Tauherenikau Friendship Club

Travelling in times of covid

Sue Teodoro is a seasoned traveller who did not let covid deter her from embarking on overseas travel as soon as the New Zealand borders opened up. Speaking at the recent Tauherenikau Friendship Club monthly meeting, she related her experiences travelling through Europe in those early days of living with covid.

The first thing that alerted her to that travelling had changed post-covid was the scene at Wellington airport. At that stage few planes were flying in and out of New Zealand so that the usually bustling airport was virtually empty of people and mask wearing was the norm. However, when she arrived in Europe, she found that people did not seem to socially distance and that masks were few and far between. The first country she visited was Spain, to walk the Camino Santiago. Here Sue found the trail congested with crowds of walkers – so many people had decided that they too needed to get travelling again as soon as they could and would not allow covid to hold them back.

Sue did behave sensibly, for example, wearing masks in planes, and she pointed out that she had family in Europe who would be able to help her should she fall ill. All the same, she stressed that it was quite possible then to travel overseas and that we should not let covid rule our travel plans. 

Do feel free to join the club if you are of retirement age. Visitors are welcome.  Meetings are at 10am the first Friday of the month at the South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club. However, the August meeting will be a week later than usual, on August 11^th, when Marlene Ditchfield, who has written several books and articles about historical places and events, will talk about historic Wairarapa buildings.

SWDC rates rise hits record levels

Martinborough’s urban rates will rise by 21.3 percent in the 2023-24 year and rural rates by an average of 20.9 percent, the South Wairarapa District Council confirmed at its meeting on June 28. 

The overall rates rise, including commercial sector rates, will total 19.8 percent, up from the 3.9 percent increase in the council’s Long Term Plan document.

“This increase equates to $4.21 million on top of the 2022-23 budget, making a total of $25.45 million” to run the council for the next July – June year, it noted.  

The figures also represent a massive redrawing of earlier council intentions, which proposed rural rates rise by 29 percent, urban rates by just under 11 percent and commercial rates 9 percent.  

On top of that, Greater Wellington rates are expected to rise 17 percent for all ratepayers.

The SWDC’s change of plans follows a month of consultation with some 180 urban and rural ratepayers making submissions on the council’s plans. 

Some rural landowners warned the council it had reached “peak rates,” and the planned 29 percent rates burden could help drive them from their land.

Farmer Kate Reedy, whose family has farmed their 4,800 hectares since 1842, said her current rates bill covered 70 percent of her land that grew “ mature scrub.”

Farmer Dan Riddiford said that of his 6,500 hectares only 1.200 hectares is productive land, with “80 percent greywacke (rock substructure).” … Continue Reading

Queens for a Cause in Carterton

Carterton School and Carterton AFC present the ultimate night of fundraising. On August the 11th PLAYGIRLS CABARET and QUEENS FOR A CAUSE combine to produce an entertaining evening of fun, glamour and fundraising at the Carterton Event Centre: Queens & Trucks! 

Playgirls Cabaret comprises New Zealand and Australian drag royalty with over eight decades of experience on international stages, guaranteed to entertain and leave the audience wanting more.

The Drag Queens will be mingling with guests as they dine and strike up a rapport and a few giggles while also posing for the occasional selfie. And best of all, all money raised supports Carterton School in sending kids to the snow this year and Carterton AFC in their major renovations. In between shows, local food trucks will be available to tantalise the taste buds with the best fare the Wairarapa has to offer.

Your hostess for the evening is one of New Zealand’s greatest Drag superstars, The Divine Miss Joanne Clarke, who can’t wait to entertain the crowd with her wit and style as she celebrates over 40 years as an entertainer. Come and enjoy this veteran of the stage with her fellow stars while they bring the audience an evening of fabulous fun, big hair, big gowns and you guessed it…big shoes! … Continue Reading

Did You Know?

Oak leaves have been falling.  Everywhere. A display of beautiful jewel colours, and piles of heaped leaves indicates autumn is over and winter is here.

There are approximately 500 species of oaks, in the genus Quercus.  Oaks are native to the Northern Hemisphere and extend from cool to temperate climates in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. 

North America has the largest number of oak species closely followed by China.

As symbols, the acorn and the oak leaf have long reflected strength and prosperity.

The Sisters Oak located in Louisiana is the largest certified southern live oak tree.  It is estimated to be up to 1,500 years old with a trunk that measures 11.6 m.

The Major Oak is an 800- to 1000-year-old tree located in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, the home of Robin Hood.

Since Roman times oakwood has been prized for making strong watertight barrels, perfect for storing and transporting both water and wine. Oakwood is used in winemaking to vary the colour, flavour, profile, and tannin texture of the wine. 

English and Evergreen Oak Trees also provide the perfect environment for growing prized truffles. Truffle farming in New Zealand began in Gisborne in 1993. The highest value truffles grown in New Zealand are the Perigord Black Truffle and the Bianchetto.