Community Board 

Victoria Read

It is with building excitement that I write this column. The library has begun packing up their books and the tenants are preparing to move in to the Waihinga Centre. 

We began this journey over 5 years ago… it has had its ups and downs, but we are nearly there and the centre is looking amazing. 

The Martinborough Community Board has played an active role in the project – the board has donated funds as well as facilitating the use of funds from Pain Estate for the project. We also have a nominated member on the Board of the Waihinga Charitable Trust. 

I want to re-iterate WHY we support this project. This centre is for our future. We see the co-location of community services as being an important facilitator of wellbeing in the community. As the old saying goes – it takes a village to raise a child… 

Our surroundings directly, and profoundly, impact us psychologically, physically, energetically, emotionally and spiritually. If we can deliver an inviting space for just one person who feels lonely or isolated in the community, one child who needs warm and comfortable place to do their homework or one young mother struggling with the demands of a new baby it will have been worth it. 

This building welcomes the visitor to the Wairarapa and lets them know who we are – an innovative, inspired, creative community who values our history, our natural environment and our people. 

Cooking corner

Alison Holst’s Christmas Cake 

Ingrediants

432g can crushed pineapple in juice

1.5kg Fruitcake Mix 

3 cups high grade flour
1 tsp each cinnamon and mixed spice
½ tsp ground cloves
225g butter
1 cup sugar
½ tsp each vanilla, almond and lemon essences
6 large eggs
50g Blanched Almonds, to decorate (optional). … Continue Reading

COUNCILLOR COMMENT

Gosh here we are again writing for the December issue of the Star – who can believe that a whole year,  has vanished into thin air….

I had great pleasure in representing Mayor Viv Napier and the whole South Wairarapa District at the Martinborough Fire Brigade Gold Star presentation to Peter Fisher for his 25 years with the Fire Service. On behalf of Council I presented a certificate recognising 25 years’ service to the Community. Pete is an absolute inspiration to everyone both in his achievements with the Fire Service and in his personal life.  It was a heart-warming moment when unexpectedly, Pete’s father, who is also in the Fire Service, was asked to present the Gold Star medal, for 25 years’ service, to Pete.

Pete, we wish you well for the future and look forward to hearing of your achievements over the next 25 years!!

Waste Minimalization is a topic dear to my heart and I have been fortunate to be able to attend a recent forum in Kapiti, along with Councillor Margaret Craig.  It is exceedingly interesting to learn of the initiatives people and businesses are taking to minimize the amount of waste going to our landfills.  We were able to visit Second Life Plastics in Levin and see huge amounts of plastic waste that is being recycled into very useable products that are in great demand in the business sector. … Continue Reading

Dark Sky photo on international calendar

The South Wairarapa’s night sky has been given the prestigious cover of the 2019 calendar from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) which is published worldwide, thanks to local astrophotographer Glen Butler.

This calendar showcases the best astrophotography in the world each year.

“We’re delighted to see the Wairarapa receive the international recognition it deserves for having clear, dark skies – and also recognition for talented local astrophotographers like Glen,” said  Lee Mauger, Chairman, Martinborough Dark Sky Society.

This photo features the Milky Way and the anchor from the steel barque ‘Ben Avon,’ which marks its sinking on 11 November 1903 off the coast of Cape Palliser. … Continue Reading