both Sounds and produces 55% of the world’s farmed King Salmon. Both industries are coming under increased scrutiny for their impacts on the natural environment and in some cases the future locations of these activities are uncertain. Beyond Havelock and Picton townships over 5,000 dwellings have been built throughout the Sounds, mostly on the foreshore. Vineyards and Water Storage Dam The Wairau and Awatere plains have been hugely modified and are now mostly planted in vineyards. Associated with the vineyards are many storage dams for supplying water throughout the summer growing season. Lifestyle blocks are also a feature closer to Blenheim. The lower Wairau River has extensive flood protection works and the Diversion which was completed in 1963 has allowed the flooded river to access the sea far easier. The Taylor Dam was built in 1965 and also protected Blenheim from flooding from the Taylor River which flows through the middle of the township. Most of the hill and high country of south Marlborough remains as extensive pastoral farming and burning of these areas has reduced in the last 30 years. 2.3.6 Implications for the Marlborough CDEM Group Environment The implications of Marlborough’s profile for civil defence emergency management are identified below. These issues have been considered in developing the CDEM work plan and priorities. Marlborough District Council is one of the smaller unitary authorities and as such relies heavily on partnerships with other emergency response agencies and volunteers. Parts of Marlborough can experience weather extremes ranging from droughts to flood events. Farmers are used to managing the consequences of drought but extremes as a result of climate change will make it increasingly difficult. The extensive flood control measures on the Wairau River could reinforce a public expectation that flooding is not an issue for Wairau Plains residents. Cook Strait and the outer Marlborough Sounds are regularly buffeted by severe storm events. Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan, 2017-2022 Page 26