Screamer Siren new bird tool

Breaking; As The Star goes to print a new bird scaring tool has emerged in Ferry Road.

Neighbours report a vineyard using “Bird Screamer” cartridges which the supplier, “RocketMan,” lists as a handgun-fired cartridge that “screeches” for up to 90 metres, emitting up to 150dBa (decibels) of screeching sound.

It’s a product which “RocketMan” says is “specifically designed for the harmless control of pest birds and wildlife animals in areas immediately around airports, landfill sites, agricultural crops and aquaculture horticultural crops facilities.”

First reports suggest SWDC is relaxed about use of the Screamer.

Sewerage repair project stretches beyond year end?

Desludging Martinborough’s neglected and troublesome sewerage ponds _ filled with 50 years of human detritis and never cleaned out since it opened for poop _ is scheduled to commence, yes begin, in October 2024.

That’s more than 16 months after the system was closed to new connections, 50 years after it first began collecting town sewerage _ and a June 2023 “hopeful” council prediction it would be back on line by mid-2025.

“We hope to have the plant compliant (with all Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) operating requirements) within 24 months,” Mayor Martin Connelly told The Star in June last year. 

Connections for new users went on hold mid-2023 after the plant failed to meet “performance and compliance standards,” a report from officials confirmed. … Continue Reading

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, this one for the Pump Track venue at the park.

The first was a fundraiser for the Waihinga Centre park upgrade. … Continue Reading

COUNCIL NEWS

Average rates rise nationwide at 15 percent – April 2024

By Councillor Aidan Ellims

I’m writing this column on 20 March and over the last few days it has definitely had an

autumnal feel with cooler temperatures overnight and dew in the mornings. We’ve had a few showers of rain, however, not yet really enough to change the colour of the hills from brown to green.

Last month, Pain Estate was a hot topic of discussion and since then, council has obtained a new legal opinion, which has been included into a report detailing the Pain Farm History, Legality and Consultation for the Treated Waste Water Disposal. 

This report was presented at the Council meeting on 27 March and is available on the council website, under the agenda for that meeting. By the time this edition of The Martinborough Star has been published, we will all know how the Council meeting progressed. … Continue Reading