Latest news with #MarlboroughArtGallery
Scoop
03-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Change To Marlborough Library Opening Hours
From Monday 21 July the Marlborough Library at Te Kahu o Waipuna in Blenheim will change its opening hours to close one hour earlier at 5pm Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours will not change. Libraries Manager Glenn Webster said visitor numbers to Te Kahu o Waipuna had plateaued to a more sustainable level since the very high interest after the new facility opened, two years ago. Fixed term staffing levels were introduced in December 2022 to facilitate the move to the new library with the operation now aligned to meet community demand. The change in operating hours will affect a small number of users. Te Kahu o Waipuna's average visitor numbers per month is 24,754. Most people visit the library between the hours of 10am and 4pm with the highest average visitor usage between the hours of 11am and midday. 'The facility is a busy, vibrant place and our team work very hard to deliver a range of services to the community including the new meeting rooms and spaces which have been very well patronaged,' Mr Webster said. 'As a community hub the facility is used by visitors in many ways. Everyday Marlborough residents visit for the first time and are very complimentary of the space. They have often come looking for specific assistance – to see a Justice of the Peace, visit the exhibition at the Marlborough Art Gallery, get directions, help with a device, looking for a particular book or to attend a meeting or event. 'It has become a meeting place, workspace, exhibition and information space – somewhere warm and inviting to sit and wait, a place to feel included and part of the community,' he said. For the year to 30 June 2025, visitor numbers to Te Kahu o Waipuna were 297,052. There were 406,217 items issued and 2,994 (5,509 hours) of room bookings made up of commercial, community and inhouse library bookings or use.
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Guide To Matariki Events In Marlborough
Council's event programme showcasing the celebration of Matariki in Marlborough is out now. Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said the guide was full to the brim with events around the region from 14 to 22 June. 'Matariki is a time of reflection, celebration and preparation. It is wonderful to see Marlborough embracing more Matariki events each year, bringing the community together,' Mrs Neilson said. Events include traditional dawn ceremonies at Rārangi and Wairau Bar, two exhibitions at Marlborough Art Gallery, night markets, a community event at Linkwater and a light show at Omaka Marae. There are also events at the Marlborough District Libraries in Picton and Blenheim featuring waiata, stories and crafts. Six applicants were successful in receiving support from Council's Mānawatia te Kāhui o Matariki/Marlborough Matariki Event Fund. The fund was established in 2023 and celebrates and supports the regeneration of mātauranga associated with Te Kāhui o Matariki. It aims to support the community in hosting events that recognise not only Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, the public holiday, but also the wider kaupapa and principles of Matariki. Matariki is the star cluster also known as Pleiades. It's part of a larger constellation called Taurus and is one of the earliest recorded groups of stars in human history, with a record that dates back some 17,000 years. For Māori, the rising of Matariki signals te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. The guide is available from Marlborough District Libraries, the Marlborough Art Gallery, Council's customer service centres and online at and
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Marlborough Heritage Festival – Exploring The Stories Of Our People And Our Past
Press Release – Marlborough District Council From guided walks and cemetery tours to museum exhibitions and thought-provoking talks, theres something in the festival for everyone. It finishes on Sunday, International Museum Day, a perfect reason to visit one of Marlboroughs many local museums. The 2025 Marlborough Heritage Festival is underway. Running from today until Sunday the festival showcases the stories, people and places that have shaped Marlborough with events happening across the region. The festival was launched at Te Kahu o Waipuna this morning with an opening attended by iwi, dignitaries and members of Marlborough's heritage community. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua CEO Shane Graham opened proceedings saying heritage is not static, it is living. 'Over the next few days, we will immerse ourselves in the people, places and pūrākau (stories) that have shaped this region we call home – from the ancient to the recent, from the tangata whenua who first walked these lands, to the settlers, migrants, workers, and change-makers who followed,' he said. 'This is not simply about remembering what was. It is about understanding how the past lives in us now – in our names, in our landmarks, in our kai, in our art, and in our values.' 'This festival is an invitation – a wero – to engage. To go beyond surface celebration and truly immerse yourself in the richness of Marlborough's story. I encourage you to take part in the many events on offer. Some are playful. Some are profound. All are valuable,' Shane said. Acting Mayor David Croad said the festival was a tribute – not only to Marlborough's stories and sites but more importantly to the people who preserve and share them. 'It's a celebration of the people, the places, and the tales that have shaped our identity as a region – and continue to do so.' 'While Council is proud to stand behind this festival and offer our support, we know that it's the passion, time, and dedication of our iwi, volunteers, museums, historical societies, and host organisations that truly bring our heritage to life. To all of you – thank you. Your work is invaluable, and this festival is a testament to what a community can achieve together.' From guided walks and cemetery tours to museum exhibitions and thought-provoking talks, there's something in the festival for everyone. It finishes on Sunday, International Museum Day, a perfect reason to visit one of Marlborough's many local museums. Marlborough Art Gallery has also developed the Heritage Hunt in partnership with the Marlborough Heritage Festival team for children and adults to learn and discover heritage sites of interest around Blenheim. The hunt will continue to 19 June and a printed guide can be picked up from the Marlborough Art Gallery in Te Kahu o Waipuna.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Marlborough Heritage Festival – Exploring The Stories Of Our People And Our Past
The 2025 Marlborough Heritage Festival is underway. Running from today until Sunday the festival showcases the stories, people and places that have shaped Marlborough with events happening across the region. The festival was launched at Te Kahu o Waipuna this morning with an opening attended by iwi, dignitaries and members of Marlborough's heritage community. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua CEO Shane Graham opened proceedings saying heritage is not static, it is living. 'Over the next few days, we will immerse ourselves in the people, places and pūrākau (stories) that have shaped this region we call home – from the ancient to the recent, from the tangata whenua who first walked these lands, to the settlers, migrants, workers, and change-makers who followed,' he said. 'This is not simply about remembering what was. It is about understanding how the past lives in us now – in our names, in our landmarks, in our kai, in our art, and in our values.' 'This festival is an invitation – a wero – to engage. To go beyond surface celebration and truly immerse yourself in the richness of Marlborough's story. I encourage you to take part in the many events on offer. Some are playful. Some are profound. All are valuable,' Shane said. Acting Mayor David Croad said the festival was a tribute - not only to Marlborough's stories and sites but more importantly to the people who preserve and share them. 'It's a celebration of the people, the places, and the tales that have shaped our identity as a region – and continue to do so.' 'While Council is proud to stand behind this festival and offer our support, we know that it's the passion, time, and dedication of our iwi, volunteers, museums, historical societies, and host organisations that truly bring our heritage to life. To all of you – thank you. Your work is invaluable, and this festival is a testament to what a community can achieve together.' From guided walks and cemetery tours to museum exhibitions and thought-provoking talks, there's something in the festival for everyone. It finishes on Sunday, International Museum Day, a perfect reason to visit one of Marlborough's many local museums. Marlborough Art Gallery has also developed the Heritage Hunt in partnership with the Marlborough Heritage Festival team for children and adults to learn and discover heritage sites of interest around Blenheim. The hunt will continue to 19 June and a printed guide can be picked up from the Marlborough Art Gallery in Te Kahu o Waipuna.
