News in brief

Cherryland not for sale
Cherryland, on Middle Renwick Rd, Springlands, has been selling plenty of cherries this season but one thing that has not been sold is the business itself. Company spokeswoman Nicola Whyte, responding emphatically to rumours, said the cherry orchard has not been sold nor is it for sale.

New owners for Hotel d’Urville
Hayden Bird and Sarah Markham have bought Hotel d’Urville, one of Blenheim’s most architecturally admired buildings, for a little less than $2 million. Ten guest rooms, a restaurant and a cocktail bar nestle inside the boutique hotel built a century ago as Public Trust offices.

Hayden and Sarah, who have interests in the building industry and two other hospitality venues in Nelson and Christchurch, will be hands-off owners of their Queen St purchase. Existing staff and management will continue running the hotel while a couple from Auckland, Phillip Smith and Amber James, have arrived to open the new French restaurant and cocktail lounge, Amélie. The owners’ building company, Maintenance Masters, is carrying out renovations with the cocktail lounge expected to open before the end of the year and the restaurant in early 2026.

Nominations for power board
Nominations have opened for three vacancies on the Marlborough Electric Power Trust, a watchdog overseeing the performance of Marlborough Lines on behalf of all power consumers. Following a rotational system, three members must stand down every two years though they may immediately seek re-election. Those retiring this time are chairman Domenic Romano, Lynette Rayner and Ian Martella.

Nominations close on January 22, online and postal voting opens on February 26 and the winning candidates will be announced on March 27. Two years ago there were eight candidates.

New secondhand store
After operating at the Saturday morning railway station sale in Blenheim for about two years, Jess Neal has taken the plunge and opened her own shop, ReStyled, selling secondhand and new clothing and jewellery.

Besides spending four days a week in her Queens Market Mall shop, this busy entrepreneur works another two days at Mills Bay Mussels, in Havelock, selling mussels to supermarkets and restaurants around New Zealand and doing the accounts.

Renos complete at Z
Customers at Blenheim’s Z Energy service station on Grove Rd should be in for a pleasant surprise when they pull in tomorrow and see the results of two weeks of extensive renovations and improvements. Jamie Hobby, the owner/operator of seven Z sites across the top of the South Island, says Picton recently re-opened after a significant refresh and now a major upgrade has been completed at Grove Rd. He says “a significant investment” has been made to create a space that really works for customers and Z’s team at the Grove Rd store with “quality food, barista-made coffee and other drinks on offer.”

Flying visit
The Marlborough Flyer’s Santa in Seddon return trip between Blenheim and Seddon runs throughout Sunday 14 December with morning, midday and afternoon departures. Treat the family to a fun Sunday out, with a vintage train ride, festive markets and the appearance of some special guests. Tickets are from $49, with a Family Pass from $169. Purchase your tickets at marlboroughflyer.co.nz.

Let it rein
Over 300 riders from across New Zealand converge on the Marlborough Equestrian Park this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the ESNZ Show Jumping and Showhunter South Island Premier Championship Show from 12-14 December. The flagship event features top-level competition, including Grand Prix, Mini Prix, and HOYQ Show Hunter classes, attracting elite riders and offering valuable series points.