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.

Max Stevens, the project spokesperson, says “Waihinga was a popular choice with four local entrants suggesting it. The steering group felt it was fitting that the name acknowledges the memory of our early communities whilst giving us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and the future potential for our district.”

Congratulations to the winning entrants:
Prue Smith, Jim Clark & Michael Honey, Bruce Laurence and Olivia, Archie, Rhiannon and Rory Clark.

Public Presentation set for Thursday 12th Feb at 7pm

2014 was a big year for the Town Hall project team. Working closely with community groups, donors and stakeholders we have now developed the plans for an expanded community facility on the site that includes the Library, the Information Centre, Plunket and the Toy Library. A major fundraising drive has also resulted in significant pledges by individuals, SWDC and other entities.

2015 sees the project moving closer to becoming a reality and we felt it was an ideal time to brief the community on what will be happening over the coming months. Consequently we have scheduled a public presentation for Thursday, 12 February at 7pm at the Town Hall.

Come along and hear more about our new name, as well as a project update and details of the next steps. We will also be presenting the concept plans and the architect’s working model of the building.

We hope you will be able to join the Steering Group and see for yourself the future shape of the Community Centre and be updated on timing, fundraising and the next steps in the process.
The Martinborough Community Centre Communications Team

Project Gains Resource Consent

We are pleased to announce that resource consent has been granted for the Martinborough Community Centre Project, which is a major milestone achieved. The SWDC and the project steering group would like to thank those involved and are grateful for the considerable donation of time and work put into the coordination and preparation of the application by Phillip Percy and Jen Olsen of Perception Planning.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of local Archaeologist Christine Barnett and the many community members who considered the application and helped refine the proposal.

Supporter Profile: Bev O’Keefe and Michael Lamont

Bev and Michael fell for the Martinborough magic on a chance visit in Spring 2008; 2 years later they had bought and moved on to a managed block of sauvignon blanc just south of the village. It was time to wind down demanding city-based careers in the health system, and refocus on their new community. They now both enjoy supporting local health services in a variety of ways, and have met many wonderful committed people along the way.
 
What made you decide to give your support to the Town Hall campaign?
 
This project will rejuvenate not just the lovely old town hall, but the whole eastern side of the square. We love the strong community spirit that supports developments like this, and want to play our part in some small way.
 
What is the most important thing to get right in the upgrade?
 
To ensure the entire community has a strong sense of ownership of this facility. We hope everyone will want to use it and benefit from it.
 
What makes Martinborough special for you?
 
The outstanding people we meet every week – warm, welcoming, interesting and very community minded.
 
Best advice you have ever been given?
 
Bev’s farmer dad (who not so secretly wanted me to be a vet) – “don’t mind what you do in life; just do it well”
Michael’s dad to a disgruntled student son re. summer holiday job– “don’t complain about the boss – just ensure when you are the boss you do it differently”
 
One thing most people don’t know about you….
 
Both addicted to the sublime antioxidant benefits of chocolate………..