Business beat

Frank Nelson

Marlborough residents really struggling to cope with the rising cost of living have easier access to free budgeting advice than in many other parts of the country, says John Patchett.

He’s one of three trained and qualified financial mentors working part-time at Maataa Waka, an umbrella organization based in Blenheim that offers about a dozen different social services.

Patchett says he and fellow advisors, Steve Harvey and Donna Lane, receive on average five referrals each week and at any one time have about 50 people on their books.

Demand has remained steady despite government cuts a year ago which meant Maataa Waka had to reduce the advisory service from the equivalent of three full-time positions to just over one.

Westwood Business Park has finally run out of room for further expansion some 20 years after about 18 hectares were earmarked for future development in Springlands.

St. Pierres Sushi, a nationwide chain of sushi and bento bowl outlets, has taken one of the last two empty spaces and expects to open either late August or early September.

The final space, currently just a framework of steel girders on the side of the Noel Leeming building, has yet to find tenants, says Phil Robinson, a director of the development company, Outer Limits Ltd.

Tech Arena, a new shop offering repairs, servicing and sales of phones, laptops and similar electronics, has opened in Blenheim at the northern end of Market Street. Owner Jatin Sandhir, who launched a Tech Arena in Richmond almost five years ago, says he has been eyeing a move to Marlborough for some time.

The Vines Village, a magnet for Marlborough tourists and locals, especially during summer, is on the market. The Rapaura Road complex comes with seven tenanted businesses, including a café, cycle hire and winery cellar door. However, the sale does not include the Gin Shack, home of award-winning Roots gin.

There’s slight unease among some Picton business owners that the upgrading of London Quay which began this week may not meet the proposed mid-October deadline.

Barbara Speedy, director of The Diversion fine art gallery, supports the overall project but feels that aspects such as digging up the road to install a new water main, could potentially cause delays.

She hopes the work will not impact the spring start of the tourist season or the first cruise ship arrival due on November 17. Though London Quay will be closed during construction, businesses can remain open.