There is life in the old dog yet

Family photo.

If you go down to the vets today, you are sure of a big surprise.  For every dog that ever there was will gather there for certain because, amongst other things, it’s a great place to work!

The rehoming team at Retired Working Dogs (RWD) often get asked how well hard- working farm dogs adapt to a new life away from stock work? I went to meet two rehomed RWD dogs to find out more about their second life.

Beardie collies Ted and Belle can be found most days with Holly Winterwood, who runs reception at South Wairarapa Vets in Martinborough. coolest dog and he replied he hoped to find a good new home for him on the RWD website.”

The RWD website works like a dating site where people can post information about the dog they are looking to rehome and would-be dog owners can search for their perfect match. The website rehomes about 500 dogs a year this way.  As with Ted, the first owner decides where will be the best new home for their dog.

Holly and husband Zac were moving house when they met Ted. It may not have been the most convenient time, but after the weekend visit he stayed. “It was great to have the opportunity to get to know him a little better before we decided, but after twenty minutes we knew he was perfect for us.”

Ted quickly adjusted from life as a stock truck dog to living indoors and soon took on the task of Customer Relations Dog at the surgery. Customers, both animal and human, are greeted gently by Ted and welcomed into the space.  On the hard days when people get difficult news a ‘Ted cuddle’ can really help. People keen to return Ted’s kindness and sales reps regularly send him gifts. … Continue Reading

From the mayor

Merry Christmas!

We now have a new electorate MP, Keiran McAnulty and I look forward to seeing what he can do for the South Wairarapa over the next three years.

The new Banking Hub is now open at the Waihinga Centre in partnership with Destination Wairarapa. I would be delighted to receive feedback on how this new service works for you. This is an excellent initiative given we have lost all our banking branches in the South Wairarapa over the past few years.

I attended the Rose Show and the Kirk Fair in the past few weeks and it is great to see the Waihinga Centre being used often by the community. I remember attending a wedding in the venue in the 1990s and it retains the same historic feel – without the peeling paint.

Members of Council staff and some councillors visited Kohunui Marae at Burnside recently, and had a very enlightening hui with members and committee of the Marae. They have set up a native plant nursery there, and I encourage you to visit if the opportunity arises. … Continue Reading

Cooking corner

Catering for a vegetarian this Christmas? Here’s the Vegan Society’s Nut Roast recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 medium sized onion or 1 small leek, chopped
• 30ml vegetable oil
• 2 tsp Marmite or Vegemite in 150ml hot water 
• 225g chopped mixed nuts
• 2 tbsp ground almonds
• 100g wholemeal breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp sage
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 180C
2. Saute the onion or leek in the oil until soft, not browned.

Combine all of the ingredients together; the mixture may be slightly slack. Turn into an oiled ovenproof dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

Councillor comment

Here we are the last Star for the year and what a year it has been. Despite the disruptions councillors, officers and staff have had a full on year. We have completed our first round of Long Term and Spatial plan meetings. Although the turnout at some of the meetings was not big on numbers, the content from those that attended was invaluable. 

We were also invited to our local Maraes to hear the views and ideas on how our Maori community see the future. All these meetings from every sector surprisingly had similar visions and desires for the future. 

In the New Year we will have the draft documents on the spatial and long term plan to go out for consultation, please get involved as this will be your last chance to help us to set the scene for the future.  … Continue Reading