Gerald Hope, outgoing CE of MRC, receives his card from staff: ‘You’re Leaving! – Where else are you going to find such a diverse bunch of likeable characters as us’!
Matariki, a time for reflection and new beginnings, provided the perfect backdrop for the Budge Street campus get-together over afternoon tea. It was a time to celebrate achievements, share plans, and bid a heartfelt farewell to Gerald Hope, Chief Executive of the Marlborough Research Centre (MRC) for 30 odd years of service to MRC and the primary sector.
"Gerald started with a blank canvas, and we appreciate the tremendous contribution he made," Bernie Rowe, chair of the Marlborough Research Centre Trust aptly said.
Reflecting on past accomplishments, Bernie told the gathering that over 40 years ago local farmers, the United Council and government departments made the MRC happen. The campus steadily grew on the original site at Grovetown, then made a significant investment and built the Marlborough Wine Research Centre at Budge in 2004. Significant growth followed by the construction of the "Mediterranean style building.
Today with Plant & Food Research (PFR), Wine Marlborough, Sustainable Winegrowing NZ (SWNZ), and the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) MRC is poised to deliver greater research and technological outcomes.
"Mediterranean style building”
"This phase has turned a new page for the Trust. Taking on more responsibilities, including providing seed funding for research” The campus is a real a hub for bringing together business, education, and research, now cemented in the New Zealand Wine Centre.
Founding member of the MRC, Edward Pitts, now retired, as well as current trustees were present, joined by NZ Wine Centre staff from PFR, Wine Marlborough, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, SWNZ, and BRI.
Dr Damian Martin, Science Group Leader, PFR, expressed gratitude for Gerald’s visionary leadership and his ability to take others with him on the journey. "Gerald had the vision for a world-leading research and innovation capability in Marlborough, was influential, prepared to listen and take on comments and suggestions," thanking Gerald for their phenomenal working relationship.
A very humble Gerald said the secret was having good people around you, they make it happen!
That’s the diverse bunch of likeable characters that he leaves behind.
