Letters

A shout out 

Recently had the dreaded Covid and being fully vaccinated + booster I think it got me through relatively unscathed. At 4.45 on a Friday afternoon the medical centre swung into action along with the pharmacy to procure anti viral medication.  DHB phoned next 2 days to check on me. Wonderful service from all and greatly appreciated.

Jan Barrett 

Future of Wharekaka – Preliminary Plan

Background

Wharekaka commenced in 1972, as a day centre for older people, run by volunteers.  

 Our mission is 

• To provide holistic, comprehensive, and dedicated care for our community while promoting the independence of older people in a warm and friendly home environment. 

Until early 2022 the Trust Board fulfilled its objectives and mission through:

• the operation of a 20-bed rest home and hospital
• operation of a small retirement village of 12 units for independent living
• provision of a meals on wheels service to Martinborough, Featherston and Greytown

For many years the funding for residential care, provided by Government, has not covered costs. Wharekaka, like other small, community owned aged care facilities experienced growing financial operating deficits.   Like others, we found that construction and turnover of a few villas does not provide an income stream sufficiently reliable, regular, or large enough to cover the ongoing operating deficit.  … Continue Reading

FIRE BRIGADE REPORT

Gosh time flies, another month rolls around. The Brigade has been keeping well occupied with both fire and medical responses, including responding the recent Hinakura house fire that unfortunately resulted in a total loss of the building.

The Fire Station is unattended, for advice or to contact us,  you can phone Chief Jake Hawkins on 0272-559-440.

Our fire safety message this month is about the ” This winter, see a fire before it starts “. There are multiple hazards that are easily controlled by a few simple steps –

• Heaters have at least a metre of clear space surrounding them while in use
• Clothing and other items are not left to dry on top of heaters
• Fresh air is coming into the house when a Gas heater is in use
• Clothes dryers are often forgotten so check the lint filter is cleaned before every use, check the dryer isn’t overloaded, and use the full cycle including cool down
• Open fireplaces need a fireguard or spark guard when the fire is lit
• Ashes are left to cool before disposing of them, ensure ashes/ashtray are emptied into a metal bin and store them on concrete or grass.

We have had a good response from interested people but as usual if you are interested in becoming a Firefighter or a dedicated Medical Responder (you can be both if you want !) please contact our Chief Jake Hawkins directly by emailing – Jacob.hawkins@fireandemergency.nz. or pop on down and have a chat on Tuesday Training nights to meet us.

We are particularly looking for daytime/weekday Firefighters and Medical Responders, even if you can do it just while the kids are at school, and you don’t have to be available all the time, you will be fully equipped, trained and get to work in a fantastic team.

Featherston Wrestling Club

June saw the start of Regional & National wrestling tournaments.  The Wellington Regional Championships is back on the national calendar after 31 years.  This illustrates the growth in the Wellington region clubs – Featherston, Tawa and Waikanae. 

The club also had a team travel to Hamilton in July to attend the North Island Championships earning 8 medals.  Martinborough local Nate George was in the medals at both tournaments.

North Island Champs tournament team

Senior team members were then able to attend a national training camp at Lake Karapiro for 2 days of intensive training with the national coaching team.  

A special thanks to Adamsons Mobil Service Station in Featherston for their help with travel costs to all these tournaments. Their support means our coaches and kids can travel, often long distances, to compete. … Continue Reading