Did you know

‘THE RELATIONSHIPS that people have with social media sites is pretty ludicrous: they’re all owned by billionaires and designed by expensively attuned algorithms we stand no chance of besting, yet we persuade ourselves that they are public spaces that are democratically designed and that we’re entitled to’. – Virginia Trioli ABC Aust.

“MOST OF what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get on with their work” – Peter Drucker

A TOTAL OF 1.26 million people arrived in New Zealand in the 12 months to August. Half were returning New Zealanders and half overseas visitors. This is the first time annual arrivals have exceed one million since Dec 2020. 

THE AVERAGE national cost of a takeaway coffee rose from $3.13 in 2008 to $4.35  this year. The value NZ butter exports for the year ended September amounted to $ 2.2 billion. NZ exported 40,160 kg of oats last year – about the weight of 11 hippos.

Stats NZ have an endless supply of interesting information, learn more at stats.govt.nz. … Continue Reading

Country Dog City Dog

Councillor Comment

The Hawkins whanau under new sign for George Hawkins Way.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who voted in the recent Local Government Election, the South Wairarapa had a healthy turnout and shows just how engaged our communities are.

It has been a very busy month, with our new Governance team getting all the induction information and learning our role. I attended induction in Wellington and bumped into Matua Greg Hawkins, whose father George Hawkins was the backbone in the building of Hau Ariki Marae. I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Martinboroughs newest street, George Hawkins Way, in recognition of all his work within the Maori community here in Martinborough.  It was very moving and the sun shone for the whole ceremony.

I attended the Wairarapa Business Awards and there was a fantastic amount of amazing South Wairarapa businesses that had been shortlisted for the awards! Well done to you all, your hard work and perseverance deserved the recognition and we all appreciate the mahi you do throughout our community to keep our District thriving!

Lastly as we move towards Christmas I would like to wish everyone Compliments of the Season and the very best for the coming New Year, from my whanau to yours. We are all looking forward to the numerous events planned around the town.

Nga mihi ki a koutou Councillor Pip Maynard

Council trials soft plastics and battery recycling

South Wairarapa District Council is introducing soft plastics and battery recycling trials in collaboration with The Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme, Ā Mua, Upcycle and Earthcare Environmental. Council soft plastics collection bins are now in place at the transfer/recycling stations in Featherston, Greytown, and Martinborough and at the Ā Mua reuse centre in Featherston. 

The community has been asking for more recycling opportunities, and as soft plastics are not able to be collected from kerbside collections, this is the next best thing. Soft plastics include bread bags, fresh produce, packaging for toilet paper, cereals, courier packs, lightly foiled packs, biscuit and chippie packets, bubble wrap, garden potting mix bags, dry pet food bags – basically, anything that can be scrunched into a ball. Please note the transfer stations do not accept compostable or plant-based plastics. 

Soft plastic plays a significant role in modern society, but it is mostly single use. Much of our litter is soft plastic due to the fact it is so lightweight, which allows it to get into our waterways and natural environment, causing irreversible issues for our native wildlife.  … Continue Reading