From the Mayor  – February 2025

By Martin Connelly

I wish all readers of The Star a happy New Year. 

Last year I heard many people utter the phrase “I am trying to survive until 2025.” Those of us that are still here obviously did survive, so let us hope we can now start to “thrive.” 

Last year was a very tough year for many people and businesses. Most of us know people who work in Wellington, who lost their jobs. Throughout the country business liquidations rose by 40% in 2024. Our economy is currently in a recession. 

We are lucky to have many groups in our community who assist those in need. There is the food bank that helps families to feed themselves, people who drive cancer patients to hospital, and a whole range of locals who help others. 

I cannot say “thank you” to all those people often enough, and how fortunate we are to have you in our midst.

Tania and I had a low-key Christmas and New Year. Christmas involved a family gathering nearby,

and the New Year was even more relaxed. I went to two delightful carol services just before Christmas and then went to Christchurch for a family wedding soon after. It was very nice to catch up with our wider families, but it did remind me how much marriage ceremonies have changed over the years. 

Christchurch was a good deal colder than the Wairarapa, for those who think the weather has been a bit second rate around here. And I know it’s tempting to complain about the weather, but we still have much to be grateful for. Our towns are looking much greener than they normally do at this time of the year, we have not had to work so hard to keep our gardens looking nice, and nobody is pestering us about saving water.

The Council has two important matters it will consult you about later in the year. One is the 2025-34 Long Term Plan. This outlines the services and associated costs that the Council is proposing through to 2034. 

Because the outcome of the Long Term Plan will affect your rates, it is important that the Council hears what you think. We make it easy for you to have your say, so please do. 

I have heard people complain that “no one listens to us” but I can categorically say that is not so, we do listen. I can also guarantee that if you do not tell us what you think, we won’t pay you much attention.

The second important issue we will consult you about, is our plans for how water services will be provided in the future. This affects people who live in towns since they are the householders who get drinking water and waste-water services from the Council. 

Along with other councils, we are being encouraged to make joint arrangements for these services. One of our proposals will be to establish a joint water services company in conjunction with Carterton, Masterton and Tararua.

By the time you read this you should be seeing greatly changed opening hours for your swimming

pool – hours that will suit many more people than is currently the case. Let’s hope we get some

warmer weather to accompany those new hours. 

For people who want an additional energetic pastime, think about entering the Martinborough Skyline Challenge on the 29th of March. You can cycle, run or walk distances ranging from 9km to 28km. It sounds like fun. 

The proceeds go to one of those groups I spoke of earlier, an organisation that is there for us in emergencies.