Business Beat: Sky is the limit for local solar

As power bills continue to climb and both major political parties are trumpeting support for sustainable energy, momentum is building behind such measures as solar panels.

Simone Goodyer, who with husband Chris owns locally-based Goodyer Solar, is certainly optimistic as she looks forward to plenty of sunny days ahead for Blenheim’s solar industry.

Marlborough District Council used to offer residents a helping hand with energy loans repayable through the rates; however, this stopped in early 2024 when banks introduced interest-free or low-interest “green” loans.

Goodyer says she would love to see the return of a scheme connected to council rates – “It was fantastic. A lot of our clients used it” – which is why she now leans towards National’s proposed policy of low-interest loans repaid through rates rather than Labour’s plan which includes subsidies for low-income households.

Goodyer says the use of subsidies raises a red flag for her industry because of past experience in Australia which shows “it opens up a world of trouble with people just chasing a quick buck.”

Float Marlborough
Del Lowther has moved her Blenheim business, Float Marlborough, out of Stadium 2000 and into quieter and more spacious premises on the third floor of 1 Market Street.

The extra space was essential as Lowther now operates a huge new floatation therapy Dreampod, imported from Hong Kong.

This comfortably enables singles and couples to enjoy a sensation of weightlessness as they float suspended by a concentrated magnesium sulphate solution that uses 500kg of Epsom salts. Sensory reduction is enhanced by the darkness and silence though lights and music are available.

Additional wellness experiences including an infrared sauna which may be combined with an ice bath for exhilarating contrast therapy. Massage is also available while Lowther says Brain Tap, a stress reduction and meditation tool using guided audio and light therapy, is coming soon.

“You just float out of here,” she says … pun, of course, intended!

Joes Garage to open in Blenheim
The 20th Joe’s Garage eatery in New Zealand is due to open in Blenheim before the end of this year. That’s the word from Lucy Whelan, a director of the popular restaurant chain, who’s picking a date in either late November or December.

She says the franchise has been awarded to owners who live in Blenheim and will be working from premises currently being fitted out next to Noel Leeming in the Westwood Business Park, Springlands.

The relaxed vibe promoted by Joe’s Garage has seen the casual café/bar/restaurant chain spread across the country since starting in Queenstown in 2000. At present, the nearest one to Blenheim is in Richmond.

Mystery new tenant
After standing empty for around six months, 31 Scott Street – the site previously occupied by Thai 9 restaurant – has a new tenant. Another eatery is coming, but no name has been released yet.

There was some speculation it might be Burger Fuel, but local burger lovers should not get too excited: The company’s head office in Auckland dodged a definitive answer but did explain they prefer sites in population areas of around 50,000 or more and that Nelson would almost certainly get the nod before Blenheim.

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