Technology minister drops in

Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp was in Marlborough to catch up with two leading technology firms on Monday.

Dr Mapp poked his nose around Cuddon Ltd and Carbonscape's projects with Kaikoura MP Colin King.

He also stopped by the Blenheim RSA to have a chat with members as they ate lunch.

Cuddon freeze dry business manager, Steve Anderson, said Dr Mapp was genuinely interested and spent twice as long at the Blenheim workshop than the 30 minutes planned.

The minister was shown around the workshops and the freeze dryer production line.

He was "blown away" by the workmanship and finish of the products made at the firm, Mr Anderson said.

Dr Mapp was also shown some research and development projects for a spray freeze dryer and was given a copy of the company history, written by Marlburian Deborah Walton.Carbonscape director Nick Gerritsen said Dr Mapp's visit was arranged by Mr King to show the minister what was happening in Marlborough.

Carbonscape is a Picton company developing a way to convert biomass to charcoal using microwave technology to lower carbon emissions. Charcoal is made of pure carbon and takes about 40,000 years to break down, effectively locking up the carbon dioxide which would otherwise be released into the air.

"He [Dr Mapp] was really intrigued by what we were up to," Mr Gerritsen said.

- The Marlborough Express

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