He Kōtare ready for busy 2024 planting season

By Martin Freeth, Trees of Martinborough

He Kōtare Native Plant Nursery – a community venture on part of the former Featherston golf course – is gearing up for a busy 2024 planting season in South Wairarapa.

He Kōtare specialises in eco-sourcing seed from plants around Wairarapa Moana, and producing new generations of truly indigenous trees, shrubs and sedge grasses that will help restore wetlands, native habitats and landscape biodiversity.

This year will be the nursery’s second for the supply of healthy, resilient young plants to Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and to private landowners for planting projects of varying size and location across South Wairarapa, between April-October. 

GWRC’s core focus is on planting for the restoration of Wairarapa Moana. The region’s farmers, lifestyle block owners and home gardeners are very welcome to also buy from the not-for-profit nursery.

He Kōtare has been developed by the Pae Tū Mōkai O Tauira Inc. community group which leases from South Wairarapa council the old golf club buildings and about two acres of land which are used for seed germination, potting and growing on. The operation is carefully laid out and supported with reliable irrigation systems, and with areas of shade covering and storage. … Continue Reading

Remutaka Road as you never see it – April 2024

Two black and white photography exhibitions are currently showing at Aratoi _ including a  dramatic scene on the Remutaka (then Rimutaka) Hill Road taken in the 1870s by a Wellington snapper.

James Bragge: Splendid Scenic Gems 24 February – 5 May

“Mr Bragge, photographer, of Lambton Quay, has just published a series of exquisite views of the

splendid scenery of the road over the Rimutaka and the Wairarapa district.  … Continue Reading

Thirteen regional councillors going to 14 _ any more?

As the Greater Wellington Regional Council confirms the addition of a Maori constituency for the region from next year’s election, it’s also seeking the community’s views on whether the current set-up needs further expansion.

The new Māori constituency is expected to be established in 2025, with the Maori councillor taking the number at the council table from 13 to 14. But GWRC is asking whether the current 13 general  constituency also need to grow, or whether it enables “fair and effective representation” at the present size. For background, Wellington region has six current constituencies. Five councillors are elected from Wellington constituency, three from Lower Hutt, two from Porirua/Tawa, and one each from Kapiti, Upper Hutt and Wairarapa. Population figures show the differences in representation levels across the six constituencies_ so we can all do the math.  … Continue Reading

Freedom camping controls set out in new bylaw

Two South Wairarapa coastal sites likely will be given the green light to allow freedom camping in coming seasons – provided they meet strict criteria which include a vehicle with a “permanently fixed” toilet. 

But the newly-adopted South Wairarapa District Council bylaw will prohibit freedom camping along most stretches of coastline and in central town locations, and restrict it in other locations. 

The two possible freedom camping areas – expanded sections of Ngawi Reserve and Ngawi Surf Breaks – have been identified after some 24 sites across the council’s territory were assessed by officials on a detailed numerical scale for their potential to accommodate freedom campers.

“It is … recommended to extend the designated camping areas at Ngawi Reserve and at Ngawi Surf Breaks,” the officials told councillors, but with several extra conditions covering signage and new maps to detail the areas involved. 

The report notes as there is “no clearly delineated boundary” between the current (Surf Breaks) reserve and the Ngawi Hitaround golf course, it “may create tension between golfers and campers as well as present a safety risk.”

Expansion to the north of the reserve was therefore recommended, as “freedom campers currently overflow into this area and expansion would formalise current practice. … Continue Reading