‘Regional development milestone’: Tech hub opens in Marlborough

Marlborough’s new tech and innovation hub, Te Au Pūngao, which translates to “the current of energy” has officially opened in Marlborough.

The hub, on the second floor of the former Blenheim Library, includes a co-working space with up to 28 hot desks, meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities and a prototyping room.

New Zealand First MP Mark Patterson, the associate minister for regional development says the completion of Te Au Pūngao was a key regional development milestone.

It will provide opportunities for start-ups and existing agri-businesses, tech innovators, researchers, investors, and support agencies.

“They will have a place to connect and collaborate in shared workspaces, and hold start-up events, networking sessions, seminars and workshops.”

The hub, which was first announced in June 2023, received a $578,000 boost from the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership fund. Marlborough District Council co-funded the project, contributing $635,000.

Mark says Marlborough is home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative minds and pioneering sectors, especially in viticulture and aquaculture.

“As these industries transform to adopt AI, robotics and advanced technologies, the region is attracting more agritech and marine tech innovators who work in these spaces.

“The hub is crucial in supporting these sectors by providing a space where local businesses can develop solutions and realise the ever-evolving opportunities that Marlborough and New Zealand’s agribusiness sector has to offer.

“I see strong alignment between the Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ economic plan and Te Au Pūngao.”

Mark says he looks forward to seeing the new asset delivering “high value innovation, economic growth, and well-paid jobs” to Marlborough.

The hub’s name had been gifted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua chief executive Shane Graham and e Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau kaiwhakahaere matua (general manager) Corey Hebberd on behalf of all iwi represented in Te Tauihu (the top of the south).

Deputy mayor David Croad previously said the tech hub was about “joining the dots” and supporting and enabling new businesses and start-ups.

The tech and innovation hub was originally mooted for a site on Scott St, but the council announced in April this year it would instead move into the old library.

The council put the former library building, on the corner of Arthur and Seymour streets, on the market in November last year but ended up rejecting the one offer made on the listing, as “it did not meet market expectations in terms of price”.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.