Insomnia blamed for theft

A case of insomnia is behind at least one break-in during a spate of car thefts around Blenheim by a 17-year-old, Blenheim District Court has heard.

Reuben Joseph Roberts, of Blenheim, admitted 28 charges of theft, unlawfully interfering with motor vehicles, unlawfully taking motor vehicles, burglary and wilful damage when he appeared in the court yesterday.

He was granted bail until his sentencing on March 12.

The summary of facts says the thefts and break-ins took place between December and January and involved at least 27 different cars and motorbikes.

In one of the thefts Roberts broke into a Ford van using a small screwdriver, found a spare set of keys and took the van.

Roberts picked up friends and drove them towards Christchurch.

He later told police he could not sleep so went for a walk with the intent to look in cars.

Other break-ins involved Roberts opening unlocked cars and using keys from the same make to open older model cars.

Police searched Roberts' house on January 20 and found some of the stolen property including 51 sets of house and car keys.

- The Marlborough Express

Last updated 07:33 31/01/2012

Man drunk behind wheel

An American citizen caught driving on the wrong side of the road while drunk said he did not want to leave his rental car behind, according to police.

Andrew Neil McCall, 32, admitted driving with excess breath alcohol when he appeared in Blenheim District Court yesterday.

He was fined $650, court costs and disqualified for six months.

McCall was found to have 633 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said McCall was pulled over by police on Main St, Blenheim about 3.50am on January 12 because he was driving on the wrong side of the road. Defence lawyer Bryony Millar said McCall was in New Zealand on a working holiday and needed to return his rental car by a certain time.

Judge Stephen Harrop said McCall put the car at more risk by driving on the wrong side of the road and drunk than leaving it parked on the street. McCall had no previous convictions which showed he was of good character, he said.

Other drink drivers in court:

Chanelle Rose Arthur, 21, of Blenheim, 526mcg, fined $525, court costs and disqualified for six months.

Abraham McIvor, 24, a labourer of Blenheim, 448mcg for a third or subsequent charge, will be sentenced on March 19.

Raymond Remi, 61, a deck hand of Spring Creek, 556mcg, a third or subsequent charge, sentenced to four months' community detention and disqualified for 18 months.

Donald Gordon Wikitapu-Waikari, 47, a vineyard worker of Blenheim, 637mcg, a third or subsequent charge, sentenced to six months' community detention, 200 hours' community work, nine months' supervision and disqualified for 18 months.

- The Marlborough Express

Last updated 16:00 31/01/2012

Man broke into aunt's bar

A district court judge said the burglary of a Blenheim bar was "particularly hurtful" to the owner because it was her nephew who broke in.

Judge Stephen Harrop made the comment when he sentenced Zane Russel Greer, 26, for the burglary and an unrelated assault on a woman, in Blenheim District Court yesterday.

Greer, from Blenheim, was sentenced to six months community detention, 12 months intensive supervision and 150 hours community work.

Judge Harrop said Greer had no recollection of the burglary but police said he used a small piece of concrete to break the glass in the front door of Scotch Wine Bar on November 5 to get inside but was unsuccessful.

He then went to the back of the building and forced open the door where he removed beer and meat but was disturbed by a passing security vehicle.

He left the items inside. Judge Harrop said Greer had been in custody on unrelated charges since November which was equivalent to about four months prison. He had already been punished "quite significantly" because of his time in custody and the final sentence reflected that, he said.

He did not order reparation because it was "something that should be resolved within the family". The Marlborough Express

Mum admits assaulting officer twice

A Picton mother admitted assaulting the same police officer on two different occasions including one incident in which she bit him, causing the skin to break, police say.

Teresa Denise Siggelkow, 33, admitted two charges of assaulting police, resisting police and disorderly behaviour when she appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

She was granted bail until sentencing on March 26.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said police were told about a woman walking drunk along Waikawa Rd about 6pm on July 28 last year.

Police found her "staggering" along the footpath with a young child in a pushchair.

She began yelling and swearing at police when they tried to speak to her and began swinging her arms about, causing the pushchair to roll toward the road.

After being told she was under arrest she continued to yell and swear and tried to break free from custody. During the struggle Siggelkow punched one of the officers twice in the forearm and bit him, breaking the skin which later needed medical treatment.

About 5.40pm on January 21, Siggelkow was drinking on the Picton foreshore in breach of her bail conditions.

She was approached by police officers and went back with them to the police car.

On the way to the Blenheim police station she tried to open the car door, but when she could not open it began punching the window.

The constable, who was sitting in the back seat, tried to restrain her but was punched on the side of the face.

He then tried to restrain her by pushing her against the car, but she continued to punch him, aiming for his head and face.

Took money from grandmother

A Picton teenager will undertake restorative justice with her grandmother after admitting using the older woman's Eftpos card to withdraw more than $600.

Tayla Leigh Procter, 17, admitted using a document for pecuniary advantage and resisting police when she appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

She was released on bail and will return to court on March 19.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Procter had lived with her grandmother on and off for about two years.

On December 5 she was visiting her grandmother when she took her grandmother's bank card, used it at an ATM in Picton to withdraw $660, then returned it.

She told police she used the money for a tenancy bond.

Defence counsel Rob Harrison asked for an adjournment for restorative justice.

Lookout sentenced

A Blenheim teenager who acted as a lookout during car break-ins in Redwoodtown has been ordered to pay his share of reparation for the stolen items.

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Samuel Benjamin Rozee, 19, unemployed, was also sentenced to four months community detention and 12 months intensive supervision after previously admitting five theft charges. He also admitted breaching community work.

Rozee was ordered to pay $283.10 which was one-third of the total reparation.

Judge Stephen Harrop said police searched Rozee's home where he lived with two other associates and found multiple items which had been stolen from cars.

Rozee admitted being part of five break-ins in the Redwoodtown and Witherlea area between October 28 and 31 last year.

He acted as a lookout and also admitted hiding some of the items which included a wallet, car stereos and a cellphone at his home.

