Activity Group: Regional Development Marlborough Smart+Connected is an industry and community focused initiative and schools for education Council is also supporting international education to develop strong leadership groups which develop and implement strategies. opportunities by promoting studying in the top of the South. Council’s role is to assist in the establishment, review and maintenance of the groups, and to participate in implementation where appropriate. (S+C community Film office – Council has developed an agreement with Screen Wellington to is discussed under the ‘Community Support’ Activity in the People Group.) promote and support film opportunities in Marlborough. As at 2018, four industry groups have been established — Wood Sector, Visitor Regional Events Strategy Economy, Blenheim CBD and Aquaculture. Each of the groups has a current Council has developed a Regional Events Strategy with the support of the events strategic plan and broad participation from industry, community and public bodies sector to identify opportunities for growing events in the region and increasing the to implement the strategies. Council has also implemented the Smart and commercial return to local businesses. A Regional Events Adviser is employed to Connected approach within Council by integrating the vision and framework in its help deliver the strategy and to support the events sector. key strategic planning documents such as the Long Term Plan and the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan. A key focus of the role is to assist communication within the events sector, and to The second economic development activity undertaken by Council isSmart help promote the many events offered in the region to locals and visitors alike. Business Marlborough (SBM) which consists of a range of specific economic The Follow ME* website is the primary tool alongside targeted promotional development initiatives to support local businesses as outlined below. documents such as the Summer Events Guide and Marlborough Arts Month. The Regional Events Adviser also manages the Commercial Events Fund to assist Development advice — a service to assist development-related business with the development of existing and new events to grow the economic and other proposals through Council processes — such as resource consents, building benefits of hosting events in the region. consents, liquor licensing, food health and infrastructure requirements. Marketing and Tourism Marlborough Food and Beverage Innovation Cluster — this cluster is led by Destination marketing services are undertaken on Council’s behalf by the the Marlborough Research Centre. Marlborough produces high quality food and Destination Marlborough Trust Inc. Destination Marlborough exists to grow and beverages and there is an opportunity to develop additional new products of high support a sustainable visitor economy that contributes to achieving a Smart and value for international markets. The aim is to support innovation and collaboration Connected economy for Marlborough. It is funded through a combination of between local food and beverage companies as well as with the ‘national grid’ of Council and private sector investment. The organisation’s core marketing priorities food and beverage research and development. The cluster supports development are to position Marlborough as a compelling destination to visit, to prioritise effort of new products and ingredients, production and process improvements, and on attracting more visitors outside of the peak tourism months, and to grow visitor generating value from waste streams. spending in the region Business Trust Marlborough — this Trust manages the provision of advice for Only Marlborough — Council is a partner in the development of this regional start-up and growing businesses, and access to mentors from Business Mentors brand and positioning statement. A range of free resources are available for New Zealand. businesses and individuals to communicate a consistent and positive message about the region. ‘Only Marlborough’ has been designed to apply across all Information resources — Council provides access to a range of economic and industries which sell products and services outside the region, to visitors, to locals demographic information via its website, including the Infometrics Economic and to people considering relocating to Marlborough. Profile. Marlborough Research Centre International connections — Council has established a Sister Region This Activity is delivered by the Marlborough Research Centre Trust (MRC), and relationship with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region region of China. This wine provides support for public good research, regional prosperity and environmental producing region is working with Marlborough wine technology businesses to sustainability in support of Marlborough’s primary industries. develop and improve viticulture and winemaking techniques, and links to NMIT 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 151