Council Alerts
This page shows 'alerts' the Council has published as media statements regarding COVID-19. At times we may publish other alerts here that are important to our residents, for example road closures due to flooding. If you wish to only see COVID-19 updates, filter by COVID-19.
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Muller Road/Weld Street roadworks
From Monday 31st January - Wednesday 2nd February the Muller Road/Weld Street intersection will be closed to through traffic.
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Marlborough roads recovery - weekly project updates - 26 January 2022
Read the MRRT 26 January weekly roading recovery updates
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Total fire ban in Marlborough from Thursday 27 January 2022.
Please be advised all of Marlborough, including Department of Conservation (PCL) land, will be moved to a prohibited fire season as of 0800 on Thursday 27th January 2022.
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Council offices and libraries opening 10.00 am on Monday 24 January
The Council Customer Service Centre, Blenheim Library and Picton Library & Service Centre will open at 10.00 am on Monday 24 January.
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Night closures Weld Pass, SH1, Blenheim mid-February
Full night closures Weld Pass, SH1, Blenheim over five nights from mid-February
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SVIS - Wairau River flow updated
The average flow in the river yesterday was 17 m3/s. It is still reducing at a rate of about 0.5 m3/s per day.
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Updated: Marlborough roads recovery closures Monday 24 - Friday 28 Jan
There are some road closures confirmed for next week, starting Monday.
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Update: Marlborough roads recovery traffic management starts next week
With roading crews returning to work next week, please expect stop / go traffic management on all roads in the Marlborough roads recovery area throughout the week commencing Monday 17 January.
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Murphys Road infrastructure works get underway
Infrastructure works to support the future expansion of housing and other developments in the Springlands area in north west Blenheim are starting this week.
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Marlborough Roads crews to restart work next week
Marlborough Roads crews to restart work in the recovery areas next week.
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Stuart Street closed 9.00 am to 3.00 pm 7 January
Stuart Street will be closed between Stephenson Street and Timandra Place 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Friday 7 January in order to complete urgent water main repairs.
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Marlborough summer visitors - important roading information
If you're thinking of visiting the Marlborough Sounds or the Awatere Valley areas over the summer, please check out some information on key things you need to know about road access before you go.
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Road Closure update: Awatere Valley Road
Road Closure update: Public Access next week on Awatere Valley Road being reassessed due to safety
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Were you unable to attend Sounds road recovery meeting?
If you were unable to attend the roading community update meeting last Tuesday, a Zoom webinar with the team is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 15 December).
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Marlborough roads recovery – 2 December update
A timeframe for repairing Marlborough’s most damaged roads and bridges/culverts has been released by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Marlborough Roads.
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Roadworks - Arthur Baker Place
Arthur Baker Place will be under stop/go traffic management with temporary speed restrictions in place.
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Marlborough roads recovery – 25 November update
The remote reaches of the Marlborough Sounds are now a wingspan closer for those affected by the July storm.
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Night closures Weld Pass, SH1, Blenheim over five nights
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency crews will be working on improving the road surface in the Weld Pass, on SH1 in Marlborough for five nights at the beginning of December.
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Marlborough roads recovery - weekly project updates - 17 November
Read the MRRT 17 November weekly roading recovery updates.
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Marlborough roads recovery - weekly project updates - 10 November
Read the MRRT 10 November weekly roading recovery updates
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Kenepuru Road closure (Portage Heights) Amendment
Amended dates for the planned road closure on Kenepuru Road, by Portage Heights (RP 29.5) are 15 November - 14 December from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
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Kenepuru Road Resident or Essential Service Pass
A Resident Pass or Essential Service Pass is required on parts of Kenepuru Road classified as ‘controlled access’.
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Marlborough roads recovery - weekly project updates - 3 November
Read the MRRT 3 November weekly roading recovery updates.
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Marlborough roads recovery – 3 November update
Residents in parts of the Marlborough Sounds left isolated by July’s weather event have received an early Christmas present.
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Marlborough roads recovery - Project updates - 2 November
Read the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team's 2 November updates.
