Notable news around Marlborough
Joshua Irving holds his viticulture trophy on 18 June. Photo: Supplied.
Bragging rights
Joshua Irving, whose wine roots extend to Marlborough, took the title of North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year last Thursday. Mackenzie Cassidy from Pegasus Bay placed second.
Joshua, 28, worked as a viticultural technician on the Bragato Research Institute’s 2.0 Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, as well as vineyards in Waipara. He soon will graduate with honours in viticulture and oenology from Lincoln University.
Kris Godsall from Cloudy Bay is Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year. He and Joshua both advanced to the National Final at Wairarapa on 26 August.
Omaka expansion
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is taking off. As announced on Friday by the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust, an extension of the Blenheim facility will double the size of its “Dangerous Skies” World War II exhibition.
Mayor Nadine Taylor called the expansion “a significant vote of confidence in Marlborough’s future and will further strengthen Omaka’s reputation as a world-class visitor attraction.”
In another tourism boost for the region, Government recently allocated $1.45 million to ameliorate steep and erosion-prone sections of Queen Charlotte Track.
Garden opportunity
Waitohi Picton Community Garden is looking for nourishment in the form of sponsorships for fruit trees, nut trees and berry patches.
The organisation intends to expand its “edible landscape” in order to provide more free produce for the community. Contributions also support ongoing operations.
Visit envirohub.co.nz/wpcgarden to learn more about the project.
Help wanted
The St Mark’s Charitable Foundation seeks new members for its board following the retirement of two longtime trustees.
St Mark’s provides an eight-week programme for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. It operates the only treatment centre in Top of the South and the only one in South Island offering Therapeutic Community Treatment.
Contact Phillippa Burns at 027 450 8236.
Tech Tools
For businesspeople on the trailing edge of technology, Business Trust Marlborough is holding Tech Tools courses over three Thursday mornings next month.
The sessions are 2 July, 9 July and 16 July starting at 9:30 a.m.
Check businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz for further details.