Judge Harrop said Rozee had a limited criminal history and referred to a probation report which said Rozee wanted money for alcohol and drugs.

Defence counsel Bryony Millar said Rozee's behaviour was unacceptable and needed to change.

Remand on sex charge

A 27-year-old Blenheim man has been remanded without plea after being charged with having a sexual connection with a girl under 12.

Jeremy Paul Newport was granted bail when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday before Judge Stephen Harrop.

He will reappear in court on February 20.

Name suppression for indecent assault charge

Interim name suppression was given to a 79-year-old Picton man charged with indecently assaulting a girl under 12.

The retired man was remanded on bail without plea on two charges of indecent assault when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

He will reappear on February 13.

Charge sheets show the alleged offending occurred between June and December 2010.

Other cases:

Kevin Cooney, 18, a fisheries worker of Waikawa, admitted sustained loss of traction and was fined $450, court costs and disqualified for six months.

Jordy Alexander Taylor, 19, a labourer of Blenheim, admitted assault and was granted bail for restorative justice.

He will reappear in court on March 12.

Kathryn Lillian Aldridge, 55, of Bay of Many Coves, admitted wilful trespass at Farmers, Blenheim, and was given a six month suspended sentence.

Amanda Jane Marlow, 45, unemployed of Omaka, admitted shoplifting and will be sentenced on March 19.

David McDonald, 22, of Blenheim, admitted theft and was ordered to complete 125 hours' community work.

- The Marlborough Express

Last updated 11:30 31/01/2012

Chris covers all the musical bases

With his bushy beard, long hair and heavy metal band T-shirt, Nelson man Chris Whitnell looks like he would be more at home at a rock concert than a country music awards show.

The 26-year-old was in Blenheim at the weekend to compete in the 21st annual Gourmet Paradise Country Music Awards at the FloorPride Civic Theatre.

About 55 performers from around the South Island converged on Blenheim to compete in the awards. There were no entries from the North Island his year.

Between performances on Sunday, Mr Whitnell changed out of his white shirt and black waistcoat and into a worn black Trivium T-shirt.

The 19-year veteran of the country music scene said he was used to people taking second glances at awards shows, especially when he had piercings in his early 20s. "It's not the country music look."

Mr Whitnell grew up on country music, but as he got older his musical interests expanded, and he now listens to everything from country to jazz, rock and death metal. Performing was a good way to meet other people and make friends, he said.

His focus was on performing in groups, but he entered individual categories because "you might as well enter everything".

Over the years, he had won a few awards as a junior and intermediate individual competitor, but the senior category was more competitive, he said. He was not bothered if he won or lost, because he enjoyed performing.

Mr Whitnell entered the open vocal group category with the B Sharps as well as his individual entries in senior male country gospel, senior male country rock, traditional and the senior open category.

At the end of last night's concert, Jane Evans, from Dunedin, emerged as the overall winner after taking out the senior female country gospel section. The overall runner-up was Luke Connor, from Nelson.

More photos: page 5

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 06:46 24/01/2012

Bach burglary in 2009 admitted

A Havelock dairy farm worker has admitted burgling a Kenepuru bach more than two years ago.

Shaun Thomas Redman, 21, and two others lit a fire, drank alcohol and ate food in the bach which they had walked to after their car broke down on Kenepuru Rd between May and October 2009, the Blenheim District Court heard yesterday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graeme Eden said the group walked about 1 kilometre to the bach and also took items valued at $1375.

Defence counsel Kent Arnott said Redman did not remember much of the burglary because police had spoken to him about it only recently.

Redman had a limited criminal history, he said.

Judge David McKegg said the actions were "a stupid thing to do" and did not know how Redman could not remember the burglary.

"Unless you make a habit of it, it should be clear in your mind what happened."

He fined Redman $300, plus $485 reparation and court costs.

Bail for burglary

A drunk teenager who climbed through a partially open window of a Blenheim home and stole a Playstation 2, laptop, car and backpack on January 22 has been granted bail in the Blenheim District Court.

Shian Joseph King, 18, labourer of Blenheim, admitted the burglary when he appeared in court yesterday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graeme Eden said King had been drinking when he was on Snowden Cres about 6am.

He walked up to the victim's house and knocked on the door.

When there was no answer he went around the back and climbed through the window.

After putting the Playstation and laptop into the backpack he took two sets of keys and drove the victim's car back to his house, Mr Eden said.

King will be sentenced on March 12.

Denied bail

A man accused of demanding money from two tourists was denied bail in the Blenheim District Court yesterday.

Jamie Ngatata Love, 35, has entered no pleas to demanding money with intent to steal, possessing a knife in a public place and possessing prescription medicine without excuse.

Love applied for bail, but was denied by Judge David McKegg.

He was returned to custody until his next appearance on February 7.

Charge sheets show Love being of no fixed abode.

Cannabis cultivation

Steven Ben Bullen, 28, a slaughterer of Blenheim, admitted cultivating cannabis and possessing equipment to smoke cannabis and was fined $250 and court costs.

Cee Jay Miria Joyce, 18, of Blenheim, admitted unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 120 hours community work.

Nicki Marie Phipps, 19, unemployed of Blenheim, admitted unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 120 hours community work.

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Robyn Maria Ford, 44, a sickness beneficiary, admitted two charges of theft from ANZ Bank and was sentenced to 60 hours community work and ordered to pay $80 reparation.

Three teenagers admitted obtaining by deception after failing to pay their taxi fare.

Andrew Peter Cummins, 17, unemployed of Blenheim, Bradley Dickson, 18, a vineyard worker of Blenheim, and Kevin Graham Ward-Watson, a labourer of Spring Creek, were jointly charged.

They were each fined $100, court costs and ordered to pay $4.30 reparation.

Zachariah Donald Barr, 21, unemployed of Blenheim, admitted fighting in public, possession of cannabis, breaching community work and breaching supervision and was convicted and discharged.

Julio Joe Vele, 18, unemployed of Blenheim, admitted wilful damage and was sentenced to 40 hours community work and told to pay $150 reparation.

