Council reflects on challenging year in annual report ...
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Postal Address: Marlborough District Council PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240 New Zealand Phone: 03 520 7400 Fax: 03 520 7496 Email: [email protected] Website: www.marlborough.govt.nz Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm All enquiries 24 hours Street Address: 15 Seymour Street Blenheim 7201 New Zealand He kōrero nō te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Wairau YOUR LOCAL NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL www.marlborough.govt.nz Marlborough District Council has released its annual report for the year 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Mayor John Leggett said it had been a challenging but successful 12 months. “Over the 12 months, New Zealand was often at a raised alert level to respond to the threat of Covid-19. However, Marlborough District Councillors, staff and contractors were focused on delivering our core business with added vigour, in the knowledge that each initiative we progressed and every programme of works that was advanced was making an important contribution to the Marlborough economy - and a tangible difference to our community in difficult times,” Mayor Leggett said. “I’d like to thank my fellow councillors, staff and contractors for their continued efforts this year. Despite the challenging global environment, we made solid progress in delivering our services to residents and ratepayers, and supported the Marlborough economy wherever practically possible,” he said. “Early in the year, great efforts were made to roll up our sleeves and speed up infrastructure investment - recognising the importance of continued investment in Marlborough's economy.” “In August we announced $65.8M of contracts had been awarded since New Zealand had moved to Alert Level 1 on 9 June. The Property and Community Facilities Department issued 37 contracts involving 17 local contractors and actioned contract works to the value of $32M since coming out of that lockdown. Capital funding of three waters infrastructure, solid waste disposal and flood protection amounted to $30.577M. In addition, architects and engineering firms were awarded contracts amounting to $3.216M, supporting eight local design companies,” he said. “Advice and support was also offered to our hospitality, retail and tourism sectors adversely affected by the pandemic thanks to the work of The Economic Action Marlborough (TEAM) group. TEAM made a number of welcome interventions to support local businesses including the Make It Marlborough ‘buy local’ campaign, employment support programmes for 18-24 year olds and funding key regional events. In recognition of their hard work the group received a commendation at the 2021 Economic Development New Zealand Awards.” Mayor Leggett said throughout the 12 months, support was also received from some unexpected quarters. “On 1 July 2020 I welcomed Finance Minister Hon Grant Robertson’s announcement of $11M in ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure funding for the new Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery in Blenheim’s CBD. The build has progressed rapidly since then, helping create local jobs and bringing a stunning new landmark to our skyline. Before long it will be Marlborough’s leading community meeting place and hub.” “Just three weeks later I had the pleasure of welcoming Provincial Growth Fund and shovel ready funding for four other projects - the Marlborough Research Centre, the Picton-to-Kaikōura Whale Trail, flood prevention work on the Wairau River and a Ngāti Kuia initiative to process kānuka. All had been initiated from the ground up by people here in Marlborough.” “The Council also benefitted from $12.5M Government funding allocated towards the Renwick water main upgrade, Blenheim sewer relining and Marlborough Boys’ College stormwater main renewal, through a capital injection from the Government’s Three Waters stimulus funding,” Mayor Leggett said. Other highlights of the year included: • The Council continued its first-hour free parking in Blenheim and Picton • Construction of Renwick’s new reservoir was completed, marking the end of the first stage in a three-year programme to improve the town’s drinking water • The project to install water meters in Havelock and Renwick was completed • Work to upgrade the sewer network in the north of Blenheim began - the $13.7M project provides for future residential growth of 700 homes, increases sewer and pump station capacity, and reduces the effects of infiltration and sewer overflow frequency • Construction began on the final stages of Picton’s wastewater network upgrade, including an upgrade to its sewer. The Waikawa wharf sewage pump station is being upgraded and a new 870-metre pipe laid in Waikawa Road • A number of the district’s public toilets received a spruce up this year, including Marlborough’s oldest in Seymour Square, Blenheim • Just over $3.2M of local projects were approved through the Land Subdivision Account, funded by levies charged to developers. Parks, reserves, sportsgrounds and playgrounds all received funding to improve facilities • Construction of Lansdowne