Waihinga Centre
SWDC’s Amenities manager Bryce Neems, left, with some of the friendly Waihinga Centre staff.
This special feature is brought to you jointly by the Waihinga Charitable Trust and South Wairarapa District Council
Work begins on the Park and Playground
In an exciting step forward, the safety fences have gone up and Infinite Landscapes have started work, the play equipment is still accessible while phase 1 of this project is underway. This phase includes the re-installation of the flying fox, the installation of the BBQ and picnic table donated by Powerco, a new drinking fountain (funded by Martinborough Community Board), the new Tower and Slide (funded by Lions and Trust House), paths, seats, rubbish bins, gardens and fencing.
Work on the new Water Play Area will also be started, as the three play gates have been funded. We are still raising funds for the Hand Pump (key to this area) and hope to complete this later in the year. Once the bulk of phase 1 is complete, the next phase including restoring and moving existing play equipment and the remaining landscaping will start.
Playground Fundraising
Two Little Ducks 22…..love the calls that relate to the water play!
Bingo was a fun night. Once again, we had great support from the community.
With that and bath crayons it was another month edging closer to the goal of our water play in the new park.
Now the build up to what we hope will mean our fundraising goes out with a bang…..quite literally as we plan for a Colour Run and Fireworks!! With the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of November locked in for this a team of colour crazies are working away on plotting and planning fun with colour. Considine Park will be the location for the fun run and fireworks. We also plan to have the village decorated to celebrate and some fun colour-themed activities for the whole family
We will be sharing more in the coming months so keep watching and get in touch if you are keen to help! nzlottie@hotmail.com
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A message from Bryce Neems
South Wairarapa District Council’s new Amenities Manager
It’s been eight months since the Waihinga Centre opened for Martinborough and the wider Wairarapa communities to enjoy. So far, the community hub has been well utilised with many successful events, and the newly-restored historic town hall (well known for its world class acoustics) is already booked out with summer events. We’ve received positive feedback from visitors and locals alike, with the complex attracting all generations. Work on the new playground and water park is underway and something for our younger residents to look forward to. Another exciting addition coming soon is a glass chandelier being created for the foyer by local artists at Chrystal Chain Gang. New signage has been installed around town directing tourists to the i-SITE, where they can learn about what’s on offer in the district before enjoying a cuppa at Knucklebone Coffee Bar. To date, the Waihinga Centre has been recognised for its unique design with two architecture awards – winning the Public Architecture category in the Wellington Architecture Awards and currently shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival Award.
Library and Toy Library update
Having Martinborough Plunket and the Toy Library that offers creative play sessions in the same central location is convenient and another drawcard for young families. Since moving into the Waihinga Centre, membership has increased significantly for the Toy Library, with members embracing their new vibrant community hub. As always, the Toy Library is on the lookout for volunteers to join the current team of superstar helpers.
Library memberships are also on the rise since moving to the Waihinga Centre. There are two newly created quiet and cosy reading rooms compete with wifi, heaters, and tables and chairs, making it an ideal study space, and the computers in the main library are being upgraded. We’re also working on re-instating the library column in future issues of The Star.
After 10 years of dedicated service, Shirley Nightingale has decided to retire from her role as head librarian at Martinborough Library. South Wairarapa District Council thanks Shirley for her long-standing commitment to the community and wishes her well for the future.
i-SITE news
Shifting into the new Waihinga Centre has been a positive move for the Martinborough i-SITE Visitor Centre, with staff saying they love the building’s great energy and up-beat vibe. It has enabled i-SITE staff to work closer with the other businesses that are sharing the space and, as a result, staff have noticed an increase in the number of locals using the i-SITE service. The friendly i-SITE staff know all there is to know about the region, including where to stay and what’s on. Martinborough (and Masterton) i-SITE Visitor Centres are also the sole Wairarapa locations for booking InterCity bus services, Interislander and Bluebridge ferries and scenic trains. Pick up a visitor guide or wine map while you’re there.
Need a venue?
The Waihinga Centre has already proved to be a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, community and school events as well as funerals. The supper room can be booked out for conferences, meetings and events with a new white board, wifi, and modern kitchen. Knucklebone Coffee Bar is available to cater for supper room events held midweek, and is also in the process of creating a plan to host pop-up weddings to encourage more visitors on weekdays. In addition, Knucklebone is looking to pair up with Toy Library to offer exciting party packages. Private meeting rooms are now available for hire with heating, blinds and wifi.
Key upcoming events
Mad Caps Performance: 15, 16, 17 August
Jazz in Martinborough: 29 August – 02 September
Martinborough Music Festival: 27 – 29 September
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