Jesse Wayne Barnes, 20, unemployed of Blenheim, admitted stealing petrol and breaching community work and was remanded in custody until sentencing on February 20.

- The Marlborough Express Last updated 07:29 24/01/2012

Blokes-in-kindy challenge

Marlborough's only male kindergarten teacher is encouraging other men to "throw the stigma out the window" and join the profession.

Michael Clark, the head teacher at Springlands Kindergarten, said he wanted men to forget about what people might think about them being in early childhood education.

"If it's something you really want to do and something you're keen on, get off your rear and go do it."

Male kindergarten teachers make up only 1.7 per cent of the country's teachers.

Mr Clark is the only male kindergarten teacher in the region, although there is another male teacher working at a play centre.

He said he was more rough and tumble, more forgiving and also louder than his female counterparts.

Mr Clark started at Springlands Kindergarten in term 2 last year and before that was a teacher at Renwick Kindergarten for two years.

Children needed more males as role models in their early education to show them they could choose careers that did not necessarily fit their gender, he said.

Male teachers also brought a different perspective to the table, he said.

"There's a lot of talk about how boys learn and how best to teach boys because, in a profession dominated by women, they don't understand how boys work."

Some people were a bit wary about men working with children at first, he said.

"Historically there have been times where there've been anti-man sentiments when working with kids."

Clark first trained as a primary school teacher before later training as a kindergarten teacher at Massey University.

During that time he was required to do placements at different kindergartens.

"Sometimes you'd turn up for a four-week placement and at the start you'd get that `Ah, yeah, oh, a guy – right'."

Once teachers and parents knew he was married and had young children of his own, they became more comfortable with him as a kindergarten teacher, he said.

Becoming a kindergarten teacher needed to be seen as a viable career option for male school-leavers, he said.

Men needed to have the self-confidence and resilience to "buck the trend" and become kindergarten teachers if they wanted to.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 15:12 24/01/2012

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Men's work: Springlands Kindergarten head teacher Michael Clark wants to encourage other men to become kindergarten teachers and forget about what people think.

Angela #39 04:40 pm Jan 24 2012

My son had a male kindy teacher and he was absolutely brilliant!

John #38 04:33 pm Jan 24 2012

My father was a teacher, and a dmn good one, and I had tought of going into the same profession, but the hysteria and fear, and the risk of an angry kid making a false alegation and you career is done, and ask Peter Ellis if his time in jail was fun. No thanks.

Not hysterical, just careful #37 04:32 pm Jan 24 2012

With good systems in place,men have nothing to fear from working with children.Other teachers especially need to take resposibility for ensuring children are safe.As a parent whose kid was taught by a teacher that spent 17 years abusing children,we need to accept that some people are attracted to teaching precisely for the opportunities to abuse.Parents who expressed concerns about this guy were told they were hysterical, PC, feminist claptrap, you namne it, and that he was "the best teacher in the school".Even after he was tried and convicted, truly deluded ex-colleagues of this criminal were publicly saying he was a good teacher. This was especially galling for the victims. And coryllus #2 - lets not minimise the harm done to these children.

Correction #36 04:22 pm Jan 24 2012

Its not men that have the stigma it is society as a whole. You cant tell me as a parent you havent secound thought motivations of a male working in the childcare industry?

Early childhood education needs to be accepted as a place for woman AND men, some children need a positive male role model in their lives.

Keep up the good work Kindyman

D #35 04:22 pm Jan 24 2012

I hope more men DO go and work in early childcare - I worked there myself for a while, and it's SUCH a female dominated world!

I have two sons, and they're lucky enough to have their Dad home with them all the time.

The best way for boys to become good men, is for good men to show them how.

Dr Kindy #34 04:19 pm Jan 24 2012

Yep - sorry to be so negative but - it will be all well and good until the first accusation of inappropriate behaviour and then all male kindy teachers will be tarred with the same brush.

Even the comment in the article "once they knew he was married and had children of his own"; I read into this that the view is that a single male with no kids is (obviously) a child molester. So no young guys can pick this as a career then?

You really have to cut out the over-the-top reactions and suspicions before this will become a reality.

Alice #33 04:13 pm Jan 24 2012

coryllus #2 I couldn't agree more, kids need positive male role models, especially with so many single parent households but what man would take the risk! Clearly Mr Clark may not recall poor Mr Ellis but it is a risky position for men with the automatic assumption of guilt if one mother over-reacts, and heaven forfend he might be a single man! Not a chance, he'd be driven out. Ridiculous and absurd but true, we are still playing witch hunter about men working with kids.

Andrew #32 04:09 pm Jan 24 2012

The irony is that although predators exist and do great amounts of damage in the lives of their victims, hysterical mothers and fear-mongering women have done just as much damage by seeing perversion where there is none and levelling false allegations at innocent men. Male role-models are just as important as female role-models, but I suspect the stigma that exists against males in this context has as much to do with reluctance to be looked at sideways by people who love to see corruption wherever they look. I love children and am a proud uncle, but find myself nervous when a child approaches, talks or engages with me in a public context. There is always a paranoid mother nearby who assumes that every stranger is a paedophile.

Madeleine Hurricks #31 04:09 pm Jan 24 2012

Well done for speaking out.

JD #30 04:03 pm Jan 24 2012

People are neither rational nor reasonable in regards to the well-being their children, a well known and exploited phenomenon when people want to circumvent logical debate on an issue.

Considering the attitudes I have experienced while looking after my own children, and the guilty-until-proven-innocent attitude faced by men regarding this kind of crime, means I would not consider having that sort of risk exposure to other peoples children without pervasive video recording evidence and a full time witness.

