"The community really opened their hearts during lockdown, it was amazing. We received a lot of donations from domestic gardens, fruit growers and the farming community."

"I think Marlborough is reasonably lucky, we’ve got other industries such as aquaculture, forestry, farming and wine to help off-set the downturn in tourism so hopefully not too many jobs are affected."

"We all know the virus is contagious, but love is even more contagious. By doing good things and being kind to others, you will inspire someone else to do the same or even join your cause."

"Taimate bulls are renowned for being among the most placid and mild-tempered in the country, which is a huge plus for farmers working closely with such big animals."

"My message to young people who are struggling, is to hang in there. This rough patch won’t last forever, and in the meantime focus on things you can control like having a positive attitude and staying involved in the community either through sports or voluntary work."

"My hope for Marlborough is that we come out of this even more brilliant than we were before. It’s the best place on earth and we are lucky to live here.”

"Slowing down has given us an opportunity to enhance the quality of the experience people have when they are here"

"It’s been heartwarming to get some local enquiry for mid-winter Christmas and team building functions."

"The wonderful thing about a job like this is the team of people I get to work with. Nothing ever gets done on your own, and the way we work collaboratively with other organisations for the good of everybody is amazing."

"I guess being stuck at home with my loved ones while so many people were struggling or weren’t locked down in a place they felt safe, made me realise how lucky we are and really put into perspective why I want to keep helping people outside of my home."

"I love sports and the outdoors and I have always enjoyed helping others, so getting involved with the school and taking opportunities as they come just seems like a natural thing to do."

"What a lot of people don't realise is just how much local businesses support all these wonderful events we have in the region, so it's really important that we get out there and support those businesses now"

"The pandemic has shown me not to take anything for granted. If there are any opportunities that come your way, go for it" 

"We are incredibly lucky in Marlborough to have such a diverse range of industries contirbuting to our economy"

"For most of our riders the Marlborough RDA is the only place where they get an opportunity to be involved with horse therapy"

"Like all local businesses, we sponsor a whole host of events and organisations in the community, and as a passionate rugby dad I am a huge supporter of Marlborough Boys' College rugby"

"What happens down the line with Covid is anyone’s guess. For me at the moment, I’m focusing on building a strong team here and future proofing the fire brigade by getting the right people in to get the job done."

"Marlborough can take some heart in the fact that our economy is punching above its weight, compared with the performance of the national economy at the moment"

"What I learned over lockdown was that success is not defined by the work that I do. Success for me is staying true to who I am" 

"When we started in business, it was really important to us that we be a part of the community, not just be a practice that people come to for treatment."

"The generosity of our local businesses who just keep giving back to the community is outstanding."

"If we can keep Covid-19 at bay at level two or better, we're on track to have our best summer ever."

"Bird counts in Picton are improving every year"

"Now is a great opportunity to explore your own backyard and get into it, without the crowds"

"We're pretty lucky to live here really, we work hard, so keep things pretty simple, but love to get down to the local swimming hole with the family during summer and watch the local rugby games during winter."

"Without the support and cash sponsorship of local businesses, clubs like ours wouldn’t survive."

"There’s something very satisfying about being involved in a cause like the museum, after all the hard work we’ve put in, it’s wonderful seeing people come in here and enjoy it."

"We absolutely wouldn’t be able to see this project through without all the generosity of local businesses, families and community groups."

"We’re a diverse little town, and we’re hoping Marlborough as a whole will come together and support each other through these challenging times."

"We are determined to see this challenge through so we come out the other end stronger and more resilient.'"