Park’s new Sports Hub progressed quickly (pictured above) • The Council, with LINZ and NIWA, completed seabed mapping of Te Hoiere/Pelorus Sound, Admiralty Bay and Te Aumiti/French Pass • The Council’s Catchment Care Programme got boots on the ground through a combination of Council, Government (Jobs for Nature) and landowner funding. Council’s contribution of $1.2M joined with co-funding from the Ministry for Environment ($1.8M), the Ministry for Primary Industries ($1.26M), and $1.3M from landowners. The programme is expected to create 21 jobs and result in significant land management improvements in the Are Are Creek, Linkwater and Te Hoiere/Pelorus river catchments • Council adopted a new Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw 2021. There was significant public interest, with 679 submissions received • A new reserve management plan for Picton’s Victoria Domain Reserves was adopted, in partnership with Te Ātiawa • In May Councillors voted to establish a Māori ward for Marlborough in time for the 2022 local elections The Council’s ‘robust financial management and relatively low debt’ meant the Council retained its “AA+” long term credit rating by rating agency S&P Global. Their assessment takes into account the financial position of the Council Group, which includes MDC Holdings Ltd, Port Marlborough NZ Ltd and Marlborough Airport Ltd. You can view the Council’s 2020-21 Annual Report at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your- council/long-term-and-annual-plans-policies-and-reports/annual-report Marlborough Events www.follow-me.co.nz At Alert Level 2 the Council Chambers are used for Council and committee meetings but seating arrangements have to meet physical distancing protocols. This means only a limited number of seats will be available and wearing a face mask is required. A video recording and minutes will be available on the Council website following the meetings. Environment Committee Thursday 18 November at 9.00 am Planning, Finance & Community Committee Thursday 25 November at 9.00 am Times and dates may be subject to change. Please contact the Committee Secretary; Ph: 03 520 7400 for further information. Council meetings Marlborough’s road to recovery info The Bee Gees Night Fever Get ready to dance your way into a time warp of 1970’s disco dancefloor thrillers and timeless heartfelt rock ballads with two hours of live engaging entertainment. Thu 11 Nov: 8.00 pm - 10.30 pm ASB Theatre Marlborough, Blenheim MCO Dancing in the Vines Pack up a picnic or grab a bite from one of the food trucks as you sit back, relax and enjoy the music of Brahms Hungarian Dance, Pizzicato Polka, Blue Danube and others from the Marlborough Civic Orchestra. Sat 13 Nov: 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm Rock Ferry Cellar Door, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim Awatere and Dashwood rural boil water notice Water from the Council’s reticulation network to the Awatere and Dashwood rural areas should be boiled. It does not currently meet the NZ Drinking Water Standards and may contain bacteria or protozoa that are harmful to human health. All water used for drinking, food preparation or cleaning teeth should be boiled before use. Treated water is available at the public taps on Marama Road, outside Seddon School. For further information contact the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400. Council reflects on challenging year in annual report Christmas access comes early for Kenepuru Sound residents Residents in parts of the Marlborough Sounds left isolated by July’s weather event have received an early Christmas present. Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has welcomed news from Marlborough Roads confirming ‘controlled access’ for the full length of the Kenepuru Road, including all side roads impacted by the 17 July storm, will be in place by Tuesday 30 November. The Awatere Valley Road to Molesworth Station will also reopen for restricted public access from 22 December to 16 January to make for a more relaxed holiday season for the valley community, and relieve some of the pressure for tourism operators on this iconic road through Molesworth Station. “We know it has been extremely hard for our Sounds’ and Awatere Valley communities and this is great news. I want to thank them for their resilience and patience while the roading recovery team have put in the hard yards to make this happen,” Mayor Leggett said. Marlborough Roads has also released an updated 'high level programme of access' for all roads in the region affected by the July storm. