Dark Sky photo on international calendar

The South Wairarapa’s night sky has been given the prestigious cover of the 2019 calendar from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) which is published worldwide, thanks to local astrophotographer Glen Butler.

This calendar showcases the best astrophotography in the world each year.

“We’re delighted to see the Wairarapa receive the international recognition it deserves for having clear, dark skies – and also recognition for talented local astrophotographers like Glen,” said  Lee Mauger, Chairman, Martinborough Dark Sky Society.

This photo features the Milky Way and the anchor from the steel barque ‘Ben Avon,’ which marks its sinking on 11 November 1903 off the coast of Cape Palliser. … Continue Reading

Did you know

“AS A CHILD I didn’t believe in Father Christmas, but I pretended to because I thought my parents did” – Peter Ustinov

COOK STRAIT inter island Ferries  carry 1.2 million passengers and seven million tonnes of freight between the islands each year 

LAST YEAR Russia supplied 52 countries globally with US$45 billion worth of arms, making it the world’s second-biggest arms supplier – behind the US.

NZers DISCARD 526 million plastic water bottles a year.

‘IT’S NOT the Irish Border, it’s the British Border in Ireland. The Irish Border is the beach’ Andrew Maxwell

CURRENTLY there are over 20,000 sheep being milked in NZ with the number growing quickly especially in the Waikato and Southland. The milk is processed to powder for export of into cheese while the Southland factory also produces sheep milk baby formula. … Continue Reading

Fire Brigade service recognised

This month has seen us honouring the service given by our members as volunteers helping our community. and the promotion of our Station Officer Jake Hawkins to Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Brigade.

A very special Honours Awards Evening was held in early November, firstly to acknowledge the service given by members, 3 year Service Certificates to John Mansell (the Brigade Secretary and Matt McQuaid, 5 Year Medals to Zoe Sinclair, Callam Tannant and additional 2 year bars to recognise Andy Stuart, Wayne Thomas and Gary Jackson.

After our dinner we then moved on to the most special part of our awards night, the Gold Star Medal presentation to SO Peter Fisher recognising over 25 years of Service to  Fire and Emergency (formerly the NZ Fire Service) and our Community. Pete started his service in Porirua and was actually a Fire Service “Brat” as the children of Firefighters were called back then. Following in the footsteps of both his Grandfather and Father, Pete joined Porirua Volunteer Brigade before he transferred to Martinborough, where he has remained ever since.  … Continue Reading

A ball in a tree

What at first had seemed to be

A football nesting in a tree

Was actually (or so I’ve heard)

An egg of the Giant Soccerbird.

BY JOHN ANSELL