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Refer to attachment

Support in funding the repair of the lift at the Renwick Sports & Events Centre.

Comments NA

The Kenepuru Road Rate was established to extend the length of seal on the Kenepuru Road. Historically every few years the length of seal on the road has been extended. The cost of each extension has been met 50% from General Rates and 50% from the former Kenepuru Riding. There remains the equivalent of 1.5 years of rates before the last extension has been fully paid for. Because the July 2021 and August 2022 weather events have impacted the Kenepuru Road far more than other roads in the District, it is proposed that on equity and fairness grounds that the Keneperu Road Rate be remitted for 2023-24 and 2024-25 at a cost of $35,497 and $17,749 respectively. The remission approach is recommended as it works transparently to show the action Council has taken.

To gain Council support for the remission of the Kenepuru Road Rate in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

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Refer Attachment - * Community Housing Scope * The Seddon Campground * Seddon Information Centre * Domain * Swimming Pool * Street trees

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Whale Trail - We want an attractive bollard that lifts up for garden/WT track maintenance for trucks at both ends at Seymour St and Mills Rd (SH1) of the cycle/walk way. - Want this to be a friendly attractive entrance area for walkers and cyclists on Seymour St Alleyway/ “Downers” want this and so do AVT and WT gardeners as it is too hard to cart water, equipment, mulch from a long distance. - CLEANUP and MAINTAIN the unkempt Starborough Creek riparian land along the Underpass Walkway where the Whale Trail goes. There are untidy willows that need removing to open up the area for more light (H&S) and to get better river flow. Old Man’s Beard and weeds abound. - Drinking water bubbler near Tui Garden or somewhere central for Whale Trail riders and others. - Electric charging station for vehicles and bikes. TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY SAFETY - Need rail over bridge foliage cut back on SH1 (NZTA & MDC) - Need sign saying “watch out for pedestrians” both ends of Seddon’s centre. See Heather’s request email from AVT in February 2023 to MDC and NZTA for action on these - which has not happened so far.

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Refer attachment

We ask for an annual commitment from Council of $40,000 for the next 2 years, i.e. Jul 2023 – Jun 2024; and Jul 2024 – Jun 2025. This investment enables us to deliver on your aspirations as Marlborough District and as part of the wider whole.

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3. Port Marlborough Inland Hub in Riverlands industrial area and Plague Skinks 3.1. Forest & Bird cautions about the Port Marlborough Inland Hub to be built in the Riverlands industrial area becoming a Plague Skink distribution hub if the skinks are not eliminated from the Riverlands site, or the site design itself keeps them out. 8. Environmental funding support of Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance projects 8.1. Forest & Bird suggests further funding and support for the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT), an Alliance of Top of the South Councils, DOC and Iwi. KMTT addresses the significant conservation problem of a lack of a coordinated approach to conservation identified in our National Biodiversity Strategy Te Mana o te Taiao. And through the current development of an implementation plan, will also attract national and international funding for projects that will benefit the region.

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1. Environmental monitoring and compliance 1.1. Forest & Bird appreciates that MDC has increased its monitoring and compliance staff in recent years. 1.2. Marlborough’s estuaries and coastal environment continue to be impacted by sedimentation. This is predominantly from removal of land cover for pastoral farming, forestry and residential development. Forest & Bird call for stronger monitoring and enforcement in relation to sedimentation. 2. East Coast Vehicle Bylaw – budget funds for permitting, monitoring and enforcement 2.1. Forest & Bird acknowledge the work that MDC has put into developing the East Coast Vehicle bylaw and advocates for funding to be put into the annual plan to resource the permitting of vehicles and monitoring and enforcement of the bylaw. 4. Cat control 4.1. Forest & Bird would like to see council adopt a cat control bylaw. In recent years increased understanding of the impact of cats on our indigenous species has increased. As has the public’s willingness to accept the need to control cats. 4.2. The rationale for a bylaw is two-fold. First, domestic cats kill an exceedingly large number of native birds, lizards and invertebrates. A study in Dunedin showed that “predation by domestic cats dramatically reduced the population persistence” in native bird species1. Second, microchipping of domestic cats would enable more effective control of feral cats in peri-urban areas. 4.3. The bylaw would ideally include: 4.3.1.1. Compulsory microchipping 4.3.1.2. Inclusion of feral cats in Council’s Pest Management Plan 4.3.1.3. Compulsory cat registration 4.3.1.4. A limit of two cats per household (registered breeders exempt) 4.3.1.5. Compulsory neutering of cats (registered breeders exempt) 4.3.1.6. The ability for Council to ban cats at certain developments to protect wildlife 4.3.1.7. The phasing in of cat containment for all new cats (supported by the SPCA) 4.3.1.8. Cats to be kept indoors at night. We understand that sections 145 and 146 of the Local Government Act 2002 allow for cat curfews

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5. Better practice in plantation forestry 5.1. Forest & Bird calls for Marlborough District Council to urgently review its plantation forestry through a similar lens to Nelson City Councils Right Tree Right Place review and make provision in the annual plan budget to do so. 5.2. Pine plantation forestry has lost its social license in the wake of recent weather events across New Zealand which have highlighted the inadequacy of the National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme (greenwashing2) to adequately protect the environment from unacceptable pine forestry industry impacts such as erosion, sedimentation, slash, and wildings. 5.3. Clear-fell harvesting has always externalised it’s environmental impacts but our changing climate is making the risks and impacts greater. Clear-fell harvesting of steep slopes is no longer environmentally or socially appropriate. 5.4. Top of the South councils are all engaged in pine forestry on their lands as a revenue generating activity. However, councils are also a regulatory and compliance agency, and this causes an issue of the gamekeeper also being a poacher. Forest & Bird would like to see Marlborough District Council take a leadership in role modelling responsible land stewardship in relation to its forestry operations because we cannot expect the industry to improve without the regulator leading by example. To this end Forest & Bird suggests: 5.4.1. Marlborough District Council seek to reduce risks by taking a catchment approach to harvesting to reduce the risk of erosion, slash and sedimentation during rainfall events. A catchment approach would see a staged approach to harvesting to considerably reduce the area of slopes bare at any one time. 5.4.2. Marlborough District Council to stop clear-fell pine harvesting on steeper erosion prone slopes and transition to alternatives, such as permanent native forest for carbon income. 5.4.3. Marlborough District Council take a leadership role in exploring alternative harvesting techniques such as the line harvesting method, soon to be trailed in the Branch Valley in Marlborough. 5.4.4. Marlborough District Council to dramatically improve its monitoring, compliance and enforcement of pine forestry activities.3

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7. Nature based solutions ahead of engineered solutions to flood risk and inundation. 7.1. Forest & Bird would like MDC to adopt a nature based solutions approach to climate adaptation as required in the Climate Adaptation Plan (2022, p.92)5. In particular Forest & Bird draw attention to maladaptive practices that add more pressure to wildlife and ecoysystems such as hard armouring of the coastal zone and channelisation of waterways. 7.2. Forest & Bird urges MDC to continue to support work to adopt and resource a more modern approach to river management that embraces ‘making room for rivers’, and managed retreat of people and infrastructure from high-risk floodplains and coastal areas. We urge MDC to prioritise this sort of approach to flood protection, rather than ‘hard engineering’ work. This approach improves the health of our rivers and coastline while making our communities safer and more resilient. 7.3. The scientific consensus is that ‘engineering’ our way to resilience against the impacts of climate change through the expansion or strengthening of flood protection infrastructure isn’t going to work. This was affirmed by river experts in a recent (2022) New Zealand journal article, who stated that “working against nature does not work”, “[we] may inadvertently be manufacturing future disasters”, and "moving out of harm's way saves lives".6 cont'd under decision...

7.4. This is a view that is supported by river geomorphologists and academic experts across Aotearoa 7 and internationally 8 (bold emphasis added): 7.4.1. International studies show that allowing a river to self-adjust is cheaper and more effective than active interventions that force a river into a particular place. 7.4.2. Europe and Japan have a long history of confining rivers. Once management practices start on this path, they become locked into progressively building more and more expensive hard engineering structures. Many rivers in Aotearoa New Zealand are less modified than those in other parts of the world. Changing management practices now can have a significant positive effect. 7.4.3. Working with the processes that create and rework a river channel and its floodplain will reduce the impacts of future disasters. Recognising the links between sections of a river and the whole catchment will help us assess how likely it is that the river will adjust to accommodate larger and more frequent future floods. 7.4.4. An honest discussion now could save us the direct and indirect costs of future clean-up and repair. Reanimating rivers seeks to respect the rights of healthy, living rivers that erode and flood in the right place and at the right rate. Image: Wider river corridors provide space for rivers to flood safely, where floodwaters don’t get as deep and stopbanks don’t have as much pressure put on them (and therefore the likelihood of failure is decreased). Wider corridors also provide space for riparian planting, wetlands, and recreational areas, as well as improving rivers connection to and recharge of groundwater (increasing drought resilience). Tukua Ngā Awa Kia Rere / Making Room for Rivers – Forest & Bird. 7.5. With higher and more frequent flood flows predicted with climate change, the pressure on riverbank engineering (including stopbanks) will only increase, and when the engineering eventually fails the consequences will be greater. We saw this mostly recently during Cyclone Gabrielle, when several of Hawke’s Bay’s rivers overwhelmed their stopbanks. These sorts of anomalies of flow will become more regular as an impact of climate change. 7.6. In Aotearoa we have tried to straighten and contain rivers in an effort to stabilise them, but that has increased the risks we face from flooding, particularly when considering the size of flood flows with climate change. It has also destroyed habitat for birds and fish, removed areas of riverbed that may have recharged our aquifers, and reduced our ability to connect to these beautiful places that we’re inherently connected to. 7.7. The reality is rivers are most stable when they are given room to move—when they can safely flood and dissipate their energy and can adjust their course within their channel. We shouldn’t be surprised when a river floods or erodes a bank—that’s just a river being a river. We’ve created an issue by encroaching so tightly on rivers, but what we really need to do is provide ‘room’ for the rivers.

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6. Climate 6.1. Forest & Bird call upon Marlborough District Council to urgently undertake a climate risk assessment for the region to inform planning decisions and provide for informed community input. Such as the climate risk assessments being prepared for Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council and Buller District Council by Urban Intelligence Ltd (https://urbanintelligence.co.nz/) 6.2. Forest & Bird encourages MDC to commit to developing a stronger climate mitigation and adaptation plan. 6.3. The MDC Climate Change Action Plan 2020 contains the goal that ‘Council shows clear leadership on climate change issues’ (p.8) and one of the actions arising from that goal is ‘Reporting on progress toward targets of this action plan is included in Council’s Annual Report’ (p.9), yet this is not reported on in MDC’s 2021-2022 annual report. This should be a priority action for this year’s report. 6.4. Forest & Bird call for a review of the zoning provisions in the MEP through an emissions reduction and climate adaptation lens as a priority. Future development zoning provisions are one of the biggest levers Councils have to modify urban form and lower emissions. 6.5. Forest & Bird is strongly critical of the current MDC procurement policy4 that appears to have been last reviewed in December 2022. This has no emissions consideration requirements despite the Climate Change Action Plan 2020, 1(a)iii, specifying this as an action. 6.6. Forest & Bird are strongly critical of the Statements of Intent of Council controlled organisations (CCO’s). MDC Holdings, Port Marlborough, and Marlborough Airport’s statements of intent are inadequate from a climate lens and should specify mandatory emissions reporting and reduction plans. Forest & Bird would like to note that offsetting should not be used as a way to avoid reducing emissions. There is increasing international scepticism of offsetting that is not linked with meaningful emissions reductions. The international Climate Action Network of which Forest & Bird is a member, rejects offsetting (https://climatenetwork.org/resource/position-on-carbon-offsetting/).

Resource consent fees NA

Refer attachment under heading 1. Fees and Charges (page 5)

Do you support an increased investment in building capacity and capability to provide catchment care services to implement the NPS on freshwater management? Y

Refer attachment under heading 1. Implementation of the NPSFM (page 6) Recommendation FFNZ recommends that MDC funds freshwater management and monitoring through the Councils reserves and the UAGC due to the district-wide benefit for all ratepayers.

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Refer attachment under heading: 1. Increased spending River Management (page 4/5)

* FFNZ commends Council on prioritising spending to focus on its core functions and the fundamental needs of its community such as protection from natural hazards by increasing funding for river maintenance and flood protection. * FFNZ recommends that MDC should fully utilise the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) mechanism at 30% of the total rates income, to provide equity between ratepayers.

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Refer attachment under heading 1. Roading (page 6/7)

* That any increase in roading debt which is incurred by transportation projects in nonrural areas be recovered from ratepayers in non-rural areas where the transportation projects are situated, unless there is a demonstrable benefit to rural ratepayers. * That the Council to continue to improve and seal more roads in Marlborough’s rural areas.

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Refer attachment under heading 1. Three waters infrastructure (page 5)

That the Council continue to ensure that rural landowners are not rated for Three Waters services.

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Refer attachment under headings 1. Rates (page 3/4) 2. Uniform Annual General Charge (page 4)

That the Council Cap the percentage rates increase to no greater than stated in the Council’s 2021 Long Term Plan for the 2023/24 financial year and reduce expenditure to ensure there is no need for loans to cover revenue shortfall.

