Undie 500 headed north

The Undie 500 car rally will go ahead this year -- in a northerly direction -- after a Marlborough couple agreed to host the event.

Organisers of the annual Canterbury University engineering society-run event were last year told they were no longer welcome in Dunedin after violent riots in previous years.

The rally, which previously involved students driving cheap cars from Christchurch to Dunedin and then partying, is headed north this year, after the engineering students' association approached people in Marlborough to find a concert site for the event.

Chris and Trish Redwood of Seddon, about 24km southeast of Blenheim, confirmed to The Marlborough Express today that they would host the event at their Seaview Road property.

The rally would take place on September 17-18.

Mrs Redwood said she did not expect a repeat of the chaotic scenes in Dunedin, where years past saw couches set alight and bottles thrown at police.

"I don't see how having a concert in a country venue would produce similar circumstances. The environment in Dunedin is unique -- it's a student ghetto. It's very cold, and they need to light fires."

Blenheim acting senior sergeant Tony Yardley said police did not think the event was a good idea and would speak with the Redwoods this week.

Last September, Dunedin police in riot gear faced off against up to 600 rioters in the city's Castle Street area, arresting more than 60 people.

NZPA June 30, 2010, 6:56 pm

Undie 500 finally gets thumbs up

A Seddon couple have agreed to host the controversial Undie 500 student car rally, saying a repeat of the violence seen in Dunedin is unlikely.

But Marlborough police, the mayor and the landowners' neighbour – vineyard and winery owner Peter Yealands – remain vehemently opposed to the event.

Chris and Trish Redwood, of Seaview Rd, confirmed that they were approached by the rally's organisers, the University of Canterbury's engineering society, and were happy to host the event at their property.

It is understood the rally will be held on September 17-18.

Organisers have been trying to find a place in the Marlborough or Kaikoura districts to hold the event, after being told they were no longer welcome in Dunedin, where the Undie 500 has been marred by violence and drunkenness over the past four years.

Organisers previously said they would hire a professional events company to run the event, and it is understood that they will apply to the Marlborough District Council for a liquor licence.

Engineering society president Michael Cook said yesterday that organisers had approached landowners in Seddon, but would not comment further.

Mr Cook previously said organisers did not want a repeat of what happened in Dunedin, and wanted to hold a concert and other events in a rural area of Marlborough so that students would not go into Blenheim itself.

Mrs Redwood said she did not think that what happened in Dunedin would be repeated in Marlborough, because the students would be removed from their normal student environment.

She said she was "shocked" by media reports of opposition to the event and surprised by the hostility towards it.

"We thought someone had to help the boys. I don't think any event here would resemble what happened in Dunedin.

"I don't see how having a concert in a country venue would produce similar circumstances. The environment in Dunedin is unique – it's a student ghetto. It's very cold, and they need to light fires."

Mrs Redwood said she would have no problem if the students set a couch on fire. "There's no fire ban here."

Mr Yealands earlier rejected approaches by Undie 500 organisers, and was today shocked to hear that the rally could be held next door.

"I just worry about anything that a normal property owner would worry about," he said. He feared that trees he had planted along the public road would be hit by cars.
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He was not sure what he would do if the event went ahead, saying the news first had to "sink in".

"I'm disappointed to hear it, and I dare say at some point I'll be given the opportunity to have some say."

Acting Senior Sergeant Tony Yardley, of Blenheim, said police would speak with the Redwoods this week.

"Our stance hasn't changed from what it was all the way through. We're not happy with it, we don't think it's a good idea."

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman said he had learned nothing about the event that would change his opposition to it.

By Maike van der Heide and Simon Wong - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:57 30/06/2010

Seaview Road, Marlborough

Opinion poll

Do you think it is a good idea to have the Undie 500 at Seaview?

Definitely NOT!

Yes, it will bring money to town

I can't wait to join the fun

Subway cuts back the cucumber

The miserable weather has even affected your Subway sandwich as a nationwide shortage forces the fast-food chain to ration its cucumbers.

A sign at Blenheim Subway this morning read: "Due to critical supplies of cucumber we need to reduce the use of cucumber for some time."

Subway management has told stores nationwide to use less cucumber until supplies are restored.

Six-inch subs will now get two slices of cucumber instead of three, and foot-longs will get four instead of six.

Subway marketing manager David Herrick said there was a seasonal shortage of New Zealand-grown cucumbers because of cold growing conditions, which led Subway to look at sourcing them from Australia.

"But what's happened in Australia is that all the growing fields there were hit by serious flooding a couple of months ago. Therefore they can't supply us," said Mr Herrick.

Fresh Choice Springlands produce manager Kris North said most of the cucumbers were grown in glasshouses and the lack of sun had stopped the vegetables from growing.

"The country's been pretty short of sunlight lately making (vegetables) very expensive – if you can get them."

Mr North said Fresh Choice Springlands had "some cucumbers" but at $4.99 each they were more expensive than the usual seasonal average of $2.99.

There was only a half chance that daily vegetable orders would arrive because of the small supply, he said.

This was the worst year for vegetable supply in the seven years that he had worked with produce.

The last Marlborough commercial cucumber grower, Paul Kinzett, said he no longer grew the vegetable because it was too difficult to make money out of it.

"If I charged people what the cucumbers were worth they wouldn't pay it," he said.

New Zealand was moving towards buying all its fruit and vegetables from overseas, he said.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 30/06/2010

Market day takes care of business

Ultimate Pot Plants, Candle Jars and Oodles of Noodles were just some of the businesses children at Blenheim School created for their second market day yesterday.

The children spent the term creating their product ideas and businesses from scratch and even designed their own currency – the "Buckeroo".

Blenheim School principal Dina Ahradsen said the market day was a practical way of teachingthe children life skills they would need, such as budgeting and saving.

Blenheim School Board of Trustees chairwoman Kim Crouch said it taught the children "the economics of everyday life".

"It's absolutely marvellous," she said.

"It gets the community involved and the parents involved too. The children learn where products start and where they end up."

Co-owner of Tye Dye World Bridget Stanley, 10, said business had been booming.

The business had sold all of its T-shirts, which had taken about 20 minutes each to make.

Bridget said she liked the idea of the market day because it was "something different" and the skills she learned would be useful when she got older.

The children used profits and wages from their business to buy products from other businesses.

Protocol included the children signing employment contracts "at a children's level, of course", said Mrs Ahradsen.

Mother Marlene Stratford said the day helped prepare the children for future careers and taught them to work for their money.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 30/06/2010

SCOTT HAMMOND/Marlborough Express

BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR: Origin Seymour, 5, holds the product he was selling at Blenheim School's market day and the currency the children created called the 'Buckeroo'.

Youth in court over seal death

A 17-year-old youth charged with killing a seal in Kaikoura has entered no plea in the Blenheim District Court.

Hayden John Ingram, from Kaikoura, is charged with killing a seal without authority, possessing a paintball gun and driving with sustained loss of traction.

Kaikoura police said they believed Ingram drove over the seal and did burnouts on the road and a grassed area by the seal colony at Point Keen on June 18.

Ingram will reappear in the Kaikoura District Court on July 16.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 29/06/2010

Willing hands spruce school

Mayfield School was a hive of activity over the weekend as the Salvation Army and volunteers blitzed through the school's to-do list in a one-day working bee.

Despite the dodgy weather, gardens were neatly edged and weeds pulled out, the edible garden was expanded and the playground was given a spruce-up.

The working bee at the decile-two school coincided with the visit of officers in training from Wellington and their families, who were also put to work, and the Blenheim South Rotary Club. Westmeats donated supplies and lunch.

Blenheim Salvation Army member Frank Zydenbos, pictured, was joking with fellow workers as he worked on the vegetable garden and said he was having a great time.

"It's good to put something back into the local community."

The Marlborough Express
Last updated 13:00 28/06/201

Diesel error leads to theft charges

Mistakenly filling a stolen car with diesel instead of petrol led to the arrest of a Blenheim man yesterday.

