Councillor Comment

Tora Volunteer Rural Fire Force    

I was delighted to be able to represent The Mayor and SWDC at the recent Tora Volunteer Rural Fire Force celebrations.  Three of the original members, Hamish Sims, Alistair Boyne and Mike Doyle received their 25 year Gold Star awards and it was also the 25 year Jubilee of the Tora Fire Force as well.

On behalf of the whole south Wairarapa community I presented certificates to each of the 3 recipients.  it was a great evening held at Brackenridge.

The Fire Party formed in 1993 with 5 members, Mike Doyle, Alistair Boyne, Hamish Sims, Warren Barnes and Ian Pickering.  The first thing was to come up with a name and the Tora Fire Force was formed.  John Welford of SWDC secured their first fire engine, a long wheel base landrover, with a high volume pump on the front, a siren and flashing beacon.  No hoses, etc but at least they had a vehicle!!

In the years since, along with the district, Martinborough Lions, South Wairarapa Rotary, National Rural Fire Authority and a huge amount of fundraising, the Fire Force is now well equipped to service the district.

We congratulate the recipients, and also past & present members of Tora Rural Fire Force who have given up so much personal time to protect their community and the surrounding area, Thank you.

Treaty of Waitangi

Councillors, Community Board members, Maori Standing committee members and Council staff,  recently attended Treaty of Waitangi training at Hau Ariki Marae.  This was taken by Dr Ingrid Huygens, National co-ordinator, Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People Project.  

With the Wairarapa treaty settlement negotiatons going on at the present time, this was a real opportunity to learn, from a different prospective to those taught in our school days, about both Maori and Pakeha history. In some aspects a real eye opener for all of us.  Ingrid, we thank you very much for our new understanding.

Waihinga Centre

I recently had the opportunity, along with other councillors, to go through the Waihinga Centre.  Although this is not quite finished, it is truly amazing inside and out, one can now visualise where everything is going to go and to see both the supper room and the main hall on the same level, is fantastic and I am sure that is what everyone wanted.

I am looking forward to hearing everyone’s positive comments when they have the opportunity to see this for themselves.  Congratulations must go to the Trust members for all the time and effort they have put into this and to Council staff who have kept the finances on track and within budget.

Best wishes to everyone for a very happy November and the count down to Christmas.

Pam Colenso Councillor 027 441 4892 or pam.colenso@swdc.govt.nz