PuddingPuff #29 03:54 pm Jan 24 2012

I think it would be great to have more guys in it. My daughter just turned 1 and I'm about to update my skills for 6 months to continue working from home and am about to look for a daycare that's not just females i had hoped (haven't noticed it was all females) as she likes strong people holding her to chestt height. I don't like unqualified and those under a certain age for her care so I'm guessing it'll be hard. No father cuddles? You must come from a very diff type of family as my partner is always giving hugs kisses singing and even kissing her fav teddys that she puts in your face. I know she would very much love both genders in her care.

imo #28 03:53 pm Jan 24 2012

When my son was younger (nearly 20 years ago!!) I chose the Childcare Centre he went to because there WAS a male working there. There are kids who have no positive male role models, mine son being one of those, and that to me was hugely important! Male early childhood teachers are a HUGE asset!

And as for the other Daddy Daycares, I have a number of friends with at-home dads. It is becoming more and more common yet not necessariuly more accepted. I was horrrified by a friend telling me that her daughters friends weren't allowed over to play after school if she wasn't home.

Miguel #27 03:50 pm Jan 24 2012

Coryllus #2 is right, alot of males (myself included) still live with the fear that the hysteria of the early 90's created when dealing with kids. Even today the ads on TV are about males abusing their partners and kids. We need to get a positive message out there about the benifits of a male role model

Big Deal #26 03:47 pm Jan 24 2012

My brother is a Kindy teacher... What is the big deal with this guy?

scooter #25 03:44 pm Jan 24 2012

@coryllus #2

Exactly. And no one wants to be the next Peter Ellis and subject of a fabricated witch-hunt

Dave #24 03:43 pm Jan 24 2012

My son has a male teacher at his day care and I think it is one of the best things that has happened in his pre-schooling. All of the kids love the guy and he is brilliant with them. They all seem to gravitate to him and he provides a sound balance with the children. Sadly the whole Peter Ellis affair still lingers over this country and it's early childhood teaching participation from a males point of view. It will last a little longer but it is great to see guys biting the bullet and entering in the environment. Congratulations Michael and I hope all goes well.

Alan Wilkinson #23 03:38 pm Jan 24 2012

coryllus #1 is on the money. The persecution of Peter Ellis and the entire staff of the Christchurch Civic Creche by utterly incompetent and in some cases bigoted professionals has had a ghastly, chilling impact on generations of children and men.

DFB #22 03:38 pm Jan 24 2012

Nothing to do with stigma, it's to do with the discriminatory women who assume a man who wants to play with kids is a pervert.

you made your bed ladies, lie in it

Dad of 3 #21 03:37 pm Jan 24 2012

I have a mate who teaches at High School - young guy with 2 little ones - and he is always vigilant to not be put in a situation that could cause false accusations. Its not in the back of the mind, its in the front everyday.

My 3 children all went to pre-school, all female teachers, and I had the same experience as Daddy Daycare...the kids just craved the attention, my 3 wondered what all the fuss was about LOL.

Its a pity isn't it that for male teachers to be accepted they have to present as husbands and fathers...with people not marrying so young these days and having children later I can understand why male school leavers wouldn't think of becoming a pre-school teacher.

Elesie #20 03:37 pm Jan 24 2012

Good on Michael! I am a primary teacher and whole heartedly agree we need more guys in early childhood and early primary years. One of our Intermediate male teachers spent a good bit of time working alongside me in my junior class and he was wonderful with them and they really responded to him too. Such a shame there is the stigma because of our recent past.

JK #19 03:36 pm Jan 24 2012

Go the blokes!!!

Not a woman #18 03:35 pm Jan 24 2012

Thats the problem with this country...too many women teaching! No wonder our kids are all little wooses

RobW #17 03:33 pm Jan 24 2012

I'm all for this. The more males that are involved in the classroom from an early age, the better. However, it's just too dangerous these days. One slip of the tongue from a kid or one telling off that the kid responds badly to and that teacher has his career curtailed for life. Too many people will respond with 'well there's no smoke without fire' in those circumstances. I've always wanted to be a teacher, particularly for kids between the ages of about 5-9. And everyone I know in the profession says I'd be great at it. But I just can't risk it anymore. It's not a like of male pride thing, it's a lack of wanting my life ruined thing.

mandas #16 03:32 pm Jan 24 2012

My son has an older male teacher at his daycare and I think its great and very refreshing to have a male in a workplace that is often dominated by women. Its a shame that a few low lives have ruined the profession for alot of males who would make fantastic early childhood teachers.

Margaret Davidson #15 03:32 pm Jan 24 2012

I was a kindergarten teacher and graduated to head teacher - and worked for 14yrs in early childhood. My experience with male staff was most welcoming and I chose male applicants many times-excellent at reacting with children in activities in an expressive and fun way. I was teaching when a lot of calls were made of abuse -I have never felt this was of any way possible as there are always more than one adult and parents come and go to the centres which are open plan buildings. Spinglands Kindergarten are lucky to have male teachers and yes they should be encouraged to take up a career in this field.

Steve #14 03:31 pm Jan 24 2012

Hopefully we're finally at a stage where the PC brigade can shut their yaps and let the teachers teach.

Jubes #13 03:30 pm Jan 24 2012

My boys' pre-school had a male student teacher for a time; the kids just gravitated to him & his manner and approach in dealing with both boys and girls at pre-school was a wonder to behold. There is something about a male authority that the kids really do respond to. Because of the stigma around male pre-school teachers, a friend of ours has shied away from that career path although he would be an absolute star in the role. More male pre-school teachers please!

chris #12 03:29 pm Jan 24 2012

"Once teachers and parents knew he was married and had young children of his own, they became more comfortable with him as a kindergarten teacher, he said."... says it all, really.

Jimmy #11 03:27 pm Jan 24 2012

Hug a kid or take her to the toilet and you set yourself up for accusations of child abuse. It is such a sad fact of life that males have to live in fear of being perceived "kiddy fiddlers" We only have women (some) to blame for that.

I would happily drop of my 2 young daughters and my son (all under 5) to a Kindy run only by a group of males. In fact if such a place existed I would drive out of my way to drop my kids off there.

How do we change this?

Colin #10 03:27 pm Jan 24 2012

I echo the sentiments of Daddy Daycare #1

I spent a day at Kindergarten with my daughter and was always surrounded by a group of little boys. We built volcanoes out of sand and pumped water into them with a hose causing eruptions, we played ball games, had a great time. These little boys were calling out for some male attention and "boys games" which they probably didn't get much of so I think it's a great idea to have more male teachers at all levels.

