Thanks Liz and John

How good it has been in these past strange weeks to walk up to the sheep yards, have a yarn with John and his dogs about the weather, the pasture and the virus, then  to fill our lungs with fresh air and get up a puff as we climb the hill to the top, then carry on to the benches overlooking Te Muna valley.  Swallows dart along the escarpment, a harrier glides above and there’s a low mechanical hum from the grape harvesting machines. 

On the way down we pick your path from the many sheep trails criss-crossing the hill while enjoying the wide view from Lake Wairarapa to the Tararuas. John’s Old English Game Fowl come out of the willows to see whether we have a crust in our pockets. Waxeyes are cleaning up the last of the figs. We stop to pick up a few windfall apples from the wild orchard then meander back down the hill, having forgotten all about the current crisis.

Thank you John and Liz Hancock for your generosity in keeping the Walk open during the lockdown. It has been hugely beneficial – physically and mentally – for many Martinborough people and their dogs.

Marion Townend

Thank yous due to the staff at P&K

Thank yous due to the staff at P&K for their swift response to Lock downs 3  and  4  keeping customers confined to their homes supplied with necessities with the reliable delivery service. Thank also  those on front line duties in the shop at considerable risk to themselves and their families in such uncertain times.  Diana Cresswell.

Song of Hope

BY JOHN ANSELL

Ern showed the world the tiniest thing,

Bill sent man to the widest thing

— Once Ed knocked off the highest thing!

It’s what us Kiwis do. … Continue Reading

Regional Council notes

There are pros and cons of tourism.  For Wairarapa, tourism provided business opportunity, creating jobs and encouraging people to come and live here.  Tourism gave us a name and things to hang to hang our hat on.  Whether it was pinot noir, local food, big skies, world class events or boutique concerts, they all were part of brand Wairarapa. When you combine that with our east coast weather and proximity to the Capital City it gave us an edge.  Wairarapa was seen by many as a winner.  Unpretentious, genuine and quality were all words synonymous with the Brand.

Then along came Covid 19 which basically flicked a switch and turned out the lights.  Now tourism is floundering around in the dark and many are facing the stark reality of businesses going broke and unemployment.

While that is bad enough there is also another downside for those lucky enough to still have a job and an income.  You see tourism gives us choices.  Cafes, shops and attractions that are mainly aimed at visitors are also available to the locals.  When those businesses thrive they support a service industry of trade’s people, professionals and transport that we can all take advantage of.  That in turn again gives locals choices and a greater range of expertise. … Continue Reading