By the Explore Blenheim news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026
Marlborough District Council wants feedback on a draft plan for how the region's heritage is protected and celebrated over the next 10 years. Submissions close on Thursday 10 December.
- Deadline
- Thursday 10 December
- How
- Online survey on the council's Have Your Say site
- Information session
- Monday 23 November, 10am (register on the Marlborough NZ website)
- Contact
- Nicola Neilson, Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager, 03 520 7400
The Heritage Strategy 2027-2036 is still a proposal. Councillors approved the draft for public consultation at the full council meeting on Thursday 29 October. It was developed in partnership with ngā iwi o Te Tauihu, with input from heritage organisations, volunteers and community groups.
What the draft sets out to do
The draft names five main outcomes:
- better knowledge and understanding of Marlborough’s heritage
- stronger protection and care of it
- more celebrating and sharing of local stories
- stronger partnerships and leadership across the heritage sector
- sustainable use of heritage places and resources, and making them more resilient
What Marlborough has to look after
Alongside the draft, the council has published a Heritage Insights 2026 report, which it describes as the first full picture of the region’s heritage. It counts 155 protected heritage places, 1,434 archaeological sites and 922 notable trees, along with the museums, heritage groups and volunteers who help care for them.
Mayor Nadine Taylor said in the council’s release, “Our heritage tells the story of who we are.” Heritage portfolio holder Councillor Allanah Burgess said the council could not do the work on its own, and urged people to share what matters to them.
How to have your say
The survey on the council’s Have Your Say page asks whether the proposed priorities and actions are right and what might be missing. The draft strategy and the Heritage Insights report can be read on the same page. Details are also in the council’s media release.
To find out more first, go to the information session on Monday 23 November at 10am; the council asks people to register on the Marlborough NZ website. Submissions close on Thursday 10 December.
- Marlborough District Council media release: Public invited to help shape Marlborough's heritage future, released 10 November 2026
- Marlborough District Council Have Your Say: Marlborough Heritage Strategy 2027-2036, released 10 November 2026
Explore Blenheim news desk: news@exploreblenheim.co.nz. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we’ll correct it.
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