Marlborough News in Brief - 5th March

Rai comes alive

The 88^th edition of the Rai Valley A&P Show saw country celebrations over the weekend.

Traditional show competitions kicked off the ‘biggest little show in the district’. Equestrian events and cattle judging started the day, while sheep, dog, Harcourts Really Young Farmer, woodchopping and the Rai Challenge brought plenty of competitive spirit throughout.

Vegetable competitions and trade sites created displays for interested attendees, while a crowd favourite was the show’s best mullet.

Rai Valley A&P President Justin Morrison said despite being stuck in the office, all volunteer organisers were incredibly pleased with how the day went.

“From the weather to the smart set up of the arena and the trade sites, it was a fantastic day all around”.

Pleased by clean seas

Volunteers got stuck into cleaning up Rarangi Beach on Sunday, returning with a large haul of dumped rubbish and a cleaner public space for all.

More than 60 people went along to the Rarangi cleanup, with a variety of discarded wood, tires and general rubbish collected from the beach and beachside reserves along the coast.

The Rarangi cleanup was part of Seaweek, with another Picton/Shelly Beach cleanup taking place on Wednesday 6 March from 10.30am on the Picton Foreshore.

Quiz for kids

A charity quiz night at the Woodbourne Tavern on Friday 22 March is aiming to raise funds for Cure Kids, and Marlburians Simon Popham and Kaycee Polkinghorne are wanting to help raise funds for the charity before as part of their trip to run the New York Marathon later in the year. Contact kayceemariepolkinghorne@gmail.com for registrations and information.

Exceeding expectations

A Blenheim lifestyle property has been sold by Bayleys for more than half a million dollars over its $1.46m RV. The 6-year-old Birchwood Avenue home in Burleigh attracted lots of interest at auction, finally selling to a lower South Island buyer for $2.015 million last week.

Dogs make a splash

To finish off the outdoor pool season, Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 are holding a Dog Day Out event on Sunday 10 March. The outdoor pool will welcome four legged guests from 2-4pm. Register online at www.stadium2000.co.nz/dogdayout

Rates requiring input

Marlborough District Council is asking for the community’s input into its expenditure over the next 10 years for their 2024/34 budget. Key infrastructure, including future improvements on water supply, roading and community spaces are being discussed. Have your say and make a submission from 4 April to 6 May on the Council website.