Martinborough “3 Waters” fix-up costs and time-frames grow longer

Multiple non-compliance issues, multiple time-frames and multiple costs at multiple South Wairarapa water treatment plants _ that’s part of the picture painted by Wellington Water at its most recent update meeting for the region’s three councils.

“In South Wairarapa, the (sewerage) treatment plants are either out of consent or in breach of consent,” Wellington Water CEO Tonia Haskell told the committee. 

She noted Martinborough’s waste water treatment plant “is not compliant” with the legal requirements, while Lake Ferry, Featherston and Greytown are “compliant but with noted issues.”

The Martinborough the waste-water discharge rate and quality to both river and land is currently exceeding consent conditions.

Other SWDC waste-water plants in Featherston (needs additional improvements) Lake Ferry (extra funding), and Greytown (major investment to avoid a non-compliance notice) all require urgent attention.

It was noted that “most of the (drinking) water treatment plants” in South Wairarapa are also “not compliant.” … Continue Reading

Unstable Remutaka train track could be cut anytime: KiwiRail

KiwiRail has identified an area of loose and unstable material under its Remutaka Hill train track which could slip and undermine the track, taking it out of use for at least several weeks.

The area of what the company calls “localised instability” is 1.4 kilometers north of the Remutaka Tunnel _ Wairarapa side _ and just below the rail line on the embankment. 

Modelling of the land under the line shows there is a “medium-to-high risk” of a slip occurring.

“The shoulder or space between the rail line and the embankment could potentially undermine the  railway track,” KiwiRail told The Star in an explanatory note.  … Continue Reading

Martinborough Community Board News

Up, Up and Away – defunded and deflated – April 2024

By Angela Brown

It is sometimes the little things that count.

Last year’s Annual Plan Consultation resulted in community grants been reduced, therefore the council had less money to distribute, and decisions had to be made regarding who would be supported. 

The Wairarapa Balloon Festival and our local and regional museums were amongst those not funded. 

As a result of this there were no scheduled balloon flights over South Wairarapa this Easter – how important is this to you and your whanau? Does it affect you as a member of our business community? 

Our local museums rely heavily on both volunteers and donations, they play an important role in preserving the history of our region and add value to both locals and visitors. Do you visit our museums? If not do you still feel they should be supported? Visit your local museums and see what they offer. 

Aratoi Museum is based in Masterton but serves the whole of the Wairarapa – they have an education program for schools and have embarked on pop-up museum exhibits here in South Wairarapa. Despite receiving no grant they have generously made the decision to continue their programs which include our towns.

They are currently working with Wellington Museum to investigate bringing the George Pain Taonga Exhibition to our region. More to come on this exciting project over the coming months.

Question that arises: if we do have a funding pool how should the decision on who receives funding be made? What are your priorities?

Consultation is now underway for this years Enhanced Annual Plan – there is an opportunity to talk in person with elected members and council staff on Saturday 13 April from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Waihinga Centre. Do pop along and ask questions about the plan, your views, opinions, and concerns are essential – pick up a copy of the document from the library or council offices.

April’s Meet the Community Board Session is also on 13 April at 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at the same venue – so you get a twofer – two for the price of one! 

I encourage you to come along. These popular sessions are held once a month on the second Saturday at the Waihinga Centre, and you can contact the board via Facebook or council at any time.

ends

Turn on the tap in a drought: no water

Two weeks ago I went to a church that should be under water.

When Spanish engineers built a reservoir in Catalonia in the 1960s, they flooded the town of Sant Romà de Sau and drowned its buildings. But the ghosts of the village have since come back. Struck by a drought that is killing crops and squeezing businesses, the reservoir has dried to 1% of its capacity. The church as resurfaced as the waterline has plunged.

Setting my feet on the hard ground of a reservoir and walking through the ruins of a lost village felt like stepping into a disaster film. But it was nowhere near as surreal as seeing farmers, tourists and locals in a rich part of Spain fight over water – a natural resource that I take for granted. … Continue Reading