Notable news around Marlborough

PM in town
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit Marlborough – specifically, Blenheim – on Friday for a forum with constituents.

The public meeting is scheduled for noon at Marlborough Events Centre. Kaikoura Electorate MP Stuart Smith will join the PM.

Purloined piece
An iconic pakohe carving stolen last month in Havelock remains missing.

Kaikaiāwaro, created by Havelock stone carver Ruihana Smith and exhibited at Christchurch Art Gallery, is an irreplaceable and unique piece (pictured below).
Police investigated the burglary of Ruihana’s workshop in which stone carving tools also were taken.

Email [email protected] or contact police with any tips.

Bad deal
Marlborough Bridge Club suffered the loss of its dealing machine when its room in the old Riverlands School Hall got burglarised last Tuesday.

The device was stored in a wooden chest, which club members suspect was the actual aim of the theft. President Malcolm Mackenzie called the break-in “a disappointing moment for the club”.

Find contacts on the club’s Facebook page.

Save the date
Marlborough U3A turns 25 this year, and the group plans to celebrate during its next meeting, 13 July in Blenheim.

U3A is an international organisation which promotes continuing education for retirees – that is, people in their third age of life. (The acronym stands for University of the Third Age, though NZ groups cannot use the university label.)

The local U3A has 300 members, with 100 regularly attending meetings. Their anniversary gathering is set to start at 2pm at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services.
Email [email protected] for more information.

Save this date, too
The Blenheim Voluntary Rural Fire Force will mark its 25-year milestone with an anniversary and brigade honours celebration on 17 October.

Along with seeking former firefighters, the group is putting out a call for photos, videos, newspaper articles and historic documents.

Email [email protected] to participate.

Save your life
After rescuing four teenagers stranded over King’s Birthday weekend, Police Search and Rescue emphasised the importance of personal locator beacons (PLB) and satellite phones for trekkers.

The teens activated a PLB on the holiday morning from Mid Wairoa Hut in the Richmond Ranges, where a flooded river blocked their path. Inclement weather prevented their evacuation by helicopter until Tuesday. Police noted that mobile phones often lack service in remote areas, so pack both a PLB and a satellite phone (along with extra food and clothing).