Book reviews for hot summer days

By Brenda Channer – Martinborough Bookshop

The hot days of summer are prime reading times for me. 

Rebecca Yarros’ ‘Fourth Wing’ is a science fantasy novel pitched at 18-25yr olds _ but a ripping good read for anyone over the age of 16. 

The story of Violet Sorrengail, a candidate striving to become a dragon rider, an elite group tasked with keeping the borders of Navarre secure from known and unknown forces who would invade and destroy them. 

The obstacles – physical, mental and romantic that she must overcome are considerable and Yarros does a good job of pacing the story to maintain tension and of introducing twists and turns in the plot. 

It’s great summer reading for those who like world building, action, a bit of romance and getting in on the first of what promises to be a good series.

A good crime thriller is never far from my chair. 

‘Days of Innocence and Wonder’ by Lucy Treolar is not your typical thriller. It is told mostly in the first person as a narrative tale with occasional sidebars from an unknown narrator. An interesting device which is a little unsettling as I am sure it was intended to be. 

‘Till’ is a young woman on the move. Not exactly on the run but not wanting to be found. She tentatively settles in a disused railway station in a small town, desperate to belong but always poised to run. 

When she was 5 years old, her best friend was taken by a stranger and never seen again. This event has coloured the following 18 years of Till’s life and it is this trauma that is eventually resolved in a brutal and final showdown. 

The story jumps about in time and reveals the clues the reader needs to put the events into perspective in a piecemeal fashion, but it is moody and dark which appealed to me. Curl up at night to read this one.

Reviving and reshaping Wharekaka’s elder care

Mayor Martin Connelly makes the Bingo call at Wharekaka on October 1 – U.N. International Day of Older Persons.

When Wharekaka closed its residential and hospital care programmes early 2022, trustees of the facility hoped for a reprieve for the 50-year-old elder care centre.

At the time its governing board hoped the meals-on-wheels programme would continue and said the attached elderly villas would continue. Financial challenges meant an extra $400,000 a year was needed to keep the deteriorating buildings up to scratch, and nursing shortages meant the hospital facility would close.

Eighteen months on, the Wharekaka complex has become the 18^th retirement village under Masonic Lodge management across the North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui).  

Masonic Lodge operations manager Nick Merrett said the group is “very familiar with running retirement village living all around the North Island,” and hinted at both reviving and upgrading the Wharekaka complex.

“What we intend here is to provide more (villa) accommodation at some point, but at this stage we are still getting used to the community here … so we haven’t got into details yet.”

“The community here are really engaged – and have always been engaged with Wharekaka – so we appreciate that engagement and making us so welcome. 

“We’re doing a bit of work in this space to allow other community groups to come in and use it.” 

Merrett told The Star that development of the site is on the radar, “but we really haven’t got that far in our planning.”

But “one question we’re asked is about re-opening the rest home (facility), but that won’t be possible,” as the environment which led to the closure is still prevalent.   … Continue Reading

Feedback

The Community Board wants your feedback about its first post-election year.

Share your thoughts and ideas. Contact any one of the Board.

A  final Community Board drop-in session is on Saturday 11 Nov from 10 a.m. at the Waihinga Centre.

There has been lots of opportunities for consultation during 2023. 

Do you get involved with these decisions? Do you find the documents easy to understand? How would you like to receive or review topics? The rating review documents had lots of information to process which can be a barrier. We want to ensure everyone who wishes to contribute has a voice – so, can we encourage council to improve this process? Would you prefer to attend an open Q & A forum? Feedback please.

Current Consultations – Freedom Camping Bylaw closes 13 Nov; Combined District Plan closes 19 Dec.

No breakthrough in Mayoral fracas: councillor

 By Councillor Aidan Ellims

In mid-October an Extraordinary council meeting was called by councillors and held at the Greytown Town Centre. The purpose of this meeting was for councillors to meet with Mayor Martin to discuss his lack of performance as Mayor leading both councillors and the council.

All nine councillors were very disappointed and frustrated in Mayor Martin’s behaviour over recent months and the purpose of the both the letter and Extraordinary meeting was to collectively discuss the matters with him, and look for ways to move forward and improve.

Councillors were initially heartened when Mayor Martin said to media that he would discuss the issues with councillors and “try to regain their confidence.” 

However, 12 days since the vote of no confidence, he has not communicated with any councillor to work through these matters.

On Thursday, 20 October in Martinborough, councillors and Mayor Martin attended an important Long Term Plan all day workshop. After five hours the Mayor got up and walked out of the meeting without providing an apology or explanation as to where he was going. I have been told that Mayor Martin attended a photo shoot in Masterton.

The Local Government Act details that the role of a Mayor is to, amongst other things, lead the development of the territorial authority’s (council) plans, including the long term and annual plans, policies and budgets for consideration by the members (councillors) of the territorial authority.

All nine councillor’s are united in that we are continuing to work as hard as possible to serve the residents and ratepayers of South Wairarapa despite Mayor Martin’s lack of leadership. … Continue Reading