Constable Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said the man broke into Annies Cafe and Shop in Grovetown and stole food and a car about 11.30pm on Saturday.

About 3am yesterday the car broke down on Shirtliff St after the man filled it with diesel, which Miss Stagg said he also stole, instead of petrol.

Police tracked down the man a short time later.

A 19-year-old man will appear in Blenheim District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, theft, burglary and driving while forbidden.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 28/06/2010

Man cleared of sex assault on girl aged 10

A Blenheim District Court jury has found a 37-year-old Blenheim man not guilty of indecent assault on a child under 12.

Andrew Mark Hague was accused of indecently assaulting a then 10-year-old girl by putting his hand down her underwear during a sleepover she had at his house in March 2008.

Eleven members of the jury of five women and seven men reached the verdict in just under five hours after a five-day trial.

A jury can settle on a majority verdict of 11 to 1 if, after a minimum of four hours' deliberation, it is not likely a unanimous verdict can be reached.

The Crown alleged that when a friend of Hague's daughter slept over at his house, Hague put his hand down the girl's boxer shorts and into her underwear.

The Crown also alleged the girl, who had been unable to sleep that night, turned on to her side, prompting Hague to remove his hand. Feeling unsafe and uncomfortable, she then told him she had a "sore tummy" and wanted to go home.

She called her mother, who picked her up from the house about 1am.

Crown prosecutor Mike Turner said Hague had faced a similar charge several years ago but was acquitted.

He said Hague had sent text messages of a sexual nature to another girl, then aged 13, in 2008.

The prosecutor said the sexual text messages Hague sent to the 13-year-old girl were "overwhelming" evidence of Hague's "desire to have sexual relations with young girls".

Defence lawyer Rob Harrison said in his closing statement the Crown's evidence about Hague's character was prejudicial.

He said the only event the jury needed to consider was what happened when the girl was in the car with her mother on their way home, which was "fundamental" to the case.

Mr Harrison said Hague was watching television and reached for a blanket on the fold-out couch his daughter and the girl had been sleeping on in the lounge. The girl was scared and told Hague she felt sick. On the way home, she told her mother Hague had stolen a blanket from the bed.

He said this was contrary to the girl being "adamant" when she gave evidence earlier that she had told her mother Hague had touched her.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 28/06/2010

Man's bond to his guns proves costly

Keeping two rifles and a shotgun in the ceiling of his garage for sentimental reasons has resulted in a Renwick man being convicted and fined $400.

Peter James Bruce, 45, office worker, had his firearms licence revoked six years ago. He admitted a charge of possessing the guns without a licence when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said police found the weapons when they searched Bruce's Renwick home on May 27.

Magazines, bolts and ammunition for the weapons were also seized.

Bruce had owned the guns for 20 years, and told police he had kept them for sentimental reasons, Mr Single said.

Bruce's firearms licence had been revoked in August 2004 following a string of domestic violence incidents, he said.

An application for a new licence had been refused in 2006.Judge Bruce Davidson convicted Bruce, fined him $400 and gave him 14 days to find a suitable person to look after the guns.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

Man throws away pistol

A Seddon man panicked and threw a pistol out of his car before he was stopped by police in Napier, his lawyer says.

Fraser John O'Connor, 27, a farm worker, admitted possession of methamphetamine and cannabis and unlawful possession of a pistol, when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court this week.

Police prosector Sergeant Graham Single said police found O'Connor in Napier after reports he had the pistol.

Mr Single said police searched O'Connor and found a sealed plastic bag containing methamphetamine and cannabis plant material.

He had thrown the pistol out of his car window before he was searched, but helped police find it, Mr Single said.

The gun was given to him by a member of his family, he said.

Defence lawyer Gary Sawyer said O'Connor went to Napier after a relationship breakup. Friends called police because they thought he might try to take his own life.

He had a firearms licence but did not have an endorsement for the pistol. Mr Sawyer said he panicked and "unwisely"got rid of the pistol, then helped police find it.

Since the incident O'Connor had returned to Marlborough and was working.

Judge Bruce Davidson convicted O'Connor and sentenced him to 140 hours' community work.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Choir on song for national final

Marlborough Girls' College choir Bella Voce is still celebrating after making it to the finale of The Big Sing, but now the real work begins.

The choir was announced on Monday as one of 18 national finalists, from 300 choirs nationwide.

Choral director Robin Randall said the choir practised twice a week, as well as a sectional rehearsal, and would include Sunday practices closer to the final in Auckland in August.

The group won a bronze award at the final in Dunedin last year and a silver in Wellington in 2008.

"The gold has been a bit elusive for us. It's extremely hard to get. You need everything to be technically perfect," Mr Randall said.

"If we can come home with the silver, [the girls] would be over the moon."

It took a lot of commitment for the 29 girls who make up Bella Voce to be in the choir, he said.

"The girls have jobs or they do dance or drama, but they still want more rehearsals," he said. The girls also have to pay the $800 to get to Auckland for the show.

Mr Randall was reluctant to say who their biggest rivals were, but said they had not made the final cut this year.

The final of The Big Sing will be held in Auckland from August 9 to 11.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

BEN CURRAN/Marlborough Express

ALL TOGETHER: Choral director Robin Randall, centre, is surrounded by members of the Marlborough Girls' College choir Bella Voce.

Cannabis grower sentenced

A Blenheim man who grew cannabis in his garage says he did so to self-medicate and cope with anxiety after a serious accident eight years ago.

Miles Norman Dudley, 39, a sickness beneficiary, was sentenced in the Blenheim District Court this week on charges of cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of utensils.

Police searched Dudley's home on March 19 and found 19 plants about 70cm high, 12 plants about 30cm high and 31 seedlings growing in plastic incubators.

Crown prosecutor Mike Turner said the growing operation was sophisticated.

Defence lawyer Gary Sawyer said Dudley suffered a serious head injury about eight years ago, which resulted in him suffering from depression and anxiety.

Mr Sawyer said he used cannabis to help him cope with the anxiety.

Judge Bruce Davidson said there was no evidence to suggest that Dudley grew the cannabis for anything other than personal use.

He sentenced Dudley to three months' community detention and nine months' supervision for cultivating cannabis, and convicted and discharged him for possession of cannabis and utensils.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Sentence for illegal stay

A 27-year-old man found guilty of six charges of unlawfully aiding a person to stay in New Zealand avoided a potential prison sentence yesterday.

Prubhjit Singh, a self-employed contractor, of Blenheim, was sentenced in the Blenheim District Court to 200 hours' community work and four months' community detention after he was found guilty on the charges following a jury trial this year. The jury also acquitted him on two similar charges.

Singh faced a maximum of seven years' jail and a $100,000 fine on each charge. Crown prosecutor Mike Turner said there was a degree of premeditation in assisting the six Indonesian men to stay in the country. There was a "direct benefit" to Singh because it increased the labour which he profited from.

In his closing statement at the end of Singh's trial in April, Mr Turner said the Indonesian men were attracted to New Zealand by the chance to earn money on South Korean fishing boats. But they jumped ship after conditions became terrible.

They then entered a "murky world" of illegal horticultural employment and were transported throughout the country, where they were in no position to complain about pay or living conditions, Mr Turner said.

Defence lawyer Rob Harrison said Singh had cut ties with his former business partner, which "left him a wiser and poorer man".

In sentencing, Judge David McKegg said it appeared Singh was held in high regard, based on letters written by employees and family in support of him.

Singh had become involved in the business of hiding illegal workers, he said.

"That type of offending is usually met with a term of imprisonment, but I regard you as a lesser offender."

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Club meat raffle thief sentenced

Stealing fundraising money from his rugby mates before disappearing to Australia a decade ago has caught up with a Blenheim man, who has been sentenced to community work.

Bruce Allan Wealleans, 49, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court this week.