My eldest daughter has also had two male teachers at primary school and I think this has been really good for her, as well as doubtless the boys in the class.

Ideally you'd have both male and female teachers in all kindys and primary schools.

Colin #9 03:25 pm Jan 24 2012

Note that Mr Clark is married with children, which he admits helped him be accepted. This won't apply to most school leavers so it is going to take a huge shift in attitude before we have younger male teachers in primary and pre-primary.

Kazza #8 03:25 pm Jan 24 2012

Would definitely echo the need for more male kindy & primary teachers. They do bring a different perspective to teaching and I think boys particularly benefit from strongmale role models. Some years back my sons kindy had a male teacher for a number of months and it definitely benefited the kids. Sometimes I wonder if the not so good pay puts off men more than women, as they still tend to be the main earner in a lot of families.

eve #7 03:25 pm Jan 24 2012

our kids need more males in kindy and primary schools!!!good on you mr clark !!!!!!

Slartibartfast #6 03:24 pm Jan 24 2012

The world needs more blokes like this chap. Many more.

Katy #5 03:23 pm Jan 24 2012

My kids had a male teacher at their preschool, he was awesome and the kids really enjoyed him. Unfortunately there are no male teachers at their primary school now.

I'd love to see more guys train as primary or kindy teachers.

PollyA #4 03:21 pm Jan 24 2012

My younger son was fortunate to have a male kindy teacher. He thoroughly enjoyed the rough and tumble and male perspective during his time there. Kindy teachers of both genders do a fantastic job but it is better when there is a mix of teachers. Both the boys and girls benefit!

Captain Obvious #3 03:17 pm Jan 24 2012

No male in his right mind should ever go into childhood education. One vindictive comment or false accusation and boom, life destroyed. It's not worth it.

coryllus #2 01:36 pm Jan 24 2012

Michael Clark is perhaps too young to remember why there are no male kindy teachers - or indeed why there is a shortage of male primary teachers. What he claims is perfectly true. Kids do need male role models. Just as they need cuddles and comfort and don't get these either from males these days - even from their own fathers, because of the hysteria about sexual abuse. Having worked in this area myself, I saw more harm come from the hysteria and from false accusations than from the actual abuse itself - and that's saying something! I was never able to decide whether I felt more anger at the true abusers who cause the trouble in the first place, or the panic stricken mothers who interpreted the most normal behaviour as abuse and caused mayhem as a result. The destruction of lives was and is horrendous. I believe the hysteria is abating - but it will be a long time before men will feel safe working with children.

Daddy Daycare #1 12:28 pm Jan 24 2012

When my daughter started in kindy I sat in for a couple of sessions to get an idea of how the place operates and how my girl might take to it. I was amazed by the kids reaction to having a guy around the place; I spent most of the time with a small crowd around me competing for my attention to chat, show me things they made etc. I don't think you can put a value on having positive male role models in environments such as this.. Good on you Kindyman!

Wind makes dousing difficult

High winds and flames over two properties made putting out a Warwick St blaze difficult for Marlborough firefighters in one of two house fires in Blenheim at the weekend.

Blenheim, Renwick and Picton Volunteer Fire Brigades were called to the fire just before 2am on Sunday and found the house, a fence and neighbouring shed ablaze.

Blenheim deputy chief fire officer Dion Partridge said the wind and a fire burning on several fronts made the situation more difficult. It took about an hour to get it under control.

A fire appliance returned to the house later in the morning to dampen down hotspots. No one was inside the house at the time.

Mr Partridge said a passing taxi driver had woken the owners of the shed and told them about the fire.

The kitchen, living room and outdoor area of the house were extensively damaged. Firefighters were able to stop the blaze spreading to three bedrooms and another house. The fire gutted the shed which was full of building equipment, he said.

Meanwhile on Friday night the Blenheim Fire Brigade was called to a Brewer St home to a fire believed to have started in the kitchen. The back half of the house was extensively damaged but all occupants made it out of the house safely.

Three fire appliances from Blenheim attended the fire which started about 7pm.

Chief fire officer Rob Dalton said it was too early to tell the cause of the fire, but it may have started in the kitchen when some fat had fallen onto the stove.

Brewer St residents Skye Joyce, 16, Logan McCartney, 18, and Creed McCartney, 19, who live two doors down, said they saw smoke coming from the house and thought the neighbours were having a bonfire.

Once realising a house was on fire, they ran next door and used a hose to dampen the house so the fire would not spread.

Skye said the smoke was black and the three needed to cover their mouths and noses with their clothing to help them breathe.

Smoke billowed from the house and attracted about 100 onlookers from Brewer St and nearby streets.

A flat screen TV was pulled out of the house and placed against a fence across the road.

- The Marlborough Express

IMON WONG

Last updated 07:24 23/01/2012

DEREK FLYNN

Blenheim Volunteer Firefighters battle a serious house fire at a Brewer St property. The blaze broke out shortly after 7pm and was quickly contained by three fire appliances.

EMMA ALLEN

Gutted: An early morning blaze destroyed part of a Warwick St home on Sunday morning. A fence and a shed on a neighbouring property were also destroyed in the blaze.

Weekend arrests

Blenheim police have had a quiet weekend, making only 10 arrests since Friday.

Two incidents in Picton during and after the Picton Maritime Festival resulted in a 42-year-old man being arrested for assaulting police and resisting arrest after he allegedly pushed a police officer on Wellington St about 2.20am.

A 33-year-old unemployed woman was also charged for assaulting police and breaching her bail conditions on the Picton Foreshore about 5.40pm.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old man broke into a Riversdale house and stole a laptop, play-station and motor vehicle on Sunday, police allege.

Constable Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said police had recovered the stolen property after the incident about 7.40pm. The man was held in custody and was due to appear in the Blenheim District Court today.

