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Cruise Ship Public Meeting
November 2019 The Picton Community are warmly invited to a public meeting to hear about the initial feasibility studies for Picton Mountain Bike Park, Heritage and Environment Centre and an Aquatic/Spa facility. This will be facilitated by Visitor Solutions who have been engaged by Marlborough District Council. This will be followed by a general discussion on the priorities for the Picton community facilitated by Picton Smart + Connected. Light refreshments provided. Date: Thursday 27th May 2021 Time: 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Location: Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, Shelly Beach, Picton |
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Cruise Ship Public Meeting
November 2019 Picton Smart and Connected invites you to attend their annual public meeting to review the previous cruise season, discuss the cruise ship industry in general and provide an update on what the region is doing to prepare for the current season with 55 ships visiting. This update is ideal for any business or member of the public who would like to understand more about the cruise sector and its effects ont the local community. Preparing for cruise visits is a team effort and you will hear from representatives of Port Marlborough, Picton Smart and Connected, Marlborough District Council and Destination Marlborough. Date: Monday 18th November 2019 Time: 11.00 am - 12.30 pm Location: Kaipupu Conference Rm, Queen Charlotte Yacht Club Hotel, 25 Waikawa Rd, Picton |
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Meet the Candidates
September 2019 Picton Smart and Connected invites you to meet the Marlborough District Council Triennial Election candidates. All three Mayoral candidates and all eight Marlborough Sounds Ward candidates will be attending and available to take your questions in a fair and balanced setting. This is your chance to get to know them and what they stand for so you can make an informed decision on voting day. You may email your questions in advance to info@pictonsmartandconnected.co.nz. Questions will also be taken from the floor in an open Q&A session. We look forward to hosting the event on Wednesday 11th September at Picton Library, doors open at 6.30pm with light refreshments provided. |
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The Ice Rink is Coming to Picton Again
July 2019 We are delighted to announce we have been successful again in receiving funding from the Marlborough District Council Sport and Recreation Community Activity Fund to bring the portable ice rink to London Quay, Picton in July. If you were lucky enough to enjoy a skate on the ice rink last year you will know how much fun it can be. You don't have to be an expert, beginners are welcome. It will only cost $2 per person (regardless of age) and the proceeds are going to a good cause, the Queen Charlotte College Japan Trip. Opening Hours Thursday 18th July 1pm - 6pm Friday 19th July 10am - 8pm Saturday 20th July 10am - 8pm Sunday 21st July 10am - 4pm |
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Matariki 2019
May 2019 In 2018 Picton Smart and Connected organised the hugely successful Matariki Festival, a winter festival in the heart of the sounds. The signature events were KAI, a winter feast featuring local food by local chefs and AHO, a family friendly event on the Picton Foreshore. The community of Picton embraced the concept and added their own events; Waikawa Marae Quiz Night, Waikawa Bay School Lantern Parade, Picton Library Matariki Evening, night photography courses and much more. We could not have been prouder Picton! In 2019, KAI and AHO are taking a break. The original idea was to host these events biannually and so they will return in 2020. This year Matariki will re-appear in the dawn sky from 25th to 28th June - signalling the start of the Māori New Year. Picton Smart and Connected is putting together a programme of events and would like to hear from you if you are hosting one. We will promote the event on the Matariki Festival website and social media channels and publish the details in our festival flyer. Please send your event details or any questions to info@pictonsmartandconnected.co.nz by Friday 31st May to be included in the promotional material. |
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On Your Bike Picton
November 2018 On Saturday afternoon the Picton Smart & Connected Bike Walk Working Group celebrated the completion of the Marina to Marina walkway between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Marlborough District Councillor David Oddie was there, having walked the path into town earlier in the day. “This walkway will be celebrated by the tourist industry as it will attract more tourists and cruise ship passengers particularly with the new signage. But, like everyone here, I use it regularly and it is our community that will gain the most benefit from it.” He said. Click here to read more. |
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Once Were Whalers
October 2018
As part of the Marlborough Heritage Festival, Picton Smart and Heritage project group joined forces with Picton Little Theatre and Marlborough Heritage Trust to showcase a little bit of Marlborough's history.
