Council’s crusade to help cyclone struck cities

PAULA HULBURT

Marlburians are being asked to help newly adopted sister cities as they recover from the ravages of cyclone Gabrielle.

The Adopt a Community initiative was set up last week by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) in a bid to help those worst affected.

Both Gisborne and Napier are set to benefit from funds raised here.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says Marlburians will be able to relate to the aftermath of natural disasters.

“We know from our own experiences of extreme weather and earthquakes that getting communities back on their feet is a marathon not a sprint.

“That’s especially true with a disaster of this scale.”

Thirty councils across the country have signed up to help so far, all wanting to make a constructive difference.

LGNZ National Council member Mayor Tim Cadogan says the campaign’s aim is to raise as much money as possible for the adopted communities. “We’ve all seen the devastation up north and want to help in a meaningful way.

“Local councils play a leading role in the immediate emergency efforts and colleagues from other parts of the North Island and the South Island just want to lend a helping hand in a positive and tangible way.”

Adopt a Community will later look at other longer term initiatives to help devastated communities get back on track.

“As well as raising funds throughout the year, this concept has the potential to add additional value as we move into the recovery phase.

Marlborough will be keen to help if they can.

“Napier and Gisborne are sister districts to Marlborough - we share wine and horticultural industries and many people in Marlborough have connections to them through family or work.

“This is a way for our council to support two councils that have been hit hard, by raising money for their communities.”

Donations to the Mayoral Relief fund for Gisborne can be made through Gisborne District Council 03-06380502288-00 Reference: Disaster Relief Trust.

“This includes communities sharing challenges and resources with each other,” Tim says. Nadine says she is sure people here in

The bank account number for donations to Napier City Council is Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust: 02-07000010824-002.

Fab Foodie

Feast Marlborough founder and board advisor Fiona Fenwick has been named as one of Cuisine Magazine’s Top 50 women in Food and Drink NZ. Fiona’s passion for the Marlborough Food Story has helped champion the region’s food and beverage sector through events such as Summer Feast and Bayley’s Friday Night Feast.

Congrats To Club

The Blenheim Working Men’s Club have found a new meeting spot. A dedicated area has been set aside at the Redwood Tavern on Cleghorn Street for members and their guests to have a meal and a chat. Delighted committee members say while it is a “modest restart”, they hope others will support the new move.

Property Asking Prices

The average annual asking price over the last decade has risen by more than 100 per cent. Marlborough leads the way among regions in the Top of the South as new figures from realestate.co.nz show a 101.7 per cent rise while Nelson rose 81 per cent and Tasman 86.2 per cent.

Sewer Repairs

Upgrade work to Picton’s earthquake damaged sewer pipes got underway again on Monday. Contractors will be working in Waikawa Road and Hampden, Devon and Scotland streets relining sewer mains and lining lateral connections to property boundaries. The work is expected to take about six months.

Multicultural Magic

The popular Annual Multicultural Festival is on again at Pollard Park on Saturday 4th March. To celebrate, a special screening of Paul Davidson’s recent film Making Marlborough - the Migrant Story at Event Cinemas, 7pm on Thursday 2nd March. Tickets can be booked at: www.eventbrite. co.nz