Martinborough Fire Brigade Report

This month sees the end of an era for the Brigade as Chris Hooson, the driving force behind our Medical First Response team, retires from the Brigade after nearly 29 years’ service to the community.

Chris began volunteering out at the Tora Brigade in 1996 when Rural Fire was Council-operated, becoming a Deputy Rural Fire Officer, Trainer and Assessor, and a member of the Rural Regional Incident Management Team. 

Chris was working full time for Wellington Free Ambulance (some of you will have seen Chris in his green WFA uniform). He went on to work fulltime for the NZ Fire Service in the Central Communications Centre, become a NZFS Regional First Aid Trainer, educating paid and volunteer fire crews, before returning to Ambulance in the Wairarapa as an Emergency Medical Technician, where he still works for WFA.  … Continue Reading

Martinborough dominates top-end housing sales

Four Martinborough houses led the price list for the most expensive properties sold in Wairarapa in 2024.

The region’s six top prices were all upwards of $1.8 million.

The leading home, in Martinborough’s Vintners Lane, headed the price paid list at $3.37 million for its 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-car garaging set-up.

The home sits in a park-like 1.94 hectares, with an estimated land value of $810,000.

Ranked second was an Oxford St property sold for $2.6m on the border of the golf course.  … Continue Reading

Martinborough Lawn Tennis Club: Xmas Day Tourney

Tennis Writer

The prematch excitement was palpable. The grass had been cut to Wimbledon standard.

The annual Wednesday Whackers Wimborough tournament was about to start at the bright-eyed time of 08.00 on Christmas Day for a healthy 15 of us. 

Dress codes were adhered to perfectly (the colour that identifies Christmas for you). … Continue Reading

New Year Honours: Kings Service Order

Thomas Michael (Mike) Gray

For services to local government and the community

Citation: Mike Gray was a South Wairarapa District Councillor for 12 years between 1992 and 2013, including time chairing the Planning Hearings and as Deputy Mayor, and served on the Greytown and Featherston Community Boards between 2016 and 2022. … Continue Reading