Marlborough District Council

The case for investing further in Marlborough was put firmly forward at the Te Tauihu Regional Growth Summit in Nelson recently. A team from Marlborough including Mayor Nadine Taylor, Council’s Chief Executive John Boswell, senior economic development staff and local industry representatives travelled ‘over the hill’ to promote Marlborough’s economic priorities. The summit brought together Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson councils with community and business leaders to discuss regional priorities, growth and infrastructure priorities and opportunities to partner with Government. This included a facilitated session with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and was the first of a series of summits around the country organised by Kānoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit. Mayor Taylor’s presentation on the day focussed on two major Marlborough industries - wine and aquaculture. “While Marlborough is the dominant New Zealand wine region, there is potential for further growth in volume and value with investment to overcome barriers associated with water availability, logistics, productivity and labour shortages, biowaste and energy,” Mayor Taylor said. “Aquaculture is another industry where investment could help secure its future through securing spat production, logistics, including investment in Havelock port and deriving value from biowaste.” She identified investment priorities going forward as marine infrastructure, responding to storm damage, the region’s roading and investment in Sounds Marine. Marlborough’s focus was on the economic benefits of aquaculture, forestry, farming and tourism as well as the need to lock in long term water resilience, flood protection investment, support the Woodbourne Airport aviation cluster and the nationally critical future interisland ferry project, she said. Port Marlborough’s General Manager, Marinas and Property Anouk Euzeby and Council’s Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development Neil Henry also delivered presentations on future investment opportunities. This included $15.3M worth of Stage 1 improvements at Havelock port and $500K for a Sounds Marine Study to identify local and arterial marine hubs in other parts of the Marlborough Sounds. “As the main hub for aquaculture, Havelock’s efficient ports and waterways enhance operational efficiency and drive economic growth. Funding this project will provide resilience and enable Havelock to continue to facilitate trade and effectively serve the community,” Ms Euzeby told attendees. Mr Henry outlined that current marine infrastructure in the Sounds was not resilient or sufficient if a future storm event severely damaged roads. Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Manager Dorien Vermaas said the Government wanted to see applications for infrastructure projects to support growth and resilience, growing skills, doubling exports in the next 10 years and investment and supporting innovation, technology and science.

Today we say goodbye to our Chief Executive, Mark Wheeler. Mark has been with Council for many years, and today marks a big change not only for him, but for the team here at Council, too. Here are a few words from Mark as he prepares to hand over the reins: "It is time for a fresh face to lead the Council staff team but I wanted to take this opportunity to say that it has been a great privilege to have had the opportunity to be CE at Council these past eight and a half years. Council is a ‘people business’ and you, the people of Marlborough are amazing. You rightly expect quality services, respectful interactions, professionalism and cost efficiency. The CE role has given me many extremely satisfying times. All of them were team efforts. That collective comprises my wonderful staff, three superb mayors, supportive councillors and a positive community. My experience with Council staff is that they are very motivated and passionate about their community. I am incredibly grateful for their hard work, professionalism and support. I will miss the constant positive challenges and interactions and the completion of many excellent projects and work streams. There have been so many highlights, whether that be developing a new sewerage treatment scheme, our stunning new theatre and library, working with Port Marlborough, helping staff or dealing with a variety of emergencies. In the most recent Aratere grounding 36 Council staff plus the Mayor and Councillors worked through Friday night and over the weekend. Council’s day-to-day work can sometimes go unnoticed but it is fundamental to our economy, environment, and way of life. There are big challenges ahead for our nation, this wonderful province and our tangata whenua. We must work together to weather the storms and keep progressing. To all our iwi, our tangata whenua, I admire your tenacity and passion for improving outcomes for your people. My wife Cathy has been wonderfully supportive, ever-patient, and tolerant throughout my career. It is time to repay this - our new caravan, mountain bikes and golf clubs will trip around this wonderful country. My elderly parents, three sons and daughters-in-law and six grandchildren will see a lot more of me. I have seen my role as CE as being a facilitator – supporting staff to achieve good outcomes for Council and the community. I am a bit like the rugby halfback – the linkman – the organiser of resources. At times I have had to drop back to full back - hopefully, I’ve been safe under the high ball. Nō reira e ki ana te Whakatauki Mā mua ka kite a muri, Mā muri ka ora a mua Those who lead give sight to those who follow. Those who follow give life to those who lead." The new Council CE John Boswell starts tomorrow, 1 August. Go well Mark! 📸: Mark Wheeler and his wife Cathy on the mountain bike track - something they plan to do much more of during his retirement.