In other arrests; a 24-year-old vineyard worker was arrested for allegedly being in possession of cannabis and cannabis utensils when police went to his Redwoodtown house on an unrelated matter about 2pm on Sunday.

A 33-year-old unemployed man was arrested for driving while disqualified and breaching his bail conditions about 11.40pm on Friday, police said.

- The Marlborough Express Last updated 11:24 23/01/2012

Manu Caddie #4 4:00pm

#2 - Most employees get a thing called annual holidays, some are self-employed and others may be retired or studying. Obviously they think their participation in this activity is worthwhile and they prioritise their time and resources to allow themselves to be there. I think the annual protest is a great tradition and it serves its purpose to remind the country that NZ taxpayers are funding this US base to the tune of tens of millions of dollars to help them protect US businesses and kill third world villagers.

Sam #3 3:51pm

John Minto at a protest? Surely not!

N #2 01:26 pm Jan 23 2012

hmm massive protest, 29 adults and 2 kids. Tell me just how that makes headlines? it is a total nothing, same as "occupy", how have all those people managed to live without going to their jobs? oh what do you mean they are paid by the Government? Surely their benfits would be cut for not seeking work. but no of course not that would be a violation of their rights!!!

Paddy #1 12:04 pm Jan 23 2012

Who pays John Minto's airfares...he seems to hop from protest to protest! Waihopai Valley one day Aotea Square the next. Makes you really wonder about his motives, and where the cash is coming from!

New blood in spy base protest

They came, they chanted, they called for the end of the Waihopai spy base.

About 50 people converged on Market Place, Blenheim, on Saturday to protest against the Government spy base and its links to American military operations.

Among seasoned campaigners such as John Minto, Green MP Steffan Browning and Adrian Leason – who slashed one of the domes at the spy base – were first-timers who had been inspired by previous protests.

Golden Bay resident and US migrant Victoria Davis said she grew up as a "staunch American", but had lived in New Zealand for 25 years. She had not been to the protest before.

"I'm from the US and it's sad the country has engaged in wars which are causing widespread destruction."

Earlier in the morning she had been helping at a stall at the Railway Station market, telling people about the purpose of the spy base.

People did not realise the base was paid for by taxpayers, she said.

Christchurch man Ron Currie was also at the protest for the first time, but his wife Pam Hughes had been to one before.

Mr Currie said he was worried about New Zealand's involvement in the "Western war machine".

"You can't just stand by and let it happen. I don't want my grandchildren to be conscripted into a war."

He admired the courage of the Waihopai Three who broke into the spy base and slashed one of the inflatable domes.

Mr Currie had put the finishing touches on his sign in Market Place which read: "Waihopai, We Spy, Bombs Fly, People Die" when he spoke to the Express.

Ms Hughes said the couple came to the protest to voice their concerns.

"People not saying anything is like tacit approval and the reason why the US can be big bullies in the world."

The group gathered to hear speeches from Mr Minto, Mr Browning, Mr Leason and Murray Horton from the Anti-Bases Campaign, applauding any reference to the 2008 slashing of the inflatable dome that covered one satellite dish at the spy base.

Mr Horton called the actions of the Waihopai Three "heroic" and said the money spent on the base each year was "criminal".

He said the turnout for the protest was pleasing, considering previous years attracted between 20 and 30 people.

The theme of this year's protest was anti-war and highlighted the connection between the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and the United States military.

The group, comprising mostly older people and some children, then marched through Blenheim chanting slogans and singing a protest song to the tune of Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall before going to the spy base on Waihopai Valley Rd.

Mr Minto said it was important to return to the spy base every year because "this is us speaking truth to power".

As the debate over the base continued, more people understood what it was doing, the veteran campaigner said.

The protest met no opposition this year except for one man who drove past the protesters in Market Place and called them "weirdos", and two men who were waiting for the protest at the spy base.

The men had hoped to join other counter-protesters who appeared there during last year's protest, but the counter-protesters did not return this year.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 11:30 23/01/2012

DEREK FLYNN

Spy base vigil: Protesters gathered at the Waihopai Valley spy base on Saturday calling for the closure of the Government-run base

Spy base protester says sorry

One of the Waihopai Three will return to Blenheim this weekend for a planned protest at the government spy base in the Waihopai Valley and he plans to say sorry for the trouble caused.

Teacher Adrian Leason will be one of the speakers at the protest, and he said one of the reasons for being there was to apologise to police and anyone else affected by the actions of the trio.

Mr Leason, Dominican friar Peter Murnane and farmer Sam Land cut electric fences and slashed the dome which belonged to the Government Communications Security Bureau.

They were later acquitted by a jury of burglary and wilful damage after using the "claim of right" defence.

They said they were saving lives in Iraq by disrupting satellite transmissions.

Mr Leason told the Express he took no delight in damaging government property.

"As a Catholic Christian and as a New Zealand state primary school teacher, damaging property is not what I do as a rule.

"I get no sense of pleasure and regret the inconvenience and time-wasting of the good police officers of Blenheim and neighbours and anyone else caught in the peripheral of the event," he said.

New Zealand had good laws which protected private property as well as protecting human rights, but in relation to the spy base one outweighed the other, he said.

"I went through quite a lot of soul-searching and what to do when faced with a moral and ethical dilemma.

"I put my family, career, job and freedom on the line and if doing right means I get in trouble and lose something very precious to me, I'm prepared to stand up and do what's right," he said.

Neither Mr Murnane or Mr Land would be joining him, but "passed on their best wishes" for the protest, he said.

Mr Murnane was working in the Solomon Islands while Mr Land would be unable to travel to Blenheim.

One of the protest themes was raising questions about New Zealand's military involvement in overseas conflicts.

Questions needed to be raised about how much was spent on the military each year in a time of cost cutting and austerity, he said.

The three will be back in the High Court at Wellington in March to appeal against a decision granting the Crown permission to pursue $1,229,289 in damages to the spy base.

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- The Marlborough Express

Mick #11 11:14 am Jan 20 2012

Mike #3,

The government is persuing this because it is unacceptable that I and other taxpayers should have to foot the bill for the vandalism conducted by these three men.