Comments NA

Foreshore, Playground & Cruise Ship Passenger Marshalling area •\tPBG are pleased to have finally contributed to 3 drinking Fountains/bottle fillers together with additional shade at the children’s playground . The additional shade umbrellas certainly enhance the passenger’s marshalling area. Thank you. However, at the end of the marshalling area, we still require waterproof sails in this area. This was highlighted particularly this season with increased wet days. •\tOn the foreshore we are awaiting changing facilities. Attention also needs to be brought to the total lack of baby changing facilities in Picton. Places where we encourage families to visit, such as Picton Foreshore Playground and at Waikawa Bay have no baby change tables the toilet blacks. These are a minimal cost to install for a wall mounted unit similar to the ones at Stadium 2000, but will have a huge benefit for young families who live in or choose visit our town. Shelly Beach •\tWith the removal of shade trees PBG requested the installation of at least 2 shade umbrella sails, plus being a swimming beach a fresh water shower and benches in the toilets (similar to the Waikawa toilets). In addition, a BBQ and a drinking fountain/ bottle filler. Many cruise ship passengers wander over there as well as considerable numbers of locals. Victoria Domain Trailer Parking Area •\tThere is no doubt that the unseasonal weather saved the day for parking over the 22/23 festive period. At about 10 30 am on the 28th December 2022 the “parking full” sign went out on the Domain. Graham Gosling contacted Nadine and Port Marlborough and he learnt that all they had was a bit of wiggle room. By lunch time a strong southerly had blown up and really we experienced shocking weather for the next 3 weeks. Next year with fine weather Graham suggests that you will have to accept a larger area is required, especially with the obvious back up of Waitohi Domain being occupied/unavailable for the next 4 years for the iRex project . It is pleasing to see the Heli Pad constructed, thank you . Picton CBD •\tAfter 4 years we finally got a ‘street sweeper/vacuum’ and by all accounts it has proved very successful. However we anticipated to have it at least twice a week during the busy summer season instead of just once. This is especially important with the slippery tiles that really do need regular washing. Perhaps with the success of the first sweeper, consideration could be given to obtaining another smaller more flexible machine, more suitable to footpaths. •\tVisitor’s/locals tripping on uneven/chipped tiles remains a major concern and in some cases sustaining injuries. Last year a lady, from a party visiting the town, tripped and fell sustaining serious injuries. On the advice of Wairau’s Hospital A&E’s staff they wrote to Council, this Graham understands was passed onto Marl Roads, however it was another 2 months until repairs were carried out. With our older population in mind, this really is not good enough! General maintenance is still required the CBD.

Comments NA

Wellington St – coned off •\tWellington St was coned off for over 4 months until re-sealing was finally carried out. This was totally unacceptable over the tourist peak season. Blenheim to Picton – S.H.1 maintenance •\tMore effort should be placed on carrying out maintenance and consideration of road temporary closures especially during ferry traffic times. The elevation passing lane has been coned off for over 3 months. Not good enough. Whale Trail •\tConsideration needs to be given to bicycle stands in the CBD, particularly for visitors who are doing the rail trail. Our members are increasingly seeing groups of cyclists, sometimes large groups, coming into Picton, stopping off at cafes etc and some shopping while waiting for ferries etc. At the moment they are leaning the bikes against the posts or chain etc between the seating areas and London Quay street, or up against shop windows, etc. While there are some bike stands down on the waterfront area, we need something in the café zone as they won’t leave their bikes far from where they are going. This would encourage more cycle tour visitors to spend a bit of time in Picton. Either perhaps there could be bike stands incorporated into the new design for London Quay, or perhaps on the edge of the reserve.

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CBD – security cameras •\tAt a recent meeting with Sgt Phil Black of the Picton Police, he highlighted how the Picton CBD cameras are outdated and make identifying vehicles difficult. With emphasis this year on increased shoplifting, upgrading of the cameras would be of great benefit to the police.

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Refer to attachment

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Please see our attached submission

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Attached

Attached

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I am submitting in support of previous submissions presented by Kate Parker and Barbara Barton. These submissions were picked up with the assistance of Dean Heifford. They concerned the future (now existing) development of the cultural precinct including the new library and art gallery at the east end of Wynen street. Unfortunately due to ill health we ere not ale to follow up with a submission to the annual plan. So we are going to that now. The timing is opportune as we prepare for the opening of the new library/gallery complex. This area as predicted is fast turning into Blenheim's cultural hub which will be enhanced by the recently consented Urban Winery that is a build and leaseback development between Rangitane and Astrolabe wines. Behind the winery is the Boathouse Theatre. Our submission concerns pedestrian access to this exciting new development across the river. This is an accident waiting to happen and we have repeatedly tried to get some improvements made. We are very excited about the winery development. Conversely we are not excited about the potential for physical harm as a result of the poor state of the existing infrastructure. People will be hurt or more seriously injured if nothing is done to make safe the access way to the winery and theatre. At night the lighting is so poor you cannot see very well and now we have potential security issues as the wine bar attracts more and more customers.

We seek that the council undertake a thorough review of this access because when they do they will see the poor state of the riverside footpath leading past the new winery to the Boathouse and beyond to Snowden Crescent. Obstacles include: 1 - broken pavement due to tree root incursion. 2 - a dilapidated post and rail fence currently on an angle. 3 - poor lighting. We request the council to undertake construction to improve the above and add extra lighting to ensure the safety of all user of the area.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

Essential safety improvements are required at the crossing on Alabama Road, near School Rd. A Kea Crossing, or similar is required. $10,650 is required for the installation of a kea crossing At Riverlands School we have significant road safety issues that we just can't seem to find solutions for. Riverlands School has no school buses which means all students need to walk, bike or get dropped off at school. Due to our location on SH1 there are very limited safe routes to school that allow our students to walk or bike. This means that at the end of the school day at least 90% of our 250 students are collected by car. Riverlands School is accessed by a single narrow residential Road which is not able to cope with high levels of traffic. For this reason we ask that our older students are collected from the Riverlands Hall Car park which is 150m away from the school gate. The hall car park has no car park markings, no clearly marked entry or exit points and is full of potholes and loose gravel. This results in incredibly dangerous driving behaviours and at least one near miss every day. There is also a poorly marked crossing across Alabama road that is located only meters from where cars are accessing and exiting the congested carpark. There are plans to install a Kea Crossing but it seems that funding is holding up this process. On a weekly basis the school receives complaints and notifications from the parents and the public about near misses. At the end of the school day we send three staff to support students crossing the road and access the car park safely. Even with this high level of supervision we are still unable to overcome the dangerous driving behaviours that are a result of road design and poor parking options at the Riverlands Hall. Two solutions have been suggested. 1. Prioritise the installation of the Kea Crossing an Alabama Road. 2. Seal the Riverlands School Carpark and provide clear markings for entry, exit, one way drive through and markings for parking.

Comments NA

Te Kōpuni Kāinga o Te Tau Ihu - Top of the South Neighbourhood Support strengthens neighbourhoods and connects communities in ways that improve the lives of people and whānau. We have over 17,000 registered members. We champion social cohesion and engagement. We bridge digital division by connecting people with locals in their area that share key information in ways appropriate to their needs. We improve safety and resilience through connection. We have memorandum of understandings with NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ. We are truly inclusive – everyone in the community can become a member, and our membership, like the events and workshops we provide, is free. We believe that a strong, connected and resilient community strengthens the economy, protects our environment and improves wellbeing. For success, accessing services and having a strong network of personal contacts helps more than any website or information sheet. Being a neighbour or friend of a friend holds weight. Top of the South Neighbourhood Support is a real-life social network. We encourage locals to get to know one another, help each other out when needed, and engage with their community. We provide the tools and resources to make it easy for people to connect. We understand and champion the values manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. We work to bring the voices of our members to more community initiatives of which examples include Safe and Sound Marlborough, Marlborough Alcohol Governance Group, Marlborough Youth Trust, Safer Homes Initiative and the Positive Ageing Forum. In Marlborough our predominant focus is to ‘stick to our knitting’ and concentrate on performing our core business well which is building membership to strengthen communities and conducting neighbourhood level events such as the current BBQ project in work. We’re paying attention to the geographic challenges presented in Marlborough by encouraging membership in the Sounds and the likes of Awatere Valley. Continuing our work on community preparedness, our partnership with FENZ and training provision in conjunction with valuable resources of CDEM are key to neighbourhood strength. The MDC Long Term Plan 2021-2031 acknowledges that advocating for the needs of the community sector is an ongoing issue and that strengthening relationships with key organisations will build the capacity of the sector. Top of the South Neighbourhood Support’s strategic goals and services align with MDC Community support objectives. Our partnership with Police underpins our focus on community safety. Our participation in community-based events makes a positive contribution to wellbeing and enhances social cohesion. We promote environmentally sound practices in homes that encourage energy efficiency. We support and champion community-led improvement initiatives such as smart and connected communities. Partnership with Top of the South Neighbourhood Support not only benefits community members, but it also supports council at a local level. Contracting of our services will directly support MDC community goals, without the burden of recruitment, training, management or retention in a highly competitive labour market. We will also continue to be a trained, ready source of support when mobilised to support the emergency management group.

In December 2020 Top of the South Neighbourhood Support took over the responsibilities for Neighbourhood Support in Marlborough with the understanding that we would be receiving funding from council to contribute towards local operating costs while we re- established in the region and built a sustainable funding model. A year later, in 2021 this funding was restricted to the heavily oversubscribed MDC Community Grant where we received a small grant representing around 5% of our projected annual operating costs for Marlborough. We ask that Marlborough District Council invests in the relationship we formed in December 2020. A contribution to the $22,500 annual salary costs of the Marlborough Area Co-ordinator would be a significant assistance to ensure that our services can continue to support the people and communities of Marlborough at a level comparable to the rest of Te Tau Ihu. The balance of operational costs would be met by other grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and fundraising.

Comments NA

Neighbourhood Support had previously been administered by Marlborough District Council, from within the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group. Council acknowledged that neighbours are more likely to be first responders in adverse events, assisting one another when ‘official’ responders may be overwhelmed, cut-off or delayed. Top of the South Neighbourhood Support staff are active partners in emergency management. Our staff members have worked across the ‘4 R’s of emergency management’ at a local, regional and national level, contributing to national plans, and the development of the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) third edition (currently used). Our Marlborough area coordinator was actively involved in the response to the 2021 flooding event, working in the EOC supporting the Welfare function, providing a valuable connection to affected local community members. We have invested in technology to allow members to create groups, record resources and household specific needs or challenges that they would incur during emergencies (e.g., disability, language barriers, living alone) and distribute communications. We’ve encouraged our members to connect with neighbours or people in their network that don’t have access to online services, to provide important information and assist them to access safe alternatives. We continue to provide our members with communication options to ensure that as many community members as possible have access to our information, resources and support.

Top of the South Neighbourhood Support’s financial contribution to the Emergency Management response in staff hours exceeded the annual community grant we received. The area coordinator was subsequently employed on a now completed, fixed-term, part-time basis by the Marlborough District Council in a recovery role, utilising the networks created during her 15 hours per week with Neighbourhood Support. We ask that Marlborough District Council invests in the relationship we formed in December 2020. A contribution to the $22,500 annual salary costs of the Marlborough Area Co-ordinator would be a significant assistance to ensure that our services can continue to support the people and communities of Marlborough at a level comparable to the rest of Te Tau Ihu. The balance of operational costs would be met by other grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and fundraising.

Comments NA

In Marlborough, quality of life and wellbeing are very much dependent on how we use or develop our natural resources. This also provides for social, cultural and economic wellbeing. It is important that the best interests of the environment as a whole be the guiding factor in achieving sustainable management. At Top of the South Neighbourhood Support we actively support our neighbourhoods and communities in projects that enhance their physical environment, protect and safeguard the quality of their physical environment so that our spaces are healthy and pleasant places in which to live and enjoy recreation. We engage in projects such as the Safer Homes Initiative to support our members environmental health.

We ask that Marlborough District Council invests in the relationship we formed in December 2020. A contribution to the $22,500 annual salary costs of the Marlborough Area Co-ordinator would be a significant assistance to ensure that our services can continue to support the people and communities of Marlborough at a level comparable to the rest of Te Tau Ihu. The balance of operational costs would be met by other grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and fundraising.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $5.8M. Renewal expenditure is investing to maintain assets/infrastructure in a fit for purpose state and not just the buying of additional new “toys”. There is always ongoing wear and tear to Park surfaces, Playgrounds, and Tracks [for all types of activity] such as to our many magnificent sport fields, Wither Hills Farm Park or Picton foreshore playgrounds. A number of reserves across the Region require upgrading to improve and/or supplement their access, parking areas and to increase storm water drainage. By maintaining and upgrading of these public facilities [rate payer funded] everyone has a healthy, safe environment to live in and undertake recreational activities. As research shows, the quick removal of graffiti helps maintain the perception of safety and is one of the best ways to reduce further graffiti. The same principle applies to maintaining the quality of public places such as parks, playgrounds, and tracks. Good lighting, rubbish removal, dry, pothole free parking, shade trees and gardens do not miraculously just happen, these cost money. They are what make our Region a good place for everyone, visitors and residents, to live and recreate. The inclusion of new/replacement street trees is I believe a valuable addition to all urban environments, both from an ecological and an environmental perspective. We are not a tree rich Region. As Blenheim’s housing expands, continuing street tree planting both integrates these extensions and adds to the feel of community connectivity. The development of a Blenheim Dog Park, a free range but safely fenced exercise area, will provide all dog owners another exercise regime option. The dog’s owners can take their own exercise in separate ways aside from traditional dog-walking, a swim at the Stadium for example, yet still efficiently meet the exercise needs of their pet/s. Camper van/motorhome visitors travelling with their pets will also make effective use of the new facility. Research shows that well-built Dog Park space becomes a safe, well used, social meeting point for dog owners. I also seek from Council that they ensure wherever possible that any parks and reserves upgrades include the provision of EV charging sites for both bikes and vehicles.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $15.7M. Marlborough has an extensive, well developed long-term plan that aims to link and integrate new and existing region-wide shared paths [walking and cycling] and to connect this backbone of trails into the growing coastal Whale Trail pathway. The continued development of the Renwick Cycle trail offers recreational cyclists extensive off-road travel and is a valuable addition for our Region’s tourists and residential recreational walkers and cyclists. While adverse weather is proving challenges to maintaining our magnificent Link Pathway for example, it is important that these types of community assets are protected, restored and future proofed so that the volunteer hours invested in these projects is not wasted. Roads, footpaths, and given the nature of our Region wharves, are all core business infrastructure for Council. Therefore, additional expenditure from reserves for new initiatives in these areas of expenditure is supported.

Do you support an increased investment in flood protection and control work across the district? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $4.7M. The extreme weather events of 2021 and 2022 surely answered this question. Given the Region’s already extensive and on-going flood protection work, identifying these “weak points” for additional protection/upgrading would seem essential. If there are options to reduce and/or eliminate the severity of flooding on Renwick’s lower terrace area, then the residents of Renwick [and everyone else disrupted] deserve this work to proceed. Like wise the Town Branch Drain passes through two significant industrial area and a portion of the new Whale Trail pathway, again additional protection/upgrading would seem essential work and beneficial use of reserves expenditure.

