Prestigious award for Clive Paton

The Loder Cup recipient for 2014 was awarded to Clive Paton. One of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious conservation awards, the Cup is awarded each year by the Minister of Conservation for “outstanding achievements as a motivator, protector, promoter and propagator of New Zealand flora.” It was presented by the Minister, Maggie Barrie, in a ceremony in Wellington.

He was unaware he had been nominated for the award by the Wellington Conservation Board. However, he is thrilled by the accolade: “Awards are certainly neither a motivation nor a goal when I throw myself into conservation work, but this is a wonderful surprise and I’m humbled by it. The cup is engraved with the names of many of my heroes.”
Clive, along with the team at Ata Rangi team have long-standing involvement with conservation activities. Ata Rangi is celebrating its tenth anniversary of supporting Project Crimson – the charitable trust focusing on protection and reforestation of pohutukawa and endangered Northern rata. … Continue Reading

South Wairarapa Tramping Club

Following a particularly windy December, the weather settled down for the summer walking season. As usual there were no trips over the Christmas/New Year period as members’ family commitments took precedence.
Since then the weather has settled down and enjoyable trips have included an eight member ascent of Mt Reeves, a 12 member trip from the mouth of the Orongorongo River, via Turakirae Head to Kotumu Stream on the South coast. This was essentially the other half of an earlier trip from Ocean Beach towards the Orongorongo River, and the completion of the entire coastal walk. … Continue Reading

TENNIS: Over The Hill Tournament 2015

Martinborough Lawn Tennis Club hosted the 21st “ Over The Hill” tennis tournament over the first weekend of January. Kicking off in fine fashion on Saturday morning, all eight courts were filled by 8am, then out of the blue heavy showers of rain, which curbed play temporarily then successfully resumed and played through until early evening..

The volunteer run committee had worked hard to attract players this year and were delighted to have the largest draw in years, bringing out, 29 men’s pairs and 20 women’s pairs. Players travel from afar to enjoy the unique tournament with even international entrants making an appearance, several pairs travel regularly from Auckland and Christchurch to attend. … Continue Reading

THE MARTINBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE Project Update

Community Centre to be named after historic village settlement

The new Community Centre will be called the Waihinga Centre after the town’s original Maori settlement. The name was chosen via a public competition which was judged by the steering group and following consultation with historians and Iwi. … Continue Reading