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Regional Council Notes

March 31, 2020 April 2020 Comments Off on Regional Council Notes

We are currently living in a very strange world indeed.  A world that no longer functions as we expect it to and denies us the right to the freedom that we all just take for granted.

We are in lockdown for four weeks.  No visiting friends and relatives; no coffee with the neighbours, no Sunday cycling groups.  It all seems a bit surreal and the constant messages telling us not to panic are always offset with news from abroad informing us of how many more people have died.  It’s no wonder some people are scared and are stocking the pantry with enough provisions to prepare for the apocalypse.  It’s a way of coping, staying in control of something when all other control has been removed. … Continue Reading

Ruined, authentic” Carkeek Observatory for heritage listing

March 31, 2020 April 2020 Comments Off on Ruined, authentic” Carkeek Observatory for heritage listing

New Zealand’s first – and still surviving – amateur observatory, built by Featherston sheep farmer Stephen Carkeek in 1867, may be granted Category 1 Heritage status within the region’s proposed Dark Sky Reserve,  according to Heritage NZ.

A 45-page report recommending the South Wairarapa’s Carkeek Observatory’s entry onto the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero, has just been circulated for comment by Heritage NZ.

“Amateur practitioners are critical not only in astronomy, but to the history of New Zealand science in general and there are few surviving places from the nineteenth century which tell that story,” the report notes. 

“This local and international exceptionalism affords the Carkeek Observatory outstanding importance as a rare historic place,” it adds in a note calling for public comment on the listing proposal.  

Stephen Carkeek’s descendants have strongly supported efforts by the Martinborough Dark Sky Society (now Wairarapa Dark Sky Association) to ensure protection and preservation of the 1867 timber and iron observatory structure – the oldest remaining observatory in the country. … Continue Reading

Under The Martinborough Stars 

March 31, 2020 April 2020 Comments Off on Under The Martinborough Stars 

One of my mother’s favourite saying was “Spring Forward, Fall Back!” and it felt like when I was a child she said this more than twice a year. Of course, she only said it near the Equinoxes to remind herself and the household about Daylight Saving and the changes of the seasons. 

I was brought up in a household that was obsessed with the changes of the seasons and time. My mother was particularly switched on to this daily rhythm and would mention daily how much sooner the night draws in comparison to yesterday or if it was getting lighter in the evenings. 

The end of Daylight Saving and the equinox, shouldn’t be confused with ‘solstice’ which is the longest day (December 21st) and the shortest day (June 21st). 

As the Earth moves around the Sun, the tilt of the Earth (23.5 degrees) allows areas of the globe to get more direct light than other areas. The tilt always remains in the same direction.  … Continue Reading

Waihinga Anniversary

March 31, 2020 April 2020 Comments Off on Waihinga Anniversary

Almost a decade before Martinborough was even glint in John Martin’s eye there was already a European settlement here.  It included a blacksmith, a post office, a Presyterian church, 70 sections and a road directly linking it to the ferry on the Ruamahanga.   Its name, Waihinga, lives on in the new community Centre but its location may be a mystery to many people.  That’s because it was eventually engulfed by it’s new neighbour, Martinborough. 

Its southern boundary was Ferry Road and Jellicoe Street (then called Lower Valley Road) ran along the eastern side.   The other two sides were bordered by Huangarua Station and Waihinga Farm.  Quite a few of the original houses are still there, creating a living link with the past.  … 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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