Kaikōura And Marlborough 'A Natural Partnership' - MayorKaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle is ‘‘pretty damn stoked’’ with the Marlborough District Council’s backing of a Kaikōura-Marlborough merger proposal. The Marlborough District Council voted on Thursday, July 30, to prepare a draft amalgamation proposal with the Kaikōura District Council under the Government’s Headstart programme. The Marlborough District Council was already a unitary council, which Mr Mackle expected would ensure a smoother transition. Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said councillors would meet on August 5 to consider the draft amalgamation proposal. In a report to Thursday’s Marlborough council meeting, staff said the Headstart proposal would include a Kaikōura ward with three councillors.