Notable news from around Marlborough
Sue White, co-founder of Whitehaven Wine Company: “Stepping into the role of full theatre sponsor is an honour.” Photo: Supplied/Whitehaven.
Heritage Fest grows
Heritage Marlborough is spreading its wings to cover three-dozen events across the whole province for the Heritage Festival in May.
Marlborough District Council announced that the festival will run 15-24 May. Organised by community groups and heritage organisations, with coordination by Heritage Marlborough, the curated tours, exhibits and activities celebrate history of peoples of the region.
Search www.eventfinda.co.nz for registration, tickets and updates.
Easter tidings
Marlborough District Council has called a special (a.k.a., extraordinary) meeting for 8:30am on Thursday to consider adopting an Easter Sunday Trading Policy renewal.
As recommended by councillors on the Submission Review Panel, the 2026-31 policy as proposed would “provide clarity and enable business and worker choice while preserving all national employment protections,” according to the report summary.
Meanwhile, Council announced that the Marlborough District Libraries will be closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday – but will be open that Saturday (4 April).
Theatre renaming
The performing arts centre in the heart of Blenheim will have a new supporting actor on 1 April when Whitehaven Wine Company assumes the role of full naming-rights sponsor.
Currently known as ASB Theatre Marlborough, the venue will move forward as Whitehaven Theatre Marlborough, the winemaker and the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust jointly announced. The company already has an 11-year relationship with the theatre sponsoring the Whitehaven Wine Room.
Fishing findings
Fishery Officers reports high rates of compliance in both Marlborough and Kaikoura during the summer season.
Stuart Moore, Fisheries New Zealand District Manager Marlborough/Canterbury, says only 57 of 543 catch inspections in Marlborough from 1 December through 28 February found non-compliance with restrictions. In Kaikoura, just 4 of 260 found non-compliance.
Officers issued 16 infringement notices and 38 formal warnings in Marlborough, with two infringements and one warning in Kaikoura.