‘Regional Development Milestone’: Tech Hub Opens In Marlborough

Friday, 28 February 2025, 6:48 pm
Article: Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter

Marlborough’s new tech and innovation hub, Te Au Pūngao, which translates to “the current of energy” has officially opened in Marlborough.

The hub, on the second flood of the former Blenheim Library, includes a co-working space with up to 28 hot desks, meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities and a prototyping room.

New Zealand First MP Mark Patterson, the associate minister for regional development said the completion of Te Au Pūngao was a key regional development milestone which would provide opportunities for start-ups and existing agri-businesses, tech innovators, researchers, investors, and support agencies.

“They will have a place to connect and collaborate in shared workspaces, and hold start-up events, networking sessions, seminars and workshops,” Patterson said.

The hub, which was first announced in June 2023, received a $578,000 boost from the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership fund. The Marlborough District Council was a co-funder in the project, contributing $635,000.

Patterson said Marlborough was home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative minds and pioneering sectors, especially in viticulture and aquaculture.

“As these industries transform to adopt AI, robotics and advanced technologies, the region is attracting more agritech and marine tech innovators who work in these spaces,” he said.

“The hub is crucial in supporting these sectors by providing a space where local businesses can develop solutions and realise the ever-evolving opportunities that Marlborough and New Zealand’s agribusiness sector has to off.

“I see strong alignment between the Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ economic plan and Te Au Pūngao.”

He said he looked forward to seeing the new asset delivering “high value innovation, economic growth, and well-paid jobs” to Marlborough.

The hub’s name had been gifted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua chief executive Shane Graham and e Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau kaiwhakahaere matua (general manager) Corey Hebberd on behalf of all iwi represented in Te Tauihu (the top of the south).

At the opening on Friday, deputy mayor David Croad said the new hub would provide the right spaces, resources and networks that would enhance problem-solving for industries to ultimately thrive, increase productivity and become more resilient.

“Through this startup ecosystem, the hub creates new business solutions, investment opportunities and long-term prosperity for our region,” Croad said.

He said the council was proud to support start-up development and by doing so attract investment and new business for the region.

“I congratulate our business community for future-proofing their sectors by actively supporting this new initiative.

“Technology and innovation now has a home and a roof over their head, and we can continue to grow and thrive.”

Tech hub manager Louisa Murray said the space was not for being quiet or scared.

“It’s a place for conversation, for bold ideas and for trying things out,” she said.

“We're a space for the community.”

The tech and innovation hub was originally mooted for a site on Scott St, but the council announced in April this year it would instead move into the old library.

The council put the former library building, on the corner of Arthur and Seymour streets, on the market in November last year but ended up rejecting the one offer made on the listing, as “it did not meet market expectations in terms of price”.

The tech and innovation hub was originally mooted for a site on Scott St, but the council announced in April this year it would instead move into the old library.

The council put the former library building, on the corner of Arthur and Seymour streets, on the market in November last year but ended up rejecting the one offer made on the listing, as “it did not meet market expectations in terms of price”.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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