Meet your Mayor

Alex grew up in Christchurch, the youngest of five children. His father, a pilot, died in a helicopter crash when Alex was only two. Bringing up the family of five was difficult for his Mum, “ I know the ups and downs of a childhood under these circumstances” he comments.

He attended Christ’s College and from there was employed by Lion Breweries as a trainee manager. Deciding to further his education he left Lion to study for his Bachelor of  Commerce at Lincoln University, this included a year studying in America. On graduating he was employed by Xerox . 

While at University he met his future wife Julie Colton who was also studying in  Christchurch , in her case Canterbury University. They married married in 1994 at St Andrews Church Martinborough, Reception held at Fernside Tauheranikau and then went to live in South Africa, where they stayed for two years. 

Julie did not want to bring up children in a city so on returning to New Zealand thy decided to live in Julie’s home town, Martinborough. Alex knew Martinborough well enough having be ‘bought home’ to meet the family on numerous occasions .  … Continue Reading

MENS SHED DONATES TO WHAREKAKA

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Wharekaka Rest Home the Martinborough Mens Shed Chair, Mike Woolley, presented a cheque for $1,000 to Joy Cooper (Chair of Wharekaka).

The money had been raised by the Mens Shed from the sales of kitchen spatulas made by the Mens Shed members.  The idea for the spatulas was conceived by Shed member Tim Maling.  The spatulas can be purchased at Mint at Martinborough and will be available for purchase during the forthcoming Wharekaka House and Garden Tour on November 19 (tickets from Eventfinda).

There has been quite a bit of activity at the Mens Shed recently.  The new roof has been put on – thanks to the South Wairarapa District Council – and new guttering will be in place soon.  Two containers have been delivered and work is continuing with their fit out, being led by Richard and Ashton Tannant. … Continue Reading

New Council sworn in 

It’s official, we have a new Mayor, Alex Beijen. The Mayor, Councillors and Community Board Members were sworn in at a ceremony on 30 October at the Waihinga Centre. There is no change to the Councillors elected from the Martinborough Ward – Pip Maynard, Pam Colenso and Brian Jephson (Jeppy) held on to their seats, although Daphne Geisler came close.

There is an entirely new Martinborough Community Board in the form of Nathan Fenwick, Mel Maynard, Aidan Ellims and Michael Honey.

Mayor Alex Beijen says, I am delighted with the Councillors and Community Board Members elected by the Martinborough Ward. I know they will serve the district well with a good balance of experience, talent and renewed enthusiasm. … Continue Reading

News from First Church

If we would share with others the way we choose to live;

if justice and compassion inspired us all to give,

we would not need to worry that truths do not agree

– for all could live together in love and harmony.

First Church held a very successful Kirk Fair on the 12^th of October, and our thanks are due to all the supporters of First Church who contributed in many different ways – donating goods, giving time and coming to buy! … Continue Reading