Marlborough CommunitySingers

–All welcome whether completely new or

an oldhand. No audition.Thursdays at REAP,

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

6424805.

LibraryBook Club

–5.30pm-7pm, Marlborough District Library.

We meet on the last Thursday ofthe month.

Simply bring abook to recommend toother

members and enjoy listening to other member’s(including

librarians)bookpicks.

Picton LibraryBookClub

-6.30pm-8pm-PictonLibraryandService Centre.Joinusinmeetingnewpeopleandchatting

aboutbooks.Wemeetonthe first Thursday of

each month. To register email pictonlibrary@

marlborough.govt.nz.

Knit andNatter

-Marlborough Libraryfrom 10am.Comealong

and join the friendly group ofsocial knitters

upstairs in thelibrary each Thursday morning.

Bring along your knitting project and/or get

inspiration from other knitters. Noneed to

register.

Blenheim Nightriders

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

forfitness, social andsafety. Meet at thelibrary,

leaving8pmforapprox2hrs.Nofee,supercasual.MoreinfoonFacebook,

Blenheim Nightridersgroup

or contactinfo@ridethewhale.co.nz.

Friday

Blenheim FamilyHistory GroupinPicton

-PictonLibrary on the1st and3rd Friday of the

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

family historyresearch? Meet membersofthe

Blenheim Family HistoryGroup.Contact Helen

0210390106.

Marlborough Vintageand Farm Machinery

Society

-BrayshawHeritagePark,openweekdays10.00

am -3.00 pmand Saturday mornings. For

further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022

0392460.

Saturday

Marlborough Quilters meeting

-every 2ndSaturdayofthe monthatMarlborough

Vintageand Farm Machinery, Brayshaw

Park.10am-4pm. Learnquiltingorbring your

own projects. Sewing Machines available.

Newcomerswelcome.Liz 0212067382.

Blenheim ChessClub

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

welcome.

UlyssesClub

- Every Saturday, coffee at The Runway Café,

Woodbourne, 10am. Departing The Runway

at 10.30am.

Sunday

UlyssesSocialRide

-Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under

Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are

weatherdependent.

MarlboroughVintage CarClub

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

Blenheim. Other times byarrangement. Ph

Ross 0272122902.Donationappreciated.New

memberswelcome.

BlenheimBonsaiGroup

-Islington Gardens, RowberryRoad on the2nd

Sunday of themonth 1pm-3.30pm.

School Notes

–Anexercisein

musicappreciation

Tuesday June 30th, Whitehaven Theatre.5.30pm-7.30pm.Experiencethe

signsand sounds of an orchestraina

brilliant family concert. Awonderful

introduction to instruments ofthe

orchestra. Suitable forall ages.Tickets

available at www.whitehaventheatre.

co.nz

Cafe Nautique with

Mike Baker

Wednesday 24th June, 6pm-8pm,

Seabreeze Cafe and Bar, Picton.

Monthly casual talk by local host.

Mike dreamedofdeepsea diving and

worked in Jaques Cousteau’s team.

He is also aNZChampionPorsche car

driver,and finalistinthe NewZealand

Innovation Awards as aMarine Engineer.

Alife altering car accident and

astint in jail –plentyofstories to hear

from Mike.

CoMiNG UP

Marlborough Home

andGardenShow

Back for 2026. July 3rd –July 5th,

10am-5pm, Marlborough Stadium

2000. Perfect for anyone building,

renovating,landscaping or lookingfor

freshideas.Tickets at eventbrite.com

CoMiNG UP

Matariki NightMarket

2026

The Vines Village, Saturday 4th July,

3pm-7pm.CircumnavigatetheVillage’s

beautifullylit gardensfulloflivemusic,

foodofferings,star gazing with Omaka

Observatory, fire performances, local

produceand craftstalls, face painting,

storytelling,and saunasessions.

NOTTOBE

MISSED!

HONOURING THE

CONSUMMATE AMERICAN

SINGER-SONGWRITER.

Sing along, relive the magic

and remember what great

live music truly sounds like.

Earlybird

tickEts

available until

June 29

Tickets available from

www.eventfinda.co.nz/tickets

32


The Blenheim

Was $429

NOW $ 199

Relocation

Sale

Sale

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bauble Ring

9ct Yellow Gold Topaz Ring

18ct White Gold Ceylon Sapphire

and Diamond Set Cluster Ring

Was $629

NOW $ 399

Was$7,995

NOW $ 4,995

Was $89

NOW $ 59

Was $199

NOW $ 149

Sterling Silver Textured Oxidised Drop Earrings

Sterling Silver Graduated

Circle Drop Earrings

Was $219

NOW $ 99

Sterling Silver Open CZ Set Teardrop Earrings

Was $229

NOW $ 99

Was $169

NOW $ 99

Was $699

NOW $ 599

Sterling Silver Horse Wreath Necklace

Sterling Silver Wove Hoop Earrings

Sterling Silver Square Paperclip Bracelet

*Not validonworkshoprepairs,custommakes,orremakes.T’s &C’s apply

Ph 5779340|www.gmwjewellery.co.nz |91WeldSt, Redwoodtown

June 24 _ BLENHEIMSUN

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