Local government push-back on Maori ward law change

A whopping 83.5 percent of local councils have voted to push back against newly-passed government legislation which forces councils to hold a public poll (referendum) at the 2025 election if they want to retain or introduce a Maori ward.

South Wairarapa District council agreed in  2023 to introduce a Maori ward _ before the new legislation which now requires a costly poll on the issue at the next election.

In 2021 the then-government changed to law to eliminate binding polls on such wards _  before the change, a poll could be requested by five percent of voters. 

The Local Government NZ AGM saw an historic push-back against the new law _ led by Palmerston North City Council _ that forces councils to hold a public poll at the next local election if they wish to keep or introduce a Māori ward.

The Palmerston North remit said Maori wards and constituencies should not be subject to compulsory polling. It gained 83.5% support.  … Continue Reading

Te Kopi dismayed by untrue fly-tipping connection

Facts: Te Kopi on the south coast is a small family-owned settlement of 17 mostly baches with just  three permanent residents. The others are weekenders, holiday-makers and, in one case, an Australia-based annual visitor.

Kaumatua/trustee Ross Ward, a descendent of the original Maori family owners, is kaitiaki of the Te Kopi enclave, inherited from great grandfather Hemi Te Miha and in turn from grandmother Katie Isabella Ahipene.  

The Issue: South Wairarapa District Council named the fly-tipping rubbish dumping area five kilometers from the village as “Te Kopi Cliffs.”  … Continue Reading

Tales from an outback midwife

Inner Wheel club’s recent meeting hosted Annie Price, whom they describe as a remarkable woman who talked of her experiences as a midwife in New Zealand and the outback of Australia.

Hailing from London, Annie trained as a Registered Nurse in Napier who went on to specialise  in intensive care work in New Zealand and Australia. On one case, she told how she argued with the “clever doctors” who wanted to ventilate a 90-year-old. Their reason – the registrar needed practice. That was it!  … Continue Reading

Masonic Trust keeps Wharekaka up to scratch

In an update, the Wharekaka Auxiliary advises the Masonic Trust has continued to keep the building in good condition and maintain the existing staff. 

As most people in Martinborough are aware, there is a moratorium on new buildings in the town so nothing can be done until this is lifted and the water and sewerage systems are sorted out.

The Wharekaka building is constantly in use. 

A Mah-Jong group meets weekly on Tuesdays under the auspices of the Auxiliary and makes a contribution to Meals on Wheels.

Chair Pilates for older people on Wednesdays and Bingo for Seniors happens on Mondays. … Continue Reading