Do you support an increased investment in funding for new sewerage treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines and other renewals throughout the region? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $26.8M There is never a 100% “right time” to spend/invest money. There is always a balancing of risk verses reward from not undertaking new initiatives. Nobody [well very few I imagine] disagree that waste, drinking and storm water management and infrastructure are all important. The “how to pay” for necessary new plant and under what priority listing is the contentious point. Council has identified seven (7) residential and one (1) industrial area that need new: sewerage treatment plant, pumping stations, pipelines, and other renewals. Our Region cannot continue to grow, adding additional residential housing, without new and/or functional pipes in the ground and effective plant to process the waste. Whatever the outcome of central government’s legislative process, I commend the Council for proposing to continue investing in these water management initiatives across the Region. I also seek from Council that they ensure that wherever possible any parks and reserves upgrades include the provision for water storage sites from the collection of rainwater. In addition, as is done in Christchurch, household greywater, this is water generated from: baths, washing machines, showers, and sinks, is recycled for ground irrigation. New builds must be required [or at least proactivity encouraged] by Council to reuse grey water.

Do you support an increased investment in drinking water improvements including new treatment plants in Blenheim, Picton, Renwick and Havelock; and a new reservoir in Picton? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $7.2M Marlborough’s Long-Term Plan includes Regional growth targets and associated infrastructure upgrades. Each project takes years to plan, design, consent and install. Clean safe drinking water is a basic human right. To date it remains a core duty of Council to provide both sufficient quantity and quality of drinking water. A new reservoir for Picton, an additional permanent asset, with a 20-30 year life span, is a sensible use of discretionary reserve spending. I also seek from Council support for encouraging the installation and use of rainwater catchment systems on new domestic builds.

Do you support an increased investment in building capacity and capability to provide catchment care services to implement the NPS on freshwater management? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $975K [$325,000 per annum for three (3) years] There is a saying, if you do not have a road map, how can you know where you are going. The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) sets out the objectives and policies for freshwater management under the Resource Management Act 1991. From these objectives the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F) then regulate activities that pose risks to the health of freshwater and freshwater ecosystems. Our Council is responsible for the region’s consenting and consent monitoring associated with these regulations. Additional legally based responsibilities have been assigned to regional councils, and with that comes the cost of undertaking that compliance. It would be amiss of Council not to budget for these responsibilities. I also seek from Council support for a review of its own Marlborough Environment Plan rules [2016] for the management of weed build-up in the Taylor River. In the seven years since the new Plan was publicly notified, and probably more than ten years since LTP legislation was first drafted, climate change has altered both rain fall and flood patterns and the river is apparently “nutrient-rich”. If best practice dictates a “no harvest season”, does the Council need to invest in upgrading of and/or acquisition of additional weed harvesting equipment to allow faster and/or more frequent main channel weed clearance? The flow on effects [no pun intended] of the “blocked river” are being felt far and wide; closed walking paths in Pollard Park, disruption to the Riverside Railway tracks, commercial impacts for Raupo Café, damage to the riverside plantings on the Taylor River shared pathway, and costs to clean up and restore the Quays, Riverside Park. The particularly attractive front door to Blenheim, as viewed from State Highway 1, has for many months this year, been an eye sore.

Do you support an increased investment in funding to support making the Picton bus service permanent? Y

Proposed to be funded from Reserves, $29.4K Included in the two percent (2%) of total spending proposed for new initiatives in the budget 2023-24 which are not directed for permanent assets acquisition and/or upgrade of said, and totalling $1.31M, is the proposal to make the Picton to Blenheim return bus service permanent. Council has established the need/demand for public transport. Everyone is a winner as more [often single occupant vehicles] are taken off the road. Residents in both townships will have a reliable bus timetable around which to plan their journeys. Please ensure that this does not become a “one term wonder” and “permanent” really has the opportunity to become part of everyone’s new travel patterns. There are for example, students travelling to/from Queen Charlotte College, medical appointments held in Blenheim, social club meetings and sports opportunities, people will leave their cars if the bus’s service proves reliable. I also seek from Council support for ensuring cycle racks are provided on these buses. Public transport can offer a return leg for those travelling the first section of The Whale Trail”. See attachment from the Nelson City Council’s bike racks on buses flyer.

Comments NA

Wairau River Regional Park - In 2020 MDC’s Assets & Services Committee decided to contract a Project Manager to draft a new Regional Park Management Plan and oversee a public consultation process. Committee Chair at that time, Nadine Taylor said, the project was visionary and would safeguard and strengthen the natural values of Marlborough’s iconic Wairau River. “The river is the lifeblood of our region. This status will lift it up to be protected and acknowledged as the treasured taonga that it is.” See attachment, published in The Sun, 18th November 2020. What has happened since? Aside from two serve winter Wairau river floods, it appears nothing. Perhaps there are reasons? Has repairs from those floods side tracked progress. Surely the floods reinforce the need to strengthen and develop protections for our river?

For sufficient resource allocation [person time, expertise, and money] to ensure that planning and consultation work directed towards establishment of a new Regional Park resumes/continues, even if this work becomes part of the essential flood protection and control work underway across the district, rather than resuming regional park establishment work as a project in its own right. In addition, undertake an update to the Council’s website with information on timelines so that a website search produces more than the following two results; Search results; 1. Wairau River Regional Park plan gets green light - Marlborough District Council https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news-notices-and-media-releases/media-releases?iWairau River Regional Park plan gets green light - Marlborough District Council Wairau River Regional Park plan gets green light A visionary new… 2. Assets & Services Committee 19 August 2021 Information Package https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:1w1mps0ir17q9sgxanf9/hierarchy/Documents/YouRivers and Drainage Section – Activity Report 5 Wairau River…

Comments NA

2023 presents the Region an exciting opportunity to significantly strengthen the presence of and accessibility to Heritage facilities and experiences, as Council begins taking over administration and management of our Heritage Sector. I acknowledge Council has recently invested in work reinstating the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre, operated by the Flaxbourne Heritage Trust. However, other important museum spaces, including the Edwin Fox in Picton, and spread throughout our Region, also need investment. Inflation, increased building maintenance costs [and old buildings], health and safety compliance, all affect these institutions, just like our own households. I waved a flag on their behaves. Please ensure at minimum safe, secure environments for the current collections to be stored and accessed. Council’s 2020/21 Annual Plan document stated that: Council’s Arts and Culture Strategy, and its Heritage Strategy, outline the Council’s roles in the arts and heritage sectors, and the ways in which it proposes working with the community to achieve outcomes for culture and heritage. These include: forming partnerships with organisations and institutions that contribute to cultural well-being (eg the collections database project); supporting projects that reflect and strengthen Marlborough’s cultural identity; and managing the cultural and heritage assets and resources in a sustainable manner. Council also provides annual heritage and arts operating grants along with access to a contestable grant fund. While a range of operating grants/contracts are provided to key heritage, arts and culture organisations in Marlborough, Council’s relationships with its partners in the heritage and arts sectors will remain its most important resource in delivering this Activity. However rather than thinking small change/s, I would like Council to “think big”. A lot of people have talked about the now vacant space in old library building as a new Museum site, excellent suggestion. Sometimes fiscally short-term pain, for long term gain, is the best option to be taken. Council’s budget forecasts revenue of $3.5 million from the sale of the old library site to help fund the wonderful new library/art gallery building. With the will of Councillors, Reserves funding could off-set this financial commitment. A strategically placed, approx. 1,200sq m, two story building, then remain in Council’s control, with an option of becoming a new Blenheim Museum and archive. Brayshaw Park then becomes Marlborough’s own Founders Park equivalent. I believe that Marlborough currently has a near “invisible” museum building at 26 Arthur Baker Place. The contents within those walls however have been modernized, upgraded [the Wine Exhibition, and Wairau Bar Exhibitions] and expanded within the confines of a very old, maintenance needy “box”. Who has visited Kaikoura recently? What a magnificent facility they have in their new museum. See attachment. TripAdvisor’s listing reads; Kaikoura Museum - A new state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history. We also have research facilities for historians and those interested in family histories of the district. Suggested duration 1-2 hours. We should be able to read the same for Marlborough! A state-of-the-art museum experience?

To not close off a potential avenue for future development of a Blenheim based museum building by selling out of Council’s control the old library building at 33 Arthur Street, while Council undertakes a review of all heritage related property, collections, and organisations involved in Marlborough’s heritage sectors. If Council’s revenue contribution of $3.5 million towards the new library must be completed in the 2023-4 fiscal year, then I request that additional Reserves funding is used by Council to “buy time” keeping the old library building until a full review and consultation process is completed. I am not against sale of Arthur Street in the future should a robust review of the Region’s heritage needs [with commensurate funding] suggest alternate [better] strategic direction/s. But in the meantime, let us not put the cart before the horse. Keep all options open.

Comments NA

I would like to commend the Council, and all those involved, for delivering the magnificent new Library/Art Gallery building due to officially open to the public this Friday. Blenheim has gained a multi-purpose community space. The bookable, small, seminar spaces and after-hour meeting room, will be a real plus for both small business, who currently tend to meet in café spaces and for the community’s Clubs in need of a comfortable, safe meeting/activity space. Modern libraries, like that about to open in Blenheim, offer facilities for everyone of any age, with comfortable reading spaces for hard copies of newspapers and magazines, through to digital access to the world, all with help on hand to assist with those searches. A bonus addition and one very much in harmony with a modern library, is the much improved, and expanded Millennium Gallery space, incorporated into the new building. This gallery will provide larger, nationally touring shows a high-quality exhibition space. As the opening of the ASB theatre showed, once quality, appropriate facilities, are provided, Blenheim takes her place on the touring “art’s” calendar. While the new site’s external landscaping, ground restoration and roadworks are completed, let us not lose site of the area’s master plan, of which this building is but one [important] part. The ASB theatre and community centre at the northern end, linked by the river, form the “arts and culture precinct” which flows all the way through to The Boathouse Theatre at its southern end, with The Quays riverside park curving up to the library/gallery in the middle section. Add in the new boutique Astrolabe winery and cellar door, due to open later this year. All the precinct’s points connected by the excellent shared pathways that criss-cross the area. [when not in flood] So, while we all focus on the [wonderful] new additions, let us not overlook the existing. The Boathouse Theatre, this year celebrating its 75th year of performances. This rather “invisible” anchoring point requires Council’s help with signposting and visibility. Tucked out of site, this special, unique performing space deserves to take an equally important place in the promotion of Blenheim’s “arts and culture precinct”.

That Council work with The Boathouse’s committee to ensure that all new Council signage for the “arts and culture precinct” area, physical and electronic, and including that for the new winery and cellar door, also include directions to The Boathouse Theatre. That the Council works closely with the sale/purchase process for the Marlborough Clubs building to ensure the best outcome for this significant piece of infrastructure, ensuring the result compliments the Community Centre and ASB Theatre.

Comments NA

I would like to see the Council [or its Contractor running the Blenheim Transfer Station as a requirement of future contracts] become more of the "Policeman", rather than purely the Receiver/Mover of solid waste. Education is important, but stricter interception at the “coal face” would help stop the loads of building site/demolition waste, recyclable [cardboard, plastic, timber, plant material] heading to landfill. Scientific evidence shows dumping of recoverable materials is not sustainable. Our lazy, or uniformed habits, adds directly to the world’s greenhouse gases and emissions.

The Staff working at the transfer station stop the dumping of recyclable materials. While they do a commendable job pulling metal and timber out of dumped loads, let us have them be proactive, not reactive. Eventually our habits will change.

Please enter your comments here Y

I believe the balance between rates and user pays are all correct.

See above.

Do you support an increased investment in funding to support making the Picton bus service permanent? Y

Need to subsidise as necessary to assist a private operator.

Comments NA

I support Kevin Wilson's submission for councils assistance to fund materials and fencing input for additional Mtb and pedestrian crossings within the Wither Hills Farm Park. That increased routine maintenance provision and input take place on Mtb trails within the Wither Hills Mtb Park to increase user safety and enjoyment. That a toilet be budgeted for and installed in the vicinity of the Redwood Street Farm Park carpark.

Comments NA

I support Ross Beech's submission for widening of New Renwick Road from Burleigh to Paynters Road to improve cyclist safety on this busy narrow road section. Also that a shared path be designed and installed beside Alabama Road between Redwood Street and Riverlands Hall, as identified within the Walking and Cycling Strategy. This would increase cyclist and walker safety and assist some Riverlands School children.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

My submission is that the Marlborough District Council develops safe cycling infrastructure throughout the region. Cycleways have become part of the infrastructure of many towns and cities in New Zealand. There are good reasons for this : 1. The increase in vehicle ownership and road use has made cycling more dangerous. Forty years ago cycling on our roads was normal and not considered hazardous. That has changed. As an example Waikawa Road has gone from 3422 vehicles per day in 2002, 5263 in 2014 to 8544 in 2019. Vehicle movement on this road in 1980 was probably minimal. 2. We need to do more than give climate change lip service. At least 40% of New Zealand’s carbon dioxide emissions are from use of vehicles. 3. Too much of our infrastructure is designed around cars. We have to park over 1.5 tonnes of metal that has probably only transported one person. Some studies have found that most trips are less than 5 km. Traffic management works on the assumption of up to 8 vehicle movements per property per day. Increasingly, we do not have enough space for cars.

Comments NA

See attached document

See attached document

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

Havelock Domain Thankfully provided by MDC as our home grounds for PRFC is in need of more parking, public toilets and storage for our growing community and club. When the Neil St upgrade was completed it was realised that we lost around 30% of our carparking spaces in the main carpark and along Neil St. There is only only unisex public toilet. We do hire the Havelock Pavilion at a cost to the club but these are generally used by players only for privacy and personal effects security. We also hire a small storage shed from HCA but our club is growing and we need more space for our kit and hope that you would be able to support us. We currently have a Senior team and five Junior Teams, that's around 80 registered players not including proud supporting parents, families and Pelorus cluster spectators. The carparking situation on trainings and especially home games is proving to be a congested area with overflow onto the Main Rd, which in turn effects local business trade (yes we have had complaints direct to support this), we try to encourage people to park along Peel St and at the carparks around the slipway. But this also has a ripple effect to residents, boat enthusiasts, and businesses in those areas too. We are having our five Junior teams playing this coming Saturday 13th May from 10:30am, please come down and see for yourself the effects mentioned above have. On behalf of the PRFC I would like to propose that the grass area behind the Netball courts be allocated for this purpose. This space is not utilised, and is really a dead space that could be turned into a positive move forward for our community. The knock on effect would be fantastic for the Netball club, the Mussel & Seafood Festival, visiting tourists and locals alike, supporting our local businesses with additional parking in the crazy summer months when Havelock becomes a hot spot. So it's not just for our club, it's for our Pelorus community. What a fantastic opportunity for us all!!