Just because criminal charges were escaped through the somewhat dubious "claim of right" defence doesn't remove a liability for damages which in this case would be remiss of the government not to pursue despite in this case it being rather symbolic.

From all accounts these three don't have two sticks to rub together but there is a process to follow as there rightly should be.

Stuart #10 09:39 am Jan 20 2012

Sorry Mike #3, but its not a case of the law being ineffective because the crown lost, its because the majority of NZ, hell, the real '99%' of NZ, believes the law is wrong and they should have been punished.

mykee #9 08:53 am Jan 20 2012

Gee... I'm Sorry..

That's Better. Lets all go have a nice cup of tea & group hug now that it's all fixed - Yeah Right!

samm #8 08:49 am Jan 20 2012

Agreed with cynic and others. These guys have cynically played the media and the courts, and continue to do so. They can self justify their actions all they want, but without the right security clearances they cannot have any surety they were right; only rumour and hearsay. They could just have easily endangered lives rather than saving them with their actions.

Julian Marcus Read #7 07:42 am Jan 20 2012

how come the marlborough articles pop up first on most commented? Just wondering.

Cynic #6 07:23 am Jan 20 2012

Sorry but false emotional pleas worked on a gullible jury , but not now. They have no idea how the information was used-----to track hostages or divert a terrorist attack are two possibilities. I really am fed up of the holier than thou brigade who parade their hearts on their sleeves and act out of a belief in their own intellectual superiority, Very odd that remorse has turned up at the same time as the bill . I suppose the usual crowd of supporters will turn up, secure in their sense of self importance !

I didn't mean it - really!! #5 06:13 am Jan 20 2012

"I'm a Catholic Christian and a New Zealand state primary school teacher" so it's OK for me to break the law, vandalise property that is not mine and further risk the lives of innocent people half a world away..right? WRONG. What proof exists that damaging this site in anyway whatsoever does more for the people he purports to want to help than to hinder the help they need. Self imposed importance, self will run riot and justified on the basis of religion and employment by the State? Well if the State wants to pay this criminal then let then do so behind bars crushing large rocks by hand. And, let's protest his visiting our relatively peaceful region. The likes of him we do not need.

Simon #4 11:35 pm Jan 19 2012

What a humble fellow. It takes great courage to stand up for what you believe in today. Apathy and ignorance abound such humility is a breath of fresh air

Mike #3 08:38 pm Jan 19 2012

Why is the government still pursuing this? A unanimous jury, who heard all the evidence found them not guilty! This whole idea of chasing them down for costs is simply a vindictive act from the Government as they lost the case... It sends a clear message that the judicial system is only 'effective' when the crown wins. If the Government Communication Security Bureau had nothing to hide they would have fronted at the court case, but instead they cowered up the road in a their ginormous tax payer rout spy building. They should have the bill taken out of their monstrous salaries if they care so deeply about it, after all it was their 'security' that failed, the job they were apparently been paid to do...

Slymon T #2 10:50 am Jan 19 2012

He isn't sorry one bit. He still thinks he is right. It annoys me greatly that these type of people think they can act on my behalf for my well being because they have some deeper consciousness or some rot like that.

SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:30 19/01/2012

Couple on flying visit

A retired Auckland couple are in Marlborough for a flying visit, the first of almost 50 aircraft making a group tour of the South Island.

Fred and Eileen Bain, of Pukekohe, landed at Omaka in their four-seater Cessna 172 ahead of 47 other aircraft, which arrive in Blenheim today.

The couple are part of the New Zealand Aircraft Owners and Pilots' Association, which has just started its biennial trip to various parts of the country.

The group will fly in and out of Omaka until Sunday before making stops around the South Island.

Mr Bain first got his pilot's licence in 1960, but raising a family meant he did not have as much time as he wanted in the air.

He got back in the cockpit about 10 years ago and has flown with his wife to Stewart Island, Cape Reinga "and most places inbetween".

His enthusiasm for flying had not changed since he first got in the cockpit and enjoyed the freedom and scenery.

"There's no better view than out the front of an aircraft," he said.

Keeping a plane was expensive, but was worth the cost, he said.

"Anything you do for fun is expensive."

Mrs Bain said flying was her husband's hobby and she chose when she would fly with him.

She enjoyed getting to the destinations and flying around the country for holidays and day trips.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:10 20/01/2012

High fliers: Auckland couple Fred and Eileen Bain, who are members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots' Association, have touched down in Marlborough as part of a group whistle-stop tour of the South Island.

Man denies sex charge

A 28-year-old Blenheim man, who has interim name suppression, is on trial in the Blenheim District Court this week denying a charge of sexual violation by rape.

Crown prosecutor Mark O'Donoghue said the man picked up his 15-year-old cousin on October 18, 2010, and instead of taking her home, drove her to his house in Blenheim.

He then held her down and had sex with her while she had a blanket over her head.

Mr O'Donoghue said the girl had no alcohol in her blood, but did have traces of cannabis.

The man told police the sex was consensual, he said.

Defence lawyer Rob Harrison said the man acknowledged he had sex with the girl, but said it was consensual.

"This act of sexual intercourse was not rape," Mr Harrison said.

The trial is expected to finish tomorrow.

An interpreter will be used throughout the trial.

- The Marlborough Express

Last updated 16:00 17/01/2012

Shopping around for uniform savings

You know the school holidays are almost over when the busiest places in town for holidaying students are college uniform shops.

The Marlborough Boys' and Girls' Colleges Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) say they have been run off their feet with uniform fittings since opening for business on Monday.

"The busiest time is absolutely now," said Girls' College PTA uniform shop committee member Alicja Ginders.

The shop is the only supplier of new Girls' College uniforms and for two weeks leading up to the start of the school year has a line of parents and mostly year 9 girls waiting to try tartan skirts and white blouses.

Extra members of the PTA and others are called in to man the store, which is normally operated by two part-time workers through the year, she said.

