‘Pride and happiness’ in Ward

It was a stunning double celebration for South Marlborough on Friday, as the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre and the region’s Whale Trail segment were opened.

Dignitaries from supporting organisations, students from Seddon and Ward Schools and hundreds of gathered guests were then invited to take the first tours of the Heritage Centre, to ride the new segments of the Whale Trail, and to take part in a community day on the grounds.

Lorna Taylor, wife of late local historian Jack Taylor, joined Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, Flaxbourne Heritage Centre Chairman Kevin Loe and Kevin’s grandson, Ward School student Regan Loe, to cut the ribbon and officially open the region’s new showpiece.

“It’s important Flaxbourne has captured, protected and told your stories and we acknowledge the efforts across the board from the Heritage Trust and all of its supporters in this successful mission,” said Mayor Taylor.

“The Heritage Centre is linking past and future together today ... plans were in motion for a Flaxbourne museum before the earthquake and we’ve been working closely with the Ward community.

“The cataloguing of the region’s histories and personalities is thanks to those no longer with us, people with great foresight to do like Jack Taylor who made Ward need a museum through his work and it’s a privilege to open this place alongside Lorna.”

The Heritage Centre, which is on the site of the now demolished Presbyterian Church, tells the tale of the region including features on the region’s war heroes, Māori settlement, regionally significant artifacts, the geological history, displays on the region’s seismic events, and stories of significant people who left their mark on the region.

Funding has come from a range of organisations, including the Lotteries earthquake fund, Marlborough District Council, Ward Fire Brigade, Rata Foundation - alongside plenty of community fundraising book sales, memberships, independent donations, sausage sizzles, raffles and more.

Local historian Sally Peter and museum designer Sally Papps were given special praise for their efforts in pulling together all the artifacts, photos and information from the history of the Flaxbourne region, as was Jack Taylor, the writer of ‘Flaxbourne: Its People and their Stories’ and original patron of the centre.

MP Jamie Arbuckle said both projects working hand-in-hand gives people reasons to explore Marlborough further.

“Projects like the Whale Trail and Heritage Centre bring small communities to life and that’s really valuable for both locals and passers-by.

“With my Parliament tourism hat on, this gives people every reason to stop in Ward and that only creates more opportunities.

“It’s a really flash museum that the community’s built with local hands that is giving life to the history,  air, soil and stories here”, said Rangitane o Wairau’s Corey Hebberd.

“Today saw two important milestones opening taonga for this community and for learning, holds shared history and hard mahi of many.”

“It’s a massive day for the region, the Trust has done an excellent job to get it open and we’re here to just make everyone welcome for a community celebration,” agreed Ngāti Kuia’s Rocky Roberts.

“We’re all about whakapapa and celebrating our ancestors, our tupuna, which gives those kids the chance to see how their grandparents and the people who came here lived and established their whanau alongside us.

West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh stepped in for the out-of-country Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith to open the new Whale Trail segments, before cyclists – including two on penny-farthings – were the first to tackle the new Lake Elterwater section.

“Cycle trail developments are close to my heart, as I consider the West Coast Wilderness Trail is my baby, so Stuart only felt it right I open this new segment in his place,” said Maureen.

“These trails are testament to the power and passion of communities to develop their regions and show off these beautiful places as a launch pad for existing and new opportunities.”

Project Manager of the Whale Trail Nigel Muir said finalising the trail design and finishing earthworks along the Flaxbourne section was a significant milestone.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre to celebrate these two Ward community assets and grateful to all of our supporters and partners who have made it possible,” he said.

Whale Trail Trust’s John Forrest believes the Trail can be the making of Marlborough, with Ward in a prime position to benefit.

“The Trail is going to be a fantastic asset for Ward because of its strategic location as one the most desired places for overnight stays and side trips to Cape Campbell, Sawcut Gorge and the ranges and show this beautiful place off.

“There’s building at the moment on four different sites and that may expand as our target to completion gets closer.

“All I see here today is the pride and happiness of the local community, and we hope we are now part of that community with this trail, it can be the biggest industry in this region in a very short time.”