The Sun
Wednesday October 18, 2017
New port boss sees great future
By Bill McElhinney Port Marlborough business delivery manager Rhys Welbourn is excited about his new role. In December Rhys will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer, replacing current longserving CEO Ian McNabb, who is retiring at the end of the year. The port, one of the busiest in the country, is owned by the Marlborough District Council company MDC Holdings, and last year had a revenue of $25.85 million. Rhys has been in his current role with the port company for the past two years, but worked with the company previously before leaving to take up a scholarship at Cranfield, one of the top universities in the United Kingdom. A year of full time study earned him an MBA - Master of Business Administration. He returned to New Zealand for an executive role at Port Timaru before being lured back to Marlborough. ”I really feel this is where my home is,” Rhys says. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Rhys has been in New Zealand for the past 15 years and became a citizen in Marlborough. Rhys took his family, wife Hon-
our, son William, and daughters Bess and Elsie to Britain with him when he went to study, and they also spent some time in France, where Rhys’ parents now live. “But we all wanted to come back to New Zealand, back to Marlborough,’ he says. Honour teaches at Rapaura School, where Bess and Elsie are pupils, and the family live close by in Hammerichs Road. The family love outdoor pursuits, Rhys says. He plays football for Redwood Tavern Masters, and son William has followed his Dad. Rhys sees exciting times ahead for the port company as it strives to serve the best interests of the community and the region. “We’re always conscious of our social and environmental responsibilities,” he says. “We have the port of Picton, where the interisland ferries come and go, the deep water port at Shakespeare Bay, and our marinas at Picton, Waikawa and Havelock. “The hoki fishing fleet still works out of Picton, and of course aquaculture is a major industry for us. There’s a lot happening and a lot to look forward to!”
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Rhys Welbourn is looking forward to his new role as chief executive officer at Port Marlborough.
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Marine & Watercraft owner Pete Walters is holding a demonstration this weekend for his new Weber BBQ range.
Grills hot for demo day By Celeste Alexander The grills will be fired up at Marine & Watercraft this Saturday during a ‘Weber’ demonstration day held by owner Pete Walters. Pete is happy to announce that Marine & Watercraft has been appointed Marlborough’s only Weber specialist dealer and to celebrate, a range of models will be fired up between 10am - 2pm. “We are known for choosing only premium products so adding the Weber range to our stable complements this nicely. Many people own BBQs and when looking for a product that lasts the proof of time, there was only one answer ... the Weber,” Pete says. One of the biggest drawcards of the Weber is the ‘flavour’ it gives
to food, he says. “If you are already a Weber user, then you’ll be aware of the fabulous tastes and flavours that the Weber gives you. If you haven’t had the pleasure in owning one, make sure you pop down and see what makes this such a well known and recommended brand. “At Saturday’s launch we will be cooking roast pork, lamb, pizzas, steak, chicken and even chocolate brownies on some of our Weber models. With the Weber, it really is a case of ‘tasting the difference’,” Pete says. There will be promotions and giveaways during the launch including the chance to win your money back on your Weber purchase. PBA
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