Comments NA

Please refer to the upload submission

Change the way that the Grovetown ratepayer is charged for their sewerage rates. No other ratepayer in Marlborough is charged over $1,230,00 per year, by the Council in just sewerage rates, to use the Blenheim sewerage ponds, like the Grovetown ratepayer is. Take a serious look at how stormwater can be dealt with cost effectively for those original ratepayers who were told, if Grovetown agreed to a sewerage scheme, we would be able to sub-divide our larger sections.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

We support increased investment in this space and seek the Council to consider investments around the development of the Whale Trail cycling/walking route. Specifically this includes the foreshore at Waitohi where users of the Whale Trail, Queen Charlotte Track and Linked Pathway all congregate. The routes for the Whale Trail through the townships of Waitohi and Blenheim will also require partnership and investment to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all and this will include wayfinding, directional signage, bike stands, connection with other walkway/bikeways and other aspects that make for a "bike friendly" environment.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

We support an increased investment in this space not only to support the Whale Trail development but also to continue the journey of making Marlborough increasingly "bike friendly" which answers a number of Council strategic imperatives including reducing carbon footprint by encouraging more active transport and helping to develop a more active, vibrant community. Regular re-grading of the Redwood Pass road following each vintage harvest so it is safe for cyclists and working with Kiwirail to improve the safety around rail crossings in the pathway of the Whale Trail are two practical examples of where we would seek Council support.

Comments NA

The Whale Trail will be a significant community facility once completed. We appreciate the support that the Council has already provided for the development of this trail and our Whale Trail team is simultaneously working with five key areas of Council: o\tMarlborough Roads o\tMarlborough Rivers o\tMarlborough Economic Development o\tMDC Parks & Reserves o\tMDC Building Consents

In the next 12 months we will be looking for partnership support around enhancing the trail route through the townships of Waitohi and Blenheim (some of these routes are likely to include existing reserves) and support with a significant tree planting programme throughout the length of the trail

Comments NA

The Whale Trail is anticipated to bring significant economic benefit to the province and in particular help rejuvenate spending in smaller communities such as Waitohi, Seddon and Ward.

We recommend a closer working relationship between the Council's Economic Development team, MBIE and the Whale Trail to ensure the economic opportunities of the trail are maximised. As such we would like to book in a planning meeting with all three parties over the next few months.

Comments NA

As Marlborough looks to encourage more active transport across the region, enhancing roads and footpaths so they are "bike friendly" makes good sense. We would suggest starting with those areas in Blenheim that have the highest traffic and that also border the proposed Whale Trail route

Continue to support the shared recommendations that comes from the Whale Trail's partnership meetings with Marlborough Roads.

Comments NA

Seeking an increase in the community contract grant to fund services and tasks as required by Council. We have also asked for assistance with items that need attention and those that the community wishes to pursue.

approve

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

Please view our submission in PDF format below.

Comments NA

Legion Legacy Charitable trust is a newly formed charity born from community involvement through Legion Taekwondo a not for profit that has been operating in the Marlborough region for over thirty years. In the past 4 years we have made a committed effort to expand our local clubs to allow for easier access to the wider community. We have created opportunities for the community to access our clubs by being located at local schools and community venues covering varied days and times throughout the week. We have teamed up with several schools in the community with an agreement that we do not charge any students from that school for the free use of their hall. Currently we have this agreement with Mayfield, Picton, Tuamarina, Spring Creek and most recently Witherlea school. We also have a club in Havelock which is being funded by the Havelock community, we do not charge any persons who attend this class, and a club ran out of MYSPACE in town where we are charged a small fee. Our commitment to the community is low to zero fees, we believe in putting the growth and development of our community first and will adapt our fees to accommodate the financial situation of the individual or whanau. The benefits we offer the community that trains with us is development in physical and mental health, social connections and support, more importantly a connection to our Marlborough community through activities we participate in. We attend to community needs by volunteering for odd jobs in the community, tidying peoples lawns and gardens for those physically not able too, and holding social gatherings for the community not just our students to name a few. Our future goals are to develope and run programs that promote educational outcomes, and a full te reo māori immersion classes something currently not done by any non-māori martial arts group in Marlborough possibly the whole of Aotearoa.

Financial support for Taekwondo pads and other nessaciary equipment to allow continued expansion within the Marlborough region. Financial support for petrol for our instructors who are volunteers to attend to teaching in Havelock and Picton areas. Financial support to whakamāoritia (translate into te reo māori) our syllabus. Financial support to cover ongoing rental of MYSPACE. If a possibility support in attaining a permanent location within the Marlborough community to run educational and other community benefiting programs. Nga mihi, Rana Moanaroa

Comments NA

Please see attached letter - Annual Plan Submission - and Supporting Documents

1.\tAmend Accessibility Policy to reflect the true needs of our disabled community to continue make it easier to see the need and then provide the facility for the accessibility we long for in our community. Taking away of 4.3 - Policy 4.3 - There will be two specialist change facilities located in Council buildings in Blenheim so even the possibility of asking for changing facilities isn’t prevented. 2.\tWe ask Council again to continue the work and commitment made towards an accessible change facility at Pollard Park. As seen in the letter provided the money earmarked for this project was asked to be used if a Changing Places NZ facility could go into the New Library, and if it did the need was still present for a changing facility at Pollard Park and should be looked into two years later. Given we are three years on we ask council to again recommit to this to make it happen. 3.\tWe ask Council to consider and commit to a Changing Places NZ facility in Picton to help service our changing needs, there is currently nothing there, there is space being made available with the Aquarium moved, the New Ferry Terminals are planned and Picton is the Gateway to our Region and gives residents and visitors the ability to change with dignity when coming off or going on the Interislander. What a way to greet and say goodbye to our visitors and look after our community. Everyone could enjoy New Years and Picton Foreshore events and selfishly We could also join our Mayor, Community and Service Members at the Picton RSA for future ANZAC Day Dawn Parades which we would love. 4.\tWith the ever-growing space out at Westwood Business Park, we ask council to commit when building proposed public facilities, they include accessible changing facilities for our disabled community that can be accessed 24/7. As the area grows and our families want to spend time out in the area, we need a place to change so we are not having to leave – taking away our opportunity to be in our community and our ability to support spending in our community. 5.\tWe ask Council to liaise with Changing Places NZ for consultation regarding a facility in Picton to service our community needs but also the needs of our disabled visitors, friends, and families. 6.\tWork with the Stadium 2000 to provide two additional change tables for the other family change rooms at the stadium to lessen the wait and danger times our disabled community face in entering and exiting the pools. Work with the Stadium to make two of the family change rooms specific to disability changes instead of being family change and help to educate and get the information out about why leaving these rooms for those that need it is so important.

Comments NA

Refer to attachment

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

All the above attributes encourage residents to use and enjoy the outdoors, contribute to our collective health [both physical and mental], make our region more appealing to both existing and potential new residents. I support increased investment. Specifically regarding the Dog Park: My observation is the Renwick dog park is highly successful, so Im sure the Blenheim dog park will be likewise and therefore support it..

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

Upgrades and improvements are necessary. All our infrastructure as a minimum must be maintained with upgrades and improvements added over time. . Road upgrades should be focussed on improving safety and reducing our carbon footprint. These should include speed reductions on both urban [30km/hr and rural [80km/hr] roads. Traffic calming methods should be used; speed bumps, rumble strips/raised cats eyes on both the centre lines and the road edge lines will reduce cashes from both deviation off-road and across centre line. More roundabouts on SH6, both at the Bells Rd/St Leonards Rd and Tancred Cres intersection and will improve safety. These improvements should have provision for cycle lanes. Road upgrades should not encourage more car use. Cycle ways [Should be called 'Shared Paths'] both urban and rural are critical community assets; they provide safe commuting, recreation and an attraction for tourists. Creating safer and more pleasant routes encourages more people onto bikes and to get out walking. This reduces traffic congestion, is good for our climate change goals and enhances community wellbeing.

Do you support an increased investment in flood protection and control work across the district? Y

Climate change is creating more significant rain events, our flood protection needs to keep pace with the effects of more rain falling in shorter time-frames. While stopbanks are maintained, upgraded or created new, the crowns/tops should be engineered as a Shared Paths.

Do you support an increased investment in funding for new sewerage treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines and other renewals throughout the region? Y

Sewerage systems will require upgrading to ensure: 1: Resilience against climate change 2: Meet new standards for discharge of treated water 3: Ensure both above ground [rivers and streams] and below ground [aquifers] water courses are protected from pollution by waste water. The 3 Waters/Affordable Water proposal should influence our expenditure pattern, let's not make large expenditures until the future of the proposed legislation is known.

Do you support an increased investment in drinking water improvements including new treatment plants in Blenheim, Picton, Renwick and Havelock; and a new reservoir in Picton? Y

New drinking water standards should be met and upgrade costs shared. The 3 Waters/Affordable Water proposal should influence our expenditure pattern, lets not make large expenditures until the future of the proposed legislation is known.

Do you support an increased investment in building capacity and capability to provide catchment care services to implement the NPS on freshwater management? Y

Implementing and honouring the requirements of the NPS in Freshwater Management, will halt the degradation of our fresh water and over time improve it. The proposed services should include monitoring and enforcement.

Do you support an increased investment in funding to support making the Picton bus service permanent? Y

The above question suggests Council are subsidising this route, I'm in agreement with Council providing a subsidy, and the service becoming permanent as long as: There is a viable business case, patronage is growing or projected to grow, the contract allows bus sizes to be varied according to demand, the service will be promoted by Destination Marlborough as tourists could boost the viability of it. 'Permanent' should mean continuous for an agreed fixed period [say 5 years] not ad infinitum.

Comments NA

With the recent changes to the funding and organisational structure of the Marlborough Museum a prompt review of its 'reason to be' is needed. I support council increasing the funding in the short term and developing a medium term plan to have some heritage assets within the town centre, to the mutual benefit of our town and the museum.

Review the Museum and increase its funding.

Comments NA

Attached is a document containing 7 numbered points that I wish to submit on in more detail.

Consider or adopt the points 1 to 7 in the attached document.

Comments NA

Refer to attachment

Comments NA

Killing of wilding pines on hill sides leaving unsightly scars. Often slips will start from where these trees have been growing. I think this should be looked at. Weeds. Fennel taking over along the rivers and now spreading down roadsides. This should be eradicated before it becomes a noxious weed and spread all over Marlborough. Just like old Mans beard.

Comments NA

Plus why is it that one complainant can have something removed. Eg the sculpture of the earth and sun etc that was at the top of Market street. It should have been at least 75% of people against it. Before it was moved.

Comments NA

I wonder why there is so much promotion on beautifying Marlborough when the Taylor river can be left for so long flooding, up over all the hard work and money spend below the Raupo Restaurant, and now in from the new library, an area what was meant to be for people to sit and walk around and enjoy. This is a real disgrace at the entrance to town. River work. Why are trees and logs not allowed to be taken out of the rivers. This debris is not helping left in the rivers especially in times of floods causing it to pile up under bridges and sooner or later will take one or more of the main bridges in and out of Marlborough. Plus it won’t stop in the rivers if there is major flooding it will cause havoc to buildings and vineyards if boundary banks break. Planting flaxes do not protect rivers as they float out in floods and tie themselves around other debris which blocks culverts and other smaller rivers More gravel should be taken out of all rivers so that it does not build up making the river bed shallow and prone to flooding.

Action required: earlier maintenance work on the river Action required: People should be allowed to go and get this wood out of the rivers or off river banks to help keep the river beds clean.

Comments NA

Issues that concern me are The amount of money being spent on cycle lanes and not fixing up roads, which are used by industries to make money for Marlborough. Cycle lanes are only for pleasure and should only happen after the fixing of all the roads. The waste of money spent on building the wall with the rocks on a long the side of the road from the roundabout at Rapaura Road and the Wairau Bridge. This was a great area for parking off the road for big vehicles to park and drop off trailers, and for transfers, plus for parking of vehicles for workers who meet up with other fellow workers to share a vehicle to work. All it is doing is pushing large vehicles further out on to the road blocking the view of the side road going to the river. All that it has done is made a barrier for anyone wanting to go to the toilet to go behind the wall and do their thing. It would have been far better to leave the space there and build the toilet for people to use. People travelling to Picton or Nelson will not go towards Renwick to used the dog park toilet so it needs one before the round about.

Action required: remove all of the rocks and walls

Comments NA

Rates. The rates have been reported as an average of 7.8%, mine is calculated out at over 9% . We do not get rubbish collection like others in town, nor sewerage or water systems. We pay for our own rubbish removal and pay for our pumped water.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

MMBC would like to see dedicated funding for the maintenance and development for the regions MTB trails.

Comments NA

Marlborough Mountain Bike requests a review of the regions MTB trails in regard to the develop of MTB trails to complete the trail network, allocated funds for the upkeep of the trails, and assistance with the costs surrounding Resource Consent applications for these projects.

MDC commission an MTB economic benefit study specifically relating to Marlborough. An audit of the current trail network looking at synergy of trails, grading of trails and subsequent safety concerns. Allocated funding for the upkeep and development of MTB trails. A review of the contractor approval process, including volunteers. Attached are 2 letters that provide further detail to the above.

Comments NA

Please find attached information.

We ask for the council's support with funding to upgrade our community memorial hall

Comments NA

We would like to discuss the opportunity of improving the existing facilities at the Lansdowne park netball courts. We propose the covering of 3 of our netball courts. This would allow for our tamariki, rangatahi and pakeke to play netball unhindered by extreme weather. The benefits that covered courts would give to the wider community would be ideal as all sports or events could utilise these facilities.

The approval and consent of the covering of 3 courts at the Lansdowne netball courts and the access to funding that the centre would need to fund this project.