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Marlborough roads recovery – 28 October update
A perfect storm comprising Covid, the July weather event and the short-term closure of the Queen Charlotte Track have combined to impact Marlborough’s economy.
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Marlborough roads recovery - Project update - 27 October
Another detailed up from Marlborough Roads for the recovery area is now available.
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Top Valley Bridge is closed to heavy vehicles 3.5 tonne and over
Top Valley Bridge, Northbank Road, is now closed to heavy vehicles 3.5 tonne and over due to a bridge abutment wash out.
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Marlborough roads recovery - MDC update - 21 October
A navigator is a person who navigates – and that is exactly what Charlotte Wood will be doing as she assumes the role of July Storm Recovery Navigator for the Marlborough District Council this week.
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Marlborough roads recovery - Project update - 20 October
Another detailed update from Marlborough Roads for the recovery area is now available.
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Road to recovery - 13 October Update
Another detailed update on the Marlborough Sounds recovery area is now available.
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Road to recovery - 12 October Update
A detailed update on the Marlborough Sounds recovery area is now available.
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Road to recovery - 11 October Update
On Wednesday 13 October, work to clear the slips and water tables on Torea Bay Road will begin.
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Subsidised water transport from 11 October
To support residents and visitors Marlborough District Council is subsidising water transport $25 per trip.
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Road to Recovery - 7 October Update
An update to the high-level programme of works released to residents in late September is planned for next week. This alert also contains updates for Kenepuru Road to Moetapu.
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Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 7 October Update
Minister of Emergency Management Hon Kiri Allan was in Marlborough yesterday to see some of the recovery work underway along Queen Charlotte Drive and on the Wairau Plain.
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Marlborough Roads Recovery Update – 6 October
The 6 October Marlborough Roads Recovery Update is now out.
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Wairau Diversion campsite partially reopens
The Wairau Diversion Reserve at Neal Road, Marshlands, near Blenheim, is partially open again for responsible camping, fishing and whitebaiting from tomorrow, 5 October.
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Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 1 October Update
It’s a long road to recovery in Marlborough but the Queen Charlotte Track has just reached the final distance marker.
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Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 28 September Update
Marlborough Sounds’ residents now have more time to obtain ‘resident’ or ‘essential’ passes for the Kenepuru Road.
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Road to recovery - 28 September update
Resident Passes or Essential Passes will be required from Wednesday 29 September, from the checkpoint at the Linkwater turnoff for Moetapu Bay Road, Mahau Road and the Kenepuru Road.
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Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 24 September Update
Marlborough Sounds’ residents affected by the damage to the Kenepuru Road today heard details of the recovery roadworks plan for their area.
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Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 17 September Update
Public access, with some restrictions, along the length of Queen Charlotte Drive is just around the corner.
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Road to recovery - 9 September update
This update is valid until there is a change to road status or there is an unexpected disruption to the roading network.
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Road to recovery - 6 September update
Wet weather is forecast across Marlborough tomorrow, and motorists are urged to drive to the conditions.
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Road to recovery - 3 September update
Roading crews have been working on Awatere Valley Road, Kenepuru Road and Queen Charlotte Drive through Covid Levels 3 and 4, weather permitting.
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Media Statement: Marlborough’s Road to Recovery – 3 September Update
Safety must come first. That’s the message being delivered loud and clear from those working to re-connect rural and Marlborough Sounds’ communities still isolated after the July storm event.
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Road to recovery - 1 September update
Crews have been working in Awatere Valley, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte through Covid Level 4, weather permitting.
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A road to recovery like no other
Never has Marlborough faced a roading recovery effort to the scale it does at present.
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Road to recovery - 27 August update
Critical roading repairs required as a result of the July storm in Marlborough have come to a halt in the Awatere Valley and Kenepuru Sound due to today’s heavy rain warning.
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Road to recovery - 24 August update
A few slips have occurred on Queen Charlotte Drive since the beginning of Level 4 lockdown. This is a reminder that the roading network in the recovery area is constantly changing.
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Road to recovery - 23 August update
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has granted an exemption for roading work to continue during Covid lockdown.
