By Ray Lilley Is it a bird, is it a plane? It’s a Billboard statement to travellers that they are entering a globally-acknowledged Dark Sky Reserve – one of only 21 such high-quality star-gazing environments operating worldwide. Another 200 lower-ranked dark sky “places” across the globe have also been recognised …
By Ray Lilley More than five years after the Martinborough Community Board (MCB) asked South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) to see “the books” (financial records) for the 85-hectare Pain Farm Estate south of the town _ only the board members have changed. Despite repeated requests to SWDC, they have seen …
By Lyle Griffiths Sue Sullivan is a well-known identity in our community. Where else are you greeted by “Hello Darling,” giving an immediate uplift to your day? And the Havana coffee is now a basic necessity of life. Bruce and Sue both lived in Martinborough when the children were small, …
Dishonesty, theft, treachery. Three little-used words in the history of colonisation in New Zealand. Those words don’t appear in the official documents which, in late 2021, set out the end to Crown ownership of Wairarapa Moana _ Lake Wairarapa, and its return to local Iwi ownership. They do, however, underpin …
Two black and white photography exhibitions are currently showing at Aratoi _ including a dramatic scene on the Remutaka (then Rimutaka) Hill Road taken in the 1870s by a Wellington snapper.
James Bragge: Splendid Scenic Gems 24 February – 5 May
“Mr Bragge, photographer, of Lambton Quay, has just published a series of exquisite views of the
splendid scenery of the road over the Rimutaka and the Wairarapa district. … Continue Reading
As the Greater Wellington Regional Council confirms the addition of a Maori constituency for the region from next year’s election, it’s also seeking the community’s views on whether the current set-up needs further expansion.
The new Māori constituency is expected to be established in 2025, with the Maori councillor taking the number at the council table from 13 to 14. But GWRC is asking whether the current 13 general constituency also need to grow, or whether it enables “fair and effective representation” at the present size. For background, Wellington region has six current constituencies. Five councillors are elected from Wellington constituency, three from Lower Hutt, two from Porirua/Tawa, and one each from Kapiti, Upper Hutt and Wairarapa. Population figures show the differences in representation levels across the six constituencies_ so we can all do the math. … Continue Reading
Two South Wairarapa coastal sites likely will be given the green light to allow freedom camping in coming seasons – provided they meet strict criteria which include a vehicle with a “permanently fixed” toilet.
But the newly-adopted South Wairarapa District Council bylaw will prohibit freedom camping along most stretches of coastline and in central town locations, and restrict it in other locations.
The two possible freedom camping areas – expanded sections of Ngawi Reserve and Ngawi Surf Breaks – have been identified after some 24 sites across the council’s territory were assessed by officials on a detailed numerical scale for their potential to accommodate freedom campers.
“It is … recommended to extend the designated camping areas at Ngawi Reserve and at Ngawi Surf Breaks,” the officials told councillors, but with several extra conditions covering signage and new maps to detail the areas involved.
The report notes as there is “no clearly delineated boundary” between the current (Surf Breaks) reserve and the Ngawi Hitaround golf course, it “may create tension between golfers and campers as well as present a safety risk.”
Expansion to the north of the reserve was therefore recommended, as “freedom campers currently overflow into this area and expansion would formalise current practice. … Continue Reading
Wonderful, amazing – miharo!
That’s the message from Louise Dowdell as she introduces herself as local library services manager _ noting that libraries are free, and a trusted source in this disinformation age.
“Tēnā tātou katoa. My name is Louise Dowdell (Ngāti Maniapoto) and I am very excited to be
the new Wairarapa Library Service manager leading the amazing and dedicated librarians who work at our Greytown, Martinborough, Featherston, and Carterton libraries.
“Since starting this role in February I have found Wairarapa communities to be very welcoming and
I am enjoying getting to know this beautiful region and its people.
“I have over 20 years experience in a variety of libraries and have also worked in central government.
“In 2018 I completed a Master of Information Studies and most recently worked for Wellington City Libraries. I love reading, people, and being a life-long learner, so libraries are the perfect place for me, especially as they are no longer stuffy, silent spaces.
“I enjoy hearing the gentle hum of a busy library!
“I am passionate about the benefit libraries bring to our communities, especially equitable access to information and resources. Everyone can visit their local library to use and borrow physical resources, access computers and wifi, attend programmes and events, or just enjoy being in an inclusive space.
“Your local library is there for you whether you are a parent and baby, a retiree, homeless, a student, or working remotely. And if you can’t make it into the physical library, (then) websites, apps, and online resources can connect you to virtual platforms including audio and ebooks. We truly have something for everyone!
“In a climate of disinformation our libraries can also point you in the direction of trusted sources, and as the cost of living rises it is good to remember that you can always access books for free with your library card. Mīharo! What’s not to love about libraries? Visit your local Wairarapa library today!”
So, welcome Louise.
Caption: New Wairarapa Library Services manager for Carterton and the South Wairarapa, Louise Dowdell.
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