Comments NA

The Marlborough Stadium Trust is a charitable trust operating a range of leisure facilities for the benefit of the wider community. It has very successfully operated the current aquatic centre along with the assoicated stadium and other facilities and community programme for 23 years. To that end the facility is 'the centre of activity' for Marlborough and respresents an 'integral hub' of our community. Our most recent annual report is attached to provide an overview of our organisation and benefits it provides to our community. The trust has a very long-term lease from the Marlborough District Council of the aquatic and stadium facilities and is supported by an operating grant from Council. The operating grant of $800k for the aquatics centre and $39k for the stadium was established around 10 years ago and the operating grant has remained at that level to this date. The aquatics centre and stadium are operated for the benefit of the community and as a result these cost centres operate at a net operating deficit. Our charitable trust is required to provide for a shortfall for aquatic operations and stadium operations. The shortfall is considerably greater today than when the operating grant was first established 10 years ago. We are the sole aquatic facility in Blenheim and the core aquatic facility provided to service the whole Marlborough region. The current contribution from Local Authority is less than 22% of total revenue. Significant increases in expenditure items including insurances, wages, energy costs and ongoing repairs and maintenance have been substantially absorbed by the trust to date. While the trust has some reserves, these represent our communities' contributions of many years of operation and are responsibly managed for asset replacement. Costs associated with facility operations have increased significantly over recent years and we are seeking an annual CPI adjustment to our operation grant already in place. This will keep the grant relevant with the hope of not imposing major additional expense on the Council for our existing facilities to be maintained. The community use and financial operation is contained in our public annual report and the unqualified audit achieved every year.

The trust notes that the Long-Term Plan proposed an increase to the trust's grants from Council and this submission seeks to request that this is upheld in the Annual Plan process. On behalf of the trustees, we sincerely thank you for your support and contributions to date both to our business and the community we serve. We hereby submit for approval an annual CPI adjustment to the existing annual grant and wish to speak to this submission if further information is required in seeking Council's support of our submission.

Comments NA

Picton Maritime Festival Our purpose is to raise funds and to create a fundraising platform, for other non-profit organisations, providing support for the benefit of needy and deserving groups, individuals, Community Organisations and projects within the Marlborough Community. It is very much about bringing families together, in a free, fun environment, to celebrate the unique maritime heritage of Picton. We have established a safe, enjoyable annual event for the whole family. We are determined to keep the festival free of charge as entry fees to these types of events are rapidly becoming beyond the financial reach of the average kiwi family. We are also striving to reduce the environmental impact as much as possible and strive to maximise the three ‘R’s’ as much as we can Reducing (Consumption), Reusing (items over again or in a new way) and Recycling (what cannot be reused). Other Benefits Monitoring of the festival has found on average about 6,000 people come to the festival each year. Volunteers going around the crowd asking visitors has found that: 25% to 50% of people coming to the festival were from outside Marlborough 50% to 75% were from Marlborough Based on this information we asked MDC to carry out an economic impact of the festival, based on external visitors it found that: There was a $36K to $56K boost to income (on top of the $80K PMF spends locally) 1.5 to 2 FTE jobs on an annual basis were generated Managing it's Cost After the review of the prior year’s festival to identify what worked, what didn’t, understand community & sponsor/supplier feedback – a budget is set. This is continually reviewed throughout the year, and updated as things change. Spending locally – over 90% of the expenses are spent in the Marlborough Economy e.g. Moved from a Waikato stage & sound supplier to using Marlborough Light and Sound (the largest expense of the festival) another example is not flying in entertainment from Auckland Through maintaining excellent relationships with our sponsors & suppliers we are able to utilise other things that they have to offer, e.g. The Interislander’s marketing and social media channels. Because of this the PMF Committee have been able to turn the festival into a two day event for the same cost at the previous one day version. The Cost of the Festival Each year we raise money through various means from the local community, local and national organisations, through small donations and sales over the two days of the festival. It is a reasonable balanced funding model, with 35% raised by sponsorship, 45% through grants (including the $10K MDC Grant), 9% from smaller donations and the remaining 11% in event proceeds. Just over half is spent on the entertainment for the day: \tStage Acts \tRoving performers \tFireworks \tComperes Just under half is spent on things like: The stage, tents and facility hire, advertising and promotion and administration. The single most expensive item is the hire of the stage, light and sound. Leaving about 8% to be donated back to local organisation's in the community and a scholarship to local schoolchildren. Only the monies raised via the bar are used for our donations. 2023 saw $5,800 given back to the community, on top of what they were able to raise themselves over the duration of the festival. The Picton Maritime Festival is facing cost pressures just like the council, other organisations' and commercial entities at the present. As an example, we are facing an almost to 25% increase in the cost of the stage at the festival. We welcome the opportunity to present our options to the council.

Increase the PMF Annual Grant by the lower of CPI or the Rates Increase each year. \t Investigate the options for having a suitable stage in Marlborough for events to use, thus eliminating having to hire in from outside the region.

Comments NA

Parks and Reserves, specifically the Manor Place Reserve in Redwoodtown. This reserve is grassed and is accessed by two rights-of-way from Manor Place, Lewis Street and from Redwood Street. Without a paved path t makes it difficult for people to traverse the park who have poor mobility, use a mobility scooter/wheelchair, or a push chair. In addition, people often get wet and grassy feet when they cross the reserve and so comment that they often avoid using the reserve as a shortcut to access local businesses, [e.g. Mitre 10, NPD Petrol Station, Countdown Supermarket and the Redwoodtown Shopping Centre] and when walking into town and return, via Redwood Street.

Approval for and the construction of a paved pathway in the Manor Place Reserve connecting the rights-of-way from Manor Place, Lewis Street with each other and to Redwood Street. This proposal is well supported by the neighbourhoods of Manor Place and Lewis Street as evidenced by a 38-signature petition that contains the signatures of local residents and reserve users who support this submission. This document is available to Council but has been withheld at this stage as it contains the personal contact details of the signatories. As a local community we would appreciate being consulted on the design of the proposed paths before they are finalized. Thank you for consideration of this submission.

Comments NA

The topic I wish to comment on is Parks and Reserves, specifically the Manor Place Reserve in Redwoodtown. This reserve is grassed and is accessed by two rights of way from Manor Place, Lewis Street with Redwood Street. Without a path it makes it difficult for people to traverse the park who have poor mobility and who use a scooter or a push chair. In addition people often get wet and grassy feet when they cross the reserve and so comment that they often avoid using the reserve as a shortcut to access local businesses, [e.g. Mitre 10, NPD Petrol Station, Countdown Supermarket and the Redwoodtown Shopping Centre] and to walk into town and return, via Redwood Street.

Approval to construct a pathway in the Manor Place Reserve connecting the rights-of-way from Manor Place, Lewis Street with each other and to Redwood Street. This proposal is well supported by the neighborhoods of Manor Place and Lewis Street as evidenced by the attached, signed petition. This petition contains the signatures of local residents and reserve users who were able to be contacted over the time period of 3 April to 5 May 2023. It is important that these paths are constructed in a way that preserves a central grassed area for children to play as they do now. As a local community we would appreciate being consulted on the design of the proposed paths before they are finalized. Thank you for consideration of this request.

Comments NA

Envirohub Marlborough submits to Marlborough District Council appealing for increased support for both the overall community, event organiser and our grassroots efforts in minimising waste and actively promoting and normalising zero waste practices throughout Marlborough with an emphasis on events. Our current waste management in New Zealand is not sustainable or viable long-term, with our own landfill quickly filling here in Marlborough. As a region, we are responsible for doing our part in changing our community-wide behaviours to become better ancestors to future generations and pass on an environment in far better health than our current practices continue to leave it. We at Envirohub Marlborough are actively working in the Zero Waste field with a particular emphasis on events. We believe starting with events has the ability to reach a larger number of people within our community in taking the vital first steps toward changing community-wide behaviours in waste management and minimisation. Our ultimate goal is to see EVERY event in Marlborough go Zero Waste. Please find attached a full submission on behalf of Envirohub Marlborough outlining our organisation's current Zero Waste efforts, benefits to the community, support we are seeking from Council and the overall and far reaching impacts we can acheive with Council's support. We are submitting this under 'other' as we believe our full submission covers multiple facets within the community including: Community wellbeing and support, Environmental Health, Environmental Protection, Regional Development, Waste Management and Waste Minimisation. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you require further clarification or information regarding the submission and our ongoing environmental and community work at Envirohub Marlborough. We look forward to speaking on behalf of our organisation and the wider Marlborough community in regards to our submission.

Greater support for community and grassroots efforts to drive zero waste practices throughout the region, with an emphasis on events of any size and type. As the only organisation within Marlborough actively pursuing Zero Waste practices at a grassroots level directly with members of the public, we are seeking MDC support to expand and continue these efforts. This includes financial support allowing for our service to reach further and be equitable and accessible to ALL members of our community and driving the community-wide change we need to minimise our environmental impact. For a full outline of our requests to Council, please see the full submission attached.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

An increase in Bicycle Infrastructure across Marlborough and in particular regional hubs like Blenheim and Picton to drive an increase in bicycling for urban trips and avoiding carbon dioxide emissions. By building bike infrastructure and ensuring our roads are safe for bicycles to use and converting lanes rather than constructing roads, council can also realise construction savings and operational savings. The impact of encouraging bike use includes reduced costs on health expenditure, congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution. Shifting passengers to lower emissions modes is a huge step towards achieving drawdown of emissions, and bicycle infrastructure is an important solution.

Do you support an increased investment in flood protection and control work across the district? Y

Green roofs of all residential and commercial buildings to support a simple carpet of hearty, self sufficient ground cover or may sustain full fledged gardens, parks or farms. The soil and vegetation insulate buildings to create efficient roofing. Green roofs also capture or slow water runoff and are part of a solution to flood protection across our community. Construction incentives for green roofs and building policies are key drivers of increased use. Another likely driver of adoption will be polices capitalising on their ability to retain urban stormwater retention and support wildlife habitats.

Comments NA

For Marlborough to be a thriving community for the future, we need to be attracting, enabling and supporting the activation of businesses and organisations that will further enable the reduction, drawdown and capture of carbon. These industries and solutions could be working across abandoned farmland restoration, alternative cement, biochar production (already underway), carpooling, composting, dynamic glass, efficient ocean shipping, forest protection, improved fisheries, landfill methane capture, micro wind turbines, offshore wind turbines, plant rich diets, public transport, reduced food waste, seaweed farming, waste to energy and walkable cities as some examples.

Campaigns that support innovation and imaginative solutions to craft organisations, business models and ideas to bring these into our community. Activating projects like "We love it here" to attract the next generation of environmental guardians who are innovative, thought leaders and have a creative approach to new ways and systems that could be part of these kinds of organisations that are developed around a solution to the wicked problems of our community.

Comments NA

Enabling solutions for organic waste through residential based Composting Bins and commercial scale compost bins for all businesses and organisations in our community to implement composting to ensure no organic waste to landfill.

Subsidised composting bins with the new roll out of wheely bins for general rubbish and recycling.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

The A&P Association is celebrating it's 150th Show on 3rd, 4th and 5th of November 2023. It is also starting stage 1 of the restoration project of the heritage sheep pavilion which is 100 years old this year. I have attached information regarding our plan activities for the Park this year in preparation for the upcoming show in November. We are seeking funding of $14,14,242.13 to replace the stables gates at the A&P Park

Comments NA

My plea is to separate town and country and to enhance living in Marlborough by setting aside a small area for a bike/walking path around the outskirts of Blenheim in all new construction. The extension of the town boundary to include areas to the North of Old Renwick Road means that soon a housing area will be right next to vineyards, farmland, industry. In order to enhance the city and to make a physical and "mental" break between the two areas, why not have a footpath/bike path? And my idea will make it safer to travel up and down Old Renwick Road because many bike riders will move to the path. Tourists will love it.

Please set aside walking/bike path areas in all new and existing development to create a walking/bike path around the perimeter of Blenheim. Nelson has extensive bike paths, and we could, too.

Comments NA

The Canvastown Community Assocation manages and maintains the Canvastown Hall. The Hall is used regularly by community groups, Canvastown School and local residents to hold events and activities including a regular yoga class, the annual school Christmas concert, an annual community market, weddings, funerals and similar events. The Marlborough District Council has provided the Canvastown Community Assocation with $2,000 per annum to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the hall. This figure has not been adjusted for a number of years and is no longer able to cover the costs associated with maintaining the hall.

The Canvastown Community Association request that the Marlborough District Council increase the annual Hall payment to $3,500 to cover the cost of upkeeping the Canvastown Hall. We also ask that this amount be subject to annual CPI adjustment to keep pace with inflation.

Comments NA

The Wairau Valley Community Hall and the Wantwood Room are two community facilities in Morse St, Wairau Valley. Both facilities require their parking areas to be resurfaced due to use, flooding and occasionally heavy trucks parking or turning. It makes sense to get both done at the same time, given the distance from main centres.

Assistance in funding, or co-funding, the community outdoor surface areas at the Wantwood Community Room and Wairau Valley Community Hall.

Comments NA

In 2019 the Recycling Facilities were taken away from Renwick. A research project we did found 24% of Renwick people that had been using the facility stopped recycling altogether. That's why it's great news that the council is introducing a kerbside collection in Renwick. However, I am concerned that this isn't taking place until July next year. That leaves over a year where Renwick locals still don't have any easily accessible recycling facilities. Small communities of Rapuara and Tua Marina have recycling facilities whereas Renwick which is significantly larger doesn't. From our research we found; Altogether Renwick locals travel over 340,000 km per year to take their recycling to a facility. That is nearly equivalent to driving to the moon or 8 times around the world! This is releasing a ridiculous amount of carbon emissions - per year 67269 kg (67 tons) of Co2 carbon emissions are being let into the air - so much that it is the equivalent weight of 11 elephants or 2000 kids. This is not even mentioning the time wasted. Altogether the Renwick community spends over 10,000 hours every year just driving to a recycling facility. This is the same as 430 days - more than a year wasted. The value of this time equates to over $200,000 minimum for Renwick locals each year. Attached below is a Word document with a link that (hopefully!) takes you to a presentation of our research.

A recycling facility (Container) for the period until the kerbside collection is put into place.

Comments NA

See above

Comments NA

With the new development of the Interislander terminal and the demolition of the Aquarium I think it's an opportunity to combine a building to include a picture theatre and the mooted hot pools. This would be a huge boost for Picton and those coming across on the ferry would be encouraged to stay in Picton for a while.

