Fire and Emergency says powerless over long grass hazard

By Ray Lilley  Long grass is a key feature in incidental fires which have sparked across the dry, dusty, drought-hit Wairarapa since before Christmas. Despite repeated warnings late last year, and a current fire ban, some locals warn that uncut long grass poses a huge fire danger – and the …

Lions help make a wheel difference

A Martinborough Lions Club member learnt recently of a family who might need a bit of assistance. The family consisted of mum, dad and seven children – of whom two are fostered. If that was not challenging enough, one of the children in their care has special needs.  The Lion’s …

How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

Michael Bing talks to Lyle Griffiths Michael was raised in Auckland, attending St Peters College where he loved playing both cricket in the summer months, and rugby in the winter. But there were always connections to Martinborough.  “My father had relatives here, and as children we used to return frequently …

Local accommodation can seek DarkSky recognition

DarkSky, the international body responsible for world-wide dark sky accreditation, is offering accommodation providers the chance to be accredited to their just-launched “DarkSky Approved Lodging Program,” and a listing on their international website.  Accommodation businesses in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve area _ the Wairarapa region stretching from south of …

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FROM THE MAYOR

By Martin Connelly

In February the local Lions Club invited me for dinner and asked me to speak for a short time on the

“State of the District” among other things.

It was a lovely evening with many laughs and a lot of camaraderie. If there are newcomers to the

district who would like to join a service club that combines socialising with being good citizens, I

suggest you make contact with the club.

I thought I would share the main points of our discussion, sStarting with my leading observation that the district is doing very well. 

A recent story in the Wellington newspaper “The Post”, revealed that Wellington house prices have risen 64% over the last 10 years. 

But in the South Wairarapa that rise has been 123%.  … Continue Reading

Driving Growth and Collaboration: Martinborough Business Assn Committee


The Martinborough Business Association Committee plays an important role in fostering economic growth and collaboration within the local business community. 

With a mission to support and promote the interests of businesses in Martinborough, the committee works to create a vibrant and thriving business environment through leveraging tourism and visitors generally.

The association is a member of Destination Wairarapa, the regional tourism organisation. Our current chair has a seat on that Board. We ensure that our destination is promoted to domestic and international tourists. At the local level we promote member businesses through our website and social media platforms. STAY and PLAY is our mantra as we aim to get tourists to stay longer and spend more. … Continue Reading

EVENTS

March 12, 2024 March 2024 No Comments

30 Hill closures by NZTA

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill  

Planned night closures Jan – June 2024

Nights closed Start 9 p.m, Finish 4 a.m.

5 nights: 10 March   – 15 March 

5 nights: 17 March   – 22 March

5 nights: 14 April     – 19 April  

5 nights: 19 May      – 24 May

5 nights: 26 May      – 31 May

5 nights  16 June      – 21 June

Easter Services at First Church  

Corner Jellicoe & Weld Sts 

Good Friday, 29 March 10 a.m.

Easter Sunday, 31 March 10 a.m.

February Fire Brigade Report

March 12, 2024 March 2024 No Comments

By Chief Fire Officer Jake Hawkins

It has been a busy start to the year with over 60 calls already – an average of 20 a month – ranging from several large vegetation fires and animal rescues to medical calls involving working alongside the Lifeflight Helicopter to winch patients from remote locations.  

There certainly has been a variety.

With the loss of three of our valuable team members who have moved from our district, we are

actively looking for both some new Firefighters and some Medical Responders, especially during daytime hours when we lose people to the “Big Smoke” for work. … Continue Reading

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Sports

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 …

Martinborough Golf Club has tumbled down

The demolition of the Martinborough Golf Club is complete. In the last days prior to Christmas a fully-insulated pole shed, much like a top end farm outbuilding, was erected to act as both office and temporary clubhouse. New septic tanks, internet connectivity, power, water, and Porticom loos were installed. On …

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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