The historical film 'Once Were Whalers' was shown to around 40 guests who were also served afternoon tea. There were scones with jam and cream, banana muffins, lemon tarts with cream, bliss balls, a chocolate slice, home-made biscuits, Donations were also collected towards the Picton Little Theatre plaque which is part of the Picton Heritage Plaque project.
October 2018
As part of the Marlborough Heritage Festival, Picton Smart and Heritage project group joined forces with Picton Little Theatre and Marlborough Heritage Trust to showcase a little bit of Marlborough's history.
The historical film 'Once Were Whalers' was shown to around 40 guests who were also served afternoon tea. There were scones with jam and cream, banana muffins, lemon tarts with cream, bliss balls, a chocolate slice, home-made biscuits, Donations were also collected towards the Picton Little Theatre plaque which is part of the Picton Heritage Plaque project.
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Picton Heritage Plaques Unveiling
October 2018 Around 40 people attended the unveiling of three heritage plaques on Sunday 14 October. All three Picton/Sounds Councillors made speeches and unveiled a plaque each. The Mayor, John Leggett, attended with the Mayoress and there was good media presence. The first plaque unveiled was at the Picton Railway Station followed by the Union Steamship Company building (Hair on High). The event finished with the unveiling of a plaque at the entrance to the Edwin Fox Museum. We are grateful to Bev Maata-Hart for her participation. The event started with a Mihi (welcome), and a welcome speech from Steve Austin (Marlborough Heritage Trust). As each plaque was unveiled Bev said a Karakia (blessing), and provided words so everyone could join in a Waiata. Afternoon tea co-ordinated by Karen McLeod, manager, Edwin Fox, was much appreciated and provided an informal way to end the occasion. The QR codes on the plaques all link to the Picton Heritage Trail on Council’s Smart Maps. Click here to visit Marlborough District Council's Smart maps. The plaque for the Fifth Bank building (Escape to Picton) will be in place soon. Buildings being considered for plaques are Oxley’s Hotel (façade has a Category II listing), Picton Rowing Club (featured on the Picton Heritage Trail), Picton Little Theatre (formerly Forester’s Hall) and the Crow Tavern on the site of the earlier Clarendon Hotel, 1900s). Some additional plaques may also be sponsored. Te Atiawa Trust has begun discussions for a presence on the Picton Foreshore to mark the original pa site. PS&C Heritage Working Group welcomes suggestions from the local community. |
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Picton Spring Clean
September 2018 On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in Picton over 50 community minded volunteers gathered to give Picton her annual spring clean. Lead by Linda Thompson of Plastic Bag Free Picton, teams from Picton Smart and Connected, Picton Business Group, Envirohub Marlborough, Waikawa Dive Centre, Picton Girl Guides and Brownies, Waikawa Residents and Ratepayers Association and many more gave up their own time to pick up after others. The areas covered this year: the Picton foreshore to Nelson Square to Queen Charlotte lookout to Shelley Beach to Victoria Domain an up Waikawa Road to Marina entrance and most streets within this area. Linda noted that recyclable rubbish was down on last year, and landfill waste saw the skip 13 inches over the top. Click here to view a short video from the day. |
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Picton Youth Centre and Skate Park Upgrade
September 2018 Be in to win a Bluetooth speaker! You only need to be young, from Picton and full of great ideas… You could win a Bluetooth speaker, simply by doing our survey! Just click on the link below and let us know what you want – especially about plans for the Skate Park, and a Youth Centre in Picton. Even better – we’re holding a youth barbecue at the Skate Park on Saturday 29th September to get those ideas together. So, get all the young people you know in Picton to come along for this free BBQ (details on the poster below) and to bring their ideas with them. The survey is easy to follow, and we want as many views as possible. It’s part of our work with the Marlborough District Council and the Marlborough Youth Trust to bring together ideas for the Auckland Street Reserve (including the skate park area) and establishing a Youth Centre in Picton. Spread the word and the poster, see you for the BBQ on the last Saturday this month! Click here to complete the survey. |
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Matariki Festival
August 2018 The inaugural Matariki Festival was held from 15 June to 22 July this year. It was heart-warming to bring the community together over the five weeks and we’re thrilled to have worked with Envirohub to create the first zero waste and sustainable festival in Marlborough. We are looking forward to doing it all over again next year. If you’re keen to be involved please get in touch by emailing your contact details to Nicci at info@pictonsmartandconnected.co.nz . We will be holding the first planning meeting for 2019 in the next few weeks. For more information on the festival please check out our website www.matarikifestival.com or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MatarikiFestivalPicton/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matariki_festival/ |
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Have your say on Marlborough's Walking and Cycling Strategy
August 2018 Bike Walk Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council want your feedback on the draft Walking and Cycling Strategy (2018-28) that is now out for consultation. Feedback on the draft strategy will help shape the final strategy document before it is presented to Marlborough District Council for adoption. Bike Walk Marlborough Coordinator Braden Prideaux says feedback from members of the public on projects and initiatives they think are important in creating a safe and connected network of walking and cycling facilities is key to providing the best future-proofed options for the people of Marlborough. |
“We are particularly focussed on ensuring future cycling and walking networks have the capacity to offer residents genuine choices for travel, including to and from school, work, for recreation, and to increase potential tourism to the district.
