From the Mayor

Katherine Jacobs, May & Peter Croft.

By Mayor Martin

Early in November I went to meet Craig Nelson, Mark Guscott and other members of the Martinborough School community. They showed me around the school, they discussed their plans, and they shared some history of the school. Against this adult conversation was the animated noise that comes from school children who are having a particularly good time defeating a teachers’ team in a sporting event.  Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to educate me about the way that modern education now works. 

Two weeks later I went to meet May and Peter Croft at the Food Bank in Strasbourge Street. I learnt the history of the Food Bank, the extent of the support it provides across the district, and the way in which the need for that service continues to grow.

May and Peter talked about how the Food Bank is the “ambulance at the top of the cliff.”  I was impressed by the range of ways they have thought up so that people who need help get it, while retaining the ability to make choices for their own families. This is an outstanding example of neighbours helping neighbours. And the help is widespread throughout Martinborough, including from people who drop off food, and the P&K SUPERMARKET that provides food nearing its ‘best before’ date. If you can think of ways to offer support, I am sure that May and Peter will be pleased to meet you.

Lastly, let me mention the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday the 13^th of November. This was held at the Cross of Sacrifice at the Featherston Cemetery. It was a moving ceremony, with people attending from across the district. I will mention three people; Wiremu Dawson from Hau Ariki who began and ended the  ceremony with Karakia, Matua Abe Matenga from Kohunui who delivered the Mihi Whakatau, and Peter Jackson the RSA President who reminded us of the idiocy of countries such as Russia, at the moment, who believe war with its inevitable deaths and suffering is the way to settle disputes.  

Remembrance Day remembers the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th  month in 1918, when an armistice was agreed between those fighting the 1st World War. That was the day when people believed that the War to end all Wars had finally ended. Sadly, it was not the war that ended wars.

Although there is much suffering in the world, I wish you and your families and whanau a peaceful and happy Christmas.  As we reflect on the Christmas message, let us think what we can do to help all our neighbours share the benefits we have of living in this wonderful part of New Zealand.