Police prosector Sergeant Graham Single said Wealleans and 19 other people formed the golden oldies rugby club Hargens Heroes in Christchurch in August 1998. Wealleans was club treasurer. The club fundraised by holding two meat raffles every Thursday night at Hargens Hotel in New Brighton, where Wealleans was a bar manager, Mr Single said.

Each draw had 45 tickets costing $2 each and Wealleans had to pay a butcher for the meat, then bank the rest of the money.

After 36 weeks, Wealleans paid for the meat and was left with $2930 for the club, but when asked to account for the money in May 1999, he claimed it was being held by his lawyer, Mr Single said.

He moved to Australia without returning the money to the club.

Judge Bruce Davidson convicted Wealleans, but said it was unclear to whom reparation should be paid, so could sentence him only to 140 hours community work.

"You do not need me to tell you that you ripped your mates off and stole their money. If you do see fit to pay them back the money, that's up to you."

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Blenheim teens buying up Twilight tickets

Teenage girls in Blenheim are buying up tickets to the third instalment of the vampire epic Twilight, even if they won't always own up to liking the smash hit story.

Twilight: Eclipse opens at the cinema at 10am on July 1.

Top Town Cinemas manager Duncan Mackenzie said more than 100 tickets had already been sold, mostly to Friday night screenings and mostly to "girls in [Marlborough] Girls' College uniforms".

The young-adult vampire-romance novel by Stephenie Meyer has created a fan base of teenagers around the world not seen since the Harry Potter series.

Fans are often referred to as Twi-Hards. Robert Pattison, who plays vampire Edward Cullen, is the pin-up boy of a generation.

Blenheim teenagers Vicky Mack, 16, and Kearsley Cranston, 17, said they were excited about the film, but said some people were reluctant to show their enthusiasm for it.

"It's one of those things you pretend you don't like, but you secretly do," Vicky said.

Kearsley said there were "different levels of obsession" among fans.

Bookworld co-owner Charlene Scott said sales of the Twilight books had not increased significantly in the lead-up to the release of the third film.

In its first four days on New Zealand screens in November last year, the second movie in the series, Twilight: New Moon, took $2.64 million, overtaking previous record-holder Lord of the Rings: Return of the King which took $2.6m in the same period.

Mr Mackenzie said another big movie, Toy Story 3, would also open on Thursday and he was "expecting an awful lot of popcorn to be consumed".

Mr Mackenzie is considering holding a movie marathon on Wednesday night, running the first two films in the Twilight saga leading up to the midnight release of Eclipse on July 1.

However, parents may not like their children arriving home at 3am after the movie on a school night, and it would not be the same to hold the event on Friday or Saturday, he said.

He would decide on Monday if the marathon would go ahead.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Car-smashing spree

A woman who drove her friends around Blenheim to smash 12 car windows with rocks will be sentenced in August.

Sophie Dawn Whiting, 23, a sales assistant of Blenheim, admitted 11 charges of unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle when she appeared in the Blenheim District Court this week. She denied a charge of stealing $1825 of property from a car.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Whiting drove in the area around Countdown supermarket on May 1 while one of her passengers threw rocks at parked cars, then stopped to search the cars for things to steal. Nine cars were broken into but items were taken from just two.

On May 5, Whiting drove around Redwoodtown and three cars were broken into in a similar way, Mr Single said.

Judge Bruce Davidson convicted Whiting and remanded her for sentencing on August 23.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/06/2010

Top musicians on quest

Some of Marlborough's best high school musicians will take to the stage this weekend as the annual Smokefreerockquest regional final gets under way in Nelson.

Solo artist Jordan Skipper from Queen Charlotte College and Marlborough Boys' College band Remastered will represent Marlborough at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson on Saturday night.

A total of 14 bands from both Nelson and Marlborough will perform in front of judges and a live audience and will be judged on their uniqueness, presentation, lyrics and musicianship, among other criteria.

The top two bands will move on to the next round, which requires them to make a 15-minute video performance, to be judged by a panel of industry professionals.

Seventeen-year-old Skipper has written a song especially for the night.

Bands from Marlborough competed in the Nelson and Canterbury heat of the competition this year, because of a lack of entries from around the region.

Queen Charlotte College band Le Mouvement performed in the Canterbury finals on June 11.

The winning song will be annouced at the national finals of the competition on September 11.

Tickets for the final cost $15 from Everyman Records in Nelson or $20 at the door. The final begins at 7pm.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

SCOTT HAMMOND

Jordan Skipper from Queen Charlotte College will represent Marlborough at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson on Saturday night.

Expo all about parents and children

Children at Blenheim Playcentre have been lending a hand in preparation for the Marlborough Parents Centre Parent and Child Expo, steadily cutting, gluing and decorating for their stand.

Hands-on-sticks, balloons and play dough are among the "fun stuff" the region's Playcentres will be giving away on the day, Marlborough Playcentre president Viv Butcher said.

Playcentres would also provide a space for children to join in for some play dough, slime or puzzle time.

"It's about taking a slice of daily life at Playcentre, and putting it on show," Mrs Butcher said.

Expo marketing co-ordinator Andrea Craig said more than 45 exhibitors would be at the Marlborough Convention Centre this Sunday. Last year's event drew 1000 visitors.

The expo will feature free entertainment, including a bouncy castle for the kids, storytelling, Pom Pom the Clown and Kindermusik displays. It will appeal not only to parents, but to expectant parents and grandparents as well, Mrs Craig said.

As well as early childhood education organisations such as Playcentre and parenting information services, the expo would provide a chance to check out cloth nappies, toys, books, children's wear and maternity wear.

Some exhibitors will be offering show specials. "So it's a great place to pick up a baby gift or two. There will be some awesome deals on the day," she said.

The event had been strongly supported by sponsors and every stand was filled.

"We're really lucky to live in a town where people want to be a part of something like this. It's a great day out for parents and kids and a great fundraiser for Marlborough Parents Centre."

The Marlborough Parents Centre Parent and Child Expo is on Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the Marlborough Convention Centre, gold coin entry.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

'Old school' defendant ready for punishment

"I'm old school, your honour. If you do the crime, you do the time."

So said a Blenheim man who tried to smuggle cannabis resin to his son in the holding cells of the Blenheim District Court.

Alasdair Edward Graham Shave, 59, admitted dealing cannabis resin when he appeared in court yesterday and refused legal help, telling the judge he could see no point.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve Frost said Shave asked a jailer on May 31 to give two books to his son, Dallas Edward Oran Shave, who was held in custody at the courthouse after admitting possession of methamphetamine for supply.

The jailer found 5.8 grams of cannabis resin, wrapped in tinfoil, hidden in the spine of one of the books, Mr Frost said.

Shave's son had put a lot of pressure on his father to supply drugs to him while in prison, he said.

Shave refused Judge Davidson's repeated offers of a duty solicitor and a chance to apply for legal aid, saying he had paid $15,000 for legal aid in the past.

He was convicted and remanded to August 30 for sentencing.A Masterton construction worker has admitted smuggling cannabis with a street value of up to $5600 across Cook Strait to sell in the South Island.

Jamie Arthur Edwards, 22, admitted possessing cannabis for supply when he appeared in court on Monday. Mr Single said police searched Edwards at the ferry terminal about 5.40pm on May 21.

They found five plastic bags each containing 32 grams of cannabis head, 12 "tinnies" of cannabis totaling 25g, another 2g of cannabis head and $90 cash.

The cannabis had a street value of between $3700 to $5600, Mr Single said.

Judge Davidson convicted Edwards and remanded him for sentencing on August 17.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

Man shoots out window

Sharpshooting was not the skill of a Blenheim man who tried to shoot his letterbox but broke a neighbour's window instead.

Corey Tipene Thompson, 22, had had a few drinks when he decided to load his airgun and shoot at the letterbox in Graham St, the Blenheim District Court heard on Monday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said the pellet missed the letterbox and went through the window of a house on the other side of the street.

Undeterred, Thompson tried again later but missed again, hitting the same house.

Defence lawyer John Holdaway said Thompson was sorry for what he did.

