Finance Minister visits Picton

Mayor Nadine Taylor recently joined Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn and Council CEO Mark Wheeler to welcome Minister of Finance Nicola Willis and MP Stuart Smith for a tour of Port Marlborough’s facilities and discuss the future of the ferries project.

Minister Willis was given an overview of the port’s role in the redevelopment and the status of the wind-up works in progress.

Mayor Taylor said meeting was positive and highlighted both the importance of Marlborough in the national supply chain for tourism and freight, and Port Marlborough’s role and potential to support future development.

“Council and the Port now await the outcome of feedback from the Ministerial Advisory Group, which in February was tasked with undertaking a review of the service, and providing independent advice and assurance on the future of KiwiRail’s inter-island ferry service. This is scheduled for July, when clarity on the next steps for Port Marlborough and Marlborough are expected.”

Image caption: Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Mayor Taylor, overlooking the ferry facilities in Picton