The Marlborough Roads Recovery team has made huge progress in repairing Queen Charlotte Drive following extensive damage on roads across the wider region in July 2021 and again in August 2022, with most of the work expected to be completed by Christmas. Roadworkers have repaired over 500 faults along the 40km length of road, and are now working at five different sites doing more extensive repairs. Once completed, the road will be safer, more reliable and more resilient for everyone travelling through the area. This video, made thanks to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough, gives a little insight into the work they've been undertaking. NZTA works with Council via Marlborough Roads to manage the local road network as well as the State Highways in Marlborough.

Two standout Marlborough companies have distinguished themselves at the recent 2024 Hi-Tech Awards. Southern Water Engineering (SWE) and Smart Machines were both finalists in the agritech section of the prestigious awards, with Smart Machines clinching the NZTE Most Innovative Hi-Tech Agritech Solution with their revolutionary autonomous tractor. Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Manager Dorien Vermaas said both companies exemplified the cutting-edge advancements emerging from Marlborough. “Council is delighted to celebrate the recent successes of our local agritech industry, which has once again proven to be a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth in our region,” Ms Vermaas said. “The achievements of Southern Water Engineering and Smart Machines serve as an inspiration and a catalyst for further advancements within our local agritech sector. These successes attract attention and investment from beyond our region, fuelling further economic development.” Smart Machines’ autonomous tractor is a groundbreaking innovation that promises to transform the agricultural landscape. This autonomous tractor integrates advanced AI and machine learning technologies, enabling it to perform a variety of farming tasks with precision and efficiency, significantly reducing the need for manual labour and enhancing productivity. Southern Water Engineering has been a trailblazer in developing innovative water management solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. Their cutting-edge technologies optimise water usage, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the farming community. The New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards celebrate the success of producers of goods and services from the software, electronics, telecommunications, mobile, agritech, creative and high-tech industries. The awards are run by the NZ Hi-Tech Trust, a not-for-profit that promotes and supports the wider industry. SWE (Southern Water Engineering) New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Renwick’s water treatment plant in Terrace Road is now operational. Mason Engineers, who were contracted to install treatment equipment and controls, completed eight weeks of extensive commissioning work late last month and connected the plant to Renwick’s water supply on Wednesday. “With that work now complete, Renwick households have a water supply that is safe, secure and meets national drinking water standards,” Council Water Treatment Plant Operator Robin Millard, pictured, said. Masons had been on site for the plant fit out since late last year, following the completion of civil and structural works by Simcox Construction in September. Following the fit out, both wet and dry commissioning was undertaken to ensure the necessary systems were working correctly. Treated water from the plant goes to all properties within the urban Renwick area. “Before now, Renwick’s water supply was not passed through a filtration system, so users may notice their water is now clearer and better tasting,” Robin said. Prior to the fit out, Simcox Construction undertook civil and construction works including underground services, building foundations and pipelines, while subcontractors CMT Group did most of the building work onsite. Renwick’s water upgrades have also included the construction of a new reservoir in 2020, the installation of water meters from July 2021, and the drilling and development of new wells at Conders Bend Road. A new water pipeline from the wells to the reservoir and water treatment plant site was installed in 2022. A celebration of the plant’s opening is planned for the spring - the date will be confirmed. Masons Engineers (Nz) Ltd CMT Group NZ Ltd Simcox Construction

The inaugural WinePro Aotearoa international trade show and conference are coming to Blenheim from 25 to 27 June. New Zealand is the world’s sixth largest wine exporter by value and Marlborough dominates production with over 80 per cent of wine coming from here. “The growth of our wine industry over the last 50 years is nothing short of astonishing,” Mayor Nadine Taylor (pictured) said. “WinePRO offers an opportunity for everyone to learn about the latest wine industry developments, particularly in agritech and automation. The trade show is free to attend and I encourage people to head along to see the latest innovations.” Three-day passes to the WinePRO conference are $339.25, with a day pass costing $166.75. Register to find out more at https://winepro.co.nz/

