About REAP Marlborough
Our vision
Thriving and resilient communities.
Our mission
REAP Marlborough will respond and adapt to support our communities
through developing trusted partnerships.
Our values
Our story
REAP Marlborough was established in 1979 and from then has striven to become the Marlborough community’s “go-to hub” for courses and support for the education of our rural (and often very isolated) residents and also those who reside in and nearer to Blenheim, Renwick, and Picton, our larger communities.
Our objective has been to identify gaps in the provision of education for rural communities (for all ages) and develop strategies to fill the gaps either through REAP-facilitated programmes or in collaboration with other providers.
REAP Marlborough supports Early Childhood Education, schools, tertiary and Adult Community Education, as well as transitions between these levels. The focus is on gaps in opportunities for education
resulting from geographical isolation and isolation relating to age, disability,
language, or other factors.
REAP Marlborough promotes community development, integrating education and
the provision of information with activities in other sectors including health, social
services, community organisations and local government. REAP Marlborough can
act as the independent initiator and/or facilitator of community change but more
commonly works collaboratively with other agencies.
Our region
Our area of coverage extends from French Pass/Ōkiwi Bay in the North to Kaikōura
in the South, and from Molesworth, Wairau, and Waihopai Valleys in the West to the
East coastline. This area includes Blenheim and Picton and residents from these
towns are welcome to engage with our services. We pride ourselves on the many
connections with the smaller communities within these boundaries.
Other services
REAP Marlborough's spacious meeting room is available to local non-profits and school groups for meetings, workshops, and online job interviews.
For availability and pricing, please contact our administrator, Amy - accounts@reapmarlborough.co.nz or 03 578 7848
(learning; everyone is a learner)
(relationships)
(mutual respect, integrity, and kindness)
Sharon Blount – Chief Executive Officer | Kaiwhakahaere Matua
Sharon has an education management background, ranging from Operations & Compliance Manager at Onsite Viticulture in Blenheim, Alternative Education Coordinator in the Hawkes Bay, MOE Principal Advisor Secondary Transitions Napier and most recently Operations Manager of the Whitireia & WelTec Schools of Creativity & Hospitality and campuses in central Wellington and now happily back “home” in Blenheim. Sharon has a passion for helping those who are finding the secondary to tertiary transition a challenge and is looking forward to expanding the REAP offerings.
Tracy Bateman - Education Coordinator/Secondary School Liaison
Tracy joined our team at the end of 2023, having accepted a newly created role as Education Coordinator/Secondary School Liaison. Tracy returned to Marlborough to be closer to family in June of 2023 and now lives on a lifestyle block in Flaxborne/Ward. Tracy is the kaitiaki of several horses, sheep, goats, chooks, and bees. Tracy has a full and colourful resume, with her most recent role being in an administration role with the NZ Police for 4.5 years. Tracy is delighted to be back in sunny Marlborough and excited about the coming year with REAP Marlborough.
Shona Winter - Education Team, Community
Ko Tarakeha te maunga
Ko Opape to awa
Ko Mātaatua te waka
Ko Whakatōhea tōku iwi
I've been working for REAP Marlborough since 2021 and live in Blenheim with my husband Mike and our 2 dogs. Whanau means everything to me, and I love spending time with my granddaughter . I lead Adult and Community Education (ACE) at REAP Marlborough, helping people build practical skills, confidence, and independence. I create programmes to support any learning gaps in the community and have particularly enjoyed working with our former refugee community through our driving programme, helping people get their licences and open up new opportunities. I also run courses in digital skills, personal development, and employability, tailoring support to what people need most. What I love about my role is seeing people grow, gain confidence, and achieve things they never thought possible. If you have an idea or want to learn something new, I'd love to hear from you! For Adult and Community Education enquiries, email ace@reapmarlborough.co.nz
Renee Wood - Education Team, Kaikōura
Renee is the ACE coordinator for the Kaikōura region, based at Te Hā o Mātauranga at 14 Ludstone Road, Kaikōura.
Selena Tonks - ECE / Primary Schools Facilitator
Selena is an experienced educator with a background in primary teaching and leadership. Much of her teaching career has been in small and rural schools.
Selena moved to Marlborough in 1987 to take up her first teaching position at Bohally Intermediate. Apart from teaching stints in Rangiora and North Carolina USA, she has called Marlborough home ever since.
Selena joined REAP Marlborough as Adviser to Schools in 2019, coming from her position as principal at Grovetown School. Prior to 2019, she was seconded to the part time position of ‘Visiting Fellow’ for REAP Marlborough for 2 years. Selena is an active member of the Marlborough Principals Association and part of their executive team.
In a voluntary capacity, Selena is a trustee for Life Education in Marlborough and the Education Support Mentor for their educator. She is also a volunteer for Red Cross, assisting with the resettlement of former refugees in Blenheim.
Please email primary and ECE -related enquiries to Selena - selena@reapmarlborough.co.nz-
Other schools-related enquiries should be directed to Tracy - tracy@reapmarlborough.co.nz
Te Akau Moanaroa - Cultural Advisor / Admin Support ACE & MOE
(Bio Coming Soon.....)
Our Committee
Alistair Shorn (Chair)
Amber McNamara
Allie Shaw
Louisa Murray
Sue Walbran
Erika Te Whiu
Andras Kovacs
Annual Reports
Our 2023 Annual Report was delivered at REAP Marlborough's AGM in May, 2024.
We invite you to view our annual reports as displayed below:
Strategic Plan
Our 2022 - 2024 Strategic Plan details REAP Marlborough's strategic priorities, expected outcomes, plans for how we will achieve those outcomes, and indicators of success.
Other REAP Centres
There are 12 other REAP centres around Aotearoa. All REAPs specialise in core work across adult and community education, early childhood education, schooling,
and parenting.