“This strategy contains network and action plans that identify existing and proposed tracks, facilities and projects to develop and expand walking and cycling networks, for a range of local journeys and longer distance touring routes,” Braden says.
Providing a safe, attractive and convenient network of walking and cycling facilities will take time and money, as such this strategy provides a framework for Marlborough District Council on the priorities for investment.
Submissions on the draft strategy close on 31 August 2018.
Click here to view the strategy documents, action plan, and walking and cycling network maps and information on how to have your say.
“This strategy contains network and action plans that identify existing and proposed tracks, facilities and projects to develop and expand walking and cycling networks, for a range of local journeys and longer distance touring routes,” Braden says.
Providing a safe, attractive and convenient network of walking and cycling facilities will take time and money, as such this strategy provides a framework for Marlborough District Council on the priorities for investment.
Submissions on the draft strategy close on 31 August 2018.
Click here to view the strategy documents, action plan, and walking and cycling network maps and information on how to have your say.
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The Ice Rink is Coming to Picton
June 2018 Kia Ora I am delighted to announce we have been successful in receiving funding from the Marlborough District Council Sport and Recreation Community Activity Fund and we are bringing a portable ice rink to London Quay, Picton in June. If you were lucky enough to enjoy a skate on the ice rink in Blenheim last Christma you will know how much fun it can be. You don't have to be an expert, beginners are welcome. It will only cost $2 per person (regardless of age) and the proceeds are going to a good cause, the Queen Charlotte College Japan Trip. Group lessons are available. You will be taught the basics of balance, coordination and ice skatng and the tutor aims to have every student skating by the end of the session. If you wish to book a schookl group or a party please contact our coordinator Nicci Neilson at info@pictonsmartandconnected.co.nz. See the poster below for all the details. Have fun and we'll see you on the ice. Kind regards Chrissy Powlesland |
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Picton Needs a Youth Voice
April 2018
Picton’s our place and it needs a youth voice! Have you thought about how your ideas and a few volunteer hours could make our town a better place for young people like you?
How? Just get involved - as much time as you can give. Picton Smart & Connected (PSC) is a group of volunteers passionate about Picton. We know young people are the future of the town – so we want you and your friends to get involved, spark new ideas, get them into action! We’ve got the ear of decision makers – so why not join one of our project groups and make a real difference.
Click here for more information.
April 2018
Picton’s our place and it needs a youth voice! Have you thought about how your ideas and a few volunteer hours could make our town a better place for young people like you?
How? Just get involved - as much time as you can give. Picton Smart & Connected (PSC) is a group of volunteers passionate about Picton. We know young people are the future of the town – so we want you and your friends to get involved, spark new ideas, get them into action! We’ve got the ear of decision makers – so why not join one of our project groups and make a real difference.
Click here for more information.
