Blog - Local News
Marlborough side clinches title
Marlborough teams completed a clean-sweep of victories in the combined Marlborough-Nelson premier hockey competitions on Saturday, putting the men's teams in particular in strong title-winning contention.
Read the full postUnique New Zealand welcomes planned for RWC 2011
Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 today confirmed arrangements for the Official Team Welcomes for each of the 20 participating teams at Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).
Read the full postForthright stallholder people's choice
Gourmet caterer Margaret McHugh is not one to keep her opinions to herself, so it's only fitting that her customers have been loud and clear with theirs.
Read the full postDestination Marlborough needs more $$
Destination Marlborough will have to reduce staff and activities from next month unless the council increases its funding, the RTO’s general manager Tracy Johnston has told Marlborough District councillors. The Marlborough Express quotes Mrs Johnston as telling the council its $300,000 annual grant to Destination Marlborough was set 14 years ago and was no longer enough. By comparison, local government investment in tourism promotion around the country had more than doubled since 2001. Council funding of Nelson-Tasman tourism increased 180% to $813,000 between 2001 and 2011. If the grant had been adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index it would be $418,000, Mrs Johnston said. However, Destination Marlborough was asking for only a $50,000 increase in 2011-12 and another $50,000 the following year. The sector raised $458 for every dollar invested by council, she said.
Read the full postNew port for Cook Strait ferries?
Transport officials are investigating using Marlborough’s Clifford Bay as a new sea freight terminal to improve links between major cities. Transport Minister Steven Joyce says if
Clifford Bay is found to be viable, its development will bring Christchurch closer to Auckland and Wellington by cutting 30 minutes off the ferry trip.
Finding Picton and the ferry
At last, self-drive travellers to Marlborough can now follow a series of clear new road signs guiding them to and from ferry check-in and departure points, Picton’s town centre and the redeveloped waterfront and town wharf. A full redesign of the signage in and out of Picton was undertaken by a working group of community and business representatives resulting in 16 new signs to simplify and streamline directions to assist visitors to find their way around.
Read the full postMarlborough MANcation auctionwon by a woman
The Marlborough MANcation (TM 08APR) auctioned on Trade Me by Destination Marlborough closed on Monday night having attracted over 15,000 views, over 200 watchers and 75 bids selling at $1710.01. The RTO reports that the top bid for the Marlborough MANcation came from a woman. Keen fisherwoman Shelley Hunwick bid on behalf of a group of three couples. Destination Marlborough GM Tracy Johnston says “We are thrilled with the way the MANcation captured the attention of TradeMe customers. We have got a few more ideas up our sleeve for future Trade Me auctions. Watch this space.”
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