Marlborough Blog & Commentary
Meet Shaggy - Marlborough Online's new mascot
Posted: 6-4-2020 21:43
One Week in Lockdown
Posted: 2-4-2020 12:30
Getting out and about in Blenheim for a walk to the Wither Hills is an eerie experience after a week in lockdown.
What I learnt from surviving meningitis
Posted: 29-3-2020 22:18
A personal account of a meningitis survivor, and how the lessons learnt from coping with isolation, loss of employment, and illness might apply in the current Covid-19 lock-down in New Zealand.
It's a Beautiful Day
Posted: 25-3-2020 15:55
In Blenheim, the sun is shining , the birds are singing, the flowers are out, what more could you want?
Kia Kaha Marlborough
Posted: 23-3-2020 22:46
Things are going to be a bit tough in Marlborough for the next few weeks, but apart together, we'll get through it.
What Climate Change means for Marlborough
Posted: 11-2-2020 12:50
Some of the implications of climate change for Marlborough economy and infrastructure.
How to entertain a couple of teens in Marlborough
Posted: 4-2-2020 11:04
A couple of young people chose to visit Marlborough as their destination for the summer. This is how we made their experience a teenage trip of a lifetime.
King and Queen of the Withers 2020
Posted: 11-1-2020 12:31
King and Queen of the Withers 2020 hill run race photo gallery
Blenheim Christmas Parade 2019
Posted: 7-12-2019 18:10
A photo gallery of images from the 2019 Blenheim Christmas Parade
What Tuia 250 means to a Pākehā New Zealander
Posted: 23-11-2019 8:09
Attending the Tuia 250 commemoration in Picton / Waitōhi, was an inspiring opportunity to reflect on how far New Zealand has come, but also how much more we have to aspire to.
Reflections on Marlborough's 160th Anniversary
Posted: 4-11-2019 11:37
Marlborough Anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the people, the unique environment, and the history that make Marlborough what it is.
Blenheim Climate Strike
Posted: 27-9-2019 17:00
Youth, supported by adults met on the steps of the Blenheim war memorial to demand action on climate change.
Inaugural Marlborough Biodiversity Forum
Posted: 18-6-2019 9:35
A diverse bunch of people showed up in Picton on Sunday, 16 June for Marlborough's inaugural Biodiversity Forum.
Celebrating 20 years of Marlborough Online
Posted: 10-4-2019 17:29
In 2019, the Marlborough Online website marks twenty years of internet presence. A nostalgic look back at the joys of techology and publishing.
Reflection on Christchurch
Posted: 19-3-2019 16:43
Following the tragic events in Christchurch, a reflection on what happened, how it might relate to Marlborough, and how to prevent intolerance.
Yellow Brick Road
Posted: 26-1-2019 11:34
Exploring the dry, yellow clay walking tracks of Blenheim's Wither Hills Farm Park , there's an incredible amount of biodiversity to be discovered if you know where to look.
Marlborough's best Swimming Beaches and Rivers
Posted: 8-1-2019 14:13
What are Marlborough's top swimming spots? A guide to some of the favourite beaches and rivers around the region.
Ten things for Families to do in Marlborough over Summer
Posted: 23-12-2018 17:41
A list of some family friendly summer recreational activities around the Marlborough District.
A nostalgic trip up Black Birch Range
Posted: 17-12-2018 14:11
Revisiting Black Birch Range after more than thirty years to explore Marlborough's alpine environment in an area rich in ecology and history.
Christmas in the Park 2018
Posted: 10-12-2018 13:23
Blenheim's Christmas in the Park 2018 turned on a great Sunday afternoon of family entertainment with a rangoe of performers from Ben Lummis to Marlborough District Brass Band.
Down by the (Taylor) Riverside
Posted: 22-11-2018 12:52
Blenheim's Taylor River has been the source of inspiration for writers of all ages. Could it become the heart of a Marlborough celebration of all things literary?
