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Anyone else remember playing pool upstairs at the old Clubs of Marlborough? Congrats to Dillon Pritchard, the skills he ...
25/06/2026

Anyone else remember playing pool upstairs at the old Clubs of Marlborough? Congrats to Dillon Pritchard, the skills he learned here in Blenheim have earned him an invite to a global competition.

A talented artistic snooker player who played his first ever trick shot in Blenheim has been invited to attend a global championship in the USA.
Dillon Pritchard, 35, who has racked up millions of views on Tik Tok with his trick shots, has a life-minute game of snooker to thank for discovering his skills.
"A friend wanted me to go and play but I waved him off, then he said they were desperate for a player, so I went. My life would look very different now if I wasn't invited to play pool that evening, who knows what other things would be occupying my time.”
Moving to Marlborough from Australia when he was a teenager in 2003, Dillon went to Marlborough Boys’ College.
Although he’s since moved back to the Gold Coast, he says Marlborough was a great place to perfect his craft and some of his best years were spent here.
He moved on to playing at the former Clubs of Marlborough. “Cue sticks were chalked and many raspberry and cokes were had,” he laughs.
“I also attended the inaugural under 21s Cue Sports Academy in Christchurch in 2011, just weeks before my 21st birthday.”
Artistic pool is the ex*****on of set shots, utilising point systems, demonstrating skill and creativity. It is performed on a 9ft American style 9ball table, which Dillon recently acquired.
He trains four to five nights a week and with only three months to the Championships, Dillion says he doesn’t have a moment to waste.
Performing under the social media handle Tasman Trickshots, Dillon, who is married to wife Rachel, needs to raise more to get to Philadelphia for the World Artistic Championships in October.
Whilst Dillon will officially be representing Australia, he says Blenheim is where his journey started and he’s excited to share his journey with all those in Marlborough who helped. “I want to make my friends and family proud,” he says.
A Go Fund Me Page has been set up to support Dillon to achieve his dream, with a goal target of $20,000 AUD to pay for flights, accommodation, entries etc.

“Every donation helps,” he says, “no matter how big or small.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-dillon-get-to-the-artistic-pool-world-championships to donate.

From helping farmers after hours to employing local teenagers and serving generations of customers, Renwick Meat Market ...
24/06/2026

From helping farmers after hours to employing local teenagers and serving generations of customers, Renwick Meat Market and Bakery has always been about more than selling meat.
Enjoy the later starts :)

Words: Kat Pickford

For more than 50 years, the Adcock family has been a familiar part of life in Marlborough.
From helping farmers after hours to employing local teenagers and serving generations of customers, Renwick Meat Market & Bakery has always been about more than selling meat.
Now, after more than five decades, the retail meat side of the business has closed, marking the end of an era for one of the region's best-known family businesses. The bakery, along with the homekill and meat processing operation, continues as usual.
The decision has been a long time coming, says co-owner Paul Adcock, who has spent more than 40 years in the trade alongside his brother Ian.
"It's been a huge part of our family's life and we've loved every minute of it," Paul says. "But after decades of early starts, long days and the demands that come with running a business, Ian and I decided it was time for a change."
Founded in 1972 by their parents, Graham and Bev Adcock, Renwick Meat Market grew from a small family business into a local institution, known for its quality meat, friendly service and, later, its famous pies.
Graham, who previously worked for Fitzpatrick's Butchery on Scott Street in Blenheim, remembers a very different Renwick when he and Bev first opened their doors.
While the population was much smaller, the township had a thriving collection of local businesses and a strong sense of community.
"It was a good little community and everyone stuck together," Graham recalls.
Back then, Marlborough had dozens of butchers and no large supermarkets, and the family worked long hours to make the business a success.
"We worked seven days a week," Bev says. "My parents would come out and look after the boys while we were working."
Before long, sons Paul, Ian and Neal were helping around the shop, and the tradition has continued, with many of the family's grandchildren – and now even a great-grandchild – spending time in the business.
Creating opportunities for future generations has been one of the greatest rewards, Graham says.
“When the grandchildren have wanted a job, there’s always been something for them to do, and they’ve worked bloody hard – same with the boys. We’re very proud of them.”
The business has also provided a first step onto the employment ladder for dozens of local young people. Some stayed for a few months, some completed apprenticeships and built careers in the trade, and others are still part of the team years later.
With all staff retained across the business, Paul says the support from customers since the announcement has been overwhelming.
“We’ve met some great people and shared plenty of laughs over the years,” he says. “We’re still here, the pies are still rolling out of the oven and we're still helping locals with their processing needs. The door’s always open if people want to pop in for a yarn.”

Four generations of the Adcock family, from left, Neal Adcock, Ian Adcock, Sam Adcock, Cheryl Adcock, Hayley Adcock, Graham Adcock, Beverly Adcock, Ella Hodgkinson, Riley Hodgkinson, Mhicca Hodgkinson, Leah Adcock, Nicki Devir, Paul Adcock and Chloe Devir. Photo: Supplied.

