WHO WE ARE
Our trust started in 2008 and developed a handful of rental and shared ownership homes to help Marlborough people in need.
Since 2022, working with partners including the Rātā Foundation and Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, we have brought together two projects to provide eight new sustainable homes in Blenheim.
We are keen to hear if you have a property that would lend itself to creating more such homes – or have capital that could assist such worthy developments. Please contact us.
Our Trust is the only registered community housing provider in Marlborough – operating as registered charitable trust, no. 2418028
Please note – all our homes are currently occupied and most tenancies are managed on our behalf by Christchurch Methodist Mission. You can contact them re: possible future vacancies at our properties or others they manage.
If you are looking for lower-cost accommodation, you can also contact Kāinga Ora
Our team
Our Big Community
Meet our talented, skilled and friendly team! These are people who create all our projects. Together we do one major and important job – design, construction and building for people.
Mike Hardy-Jones, Chair
Originally from Wellington, Mike moved to Blenheim in 1983, where for over 40 years he practiced law, working mainly in the areas of litigation and disputes resolution. Following his recent retirement he is spending more time working on the family vineyard, but has time and skills to commit to helping the MSHT to provide quality housing to our community.
Brendon Burns
Brendon was a reforming Editor of The Marlborough Express, worked in the PM's Office, had a term in Parliament in Christchurch during its earthquakes before returning to Marlborough in 2012. His consultancy business has local and national clients. He joined the housing trust in late 2022. Brendon earlier served two terms on the NMIT Council and has variously chaired Business Trust Marlborough, the interim Regional Skills Leadership Group and Smart+Connected Aquaculture group. In March 2024 Brendon was elected to the Marlborough Electric Power Trust.
Ollie Clark
Formerly an accountant at a local accounting firm in Blenheim, Ollie currently resides in Auckland as a finance business partner for a large corporate. Being born & raised in Blenheim, he retains strong ties to the Marlborough community and is all too aware of the need for affordable & accessible housing needed in the region. Paired with the mindset of minimising waste and creating maximum efficiency, his values are closely aligned with the Trust’s purpose, creating a natural fit. As a Chartered Accountant he is also befitting of the role as the Trust’s Treasurer.
Petra Hanjal
With over 15 years of experience in the building industry spanning Hungary, the UK, and New Zealand, Petra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Her passion lies in creating energy-efficient and healthy homes, specializing in Passive House designs. She combines her technical expertise with a solutions-oriented approach to provide industry insights that support the Trust to provide affordable, efficient and healthy homes in Marlborough.
Emma Deason
Emma practices law at local firm Gascoigne Wicks. Her focus is on resource management and civil litigation matters. Emma also previously worked at the Council advising on a range of issues, including the Building Act and consenting of subdivisions. She joined the Board in the hopes of using those skills and experience to make a positive contribution to the mission of MSHT. Having been raised in Blenheim, Emma has strong family and community ties to the Marlborough Region. In her spare time she enjoys getting out on the many great walking tracks on offer, and keeps busy helping her partner out on the vineyard and exercising their border collies.
Heidi Cuttle
Heidi is a Solicitor at Hardy-Jones Clark, based in Blenheim, where she practices general law. Originally from Methven, Heidi moved to Blenheim in 2023. Heidi has a strong interest in accessible and sustainable housing, particularly driven by her personal experience with her mother, who uses a wheelchair. She is passionate about creating solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe, comfortable, and affordable housing. Eager to give back to the community, Heidi is excited to contribute to the Housing Trust’s mission of providing accessible, sustainable, and affordable housing for those in need in the Marlborough region.
Nicky Strong
Nicky has worked in the banking industry for almost 20 years, with her current role being a Relationship Manager with the ANZ Business Team in Marlborough. Having been raised in this closeknit community, Nicky is now raising her two children here and with them getting to an age where they can look after themselves, Nicky is in a position where she has the time and skills to give back to her community by being part of MSHT.