International focus at South Wairarapa Rotary meetings

Ambassador Brown recently visited South Wairarapa Rotary as our guest speaker.  He gave a very lively and engaging speech, introducing himself in Maori.  Mr Brown said that when he was offered an ambassadorial post he chose New Zealand because of the All Blacks, the movie Lord of the Rings and the independent attitude of New Zealanders. He commented that number plates in his home State of New Hampshire carry the motto “Live free or die” – a similar sentiment, he felt, could be found here.

The Ambassador said that he sees his job as enhancing the relationship between New Zealand and the U.S. as well as helping U.S. citizens in difficulties, dealing with business issues and fostering exchange programs.

Mr Brown spoke about the things that New Zealand and the U.S. have in common such as the five eyes alliance, space related activities such as the SOFIA flying observatory and New Zealand interns at NASA, student exchange programs and mutual trade opportunities.

Finally he spoke about some of the achievements of the current U.S. administration and said that, love him or hate him, Donald Trump has done the things he said he would do. He then took questions from the floor which covered subjects like environment, human rights, and the power of the U.S. military lobby.

The Ambassador was then asked to present grants to some of this month’s recipients. 

South Wairarapa Rotary’s ongoing financial support throughout the district.

 The past two months have seen the award of over $20,000 to various Wairarapa projects including: Arbor House for their van, Wairarapa Youth Charitable Trust to set up critical equipment, Hope Walk Wairarapa, Lions International, Martinborough Waihinga Center playground, plants for the Kahutara School’s Mangatete Wetland project, Jazz in Martinborough, Greytown Heritage Trust, and various educational bursaries and grants.

To enquire about funding, joining Rotary or helping in local Rotary projects – please email info@swrotary.org.nz or visit our website swrotary.org.nz

Kahutara School Hockey Wrap Up 2018

Kahutara School Hockey has had some great success this season.  Three teams competed in various Wairarapa Hockey Association grades, with the Kahutara Junior Red team in the Tuesday night 6 Aside quarter field competition; the 6 Aside A team in the Friday night half field competition; and the 1^st XI team in the Wairarapa Primary and Intermediate Schools B Grade competition. 

 All three teams punched above their weight, with the Red team making it to the semi-finals of their grade and the 1^st XI finishing runners-up.  With an impressive 54 goals for and only 24 goals against them, the 1^st XI team finished the season with 10 wins, 1 draw and only 2 losses, both to Kia Kaha, with unfortunately one of those losses being in the final.  

The group worked very well as a team all season, with some great passing and brilliant goals as a result.  

Congratulations to all the children from all three teams for making Kahutara School proud, playing fair and trying hard every game.  Special congratulations to the trophy winners in each team.  Red team MVP: Grace Jaspers; 6 Aside A team MVP: Rhiannon Clark; 1^st XI MVP: Angus Jaspers, Most Improved: Rheno Andersen-Clay and Most Dedicated: Archie Clark/Guy Jaspers.  Rheno was also named in the Wairarapa Boys Curtis Cup team.        

A big thank-you to all the parents for your wonderful support over the season, and especially to those parents who coached the teams

DOWN TO EARTH GARDEN GROUP INVITATION 

Are you a keen gardener, a would-be keen gardener or just enjoy looking at other people’s handiwork?  

The Down to Earth Garden group started in Martinborough a couple of years ago to provide an opportunity to visit private gardens. .  All sorts of gardens; cottage, veggie, native, new, established, large and small.   Hopefully, something for everyone and plenty of inspiration!  

It’s a very relaxed, social group.  We have a cuppa afterwards with the hosts so there’s plenty of opportunity to talk and share information as well as quiz the owners about their garden.  

If this sounds like you, why not get in touch with Chris Cassels at ccassels@gmail.com

Kia ora koutou katoa! Nau mai haere mai! Welcome to Martinborough Playcentre!

We are a small, friendly centre located in the heart of Martinborough. Our families are not just from Martinborough but from all over the South Wairarapa- from Featherston to Tora.

We provide unique and high quality learning experiences for young children and their families. Our sessions are mixed age and open to 0 – 6 year olds, with a focus on child initiated play. We offer great facilities, including a lovely wee garden and huge outdoor play area.

Martinborough Playcentre is a safe, supportive learning environment for children and adults alike, and is perfect for parents and whanau who wish to be involved in the early education of their child / children. Our children are supported to become confident, competent self-directed learners through play based around their interests. They gain knowledge through play, participation and positive guidance.

Our recent ERO (Education Review Office) report is available online at www.playcentre.org.nz  search: Martinborough. We are proud to be “well placed” to promote positive learning outcomes for children. 

Anyone is welcome to come and join us! Session times: Mon, Wed and Thu 9.00am – 12.00pm. 

38 Venice Street Martinborough. martinborough@playcentre.org.nz