Aorangi Forest Park: Dark Heart of Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve

Aorangi Forest Park, long celebrated for its rugged beauty and ecological significance, has

taken on a new role as the “core” of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, accredited by Dark Sky

International in January 2023. 

This designation positions the park at the centre of the region’s dark sky project _ which will now focus on activities that move to maintain, educate and promote the wonder of our night skies. 

The core zone of the reserve is now recognized as one of the darkest places in New Zealand,

with only eight outdoor light bulbs in total in the core area, all of which are based at DOC huts.  And all now dark sky compliant.  … Continue Reading

Buyer still sought for Palliser Bay Station

By Martin Freeth

South Wairarapa’s Palliser Bay Station is still on the market after failing to sell at tender last November.

Bayleys agent Andrew Smith says a high-profile marketing campaign leading into the tender stimulated “phenomenal interest” in this highly notable property – 3,719 ha with extensive areas of flat pasture, hill country, river valley, forestry plantation and native vegetation, all set between Palliser Bay and Aorangi Forest Park.

Mr Smith told the Martinborough Star there has been enquiry from some 75 different groups based around New Zealand, across the Tasman and in the United Kingdom. “Interest has been generated by a significantly well spread marketing campaign, with a lot of intrigue about this unique landscape and opportunity. We haven’t got an outcome yet but I’m certain there will be, given more time.”

Palliser Bay Station has a rateable value of $9.5 million, reflecting its scale and unique seaside location — the property stretches along 7km of coastline – with an array of current and potential land uses and income streams.

It has well-developed sheep and beef breeding and finishing operations on 120 ha flat terraces and on a further 1,500 ha of grazable hill country largely covered in regenerating native vegetation. There are also well over 1,000 ha of mature native forest and shingle riverbeds opened by arrangement with the owners for hunting and honey production. … Continue Reading

Rates Cap Quiz: should SWDC rates be capped _ and what will be lost doing so?

More than 1,000 ratepayers/local citizens have called for a cap on annual rates of 3 percent (3%).

In their petition they asked for a thorough review of South Wairarapa District Council’s operations.

The group pointed to expanding council staffing numbers _ both fulltime and casual _ as well as suggesting part of council spending increases reflected poor quality contract tendering and control by its officials. 

The group also called for a line-by-line review of council operations and activity _ a budget process they suspect has never been properly – or fully and systematically – implemented in previous budget rounds.

By adopting a 3 percent rates cap, the petitioners believe a whole new financial discipline will be imposed on council officials – and elected councillors. This discipline will slow the flood of rates hikes which has seen ratepayers paying FOUR times the rate of inflation to cover council costs to the community over the past five years.   … Continue Reading

Community stalwart Molly McGillicuddy, aged 97 – February 2025

By Bruce Congalton

Well known Martinborough local, Molly McGillicuddy, died on 10 December 2024, aged 97. 

The day before Molly’s funeral at St Anthony’s Church I sat with her nieces Mary and Sheryl, and nephew Peter, in their aunt’s home in Oxford Street. 

They described her as a very private person, but also someone very involved in the Martinborough community. Molly was a member of the Lionesses, the Rose Society and St Johns Ambulance. She played golf at the Martinborough Golf Club from when she was very young, only resigning in her eighties. 

For a long time Molly was involved with Wharekaka Rest Home, helping with fundraising, Meals on Wheels and in many other ways. In her eighties she learnt to use Facebook and became very proficient with it. That way that she could be up to date with what was going on in the community and keep in touch with those in it. … Continue Reading