Fifty long years of Wairarapa’s Consumer Advice Bureau

A spirited introduction by Masterton Intermediate School’s Kapa Haka group signaled an impassioned start to the 50-year celebrations of the Masterton-based WaiCAB.

As John Bunny, MC for the occasion, said: “These children represent the New Zealand of tomorrow. If their parents or caregivers need support from the CAB and can gain assistance, then New Zealand will be a better place.”

Gary Caffell Mayor of Masterton, Mike Butterwick MP for Wairarapa, and Kerry Dalton the Chief Executive of The Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand were warmly welcomed.

Judy Evans, chair of the Masterton Branch, commented on the major contribution of the volunteers who gladly give four hours of their time every week to helping others.

She recalled the inaugural opening of the CAB in 1974 where they began with just two volunteers. Today 28 Masterton volunteers provide a weekly service from Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

WaiCAB is based in the Masonic United Lodge Rooms at 43 Perry Street. … Continue Reading

High Court grants extra coastal rights to Wairarapa Māori

Wairarapa Maori iwi and hapu have won a High Court action which recognises their customary rights over five areas of the South Wairarapa coastline.

Despite fishing industry objections, High Court Justice Cheryl Gwyn granted the five Customary Marine Titles (CMT) after Māori groups agreed on a geographical division of the areas in accordance with tikanga/custom.

Among the rulings, Justice Gwyn granted customary marine rights for up to 3km out to sea in three of the areas, with two of them reaching 10km out. 

In doing so, she rejected arguments by seafood industry groups that the remote area had been commercially fished for a century and meant the Maori claim to offshore customary rights did not meet the test of continuous use. 

Justice Gwyn noted that Wairarapa Māori had traditional names for both the offshore Continental Shelf and the Hikurangi Trench, which meant they saw their mana extending to those areas. Claimants told of fishing for groper up to 10km from shore and up to 8km for blue cod and gurnard.  … Continue Reading

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Horror: no cream on the Lenten apple pie … Continue Reading

He Kōtare ready for busy 2024 planting season

By Martin Freeth, Trees of Martinborough

He Kōtare Native Plant Nursery – a community venture on part of the former Featherston golf course – is gearing up for a busy 2024 planting season in South Wairarapa.

He Kōtare specialises in eco-sourcing seed from plants around Wairarapa Moana, and producing new generations of truly indigenous trees, shrubs and sedge grasses that will help restore wetlands, native habitats and landscape biodiversity.

This year will be the nursery’s second for the supply of healthy, resilient young plants to Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and to private landowners for planting projects of varying size and location across South Wairarapa, between April-October. 

GWRC’s core focus is on planting for the restoration of Wairarapa Moana. The region’s farmers, lifestyle block owners and home gardeners are very welcome to also buy from the not-for-profit nursery.

He Kōtare has been developed by the Pae Tū Mōkai O Tauira Inc. community group which leases from South Wairarapa council the old golf club buildings and about two acres of land which are used for seed germination, potting and growing on. The operation is carefully laid out and supported with reliable irrigation systems, and with areas of shade covering and storage. … Continue Reading