Judge Bruce Davidson fined Thompson $100 and ordered him to pay $150 for the broken window. He also ordered the destruction of the gun and ammunition.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

Man's bond to his guns proves costly

Keeping two rifles and a shotgun in the ceiling of his garage for sentimental reasons has resulted in a Renwick man being convicted and fined $400.

Peter James Bruce, 45, office worker, had his firearms licence revoked six years ago. He admitted a charge of possessing the guns without a licence when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said police found the weapons when they searched Bruce's Renwick home on May 27.

Magazines, bolts and ammunition for the weapons were also seized.

Bruce had owned the guns for 20 years, and told police he had kept them for sentimental reasons, Mr Single said.

Bruce's firearms licence had been revoked in August 2004 following a string of domestic violence incidents, he said.

An application for a new licence had been refused in 2006.Judge Bruce Davidson convicted Bruce, fined him $400 and gave him 14 days to find a suitable person to look after the guns.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 23/06/2010

Schools contest speech comp

Seven secondary schools from the top of the South Island took part in Nga Manu Korero-Maori speech competition at Queen Charlotte College on Friday.

Motueka High School, Nayland College, Kaikoura High School, Nelson College for Girls, Marlborough Boys' College, Waimea College and Queen Charlotte College competed in several categories with junior and senior sections.

The students presented their speeches either in Maori or English with a wide range of topics. English judges were Megan Bruce, Fran Manahi and Melissa Cragg, while Te Reo Maori judges were Joe Puketapu, Marleina Leota and Tessa Kake.Results:

Pei Te Hurinui Jones senior Maori – prepared: Te Atapo Matthews, Waimea College 1; Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 2; Tamu Mausi'i, Nelson College 3.

Pei Te Hurinui Jones Korero Ohorere: Te Atapo Matthews, Waimea College 1; Tamu Mausi'i, Nelson College 2; Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 3.

Te Hurinui Jones Korero Aggregate: Te Atapo Matthews, Waimea College 1; Tamu Mausi'i, Nelson College 2; Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 3.

Rawhiti Ihaka – Junior Maori: Te Auhia Solomon, Kaikoura High School 1; Keilamarita Pouri-lane, Motueka 2; Tamahau Nepia, Marlborough Boys' College 3.

Korimako senior English – prepared: Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 1; Ashleigh Awhina Hika, Queen Charlotte College 2; Basia Miri-Jean Hunziker, Nelson College for Girls 3.

Korimako – impromptu: Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 1; Erana Wipou-Reneti, Motueka High School, and Johnny O'Donnell, Nelson College 2 equal.

Korimako aggregate: Liam Tamati Allen Stonely, Marlborough Boys' College 1; Johnny O'Donnell, Nelson College 2; Erana Wipou-Reneti, Motueka High School 3.

Sir Turi Carroll junior English: Dani Gibbs, Queen Charlotte College 1; Wirihana De Therry, Nelson College for Girls 2; Tika King, Motueka High School 3.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 11:39 22/06/2010

Driver also up for shoplifting

A young Blenheim woman accused of causing a fatal crash after fleeing a police drink-driving checkpoint also faces a charge of shoplifting.

Frances Carol Stubbs, 20, a factory hand, made her first appearance in the Blenheim District Court yesterday charged with causing the death of Penelope Rae Phillips, 51, while driving with excess blood-alcohol on March 19.

Police have said Stubbs sped off after taking a breath test at a checkpoint in Alfred St, Blenheim, and crashed into Ms Phillips' car at the Hutcheson St-Nelson St roundabout. Ms Phillips died at the scene.

The court charge sheet says Stubbs' blood-alcohol level was 120 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80mg.

She also appeared on a charge of shoplifting, involving $74.98 worth of makeup from the Farmers store in Blenheim on June 11.

No pleas were entered and she was remanded to reappear on July 5.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 22/06/2010

Chef stole from employer's kitchen

A Blenheim chef who did his grocery shopping in his employer's kitchen has been given 60 hours of unpaid community work.

Brendan Paul Hurring, 37, admitted taking chocolate brownies, bread, milk, orange juice, muesli bars and eight pens from Chateau Marlborough.

He was sentenced to 60 hours' community work by Judge Bruce Davidson in the Blenheim District Court yesterday. Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said staff stopped Hurring from leaving with the items worth $94.80. Hurring told police he took them to save money on groceries.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 22/06/2010

Fire Service investigates fire in heat pump

Heat-pump specialists in Blenheim are surprised by a fire early on Friday morning believed to have been started by one of the heating units.

Problems with heat pumps were rare, they said.

The Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to a house in Weld St at 3am on Friday.

Meryl and Peter Pentchev were woken by a smoke alarm and saw flames coming from their heat pump in the living room.

The Fire Service is investigating the cause of the fire.

Martella Airconditioning and Refrigeration sales engineer Pete Wilkinson said heat pumps were "fundamentally very safe" and he doubted the fire started in the unit.

Cuddon refrigeration and airconditioning manager Neville Patchett said he did not recall any major problems with heat pumps in 20 years.

Some had thermal cutouts, which acted like a fuse, when the heat pump reached a specified temperature, he said.

Mr Wilkinson said heat pumps were just like any electrical appliance.

"It could easily have been a vacuum cleaner or a stereo on standby [that went on fire]. "The best thing is that these people had a smoke alarm," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Pentchev had been staying with her parents, George and Molly Wastney, in Blenheim, since the fire.

Mrs Pentchev said it was too soon to say when they would be allowed back in their house, but she expected it would take months.

Insurance assessors had arrived on Friday afternoon.

"We have had a lot of support from the community, for which we are very grateful. Blenheim is a very caring place."

Mr Wilkinson said heat pumps were becoming increasingly popular during the past few years. His company was installing an average of two heat pumps a day during winter.

It was becoming more common for unlicensed people to install the heating systems in homes, but it was important that the work be done by a properly trained technician, he said.

By SIMON WONG and CLAIRE CONNELL - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 21/06/2010

Careers and study expo on Monday

Career and study options will be on the table at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 on Monday.

Marlborough Boys' College is hosting the annual careers evening, featuring information stands about tertiary and training institutions from around the country.

Careers and transition manager Peter Kemp said the careers night was open to the whole community, especially those looking for a possible change in their career.

He also said it was important parents came long with their children.

"If a degree costs about $45,000 and the parents are asked to contribute, they need to know where their money is going."

Apprenticeship schemes had also changed significantly in the past few years, which parents might not be aware of, he said.

About 900 people attended last year. In an environment where unemployment is increasingly common, Mr Kemp said it was "more important now than ever" that young people leave school with an edge and demonstrate they have the commitment to what they want to study.

The careers evening runs from 7pm to 9pm.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 18/06/2010

BEN CURRAN/Marlborough Express

STUDENT AND MENTOR: Ryan Black, 16, and Dave Knight, of Knight Plumbing, are part of a programme giving students a taste of their chosen industries before they leave high school.

Students get a taste of trades

Practical experience trumps textbook knowledge for 22 Marlborough Boys' College students who are part of a Gateway programme giving them real life experience in the industries they want to enter.

The group hosted their work experience employers for lunch at the Clubs of Marlborough yesterday to say thanks for taking them under their wing.

Boys' college careers and transition manager Peter Kemp said the scheme gave the students an insight into the industries they were interested in and let them see options other than university.

One employer in the programme, Dave Knight, of Knight Plumbing, employed 16-year-old Ryan Black and said he was "quite pleased" with Ryan's progress.

"The plumbing industry is built on knowledge and practice and being in the field is where you learn that. It's not something you can learn in the classroom", he said.

Ryan said before he began working for Mr Knight, he knew very little about the industry, but has since "learned a lot".

Prior to working with Mr Knight at the start of this year, Ryan, as well as the other boys, went through a rigorous interview process with both their prospective employers and with Mr Kemp.

None of the boys were guaranteed a spot in the programme or with their potential employers, which gave them a sense of what it was like in the real world, Mr Kemp said.

They each work one day a week for their employer.