The shop also sells second-hand uniforms which are a popular choice for some parents who want to buy back-up blouses or skirts for their daughters.

The PTA compared its uniform pricing with other schools around the country, but it was not necessarily "comparing apples with apples" because of the differences in quality of the uniforms, she said.

She thought $35 for a short-sleeve blouse and $70 for a junior skirt was reasonable, although there were payment options for families who struggled financially.

The college also has a donation box for second-hand uniforms.

A full uniform for a student included a couple of blouses, skirt, a wool or acrylic jumper, socks, shoes and a PE top and shorts.

Some families also swap uniform items and buy second-hand uniforms through the newspapers, then source items they are missing from the uniform shop.

In yesterday's Express there were 15 classified advertisements selling boys and girls college uniform items.

Dad Al Turner spent $421 kitting out his two daughters Jesse, 15, and Kate, 13, with "the lot".

He said he did not mind the price because it was cheaper than the clothes the girls would go through in a year and he also knew what they needed to wear each day.

Boys' College uniform shop manager Carolyn Weir said the store had also been busy, with about 215 year 9 students and 140 year 13 students buying new or second-hand uniforms.

This did not include other students buying bits and pieces such as new socks.

A new year 9 uniform would typically require a jersey, three short-sleeve shirts, two pairs of shorts, three pairs of socks, PE gear and shoes.

Queen Charlotte College principal Tom Parsons said the college's uniform is sold through Postie Plus which makes the cost cheaper for parents.

The store could buy in bulk and hold stock and was easily accessible for people, he said.

A senior uniform would cost about $300 and included tie, shirt, skirt or pants and a blazer.

Most of the blazers were returned at the end of each year and onsold, he said.

- The Marlborough Express SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:12 18/01/2012

What to wear: Year 9 student Lauren Bishell, 13, centre, picks out her new uniform with mum Robyn Bishell, left, and shop assistant Megan Edwards

Dave #148 4:23pm

What a shame they had to kill this beautiful animal, but at least it didn't go to waste.

Ben Wilden #147 04:05 pm Jan 09 2012

Dont blame recreational fishermen, nothing wrong with catching a few crays on the weekend, the reason everything is messed up is commercial fishing. Amazing catch nice work!!

benno #146 04:02 pm Jan 09 2012

Save the whales! but eat that LobSter Yum! Good on ya Young FULLA!

Sharalee #145 03:58 pm Jan 09 2012

Why did they not put it back? That boy would have been keeping the cray population up for many years!

Zyan #144 03:56 pm Jan 09 2012

This shows that we are no better than besats. That huge crayfish should have been set free! Hooking and then eating it is same to catching and killing our centenarians. Sigh!

yuk #143 03:44 pm Jan 09 2012

nice catch but YUK! cant believe that little boy is brave enough to hold that...urrrghgghhh =S

Obelix #142 03:40 pm Jan 09 2012

oh my goodness watch out the sea sheperd is in the way... he he

AucklandFabian #141 03:35 pm Jan 09 2012

I've seen bigger.

Ben #140 03:32 pm Jan 09 2012

Harden the %*#! up New Zealand

hungy4cray #139 via mobile 03:28 pm Jan 09 2012

I could only bare to read through half these comments. Too disgusting. Do all you whiners out there eat beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, milk, fish, butter, etc? In one way or another your eating something with feelings/from something with feelings or someone with feelings is growning/harvesting/collecting it. My lord. Unless you eat nothing by grass, get over it! What about the people working in factories to package your tofu? They have feelings. They have families to feed one way or another. We are at the top of the food chain and as long as my food is killed/gathered/grown as humanly as possible im fine with it. If your not. Then starve! I was raised to hunt and gather my food and its the way ill raise my kids!

SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:30 09/01/2012

SUPPLIED

William MacKenzie with his surprise catch just before Christmas.

SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:30 09/01/2012

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Four-year-old Ollie MacKenzie struggles to hold the 4.4 kilogram lobster his brother William, 8, caught on a fishing trip in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Boy drags up whopper cray

This is a tale of a (cray)fish that didn't get away.

Eight-year-old William MacKenzie, from Blenheim, was in a boat with family in Queen Charlotte Sound fishing for blue cod when he pulled up a 4.4 kilogram (9.8 pound) crayfish on his fishing line.

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Have you caught a bigger crayfish? What about other holiday fishing whoppers? Send your photos, video or tips to newstips@stuff.co.nz

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The colossal crustacean even stunned a man with 30 years of experience in the lobster industry, who said it was the biggest he had heard of.

William's dad said the family were on their 5.5-metre boat on December 23 fishing for blue cod and sea perch when William got his hook caught on what they thought was the sea floor.

But it came up and he thought it might have been seaweed, but once the group realised what it was they scrambled to get a landing net, he said.

William landed the beast, aka a spiny red rock lobster, on his own, his dad said.

The crayfish was weighed back at shore.

The family were in an area where they fish regularly and was not renowned for lobsters or as a spot for diving.

Cramac 5 executive officer Larnce Wichman said the lobster was the biggest he had heard of and was stunned when shown the photos.

"I don't know if there are any records kept [for crayfish sizes], but it'd be damn close to it."

It was "near impossible" to tell the age of a lobster once it grew to more than 800 grams because its size depended on where it lived and the food sources available to it.

"The problem with ageing anything over 2kg is that it doesn't necessarily moult every year, but [this lobster] could easily be 50 years old."

It was not uncommon to snag a lobster on a fishing line, but the more popular methods were diving or bobbing.

Bobbing involved lowering a stocking filled with bait and weighed down by a sinker which catches the spiny legs of the lobsters as they feed.

Wichman said if he had known about the lobster he would have offered to swap it for several others so it could be stuffed.

However, the family had already eaten the lobster on Christmas Day. They said it tasted delicious.

* Correction: This story originally said the crayfish was 9.8 kilograms. It was in fact 9.8 pounds (4.4 kilograms).

- The Marlborough Express SIMON WONG

Last updated 07:30 09/01/2012

148 comments

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The crayfish becomes dinner.