Accolades continue for Te Kahu o Waipuna, the Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery, which has taken out the public architecture category in the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Awards. Designed by architects Warren and Mahoney, it was described by the judges as a civic building which is reinvigorating Blenheim’s High Street with its bronzed exterior and flexible interior layout. It also received a Resene Colour Award. Four judges assessed this year’s projects, along with convenor Euan MacKellar. The winners were announced at an awards event at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre last week. “Projects in this year’s awards have weathered unprecedented conditions including extreme weather events, supply chain issues, spiralling costs and Covid,” Mr MacKellar said. “Despite the unforeseen challenges, architects managed to hold on to key concepts, maintain good design and foster strong relationships with their clients and builders, a credit to the profession.” Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membership-based professional organisation which represents over 90 per cent of registered architects. WARREN AND MAHONEY Marlborough District Library

A wonderful result at the Master Builders New Zealand Commercial Projects Awards Ceremony on Friday. Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough District Libraries and Marlborough Art Gallery picked up three awards: - CATEGORY WINNER in the Tourism and Leisure Category - GOLD AWARD WINNER in the Tourism and Leisure Category - VALUE AWARD WINNER in the Commercial Project $10 - $25M Category We are so proud of this building and for Robinson Construction Ltd to pick up these awards is truly well deserved. Te Kahu o Waipuna was up against 19 of the best builds in the country. Well done to all involved - what an achievement! Pictured: Luke van Luke van Velthooven, APL Property, Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, Mark Watson and Phil Robinson of Robinson Construction Ltd and Maighan Watson, project manager for Marlborough District Council. Nadine Taylor ROBINSON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

Two hard working members of Marlborough’s Emergency Management Team have been presented with long service awards. Dave Parsons and Gary Spence were given certificates and medals by Mayor Nadine Taylor at April’s Assets and Services Committee meeting, acknowledging their contribution to the Marlborough community. Each has responded to local and national emergencies including Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay, the Kaikōura earthquake, Pigeon Valley fires and Marlborough storms of 2021 and 2022, committee chair Councillor Jonathan Rosene said. Dave was a member of the Picton Fire Brigade for many years and joined the Marlborough Emergency Response Team in 2013, quickly working his way up to senior responder. In 2022, he left a long career in teaching and joined the Emergency Management team as a Senior Advisor, Community Resilience, going straight into social recovery of communities impacted by the 2022 storm. Dave is currently Squad Leader and trained or qualified in general rescue, rescue at heights, working with helicopters, ropes rescue and mass rescue response. In recognising Gary’s efforts, Councillor Rosene said he joined Council in 2012 as the sole full-time Emergency Management Officer. The following year he established the Marlborough Emergency Response Team which has now become the nationally recognised and registered as NZRT-20 with over 25 members. “It’s one of the few volunteer organisations that is always fully staffed which is a credit to Gary’s people skills,” Councillor Rosene said. “His current role as Advisor, Operational Readiness is key to Marlborough being prepared to respond to any emergency.”

Air New Zealand’s recent announcement that it has selected Marlborough and Wellington airports for its first all-electric aircraft flights continues our region’s proud aviation tradition, says Mayor Nadine Taylor. Wellington-Marlborough will be the route for commercial demonstrator flights of the all-electric ALIA CTOL from Beta Technologies, which Air New Zealand purchased last year. The cargo-only flights - in partnership with NZ Post - are set to begin in 2026. Wellington Airport will be the home base of the next-generation aircraft while Marlborough Airport will also establish charging infrastructure to power the aircraft for the return journey. “It’s just over 100 years since Euan Dickson, one of the most successful Allied bomber pilots of WW1, made the inaugural flight across the Cook Strait, carrying the country’s first official airmail on his return journey. It is fitting then that Marlborough continues its proud tradition of aviation firsts with this new all-electric technology,” Mayor Taylor said. “Our region is home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative and pioneering sectors - wine, viticulture, aquaculture and of course aviation. Marlborough Airport is owned by the ratepayers of Marlborough through Council, and we have worked closely with Air New Zealand for many years. We look forward to that partnership continuing, and are excited to be part of this new all-electric venture.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gDpHXFFe