Ten places to visit in Blenheim by bike
Posted: 13-11-2018 17:17
Blenheim has weather and terrain that is ideal for cycling. This guide provides ten features of the town that you can experience as part of a grand tour.
Horsing about on Marlborough Anniversary
Posted: 30-10-2018 17:37
Some thoughts on horses, earthquakes, weather, and the history of Marlborough.
What grows in Marlborough?
Posted: 28-8-2018 21:42
If someone asked you, “What grows in Marlborough?” what would your response be?
The Road to Nowhere
Posted: 25-6-2018 10:02
The Patriarch Road in Mount Richmond Forest Park has to be one of New Zealand's most spectacular drives, but it's not for the faint hearted.
Old Memories over Lunch at Kaikōura
Posted: 30-4-2018 9:20
A Sunday drive along the Kaikōura coast becomes a road trip down memory lane with lunch at The Caves Tearooms.
Marlborough's Natural Heritage
Posted: 23-4-2018 22:40
There's no doubt Marlborough has an enviable reputation for wine, but it also has plenty to boast about its natural heritage and wilderness areas.
The Benefits of Buying Local
Posted: 1-2-2018 19:28
Supporting local Marlborough businesses helps maintain diversity and resilience in the local community.
Giving the Marlborough community a voice
Posted: 25-1-2018 17:32
Would Marlborough benefit from a web portal with commentary from around the community? Would you contribute?
A nostalgic walk
Posted: 22-1-2018 15:34
A nostalgic summer walk up the Tirohanga Track in Picton, brings back memories of 15 years of digital photography.
What beach shall we go to today?
Posted: 17-1-2018 13:50
On a hot summer's afternoon in Marlborough, a trip to the beach can be complicated by the choices available.
Black Birch - A great place for a Sunday stroll
Posted: 9-1-2018 12:40
Black Birch Stream in the Awatere Valley might not be as well publicised as Pelorus Bridge, or Mount Richmond Forest Park, but nevertheless it is still a great bit of Marlborough Wilderness to explore.
Things to do in Blenheim
Posted: 26-2-2017 0:00
To dispel the misconception that there's not much to do in Blenheim besides wine, we've compiled a list of great activities that have little to do with wine.
Classic Teamwork
Posted: 6-4-2015 0:00
Classic Fighters 2015 was a fantastic team effort by people from Marlborough and beyond, showcasing aviation history.
Marlborough 101
Posted: 4-3-2015 0:00
How well do you know Marlborough? Coming soon, a list of 101 things to do in the region. What would be on your list? How much a Marlburian are you?
Moetapu Magic
Posted: 2-3-2015 0:00
Moetapu Bay has one of the nicest beaches within reasonable driving distance in the Marlborough Sounds - if you can find it.
Brilliant Every Day?
Posted: 26-1-2015 0:00
Thoughts on New Year resolutions, regional branding and telling the Marlborough Story.
Marvellous Marlborough
Posted: 4-11-2014 0:00
Marlborough Anniversary weekend 2014 provided an opportunity to enjoy and reflect on what is special about the region.
A Right Royal Visit
Posted: 8-4-2014 0:00
A royal visit to Blenheim is a chance to reflect on what we value as New Zealanders.
Gigatown
Posted: 2-4-2014 0:00
Chorus gigatown competition gives Blenheim and Marlborough a chance to consider regional development.
Best and Worst
Posted: 30-3-2014 0:00
Marlborough has many great people and places to get to know, but locals need to respect the environment.
Good Health
Posted: 22-2-2014 0:00
Summer Beerfest
Posted: 5-2-2012 0:00
Review of the Summer Beerfest 2012 at Drylands Restaurant, Blenheim by a non beer drinker.
Made in NZ
Posted: 29-7-2011 0:00
In an era of almost daily news reports of NZ businesses moving to China, a Marlborough local and his Chinese wife are going against the grain and increasing their support for locally made products.
