News from Marlborough District Council

New pavilion takes shape

Excellent progress is being made on the new pavilion at A&P Park with the main structure substantially finished and internal wall framing nearing completion.

The new building will replace the old facility, with a modern, multi-use venue designed to support a wide range of sporting and community events. It will become the new home of Marlborough Football and the Marlborough A&P Association, providing enhanced amenities and elevated views across the park.

August’s Infrastructure and Community Partnerships Committee meeting heard that while early project delays have extended the construction timeline beyond the original target for this year's A&P Show, work is steadily continuing and significant milestones have already been achieved.

The $5.9M budget includes pavilion construction, change rooms, car parking, demolition and upgraded public toilets, representing a major investment in community infrastructure for the region.

New Alcohol Control Areas accepted

Council has made changes to Alcohol Control Areas (ACAs) in Blenheim and Picton and created a new one in Renwick.

The Blenheim ACA now extends further along the Taylor River while in Picton it includes the whole of the town centre as well as the Picton Library car parks. The new ACA in Renwick extends from Alma Street to Inkerman Street, including part of High Street.

An increase in disorderly behaviour prompted Blenheim Police to ask Council for changes, which were approved by Council’s Environment Committee after public consultation.

Chief Licensing Inspector Karen Winter said ACAs increased public safety and gave the Police greater powers. “They give the ability to regulate and mitigate disorderly behaviour and criminal offending linked
to the consumption of alcohol in these public places,” she said.

The changes only apply to public places, not private homes or businesses and only affect open bottles and consumption. You can still carry unopened bottles through a supermarket or bottle store to your car, even if that area is part of an ACA.

“Without ACAs the Police’s powers are limited and don’t provide strong and effective tools to enhance public safety,” Mrs Winter said.

Reminder Last day to pay rates

The final payment date for the first 2026/2027 rates instalment is Friday, 11 September.

Overdue payments incur a 10 per cent penalty. Ratepayers who pay by direct debit never miss a rates payment or incur penalties – it’s the easiest and most flexible way to pay. You choose how often you pay and on which day of the week.

You can also go paperless and receive your rate invoices by email on the day they are sent - sign up for online invoices here: https://data.marlborough.govt.nz/OnlineSignUp/

If you would like to know more about paying rates by direct debit go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/rates/ways-to-pay/direct-debit

For more information call Council’s Customer Support Officers on
03 520 7400.

Round one of Council’s 2026/2027 Commercial Events Fund is now open for applications.

This contestable fund was established to help create economic benefit to Marlborough by attracting new events and building on existing ones. Council’s Commercial Events Fund sub-committee considers the applications and there is a budget of $130,000 available for allocation for 2026/2027.

To be eligible, commercial events must be held within the Marlborough District Council boundaries. Community events, conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions are not eligible. Funding is granted on an annual basis but it does not mean all funds must be distributed each year. Past applicants who have been unsuccessful may
re-apply.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 5pm Monday 14 September

• Funding decision by: 5pm Friday 9 October

Further information and the online application form can be found on Council’s website here.

Any enquiries can be directed to Council’s Events & Community Partnerships Manager, Samantha Young, Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: [email protected]