Wairarapa Library fuels book clubs

Reading needn’t be a solitary activity. 

Neither does the pleasure have to end when you turn over the last page. Every book we’ve enjoyed can be relished anew when we talk about them (ok, gush) with someone else. 

What’s even better is to embark on the same reading adventure with a group of friends. 

Whether you’re already part of a book club, or keen to start your own, Wairarapa Library Service has curated a selection of literary dazzlers to satisfy every taste. You can now also borrow book club sets from other SMART libraries. 

Each book club set contains ten copies of the same title with some notes and questions to help get the discussion going. 

To search for, and reserve, these sets, simply type in book club set and you will see what is available for borrowing. 

For more information, please visit www.wls.org.nz, email library@wls.org.nz or pop into your nearest library. 

Happy reading! 

ends

Toast eaten by Foley Wines

U.S.-based Foley Wines has taken over Toast Martinborough, ingesting the long-running festival into its growing portfolio of wine, food and hospitality activities across New Zealand. 

After a cash-raising effort by the Toast Martinborough board failed to raise enough capital to cover the shortfall from the 2023 Toast Martinborough event, Foley stepped in. 

Its offer “to buy out shareholders and provide the necessary funds to settle outstanding debts with suppliers” was accepted by Toast’s board.  

Foley Wines described the 30-year-old annual festival as “iconic” when it announced the take over. … Continue Reading

Local accommodation can seek DarkSky recognition

DarkSky, the international body responsible for world-wide dark sky accreditation, is offering accommodation providers the chance to be accredited to their just-launched “DarkSky Approved Lodging Program,” and a listing on their international website. 

Accommodation businesses in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve area _ the Wairarapa region stretching from south of Waingawa to the southern coast _ all have the chance to apply for dark sky provider status.

DarkSky said the programme is “encouraging hospitality companies to actively participate in safeguarding the night from the damaging effects of light pollution, while providing their guests with an awe-inspiring experience under pristine dark skies.”

Approved visitor accommodation includes camp grounds, hotels and resorts, retreat centres, ecotourism properties and astrotourism lodges situated in dark sky locations. 

As astrotourism grows in the Wairarapa reserve’s area, points of difference in accommodation offerings _ like dark sky accreditation _ will be seen as attractive options for dark sky tourists. … Continue Reading

Golf pro-am success _ without clubhouse

By Karen Stephens

A record field of 172 players, including 43 professionals from New Zealand and Australia, battled light winds, warm temperatures and even light early-morning fog at Martinborough golf’s 2024 CER Electrical and Holmes Construction pro-am on February 1.

At least that was the range of excuses for some of the “poor scoring” out on the course.

There were certainly challenges to holding the event this year with the clubhouse having been demolished the previous month. But thanks to an army of volunteers and very generous sponsors everything went off without a hitch and the prize-giving and dinner were held under the oak trees synonymous with the Martinborough course.

The winning professional was Nick Coxon with a score of 63. The team prize went to John and Sarah Monaghan and Bindy McLeod who will be enjoying their prize: a round of golf at Cape

Kidnappers as well as accommodation in Havelock North.

Club opening day was held on Sunday 11 February with a large field even though the weather looked pretty dodgy and summer had definitely taken a break.  … Continue Reading