Creating a Culture of Sustainability: Building on Marlborough's Legacy

Article published in the Marlborough Express for Climate Action Week Marlborough 2025

When I met my husband, we moved to his hometown of Marlborough and were welcomed into his family and the community with open hearts. Reflecting on this time, I embrace the ‘outsider’ perspective, taking a bird’s-eye view of resilience in action in Marlborough.

The first thing that strikes me is that Marlborough’s journey as a region is steeped in resilience. From Kupe’s fight with a great octopus in Tory Channel / Kura Te Au, the early Polynesian and European settlers, to modern-day innovations in viticulture and aquaculture, Marlborough’s story is one of adaptation, ingenuity, and recovery. It’s clear that resilience is not just a response to challenges; it is the foundation upon which Marlborough’s future can thrive.

Creating a culture of sustainability in Marlborough is not about starting anew but amplifying what is already part of the region’s DNA. Marlborough has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to recover from economic and environmental headwinds. For instance, the region’s recovery from severe earthquake and weather events showcases its commitment to both human and nature-based resilience. Communities rally together, local businesses innovate, and the region emerges stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

Historically, Marlborough has been a leader in adapting to change. From early Polynesian settlers who thrived in this unique environment, to channels developed by Māori among river and estuary courses for fish and waterfowl husbandry, to European settlers who transformed the landscape with timber, gold, and flax industries, adaptability has been central. Today, Marlborough’s renowned wine industry, driven by the pioneering spirit of vintners in the 1970s, continues to lead through sustainable practices and circular economy initiatives.

Recent developments highlight how the region is already at the forefront of change. Companies like Oxin Smart Machines and Cropsy are revolutionising agriculture through AI-driven disease detection and automated farming technologies, ensuring productivity while minimising environmental impact. Initiatives like the Marlborough Circular Wine Group and Yealands’ biochar projects exemplify how waste can be transformed into valuable resources, enhancing soil health and reducing carbon footprints. The integration of AI in mussel harvesting and the development of nutraceuticals from marine products showcase Marlborough’s blue economy as a driver of both economic and environmental resilience.

Additionally, Marlborough’s communities have a long tradition of coming together to face challenges, from flood recovery efforts to creating networks that support mental health and wellbeing. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared responsibility, Marlborough is building communities that are not only resilient but regenerative.

Māori practices rooted in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) enrich this tapestry of resilience and offer invaluable insights into sustainable land and resource management. Incorporating these principles into modern strategies helps Marlborough create a balanced approach that benefits both people and the environment.

Looking to the future, the Marlborough Economic Wellbeing Strategy envisions a thriving economy balanced with a flourishing environment and vibrant communities. Work has already started on achieving this vision with commitments to the energy transition, future skills development, and new industry collaborations.

I see resilience weaving between Marlborough’s past, present, and future, providing all the elements for the region to lead the charge toward a sustainable future. By amplifying the culture of resilience and investing in innovation and adaptability, Marlborough can set an example for others to follow. Climate Action Week 2025 is a call to action to harness Marlborough’s inherent strengths. Together, let’s lean on this legacy and turn today’s challenges into opportunities for a future that is regenerative, innovative, and enduring.

Author: Eliza Turnbull

Eliza works with organisations at the intersection of sustainability strategy, internal culture, and authentic communications to power team engagement, foster innovation, and drive competitive advantage.