Deputy Mayor Jenny Andrews, who also attended the function, said the council supported the programme because it gave students the opportunity to see for themselves how their industries work.

In a speech to the group, Marlborough Boys' College principal Wayne Hegarty said the Gateway programme gave the students "something practical which has meaning when they go back to school".

"If you've got a reason to learn you're more likely to do it", he said.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 18/06/2010

Lawyer burgled, client charged

A Blenheim lawyer might have to withdraw from representing a teenager who turned out to be one of the intruders fingered for burgling his home.

The lawyer represented the teenager when he appeared in court in Blenheim this week on burglary and assault charges. A police officer later told the lawyer that nine of 13 fingerprints found at his house after a burglary were from his client.

The lawyer declined to comment to The Marlborough Express on the situation.

Constable Michelle Stagg said the house was broken into between 10am and 2pm on June 4. A window had been removed from the kitchen and was found intact and hidden in the garden.

The intruders had taken jewellery, cash, a cellphone and a digital camera.

Neither the lawyer nor his client can be named for legal reasons.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 18/06/2010

Coroner: Driver probably fell asleep

A Blenheim woman who died in a car crash near Okaramio last year probably fell asleep at the wheel, a coroner has found.

Beverley Anne Cross, 66, was driving home from a country music festival in Nelson when the crash happened on State Highway 6 on March 10, 2009.

She was on her way to a country music awards meeting in Blenheim.

Coroner Peter Ryan said Mrs Cross' car veered to the left after rounding a moderate left-hand bend. The car then left the road and continued down a bank.

It hit a drainage ditch, flipped and came to rest on its roof, Mr Ryan said.

An investigation of Mrs Cross' car showed no evidence of faults that may have contributed to the crash.

There were no external factors that may have caused the accident and a blood analysis showed no sign of alcohol or drugs which may have impacted her ability to drive, the coroner found.

Mr Ryan said the most likely cause of the crash was that Mrs Cross fell asleep at the wheel and was unaware her car was veering off the road.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 17/06/2010

Crushed to death

A retired Blenheim man crushed to death while fixing a campervan had used a light vehicle jack, makeshift chocks and did not have support blocks under the back of the vehicle, a coroner says.

The coroner found David Matthew Andrews, 58, died of asphyxiation on March 27, 2009, when his chest was crushed by the three-tonne 1988 Daihatsu campervan he was working under.

The finding by coroner Sue Johnson, of Christchurch, said Mr Andrews' death could have been avoided if he had taken more safety precautions.

She found Mr Andrews used the wrong type of car jack and did not have support blocks under the campervan that were independent of the jacks and axle stands he used.

Mr Andrews, who was working on his own, had placed makeshift blocks on the front wheels of the vehicle but not the back, she said.

Although the handbrake was on, the caravan was not in gear so the handbrake was ineffective when the back wheels were raised off the ground.

Mr Andrews was under the rear of his campervan and was trapped when the car jacks and axle stands fell over.

He had removed the right rear wheel and was reaching into a space under the vehicle when it began to move on the supports.

Neighbours called police just before 12.30pm after they heard Mr Andrew call out.

He was found trapped under the rear right side of the van. He died at the scene despite attempts by paramedics to save him.

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 17/06/2010

Boy, 14, on string of charges

A 14-year-old boy who was called a "one-man crime spree" by his youth advocate appeared in the Blenheim Youth Court yesterday facing charges of burglary, theft and assault.

He was remanded to the youth justice centre in Christchurch and will reappear on July 13.

Youth advocate Gary Sawyer asked for a psychological report to help understand the reasons for the boy's long criminal history to "stop what is effectively a one-man crime spree".

In remanding the boy to the centre, Judge Tony Zohrab said it was highly likely he would reoffend or run away.

The boy was arrested on June 8 after a spate of burglaries in Eltham Rd, Whitney St and Percy St in Blenheim. A 55-year-old woman at one of the houses suffered a broken ankle from falling when the boy punched her in the face while trying to escape, police said.

He also faced two charges of theft after stealing bicycles from Marlborough Boys' College on May 20 and 25.

Police youth aid officer Constable Tony Burden said the boy had also been in custody in Tonga when he lived there for two years.

At a previous court appearance, Mr Sawyer said the boy had been living in Pollard Park for up to three weeks after running away from home.

The boy was offending to provide for himself while living in the park, he said.

Since his first appearance on June 9, two new charges had been laid, with more theft charges likely, Mr Burden said.

The boy also faced a charge of giving false details when he went with police to look for the "real" culprit of the burglaries.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 16/06/2010

Burglary suspect to reappear

A teenager accused of breaking into a warehouse and stealing thousands of dollars worth of wine will reappear in the Blenheim District Court next month for a hearing date to be set.

Joshua Richard Lucas, 17, appeared in Blenheim District Court yesterday and will reappear on July 20.

While in court yesterday, Lucas admitted another charge of shoplifting and was sentenced to 150 hours' community work.

There was a suggestion Lucas had made up excuses and lied to get out of a previous community work sentence, Judge Tony Zohrab said.

"You're very young and very intelligent, but you have difficulty with the concept of truth, which is a terrible thing for me to say about a young person," the judge said. He was also concerned Lucas was "embarking on a life of crime".

The 24-hour curfew on Lucas was removed, but he is still required to live at a house in Wellington as part of his bail conditions.

The charges relate to a burglary of about $40,000 worth of wine at Blenheim's Gort Vintners during Easter.

Winery owner Gordon Forshaw told The Marlborough Express at the time of the burglary that it had ruined him financially.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 16/06/2010

Arrests for burglary, theft, assault

A group of four people smashed up two parked cars in Blenheim on Saturday, using wheel braces and hammers, police say.

Constable Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said a 17-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were arrested on Sunday after allegedly smashing two motor vehicles parked at a Litchfield St address on Saturday morning.

Police inquiries were continuing about the two others believed to have been involved in the incident.

The group knew the owner of the cars, but police did not know why they wanted to damage them, Miss Stagg said.

The vehicles were "pretty extensively" damaged, including all the windows being smashed.

A member of the public alerted police to the identity of two of the four involved in the incident after recognising the woman and taking down the registration number of the car used.

The pair were to appear in Blenheim District Court charged with burglary and aggravated burglary.

A 38-year-old unemployed man who allegedly stole a Sky satellite dish from his friend's house was arrested on Friday afternoon.

Miss Stagg said the accused was helping his friend move from a house in Hiley St and thought he would "help himself" to the satellite dish.

He appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Saturday and was released on bail.

And a man who allegedly punched his partner in the head and kicked her in the mouth was arrested at 10pm on Friday.

Miss Stagg said police were called to a domestic incident at Burden St.

A 24-year-old plasterer was drinking at his partner's house. When his partner tried to put him to bed when he became intoxicated he "lashed out" and punched her in the face and kicked her, Miss Stagg said.

The man appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Saturday morning charged with assaulting a female and was released on bail.

An 18-year-old male cleaner who allegedly punched his ex-partner in the face in Market St at 2am on Saturday was "extremely intoxicated", police say.

Miss Stagg said the pair got involved in an argument outside Stirling Sports and the man allegedly punched the woman in the face. She suffered a large cut inside her mouth.

The man appeared in Blenheim District Court on Saturday morning and was released on bail.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 15/06/2010

School work day brings perks all round

Queen Charlotte College students took part in the annual school work day, the school's biggest fundraiser, last week.

Teacher in charge of work day Jack Saxon said work day was the most significant fundraiser for the school.

"A good work day will raise $10,000 and we expect to make that amount this year.

"The money we make from work day means the students do not have to pay activity fees," Mr Saxon said.

He said work day was a great experience for the students.

"It is an opportunity for vocational work, it gives an insight into future pathways and is a chance for networking in the community."

He thanked Picton businesses for their ongoing support of the fundraiser.

Queen Charlotte College year 13 students Kelly Watkins and Amalia McLaren-Brown worked at Gusto Cafe for the day. They painted, cleaned, baked, prepared food and served customers.

