In late June 2025, Marlborough faced a deluge that tested its resolve. Heavy rain battered the region, triggering widespread flooding, road closures, and evacuations in Spring Creek and Renwick. Yet, amidst the chaos, the community’s spirit shone through, proving that Marlborough’s strength lies in its people. As the waters recede, stories of resilience and collaboration are emerging, painting a picture of a region determined to rebuild stronger than ever.

The flooding, classified as a medium-scale adverse event by the government, was relentless. Over 300 millimeters of rain fell in some areas, saturating the ground and swelling rivers like the Wairau and Waihopai. Spring Creek residents were evacuated as a precaution due to concerns about a compromised stopbank, while Renwick faced similar fears when a bank at the Waihopai-Wairau confluence showed signs of failure. The Marlborough District Council, led by Mayor Nadine Taylor, acted swiftly, declaring a local state of emergency and coordinating with Marlborough Emergency Management to ensure resident safety. An Air Force Unimog even rescued 20 stranded people at Para Swamp, a testament to the region’s preparedness.

Despite the challenges, Marlborough’s stopbanks largely held firm. Council engineer Geoff White noted that the Spring Creek stopbank, previously flagged for weaknesses, performed better than expected, with no seepage or slumping observed. This gave residents confidence to return home, though not without frustration. One Hathaway Street resident, battling floodwaters with a sandbag wall and water pump, voiced exasperation: “This happens every year.” The council’s decision to delay stopbank repairs until 2026 has sparked debate, but their commitment to fast-track fixes at the Waihopai-Wairau confluence signals progress.

The recovery phase, which began officially on July 1, 2025, is where Marlborough’s community spirit truly shines. Local agencies, including Marlborough Roads and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, are working tirelessly to repair damaged roads like State Highway 6 and clear debris. Community groups and rural networks have rallied, offering practical support and emotional care. The council’s Antenno app has kept residents informed, providing real-time updates on road conditions and safety advisories. Meanwhile, businesses like BNZ have stepped up, launching financial assistance packages for affected individuals, small businesses, and agribusinesses, easing the economic strain.

Stories of neighborly support abound. In Spring Creek, residents in rain jackets and gumboots checked on each other, sharing resources and encouragement. Farmers, hit hard by flooded fields, are showing the grit described by a Tasman farmer: “It’s not in our nature as New Zealand farmers to give up.” The Rural Support Trust is gearing up to meet high demand, ensuring no one is left behind.

Marlborough’s recovery is far from over. Damaged infrastructure, contaminated floodwaters, and the threat of more rain loom large. Yet, the region’s tight-knit community, backed by proactive leadership and innovative tools like Floodwatch, is ready to face the challenge. As Mayor Taylor emphasized, the focus is on supporting communities and assessing long-term needs.

For Marlborough, these floods are not just a setback but a chance to showcase resilience. Tune in to our latest podcast episode to hear from locals on the ground, sharing their experiences and vision for a flood-proof future. Together, Marlborough is rebuilding, one step at a time.

The iconic One NZ GODZone, the world’s largest expedition adventure race, is set to return in 2025 after a two-year hiatus, with Marlborough’s stunning landscapes serving as the backdrop for Chapter 12. Hosted in Blenheim from November 27 to December 5, this grueling multi-day, non-stop race will challenge up to 100 teams of four as they navigate approximately 550–700km of New Zealand’s wilderness through disciplines like mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, pack rafting, and more. Among the athletes gearing up for this ultimate test of endurance is Marlborough’s own Jeremy McKenzie, a seasoned adventure racer with a passion for pushing physical and mental limits.