Corruption Conspiracies
Posted: 11-7-2011 0:00
The Sheard Report on alleged corruption in the Marlborough District Council is out, with hardly unexpected conclusions.
Amazing Marlborough
Posted: 9-2-2011 0:00
Marlborough has a well deserved reputation as a great destination, but tourist guides can gloss over many of the hidden gems in the region.
Trees
Posted: 16-11-2010 0:00
Blenheim is associated with the hot, dry barrenness of the Wither Hills and Wairau Plain, but given the example of other towns it could easily have a green makeover.
Blenheim Airport
Posted: 2-11-2010 0:00
With likely further cutbacks to NZ Defence Force use of Woodbourne, and recent iwi settlements, should investment in Woodbourne be made to become an international airport to overcome the limitations of Wellington?
Community Spirit
Posted: 18-10-2010 0:00
There are plenty of people in Marlborough doing their bit to make a better place. On Saturday, two events stood out that highlighted Marlburians' can-do attitude to making Marlborough and the world a better place.
The People Have Spoken
Posted: 9-10-2010 0:00
The campaigning is over, the votes are cast, the computers have done their number crunching on the complicated system that is STV, and Marlborough has a new council. For all the excellent media coverage along with candidates' own electioneering, only
Marlborough Gardens
Posted: 3-10-2010 0:00
After a weekend of both assisting with the creation of an edible garden, and looking at the fruits of other people's labours, it's given me an opportunity to reflect on what a green fingered bunch Marlburians are, whether we're urban or rural dweller
Lonely Planet Blenheim
Posted: 17-9-2010 0:00
Once again, Lonely Planet has released its annual update, and once again Blenheim hasn't exactly fared well. Is there any basis for Lonely Planet's rather uninspiring rating of Blenheim?
Is Marlborough Prepared?
Posted: 5-9-2010 0:00
The recent earthquake in Christchurch is a wakeup call for Marlborough. The region has major fault lines running the length of the Awatere and Wairau Valleys so it's a good time to check how well prepared we are.
End of an Era
Posted: 1-9-2010 0:00
BTM (Business Training Marlborough) has announced its closure due to an end to government funding, and an inability to attract other funding sources. Will this affect your business?
Council Teamwork
Posted: 26-8-2010 0:00
Media reports of some statements by Jamie Arbuckle, challenger to the current mayor Alistair Sowman are likely to stimulate debate. The question is who is right?
Progress
Posted: 20-8-2010 0:00
Progressive Enterprises take over and conversion of Redwood Super Value and Springlands Fresh Choice is both alarming but also offers potential to explore new forms of business.
ETS Good For Marlborough
Posted: 16-8-2010 0:00
Like it or loathe it, we're living in a post ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) world. Although there are some negatives, the scheme offers some real economic opportunities for Marlborough
Tough Times
Posted: 10-8-2010 0:00
Marlborough has been riding a wine tsunami that seems to have swept everything in its path, but even tsunamis lose their force. There must be a lot of people wondering "Where to from here?"
Elections 2010
Posted: 4-8-2010 0:00
Local body elections in Marlborough may not be the most exciting, but they are still a part of the democratic process, and it's important to have your say.
Outer Limits
Posted: 10-5-2010 0:00
The group wanting to build a new commercial complex in Middle Renwick Road finally have got their way. Outer Limits looks set to become a reality.
Festival 2010
Posted: 28-2-2010 0:00
On Saturday February 27th, Pollard Park hosted the Marlborough Multicultural Festival 2010. The event is something all Marlborough should be proud of.
Rates for home bus
Posted: 24-2-2010 0:00
Marlborough District Council is considering charging additional rates for homes where businesses operate.
Multicultural
Posted: 6-2-2010 0:00
New Zealander is a nation founded on migration, but as New Zealanders we're sometimes a bit ambivalent in our attitude to new arrivals.