Wairarapa Business Award for Under the Stars

For “Under the Stars” astro-tourism guide Becky Bateman it was a shock to win the Wairarapa “Emerging Business” award in mid-October for her fledgling star-gazing venture.

Running the only “nomadic” star-gazing/guiding business in Wairarapa is literally that: running from location to location to help people understand and interpret the wondrous dark skies which stretch above the region. 

The dark sky advocate who started her business a year ago says that from childhood in England she has always had an easy affinity with science and astronomy.

So much so that when after seven years at Wellington’s Space Place the opportunity to live and work under Wairarapa’s dark sky came up, she grabbed it with both hands.

Becky Bateman says she has never lost her sense of wonder at the vast scale of the universe.  … Continue Reading

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve: Economic Plan wrap up event

There has been healthy interest in the creation of an accredited Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and the economic potential it has for the region. Wellington-based consultancy JMG has run a number of meetings and events to raise awareness of the project and to discover what this might mean for the Wairarapa economy.  This will feed into an economic plan to define the opportunities arising from the Reserve.

“Having met many people through community meetings and sessions with business associations and businesses, groups, iwi, councils and other interests, we have been privileged to get a greater insight into the plans and aspirations of the community” says JMG’s Managing Director, Bill McDonald.   

“Now we want to close the loop and share our findings with the people who have helped to shape them, and with anyone else interested in the project.”

JMG is hosting a public meeting at: Luna Estate, 133 Puruatanga Rd, Martinborough  6.30 – 8.00pm, Monday, 9 December, 2019 All are welcome, please email charlotte.harding@jmg.co.nz if you want to attend.

Visit the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve website to find out more about the Economic Plan www.wairarapadarksky.org 

Sun Shines on Jazz Festival

The sun shone brightly to compliment the brilliant atmosphere around Martinborough during the 9th edition of New Zealand’s coolest little jazz festival, Jazz in Martinborough last weekend.

“It just shows that a warm, sunny weekend adds mightily to the enjoyment of festival goers,” says festival producer Ted Preston. “Somehow the music sounds better, the food is tastier and the coffee and wine more delicious.”

The festival returned to the Martinborough Town Hall for their ticketed events after an absence of three years during refurbishment.  “Everyone was impressed with the look and feel of the Hall and how well it suits an event such as ours,” says Lee Quayle, festival Music Director.  “The supper room and refurbished kitchen were well used, the musicians liked the green room facilities and improved access to the stage, and the sound was just fabulous,” he adds.

The festival is looking forward to celebrating 10 years next year. “Jazz in Martinborough only exists because of the ongoing support of our community of cool – the venues, local businesses and wineries, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and community organisations,” says Ted.  “And, of course the Jazz-going, ticket-buying public who continue to be the biggest supporters of the festival,” says Ted

World Kindness Day

Wednesday 13^th November 

World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13th November. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations. World Kindness Day was first launched in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement, an organisation formed at a 1997 Tokyo conference of like-minded kindness organisations from around the world. There are currently over 28 nations involved in The World Kindness Movement which is not affiliated with any religion or political movement. 

The mission of the World Kindness Movement and World Kindness Day is to create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness. Susan has approached the local day care centres, kindergarten, primary school and college and has found that everyone is keen to promote the day within their organisation by encouraging acts of kindness. 

 Large chalks will be given to the kids to write happy messages on the footpaths to make people smile! To reward the children for their kindness and participation, the children will be given certificates and a red eco pen. … Continue Reading