Council News

Permanent chlorination for safe water

Council has formally approved permanent chlorination of Martinborough’s water supply. The decision was made on 18 September, with Council concluding that chlorination was the only option to ensure safe, secure, clean and clear water for the town for the long-term. Chief Executive Harry Wilson led community engagement, meeting with a number of community groups, individuals and businesses, before the decision was made.

 A manganese removal plant will be installed later this year. Manganese removal will address the water discolouration issue caused by chlorination. Further information will be released to the community regarding the water conservation measures that may be required during summer prior to manganese removal plant being operational. More information – www.swdc.govt.nz/martinborough-water-supply.October 2019

Update on Pain Farm Estate

The Martinborough Community Board held an extraordinary meeting about the Pain Farm Estate on 19 September. The board recommended that Council officers prepare a maintenance schedule for the homestead, cottage and surrounding land in time for the next full community board meeting. The board requested maintenance progress updates every six weeks until the work is complete, and after this, officers report on the condition of the property every six months. 

Bringing the homestead and cottage up to an acceptable standard for rental purposes has been set as the priority, followed by the painting of the homestead. The board also recommended that Council carry out a review of the overhead administrative costs allocated to the estate, for property management, governance, and financial services. The Board deferred making any longer term recommendations about the homestead, gardens and surrounding land to the new community board.

Martinborough i-SITE wins award

Congratulations to the team at Martinborough i-SITE for winning the 2019 ‘Rural/Small Town Innovation Award’ in the Annual i-SITE Awards. The Awards recognise i-SITEs that have demonstrated ‘innovation across in-store design and collaboration’ and celebrate the best among the 80-strong network of i-SITEs across the country. As part of our Waihinga Centre family, we are very proud of the i-SITE Team there. Ka pai!

Cast your vote!

If you haven’t already, make sure you get out and vote in the local council elections. Have your say on who represents you as mayor, on Council, and on the Martinborough Community Board. Voting papers must be completed and returned by midday on Election Day, 12 October 2019. The sooner you vote the better, as NZ Post cannot guarantee delivery in time for voting papers posted after Tuesday 8 October. If you miss the last postal date, you can hand deliver your voting papers at Council offices at 19 Kitchener St, Martinborough, by midday Saturday 12 October. Find out more about the candidates at swdc.govt.nz/local-body-elections-2019