Letters to the Editor – Vineyard Gas Guns

Dear Ed: I refer to Paul Sara’s letter to the editor in the May edition. Much of Paul’s letter is not germane and as such is irrelevant and can be ignored. 

He does hit on the crux of the issue in his last paragraph, which I replicate for completeness: 

“I’m sure the guns do annoy him and also sure if they were being used outside best practice rules the SWDC would do something.”

We would be delighted and would have no complaint if “Best Practice” was in fact being adopted. All of the professional and amateur vineyard growers surrounding the Martinborough urban village apply best practice to their bird scaring operations except this one amateur Ferry Road grower. 

This grower daily flouts the best practice protocols for audible bird scaring devices (gas gun & pyrotechnics) – every single protocol!

Janice Smith, CEO, has formally advised us in writing that SWDC has no interest in ensuring the gas gun and pyrotechnic bird scaring device is operated in accordance with the best practice protocols outlined on SWDC official website by this lone wolf – why?

Hilton Doherty

Letter of the Month

Winter rain and chill did not deter the hardy Square protest vigil.

Dear Ed: 

I refer to the article on P7 of last month’s Star which featured a small group of people in Martinborough Square asking for ‘Toots for Gaza.’ While I’m sure the tooters meant well, they and your article did not represent me or the facts.

Take for instance the signs bearing the words Free Palestine. These copy the words on signs held aloft at larger protests overseas and are frankly nonsensical. It is not possible to free something which does not and has never existed. To propagate the impression that such an entity does exist is not only misleading, especially for the next generation, but hinders a speedy resolution of the conflict.

This is because the two words are in fact shorthand for the removal of the democratic state of Israel which was invaded on October, 7th 2023 by a proscribed terrorist organisation (in NZ) whose stated mission is not the wellbeing of the Arab population of the Levant but the annihilation of Israel. On that terrible day in October over twelve hundred innocent people were raped, tortured, murdered in their beds and taken hostage. … Continue Reading

“The Wonderful World of Disney” fundraiser concert

Wairarapa Youth Orchestra has announced its early June fundraiser will be “The Wonderful World of Disney Concert.” 

After the resounding success of last year’s sold-out show, “A Movie Matinee,” the Wairarapa

Youth Orchestra returns to showcase its interpretations of timeless classics from the magical world of Disney

The hardworking and skillful primary and secondary-aged musicians promise to take the audience  on a musical journey like no other. 

The orchestra comprises talented youth from across the Wairarapa, performing on violins, cellos, viola, double bass, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.

The Wairarapa Youth Orchestra is a community ensemble dedicated to nurturing young musical talent. Its aim is to inspire the next generation of musicians. Website: wyo.org.nz 

The show will present special arrangements of orchestral music from movies such as Mulan, Frozen, and Cinderella.

The Wonderful World of Disney Concert is made possible by the generous support of Wairarapa Building Society, Carterton District Council Creative Communities Scheme, Masterton District Council Creative Communities Scheme and Rosie’s Removals.

Tickets available now at Carterton Events Centre box office or online: cartertonec.co.nz

Date: Saturday, June 8; time: 3:00 p.m.venue: Carterton Events Centre.

News from First Church

First Church is putting its fund-raising best foot forward with a triple dip of events catering for all Martinborough tastes.

First up: the wide-ranging and engaging First Church Winter Book Fair:

The fair is set to run over two days: Saturday 22 June (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)  and Sunday 23 June  (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at Martinborough Town Hall (Waihinga Centre).

If you would like to donate adults and children’s books, jigsaws, board games, etc. please contact Veronica Hawkins – 0274586257 or Graham – 0274474082.

Next: Martinborough Cookbook Reprint – sponsorship update:

Many thanks to those who have donated sponsorship towards the reprint of the Martinborough Cookbook. Work is proceeding well and we are in talks with the original printers, Lamb Peters, who are excited to get started on the project. 

We are pleased to announce there has been a positive reaction from the community and pre-sales are going well. To those who have pledged sponsorship we look forward to receiving your donation as soon as you are able – the cut-off date is 20 July 2024. … Continue Reading