Tēnā koutou katoa,

It’s been another full and productive month for the Chamber, starting with a standout Business After 5 hosted by Port Marlborough.  Members were treated to a rare look behind the port gates, gaining real insight into the scale and complexity of one of our region’s key economic drivers.  We also brought together local employers for a valuable hui with the Regional Commissioner of Social Development, focused on understanding workforce challenges on the ground and how initiatives like Chamberworks can better support recruitment and retention across Marlborough.

Later this month, alongside our Chairperson Caro, I’ll be attending the New Zealand Chambers Conference in Rotorua.  While we are proudly local, we are also part of a strong national network advocating for business, making this a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share both challenges and opportunities with Chambers from across the country.  I look forward to reporting back and building on these opportunities for the benefit of our members.

Finally, this is a big newsletter for the month – but there are several gems amongst this, so I encourage you to read on.

Ngā mihi,

Kylie Cornelius

Executive Officer

kylie@mcoc.org.nz

Wednesday 13 May | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Netwalking is a relaxed monthly walk where Chamber members can catch up, meet new people, and have a yarn while getting some fresh air. We meet every second Wednesday of the month at 12pm, starting by the clocktower at Seymour Square Clock Tower.

The route takes around 20 minutes, there’s no set agenda, just an easy walk and good conversation. Come if you’ve got a full lunch break or just want to stretch your legs and connect with a few friendly faces. Comfy shoes recommended.

Friday 15 May | 8:30AM - 12:30PM
General AI. This AI course is designed to give you an overview of AI and provide the tools that can be used on just about any platform. 

Friday 22 May | 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Leadership & Governance. This AI course is designed to give business leaders practical tools for using AI well. Topics include: understanding where AI adds value to managing risk, privacy, and staff use. Further covering governance, policy creation, process planning, and the key questions leaders and boards should be asking as AI becomes part of everyday business. 

Thursday 21 May | 5:00PM - 6:30PM

It’s a special BA5 this month for TechWeek NZ – the Art of the Possible. Techweek26 is an invitation to the nation to shift focus from what we needed yesterday to what we want for the future – and to start building it.

In January 2025 Marlborough officially opened its own Hub for Tech & Innovation: Te Au Pungao. This is Innovate Marlborough’s invitation to the Marlborough business community to come and check out what Te Au Pungao is all about: startups, co-working, technology companies and a prototyping room to prototype and test your Proof of Concept (POC).

Thursday 18 June | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Presented in plain language by Hazel Trethowen, Client Manager at Cloudland.  This workshop came about after a conversation with our non-technical EO, who finally said “now I get it.”

It quickly became clear there is a real need for cyber security to be explained without the jargon or technical language that can leave many business owners feeling lost.  Hazel will break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, with practical steps businesses can take away to strengthen their cyber security. 

Last month’s Business After 5 with Port Marlborough gave members a rare opportunity to go beyond the port gates for a guided tour of the operations. Followed by a visit to the lookout above the harbour, the experience provided a real sense of the scale and complexity of activity happening on site every day.

Port Marlborough plays a vital role in keeping Marlborough connected, supporting ferry services, freight, aquaculture, forestry and cruise tourism. It is also home to one of New Zealand’s largest marina networks, helping keep the Marlborough Sounds accessible for both locals and visitors alike.

A big thank you to Ryan, Gavin and Rhys for sharing their insights with our members, and to Connie for coordinating such a memorable evening.

Public consultation to finance Port Marlborough’s share of the Waitohi ferry redevelopment project is underway and closes on 19 May.

You can attend a ‘drop-in’ style public meeting next week at:

• Picton: Port Marlborough Pavilion, Wed 13 May, 1 - 3pm
• Picton: Port Marlborough Pavilion, Wed 13 May, 6 - 8pm
• Blenheim: Lansdowne Hub, Thu 14 May, 6 - 8pm

Representatives from Council, Port Marlborough, Ferry Holdings Ltd and Marlborough Roads will be there to answer your questions.  Information materials on the funding proposal and ferries redevelopment project will also be available.

We are actively encouraging members and the wider business community to have their say.  The online form is the quickest and easiest way to make a submission. Link to consultation document and submission portal can be found here.

We can help you with submission templates that can be tailored to reflect individual business views, just contact our office for details.

You can read the Chamber submission here. 

The recent Marlborough Employer/ChamberWorks Roundtable brought local employers together with the Regional Commissioner of Social Development to share what’s happening in the labour market and how MSD and ChamberWorks can better connect businesses with available talent.

Employers reported that specialist roles, including leaders, remain the key pinch point.  While entry-level roles are generally fillable they require time-consuming screening to ensure good fit and retention.  A strong theme was that “work-ready” is practical and measurable (licences/tickets, health and safety readiness, and passing drug and alcohol testing), and that attracting and keeping staff is often a whole-of-family proposition influenced by housing, schooling, partner employment and realistic expectations of regional lifestyle.

