Business beat

Frank Nelson

Local talent behind Wētā Workshop's new exhibition
Alice Taylor’s job is to help maximise the visitor experience for people going to exhibitions, museums and similar public attractions. Her career has included such highlights as New Zealand’s pavilion for the World Expo in Japan, the Australian Museum in Sydney, Auckland’s War Memorial Museum and, closer to home, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Since October the Blenheim-based freelance project manager has been working under contract with Wellington’s famed Wētā Workshop, helping develop a new exhibition in the Middle East.

Details are being kept under wraps but Taylor, who works alternate weeks in the capital and from her home office in Blenheim, describes the project as an “immersive experience” and says the focus currently is on the design process.

Cruise season kicks off in Marlborough
The Azamara Pursuit, due into Picton tomorrow, is the first of 15 more cruise ships expected to visit Marlborough before the end of the summer season on April 7.
While this vessel carries a modest 700 passengers, there are some giants coming in her wake, most notably Anthem of the Seas. With a potential passenger count of 4180, plus 1500 crew, this ship will effectively double Picton’s population when she arrives on January 30.

Overall cruise ship numbers have dropped this season but Port Marlborough, Destination Marlborough and others – mindful of the economic benefits to this region -- are working hard to attract more. This includes the port company meeting with cruise companies in Australia and attending the world’s largest cruise conference in Miami next April.

New year, new base for Hardy-Jones Clark
It was a case of New Year, new home for Blenheim legal firm Hardy-Jones Clark which has moved out of its handsome High Street legal chambers after almost 20 years. At some 700 square metres, those premises are now considered much larger than the firm needs.

This is also an historic move, signalling the end of 100 years of legal business being conducted at Temple Chambers which began with the law firm Burden, Churchwood and Reid.

On Monday this week a total of 15 staff – seven lawyers, three legal executives and another five support crew -- settled into fresh offices on the second floor of Youell House, the distinctive orange building close to the Taylor River on Hutcheson Street.

Julia Davidson winds down after 45 years
After 45 years as a full-time natural healing practitioner, Blenheim-based medical herbalist Julia Davidson has stopped accepting any new clients as her attention turns towards retirement.

“I am mostly retiring,” says Davidson who has operated Julia’s Herbal Health from her Severne Street home in Springlands since 1990. “However, I will still see my existing clients for one day a week.”