GODZone Chapter 12: A Marlborough Adventure

Marlborough, with its intricate coastal waterways, rugged mountains, and sprawling forests, is no stranger to hosting GODZone, having done so twice before. The 2025 event, under the stewardship of the newly formed Pure Adventure Charitable Trust (PACT) and fronted by rugby legend Richie McCaw, promises to showcase the region’s adventurous terrain like never before. The course, kept secret until race day, will test teams’ navigation, survival skills, and teamwork across an unrelenting 8–9 day journey.The race features two categories: GZ Pure, the ultimate expedition for elite racers tackling the full course, and GZ Pursuit, a slightly adapted version for teams seeking a still-demanding but more accessible challenge. With disciplines ranging from ropes and coasteering to pack rafting, competitors will face Marlborough’s diverse landscapes, from coastal ridges to remote backcountry. The event’s live-tracking system will allow global audiences to follow teams in real-time, amplifying its reach and excitement.Marlborough District Council and Destination Marlborough are key supporters, recognizing the event’s economic and promotional benefits. Mayor Nadine Taylor emphasized the region’s pride in hosting, noting, “We have some of the country’s finest rivers, mountains, lakes, and coastline, and Marlborough will be a magnificent venue for this adventure.” The Department of Conservation is also collaborating to ensure the course respects the region’s unique ecosystems while showcasing its beauty.

Jeremy McKenzie: Marlborough’s Adventure Racing Stalwart

At the heart of this event is local hero Jeremy McKenzie, a winemaker and grape grower from Marlborough who embodies the resilience and grit required for GODZone. A veteran of four GODZone races, McKenzie is no stranger to the race’s demands. In 2014, as part of the Absolute Wilderness team in the Kaikoura-based event, he secured an impressive third-place finish, earning a reputation as a surprise standout. More recently, he competed in the 2021 Rotorua-based Chapter 9 as part of the GOFENCE® Marlborough team, finishing 14th—a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport.For 2025, McKenzie returns with the Goldpine-sponsored GOFENCE® Marlborough team, joined by teammate Kieran Hickman, a sheep and beef farmer from Ward, and newcomers Sarah O’Neill and James McCone, dairy farmers from North Canterbury. This quartet of rural-based athletes brings a unique perspective, with McKenzie attributing their toughness to their outdoor lifestyles. “You look at the landscape we’ve got here in Marlborough,” he said. “If we’re not on a mountain bike, we might be spearfishing out in the Sounds or doing a mission up to Blue Lake. We promote a healthy lifestyle as a family.”McKenzie’s passion for adventure racing stems from its ability to build resilience and character. “The team dynamics, mental and physical requirements create true resilience,” he noted, reflecting on GODZone’s impact. As the team’s motivator, he focuses on keeping spirits high and leveraging each member’s strengths to navigate the race’s unpredictable challenges. His experience as a winemaker, where adaptability is key, mirrors the problem-solving needed in GODZone. “There are challenges and unknowns you haven’t thought about, and you must work together as a team to combat them,” he said.

A Test of Grit and Teamwork

GODZone is more than a race—it’s a journey that tests the limits of human endurance and camaraderie. Teams must travel day and night, making strategic decisions about rest while tackling technical and physical challenges. The 2025 course, spanning over 650km in some estimates, includes approximately 190km on foot, 330km on bike, and 130km on water, with up to 14,000m of vertical climbing. Only 30–40% of teams are expected to complete the full GZ Pure course, making finishes like McKenzie’s past performances all the more remarkable.For McKenzie and his GOFENCE® teammates, preparation is a lifestyle. From pack-heavy family walks to multi-sport training missions, they integrate fitness into their daily lives. McKenzie’s prior races, including the Marikopa Munter 24-hour race and a brutal 48-hour Fiordland trek, have honed his ability to push through adversity. His role as the team’s motivator will be crucial in keeping morale high during the race’s inevitable “dark spaces.”

Economic and Cultural Impact

GODZone’s return is a boon for Marlborough, drawing competitors, support crews, and spectators to Blenheim. The event aligns with One NZ’s Satellite TXT service, enabling connectivity in remote areas—a fitting synergy for an event defined by exploration. With entries opening April 1, 2025, global interest is already high, promising a vibrant showcase of Marlborough’s natural beauty and adventure racing’s allure.

Looking Ahead

As Jeremy McKenzie and his team prepare to tackle Chapter 12, they carry the spirit of Marlborough’s rugged outdoors and rural resilience. For McKenzie, GODZone is not just a race but a way to inspire others—young and old—to embrace adventure and teamwork. “It’s super exciting to have GODZone back,” he said. “It’s an iconic event that creates something special for so many people.” Whether navigating Marlborough’s coastal forests or skyline ridges, McKenzie’s journey will embody the heart of this world-class event.

For more information on GODZone Chapter 12, visit godzoneadventure.com.