Martinborough Golf Club

A taste of what the new clubhouse will offer was provided recently to members and the Martinborough community. 

The weather also came to the party to give everyone fabulous views from the new bar /lounge area as well as the undercover outdoor space. Over 100 people took advantage of the walkthrough and around $2,000 was raised through donations and raffles.

“The opportunity to actually get into the building and get a sense of what it will be like on a

gloriously sunny day was fabulous and has created great excitement not only for club members but the community as a whole” said Emily Loughnan from the club committee.

The facilities will far exceed anything the club has had in the past with the aim to not only make it a place for the members and the community to use, as well as a destination for visitors to Martinborough. 

A café will provide food and drinks every day which will take advantage of the beautiful vistas. A great place to watch the golf and wait for family and friends to return from their round.

It is hoped the clubhouse will also be used by local community groups for meetings and regular activities as well as being available for functions outside golf hours. Discussions are also continuing with the Council for use of the facility as a civil defence hub.  … Continue Reading

Is Martinborough Community Board worth retaining?

As part of its Representation Review, South Wairarapa’s District councillors have proposed scrapping the three community boards that make up part of the governance structure servicing this community.

This “disestablishment” proposal is out for community “consultation” and “feedback” until September 8.

Some councillors believe chopping the three boards will reduce costs and even strengthen local democracy, though at least one admitted the Martinborough Community Board helps do some of the work he can’t get done.

So as readers consider whether to address SWDC’s consultation request, The Star has set down 

some of the achievements of the current MCB over its first two years. … Continue Reading

Hau Ariki Marae wins power resilience funding bid

Hau Ariki Marae has won government funding to install solar panels and a storage battery system _ ensuring it can act as an Emergency Assistance Centre for Martinborough during crisis events.   

Full funding for the equipment and its installation comes from the Community Renewable Energy Fund, operated by the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE).

“Gaining this funding for solar panels and batteries will strengthen Hau Ariki Marae’s ability

to be an Emergency Assistance Centre (EAC) for the council to call on during crisis events,” said marae committee chairman Kevin Haunui.

The equipment means “we will be more energy resilient to support our local whānau and wider community in such times,” he added.

Council chief executive Janice Smith noted the “funding is a great outcome for our district and we are really grateful for Hau Ariki’s willingness to take in the public during emergencies as well as being an incredibly important place for the community all of the time.”  … Continue Reading

Four locals shine in Under-18 hockey team – August 2024

Martinborough and Pirinoa were well represented in the Wairarapa Women’s U18 hockey team, that competed in the National Under 18 tournament in Christchurch last month. Melinda Marshal, Neve Bruce, Amanda Jephson and Ella Kirkup  were selected and came together in the team after playing for Martinborough as juniors almost 10 years ago. 

Now all are playing for their respective school 1st XI’s _ Melinda for Kurinui College, Neave and Amanda for Wairarapa College, and Ella for St Matthews.

Through the years playing in various Wairarapa age grade representative hockey teams they’ve had great support from team manager Carolyn Jephson, and in the last few years been coached by Ana-May Gudsell, who is off to the Masters Hockey World Cup in South Africa later this year. … Continue Reading