Tena Koutou Katoa

I want to take the opportunity to sincerely thank the Martinborough and South Wairarapa Communities for the support you have shown me during my time as Mayor. It has been a privilege to represent you. I am sad that my role in Local Government has now ended, I have always strongly advocated for South Wairarapa locally, regionally and nationally, 

Our district has changed substantially over the years. We have bucked the trend of small rural areas and we are a vibrant, attractive, and flourishing district with an influx of new residents, businesses and visitors.

I am proud that the councils I have been part of have confronted the tough issues of provision of infrastructure that will not only allow for our  growing communities but help protect our environment, renovating and refurbishing our old civic centres, sealing gravel roads at approx. 1.5 kms a year for the last 30 years, providing facilities for the ever increasing numbers of tourists who are visiting and providing funds for local initiatives and organisations through grants. We have allowed communities and groups to take their ideas and bring them to fruition, often not without controversy and very emotive debate. We have a very strong financial base due to prudent financial management.   

Collaboration between the three Wairarapa councils and GWRC is now a matter of course. and the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy is making huge progress.  … Continue Reading

Guy Fawkes was not the leader

Once again a non event which happened  over four hundred years ago has been marked by the letting off of fireworks. Not only that but the person we associate with this date was actually only a minor player.

The first idea of a gunpowder plot came up over a few beers on the 20th May 1604 at the Duck and Drake Inn. Normally on waking the next day it is realised what a load of  rubbish was talked the night before. However in this case the mistake made was on sobering up the men decided to stick with the plan.  

The conspirators were Catholic lads  who had been bemoaning the hard time English Anglican Kings had given Catholics for many years. They had hopes that the succession of James the 1st, a Scottish King and not an Anglican, would be more sympathetic to the plight, would bring and end to their problem.  However this did not happen and hence the desperate measure hatched of blowing up the king and his advisers when the gathered in parliament.

They had learned that the parliament coal cellar was directly under  the House of Lords and a trusted coal merchant John Johnson started sneaking in gunpowder along with his coal deliveries  eventually amassing thirty six barrels. Actually half the amount would have done the trick.  … Continue Reading

The Youth Justice System

Maybe you or someone you know has been referred to the Youth Justice System(different to the adult court system). Youth Justice is about getting you to face up to what you have done wrong, and give you a chance to make up for it. When we are young we often act impulsively and do not always make the right choices. This can result in you getting a criminal record, something that will affect your whole life. The Youth Justice tries to stop this from happening. 

If you have committed an offence, one of the first steps the Police may take is to ask you to go to a family group conference. At the conference you and your family will have a chance to talk about what has happened, and help you make a plan to fix things. The conference will be run by a Youth Justice Co-ordinator who will also chat with you before the conference begins. You have the chance to tell them about your problems, ask any questions you may have, and discuss ways you can sort out ways to make amends for what you have done. … Continue Reading

Tickets available for the Martinborough House and Garden Tour to raise funds for Wharekaka

Tickets are still available to view eleven of Martinborough’s most outstanding properties on Saturday 23 November in a house and garden tour to raise funds for Wharekaka, Martinborough’s aged care community. 

There’s something for everyone, with a range of modern and traditional styles on show, inside and outside. There are structured modern gardens, cottage gardens, town gardens, and rural gardens. Some have been established for decades, others show how clever landscaping complements a new build. Inside, you’ll see everything from modern minimalism to homes celebrating decades of family treasures.  Artwork is a feature inside and in the gardens.  Ticket-holders will walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration.

The tour is also a showcase for local craftspeople and producers – there will be a stall featuring local crafts and products at each house. … Continue Reading