From the Mayor

Council has approved the construction of stage one of the Waihinga Centre. The project was not without controversy and those against made their voices heard, as is their right, during the public part of the Council meeting on 24 February
 
One of the main concerns was the cost and the on going burden to the ratepayer. Council expects this to be in the order of $18.00 per annum for an urban property and $9.00 per annum for rural which covers the cost of strengthening of the old town hall.  This work was always planned to be covered by district funds.
 
The Waihinga Centre will  provide a modern, multi use facility for generations to come.  It is not just about meeting today’s requirements but planning for future residents and those we wish to attract to our district. 
 
No project design will ever meet everyone’s approval and Council acknowledges this.  We also note the considerable work that has been done around around fund raising to meet the community commitment required.  $1.4 million dollars in donations and pledges is unprecedented for a town of Martinborough’s size. This money will provide Martinborough with an asset far more valuable than the current town hall.
 
The Waihinga Centre will add value not only to Martinborough but the whole of South Wairarapa.  It will provide much needed space for the library and bring several community organisations under one roof.  That has to be good.

Martinborough Golf Club News

The greens are improving all the time.  It is a long process but already the majority of the grass is brown top.  Richard, our Greenkeeper, has worked really hard to get rid of disease and quell the poa grass.  Irrigation systems are being upgraded and the new distance markers on the fairways look great. With all these improvements, and help from the summer run, members’ handicaps have certainly started to tumble!

The ladies now have so many Silver players for Interclub that the other divisions are struggling for players. Interclub competitions have started across the board, with the men involved in the Marquis Shield, the ladies in the Wairarapa Landsdowne Trophy team, two combined teams with Featherston and Mahunga Golf Clubs in the Tilson Salver and the 9 Hole ladies playing in the Wellington 9 Hole Interclub competition. … Continue Reading

Greetings from Plunket!

It is truly hard to believe that we are almost into the third month of 2016! March, the month when Plunket holds its Annual Appeal. Some information about this later.
More importantly, I want to report on the great Playcentre – Toy Library – Book Babies – Plunket Christmas Party that was enjoyed by many children and adults. The Bouncy Castle was going non-stop; the ice-creams and strawberries filled many an eager mouth; and happy children received fun gifts from Father Christmas. … Continue Reading

It’s Round the Vines time again

Martinborough Round the Vines is celebrating 21 years on Sunday 20th March and this iconic event continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike. There are four great options to choose from: 21km Run, 21km Walk, 10km Run and the ever popular 10km Walk. The event is Martinborough School’s biggest fundraiser of the year and all funds raised this year will be going towards our exciting new adventure playground project. … Continue Reading