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Road to recovery - 20 August update
Today's update contains information on work under Alert Level 4, Queen Charlotte Drive checkpoint, and Northbank Road status.
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Road to recovery – 18 August update
During the Level 4 Covid-19 lockdown, Marlborough Roads and Waka Kotahi NZTA are responding to emergencies only. During this time, resident movements should be limited to essential travel.
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Road to recovery - 17 August update
The Marlborough Roads Recovery Team has advised that the Bailey Bridge will open at 7.00 pm tonight in Waihopai Valley.
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Road to recovery - 16 August update
Information on barge service subsidies, road update and mayoral relief fund.
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Road to recovery - 13 August update
There are no significant changes to the roading situation today except for access times from Ngakuta Bay to Grove Arm Jetty this weekend – see below.
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Road to recovery - 12 August update
Since the storm the weekend of 17 July, Marlborough Roads have been responding to a massive challenge in difficult conditions.
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Road to recovery - 11 August update
Marlborough’s road to recovery will also include the underwriting of the barge services into the Kenepuru Sound, thanks to the Marlborough Mayoral Relief Fund.
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Road to recovery - 10 August update
Waihopai Valley Road residents past the Māori Ford Bridge got road access back via a temporary ford on Saturday, 20 days after Marlborough’s July storm.
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Roading Update 9 August 2021
The manned checkpoint has been moved back from Picton to Ngakuta Bay to the Grove Arm Jetty; Picton to Ngakuta Bay under traffic light system. Tuamarina Road has reopened, with caution being advised.
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Update 8 August: Queen Charlotte Drive checkpoint
The checkpoint at Ngakuta Bay has been moved back to Picton due to some small slips caused by current weather conditions. The road is still open.
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Queen Charlotte Drive weekend access
There are no time restrictions to resident access to Queen Charlotte Drive from the checkpoint at Ngakuta Bay over the weekend. Time restrictions will be back in place again on Monday.
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Roading Update 6 August 2021
Contractors continue to work on roads around the region. There are no further roads reopened since yesterday. The next update will be approximately 4.30 pm Monday.
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Major water works - Scott St and Muller Rd intersection
Major works are due to start on the Scott St / Muller Rd intersection.
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Roading recovery team to be established
Marlborough Roads is establishing a recovery team, which will be responsible for bringing the network from the emergency response phase back to business as usual.
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Roading Update 5 August 2021
From tonight, the manned checkpoint for the Queen Charlotte Drive will be located at Ngakuta Bay and be operational between Ngakuta Bay and the Grove Arm Jetty.
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Wood gathering from the Wairau River Reserve
Wood gathering from the Wairau River Reserve is no longer permitted for a number of good reasons, Council’s Assets and Services Manager Richard Coningham says.
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Roading Update 4 August 2021
Contractors continue to work on damaged roads around the region. There are no changes to the open/closed roading status today. The next update twill be approximately 4.30 pm 5 August.
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Road to recovery – the long journey back to normality
In the same way Marlborough’s East Coast changed forever following the Kaikōura earthquake, so too will the familiar landscape of some of our region’s rural communities likely remain scarred.
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Road to recovery - Mayoral Relief Fund opens for applications
Marlborough’s Mayoral Relief Fund to assist the region in its storm recovery effort is now open for applications.
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Roading Update 3 August 2021
Parts of the Bailey bridge for Waihopai Valley have started to arrive on site. There are no changes to the open/closed roading status today. The next update twill be approximately 4.30 pm 4 August.
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The road to recovery continues
Geotechnical engineers have largely completed their assessments of damaged roads and slips around the region and reinstatement works have started in many areas.
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Roading Update 2 August 2021
Medway Road is now open. The next update to this page will be approximately 4.30 pm Tuesday 3 August.
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Roading Update 30 July 2021
Neal Road open. Chaytors Road open to Botham's Bend Road; Botham's Bend Road to Ferry Road Bridge closed. Queen Charlotte Drive open to residents and convoy pass holders Sunday. Next update Monday.