Consider investment into a new area for picture theatre/hot pools/ferry terminal.

Comments NA

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the MDC Council I am the recently appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Blenheim Club, and I have been reviewing its accounts. The Club is the heritage building behind the hedge at 92 High Street Blenheim. It was built 1903-1905, and is becoming seriously in need of repairs and maintenance. The costs are high. For example the roof will be some $140,000. Our attempts to fund those costs are being hampered by large expenses over which we have no control. The biggest of these is the Club's rates bill of $14,617.20 p.a.. Without financial assistance or relief the Club will be, and to a certain extent already is, in jeopardy. It would be both a shame and a pity if yet another Marlborough and Blenheim club is lost.

To reduce or remove the weight of the rates bill.

Comments NA

I am seeking the Council to investigate in purchasing the 6.4300ha block Property Number 256691, Valuation 20190 36000 Lot 2 DP 317380, next to Endeavour Park with the intention of combining the block to Victoria Domain Reserves. The block would then have a number of options to use such as a maze of tracks for children to explore like a Enchanted Forest with displays, ornament's and can be a theme to change when required. being located near Endeavour Park would be ideal for children to explore. I have seen many others in other towns, such as Lake Brunner/Moana, Golden Bay, Methven and they all become an attraction not only locals but visitors to the region. It would also be an opportunity to have all weather purpose track along side Endeavour Park to access the upper tracks, as it is very little use now as it gets very boggy and overgrown and due to the park having better tracks and as a far better access dog walkers are using the park instead. It will also be able an opportunity to protect the biodiversity with elimination of pests and protect current and future wildlife. https://smartmaps.marlborough.govt.nz/smapviewer/?map=4fda1ff4b0694393986fc58b9aa0a1d8&p=256691

Purchase of the 6.4300ha block and seek community feedback for options on what to do with that block with. Therefore the community will be able to be involved in a project they can contribute towards to. https://smartmaps.marlborough.govt.nz/smapviewer/?map=4fda1ff4b0694393986fc58b9aa0a1d8

Comments NA

The mission of Crossroads is to promote social justice and strengthen families and individuals to build a health, safe, inclusive society. We continue to see the same challenges in our community since Crossroads Marlborough began back in 2008 - poverty, mental/physical health, addictions, unemployment in post-COVID times, physical and intellectual disabilities, and the ongoing housing crisis, young whanau to the elderly living alone, Post-Covid conditions, and world events rapidly increasing the cost of living means we are needed now more than ever. We provide a wide range of services and connections for the local community: •\tsorting out accommodation and housing issues for those who have no residence •\t providing a drop-in centre for those who are socially isolated in need of companionship and support •\tadvocating for those who are unable to negotiate their way through government department processes •\tproviding a free source of food and very affordable meals •\tproviding a community dinner for those who struggle to make ends meet •\tsourcing work for individuals •\testablishing strong community connections and organisational networks guiding and working alongside individuals as required. Crossroads, through its operational facility John's kitchen and Koha Café, provides an essential one-stop shop, providing non-judgemental practical assistance, a listening ear, advocacy, and referral and provision of access to low-cost, high-quality food. Being a part of a non-judgemental and very inclusive organisation, promotes a sense of belonging and increases self-esteem. We continue to meet the many needs of Marlborough’s ever-changing diverse community in times of financial and personal hardship. Increasingly we are seeing more people daily with inadequate homes or no housing, unemployed or ACC beneficiaries with limited abilities and income, people with a physical and/or intellectual disability, and ongoing physical/mental health conditions that cause people to struggle coping with day-to-day activities. •\tOur Community Kitchen and Koha Café serve breakfast, lunch, and hot soup daily to 50+ patrons daily. •\tWe are finding we need to prepare a higher volume of food •\tWe produce a weekly Community Dinner for 50-60 diners •\tFoodbank Marlborough referrals continue to be in demand. •\tWe now need to provide Urban Harvest emergency Food Parcels as more urgent emergencies have arisen. •\tElderly have been identified requiring more support and we have partnered with Age Concern and the Pelorus Area Health Trust to cook and provide frozen dinners for them. •\tWe provide bread distribution during and after hours that is accessed by many more uncounted people. We provide a place of manaakitanga and whanaunatanga where many regard Crossroads Marlborough as a place to go to, and their home. Testimonial from Crossroads client. “When the streets are cold and empty at night, you go and put your head down in a park or a place where it is safe and well lit. So, when income support says no to you and they repeat that over 10 years, you become structurally dependent on yourself. Crossroads deals with people in emergency situations that social services can't help with, without referrals and applications. People who fall outside of the square, living in rentals. We end up living in places we were never meant to be. When you don't have a family structure, when you don't have a social structure, you go wherever you can go. You go to a driveway, you go to a doorway, you go anywhere - I went to a lumber yard. During COVID shutdown, Crossroads put me in touch with Housing First and I was put into proper accommodation. I was sleeping rough for 10 years before that because every place would end after 6 months, and I would have to start all over again."

Crossroads is well integrated in the community, and we network with many other agencies, so there is no overlapping of services. We are reliant on grant funding, donations, voluntary help and a substantial amount of in-kind donations. Unfortunately, due to the current financial climate donations and in-kind donations have decreased significantly. Would Council be prepared to make an annual contribution towards the running costs of Crossroads please?

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

The Havelock Community Association look forward to an improved playground beside the Pavilion at Memorial Park. The bike pump park put in last year is very popular with our youth. Thank you. Nel Street improvements have made a huge difference to the access to the Park Thank you.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

Thank you for the improoved footpaths in Havelock, especially the one being presently constructed down Mahakipawa Road. This provides safety for our residents.

Do you support an increased investment in funding for new sewerage treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines and other renewals throughout the region? Y

After the floods of July 2021 and August 2022 it was realised that the sewerage system in Havelock is fragile. Our residents look forward to this being addressed.

Do you support an increased investment in drinking water improvements including new treatment plants in Blenheim, Picton, Renwick and Havelock; and a new reservoir in Picton? Y

Yes the residents look forward to healthier water

Do you support an increased investment in building capacity and capability to provide catchment care services to implement the NPS on freshwater management? Y

With two rivers feeding into the Havelock Estuary (Pelorus and Kaituna) it is imperative that this freshwater is managed before it arrives into the head of the Pelorus Sound, and dispersed from there. Crucial for aquatic life.

Comments NA

The HCA are grateful for the continued funding from MDC to the running and upkeep of the Town Hall and the Pavilion. Our committee and administrator have worked hard to keep these community facilities in good demand and are proud of the improvements achieved this last year. The Town Hall has new curtains thanks to the partnership of the HCA and the Havelock Theatre Company. The Pavilion has a new smart TV on a stand to be used by the many different groups for their gatherings. Thank you MDC for giving HCA a Community Grant towards the purchase of this. Wifi is available in the Town Hall and will be available in the Pavilion later this month.

Comments NA

There is no Council Funded Housing for Seniors in Havelock which is a shame. When senior residents reach a stage where they require assisted living, they have to leave Havelock which is a wrench, particularly if they have lived in Havelock for a period of time.

Comments NA

Volunteer Marlborough has been operating independently in Blenheim since 2009. During this time, we have had a partnership agreement with Council to provide sector relevant training for the community groups & organisations in the region. This agreement has been focused on increasing the capacity & capability of the organisations in order to respond to the needs of our community as a whole. Historically, our core services have been solely recruitment and referral of volunteers alongside this training, however over the years this has developed to be a more all encompassing support of volunteering in our community. As a small organisation ourselves, we now support over 200 community organisations & groups in the region, working alongside and collaborating with many. We strive to improve best practice in the leading and management of volunteers, raise awareness of the importance of volunteering to the local community, support professional development, and develop positive local opportunities for any individual or group that is interested in giving of their time and energy. We provide a human experience with collaboration, diversity, progressiveness, and inclusiveness whilst also providing services tailored to the needs of the organisations we support and the wider Marlborough community. We are the people, the eyes and ears on the ground, that can give everyone an opportunity regardless of age, gender, orientation, ethnicity, disability etc. The VM staff and board are ever aware of the gap that remains in the volunteer workforce post-Covid and how that aligns with the issues being faced by many Marlborough residents seeking skill building and employment opportunities. Our Council has, on many occasions, acknowledged that the volunteer sector is what drives the deliver of many of the community services and we are in a unique position of being able to support volunteering in all its forms, including pathways to employment. Statistics NZ projects that the over-65 demographic in Marlborough will increase from the 23% it was in 2018 to more than 34% in 2043. This changing age structure of the community will pose challenges for many core services, community support agencies, and more. Engaging with our youth, migrants, families, and business groups helps to sustain the flow of volunteers and build in future leaders and residents who are passionate about the region in which they live, creating a region where they feel valued and engaged, encouraging them stay in Marlborough rather than moving on. Core operational costs are crucial to secure the ongoing sustainability of the services that we offer and these costs are often the hardest to secure. By securing core costs we are able to continue to employ experienced, enthusiastic, motivated, and diverse staff to ensure our services continue to be offered at a consistently high standard, ultimately improving the health and well-being of volunteers, the sustainability of the hundreds of community groups and organisations which we serve, and the wider community that they impact.

We seek an annual operating grant for Volunteer Marlborough of $15,000. Our organisation is dedicated to our vision of being a leading organisation supporting the community and volunteer sector in Marlborough and our mission of empowering and connecting people & organisations through the provision of training and support to increase participation and engagement in volunteering and mahi aroha. Over the past few years, we have seen significant growth and are reaching more individuals and groups in the community than ever before. An annual operating grant would allow us to continue providing our current services and to expand our reach to even more of the community. We believe that the work of Volunteer Marlborough aligns with the long term vision of the Marlborough District Council, and we are committed to achieving positive outcomes for the community and people that we serve. We are confident that this operating grant would help us to continue to make that difference.

Comments NA

Please see attached.

Please see attached.

Do you support an increased investment in funding for new sewerage treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines and other renewals throughout the region? Y

Increased Investment would support the building of Housing for Seniors, like we propose for Abbeyfield.

Comments NA

Abbeyfield New Zealand was founded in 1992 and is part of an international Abbeyfield network started in the UK. Today there are Abbeyfield houses in New Zealand providing a home to 161 residents. In the South Island alone, four are at its top in Takaka, Motueka, Stoke and Tahunanui, and local societies are actively working to establish houses in Greymouth and Blenheim. Abbeyfield New Zealand is a registered charity (CC23346) and a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP) with the Community Housing Regulatory Authority, and a member of Community Housing Aotearoa. Abbeyfield is described by its founder Richard Carr-Gomm, as a 'voluntary effort by people of goodwill to assist older people to achieve a fulfilling way of life." Abbeyfield believes that 'many older people suffer from loneliness and insecurity, finding it difficult to maintain a large house, and failing to cook themselves nutritious meals, These same older people have an important role to play in the lives of their families, friends and communities. 'Individuals can work together to help older people have a secure, comfortable life with the companionship of a small household'. This is what Abbeyfield Marlborough seeks, in helping address the growing needs of our senior citizens.

As part of the establishment of an Abbeyfield house some 2000m2 of level land is required. A search of Council Reserves within Blenheim found that the land at the south east end of Kingswell Drive, that has a small playground, was the ideal location. The attached plan by Surveyor Perry Gilbert shows a possible subdivision of 2054m2 of the total Reserve of 5583m2. This possible site is an area clear of trees and adjacent to the play ground. It is also close to the existing Council services in Kingswell Drive. The history of this site is that the Crown in 1976 carried out a new residential subdivision of some 35 lots starting in from Colemans Road. Then the State Advances Department promoted the provision of the land lots for new families seeking to be housed. They could then take up the low interest loans available at the time for house building. The site construction work required was carried out by the Ministry of Works. In 1983 Lot 35 was gazetted as a Reserve and vested in the Blenheim Borough Council.

Comments NA

Our organisation has followed and supported Council since the concept of the Wairau River Recreational Reserve was first muted several years ago. MDC had allocated $30k to kick-start this initiative and then another $10k was put toward the project. It was also observed that MDC had applied for another $100k from the "Better Off" fund set up under Three Waters funding. As this was a joint Iwi/MDC project, a Project Co-ordinator was approved by Iwi and hired for the position. Unfortunately this person was head-hunted to a Ministry Department, and the work on forming the Reserve concept stopped. We have waited close to a year for a replacement for the project to be appointed, and have been told by council staff that the main thing holding this appointment up is, "that the MDC staff member handling this appointment is too busy". It truly beggars belief that this could happen with an initiative which has so much community support and the funding in place for it to proceed. This project could be one of Marlborough District Council's greatest legacy in years to come, and it has just died since losing the appointed co-ordinator.

Firstly, we would like an accurate explanation why this project has stalled. Secondly, we would like to see a new co-ordinator appointed immediately and for this project, which had full Council support, to be put back on Council's agenda for 2023/24 with full funding as was originally allocated.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Reduce

Please read our attached proposal. It outlines how Picton Dawn Chorus will facilitate a reduction in outgoing ongoing costs for planting, spraying and mowing on community land whilst boosting the biodiversity within Picton to support native birdlife.

Comments NA

The Dark Skies movement globally has started communities looking at light pollution and the negative impact this has on the health, well-being and safety of both people and wildlife. Dark Sky reserves and sanctuaries are being set-up across New Zealand, with Wairarapa, Aotea / Great Barrier, Aoraki / McKenzie and Rakiura / Stewart Island being recent examples of Dark Sky Reserves being established. Dark Sky communities also see savings on their power bills through cutting energy usage, as well as the economic benefits of dark sky tourism. Most of the Marlborough area has amazing dark skies, however each year this is slowly being reduced. Our submission is to ask the Council to support a Dark Skies group, to investigate the benefits for the region and look to join up with the planned Dark Sky reserve being set-up in Kaikoura. See supporting document for full submission.

1)\tWe are looking to Council to agree that the creation of dark skies reserves / parks / places should be investigated. 2)\tThe establishment of a working group to work through what is involved. Parties to be involved would need to include: •\tOmaka Observatory •\tCouncil staff from environment and planning teams (and any other effected parts of Council). •\tDestination Marlborough As part of this working group, we would look to Council to provide time from staff to be involved as well as using Council facilities to engage with a sample of rural communities to gauge local commitment. We would recommend that the working party then report back to council with recommendations of how to proceed, costs and benefits. 3)\tCouncil to promote dark sky friendly lighting on any replacement or new work being undertaken and on-buildings and car parks by it and its commercial subsidiaries (dark sky friendly lighting should save money in the long run due to less energy use and therefore have a zero-cost impact to the Council).

