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A Landmark to be Proud of

May 12, 2015 May 2015 No Comments

When Eiffel built his tower in Paris the locals hated it. The architect of the Sydney Opera House was so vilified he left and never came back. Today the residents of those cities couldn’t imagine life without their iconic buildings.

Perhaps it is a stretch to compare our own Town Hall and Community centre project with these grand designs, but in the scale of things it is just as important to us and will be just as much of a landmark in our town. It will transform what is currently a very quiet corner of the square into a vibrant meeting place.

It was with this in mind that the Steering Group knew they had to find the best architects and designers for the project; people who had done outstanding work elsewhere but who would also understand our community’s needs.

They chose internationally acclaimed architectural firm Warren and Mahoney who have worked on some of New Zealand’s most well known buildings and who are also heritage specialists. Their portfolio includes projects similar in size and purpose to our own such as libraries in Paraparaumu and Riccarton and community centres in Kaiapoi and Taita (www.warrenandmahoney.com).

Complementing their expertise are Wraight and Associates, urban designers and landscape planners. You may have enjoyed their very popular developments along the Wellington Waterfront from Waitangi Park around to the lake in front of the Boating Clubs. (www.waal.co.nz). They will help make Waihinga Centre surrounds as attractive as the inside.

Our project is in good hands and our team are working hard to achieve the fundraising target set by South Wairarapa District Council. We need to raise another $200,000 from the local community by the end of May.

To pledge, please contact Victoria Read on 06 306 8570 or Max Stevens on 06 306 9095.

Esther Read
Many of you will know Esther from the 9 years she served as Mayoress along side her late husband John Read (seen here receiving his MNZM).

She is a keen supporter of the Waihinga project and admires the interesting and exciting design. “If we’d opted for the demolition option, we would have ended up with nothing.”

Esther had an active career first as a Plunket nurse and then as a senior manager in the organisation. She oversaw similar successful projects, for example Carterton, where the Plunket facility was incorporated into a larger community space. “Our centre will offer a great, child-friendly, social space for young mothers, and a one-stop shop for services”.

Wharekaka residents will also benefit from having a more accessible library, she noted, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with other people coming and going from the Centre.

ATTENTION: ART LOVERS AND WELL WISHERS

Come and enjoy the exciting collection of contemporary art on show at the Martinborough Town Hall on Saturday May 30. These works will be auctioned that evening to raise funds for the Medical Centre and Waihinga Centre projects.
You will be able to view paintings, ceramics, photography and sculpture by some of New Zealand’s best known artists. You can also bid in a silent auction for works by local artists.
Admission by gold coin. Hours 10 am – 2.30 pm. Saturday 30 May.

Thank you to our generous supporters
Stephen Allwood, Ata Rangi, Harry Baigent, Simon & Liz Beveridge, Richard Blundell, James Bruce, David & Winifred Bull, Tom & Di Bunny, Jane & Jack Cameron, Carême Cooking Classes, Jim Clark & Michael Honey, Paul & Rosie Collins, Doug & Jill Colton, Heather & Frank Colton, Cotter & Stevens Ltd, Wyatt & Danny Creech, Cresswell Family, Paul & Cherry Cutfield, Designer Clothing Gallery, John & Trish Donald, Draper Land Co Ltd, Doyle Family, George & Olivia Fenwick, Roger Gaskell & Julie-Claire Baxter, Gawith Burridge, Matthew Gloag & Kate Paterson, Peter & Ruth Graham, Catherine & Marco de Groot, Ro & Lyle Griffiths, Mark Hadlow, M & M Hanson, Gerald Hensley, David Kernohan, Michael Lamont & Bev O’Keefe, Victor & Jane Lenting, Robin Lockie, Tim & Lesley Lusk, Madcaps, John & Di Martin, Tim Martin & Victoria Read, The Martinborough Star, Martinborough Community Board, Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park, Martinborough Properties, Martinborough Town Hall Centenary Ball Committee, Helen & Ben Masters, Andy & Bridg Mathewson, McDougall Family, Euan & Noeline McQueen, Helen & John Meehan, Maria Mudford & Steve McCabe, Murdoch James, Pain Estate, Pain & Kershaw Ltd, Palliser Estate, Patuna Farm, Perception Planning, John Petrie, Pirinoa Station, Poppies Martinborough, Plunket, Pukeatua Station, Pukemanu Adventure Ride, Pure Martinborough, Esther Read, SW Rotary, Richard Riddiford, Yvonne Riddiford, A J Rigby, Riversdale Station, Scotty’s Calendar Sales, SGL Group, Hamish & Sue Sims, Mary Smith & Family, SWDC, Max & Liz Stevens Family, RA & E Sutherland, Mike Tayles, Connie Taylor, Sir Somerford & Leonie Teagle, Graeme Thomson & Chris Cassels, Thunderpants Ltd, Tokoroa Farm Ltd, The Tora Coastal Walk, Trust House, Turanganui Ltd, The Village Café, Gary Wall, Felicity & Arthur Warren, Nicola & Richard Warren, Weatherstone Family, Rotopai Farms, Pam & Garry Wells, Wood Family Paharakeke??Plus we have a number of anonymous supporters – so thanks to them too!

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