Good for you Alex, what a great cause, we're sure you'll have no problem completing 100km for Nelson Marlborough Westpac...
24/06/2026

Good for you Alex, what a great cause, we're sure you'll have no problem completing 100km for Nelson Marlborough Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

A young cyclist who regularly bikes 18kms to school is using his love of the sport to raise money for charity.
Twelve-year-old Alex Partridge who lives with his family in Rarangi, loves cycling so much he sometimes leaves the house at 7.40am to get to school.
Now the Year 8 Bohally Intermediate Schoolis putting his skills to a good cause, pledged his support to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter.
Alex is undertaking the Maximising Potential challenge at school and as part of this challenge has opted to bike 100km from Lake Rotoiti to Blenheim the first weekend of the July school holidays.
The keen mountain biker says he was inspired to help by seeing the helicopter at events.
“I was in Methven at a championship and the helicopter was there and ambulances."
A member of Marlborough Mountain Bike Club and Marlborough Cyclo Cross Club, Alex also plays and referees hockey. After coming up with the idea to raise money for the Trust, Alex has created a Givealittle page.
Donations have already exceeded $1700 which is beyond his expectations, he says.
“I thought it would also be good to use my challenge as a way to raise money for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.
“Although mountain biking is very fun it can also be a dangerous sport with big accidents that sometimes need the rescue helicopter. I don’t get scared but sometimes I do get a bit nervous.
“The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is vital to our region.”
To donate visit Alex’s Givealittle page at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/my-100-km-mtb-ride-rescue-chopper

Congratulations on the new role at Marlborough Multicultural Centre Matilde :)After the sudden death of her father when ...
23/06/2026

Congratulations on the new role at Marlborough Multicultural Centre Matilde :)

After the sudden death of her father when she was just a teenager in the Philippines, Matilde Figuracion vowed to stay in school.
She entered quizzes to win monetary prizes and worked when she could so she could buy the books she needed.

Now, the Blenheim businesswoman has a new achievement to add to her accomplishments - Centre Manager at Marlborough Multicultural Centre (MMC).

It is, she says, an honour she is delighted to have taken on after starting the role last Monday. “If you told me that the girl I once was would one day become the MCC manager, that girl wouldn’t have believed you.

“If I wanted to keep going to school, I needed to find a way to make it happen for myself.”

Introducing herself at MMC’s monthly morning tea at Te Kahu o Waipuna - Marlborough Library last week, Matilde said she was already enjoying her new role.

Being on the MMC Board since 2021 as both Treasurer and then Chair, Centre manager was a job she had never considered.

“Part of my role as Board Chair was to update Mayor Nadine Taylor and I told her we would be advertising and she said I should apply.

“Sometimes, it takes someone who sees something in you that you can’t see yourself. I don’t think any of us get very far entirely on our own, we go far because someone believes in us.”

With plenty of ideas for the Centre, Matilde says she wants to build on what has been achieved over the last 20 years.

“Watch this space,” she smiles.

It was a colleague at the Senate of the Philippines where Matilde worked as a strategy analyst leader who encouraged her and husband Clark to move to New Zealand 21 years ago.

“He had just returned from New Zealand and said I should think about moving. He planted the seed and then Clark and I made one of the biggest decisions of our lives.”

The couple first lived in Wellington, where Matilde initially worked as a carer in a rest home. She went on to pioneer Wellington’s first Filipino magazine and was the region’s first Filipino Justice of the Peace.

The couple also owned a food truck, started a rice importation business and opened a restaurant.

Looking for a quieter pace of life, the pair looked to buy a backpacker business in Marlborough but ended up buying Mountainview Villa Luxury Lodge instead.

“All I could think when I saw it was “we are going to need a lot of sheets and towels,” she laughs.

After six years of splitting her time between Blenheim and Wellington, Matilde retired from her government role as a Principal Analyst in January – but didn’t stay retired for long.

“It means making sure that MCC keeps being a place where people from every culture feel valued and connected whether they’ve just arrived or have been here for decades.

“I hope my story inspires others. It really is more than a job.”

The Marlborough Multicultural Centre is a non-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering social unity and a sense of belonging.

Visit their website www. mmc.nz to find out more about the organisation.

Well done to all who supported the More FM and Cuddon Engineering Mid-winter swim in Picton. Such brave souls! 🥶
23/06/2026

Well done to all who supported the More FM and Cuddon Engineering Mid-winter swim in Picton. Such brave souls! 🥶

Have you seen Alex?Police are asking for the public’s help finding Alex, who has been reported missing from Blenheim.The...
23/06/2026

Have you seen Alex?
Police are asking for the public’s help finding Alex, who has been reported missing from Blenheim.
The 14-year-old was last seen on Saturday 20 June, near Stratford Street. Contrary to the attached photo, Alex now has very short black hair.
Police and Alex’s family have great concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.
It is believed she is still in the Blenheim area.
If you have seen Alex, or have any information that may help us find her, please call 111 and reference file number 260621/2757.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Phew! A false alarm on Queen Street as Dolce Cafe, Restaurant and Bar gets the all clear after the fire alarm sounded th...
23/06/2026

Phew! A false alarm on Queen Street as Dolce Cafe, Restaurant and Bar gets the all clear after the fire alarm sounded this afternoon at 3.15pm.
Thanks to crews from Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade who were quick to arrive.