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency System Manager, Top of the South, Andrew James said the team engaged with residents and road users to understand their needs, and developed a programme that enables safe access, where possible. “That means opening the roads up gradually so that works can continue at a steady pace, and people are kept safe,” Mr James said. “Controlled access means there are constraints on the length of vehicle and whether it has a heavy commercial vehicle permit. The existing residents' permit system will continue with enforcement at manned entry gates, but we are really pleased to be able to give more residents a way through the whole road.” “People need to check the details around the controlled access to parts of Kenepuru Road in the programme - for example residents can pick up visitors at the checkpoints but visitors cannot drive their own vehicles in yet,” he said. Enabling full public access on Kenepuru Road will be reviewed in the first quarter of 2022. Over the Christmas period work in the Marlborough Sounds will stop to give crews a well-earned break and allow them to spend time with their families. “The roading crews have earned that rest. The men and women who are working hard on our Sounds' roads to connect our residents deserve a special thanks for their efforts - they are doing a great job,” said Mayor Leggett. Support will continue to be provided from the Council to Sounds’ residents while road restrictions remain in place. Council’s Recovery Manager, Dean Heiford, said the barge and water taxi service subsidies that the Council has set up will continue until the road restrictions are removed. “This service is in high demand and I encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment, particularly with the summer holiday season fast approaching,” he said. A ray of sunshine on a cloudy day for Sounds’ residents - a picture of progress being made at “The Rock” on Kenepuru Road as roading repairs continue following the July storm. Credit: Marlborough Roads Panel appointed to consider East Coast bylaw submissions Anyone who needs support as a result of the July storm should contact the Council at: [email protected] For the latest project updates from the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team go to: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/marlborough- roads-recovery For the status of a road, please visit the Marlborough Emergency Management Official Public Information Map at: https://bit. ly/CDEM-Map before your journey, and stay up to date on the latest roading alerts at: https://bit.ly/RoadingAlertsMarl For roading information and queries please contact Marlborough Roads on Ph: 03 520 8024 or 0800 213 213 between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email the recovery team at: [email protected] For general recovery information go to: https://bit.ly/MDCRecoveryInfo For the Mayoral Relief Fund go to: https://bit.ly/StormMayoralReliefFund Please follow the Council’s Facebook page, Antenno app, Twitter and the Council website for further information. Temporary road closure - Taylor Pass Road, 13 November On Saturday 13 November 2021, Taylor Pass Road between the 11.65km and the 21.00km mark will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic between 7.30 am and 5.00 pm for the Marlborough Car Club Rally sprint. During the period of closure, ordinary vehicle traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an Officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch). It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicle traffic during the period of closure. This notice is given pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965. Any enquiries should be addressed to Dean Hawkey, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 021 923 536. Magic and Mayhem Comedy meets magic in this all-new show at Picton Little Theatre. Featuring American born and kiwi raised Gavin Hews along with Kozo Kaos, one of New Zealand’s youngest professional performers. R18 event. Sun 14 Nov: 7.00 pm - 8.45 pm Picton Little Theatre, 9 Dublin Street Spring has sprung in Seymour Square After clear skies and warmer weather it seems spring has officially sprung in Marlborough. The 12,000 annuals planted by the Council’s Gardening Team in Seymour Square, including violas, poppies, polyanthus, calendulas and chrysanthemum snowlands are now in full bloom and creating a beautiful colour pallet to be enjoyed by all. In a couple of weeks the gardens will receive their summer makeover when some of the current spring flowers will be replaced with those more suited to Blenheim’s summer conditions such as geraniums, marigolds and salvias - watch this space. Mayor meets with Irish Ambassador Earlier this week Mayor John Leggett met with the Irish Ambassador, Peter Ryan who was in Blenheim for the gala screening of ‘The Furthest Lantern’ - a feature-length documentary by Marlborough filmmaker Paul Davidson that tells the story of five Irish nuns who sailed to New Zealand in 1950 and established a new school in the baby-booming Hutt Valley. Ambassador Ryan, originally from Dublin, has served as Ireland’s first resident Ambassador to New Zealand since 2018. Mayor Leggett said it was a pleasure to host the Ambassador. The pair discussed the similarities New Zealand and Ireland share and the possible promotion of some of Marlborough's arts, cultural and business opportunities in Ireland. Mayor Leggett said the Ambassador is keen to return and spend a bit more time in the region in the future. A panel has been appointed to consider the 192 submissions received on the Proposed East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw. The panel, made up of Commissioner Rob Enright, Commissioner Ma-rea Clayton and Councillor David Croad, will listen to the 50 submitters who wish to speak at the hearings, set down for three