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Seven Sharp films Picton's welcome for local hero Joseph Sullivan
October 2017 To view the video click here. |
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Emirates Team New Zealand puts Picton on its Tour Map
September 2017 An early evening event on the Picton foreshore is being arranged to host members of Emirates Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron who are bringing the ‘Auld Mug’ south so people can share in the celebration of the America’s Cup victory. Click here to read more |
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Picton to Sparkle this Sunday
August 2017 Yes, it’s ‘a load of old rubbish’ – and we don’t want it in our town! Picton’s annual Spring Clean swings into action on the foreshore this Sunday at 9.30am – and already young and old from Picton and Waikawa are promising to get stuck in. Led by the relentlessly enthusiastic Linda Thompson, this event is in its third year and makes a real diff erence to the town as we go into the summer season. Click here to read more |
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New Arts & Heritage Public Workshop
August 2017 Picton could come alive in the next off-season with a street festival of performing artists… musicians, dancers, poets, singers and street lighting adding appeal… that’s one of the great specific ideas to emerge from the recent Arts & Heritage Workshop, thanks to your enthusiasm of people who attended the public meeting. Click here to read more |
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New Flags Spring Up
July 2017 Just in time for the Spring Clean, we fi nally have new flags from council on the empty poles in High St. We’ve had positive discussions with MDC, as have Picton Business Group, because in past years we’ve been the poor cousin in terms of getting tatty flags down and new fl ags up in a timely fashion for events, seasons and key dates. These new Council fl ags have locally relevant symbols with a pop of bright colour. The rata flower is the perfect welcome to spring and early summer. These more durable flags will stand up to the weather and are easier to change if an event seeks to have its own fl ags put up (any sponsor symbols to be subtle). Event organisers can approach the council with proposals. |
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QSM Honour for Beryl Bowers
June 2017 You could almost hear the cheer go up around Picton when Beryl Bowers was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Huge congratulations to Beryl, who has put her heart and soul into the community and tirelessly helped shape our harbour town over several decades. Click here to read more |
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New Steering Group Member
June 2017 We are delighted to advise that Julie Kennedy has recently joined the Picton Smart & Connected Steering Group. One of her first projects is to co-lead the newly formed Arts & Heritage Working Group (see below) alongside Richard Briggs. Julie has been a volunteer in various Working Groups since 2015. A published writer, poet and historian Julie has also been representing Picton in a wider region sense, on the Marlborough Smart and Connected Heritage Forum. We are thrilled to have her join our Steering Group and look forward to her input and expertise. For more information on Julie please visit www.juliekennedy.nz andwww.authors.org.nz. |
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Visitor Economy Working Group - Planning for the new season
June 2017 Our Visitor Economy Working Group has been a success story, in the past two years bringing together key stakeholders in the Cruise Ship Think Tank to anticipate potential and real issues, and find workable solutions. This working group takes a breath for a couple of months in winter, and will regroup shortly in anticipation of the new summer season. To read more click here. |
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Bike Walk Working Group News
April 2017 SH 1 Coastal Trail: Members of the Bike Walk Working Group are part of the team pushing for the Government to consider cyclists in the rebuild of the earthquake-hit State Highway 1. To read more about their progress click here. |
Marina to Marina Track: At our public meeting back in 2015 the community asked for improved walking tracks. After 18 months of planning and liaison we are delivering. This month the first stage was completed of the upgrade of the Marina to Marina track. Bike Walk Picton working group led by Jill Evans (yes, she's the WG leader, not PSC Steering Group chair as stated in the newspaper article) have been negotiating, campaigning and begging in order to get this work under way. We would like to say a huge thank you to Crafar Crouch Construction for their work on this initiave. To read more click here.
Marina to Marina Track: At our public meeting back in 2015 the community asked for improved walking tracks. After 18 months of planning and liaison we are delivering. This month the first stage was completed of the upgrade of the Marina to Marina track. Bike Walk Picton working group led by Jill Evans (yes, she's the WG leader, not PSC Steering Group chair as stated in the newspaper article) have been negotiating, campaigning and begging in order to get this work under way. We would like to say a huge thank you to Crafar Crouch Construction for their work on this initiave. To read more click here.
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Sir Peter Blake Youth Enviroleaders Forum
April 2017 Congratulations to our Youth Rep Anna Frisken who has been awarded a place at the Sir Peter Blake Youth Enviroleaders Forum (YELF). From over 500 applications 55 secondary school students passionate about the environment will travel to Auckland in April. They will have the opportunity to address topical environmental issues facing our country, and develop strategies to address them. YELF 2017 will focus on different environmental issues related to our oceans. By working with other up and coming youth environmental leaders, they will leave YELF fired up, with improved leadership capabilities, inspired and ready to create change. We look forward to Anna implementing those strategies right here in Picton. |
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