At the centre of New Zealand’s foremost cool-climate grape-growing region, MRC provides a connection between research and business that contributes to the Marlborough region and the wider New Zealand economy.
MRC Trust as owner is responsible for the governance and administration of both campuses.
An appointed Advisory Committee guides the MRC on policy, research and funding, Committee members are drawn from the New Zealand wine industry, pastoral and agriculture producers, research organisations, universities and the Marlborough District Council.
MRC executive team is based in Blenheim, Marlborough.
John Patterson
Chief Executive - Marlborough Research Centre
Email: john@mrc.org.nz
John joined the MRC Trust from 1 July 2024 taking over as Chief Executive from Gerald Hope. John has had a long association with Marlborough and the Marlborough Research Centre. Prior to being appointed to the role of Chief Executive John was an Associate of MRC providing advisory support to the Trust.
John has a financial background with analytical, strategic and managerial experience. His previous roles as Financial Controller for Marlborough District Council, Chief Executive of Kurahaupo Ki Te Waipounamu Trust (a Treaty Settlement entity) and more recently Chief Executive of Executive Finesse Limited (a management consulting company) have ensured John brings a wide range of insights and experience to the role.
John has been involved in a variety of development projects within the region since 1995 ranging from establishing new community and economic infrastructure to facilitating the aspirations of people and communities within Marlborough.
He has a strong interest in developing community resilience through economic development. This aligns well with the Trust’s vision.
The Marlborough Research Centre is a significant contributor to the regional economy and the recent development of Te Pokapu Waina o Aotearoa – the New Zealand Wine Centre on the Budge Street campus is a stepping stone to being able to further realise our regional and national economic aspirations.
Vicky Boswell
Operations and Account Manager - Marlborough Research Centre
Email: vicky@mrc.org.nz
Vicky Boswell joined the Marlborough Research Centre in January 2026 as Operations and Account Manager, bringing extensive experience in campus operations, administration and finance management.
Born and raised in Christchurch, Vicky spent 15 years in Wellington before relocating to Marlborough. She worked at Victoria University of Wellington for 13 years, holding a range of roles including Executive Assistant, Project Coordinator, Office Manager, and Office and Finance Administrator. During her time there, she thrived in the energy of a university campus and particularly valued supporting students and celebrating their achievements — volunteering at graduation ceremonies being a standout highlight.
At MRC, Vicky is charged with ensuring high-quality campus management and fostering strong relationships across the organisation. She believes the heart of her role is simple: “The people!” Supporting the MRC team, tenants, suppliers and contractors — and creating a well-run, welcoming campus environment — sits at the core of what she does.
Vicky enjoys the lifestyle balance Marlborough offers, along with the warmer climate (though she admits she was surprised by the wind!). She appreciates the welcoming culture of the MRC campus and the vibrancy created by the many research initiatives happening across the primary sector.
Outside of work, Vicky enjoys walking, reading, travel, following sport, and has recently taken up golf — “very badly at this stage,” she says with a laugh.