WELCOME TO THE IDENTITY ANCHOR

25 March, 2026: A common identity is vital for resilience because it fosters social  cohesion, provides a shared sense of purpose, and strengthens collective support networks, enabling individuals and communities to better withstand, adapt to, and recover from shocks. It buffers against anxiety, reduces isolation, and offers an anchor for navigating trauma.

In tough times how do we look after each other? Many people are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. 1News New Zealand has just reported that fuel prices have surged to a 7 year high and many across the motu are bracing for fuel rationing which has ripple effects. National research published earlier this year and research published in 2024 overseas showed that the most influential social cohesion variables in disaster recovery are social capital, sense of community, social participation, and place attachment. Social cohesion is the “glue” of resilience and resilience is the ability to cope with disruption. As the national research published earlier this year highlights, communities need to be at the heart of emergency management. Recreation, including walking, has a role in this and in supporting wellbeing, sense making and creativity.

Fun in the Sun and Sea

Last Saturday, 21 March, the autumn equinox, was marked with family Seaweek adventures in Momorangi Bay, with a theme of Toi Moana and Toi Tangata Healthy Ocean Healthy People. This is relevant for Marlborough which has 20% of the country's coastline. Saturday was also International Day of Forests so it was timely that earlier in the week long-time Marlborough resident, photographer and software developer Christopher Cookson embarked to explore the land and sea forests of Ship Cove and Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds. This was a novel journey to discover more of our Marlborough stunning backyard with a curious mindset. Invited by Sounds resident Dr Deborah Early whom he had met early last year at Te Au Pūngao, the new Tech and Innovation Hub. Despite living in different parts of Marlborough Dr Early and Chris find common ground in enjoying the Marlborough sunshine, an interest in Science and Tech and wanting to make a meaningful, future-focused contribution to strengthen community and business resilience. Christopher and his Create IT business are foundational partners, with Dr Early, in an innovative first for Marlborough.

  Linking this with the Living Lab

Dr Early, who recently completed a PGCert. P.R.&T with Lincoln University, is looking to bridge the gap between research and practice. In addition, as a member of Marlborough’s Café Create Dr Early understands how Space Create, with art, is a powerful tool for placing making and community wellbeing. However, the focus on sense of place has only been on Blenheim, rather than Marlborough as a region. Further informed by 3 months of volunteer research she offered with the EpiLab, in 2023, she had previously explored the impact of arts and cultural engagement on population health outcomes in the U.S.A. Thus, she has created Marlborough’s First One Health Resilience “Through recreation and Tourism” Living Lab. Named Bluewater Endeavours Living Lab (BELL) and caring for People and Place Treasures, the living lab emerged out of an education and advisory initiative she started in 2023 and built on her work to develop nature-based urban design solutions. By integrating One Health (the intersection of human, animal, and  environmental health) into the tourism sector, the approach flips from managing disasters to managing risks.  In addition, a Living Lab helps real people find real solutions in the real world. 

Three Days Exploring Our Brilliant Backyard

Christopher’s 3-day immersion and the power of stepping back, generated new insights on the diversity of, and opportunity within, Marlborough. This led him to paraphrase Forest Gump and that possibly the best way to describe Marlborough is, “Marlborough is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get”.

To Contribute to Your Community Cohesion & Resilience

Over the next while, Dr Early will be sharing additions details from this recent immersion. How can you help steward a resilient Marlborough as a destination for those who live, who, play and visit here?  If you are interested in innovative approaches to building resilience, through recreation and tourism, please contact her. You can see some of Christopher’s photos and reflections here.

Photo credits: Louisa Murray, Christopher Cookson and Deborah Early