days from 23 to 25 November at the Marlborough Events Centre at 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim. The hearings will begin at 8.30 am each day and while they are open to the public, seating is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Anyone who would like to hear the submissions can join the hearings via Zoom. Email: [email protected] to request a link to the hearing. Following the hearings the panel will consider all submissions and presentations before making their final recommendations to the Council. Council will then decide whether to make a bylaw. If a bylaw is made it will be advertised by way of a public notice. The draft bylaw proposes to prohibit motor vehicles on the beach between the Awatere and Waima (Ure) river mouths, with a few exemptions. The aim is to improve public safety and enable habitat restoration and protection of the area’s many threatened and at-risk species. You can read the submissions at: https://data.marlborough.govt.nz/ EastCoastSubmissions2021 or to find out more about the draft bylaw visit: www. marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/bylaws/ proposed-east-coast-beach-vehicle-bylaw Mayor John Leggett met with Irish Ambassador Peter Ryan during his visit to Blenheim
Transcript of Council reflects on challenging year in annual report ...
Postal Address: Marlborough District CouncilPO Box 443, Blenheim 7240New Zealand
Phone: 03 520 7400Fax: 03 520 7496Email: [email protected]: www.marlborough.govt.nz
Opening HoursMon to Fri: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
All enquiries 24 hours
Street Address: 15 Seymour StreetBlenheim 7201New Zealand
He kōrero nō te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Wairau
YOUR LOCAL NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
www.marlborough.govt.nz
Marlborough District Council has released its annual report for the year 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Mayor John Leggett said it had been a challenging but successful 12 months.“Over the 12 months, New Zealand was often at a raised alert level to respond to the threat of Covid-19. However, Marlborough District Councillors, staff and contractors were focused on delivering our core business with added vigour, in the knowledge that each initiative we progressed and every programme of works that was advanced was making an important contribution to the Marlborough economy - and a tangible difference to our community in difficult times,” Mayor Leggett said.“I’d like to thank my fellow councillors, staff and contractors for their continued efforts this year. Despite the challenging global environment, we made solid progress in delivering our services to residents and ratepayers, and supported the Marlborough economy wherever practically possible,” he said.“Early in the year, great efforts were made to roll up our sleeves and speed up infrastructure investment - recognising the importance of continued investment in Marlborough's economy.”“In August we announced $65.8M of contracts had been awarded since New Zealand had moved to Alert Level 1 on 9 June. The Property and Community Facilities Department issued 37 contracts involving 17 local contractors and actioned contract works to the value of $32M since coming out of that lockdown. Capital funding of three waters infrastructure, solid waste disposal and flood protection amounted to $30.577M. In addition, architects and engineering firms were awarded contracts amounting to $3.216M, supporting eight local design companies,” he said.“Advice and support was also offered to our hospitality, retail and tourism sectors adversely affected by the pandemic thanks to the work of The Economic Action Marlborough (TEAM) group. TEAM made a number of welcome interventions to support local businesses including the Make It Marlborough ‘buy local’ campaign, employment support programmes for 18-24 year olds and funding key regional events. In recognition of their hard work the group received a commendation at the 2021 Economic Development New Zealand Awards.”Mayor Leggett said throughout the 12 months, support was also received from some unexpected quarters. “On 1 July 2020 I welcomed Finance Minister Hon Grant Robertson’s announcement of $11M in ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure funding for the new Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery in Blenheim’s CBD. The build has progressed rapidly since then, helping create local jobs and bringing a stunning new landmark to our skyline. Before long it will be Marlborough’s leading community meeting place and hub.”“Just three weeks later I had the pleasure of welcoming Provincial Growth Fund and shovel ready funding for four other projects - the Marlborough Research Centre, the Picton-to-Kaikōura Whale Trail, flood prevention work on the Wairau River and a Ngāti Kuia initiative to process kānuka. All had been initiated from the ground up by people here in Marlborough.”“The Council also benefitted from $12.5M Government funding allocated towards the Renwick water main upgrade, Blenheim sewer relining and Marlborough Boys’ College stormwater main renewal, through a capital injection from the Government’s Three Waters stimulus funding,” Mayor Leggett said.