MSD outlined a shift toward higher-quality, relationship-based matching (rather than high-volume referrals), wraparound supports to help candidates overcome barriers, and a growing focus on skills-based matching and clearer training-to-employment pipelines. The group agreed that ChamberWorks can reduce recruitment friction through pre-screening and wider reach and agreed that improving alignment between training and real-world industry requirements would be valuable.

Thanks to ANZ,  members heard an economic and primary-sector update from ANZ agri economist Matt Dilly at the Chamber this week. 

Matt outlined how disruption in the Middle East (including impacts flowing through global oil, freight and fertiliser markets) is already lifting costs and could continue to do so while supply routes remain constrained.  

He noted the risk of broader inflation and the likelihood of higher interest rates, alongside softer consumer and business confidence, which may slow activity and put pressure on unemployment.

Sector-wise, outlooks were mixed: dairy fundamentals are strong but rising costs and heavy global supply may temper returns; red meat markets remain positive on tight global supply and demand, with climate risk (El Niño) a key watch-out; horticulture (especially kiwifruit and new apple varieties) is performing well despite higher fuel and freight; while the wine industry faces a structural global decline in consumption and ongoing oversupply that will take time to rebalance. 

Also discussed were the opportunities and limits of the India FTA (with stronger potential seen for horticulture and some wine over time).

One way the RBP Network can help is by co-funding business owners / senior managers to access approved business coaching / training. They help build capability in local businesses by approving access to the (MBIE) management capability funding scheme. Whether you want to improve your skills in digital marketing, exporting, business systems, leadership, governance, finance, and more, they can help. They have access to over 500 approved business coaches/trainers across NZ and can co-fund local businesses to attend approved workshops and/or deeper dive one-on-one coaching.

Stronger management skills build better businesses, so get in touch with Hamish for a confidential discussion and/or to learn more about how he can support your business.

Hamish Nathan, Hamish.nathan@marlboroughrbp.nz, 022 853 7287.

Future of Work is one way the Chamber is backing the future workforce of Marlborough.

In partnership with Marlborough District Council, Marlborough Girls’ College and Marlborough Boys’ College, we’re bringing together universities, training providers, and employers from more than 40 industries to help young people explore what’s possible after school.

The expo gives rangatahi the chance to have real conversations with local businesses and organisations about career pathways, training opportunities, apprenticeships, and the skills industries are looking for. Whether they’re university-bound, considering trades, or still figuring things out, the goal is to help young people feel more connected to the opportunities available here in Marlborough and beyond.

Future of Work takes place Wednesday 10 June at the Marlborough Events Centre, with school groups attending during the day and the afternoon session open to all young people and whānau.

Free entry. All welcome.

Keep up to date on our socials, or email Kate Gaines for any questions about the event.

Friday 8 May 5:00PM - 9 May 10:00PM

In a little over 24 hours you’ll go from idea to pitching a business concept to a panel of judges.

You’ll learn about creating a Lean Canvas, validating your idea (will people actually pay for it?!?), creating high level financial accounts, creating a brand, writing a business road map, and pitching to possible investors.

Wednesday 13 May | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
BCITO Pasifika Trades Secrets is a community‑led initiative delivered across Aotearoa to strengthen understanding of career pathways into the construction and building trades.

Grounded in Pasifika values and talanoa, these events create welcoming spaces where young people, whānau, and employers can connect, learn, and be inspired by real stories from Pasifika apprentices, employers, and industry leaders.

Wednesday 13 May | 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Join a regional conversation on 13 May to contribute in shaping a coordinated, co-designed approach to climate resilience across the Top of the South.

Your voice and perspective matter.

Tuesday 19 May | 2:30PM - 6:00PM

Te Tau Ihu Tech Community is pleased to anounce their Marlborough Event in support of Techweek 2026!

Come along and gain some key insights into how issues around IT inflation, global supply chain constraints & cybersecurity risks could impact your Operational Technology (OT) environments.

The Waitohi Picton Community Garden is blossoming into a vibrant hub where neighbours connect, kids learn, and fresh kai grows for everyone. To continue it’s
growth, they're inviting their community and local businesses to become part of this exciting initiative that will help nourish Picton for generations.

Sponsor a Fruit Tree, Nut Tree, or Berry Patch – $500
Your sponsorship plants more than just a tree... it plants a legacy. By making a $500 contribution, you’ll help us establish long‑lived, productive plants that will feed and support our community for years to come.

Throughout May, cellar doors across Marlborough are offering unique Sauvignon Blanc tasting experiences for just $10.

Each experience is a little different - from classic pours to something unexpected. It’s a great opportunity to explore a range of styles, meet the people behind the wines, and enjoy the place where it all begins.

Tuesday 23 June - Thursday 25 June 

WinePro 2026 is fast approaching, returning to Blenheim from 23–25 June, with registrations for the conference programme now open.

Designed with Marlborough wine industry businesses in mind, this year’s programme is built around three key themes—Producer, Innovator, and Seller—reflecting the full journey of our region’s wine sector. 

Whether your focus is vineyard management, winemaking innovation, sustainability, or business growth, WinePro provides valuable opportunities to learn from peers, share knowledge, and strengthen local industry networks.

One-day and full three-day passes are available. 

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