Public–Private collaboration for the growth of Waitohi-Picton

This submission by Picton Business Group is one of six regarding the economic wellbeing of Waitohi-Picton, for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitor experience, with a flow-on benefit to the wider Marlborough community. Please refer to our submission ‘A1 – Strategic Direction for Waitohi-Picton’ for the context of this and all submissions.

Picton Business Group submission C2 – Public-Private collaboration for the growth of Waitohi-Picton

Picton Business Group request Marlborough District Council develop an efficient, transparent and holistic process for the evaluation of and rapid implementation of proposals focused on developing capability within Waitohi-Picton that makes it a more appealing place, a more commercially viable place and one that leverages the natural, historical and cultural assets to their greatest potential.

We hear the problems every day that affect Waitohi-Picton commercial vibrancy – Ferry traffic not stopping, those that stop only stay 1 night, Waitohi-Picton is a gateway not a destination. These are the symptoms, not the cause.

To address this issue, to develop capability that make Waitohi-Picton interesting as a viable and attractive tourist destination, a number of options have been investigated and proffered over the last 15 years, without success. These include those raised in 2021 but are not limited to:

* Aquatic Facility – Picton Waitohi Pools and Wellness Centre Charitable Trust

* Mountain Bike Park – TraiPro

* Heritage Environment Centre – Picton Smart and Connected

There are now more initiatives being proposed

* Waitohi-Picton Sculpture Trail

* The Fisherman Wharf

We understand that they will require investment/funding between:

A. Public funding to develop a community asset

B. Public and private funding where Council will be required to provide key infrastructure investment to support a private initiative

C. Private funded requiring Council support on consents and access to public lands

In conjunction with other submissions made by Picton Business Group in this Annual Planning round, we need to have a clear plan and brand identity to move forward with and an investment / funding model to work with.

The Strategic Plan will give us, amongst other key principles, persona’s of tourists visiting Aotearoa, the attractiveness of Waitohi-Picton to these groups and the relative value being foregone. 

However, in parallel with the big picture we must start planning the implementation of key initiatives.

We recommend supporting an initiative that fits each of the investment/funding models to progress and then further initiatives as the plan for the future materialises, potentially:

A. Heritage and Cultural Centre (This is covered in a separate submission by a private individual) – A publicly funded initiative

B. The Fisherman’s Wharf – This proposal is being developed by private individuals

C. Waitohi-Picton Sculpture Trail – This has been submitted to MDC Arts, Culture and Heritage Team

Getting benefit from high impact initiatives takes time. We must start now to target and measure the achievement of short, medium and long term goals.

We want to work with the council via the continuation of our working partnership and are more than keen to discuss this matter further along with our other five submissions.

About the Submitter:

Picton Business Group represents members from the business community in the wider Waitohi-Picton area, from Koromiko through to Waikawa, and Totaranui-Queen Charlotte Sound; with membership across commercial, industrial, retail, tourism, arts & culture and maritime sectors. With their support we lead and advocate for Waitohi-Picton to be a well-planned, appealing and sustainable business environment, empowering existing and new businesses to reach their potential with confidence.