Funding boost pushes Wairarapa’s starry skies towards international recognition

A $100,000 investment from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will take the Wairarapa a step closer to gaining international recognition.
The investment will allow Martinborough Dark Sky Incorporated (MDSI) to complete an extensive application to gain certification from the International Dark Sky Association for protecting its exceptionally clear night skies that allow for remarkable star gazing
MDSI Chairman Lee Mauger acknowledges it’s an ambitious project which would see the region become one of just 14 International Dark Sky Reserves around the world.

“The funding is fantastic news for the local community. It gives us the resources to put forward a complex application to the International Dark Sky Association to certify that our night time skies are some of the best in the world,” Mr Mauger says.

“This would have a huge impact on Wairarapa’s draw as a world-class astro-tourism destination, with photographers, astronomers, international visitors and locals alike able to enjoy incredible views of the Milky Way at night.” … Continue Reading

Community Garden News

It is said “that one of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a packet of seeds and a spade”, and this probably sums up winter gardening!

However, our broad beans, garlic, celery, leeks, kale and brussel sprouts are looking pretty good…not too sure about some of the other brassica’s, who have again been the feasting centre for some nasty chompers. This is where Neem oil has entered into our lives, and I would highly recommend it to gardeners having a problem with leave eating bugs .It is a natural product, so doesn’t compromise health or organic growth: it is effective against –aphids, thrips , whitefly mealybug, scale and mites, and sucking insects. Neem granules are reported to be good for the soil, as well as acting as a pesticide and discouraging pests such as nematodes, grass grubs, root mealybugs and carrot flies .It can even increase the weight of earthworms! A good ally for the garden.

The Survey

Thanks to those of you who managed to complete our survey at the Medical Centre. Responses indicate that we are planting the right stuff, which is good. … Continue Reading

NZSO Concertmaster in Line-up for Martinborough Music Festival

Wellington, NZ. 30.01.2017. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

“A curvy Italian lady with a rounded belly and back”.   No, not the description of some valuable Rubenesque masterpiece but rather, the Gioffredo Cappa Violin, made in Italy in 1692 and played by Vesa-Matti Leppänen, the Concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO).

Worth over $500,000, the violin was bought by arts benefactors, Peter and Carolyn Diessl, for the exclusive use by the Concertmaster of the NZSO.  Its purchase was an opportunity to give “wings to Leppänen’s musicianship”. His playing has been described as “spine tingling with the notes flying off his bow like shards of ice”. Vesa says “Violins are like a good wine; with time the sound improves and the value of the instrument multiplies. Playing such an old instrument is a huge pleasure. The thought of what has happened in the world since 1692 and this instrument has survived all of it is very humbling”. Leppänen loves this violin “its sound…changes every day I play it. The wood is alive so it reacts to humidity and to the player. You can practice the same piece of music and it sounds different”. 

In 2009, Vesa took part in a TV3 social experiment to see if people could recognise world class talent if it was given freely; apparently not. He played Bach outside Wellington Railway Station on his priceless violin for two hours.  There was just $20 in coins in his kitty. He reasoned that everyone was going home after a busy day at work “I understand that. Would I stop?”  … Continue Reading

Martinborough Ladies’ Hockey Club

The Martinborough Ladies Hockey Club are having a successful season in the Women’s 2 grade this year. Having retained most of last years’ players and gaining a few new younger ones, the team has managed to win more games this season. Team morale is high with playoffs upon us, with just two more wins seeing us top the second half of the grade. Fingers crossed! 

Thank you to all those locals that supported our winter firewood raffle and pinecone fundraiser this year. The raffle was kindly drawn by the Mayor and won by a very appreciative Charlotte Lovell.    

A big thank you also to our sponsors, particularly Crawford Trucking who have supported us for a number of seasons, and the Pukemanu E10 Restaurant. 

Next season we are looking to kit the team out in black and green tracksuits similar to those worn by the Martinborough senior rugby and netball club teams. If there are any potential sponsors out there that would like your businesses logo on our tracksuits, we’d love to hear from you.

Honor Clark Club President