Amalia said she enjoyed work day, and it was great to raise money to cover activity fees.

Kelly said it was good for students to be able to ask for a job.

"It means they have to use their initiative rather than relying on their parents for money. Also, a day off school is a bonus."

Gusto Cafe owner Gareth McGlynn said his business supported work day to support young people in the community.

"It is great to get the kids out and about.

"Many kids don't have after school or weekend jobs and this is a great opportunity for them to get that experience. For us, the day provides us with an extra pair or hands and the donation that goes back to the school is our way of supporting a great fundraising activity."

The college expects to know by the end of next week how much money had been raised.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:23 15/06/2010

Springlands' eco-warriors lead

The eco-warriors of Springlands School have been recognised for their efforts to change their community for the better.

The school is the first in the Top of the South to receive a Green-gold environment award.

The award is the highest level of recognition in the Enviroschools programme, which aims to build a network of schools and young people committed to environmental action, learning and creating sustainable communities.

The children, known as eco-warriors, were given the award by Green MP Kevin Hague at a special assembly yesterday morning.

Mr Hague said the children's environmental work was "fantastic" and they were a role model for the rest of the community.

The work during the past three years included creating a native bush area and edible gardens, recycling, and using compost bins and re-usable lunch boxes. An eco-hut was constructed from recycled materials such as old tyres and bottles.

Fynn Sawyer, 10, said a lot of hard work had been put in by the school to get the award.

"We will continue to lead and make changes which will have significant effects on our school, our community and Aotearoa," he said.

"We want everyone, everywhere, to make decisions and do things which are good for nature and good for people."

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 15/06/2010

Beaten man convicted of carrying weapon

A man beaten with his own softball bat has pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.

Eric John Aitchison, 30, sickness beneficiary, had taken the bat to check on his sister, who was being followed by a group of youths in central Picton.

However, things turned nasty when the youths used Aitchison's bat to beat him up.

He needed reconstructive facial surgery after the attack near Picton's Shell petrol station at 3.30am on February 21, and was later charged with carrying the weapon.

Aitchison pleaded guilty in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve Frost said Aitchison, his sister and a friend had left a Picton bar where they had argued with several youths.

The youths followed the trio to the petrol station, where Aitchison's sister and friend stopped to buy food while Aitchison continued home.

Once at home, Aitchison sent his sister a text message saying he would go back to check on her. He got the aluminium bat from his garage and took it with him.

When he neared the petrol station, the youths surrounded him, took the bat and used it to assault him.

Aitchison told police he wasn't going to use the bat, but wanted to make the youths think twice about attacking.

Defence lawyer Laurie Murdoch said Aitchison had "extensive reconstructive surgery" at Wellington Hospital, including the placement of plastic bone around an eye socket.

Judge Tony Zohrab called Aitchison's actions "stupid" and said he should not have taken the bat with him.

"It's a perfect example of why people shouldn't take the law into their own hands."

Aitchison was convicted and ordered to come up for sentencing if he offended again.

Cannabis `helps sleep'

A Picton woman who grew cannabis in her back garden told police she used the drug as a sleeping aid because sleeping pills did not work.

The 49-year-old machinery worker, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday and admitted cultivating cannabis, possessing cannabis, possessing utensils and possessing cannabis seeds.

Mr Frost said police searched the woman's property on May 6 and found six cannabis plants, five of which were dead, growing outside.

Inside, they found small amounts of cannabis, 104 cannabis seeds, and knives and pipes used to smoke cannabis.

The woman told police she had raised the plants from seeds and intended to use the seeds during the next growing season, Mr Frost said. She told police she had trouble sleeping and had tried sleeping pills, which did not work, so she used cannabis instead.

The woman will reappear for sentencing on August 16.

Drink-driversDrink-drivers in the Blenheim District Court yesterday:

Ranee Amy Norton, 24, mother of Blenheim, excess breath alcohol 654 micrograms per litre of breath (legal limit 400mcg), 40 hours' community work, disqualified for six months.

James Kapilon Gutteinbeil, 52, Blenheim, excess breath alcohol 455mcg, $400 fine, disqualified for six months.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 15/06/2010

Iwi funding plea rejected

Ngati Toa's application to the Marlborough District Council for $1000 a month to maintain their cemetery has been declined.

The private Maori cemetery in Grovetown is maintained by Marlborough iwi Ngati Toa, Ngati Rarua and Rangitane.

Tracey Williams, of Ngati Toa, said two weeks ago rates paid by Ngati Toa iwi members were used to maintain cemeteries the iwi did not benefit from.

The iwi wanted the funds for weed spraying, mowing and rubbish removal.

During a council hearing this month, councillor Jill Bunting voted to decline the offer, believing the iwi could fund the maintenance themselves. Councillor Cliff Bowers agreed.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 15/06/2010

Skipper had role in mussel spat theft

A 35-year-old Renwick man has admitted stealing a line of mussel spat worth about $14,000 from his employer in what police believe is the first crime of its type in New Zealand.

Kelvin James Slape, a former mussel-seeding boat skipper for fishing company Sanford, admitted the theft when he appeared before Judge Tony Zohrab in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Steve Frost, said Slape had agreed to help another Sanford employee with a plan to take mussel spat from the company to a private marine farm.

That man, Raymond George Naish, 66, has also been charged with theft and receiving stolen property. He has denied the charges.

The estimated value of the stolen spat when mature was up to $50,000, Mr Frost said.

Between April and December last year, Slape and his crew stripped a mussel line valued at up to $14,300, he said.

Mussel lines are usually stripped and mussels discarded if they are of no value.

However, this line was of good quality and would not have been discarded, Mr Frost said.

Naish had approached Slape, who had the specialised equipment and crew, to take the spat line to a private farm in Port Ligar, he said.

The pair had agreed Slape and his crew would each get $500 for the work.

Defence lawyer Matthew Marshall said Slape's reputation had been tarnished, especially within the small fishing industry in Havelock.

Slape told the police he was responsible for his crew and regretted what he had done.

There had been no actual loss, because Sanford had recovered the rope, Mr Marshall said.

Slape will reappear for sentencing on August 16.

Spat are juvenile mussels seeded on to mussel ropes and harvested as mature mussels after about 18 months.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 15/06/2010

Man facing sex charges on bail

A 55-year-old man facing nine charges of sexual assault, some relating to the sexual violation of women in rest homes in Blenheim, was granted bail on the condition he does not associate with anyone over the age of 75.

It was one of several conditions set for David Eric Neal when he was granted bail after an appeal hearing in the High Court on May 14. The decision by Justice Ronald Young was released to The Marlborough Express this week.

Neal was originally denied bail on May 3 because Judge Richard Russell said he was concerned the victims were vulnerable and to eliminate the possibility of Neal having any contact with witnesses.

Justice Young said in his appeal decision some of the complainants from the rest home were concerned about seeing Neal on the street and would feel unsafe if he was "free in Blenheim".

However, there was no evidence or risk Neal would interfere with witnesses but the fear of the complainants, given their age, was "understandable", he said.

He decided there was little to justify remanding Neal in custody, provided the bail conditions were strong enough to reassure the complainants.

The judge rejected electronic monitoring because it would be too restrictive for Neal, the decision says.

The bail conditions set include: he must live at a specific address in Blenheim; his brother or sister-in-law must go with him whenever he leaves the property; he cannot go into the non-drinking zone in central Blenheim except between 3pm and 5pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday; he cannot go within 500 metres of the rest home where the complainants live or within 100m of any other rest home in Blenheim, or contact any of them.

Neal has denied the charges and the case will go to trial. He will reappear on June 23 for a post-committal conference.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 11/06/2010

OCR rise bad for local firms, says chamber

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce is "disappointed" at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's decision to increase the official cash rate (OCR), saying it will hurt Marlborough's businesses.