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Roading Update 4.30 pm 29 July 2021
Wairau Bar Road east of the Ferry Bridge is now open – please drive with extreme caution. Jones Road in Grovetown has also reopened.
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Roading update - repairs to Kenepuru Road and Queen Charlotte Drive
The assessment of damage to the Kenepuru Road is on-going by Marlborough Roads and it is likely to be many months before it is fully open, Marlborough’s Recovery Manager Dean Heiford says.
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Minister Faafoi sees damage; State of Local Emergency lifted
A declaration terminating the state of local emergency was signed at midday today by Mayor John Leggett.
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Marlborough’s State of Local Emergency to be lifted tomorrow
The Emergency Management team is moving into the recovery phase as a period of more settled weather is predicted during the rest of the week.
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Marlborough Weather Update 26 July 2021
The team at Marlborough’s Emergency Management Operations Centre is continuing to keep an eye on the weather situation which is expected to pass through the region quickly today.
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The Wairau Diversion is closed
The Wairau Diversion is currently closed and barriers are in place at the road entrance. A strip of land, 30m wide by 360m long, from the river mouth back, has been lost.
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Marlborough Weather Event Update 25 July
The team at Marlborough’s Emergency Operations Centre is keeping an eye on a weather system expected to bring rain from the early hours of Monday morning until early evening.
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Marlborough Weather Event Update 24 July
Recovery efforts are continuing this weekend with roading and river stop bank repairs being carried out today.
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Marlborough Does the Mahi
If a region could be measured by the compassion of its residents, Marlborough would be off the scale, says Marlborough Mayor John Leggett.
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State of Local Emergency extended in Marlborough
The state of local emergency has been extended until 12.20 pm on Saturday 31 July in Marlborough.
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Stop Banks Off Limits to Vehicles - Selmes Road to SH1
Marlborough’s stopbank system and river reserves from Selmes Road to State Highway 1 (SH1), and covering all roads in between, are now off limits for vehicles.
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Mayoral Relief Fund to assist regional storm recovery
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has established a Mayoral Relief Fund to assist the region in its storm recovery effort following the weekend’s event.
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Marlborough Weather Event Update 22 July
Marlborough’s recovery effort is continuing with agencies and contractors working hard to connect communities still isolated.
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Marlborough Weather Event Update 21 July
The team at Marlborough’s Emergency Operations Centre is keeping an eye on a small, fast moving weather system expected to bring rain to Marlborough this evening.
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Bailey bridge to be installed at Waihopai Valley Road
Marlborough District Council has confirmed that a temporary Bailey bridge will be installed at Waihopai Māori Ford, until a new bridge can be built.
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Marlborough weather event update 20 July
Marlborough’s recovery from the weekend’s storm continues, with the focus remaining firmly on residents and communities, particularly in areas where some people are still isolated.
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Havelock sewer pipes repaired - stay out of water until it clears
The sewer pipe in Havelock along Mahakipawa Road to the oxidation ponds was damaged during the flooding.
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Marlborough weather event update 19 July 2021
Marlborough’s recovery from the weekend’s storm is underway with the focus firmly on residents and communities, particularly in the Marlborough Sounds, where many people are still isolated.
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Queen Charlotte Drive
Work is continuing along Queen Charlotte Drive to make the road passable and safe for users. Queen Charlotte Drive is closed today.
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Marlborough weather event update
“Many local roads are still closed or have limited access for residents and emergency services only,” said Marlborough’s Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor.
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SH1 to reopen from midday; all residents can return to their homes
Evacuees are being reunited with vehicles stranded along SH1 between Picton and Blenheim.
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Evacuation underway for Tuamarina township
All of Tuamarina township near Blenheim has also been advised to evacuate due to a breached stop bank.
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Evacuation underway for Spring Creek township
All of Spring Creek township near Blenheim has been advised to evacuate due to an overtopping stop bank.
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SH1 Wairau River bridge is closed, further evacuations advised
The State Highway 1 bridge over the Wairau River has just been closed. The river is running very high, just under the structure.
