Rainbow of colour saturates Considine Park

Considine Park was filled with colour tossers on Sunday 10 March, as the sun shone down to make it a perfect afternoon for family fun. It is the second time a “colour run” event has been hosted in Martinborough as a colourful way to raise funds for a community project, …

Fifty long years of Wairarapa’s Consumer Advice Bureau

A spirited introduction by Masterton Intermediate School’s Kapa Haka group signaled an impassioned start to the 50-year celebrations of the Masterton-based WaiCAB. As John Bunny, MC for the occasion, said: “These children represent the New Zealand of tomorrow. If their parents or caregivers need support from the CAB and can …

How Well Do We Know People in Our Community?

Susan Stephen Definitely a Wairarapa girl, Susan’s childhood began in Pirinoa, before attending St Matthews College in Masterton, as a boarder.  “Boarding was a totally different experience then. You didn’t go home for the weekends. In fact, we were only allowed to go home every third weekend. After leaving school …

Vineyard gas gun disturbs neighbours, but not the council

A vineyard gas gun bird scarer is exercising, annoying and upsetting a vineyard’s neighbours on Ferry Road – with one council official recommending they consider private legal action in the absence of council enforcing its gas gun rules. “Her (Council CEO Janice Smith) officers seem to be shielding the growers …

Recent Articles:

Martinborough Wine and Food Society

April 5, 2024 April 2024 No Comments

The Martinborough Wine and Food Society held its bibulous March function at The Offering in Greytown.

It’s a great space at night with rows of fairy lights illuminating the room.

The restaurant provides very good value for a two course meal and lots of interestingly

prepared vegetables.  … Continue Reading

Oasis amid the storm: local business escapes the worst – MBA

April 5, 2024 April 2024 No Comments

By Allan Hogg

Martinborough, a destination known for its world-class wine, charming retail scene and hospitality, remains an oasis amid the current economic challenges faced by families and individuals.

In this time of financial strain, the significance of exceptional customer service cannot be overstated. Through the business owners’ unwavering commitment to the customer experience, Martinborough’s retailers, vineyards, accommodation providers, and hospo establishments continue to thrive, offering comfort and respite to visitors seeking a memorable escape.

Martinborough’s retail sector is a treasure trove of unique and artisan offerings that cater to every budget. From boutique clothing stores to quaint gift shops, the town’s retail establishments have curated an array of options that allow visitors to indulge in a shopping experience without breaking the bank. Local retailers pride themselves on personalised attention, ensuring that every customer feels valued and appreciated, regardless of their budgetary constraints.

No visit to Martinborough is complete without exploring its world-renowned vineyards. Amid the breathtaking vistas, visitors can embark on wine-tasting adventures that showcase the region’s rich viticultural heritage. The vineyard owners and staff are passionate about sharing their expertise and offering unforgettable experiences to wine enthusiasts of all backgrounds. From affordable wine-tasting flights to exclusive cellar-door experiences, Martinborough’s vineyards cater to the discerning palate while keeping in mind the financial realities faced by many visitors. … Continue Reading

New golf clubhouse build, fund-raising up and running

April 5, 2024 April 2024, Sports No Comments

Martinborough golf’s new clubhouse build is well under way _ as are fundraising efforts.

It doesn’t seem long since we watched the demolition of the old clubhouse and now the frames for half the new building are in place with scaffolding up ready for the roof timbers.

Everything is going to plan – let’s keep fingers crossed for a dryish autumn so that the building can be watertight ready for winter.

Project manager John Thompson said while things are going well there are always a few hitches along the way, like finding an old septic tank which must have been buried for more than 50 years!

Fundraising is the main focus of the club currently with members putting hands in pockets to help as well as a number of funding applications in progress _ including one to the Pain Estate. Given the multi use of the facility for meetings, functions and as a civil defence community hub it is hoped that funders will look favourably on the applications.

More will be needed though and a number of events are planned.  … Continue Reading

Stop button hit on three-way amalgamation

April 5, 2024 April 2024 No Comments

Then there was one. 

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark is the last one standing after first South Wairarapa hit pause, then Masterton bailed on talks about merging governance of the three districts.

The councils to the north and south of Carterton were both careful in their wording as they stepped away from the merger discussions, now on and off for the past 36 years.

South Wairarapa’s lead at the talks, now Acting Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter, was quoted saying the south had “no appetite” to spend time and money on the project “until” there was evidence  amalgamation would provide better services and value.

Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said in early March that his council was not going to continue “diverting valuable time, energy and resources away from critical priorities.” … Continue Reading

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New golf clubhouse build, fund-raising up and running

Martinborough golf’s new clubhouse build is well under way _ as are fundraising efforts. It doesn’t seem long since we watched the demolition of the old clubhouse and now the frames for half the new building are in place with scaffolding up ready for the roof timbers. Everything is going …

Golf pro-am success _ without clubhouse

By Karen Stephens A record field of 172 players, including 43 professionals from New Zealand and Australia, battled light winds, warm temperatures and even light early-morning fog at Martinborough golf’s 2024 CER Electrical and Holmes Construction pro-am on February 1. At least that was the range of excuses for some …

Featherston wrestlers go offshore

Two members of Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club’s senior class have again been asked to join a New Zealand team overseas.  Wairangi Sargent and Angus Read will take part in the Journeymen Tournament and Training Camp over Easter in New York state.  Over the week they are there they will be …

Regular Features

News from First Church

 Many folk imagine that going to church is a bit of an ordeal, a waste …

FROM THE MAYOR

By Martin Connelly In February the local Lions Club invited me for dinner and asked …

Driving Growth and Collaboration: Martinborough Business Assn Committee

The Martinborough Business Association Committee plays an important role in fostering economic growth and collaboration …

How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

Michael Bing talks to Lyle Griffiths Michael was raised in Auckland, attending St Peters College …

BOOK REVIEWS FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

By Brenda Channer – Martinborough Bookshop “Whether Violent or Natural” by Natasha Calder This debut …

Community Garden News

By Debbie Yates This is definitely the month of thank you. Nga Mihi Nui! We …

EVENTS

Saturday 10 February: 10th annual Citizen Science Kākahi Count at Western Lake Shore Reserve, 18km …

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