Water, water everywhere – stand by for the bills

By Ray Lilley

Planning is forging ahead for a new water services model to cover 10 southern North Island local bodies _ from Horowhenua to Masterton _ to deliver three waters services – but only if the councils agree to go ahead. 

They have little time to decide as central government legally requires decisions to be made in the next 12 months.

Dame Kerry Prendergast, whose advisory group oversaw the report prepared by Scott Consulting,  

warns there are “no quick fixes,” with up to $17 billion of water infrastructure investment needed over the next 20-25 years. 

Not investing means risking significant network failures, being unable to build the 99,000 new homes needed in the region, wastewater treatment and drinking water supplies “compromised. And we push this issue onto future generations.” she said, but didn’t add: “as has happened till now.”

So how did all this begin? The nine councils within the Wellington regional area and Horowhenua District signed a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2024 to work together on a joint water services delivery plan process. Hence the “Recommended regional approach to a joint Water Services Delivery Plan and delivery model” report. (Link at end).

The recommended new delivery model is for a joint council-owned regional water services utility vested with ownership of all regional water assets, revenues and liabilities, a WSCCO – Water Services Council Controlled Organisation. 

The report notes the need for speed: “councils will need to make some difficult choices about how to fund and deliver the urgent work needed on the three waters network and demonstrate financial sustainability by 30 June 2028,” under central government’s planned system.

The initial set-up cost to ratepayers for WSCCO from the 10 bodies: “$75m to more than $125m.” … Continue Reading

Maori Ward added to election status quo

The lack of a clear mandate for change from South Wairarapa residents saw local councillors stick with the status quo for the coming 2025 local body elections. 

There was no support for the proposed two rural wards, no support for eliminating the council’s three community boards – and clearly no appetite for changing the year-old decision to add a Maori Ward to the district’s three 3-member council wards – plus the mayor.

This brings the council to a total of 11 elected members. Another 12 elected members make up the three community boards.

At last week’s council meeting, the report on the review noted: “Feedback from submissions on the initial proposal was broadly not in favour of retaining the initial (change) proposal” – of adding two rural wards and removing the three community boards.  

Following the near-unanimous votes for “no change,” Councillor Colin Olds proposed the council investigate a rural coastal advisory group. It passed without dissent. 

The fly in the representation ointment? Central government’s requirement that the Maori Ward be subject to a referendum at the election. This legal requirement will add at least $20,000 to the election bill despite the local council’s unanimous adoption of the plan for a Maori Ward seat at the council table. 

The local council thus joins 42 other district councils who have adopted Maori Wards – and have decided to retain them. Just two councils backed away from the option, while several pro-ward councils are seeking legal advice about a court challenge to the government over-ride.  

The council also adopted its Maori Standing Committee (MSC) recommendation that the name of the Maori Ward should be Te Karu o Te Ika a Māui – Eye of the Fish of Maui. 

It noted Māori identify South Wairarapa through landmarks and significant sites _ with Te Karu o Te Ika a Māui one of those, and part of the legendary story of Maui fishing up the North Island.

MSC chair Andrea Rutene described the decision as “the gift of a very beautiful name.” Councillor Pip Maynard thanked both Papawai Marae and MSC for “a name which belongs to this district and I really appreciate it (the Maori Ward) has been given a beautiful name.”

The renaming proposal was passed with one dissenting vote.   

The full representation review outcome is open for appeals and objections from 1 November  

to 1 December.

How Well Do We Know People in Our Community?

Thomas Röckinger, loving the small village lifestyle of Martinborough.

By Lyle Griffiths

Pforzheim in Southern Germany was where Thomas Röckinger lived with his family, the third of six children – five brothers and one sister.

Thomas attended kindergarten from the age of three until he began school at 6 years.

“What I most enjoyed about school was the practical subject which we had each year.

“The project would cover a 3 – 4 week period. Our first project was to build a house made of wood for a neighbouring playcentre. Parents, the teacher and the students were all involved. It was fun. We were doing something to help others and for a real purpose. The following year the class performed a play on stage.

“And then when I was 14 years, I and three other friends had an internship on a farm in Switzerland. When my mother dropped us off, she was very concerned because it looked like such a hippy establishment. The farming practices were old and traditional. The four of us slept in a barn. It was only 10 degrees and simply freezing but we survived.

“Other internships included a stint at a radio station and working with handicapped students, which I really enjoyed.

“Army training is compulsory in Germany, but you do have an option of either undertaking military training or doing alternative service in Germany or abroad.

“I elected to help in a home for special needs people in Massachusetts, USA for 12 months. I had to fund my own fare. Accommodation, food and a small amount of pocket money was provided.

“In 2012 I applied for a position at Martinborough Vineyard as a vintage cellar hand working in the winery. I had already spent a year training as a viticulturist. … Continue Reading

Bagpipes, goose and snare drums at Inner Wheel

Lexie Monks on goose, Natasha Senior (pipes), Holly Monks (lead snare), Judah and Ash Tanner (snares), Malissa Nielsen (rear).

At its last meeting Inner Wheel Club was very privileged to welcome five members of the Fern and Thistle Pipe Band who spoke and played.

The band made an impressive entry in their Maclean Hunting tartan kilts and were accompanied by Malissa Nielsen, “uniform custodian.”

Her husband’s father, Les Nielsen, was one Wairarapa’s first drummers, so the band is a third-generation family activity, she noted with a twinkle: “I’m great at supporting and breeding players!”

Established in the early 1960s, the band won C-grade Nationals at Timaru in 1965. Since then it has hosted and competed in Masterton National competitions attended by around 50 bands, including some from Australia. 

“These were a big deal… including a street march,” Malissa said, adding street marches are not held in Scotland. The Band is starting to compete again with a renewed philosophy and a “top class learner programme creating a fun place for the whole band family.” 

From 13 members in 2022 numbers have grown to 28, something which continues to create problems of supply and funds for uniforms and instruments. 

The band kits out each player with a uniform, drums and harnesses while the players provide clothes, Gillie Brogues (shoes) and Pipers their own pipes. The cheapest set of pipes costs $1,500.

“Just seeing, let alone hearing, a fully kitted-out band of 28 players is truly impressive:  approximately $100,000 marching past,” she said. While not expecting anything in return for the band playing for Festivals, Christmas Parades, Anzac services and Rest Homes, any koha is very welcome. 

As part of its repertoire the band played Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave, and eaned much applause!

“We joke that these guys are our big problem, however we love that problem and love having them with us in the band. The public are wowed by their ability … most importantly, they are only going to get better,” said Malissa Nielsen.