As announced by the Prime Minister yesterday, Marlborough along with the rest of New Zealand (with the exception of
Auckland and Northland) will move to Alert Level 3 tomorrow, Wednesday 1 September. The change in alert level means some
Council services can restart. However, many services remain closed including public toilets and playgrounds. For more
information visit: www.marlborough.govt.nzParks, reserves and playgrounds
Parks and reserves are available for public use to get fresh air and exercise. Mowing and garden care will resume.
Please avoid getting close to our staff and contractors who are working in their own bubbles. Maintain that two metre
distance at all times. Playgrounds remain closed and park furniture like picnic tables and benches should not be touched
or used.
The Wither Hills Farm Park tracks are open. Gates have been left open to reduce the need for walkers to touch hard
surfaces. The Wither Hills Mountain Bike Park and the Victoria Domain mountain bike tracks remain closed under Alert
Level 3. Biking can still take place on the easier bike trails outside the mountain bike park areas.Rubbish and recycling
Although some rubbish and recycling facilities are open, you are encouraged to avoid using our waste facilities at this
time.Kerbside collection
Kerbside collections in Blenheim and Picton will continue as normal. To minimise the health risk of handling recyclables
by our collection crews, and to reduce the potential for compromising physical distancing rules, these materials are
being sent to landfill until further notice. Rolls of ten Council refuse bags are available for purchase from
supermarkets.Transfer stations
Transfer stations remain open but will only accept bagged waste. Every second drop-off bay will be closed to enable
physical distancing. This means the emptying capacity is reduced by 50 per cent, so if you are using the transfer
station please be patient. Our staff record vehicle registration details as part of contact tracing protocols.Greenwaste and Resource Recovery Centre
Both remain open but access is controlled to ensure physical distancing.Rural community recycling
The rural community recycling service and coin skips will continue to operate as normal.Reuse Centre
The Reuse Centre in Blenheim is closed.Bluegums Landfill
The Bluegums landfill is open as usual for existing commercial customers only.Bus services
Bus services in Blenheim, Picton and Renwick will continue to operate and are free of charge. This protects bus drivers
by limiting passenger interaction and removing the need to handle cash.
Passengers should scan the QR code displayed on the bus and wear a face covering while on the bus and at arrival and
departure points. Where passengers are unable to scan the QR code they are asked to individually record details of each
trip they make. Passengers should exercise physical distancing.Council offices
Council receptions in Blenheim and Picton remain closed. You can contact us via email at: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz Include your contact details and one of the team will contact you. Or you can call Ph: 03 520 7400.
Council’s online services are operating as usual - many enquiries, applications, payments, submissions and other
business can be carried out via Council’s the website at: www.marlborough.govt.nzMeetings
Council and committee meetings will continue to be held remotely via Zoom under Alert Level 3. A recording and minutes
will be available on the Council website following the meeting.Libraries
Libraries in Blenheim and Picton remain closed. However, online services including access to ebooks, eaudiobooks,
magazines and newspapers are still available. People who are not already library members can sign up for a digital only
membership online, allowing them to access library e-resources for 12 months. For more information on our online library
services go to: www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nzMaritime recreation
Under Alert Level 3 recreational power and sail boating is prohibited. Other water-based activities such as swimming,
surfing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing and paddle boarding are allowed if you are already experienced and you
stay close to shore. Staying overnight at a bach or holiday home is not permitted.Public toilets
All public loos in Marlborough are closed. Some public toilets are open for essential workers only.Dogs
Dogs should be kept on a lead during Alert Level 3 even in dog exercise areas where leads aren’t normally required. It’s
important to remember that pets are part of your bubble too. The virus can settle on their fur like any other surface,
so keep your dog two metres from others, and don’t pat other people’s dogs.Noise control
If you are being disturbed by noise, please call Ph: 03 520 7400.Building inspections
Building and construction site inspections can take place, but with appropriate safety measures in place, and avoiding
close interaction. The Building Control Group is taking bookings for inspections; please call Ph: 03 520 7405.
For the most up-to-date information please follow the Government and Ministry of Health’s advice at: www.covid19.govt.nz