Comments NA

The Sounds Vehicle Trust was formed in 2015 when the late Bryan Strong realised that Sounds residents faced huge financial losses in order to attend medical consultations in both Wairau and Nelson hospitals. The amount required was in excess of $1000 when including ferry fare, taxi fare and overnight accommodation. He formed a committee and we presented our idea to MDC that we could form a Trust to transport residents as passengers to consultations and minor surgery. We had an idea but no car, no drivers and no money. MDC decided to provide assistance and our champions were Lyn Reeves and Dean Heiford. Initially we rented cars from Omega Rentals and managed to find volunteer drivers from Volunteer Marlborough and by word of mouth. We gained members from any outlet where we could promote our cause and charged $15 for a lifetime membership. The demand exceeded our expectations and Omega Rentals offered to sell us two older cars at excellent prices. We raised the money from Rata and Council. Those two cars, now known as The Clunkers are still in use today and now each has almost 300,000 km on the clock. We have been fortunate in gaining free servicing and maintenance from Picton Tools and Tyres, Motorworld and Mag and Turbo Blenheim. Signs Now in Picton have provided heavily subsidised signage for all the cars. It became obvius that our service allowed passengers to remain in their own homes and removed the need to move closer to a hospital. Many elderly people often lose their licences and have to rely on family for transport. This can often result in loss of earnings for the family member. In addition the drive over Highway 6 to Nelson can be daunting particularly in winter. Initially we charged $40 for a return trip to Nelson, and $20 from Picton to Wairau hospital. Our fame spread and Greypower asked if we could include Blenheim residents. We based a car in Blenheim and recruited local volunteer drivers. Inevitably we changed our name to Marlborough Community vehicle Trust (MCVT). Demand exceeded our capability and in late 2021 we purchased an additional newer car from Omega Rentals Picton. Unfortunately the combined obstacles of Covid and high fuel prices caused financial problems, so much that we were seriously concerned. Dean Heiford suggested that we ask for assistance with operating expenses using the annual plan. We received a one off payment of $20,000 to be used over three years for operating expenses and the gloom lifted. Coincidentally, and very timely we were gifted money from Picton Medical Trust and Picton Resource Centre. We have also received donations from private individuals, Picton Flower Ladies and gained subscriptions from the Seniors Expo. Jodie Griffiths, a council employee and good friend of our Trust, asked if we would like to be gifted a car from Marlborough 4FUN which was closing down. The car had only 60,000 km on the clock and is the one now most used by Picton drivers. Our most important asset is our wonderful volunteers. We have more than 30 drivers, 9 Board members and almost 400 Trust members. We now charge $30 to transport passengers from Picton to Wairau hospital return and $60 for a return trip to Nelson from either Blenheim or Picton. We are the only means for people to attend these hospitals at a time of their choosing. There is no other service to transport passengers to Nelson and our service is in constant use. Nelson Hospital frequently ask us to collect discharged patients, often at inconvenient times. We are currently fund raising to obtain a Hybrid car and minimise pollution from our clunkers. We are not asking council for financial assistance. Our budget and expenditures are shown in uploaded ocumentation

For the Marlborough Community Vehicle Trust to remain on the Annual Plan for the next year. We are included in the Strategic Plan, and the 5 year Marlborough Age-Friendly Strategy. We ask Marlborough District Council to provide support and assistance to minimise current problems with the District Health Board. This includes transporting patients for dialysis and 'rescuing' discharged patients. We regard that our duty of care does not end until the patient is safely in their own home and have essential supplies. We do not require any financial assistance. We suggest that it may be necessary to include our local MP, Stuart Smith when dealing with DHB. Stuart is a supporter of MCVT.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

The above list does not specifically name "community halls" but we imagine this is captured in this category of the Draft Plan. Our submission is uploaded separately to this space. See uploaded Word document.

Comments NA

Alcohol Licensing

Introduction The Marlborough Alcohol Governance Group (MAGG) was established in 2015 as part of the Safe and Sound at the Top group. MAGG was established with the aim of reducing alcohol related harm in the Marlborough community. MAGG has a wide membership made up of representatives from the Alcohol Industry, Local and Central Government Agencies, Emergency Services, Health, and Addiction Service Providers. Executive Summary MAGG believes the introduction of a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) by the Marlborough District Council would enable a reduction in the current level of alcohol related harm in our community. A LAP would also prevent future deterioration of the alcohol supply environment in Marlborough. For these reasons MAGG submits that the development of a LAP should be included in the work plan for the MDC Annual Plan 2023. What is a Local Alcohol Policy? A local alcohol policy (LAP) is a set of decisions made by a local authority in consultation with its community about the sale and supply of alcohol in its geographical area. Once a LAP is in place, licensing bodies must consider it when they make decisions about alcohol licensing applications. The LAP can include conditions on: •\tOpening hours for on and off licences •\tLocation of licensed premises in terms of proximity to places of particular kind (e.g. education facility, medical facility, marae) •\tDensity (total number) of licensed premises •\tTotal number of premises in a particular community •\tOperation of licensed premises (e.g. provision of security staff at certain hours, prohibition on single sales of alcohol) •\tOne way door restrictions in certain areas or hours of operation.   Why should Marlborough develop a LAP? The presence of alcohol related harm throughout New Zealand is well documented. Marlborough is facing the same issues as every other community in terms of alcohol being a significant contributing factor to harm in: •\tRoad trauma •\tFamily violence •\tAssaults •\tSexual Assaults •\tHarm to health o\tED and hospital presentations o\tInjuries o\tLong terms conditions e.g., foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), various cancers, heart disease. •\tSocial impacts o\tLong term wellbeing of Marlborough residents and visitors at work and play o\tProductivity - workforce absenteeism o\tWorkplace injuries o\tCommunity cohesion A LAP allows the Marlborough community to develop a set of principles that will guide our licensing bodies in the monitoring, maintenance, and development of the alcohol supply environment that the community live, work, and play in. A LAP is developed following community consultation, so provides clarity to elected officials about community views as well as certainty to the alcohol industry about what commercial activity is acceptable to the people of Marlborough. This clarity will enable a more streamlined licensing process and should prevent the same issues being canvassed with each new licence application. Conclusion There is an opportunity through the development of a LAP to provide a greater voice to the Marlborough Community about the local alcohol supply environment. It will provide certainty about the expectations of the community to both the current operators in the alcohol industry and those wishing to develop new businesses. The LAP will offer the licensing body guidelines to operate under and offer the best chance of maintaining an environment that minimises the harm that alcohol is causing to our community.

Comments NA

Marlborough continues to face an alarming trend in youth wellbeing and mental health, and a looming employment crisis – exacerbated by an ageing population, young people moving away, the pandemic, and a disconnect between youth and local industry. “In New Zealand we are facing an alarming trend in the mental health and wellbeing of our young people." (Marlborough GP - Dr Rachel Inder) “Youth engagement in local employment” was identified as the #1 priority in a ‘Labour Skills Shortage, Smart and Connected Forum’ in 2019. Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough is already engaged in the important priority areas of youth wellbeing, and in helping the skills and labour shortage within the region. With your support we are reaching over 3,200 Marlborough young people and have programmes and initiatives in place to assist with addressing these issues. * Extension of Career Navigator * With MDC support the Career Navigator programme was initiated in two Marlborough colleges (MBC and MGC) in 2018. In recent years Queen Charlotte College and Richmond View students have entered into the programme also. The skills shortage highlights the ongoing need for increased connection between young people and employers. The continued strong support from our business mentors, the overwhelmingly positive feedback, and the continued expansion into other schools, highlights the strength the local community sees in this programme. Thanks to the additional MDC support last year we were able to expand Career Navigator - in the latter half of 2022 and first half of 2023 - to an additional 18 hours of additional delivery sessions, to nearly 600 students in Year 10 and 11 (effectively at a cost of just $22 per student). There is potential to increase the scope of Career Navigator still further and reach even greater numbers of Marlborough young people through all local colleges. * Capacity Building * The status of youth wellbeing has a major impact on a region’s economic and social vitality and future potential. We would like to see MDC spearhead a research project to develop a comprehensive benchmark of youth wellbeing in the region/local economy. With a clearer picture of what is happening, and needed, in our community, capacity can be built and resources better targeted to meet that need. A comprehensive stock-take of youth wellbeing and the relevant hauora and employment issues (backed by research and data) would be beneficial for many stakeholders across the Marlborough region (MDC, GDF, youth organisations, schools etc). It would enable a clear picture of the issues facing our region and a solid basis for resource allocation and regional focus. This would also build the capacity for accessing greater central government support for local initiatives.

Our primary purpose in making a submission is that we wish to thank Council for your ongoing support of our programmes, and acknowledge the tremendous impact this has for the thousands of young people in our region. Should there be funding available to continue the additional support for Career Navigator through to the upcoming year, we would be most grateful, and it would allow us to work with increasing numbers of students in the region. We also propose the Council spearhead a research project to create a comprehensive benchmark of youth wellbeing and employment issues in the region/local economy. With a clearer picture of what is happening, and needed, in our community, capacity can be built and resources better targeted to meet that need.

Comments NA

ATTACHED IN FULL: Marlborough Four Paws Submission for MDC 2023-24 ANNUAL PLAN. In short: We are predicting an imminent explosion in the stray cat population which will decimate our endemic bird and lizard populations, and pose serious health risks to both stray animals, pets and humans alike. Our submission for the MDC 2023-24 Annual Plan is a stray cat population management plan. Please view our submission document attached.

ATTACHED IN FULL: Marlborough Four Paws Submission for MDC 2023-24 ANNUAL PLAN In short: The urgent decision we seek from Council is that a management plan for the stray feline population be included in the Marlborough District Council 2023-24 annual plan. Please view our submission document attached.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

As a part of the A&P Park upgrade Marlborough Farmers Market is requesting funding to allow improvements to the A&P park to address a number of health and safety issues and to facilitate the future expansion of the market. These proposed improvements will not only benefit the Marlborough Farmers Market and its customers but will benefit other uses of the A&P park. Marlborough Farmers Market plays a critical function for Marlborough’s community, tourism, regional food security and start-up businesses. The market suffered some financial setbacks as a result of Covid, as a consequence the market is undergoing a period of regeneration. It has formulated a vision to see it through for the next 10 years. A new market layout is a key contributor to realizing the vision. The new layout will addresses a number of historical issues, Health and Safety issues, future growth whilst ensuring the market remains a great place for families to gather, shop and support local businesses. Whilst the market only trades on a Sunday it remains important to our local economy and the Region as a weekly free to attend event that attracts on average over 1000 visitors per week. Whilst it is equal to a supermarket it stronger in a number of areas in that it provides locally grown high quality fresh produce, it supports local growers and producers, it gives access to the market place to established business as well as start-up businesses and is integral in achieving a strong regional food security structure. The Market has identified that it needs to regenerate to remain fresh and vibrate. It has already successfully started this process with an increase in new stall holders and people regularly attending the market. It also understands the importance of encouraging the next generation of stall holders and customers to enable continued future growth into the future. In the short term the Market needs to achieve the proposed infrastructural changes to allow the market to achieve a layout that addresses H&S concerns and a foundation for the market to work from for the next ten years. Throughout the development of this plan Marlborough Farmers Market has have been in consolation with the A&P Committee through their Chairperson and is fully support by the A&P Committee. This plan will require support from the Marlborough District Council in the short term financially and continued engagement with various Council departments to achieve the on going potential return for both the local community and the wider Region. A detailed annual plan that incorporates all of the proposed changes is attached to this application

Comments NA

I would like to submit an application for funding in the annual plan to extend the mowing contract on the upper Taylor river reserve to include the Disc Golf course. It has huge public benefit and Udisc data supports the growing and popular use of the course. We would also like to plant a few more Pine and Poplar at the north end.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

Consistent with our vision of providing equitable opportunities and experiences for young people to be physically active and alongside our purpose of improving community wellbeing through physical activity, we support any initiatives designed to increase accessibility to quality green spaces, playgrounds and reserve areas. These areas are an essential part of providing people with opportunities to recreate, especially in an urban environment, at little or no cost thus removing one of the main barriers to people being physically active for the good of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

We support any options to improve active transport connections to develop the cycle/walk network in Marlborough. Active travel options through safe provision of walking /cycleways provide the health benefits of being physically active, but also provide many additional benefits such as improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and reduced carbon emissions. The development of the Renwick Cycle Trail will be a welcomed addition to Marlborough's existing cycle trail network.

Comments NA

We are pleased to note Council's commitment to the continued investment in community sport and recreation facilities and reserves. As previously mentioned these areas are an important part of the regions sport and recreation network which provide innumerable opportunities for Marlburians to be physically active for the good of their health. The Lansdowne Sports Hub is an important asset for sport in Marlborough. So often a facility such as this is built with little consideration of the ongoing operational costs. It is therefore pleasing to see Council increasing its support for the hub's operations. We would support any ongoing work that increases the resilience of spaces and places used for physical activity, including facilities, assets, and reserves. We look forward to continuing to connect with Council staff to help review development opportunities for physical activity, utilising the Top of the South Spaces and Places Strategy received by Council in 2021.

No formal decision sought.

Comments NA

We understand and acknowledge that increasing costs are impacting on Council operations. However, we also note that as discretionary income reduces, many people choose not to engage in physical activity due to actual or perceived costs. As much as we face a cost of living crisis, so do we recognise an underlying sedentary lifestyle crisis which is impacting significantly on the region’s health and wellbeing. We would ask that Council consider this before deciding on a fully inflation based rates increase.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

Wairau Valley would like consideration to street lighting and assistance to work towards night sky status. We also ask that the Morse St bridge which is in a poor state be upgraded funding for this project was approved some time ago but never actioned

Do you support an increased investment in flood protection and control work across the district? Y

We have already contacted council re this issue and in particular the revitalizing of the Anderson floodway. Consideration is requested to resource consents to be more robust with respect to vineyard development up stream from the township as we have a number of affected land owners now receiving excess run off as a result of existing natural run off swales and drains being reshaped or removed altogether. Development close to the township is now causing flood water to run down the main road trough the village. Silt and debris run off has in many places raised the river bed level of the Hillesden Stream creating a wider spread of run off affecting properties especially on tee south side of the village main road.

