News

Marlborough Upcycling Challenge Celebrates Creativity and Sustainability

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:39:39 GMT

Marlborough Upcycling Challenge Celebrates Creativity and Sustainability

The Marlborough Upcycling Challenge has wrapped up for the year, leaving organisers inspired by the creativity, skill and imagination displayed by participants from across the region.

The challenge invited individuals, groups and school teams to transform unwanted or discarded items into something new, useful or artistic.

The result was a diverse collection of entries that demonstrated the many possibilities of upcycling while promoting waste reduction and sustainable thinking.

From practical creations to works of art, participants showcased impressive ingenuity and craftsmanship.

One standout project featured a wheelbarrow cleverly constructed from an old mussel float, bicycle frame and wheels, giving discarded materials an entirely new purpose.

Another entry transformed old denim clothing into a fabulous new outfit, showcasing both creativity and fashion-forward thinking.

Nature-inspired works were also a highlight, including a beautifully sculptured kiwi crafted from old chicken wire and repurposed farm implements.

Meanwhile, old hardback books found a second life as unique, handcrafted handbags, proving that even the most unexpected items can be reimagined into something special.

Each entry reflected the challenge’s core message — that with imagination, resourcefulness and a willingness to see things differently, items destined for disposal can become something valuable once again.

“The creativity shown by all participants was fantastic,” said The Blue Door team. “Every entry represented hours of thought, eﬀort and craftsmanship. It was wonderful to see people embracing the challenge and finding innovative ways to give old materials a new lease on life.”

The results were also featured in the Blenheim Sun community newspaper on 22 April.

The Blue Door would like to thank everyone who entered the challenge and helped make it such a success. Special thanks also go to event sponsors Repost, Trillo Metals and Marlborough District Council, along with the Blenheim Sun for their support in helping bring the challenge to life.

Turning waste into something to admire

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:21:28 GMT

Turning waste into something to admire

Turning waste into something to admire

Upcycling is the art of reusing discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. And that is exactly what Issie Jordan, artist, has created especially for Marlborough’s The Blue Door charity store.

Using The Blue Door logo “B”, which incorporates a recycling design element as her inspiration, Issie has created from a range of discarded material, a piece of wall art that cannot but make you stop and take in its inspiring creativity.

With cardboard being the primary material in the design, Issie says, “I see cardboard not as a waste but an opportunity. It’s about turning the discarded into something meaningful and inspiring.”

“By transforming everyday materials into art, I aim to encourage others to see value in the overlooked and to think differently how we use and reuse”, she said.

“The Blue Door are thrilled to be the custodians of Issie’s artwork - she is truly a local supporting locals”, said Stephen Leitch, Chairman.

“Unveiled this week the artwork will hang prominently in store for all to see and be an example of what a second hand culture can lead to and what the possibilities of upcycling from the very basics of material can lead to”, he said.

The Blue Door are currently in the process of formulating an Upcycling Competition to be launched in February 2026 running through to Earth Day in April. It was anticipated there would be three categories of school, team or individual entrants. Prize sponsors were currently being sought.

The Blue Door is one of Marlborough’s oldest charity organisations dedicated fostering recycling and supporting the community through grants programs. All profit raised by The Blue Door is distributed back into the Marlborough community.

News article from The Blenheim Sun view the original article here

The Blue Door makes it easier to shop

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:12:06 GMT

The Blue Door makes it easier to shop

"Open the door to a world of affordable goods" and a new look Blue Door which celebrated the reopening of its store on 15 July following a week of closure while much needed new carpet was laid. Beverley Kingston, patron and pioneer of The Blue Door, marked the occasion by cutting a ribbon to signify the store's new look.

"The last few months have been an especially busy time for our staff and volunteers in preparing for the installation of new carpet. We have at the same time redesigned the store layout to make it more user friendly for our customers and improved how we process our donated inwards goods", said Stephen Leitch, Chairman.

The disabled car parking space has now been moved to a spot right outside the front door and a wheelchair accessible areas has been incorporated into the store's front counter. The majority of display furniture is now on wheels which gives more flexibility keeping the store interesting.

Like many businesses The Blue Door charity has had its share of challenges in the last year. The rented store underwent earthquake strengthening. This came with significant upheaval to staff, volunteers, customers and quality donations coming through the door and ultimately the bottom line.

"With our new look we hope to encourage a whole lot more customers and new volunteers into the store", said Stephen. "We will be introducing new hours of operation. Mondays will be closed but there will be plenty of time to shop Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4.30pm; and Saturday, 9.30am-2pm.