Other highlights of the year included:• The Council continued its first-hour free parking in Blenheim and Picton• Construction of Renwick’s new reservoir was completed, marking the end of the first stage
in a three-year programme to improve the town’s drinking water• The project to install water meters in Havelock and Renwick was completed • Work to upgrade the sewer network in the north of Blenheim began - the $13.7M project
provides for future residential growth of 700 homes, increases sewer and pump station capacity, and reduces the effects of infiltration and sewer overflow frequency
• Construction began on the final stages of Picton’s wastewater network upgrade, including an upgrade to its sewer. The Waikawa wharf sewage pump station is being upgraded and a new 870-metre pipe laid in Waikawa Road
• A number of the district’s public toilets received a spruce up this year, including Marlborough’s oldest in Seymour Square, Blenheim
• Just over $3.2M of local projects were approved through the Land Subdivision Account, funded by levies charged to developers. Parks, reserves, sportsgrounds and playgrounds all received funding to improve facilities
• Construction of Lansdowne Park’s new Sports Hub progressed quickly (pictured above)• The Council, with LINZ and NIWA, completed seabed mapping of Te Hoiere/Pelorus Sound,
Admiralty Bay and Te Aumiti/French Pass • The Council’s Catchment Care Programme got boots on the ground through a combination
of Council, Government (Jobs for Nature) and landowner funding. Council’s contribution of $1.2M joined with co-funding from the Ministry for Environment ($1.8M), the Ministry for Primary Industries ($1.26M), and $1.3M from landowners. The programme is expected to create 21 jobs and result in significant land management improvements in the Are Are Creek, Linkwater and Te Hoiere/Pelorus river catchments
• Council adopted a new Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw 2021. There was significant public interest, with 679 submissions received
• A new reserve management plan for Picton’s Victoria Domain Reserves was adopted, in partnership with Te Ātiawa
• In May Councillors voted to establish a Māori ward for Marlborough in time for the 2022 local elections
The Council’s ‘robust financial management and relatively low debt’ meant the Council retained its “AA+” long term credit rating by rating agency S&P Global. Their assessment takes into account the financial position of the Council Group, which includes MDC Holdings Ltd, Port Marlborough NZ Ltd and Marlborough Airport Ltd. You can view the Council’s 2020-21 Annual Report at: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/long-term-and-annual-plans-policies-and-reports/annual-report
Marlborough Events www.follow-me.co.nz
Sounds of Christmas
Marlborough Events www.follow-me.co.nz
At Alert Level 2 the Council Chambers are used for Council and committee meetings but seating arrangements have to meet physical distancing protocols. This means only a limited number of seats will be available and wearing a face mask is required.
A video recording and minutes will be available on the Council website following the meetings.Environment CommitteeThursday 18 November at 9.00 amPlanning, Finance & Community CommitteeThursday 25 November at 9.00 amTimes and dates may be subject to change. Please contact the Committee Secretary; Ph: 03 520 7400 for further information.