Do you support an increased investment in reviewing and subsequent consultation of the Wairau River Rating Scheme? Y

This is a serious issue and timely. We believe the Valley needs to be brought back into the rating scheme with the proviso we get both remedial work and ongoing support to limit run off through the Village. The local community does not want to become just an additional source of funds .With restoring the Anderson floodway cleaning the Hillersden stream and more robust control of upstream land development consents that currently just shoves the run of problem down the road flooding risk in the Village will be substantially reduced. We have a number of seriously affected land owners that would welcome further discussion on this issue.

Comments NA

Endeavour Park is a Dog Prohibited area as stated in the Dog Control may 2021 Bylaw. Endeavour Park Note: dogs are allowed on-leash on the Joseph Sullivan Drive footpath to access various tracks. Note: dogs are allowed off–leash on the Picton to Waikawa Track (but not on Endeavour Park). Daily many dog walkers use this park as either an access way to other tracks or exercise area. The lay out has caused this ever since the park was first established, helped with tracks leading to the park. When the Memorial Park is restricted due to car parking of events has created the Endeavour Park as another by default dog exercise area. Visitors to the region park cars/campervans in both top and bottom carpark and use the park for dog exercise areas. Although there are several signs it is having little effect, some have been vandalised or removed completely, and many are never replaced. There used to be a sign on a post at the entrance Waikawa road, another on a post at the top of that track and an another one on other side top of tracks, all are stolen. The entrance track form the reserve is ongoing misused as dog walkers ignore the sign and are not using the track provided for them to access the top tracks. It also is used to access carparks or to nearby homes. It is time for the council to get serious about this issue with solutions as a way forward. Improved robust signs, education of users and more regular patrolling for longer period's of time are some suggestions, but I am hoping the council can find some ways to protect this park as any fines will be not what I would like to see.

The council find some ways to protect this park as a dog prohibited area and to enforce, uphold and maintain the bylaw's the council has in place. Doing nothing is a not an option, so go hard, go early, would be a good approach to finally resolve this issue for once and for all for future generations.

Comments NA

Refer to attached document

Refer to attached document

Comments NA

The New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen (Federation) is a national organisation representing the interests of small-to-medium fishers across New Zealand. These fishers are significant contributors to the country’s economic well-being and food security, supporting jobs/the seafood sector in regional Aotearoa and putting kaimoana on tables nationwide. The Federation works to ensure these hardworking Kiwis are supported at the local level, with council policies that ensure they can work in a coastal environment that is safe and conducive to a healthy, sustainable blue economy. The Federation welcomes the opportunity to submit to Council’s Annual Plan 2023/24, and is doing so to support fishers in the region and to provide feedback from an industry body that is committed to supporting New Zealand’s seafood sector and the environmental, economic, and community benefits it provides to the country’s coastal regions. In March 2023, the Federation surveyed its members to gather qualitative and quantitative data on the effects of land-based activities and severe weather events on the marine environment, fishing and their businesses. The survey had a short lead-in time to allow the Federation to include the results in this submission. Twenty fishers from across New Zealand participated in the survey, and the Federation is confident the sample size is representative based on the conversations we have with fishers on a daily basis as they inform us about what they are seeing and experiencing on the water. Seventy-five percent of fishers “strongly agree” that the quality of water where they fish is worse after heavy rain or storms, due to silt, slash or other debris rubbish, describing long plumes of sediment or potentially hazardous logs in the water. Furthermore, 50 percent “strongly agree” and 20 percent “agree” these levels of silt, slash and other debris have had a negative financial impact on their business. This includes fishers active in the Challenger Region, which encompasses the Marlborough Sounds, Tasman and Golden Bays, and the West Coast.

In light of these results, the Federation is advocating for Council to use this engagement period to prioritise budget and staff hours to developing a holistic, integrated management approach to land- and marine-based activities that fall under Council’s authority in its subsequent Annual Plan 2023/24 and upcoming Long-Term Plan, including (but not limited to) forestry, agriculture, stormwater/wastewater management, and ecosystems management, to ensure that the effects of land-based activities do not impact our rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. The Federation strongly believes it is one of Council's essential responsibilities to dedicate resources to maintaining this natural taonga. Council must invest in a far more wide-reaching, holistic "mountains to sea" policy approach in its annual and long-term planning. Council needs to think more pragmatically about how the needs of the environment and the needs of the community and local economy and take a more structured leadership role in ensuring everyone's activities are having a necessary, long-term positive impact. Council should give proper regard to land-based effects on coastal rights and interests in fishing (and maintaining the environment that supports this activity), rather than treating these interests as a free good that can be eroded without consideration or compensation. Approaches cannot be scattergun - they need to be resolved from the top in a collaborative, "mountains-to-sea" manner.

Comments NA

Annual Review of pavilion performance during year and tabling of Feasibility Study for Stage 2 of Pavilion - Note the Feasibility Study brief was to consider Endeavour Park holistically and not just the pavilion building that EPPS is responsible for operating.

1. Acknowledgment that provision needs to be made in Council budgets for maintenance of the current building which has now been in operation for 10 years. 2. Acceptance of the Stage 2 Feasibility Study as tabled.

Comments NA

Preamble: 1.\tI Notice that in the past annual plans, Marlborough Ridge was to be included in the curbside rubbish collection when Renwick and Rarangi were to be included. 2.\tExtra cost because of distance from CBD does not appear to be a problem given you have included Picton (Whatamango Bay), Rarangi, Seddon and Renwick. Submission I read the council’s annual plan with the feeling of disappointment, rejection and alienation when it comes to curbside rubbish collection. 1.\tNot including Marlborough Ridge in the curbside collection cannot be because of the extra cost to get the pickup truck here because: a.\t You have picked up rubbish at Whatamango Bay 9km outside Picton for many years. b.\tPicking up rubbish in Seddon, Rarangi and Renwick. c.\tAlso the extra $152 on the rates should pay for the truck to pick up the rubbish. 2.\tNot including Marlborough Ridge in the curbside collection cannot be because of inconvenience or out of your way as: a.\tYou pick up at Omaka only 3km away. b.\tThe truck is nearly passing Marlborough Ridge on its way to Renwick. c.\tThe truck could easily go down Middle Renwick Road to Renwick, return to Blenheim along New Renwick Road, and pick up at Omaka on the way. 3.\tIs the council embarrassed that their publicized rates increase of 7.8% for Marlborough Ridge is actually over 9% and the addition of curbside collection cost of $152 would increase this to a 14.2% increase in rates? 4.\tLooking at the number of houses in Fairhall compared to other areas, you pick up rubbish. a.\tIf you include Fairbourne Drive we nearly have the same as Seddon, definitely more than McCormick Road in Whatamango Bay. Should you not include Fairhall in the curbside collection, we are very interested and would like you to list the reasons why not.

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

I would like to see additional dog waste bins at entrance ways and meeting points along the Taylor River reserve We use the reserve a lot to walk our dog but carrying a poop bag for ages is pretty annoying as they are so far apart The costs of bins and emptying regularly can't be too substantially higher. Maybe add a dollar to dog registration to fund it. Also the pavilion is an asset that needs ro be maintained The Athletic park should also be given increased maintenance and other sports grounds like hockey grounds

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

There could be a couple.of additional crossing on the river reserve allowing for distance trips ie each 1000 meters would allow circular trips to be easier for those with less mobility Also the path should have easy to read distance markers so you can plan a trip or run or ride easier but also add some relevant information like 2km to town and opposite direction 7 km to the sports ground or the dam etc Also guides to public toilets on the route so if you have a place you can stop in if you require it! Ie at xxx distance etc

Comments NA

There is a huge amount of rabbits on the river reserve especially by the vineyard and old timber processing plant, I have seen a person badly sprain their ankle there in a rabbit hole

Additional pest control or a targeted control to reduce numbers

Comments NA

I would like to know if there are flood inundation maps for the district and if the are available to view? And what levels they trigger responses from the council, the frequency of events and severity makes plans relevant especially for residents to evacuate and plan etc. Also is there plans to create safe zones with backups etc ie a Marae or schools with generators and cooking facilities etc with communications for worse case scenarios ie satellite comms There is areas that can be cut off very readily that should have these backup places ready and plans for the communities

A resilience plan and emergency backup with questions and answers of how we protect the vulnerable etc in a catastrophic event formulated and action plans and assets purchased and distributed in the next 12 months

Comments NA

Memorial seating Victoria Domain and carved pātaka in Community Garden area between Ranui Street and Huia Street.

To start investigating those proposal's with a goal of building them.

Comments NA

I am seeking more native plantings in the area known as Endeavour Heights Reserve and more protection from the stream that flows in that area. The area is well known for native bird life and nesting so enhancing the biodiversity is essential. The goal is to have Victoria Domain predator free. The area is off leash for dogs and used as dog park therefore the native wildlife need better and greater protection along with more signs. The local contractor cuts grass to the edge of the stream needs to be discouraged by plantings and the grass cuttings left behind is not ideal or going into the stream. Photos of a walking trail I saw recently shows what that local council is doing.

Greater protection for native wildlife, more native plantings signage and no grass cutting close to stream

Comments NA

Waitaria Bay Settlers Hall's roof has badly corroded and leaking, it needs a replacement. We are in the process of applying for a grant from the Lotteries Commission. The Hall's kitchen facilities are unhygienic and it would require upgrading. The Hall's driveway has been badly damaged due to late severe weather events and needs repairing and made suitable for wheelchair access as the hall has a public disable toilets. We have obtained quotes for all these repairs and also council members has visited to assess all of these items.

To provide the funding that is required to address these maintenance and repair items. Quotes attached. Jane Tito, Kiri Whiteman and Graham Small are the MDC councillors we are in contact with regarding these issues.

Health monitoring fees NA

Having just undergone the process of registering a food premises and having it verified by the council I would like to comment that tho I understand and believe this is a necessary job for our council to do, I believe the costs involved are prohibitive to supporting small food business. I think the hourly rate of $154 hr charged by the district council is very high for the verification of the site, as I live in Havelock there is also a travel fee and an extra $50 fee for additional site, (500 metres away). The whole process cost $692.33 and its not a one off. Please consider the impact of these fees on small food businesses (in this case a coffee cart), which work very hard to recover and absorb these fees. To increase the hourly rate to $178.00 an hour and $60 per extra site visit seems very high to me.

Leave the Food Act fees as they are for as long as possible so as to not make starting a food business an un economical venture.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

1. Create cycle lane on New Renwick Road between Paynters Road and Burleigh. This is an increasingly important commuting and recreational cycle route. The road verge in the section between Fairhall School and Bells Road is particularly narrow. 2. Toilet at Redwood Street Wither Hills carpark

Comments NA

CBD shop frontages

Investment in re-vitalising streets in the CBD

Monitoring fees - Resource Consents and permitted activities NA

I think 13-20% increases in monitoring fees is way to much. This will not help Marlborough.

To reduce the monitoring fees by half.

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Reduce

i think that cycle ways are something that can be a reduced investment. It is not vital for the business activity in Marlborough, more investment in roads would be more beneficial. The Renwick Cycle way upgrade seems to be taking a long time. The turnoff from Rapaura Road to Nelson is a disgrace, the rocks and bark mountains that are lining the road stop vehicles parking safely. It is a well used meeting area to fill up carloads and to stop this is crazy and a waste of taxpayers money. A better use of that money would have been to construct a toilet block there for traffic from Picton to Nelson or the Coast. (They do not know there is a toilet at the dog park further towards Renwick)

Do you support an increased investment in building capacity and capability to provide catchment care services to implement the NPS on freshwater management? N

I think far too much investment has been allowed for the NPS, it is something that can be cut back in these tougher times.

Comments NA

Building Dog parks are a good idea in principle, however when dogs are allowed in the middle of town and are roaming freely at Harlings Park it seems a little ridiculous. I think if there are dog parks built then tougher regulations on dogs in other areas should be brought in.

If the dog park is built than dogs should be stopped from being in the centre of town and at Harlings Park.

Comments NA

This is very vital, however funds should be set aside and planning provisions made to stop the spread of Chilean Needlegrass. Also Fennel is becoming a real problem along roadsides and needs control.

Further work done to control the spread of Chilean Needlegrass, perhaps washdown areas for vehicles prior to shifting from the infected areas. Also spraying of Fennel which is very unpalatable to stock and is lining the roadsides and creekbeds.

Comments NA

I am opposed to the 13-20% increase in costs of resource consents as this will inhibit production and progress in Marlborough

A reduction in the increase of costs

Please enter your comments here N

If it means 13-20% increases in fees then it should be spread around everyone. Monitoring fees are really for the benefit of the public anyway. Health Fee increases are going to drive small business out of business. Resource Management Fees are already top heavy and take far to long to process. Regards Rates, I see the overall rate increase is 7.80%. My small property has a 8.57% increase which is considerably more than the overall rate increase. It seems rural rates have gone up with very little to see for it except further increases in fees as above.

Reduce the proposed fee increases to half

Do you want to complete this section? Y

Do you support an increased investment in parks and reserves upgrades and renewals, including playgrounds, track improvements, street trees, the construction of the new Park pavilion and the development of a new Taylor Pass reserve and Blenheim dog park? Y

See attached application for $9,500

Do you support an increased investment in upgrades and improvements for roads, footpaths, wharves and cycle ways? Y

see attached application for $9,500

Comments NA

Please see attached document for details of the Band and our current activities. Our request is for the annual CPI adjustment to be applied to the existing annual grant which believe has been unaltered since about 2005, apart from a concession in about 2017 to allow the band to obtain revenue from car park leases.

That Marlborough District Brass Band's annual grant be adjusted by CPI annually.

Comments NA

Blenheim Club is one of the only Historic Buildings left in Blenheim having been built in about 1907. Maintenance is an on going issue for the Club and its limited resources. One of the Clubs biggest expenses is Council Rates. The current bill is around $12,000.00. The Club submitted on this about two years ago and was advised it would be looked at but nothing was done.

Either create a rating category that assists the Club by reducing rates or creating a grant that must be spent on maintenance to assist preserving this building.