News from Marlborough District Council

Regional tourism boost benefits Marlborough
A Government push to attract more international visitors into regional New Zealand and support tourism growth nationwide is a win for Marlborough.

Destination Marlborough General Manager Tracey Green said Marlborough was represented in five of the six initiatives announced by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston recently.

“This is the best exposure achieved for Marlborough since the inception of Regional Tourism Boost funding. We were successful with three campaigns in Round One and two campaigns in Round Two so to be represented in five campaigns this time is a great result,” Ms Green said.

The Government’s $5 million investment will support collaborative regional campaigns designed to attract international visitors from Australia, North America and China to travel, stay and dine during spring 2026 and early summer 2027, ahead of the peak tourism season.

Marlborough is included in campaigns targeting Australia,

USA, Canada and China markets led by regional tourism organisations (RTOS) in Auckland, Christchurch, Lake Taupo and Rotorua, Wellington and Hurunui.

“This round of Boost funding heavily focuses on elevating our food story as well as broadening the regional dispersal of travellers throughout Marlborough.

“We've put a lot of work into advocating for Marlborough's inclusion – it’s about getting Marlborough in the room, aligning with Tourism New Zealand’s strategy and working hard on relationships to earn our place,” she said.

For more information on the Regional Boost Funding and the specific initiatives go to: www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-visitors-set-discover-regional-new-zealand

Working for Nature grants awarded
Council is funding allocations for the 2026-2027 Working for Nature / Mahi mō te Taiao Grant Scheme, supporting community-driven environmental projects across the region.  

Applications for the 2026-2027 grant round opened in April, and a total of 39 were received, requesting nearly $350,000 from an available pool of $142,400. After careful assessment, the grant subcommittee approved 22 projects for full or partial funding.

“The diversity and calibre of applications this year demonstrate Marlborough’s deep commitment to restoring and protecting native biodiversity,” grant sub-committee chair Sally Arbuckle said.

“It’s inspiring to see so many groups, from community organisations to local businesses and individuals, taking action for nature. Council is proud to support these efforts through the scheme.”

The grant supports projects under three categories: Protecting Marlborough, Habitat Marlborough, and Environmental Advocacy. This year, most applications focused on pest control and habitat restoration.

Three projects – Arapaoa Kiwi Stage 4, Kaiaho Point Trapping & Habitat Protection, and Wild Waikawa – received full funding.

Nineteen other projects were awarded partial funding, helping to advance initiatives such as possum and wilding pine control, and habitat restoration. To maximise the impact of grant dollars, Council also coordinated a bulk purchase of AT220 automatic traps, delivering significant cost savings to 12 successful applicants.

“Every dollar invested through this scheme is leveraged by volunteers and alternative funding, multiplying the impact for Marlborough’s environment,” Mrs Arbuckle said.

Groundwater study highlights future climate impacts
Council has received a new scientific assessment examining how climate change and sea level rise could affect groundwater systems across the Lower Wairau Plain.

The report, produced by Earth Sciences NZ as part of Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, uses advanced modelling to predict how different climate and sea level rise scenarios might influence the region’s vital groundwater resources.

Acting Chair of the Environment and Planning Committee, Councillor Sally Arbuckle, said the findings were crucial for future planning and risk management.

“The assessment provides Council and the community with the clearest picture yet of how climate change and rising sea levels could affect groundwater systems, especially in the low-lying and coastal areas of the Lower Wairau Plain.”

“The study found climate change is projected to have the greatest impact on inland groundwater systems, primarily through changes in rainfall and river flows, while coastal groundwater – particularly the Rārangi Shallow Aquifer – is most sensitive to rising sea levels.”

Shallow coastal aquifers are expected to experience higher groundwater levels, increasing the risk of drainage issues and potential seawater intrusion in vulnerable zones.

The report identifies priority areas for improved monitoring, particularly between State Highway 1 and the coast, where changes are expected to be most significant. Council will use the model to guide future monitoring and policy development.

“Completing this assessment is crucial for the Council’s climate adaptation initiatives. With more evidence, the focus shifts to assessing risks, impacts on communities, infrastructure, land use, and integrating these into future planning and policies,” Councillor Arbuckle said.

For more information on the effects of climate change on Marlborough go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/environment/climate-change/marlborough-district-sea-level-rise-assessment

Chat with your councillors  
Sounds area councillors are available for a drop-in chat each month.

The sessions are held at Waitohi Whare Mātauranga/Picton Library and Service Centre - the next one is Wednesday 23 September from 10am until midday.

Councillors can provide advice and help with Council-related issues. Barbara Faulls, Raylene Innes and Malcolm Taylor are Sounds Ward councillors. Allanah Burgess is the Māori Ward councillor for Marlborough, based in Picton.

Where: Waitohi Whare Mātauranga/Picton Library and Service Centre
When: 10am to midday Wednesday 23 September