Councilmeetings
Marlborough’s road to recovery info
The Bee Gees Night FeverGet ready to dance your way into a time warp of 1970’s disco dancefloor thrillers and timeless heartfelt rock ballads with two hours of live engaging entertainment.Thu 11 Nov: 8.00 pm - 10.30 pm ASB Theatre Marlborough, Blenheim
MCO Dancing in the VinesPack up a picnic or grab a bite from one of the food trucks as you sit back, relax and enjoy the music of Brahms Hungarian Dance, Pizzicato Polka, Blue Danube and others from the Marlborough Civic Orchestra. Sat 13 Nov: 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm Rock Ferry Cellar Door, 130 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim
Awatere and Dashwood rural boil water noticeWater from the Council’s reticulation network to the Awatere and Dashwood rural areas should be boiled. It does not currently meet the NZ Drinking Water Standards and may contain bacteria or protozoa that are harmful to human health.
All water used for drinking, food preparation or cleaning teeth should be boiled before use.Treated water is available at the public taps on Marama Road, outside Seddon School. For further information contact the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400.
Council reflects on challenging year in annual report Christmas access comes early for Kenepuru Sound residentsResidents in parts of the Marlborough Sounds left isolated by July’s weather event have received an early Christmas present.Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has welcomed news from Marlborough Roads confirming ‘controlled access’ for the full length of the Kenepuru Road, including all side roads impacted by the 17 July storm, will be in place by Tuesday 30 November. The Awatere Valley Road to Molesworth Station will also reopen for restricted public access from 22 December to 16 January to make for a more relaxed holiday season for the valley community, and relieve some of the pressure for tourism operators on this iconic road through Molesworth Station.“We know it has been extremely hard for our Sounds’ and Awatere Valley communities and this is great news. I want to thank them for their resilience and patience while the roading recovery team have put in the hard yards to make this happen,” Mayor Leggett said.Marlborough Roads has also released an updated 'high level programme of access' for all roads in the region affected by the July storm. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency System Manager, Top of the South, Andrew James said the team engaged with residents and road users to understand their needs, and developed a programme that enables safe access, where possible.“That means opening the roads up gradually so that works can continue at a steady pace, and people are kept safe,” Mr James said.“Controlled access means there are constraints on the length of vehicle and
whether it has a heavy commercial vehicle permit. The existing residents' permit system will continue with enforcement at manned entry gates, but we are really pleased to be able to give more residents a way through the whole road.”“People need to check the details around the controlled access to parts of Kenepuru Road in the programme - for example residents can pick up visitors at the checkpoints but visitors cannot drive their own vehicles in yet,” he said.Enabling full public access on Kenepuru Road will be reviewed in the first quarter of 2022.Over the Christmas period work in the Marlborough Sounds will stop to give crews a well-earned break and allow them to spend time with their families. “The roading crews have earned that rest. The men and women who are working hard on our Sounds' roads to connect our residents deserve a special thanks for their efforts - they are doing a great job,” said Mayor Leggett.Support will continue to be provided from the Council to Sounds’ residents while road restrictions remain in place. Council’s Recovery Manager, Dean Heiford, said the barge and water taxi service subsidies that the Council has set up will continue until the road restrictions are removed.“This service is in high demand and I encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment, particularly with the summer holiday season fast approaching,” he said.
A ray of sunshine on a cloudy day for Sounds’ residents - a picture of progress being made at “The Rock” on Kenepuru Road as roading repairs continue following the July storm. Credit: Marlborough Roads
Panel appointed to consider East Coast bylaw submissions
Anyone who needs support as a result of the July storm should contact the Council at: [email protected] For the latest project updates from the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team go to: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/marlborough-roads-recoveryFor the status of a road, please visit the Marlborough Emergency Management Official Public Information Map at: https://bit.ly/CDEM-Map before your journey, and stay up to date on the latest roading alerts at: https://bit.ly/RoadingAlertsMarl
For roading information and queries please contact Marlborough Roads on Ph: 03 520 8024 or 0800 213 213 between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email the recovery team at: [email protected] general recovery information go to: https://bit.ly/MDCRecoveryInfoFor the Mayoral Relief Fund go to: https://bit.ly/StormMayoralReliefFundPlease follow the Council’s Facebook page, Antenno app, Twitter and the Council website for further information.