The next generation of extraordinary young Marlburians were celebrated in style at the Inspire Foundation Marlborough 20...
18/06/2026

The next generation of extraordinary young Marlburians were celebrated in style at the Inspire Foundation Marlborough 2026 Fundraising Dinner and Grantees’ Award Ceremony.

The evening, held at the Marlborough Event Centre, featured an inspiring address from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated athletes, from Dame Valerie Adams.

Photos: David James

Eight new recipients were welcomed into the growing Inspire Foundation family. Congratulations to:
Aidan Bennett (rowing).
Caleb McAulay (football).
Dylan Mathieson (shooting).
Loki Le Grice (theatre).
Riley Morriss (shooting).
Sienna Wheeler (theatre).
Sophia Speedy (music).
Zac Jenkins (rowing).

Exciting news this morning, congratulations to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre :)Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has revea...
17/06/2026

Exciting news this morning, congratulations to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre :)

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has revealed plans to boost the world-renowned attraction by 3000 sqm.

The New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust (NZAMT) this morning announced planning is officially underway for the huge extension at the Blenheim-based centre.

Private funding has made the move possible. Remaining money needed for the internal fit out will follow from funds raised at the next Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Airshow in March 2027.

The expansion is set to focus on the further development of the acclaimed Dangerous Skies’ World War II exhibition, effectively doubling its size.

NZAMT Chair, Brian Greenall says the Trust is excited about the chance to add to the world-class visitor attraction. “We are delighted with this outcome, and the opportunity to extend ‘Dangerous Skies’ as both another hall full of great aviation exhibits and stories and a unique event venue,” he says.

This next phase of development aims to also increase the facility's capacity, providing a new home for rare aircraft, creating a venue for large-scale events in the Marlborough region.

The current collection will also increase its scope, exploring new areas of historic interest. The extra space will also boost the region’s business event infrastructure, offering conference organisers a unique off-site venue for up to 700 delegates (500 seated) to dine

The NZAMT is also welcoming donors and sponsors to support them in the creation of theatrical sets.

Great news for Marlborough. A remedy to the doctor shortage is on the way.Marlborough will help train future doctors in ...
16/06/2026

Great news for Marlborough. A remedy to the doctor shortage is on the way.

Marlborough will help train future doctors in a bid to boost the number of medical professionals across the region.
The region has been named as a clinical training hub for the University of Waikato’s new medical school’s graduate training initiative.
Announcing the news, health Minister Simeon Brown said hosting clinical training was a significant milestone in building a stronger workforce.
"We know that where doctors train often influences where they practise,” he said. “By embedding students in regional and rural communities, we're creating a pathway for more doctors to stay and work in the areas that need them most.”
Marlborough Primary Health (MPH) and Nelson Bays Primary Health Trust (NBPHT) have won their bid to each build a Community Clinical Learning Centre.
The initiative will bring 12 students to Nelson and 8 to Marlborough each year, starting in 2029 when the first intake of students to the Graduate School of Medicine reaches their second year of training.
Chief Executive of Marlborough Primary Health Beth Tester said she was delighted with the successful bid.
“There is everything to gain and nothing to lose for our healthcare system, whānau and healthcare users and wider community.
“This is exactly what we need in Te Tauihu to boost our future healthcare workforce and ease the increasing strain on our excellent but pressured hospitals and primary care clinics.
“We have persistent shortages of GPs, nurses and nurse practitioners in Te Tauihu, despite the collective efforts of our healthcare providers and wider community to attract, support and retain workers.”
Visiting Blenheim on Friday Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said homegrown talent was key to long-term medical support for regional New Zealand.
“…research suggests that if they’re sent out here on placement, they might join the local rugby clubs, or dance club, or whatever it is they might do, they make some connections, build some social connectivity and end up actually choosing to stay in the region they’ve been posted into.”
The Prime Minister, who attended a public meeting at the Marlborough Events Centre alongside Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith, said there were 600 more doctors in the healthcare system and 200 more nurses since the Government came to power.
“Our challenge is making sure we can get them dispersed out into the regions … but from where we started from, where we had massive shortages everywhere, we’re starting to solve some of those problems,” he said.
The move is a major step towards building a sustainable local health workforce here, said Mayor Nadine Taylor.
“This was a great team effort - Marlborough Primary Health worked in partnership with Council and Rangitāne o Wairau to submit a proposal to the University of Waikato to establish a Community Clinical Learning Centre and medical education partnership in Marlborough.
“This is an exciting, transformational opportunity and a major step towards building a sustainable local health workforce here for the future, helping us to attract and retain more health professionals, strengthen regional healthcare services and create new pathways for local students to pursue careers in medicine and health closer to home.”

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