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Evacuation - an area of Lower Wairau
Residents are being requested to evacuate an area of the Lower Wairau.
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Emergency declared in Marlborough
A state of local emergency was declared at 12.20pm today by Marlborough’s Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor.
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Renwick Lower Terrace residents advised to evacuate
Residents of the Lower Terrace in Renwick are being advised to evacuate their properties and stay with family or friends for the next 24 hours.
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Heavy rainfall expected to bring flooding to Marlborough
The best plan for the weekend is staying home and off the roads, particularly tomorrow, Saturday.
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Air Quality NES Exceedances
The NES for PM10 allows the threshold of 50 µg m-3 to be exceeded on no more than 1 day per 12 month period. These exceedances mean the NES has been breached on four occasions in Blenheim in 2021.
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Muller Road services upgrade
Investigation works are nearing completion and digging will start this coming Monday in Muller Road as part of a significant services upgrade in Blenheim.
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TEAM recovery work programme enters second phase
Phase 2 of TEAM’s programme is underway with a refreshed governance group focused on the affected sectors, under the leadership of Councillor Mark Peters.
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Marlborough District Council services at Alert Level 2
Under Alert Level 2, please adhere to 2m physical distancing at all Council facilities including libraries, customer services centres, parks, Marlborough Airport and waste facilities.
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Funding welcomed for library and art gallery development
Mayor John Leggett has warmly welcomed today’s announcement of $11m in infrastructure funding for the new Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery planned for Blenheim’s CBD.
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Two hours free parking extended until 30 September
Councillors have agreed to extend the two hours of free parking in Blenheim and Picton until 30 September.
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Council adopts Annual Plan
Marlborough District Council adopted its 2020-2021 Annual Plan today, setting a rates increase of 1.88%.
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Resource consent applications maintained through lockdown
Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, the first 22 weeks of the year have been busy for the Council Resource Consents Team. Over this time the Council received 395 resource consent applications.
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Mayor welcomes Picton ferry precinct fast tracking
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has welcomed today’s Government announcement that the Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment Project is in the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast Track Consenting) Bill.
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COVID-19 Support grants for community organisations
The Planning, Finance and Community Committee allocated emergency funding to a range of Marlborough community organisations to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis.
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Marlborough’s initial economic recovery response plan unveiled
A first phase economic recovery response plan has been released detailing 60 projects and initiatives to offset the initial impacts of COVID-19 on Marlborough businesses and jobs.
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Council reception reopens at reduced hours
Council’s reception reopened its office doors in Blenheim this morning with reduced hours of 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and a different way of working.
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Two hours free parking until 30 June
At this morning’s Council meeting, Councillors decided to offer two hours free parking in all of the Council’s car park spaces in Blenheim and Picton until 30 June.
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Top restaurant shares re-opening tips
Leading Marlborough restaurant owner Liz Buttimore is hearing some local food outlets are confused or worried they will get the rules wrong in reopening under Level 2 restrictions.
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Marlborough District Council services at Alert Level 2
With the switch to Alert Level 2 on Thursday 14 May, a number of Council services will reopen. There will still be some restrictions at our libraries and customer services centres.
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Shots in the arm for Marlborough businesses
A campaign to ‘support local and buy local’ and another to get early domestic visitors back to our region are in a package of COVID-19 economic recovery projects recommended to councillors this week.
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New roading contract gets underway in the midst of COVID-19
The seven-year roading contract in Marlborough that was awarded as a 50/50 joint venture between Fulton Hogan and HEB Construction officially started on 1 April.
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Resource consent demand drives duty planner service improvements
Marlborough District Council’s Duty Planner Service helps people who are applying for a resource consent to understand the Resource Management Act’s requirements for their project.
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Further support for ratepayers agreed
Today’s Planning, Finance and Community Committee meeting discussed a range of measures to help ratepayers whose finances may have been affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Final call for Annual Plan feedback
With just five days to go before submissions close on this year’s 2020-21 Annual Plan Update, Council is encouraging Marlburians to have their say.
