Next weekend, heritage organisations across the region begin to showcase their wares in this year’s Marlborough Heritage Festival.

The event spans two weekends with 36 events reaching all corners of the district.

It’s timed to coincide with International Museum Day on 18 May, offering a reminder to visit one of our local museums which serve as kaitiaki for so many Marlborough stories and histories.

There are many highlights including the wool bale stencil workshop at Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery at Brayshaw Park on Friday 15 May. Dr Annette O’Sullivan will discuss how the purchase of a single letter stencil led to years of research and discoveries on New Zealand’s earliest export brands stencilled on wool bales.

The same day at 1pm and 2pm you can discover the history of Te Hoiere and the connections Ngāti Kuia has to pakohe (argillite) at Pakohe kōrero with Ngakau. Held at Kete Aronui at the entrance to Pelorus Campground, the kōrero explores the stories, taonga and cultural significance of pakohe in the region.

A talk at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum explores the history of this sailing ship and how she became part of Marlborough’s story. Register via Edwin.fox@marborough.govt.nz or ph 03 5736868.

There is also a fantastic range of events for tamariki this year, helping to engage the next generation with Marlborough’s past. Pick up a guidebook or visit the Council website to find out more. Space is limited at several events and registrations are filling up quickly. Register now so you don't miss out . Go to https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/marlborough-heritage-festival

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