From the CEO

Finally, spring is in the air and hopefully a spell of dry weather is ahead. 

There are a few happenings in Martinborough that shouldn’t go unacknowledged. Firstly, the Martinborough School 150^th anniversary this month, which is an amazing milestone. We wish all those who are taking a trip down memory lane a very pleasant visit.

Another piece of Martinborough history is the old Courthouse. A Council asset, the old building has become the headquarters of the local MenzShed and I can’t think of a better set of guardians. 

Recently, the group created a new workshop behind the courthouse to allow for bigger projects and work that is better suited to being outside the old building. Although they’re already a sizable group, the extra room means there’s room for more members.

We also want to commend the Martinborough Pump Track Project, a community-led project which is now fundraising to build a visionary facility in Considine Park. Council will work with the project as it proceeds.

The heavy rains this winter have certainly left their mark, particularly on our roads. I want to do a shout out to our roading staff and contractors, who have already been under pressure because of winter illnesses and heavy workloads. They worked tirelessly to reinstate many of the roads that were out of action due to flooding within a short period of time.  

During the recent flooding, we were often asked whether the Waihenga bridge to Martinborough was closed. As you may know, the bridge is part of State Highway 53 and closing it is a decision by Waka Kotahi. River levels are monitored by Greater Wellington Regional Council (see the “current river levels” tab on our website homepage). When levels at the bridge reach 4.5 metres, the bridge is usually closed. 

We have been reviewing Wellington Water’s work in our district in the past year and good progress has been made in a number of areas. In Martinborough’s case, an automatic chlorination dosing system was installed at Pirinoa Water Treatment Plant and new electrical surge protection has been put into all water and wastewater treatment plants. 

There is still quite a way to go and considerable uncertainty over what the Three Waters reforms will mean for our district. But be assured, work is quietly going on behind the scenes to make good use of your water rates contribution.

This brings me to the local body elections. By the time you read this, it’s likely campaigning will have begun in earnest. 

Postal voting papers will go out in mid-September and close at noon on 8 October. I encourage everyone to take time to vote and help chart the destiny of your community.

Ngā mihi Harry Wilson

Chief executive  South Wairarapa District Council