South Wairarapa Rebus Club hears some good news

Martin Connelly, Mayor of South Wairarapa District Council, was guest speaker at the club’s recent  meeting, his first public engagement after a period of leave. 

In general terms he felt that Wairarapa was doing very well in comparison with other areas in NZ. Unemployment at 2.4 percent compared with a national figure of 4.0 percent and the time for the Ministry of Social Development to get workers into employment locally has fallen in recent months. He was writing letters of welcome to 20 – 30 newcoming families to the area per month, based on their purchase of accommodation as “outsiders.” He noted that Wairarapa population was growing older faster than the rest of the country because of the numbers retiring here. Wairarapa is  quite dependent on immigrants for support of older folk.

The value of the Wairarapa as a destination for visitors is increasing. 

The new Dark Skies Reserve will be a continuing attraction to the 80 percent of the world’s population who never see stars at home. He noted that the four smaller towns were doing well in comparison to Masterton on the basis of their various local functions and events that attract visitors. Classic car and cycle tours are seen regularly.

Martinborough has the Jazz Festival, Chamber Music Festival and two popular fairs; Greytown has a mid-winter festival (obstinately called the Festival of Christmas – why not Matariki?) and Apple Harvest Festival; Featherston has Booktown and Karukatea Festival that brings in 8-9.000 visitors; Carterton celebrates the summer and winter solstices and Matariki at Stonehenge and has a Yule Festival. Masterton has Wings Over Wairarapa and not much else. He omitted to mention Golden Shears! and not much else. … Continue Reading

Inner Wheel 100 not out

This year is the 100th celebration of Inner Wheel. 

In over 100 countries, women are working to improve life for many in their respective communities – just as they have been doing for a century. 

Long may it continue! 

I’m sure many Inner Wheel Clubs around New Zealand and the world will have projects/activities planned to mark the centenary. 

We can mark the centenary in a way that honours founder Margarette Golding, the women who have brought us this far, those who will carry IW into the future and, at the same time, benefit our community. 

We have a centennial Rose called “In Friendship” to also mark this occasion. 

This year is about women and what they have achieved.

Early winter weeding and water chore

As a favour the council is noting it’s time to clear the  debris and overgrowth from your South Wairarapa water meters for the annual June reading.

The council asks all communities to ensure their water meters are visible and not covered with overgrowth, weeds or debris, which can prevent the volunteers from locating and reading them.

If meters can’t be read by the volunteers, the council may need to send a paid meter reader to those properties, which could incur a cost to the property owner.

The volunteer meter readers note that their results can indicate excess water use or leaks, which can be considered for exemption _ with proof of repair.

The council greatly appreciates their hard work and rewards the volunteers with donations which go  to Martinborough Lions, Featherston Rugby Club and Greytown Rugby Club.

If meter owners are invoiced and suspect a leak, contact SWDC by email: water@swdc.govt.nz  _ or phone 06 306 9611.

Martinborough Wine and Food’s bon vivants

The Martinborough Wine and Food Society held their AGM at the York Bistro, Parehua, 52 New York Street West.

Our correspondent notes that the food there is always interesting. 

The starters were a choice of Chicken Liver Parfait, Heirloom Tomatoes, Duck Croquette and Tuna Ceviche. 

Mains on offer were Line Caught Catch of the Day, Sous Vide Eye Fillet Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Comfit Lamb Shoulder or Cheese Souffle. A range of side vegetables was included. 

A starter wine and then the group chose from the wine list.

Phillipa Pointon was re-elected as president and Lynne Rice as secretary. Dave Stewart will stay on the committee and continue as treasurer until Peter Rae returns from overseas when he will take on that role. 

A special thank you to Dave Stewart who has been in this role for sixteen years but unable to attend as he had Covid. 

We welcome John Penney as cellarmaster. Committee members Penny Rae, Willie Sutherland and Sue Delamare remain. Dave Woodhams has resigned after seven years and we thanked him with a precious bottle. We welcome Jackie Gyenge to the new committee.

Cheers and here’s to another happy and successful year for the society.