Temporary road closure - Taylor Pass Road, 13 NovemberOn Saturday 13 November 2021, Taylor Pass Road between the 11.65km and the 21.00km mark will be closed to ordinary vehicle traffic between 7.30 am and 5.00 pm for the Marlborough Car Club Rally sprint.During the period of closure, ordinary vehicle traffic may use the road being closed between events under the supervision and authority of an Officer of the New Zealand Police (Traffic Safety Branch).It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than under the authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicle traffic during the period of closure.This notice is given pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965.Any enquiries should be addressed to Dean Hawkey, Marlborough Roads, Ph: 021 923 536.
Magic and MayhemComedy meets magic in this all-new show at Picton Little Theatre. Featuring American born and kiwi raised Gavin Hews along with Kozo Kaos, one of New Zealand’s youngest professional performers. R18 event.Sun 14 Nov: 7.00 pm - 8.45 pm Picton Little Theatre, 9 Dublin Street
Spring has sprung in Seymour SquareAfter clear skies and warmer weather it seems spring has officially sprung in Marlborough. The 12,000 annuals planted by the Council’s Gardening Team in Seymour Square, including violas, poppies, polyanthus, calendulas and chrysanthemum snowlands are now in full bloom and creating a beautiful colour pallet to be enjoyed by all.In a couple of weeks the gardens will receive their summer makeover when some of the current spring flowers will be replaced with those more suited to Blenheim’s summer conditions such as geraniums, marigolds and salvias - watch this space.
Mayor meets with Irish AmbassadorEarlier this week Mayor John Leggett met with the Irish Ambassador, Peter Ryan who was in Blenheim for the gala screening of ‘The Furthest Lantern’ - a feature-length documentary by Marlborough filmmaker Paul Davidson that tells the story of five Irish nuns who sailed to New Zealand in 1950 and established a new school in the baby-booming Hutt Valley. Ambassador Ryan, originally from Dublin, has served as Ireland’s first resident Ambassador to New Zealand since 2018. Mayor Leggett said it was a pleasure to host the Ambassador. The pair discussed the similarities New Zealand and Ireland share and the possible promotion of some of Marlborough's arts, cultural and business opportunities in Ireland.Mayor Leggett said the Ambassador is keen to return and spend a bit more time in the region in the future.
A panel has been appointed to consider the 192 submissions received on the Proposed East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw.The panel, made up of Commissioner Rob Enright, Commissioner Ma-rea Clayton and Councillor David Croad, will listen to the 50 submitters who wish to speak at the hearings, set down for three days from 23 to 25 November at the Marlborough Events Centre at 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim. The hearings will begin at 8.30 am each day and while they are open to the public, seating is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions.Anyone who would like to hear the submissions can join the hearings via Zoom. Email: [email protected] to request a link to the hearing.Following the hearings the panel will
consider all submissions and presentations before making their final recommendations to the Council. Council will then decide whether to make a bylaw. If a bylaw is made it will be advertised by way of a public notice. The draft bylaw proposes to prohibit motor vehicles on the beach between the Awatere and Waima (Ure) river mouths, with a few exemptions. The aim is to improve public safety and enable habitat restoration and protection of the area’s many threatened and at-risk species.You can read the submissions at: https://data.marlborough.govt.nz/EastCoastSubmissions2021 or to find out more about the draft bylaw visit: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/bylaws/proposed-east-coast-beach-vehicle-bylaw
Mayor John Leggett met with Irish Ambassador Peter Ryan during his visit to Blenheim
