Mate Higginson –Martinborough’s Historian

As I walk in the door, Mate Higginson has papers and photos spread out over his table and is busy writing up another article about the history of Martinborough. He begins to tell me of the difference between ‘Waihinga’ and ‘Waihenga’, a topic of recent significance because of the naming of the new community centre. I know from my phone call with him to set up this meeting, and from his “Know Your Town” articles in the Star most months, that Mate is passionate about Martinborough and a dedicated keeper of the town’s history.
However, it is Mate himself that I’m interested in this time, the man behind the history. As I expected, he comes from a lengthy Martinborough lineage. Mate’s great-great-grandparents walked over into the Wairarapa in the 1860s and settled on the Wantwood Flats, which stretched along what we now know as Te Muna Road and out to Ruakokapatuna. Their family name was Harris, and the low hill immediately behind Martinborough was called Harris Hill. It was Mate’s grandfather who discovered the glow worm caves and the moa bones in them. As Mate puts it, “I have a great affiliation with the district”. … Continue Reading

Murdoch James Rosé Triumphs

Murdoch James Estate has taken the Trophy for Rosé at the Royal Easter Show, New Zealand’s oldest national wine competition. In what was the 62nd show, 1,222 wines were entered but only 10 gained trophies.

The trophy win demonstrates both the popularity of drier wine styles, as well as showcasing the Wairarapa again as New Zealand’s home of pinot grape varieties. In the top 10 wine trends of recent years, Rosé is listed at three. This is a phenomenon attributed to significant improvement in quality as more winemakers now choose to make Rosé from the outset.  
?
A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier, Murdoch James Estate winemaker Carl Fraser says “ As a winemaker, it’s really exciting to be part of a ground-swell of support for drier styles that showcase the amazing fruit and mid-palate richness that a well-made Rosé has to offer”. 
?
The Rosé trophy is a win that Fraser is particularly proud of. He says that “Rosé is like Japan’s cherry blossom festival; its beauty is fleeting and that makes it all the more special.”

Out for a Duck

I don’t pretend to be a food critic, nor am I an expert in duck cuisine, but over the past three weeks I have sampled six of the nine dishes on offer at Martinborough cafes and restaurants and have enjoyed every one. My apologies for failing to sample the remaining dishes but there is a limit to the amount of duck one stomach can manage in the space of three weeks!
There was variety, lots of it. Duck ravioli and an unexpected vegetable called witloof which was stunning with duck and apple were both enjoyed at lunchtime in the glorious Martinborough summer. Evening offerings included roast duck with beetroot and lentils, duck leg confit with parsnip puree and kumara gratin, duck confit with roast vegetables, and a classical southern French canard cassoulet for two to share. All were matched with an appropriate Martinborough wine. … Continue Reading

Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator required

Connecting Communities Wairarapa is committed to the development of strong, active Neighbourhood Support groups across the Wairarapa.
We are seeking a NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR for Urban and Rural Martinborough.
The objectives of this role are to instigate and process the establishment of Neighbourhood Support groups throughout the urban and rural communities of Martinborough and maintain communication with each group.
You will develop relationships with Residents of urban and rural Martinborough, other Neighbourhood Support Co-ordinators (Southern Wairarapa and Masterton), Wairarapa Police, Martinborough Community Patrol and Martinborough Community Board. … Continue Reading