Research makes Tozzi tick

Marlborough’s new harbourmaster has already got the impression Marlburians are a passionate bunch.

Captain Jake Oliver took over the role from outgoing harbourmaster Luke Grogan – starting on April 26.

‘‘I am new to this area at the moment, but one of the key things I’m working on trying to build are those community relationships: community, iwi, port, small commercial operators, council,’’ Oliver said.

‘‘It’s a huge job, it’s not a quick job. But it’s something I’m really interested in, and want to achieve, is a good communication network with people.’’

Originally from the United Kingdom, Oliver left behind a job in the Hawke’s Bay as deputy harbourmaster, where he was for about three years.

‘‘The job came up here, and Marlborough’s a beautiful region with lots of exciting challenges and things going on in the future,’’ Oliver said.

‘‘Hawke’s Bay is nice, it is really lovely up there, but here is really different. Obviously up there they have a bigger commercial port, and variety of cargo, there’s still a good-sized recreational sector up there as well.

‘‘Here it’s just a very different geography which brings its own challenges to make sure that we’re managing, responsibly, the whole area.’’

But a bulk of his career was spent on cruise ships – just over 10 years.

‘‘It’s a great career, it’s a lot of fun. It’s hard work, but you can really enjoy it along the way.