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Marlborough District Council services at Alert Level 3
As we switch to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday 28 April, a number of Council services will be restarting. Some services will remain closed however, including public toilets and playgrounds.
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Stay home this Anzac weekend
The Marlborough Harbourmaster is urging people to stay home, and not to head out on the boat or visit the bach this Anzac weekend.
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Boosted Community Grants Fund opens
A total of $500,000 is available this year to sports, recreation, heritage, environment, arts, culture, social services and welfare organisations.
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Marlborough’s economic recovery from COVID-19 gears up
The new group to lead Marlborough’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis has been formed, held its first meeting (via Zoom) and started work.
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Mayor thanks wine industry
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has praised the local wine industry for successfully handling the 2020 vintage under the extreme circumstances created by COVID-19.
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Message from Mayor John Leggett – stay home this long weekend
Mayor John Leggett is urging Marlburians to stay home, stay local and stay safe this Easter weekend.
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Marlborough recovery: infrastructure to lead the way
Marlborough District Council has a key role to play in countering and recovering from the serious economic effects of the international COVID-19 crisis.
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Marlborough District Libraries direct to you
Marlborough District Libraries may be closed but there are thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and more for Marlburians to access online.
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Keep dogs in your bubble and on a lead
Whether you’ve got two legs or four, if you’re out exercising with your family, all members, including your dog, need to stay in your ‘bubble’.
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Don’t flush your wet wipes
Council Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney is urging people not to flush wet wipes down the toilet.
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Wither Hills and Victoria Domain mountain bike parks to close
Following recent rainfall and discussion with the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club, Council has decided to close mountain bike parks in Blenheim’s Wither Hills Farm Park and Picton’s Victoria Domain.
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Council support to get Marlborough through COVID-19
Mayor John Leggett says this week’s full Council meeting on Thursday will offer a range of measures to help Marlborough get through the COVID-19 crisis in the short and longer term.
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Use kerbside services, don’t visit the transfer stations
Residents in Blenheim and Picton are urged to use the kerbside rubbish and recycling services rather than traveling to transfer stations.
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Observe the lockdown and save lives – Mayor John Leggett
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett is urging everyone to observe the COVID-19 lockdown for the sake of the community.
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Don’t take the boat and don’t go to the bach
The Marlborough Harbourmaster, Port Marlborough, Police and many of New Zealand’s authorities are telling boaties not to try to take vessels out on to the water during the Level 4 COVID-19 response.
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Marlborough bus services update
Off-peak bus services in Blenheim, Picton and Renwick will continue to operate as normal, while commuter services have been cancelled until further notice.
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Rubbish and recycling services during the COVID-19 event
With immediate effect due to COVID-19, some changes in rubbish and recycling services supplied by council will apply.
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Some Blenheim and Renwick commuter bus services cancelled
As a result of staff shortages brought about by COVID-19 work restrictions, Blenheim commuter and Renwick commuter bus services have, with immediate effect, been cancelled until further notice.
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Council focuses on lifeline services as country locks down on COVID-19
Marlborough District Council is completing its planned transition to the provision of critical lifeline services, and moving most of its non-critical staff to working from home.
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Marlborough library services update
Marlborough District Library, Blenheim and Picton Library and Service Centre are closed as a precaution to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Council announces closure of public facilities
Marlborough District Council has confirmed today that many of Marlborough’s community facilities will be closed to the public as a precaution to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Marlborough Pandemic Group update
The Marlborough Pandemic Group met again today to discuss the COVID-19 crisis and share the latest information about the economic challenges now facing the Marlborough region.
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Council eyes rates freeze in light of COVID-19
This morning’s Planning, Finance and Community (PFC) Committee discussed a range of agenda items, including Council’s response to the threat of COVID-19.
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Marlborough District Council responds to COVID-19
Marlborough District Council has taken a close look at its services and operations to ensure they are ready in case the coronavirus develops in the Marlborough community.
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COVID-19 - Events at Council’s parks and reserves
If there are less than 500 attendees and the event organisers have a health and safety management plan that aligns with current Ministry of Health guidelines for COVID-19, they can go ahead.