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.


Gerald Hope

Chief Executive - Marlborough Research Centre
Email: [email protected]

Gerald is contracted to the MRC Trust as Chief Executive. He has been associated with the MRC since 1991 when he moved from the wine sector having been a partner in a Winery Start up.  In conjunction with the Trust board he has successfully built a strong asset base on two campuses.   MRC Budge Street and Grovetown Park State Highway 1.  The trial orchard was converted to a 10 hectare sauvignon blanc vineyard in 2002.  Across the campuses there are 12 groups with over 60 people in residence that are administered by MRCT. 

He has served on the Cawthron Trust since 2002, is an elected member of the Nelson Marlborough Health Board where he chairs the Hospital Advisory Committee, an elected member of Marlborough District Council where he is currently Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee. 


Susan Foster

Operations and Account Manager
Email: [email protected]

Susan joined the Marlborough Research Centre in May 2020.  Originally from Christchurch she moved to Marlborough in 1999.  She is an experienced Office Manager after seven years at Mills Bay Mussels in Havelock.  Susan has also worked as the administrator for Havelock Vision 2020 Charitable Trust and volunteers in a number of community groups.

Susan is responsible for all administrative and financial support, health and safety standards and liaising with tenants related to the Marlborough Research Centre Trust.  Her role extends to a variety of duties directly relevant to the smooth running of the Research Centre and dealing with the many meetings, visitor contact and organising events that frequently take place.