General manager Brian Dawson said while the increase from 2.5 per cent to 2.75 per cent came as no surprise, some regions of the country were performing better than others. "While I understand the need for a one-policy approach, it's fair to say other areas have pulled out of the recession better than Marlborough has."

It was a concern for the region because investors needed to be confident in businesses and their "actions and intentions are affected by the OCR".

He said that although it could be equally difficult for businesses across the board, consumers might think twice about buying larger or luxury items. The rise could be a factor in purchasing decisions if consumers were on the "tipping point" of buying items. Homeowners could also face some difficulty.

SBS Bank branch manager Greg Stretch said floating mortgage rates tended to follow when the OCR went up; fixed rates were more stable.

He said the floating interest rate at SBS was 5.9 per cent, but would rise to 6.15 per cent. That would mean an extra $16.09 a month for a $100,000 mortgage over 30 years.

"In the current environment, people are working with a tight budget. There isn't a lot of surplus cash so if there are further increases it could eat away at those funds," he said.

However, ASB commercial manager Graeme Andrews said he anticipated "fairly minor" changes. Floating preferred, page 11

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 11/06/2010

OCR rise bad for local firms, says chamber

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce is "disappointed" at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's decision to increase the official cash rate (OCR), saying it will hurt Marlborough's businesses.

General manager Brian Dawson said while the increase from 2.5 per cent to 2.75 per cent came as no surprise, some regions of the country were performing better than others. "While I understand the need for a one-policy approach, it's fair to say other areas have pulled out of the recession better than Marlborough has."

It was a concern for the region because investors needed to be confident in businesses and their "actions and intentions are affected by the OCR".

He said that although it could be equally difficult for businesses across the board, consumers might think twice about buying larger or luxury items. The rise could be a factor in purchasing decisions if consumers were on the "tipping point" of buying items. Homeowners could also face some difficulty.

SBS Bank branch manager Greg Stretch said floating mortgage rates tended to follow when the OCR went up; fixed rates were more stable.

He said the floating interest rate at SBS was 5.9 per cent, but would rise to 6.15 per cent. That would mean an extra $16.09 a month for a $100,000 mortgage over 30 years.

"In the current environment, people are working with a tight budget. There isn't a lot of surplus cash so if there are further increases it could eat away at those funds," he said.

However, ASB commercial manager Graeme Andrews said he anticipated "fairly minor" changes. Floating preferred, page 11

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 11/06/2010

Theft of ornaments from grave upsets

When Brittany Benseman, 10, lost her father, Tony, 15 months ago, she put butterfly, dragonfly and hummingbird-shaped solar-powered lights on his grave so "Daddy wouldn't be lonely in the dark".

However, when Benseman's widow Stephanie visited his Upper Wairau Cemetery grave last week, she discovered that the lights and flowers were missing. Items had also disappeared from the graves of her husband's niece and his sisters.

The theft of the lights has left the pair "absolutely devastated".

"It's devastating to think that someone would stoop so low as to steal from the graves," she said.

Brittany had placed the set of lights on the grave after her father's sudden death. "They illuminated and changed colour at night. She put them up there so her daddy wouldn't be lonely in the dark. She was quite devastated to find out someone had stolen it."

The affected graves were in different places throughout the cemetery.

When she noticed the lights missing, Benseman informed police, who told her there was little they could do without physical evidence.

She has since replaced the lights but has glued them to the headstone.

Marlborough District Council reserves and amenities officer Nic Crous said that the removal of anything in a cemetery by members of the public was "an offence by law". "But it is unfortunately not possible to police a cemetery."

By SIMON WONG - The Press

Last updated 05:00 09/06/2010

SCOTT HAMMOND/The Marlborough Express

DEVASTATED: Stephanie Benseman and daughter Brittany Benseman, 10, who is upset that items have been stolen from her father's grave.

Cannabis grown for personal use

A Blenheim man facing charges of the cultivation and supply of cannabis told the police he used the drug for medicinal purposes.

Farm manager Nigel David Cowper, 26, admitted the charges and was sentenced to three months' community service and nine months' supervision when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

An order was also made to destroy the cannabis and equipment.

At a previous court appearance, police said they had searched Cowper's house on April 8 and found a box containing 181 grams of cannabis head and two other boxes containing a total of 902g of cannabis material.

A small tin in the kitchen contained a further 2g.

The police also found a shed with 11 cannabis plants and a homemade bong, and 2g of cannabis was found in Cowper's car.

Judge Tim Broadmore said Cowper "claimed to use it for medicinal purposes" and for his own personal use.

The problem with people using the drug for medicinal purposes was that "they find they have a dependency on it", Judge Broadmore said.

However, there was no evidence Cowper was supplying the drug, despite the number of plants and amount of cannabis found, he said.

Defence lawyer Philip Watson said police confiscated Cowper's firearms licence, which he needed for his job, when firearms were not involved in the crime.

Judge Broadmore said Cowper needed to think about his drug use, especially because he was the father of two children.

"You've got two young kids you need to think about. It's bad for them to grow up with cannabis as a normal part of their environment."

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 09/06/2010

Family 'devastated' by grave thefts

When 10-year-old Brittany Benseman lost her father Tony 15 months ago, she put butterfly, dragonfly and hummingbird-shaped solar-powered lights on his grave so "Daddy wouldn't be lonely in the dark".

However, when Mr Benseman's widow Stephanie visited his Upper Wairau Cemetery grave last week, she discovered that the lights, as well as flowers, were missing.

Items had also disappeared from the graves of her husband's niece and his sisters.

The theft of the lights has left Mrs Benseman and her daughter "absolutely devastated".

"It's devastating to think that someone would stoop so low as to steal from the graves," she said.

Brittany had placed the set of lights on the grave after her father's sudden death.

"They illuminated and changed colour at night. She put them up there so her daddy wouldn't be lonely in the dark. She was quite devastated to find out someone had stolen it. Needless to say, I'm quite angry as well."

The affected graves were in different places throughout the cemetery. Mrs Benseman believes that whoever took the items was "scouring" the grave sites.

She did not know of anyone else who may have had items taken.

When she noticed the lights missing, Mrs Benseman reported the incident to the police, who told her there was little they could do without physical evidence.

Mrs Benseman has since replaced the lights but has glued them to the headstone.

She had also planned to place other mementoes which reminded her of her husband and his love of heavy machinery.

"I was going to put out a little digger and scraper made of metal, but I don't feel I can do that now, because they won't survive there."

Mrs Benseman visits the cemetery two or three times a week and up to four times a day during summer to tend her husband's grave.

"[It's] the only place that I really do get an opportunity to sit down and relax. Nothing else matters when I go up there. It's only me and my husband."

She is urging anyone who has noticed anything missing from the cemetery to report it to the police or the cemetery's board of trustees.

"It's a sacred place and it's sacred to the people that are left behind."

The cemetery is administered by a trust, but no one from the trust could be contacted this morning.

Marlborough District Council reserves and amenities officer Nic Crous said thefts occasionally occurred from council cemeteries, but there was little the council could do about this.

"Removal of anything in a cemetery by members of the public is an offence by law, but it is unfortunately not possible to police a cemetery."

By SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 08/06/2010

'Blanket Man' AWOL after catching ferry

For a short time, Wellington's colourful street figure "Blanket Man" – aka Ben Hana – was missing.

But Hana was quickly found yesterday – AWOL from his home town – in Blenheim, after hitching a ride on the Bluebridge ferry to see a mate there.

His lawyer Maxine Dixon expressed concern in Wellington District Court yesterday when Hana did not show up for court.

At a hearing last month to determine his fitness to plead to seven charges of cannabis possession and breaching the liquor ban, two psychiatrists had been expected to say he was impaired, but changed their minds.

A fresh report was to be done and a determination to be made of what could happen to him. He could become a patient at a mental health facility.

A friend was sent by Ms Dixon to look at Blanket Man's usual haunts around Courtenay Place when he did not show up, but was unable to find him and he had not been seen since Wednesday, the court heard.

Judge Bruce Davidson issued a warrant for his arrest.

