News Briefs

Feeding the Foodbank

Lawsons Dry Hills’ Vinyl in the Vines not only provided music and refreshments, it provided for people in need.

The winery behind the event last Saturday raised money for the Marlborough Community Foodbank, apropos of this year’s theme, Funk for Food. Sales and Marketing Manager Belinda Jackson estimated a windfall in excess of $2,000 pending the final count of ticket sales.

“The Foodbank is part of our community support programme and we donate each year,” she added, “so this was in addition to that.” Organisers originally scheduled Vinyl in the Vines for the preceding Saturday, 24 January, but pushed it back a week because of inclement weather.

Cyclist loses life

A crash near Lake Grassmere that closed SH1 on Monday morning proved fatal.

The collision between a car and a bicy cle resulted in the death of the cyclist on the scene, NZ Police announced. Another person sustained moderate in juries.

Circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

Post stores safe

As New Zealand Post shuts retail outlets across the country, Marlborough shops will continue to offer mail services.

The carrier announced that 142 “urban retail partner stores” will close in May. The 567 locations remaining open include Blenheim Central, Havelock, Picton, Renwick, Spring Creek, Tuamarina, Waikawa Bay, and Woodbourne.

Stamp of approval

Blenheim photographer Steve Angus will have his work seen all over New Zealand after winning the 2026 Game Bird Habitat Stamp Photo prize.

His image of a black swan gazing at its reflection adorns the Game Bird Habitat collectors’ stamp, which also appears on game bird hunting licences. Through this programme through the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust (GBHT), hunters have contributed $2.6 million to wetland conservation.

Steve received $1,000 from GBHT plus aa $1,000 Kilwell Sports voucher. Visit fishandgame.org.nz for more details.

Young artist’s honour

Have you noticed Waitangi Day 2026 banners around Marlborough? The artwork is by nine-year-old Pirihira Smith, whose design caught the eye of Council staff who judged the submissions.

Pirihira’s drawing depicts two people doing a hongi. She explained that “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important because it brings everybody together, and to make peace.