Our way out of this

secured other funds.

The new Summerset retirement village in Blenheim was also put forward for the ‘shovel ready’ initiative. The village would almost double Marlborough’s retirement capacity, with 146 units, 76 serviced and memory care units, and a 43-bed care facility.

Plans by Kiwirail, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Port Marlborough, and the council to upgrade Picton’s ferry terminal and build backup berths were also submitted to the initiative.

Marine Farming Association general manager Ned Wells said a $22m marine extract facility, set to go down in Riverlands, would allow the aquaculture industry to create more valuable products. ‘‘Basically that plant will have a number of processing machines that will be able to draw out pharmaceuticals out of marine products, like pulling Omega[-3] out of mussels,’’ he said.

It would also create 20 jobs during construction, and 48 after.

Seven projects were approved as part of an $865,000 ‘‘recovery package’’ earlier this month, including free parking for $200,000, free al fresco dining for $20,000, professional business advice for $50,000, and a web series set to upskill businesses for $32,000.

Blenheim Business Association chair Lynette Rayner said the projects gave businesses a range of ways to help them manage changes and challenges brought about by coronavirus.

A six-month campaign ‘Make It Marlborough’ was also put forward, with the goal of encouraging residents to invest in local businesses and tourism to up both community pride and domestic tourism.

The council had also agreed to inject an extra $1.2 million into community facilities and groups, keep this year’s rates increase to below 2.2 per cent, and waive late fees on its June 10 rates bill.