Granny Flats, Tiny Houses – likely problem builds?

By Ray Lilley

South Wairarapa wants to support the government’s plan to make building Granny Flats and Tiny Houses a non-consented fast-track process _ but fears it could mean increased council liability, increased risk and increased cost.

“There must be mitigation of these” risks, Councillor Pip Maynard told a council Granny Flat legislation workshop last month.

If the issues of storm water, waste water and town water supply were solved, one councillor noted, “I’d be in favour. However we’re not in that position.”

Currently no new building can be connected to the waste water/sewerage systems in Martinborough and Greytown because of lack of capacity to handle extra load. 

Under the government proposal, Granny Flats and Tiny Houses up to 60 square metres in size could be built without council resource or building consent.  … Continue Reading

Blowing in the wind with Spitfires Quintet

A length of hosepipe, a funnel, some empty bottles and a waving rubber glove were all part of the

teaching aids used by the Spitfires wind quintet during their recent visit to Wairarapa schools.

As part of this year’s Martinborough Music Festival’s outreach and education programme, the

quintet visited Martinborough Primary School, Kurunui College and Wairarapa College, playing to around 300 students.

Rebecca Steel (flute), Calvin Scott (oboe), Vivien Reid (French horn), Moira Hurst (clarinet) and Tessa Frazer (bassoon) encouraged enthusiastic participation from students, who experimented getting some interesting sounds from the various household implements used to demonstrate the mechanics of wind instruments. … Continue Reading

Hau Ariki Marae has first Wairarapa energy implant

Hau Ariki Marae in Martinborough is the first Wairarapa site to win funding for solar PV panels and a battery storage system to support community resilience in an emergency. 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has confirmed it has entered a funding contract with the Hau Ariki Marae Trust to supply the emergency energy system. 

In a statement, MBIE said while the details are confidential, “each of the selected North Island community buildings is funded … for an average of $88,000 for the supply and installation of an average 26kW of solar PV panels and 38kWh battery.” … Continue Reading

Building services for seniors in the South

Since opening our doors there have been three key areas where we have been thriving, one of which being the offerings we have for the senior community. We have been heartened how we have been welcomed and embraced by our senior community as well as being thrilled to be a space for organizations to reach the Martinborough and rural South Wairarapa. 

These include the following services: 

Age Concern is at Heartlands Services on a Wednesday morning, and available to visit or connect with at a place suitable to you on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons.

Jacqui (Jacq’s) Wilton has come home to Martinborough and is working for Age Concern to support people  65 and over to live their best possible lives.  Alongside the weekly drop in, a monthly coffee morning event has been added to regular schedules.  … Continue Reading