Changing the mix at Nga Waka

By Joelle Thomson

There’s a changing of the guard, so to speak, at Nga Waka Wines this year. Founder and long term winemaker Roger Parkinson has resigned after 32 years of continuous winemaking. He will be replaced by fellow winemaker Paul Mason, who is currently finishing up 20 years at Martinborough Vineyards.

The wine community has enormous respect for both Parkinson (whose outstanding winemaking and devotion to dry Riesling, sparked by his wine studies in South Australia, will be sorely missed) and to Mason. He is an apt replacement as an experienced winemaker with in-depth knowledge of the region, the village and its vineyards.

Nga Waka is now owned by Jay Short and Peggy Dupey, who have acquired existing vineyard sites from other brands and also, excitingly, added Chenin Blanc and Gamay to their plantings. Watch this space. … Continue Reading

Coffee with the (Community) Cop

By Lyle Griffiths

Jo Kelly is the new Community Constable for Martinborough, Greytown and Featherston. Already becoming a presence in town, Jo is the go-to person if we have any issues or concerns to report. 

On Monday mornings between 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. she will be at Kitchener’s Dairy inviting members of the community to have Coffee with the Cop.

Crime Prevention, Security, Scams, Suspicious Activities, Dangerous driving or Traffic issues, theft of Stock. No matter what the issue, or how large or small, Jo says she’ll be on deck to help. … Continue Reading

Council consults on voting changes for 2025

Two key voting changes are up for community input to South Wairarapa District Council ahead of formal decisions which will lock them in for next year’s local elections.

The proposal follows an internal SWDC review, which it says: 

“highlighted particular communities of interest, such as our rural and coastal communities which may be under-represented” at the council table.  … Continue Reading

Heartland Hub: Live on Jellicoe St.  – September 2024

Heartland Services says it’s at the heart of the community, providing access to government and

community services for rural communities. 

The Heartland Services Hub opened late 2023 to provide a convenient meeting place for local people to discuss their needs directly with government agencies and community organisations. 

Each Heartland Service Centre is managed by coordinators who can help arrange face-to-face meetings with government and non-government services, identify and obtain the necessary government forms, as well as aiding access to government and community websites and publications. 

Appointments and referrals to other agencies can also be made through the centre. 

Your Heartland Service Coordinator has information available about many other agencies and services.  … Continue Reading