However, at the same time yesterday, Hana was appearing in Blenheim District Court after earlier being arrested on charges of disorderly behaviour and possession of cannabis.

He was freed on bail before authorities in Blenheim learnt of the warrant that had been issued in Wellington.

The Dominion Post

Last updated 05:00 04/06/2010

Capital's Blanket Man finds new 'home'

For a short time, well-known Wellington homeless man Ben Hana, aka Blanket Man, was missing.

But Hana was found yesterday in Blenheim, after hitching a ride on the Bluebridge ferry to see a mate here.

Hana was arrested shortly after disembarking from the ferry yesterday morning, and charged with possessing cannabis and disorderly behaviour on the ferry, Blenheim police said. He was to appear in the Blenheim District Court today.

Hana, who is well-known on the streets of Wellington, was sitting outside the Blenheim courthouse yesterday. He was believed to be waiting for a friend to appear in court.

He was due to appear in the Wellington District Court yesterday, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. His lawyer, Maxine Dixon, had expressed concern when Hana did not show up.

At a hearing last month to determine Hana's fitness to plead to seven charges of cannabis possession and breaching a liquor ban, two psychiatrists had been expected to say he was impaired, but changed their minds. A fresh report was to be done and a determination made on what could happen to him. He could become a patient at a mental health facility.

A friend checked Hana's usual haunts around Courtenay Place after he did not show up at court, but was unable to find him, and he had not been seen since Wednesday, the court heard. Judge Bruce Davidson issued a warrant for his arrest.

Meanwhile, Hana was sitting across from the Blenheim courthouse, wrapped in his blanket and listening to music.

When approached by The Marlborough Express, Hana made it clear that he did not want to be interviewed.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 04/06/2010

Blanket Man mystery solved

The mystery of Wellington icon Blanket Man's recent Blenheim excursion has been solved.

A friend of Blanket Man, Richard Hayden from Blenheim paid for his ticket on the Bluebridge ferry from Wellington to Picton in what is believed to be Blanket Man's, real name Ben Hana, first trip to the South Island.

Hayden was arrested for breaching his curfew shortly after the pair disembarked the vessel in Picton in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The pair were then brought to the Blenheim District Court where Hayden appeared for breaching bail.

While sitting outside the court house waiting for Mr Hayden, Blanket Man was arrested for cannabis possession, disorderly behaviour and failing to appear in the Wellington District Court on June 3.

Hana appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody to appear in the Wellington District Court on June 11.

A policeman made a special delivery of dark blue overalls for Hana, who prefers to wear only a blanket and loin cloth, to wear when he appeared before Justice of the Peace Julie McKendry.

Hana however opted to wear his blanket, but wore the overalls around his neck.

It is understood he may be flown back to Wellington.

BY SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 14:15 04/06/2010

Clarence cannabis patch not so secret

A man who allegedly grew 74 cannabis plants near Clarence was busted after a member of the public stumbled across the patch, police say.

Constable Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said the plants were all about two metres high.

The person who found the plants had called police, she said.

A 43-year-old unemployed man was arrested at 10.30am yesterday and was remanded in custody to appear in Blenheim District Court today on a charge of cultivating cannabis.

In a separate incident, three women aged – 66, 53, and 31 – were arrested for smoking cannabis while parked near Alfred St in Blenheim at 8.20pm yesterday.

Miss Stagg said the oldest woman was charged with consuming cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of prescription medicine and the 53-year-old was charged with consuming cannabis and allowing a car to be used for a cannabis offence.

The youngest woman was charged with consuming cannabis.

Also yesterday, a 45-year-old Blenheim woman was charged with assaulting police after she allegedly kicked a police officer in his shin.

Miss Stagg said the alleged assault happened after police were called to a Howick Rd house to remove a drunk woman just before 5pm.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 03/06/2010

Mother in drug case

A 35-year-old mother with a terminally ill child has pleaded guilty to burglary and supplying material to make methamphetamine.

Lavinia May Van Duin admitted the charges when she appeared before Judge Richard Russell in the Blenheim District Court on Monday.

She was remanded on bail for sentencing on August 17.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:01 02/06/2010

Booked for possession

It was one for the books when a Blenheim District Court jailer found cannabis resin in the spine of a thriller he had been asked to give a P supplier in the holding cells.

Constable Michelle Stagg of Blenheim said a man asked the jailer to give the book to Dallas Edward Oran Shave, who was being held in custody at the courthouse after admitting possession of methamphetamine for supply.

The book was actually two books in one: the thrillers Edge of Reason and Pay the Devil, by Jack Higgins.

The jailer found the resin during a routine check of items for prisoners, Miss Stagg said.

The resin was "reasonably obvious", she said.

A 59-year-old draughtsman was to appear in court today charged with possession of cannabis resin for supply.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:01 02/06/2010

Police believe 19 trips for P

A P dealer could have brought more than $650,000 worth of the drug to Blenheim during the past year, police say.

Sergeant Graham Single said police had estimated how much methamphetamine the dealer had brought to Blenheim based on the amount he was carrying when he was caught at Nelson Airport.

Dallas Edward Oran Shave, 29, admitted possessing, dealing and supplying methamphetamine (also known as P), possession of utensils for consuming methamphetamine and possession of cannabis, when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court.

Mr Single said in court that Shave had 25.1 grams of methamphetamine, with a street value of up to $31,000, in a sealed plastic bag in his vest pocket when he was arrested at Nelson Airport after a flight from Auckland on March 19.

If Shave had been carrying a similar amount each of the 19 times he had come back to Blenheim, he would have carried drugs with a total street value of $684,000, Mr Single said.

Police who searched Shave's luggage also found a glass pipe, a small quantity of cannabis head, two wallets with two different driver's licences and white residue in a glasses case.

Police had been tracking Shave since he was released from prison in June 2009. He had been visiting Auckland regularly to buy the drug from a well-known manufacturer, Mr Single said.

Shave was remanded in custody to July 20 for sentencing.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 01/06/2010

DNA test solves 2005 burglary crime

DNA testing of samples taken five years ago led to a Blenheim man confessing to a crime he did not remember committing because he was drunk.

Marlon William Watene, 35, labourer, admitted a burglary charge after DNA found at the scene of a burglary in Wellington five years ago was matched with his.

Watene also admitted breaching bail and breaching a public liquor ban when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

He was sentenced to four months' jail for burglary and one month for breaching bail, to be served concurrently, and was convicted and discharged for breaching the liquor ban.

Judge Richard Russell said Watene smashed a sensor in the service lane of a building in January 2005 and used a wheelie bin to get on to the roof.

He used a hammer to prise off part of the corrugated iron roof to get inside the Johnsonville Lotto and Gifts store, Judge Russell said.

An alarm went off, and Watene left blood on the roof while escaping.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 13:00 01/06/2010

Fatal crash charge laid

A young woman who allegedly fled a police check point and crashed into a car in Blenheim killing a woman has been charged.

The woman has been charged with causing the death of Penelope Rae Phillips, 51, while driving with excess blood alcohol. Police said the proportion of alcohol in her blood exceeded 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

The Marlborough Express understands the woman charged is 20-year-old Frances Stubbs.

Stubbs was driving a car which collided with Ms Phillips' car on the roundabout between Nelson St and Hutcheson St in Blenheim about 9.45pm on Friday, March 19.

Detective Richard Rolton has previously said that before the crash the driver was stopped at a police checkpoint on Alfred St outside Blenheim School and breath-tested.

Police said she blew a positive result for alcohol and was asked to pull over for a second test, but she sped off. Mr Rolton said there was no police pursuit.

He said a police officer at the checkpoint got into his car to follow, but only saw her tail lights disappearing over the Taylor River Bridge as he turned into Hutcheson St.

He then saw steam rising ahead from the crash scene, Mr Rolton said.

Mr Rolton said this afternoon that a young woman had been summonsed to appear in Blenheim District Court on June 21 to face the charge.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 17:50 01/06/2010