Dark Skies, Bright Future

Most of the population of planet earth live under a cloud of light pollution which prevents them being able to see the stars as we do in Martinborough where very child can see the Milky Way from their back garden. This is something that we all take for granted, but this won’t be the case for our children’s children unless we choose to preserve this.

The campaign to win the highest and most prestigious International Dark Sky Reserve certification is well under way.   The 3 mayors are on board and the Provincial Growth Fund has made a grant to allow an economic report to be prepared.   The Wairarapa Dark Sky Association recently held a public meeting at the Waihinga Centre to introduce the team who will prepare the report, and outline the steps left to achieve this certification and realise the benefits.

The economic report is being independently developed by Jarvis McDonald Group and will look at the economic, social and environmental benefits and impacts to the region. This will inform the community, local businesses and council on what the opportunity represents, and allow the community to make an informed decision on how to best take advantage of this opportunity. … Continue Reading

Under The Martinborough Stars

The Milky Way (Photo: Lee Mauger)

Take a look up tonight and you’ll see a sparkling silver band of stars dominating the night sky. Our home, the Milky Way Galaxy is always worth looking at.

The Milky Way has always fascinated throughout time and amongst all cultures. The term Milky Way relates to a story from the Ancient Greeks where milk was spilt across the sky. 

Here in Aotearoa, it is known as the Great Waka with Tautoru/Orion’s Belt and Te Matau a Maui/ Scorpius at either end. The Southern Cross is the anchor known as Te Punga and the pointer stars are the ropes. By the start of Summer, the Waka lies parallel to the horizon. It shows Māori voyagers that it is a good time to start a journey across the seas as the weather is calm.

In other cultures, the Milky Way is seen as a Silver River, a road of straw, a path of birds and our Australian neighbours see it as a path to the skyworld. No matter what we call it, we are all looking at the same Galaxy; our home.  … Continue Reading

News from First Church

It’s spring and Kirk Fair time again!

Thank God for bursting life, for greening leaf, for sign of spring’s sowing!

The traditional Kirk fair is being held on Saturday 12^th October from 10am at the Church hall and grounds on Weld Street. 

Stalls will include the ever popular Baking, Produce, Plants, Collectables, Boutique and Fashion Accessories and Treasure Trove. Fresh scones and a cuppa will be available, and many fine prizes can be won with the raffle. 

We are looking forward as always to seeing lots of local friends and visitors at the Fair.   Come and have a break from rugby and Local Goverment politics!

Later this month we will be holding the AGM – reviewing the activities and achievements of the last year, and thinking about the year ahead. This is an opportunity to celebrate and thank everyone who has contributed to the life of our church – from our faithful minister the Rev. Dr Jim Veitch and office bearers, to everyone who plays their part in worship and pastoral care, and the work of looking after our buildings. We are a friendly and welcoming bunch. We meet in a spirit of openess and always leave having been challenged and uplifted.

A reminder about our special appeal just launched for financial support from the wider church family and community who value the presence of First Church and  the part it plays in this district.  A one-off donation or a regular monthly payment will be gatefully received. For further information please contact Pam Colenso 06 306 9503, email pmcolenso@xtra.co.nz     We really would like our buildings to be

“looking good”, smart and in good repair for our 150 years celebration in 2021 and we are still looking for reminiscences and any old photos of early days.

Community Board notes

This is the final column from the Martinborough Community Board and you will have a whole new Board following local government elections on 12^th October. I encourage you to have your say and vote. Here’s a round up of the last three years.

We have a new flag trax banner hanging system in town which will go up over the next few weeks, this will allow us to change the event banners and town flags from the ground, without the need for traffic management. 

We facilitated the use of Considine Park for children’s cricket, a big thank you to the Cricket Club for the hours of work that has gone into creating the wicket – it is a credit to the club and it is great to see the park getting more usage.

We have strongly advocated for the Waihinga Centre, and the Park and Playground and we are immensely proud to see the Centre being so well used. The park and playground is the only dedicated public space in Martinborough for our children and we’re looking forward to seeing the enjoyment this will bring for many years to come. 

We spent a lot of time and effort to ensure that repairs to the Cenotaph in the Square were completed and commissioned a local artist to paint the power box in the Square with an ANZAC poppy design. Thanks to Councillor Colenso for organising the wonderful photo exhibition in the Square as part of the WW1 commemorations. … Continue Reading