Featherston Phoenix July 2023

The Time Travellers Ball

Gary Shaw

The world was a very different place when ticket holders last enjoyed The Time Travellers’ Ball. In 2019 the “Best On Theme Award” was presented to the guest who accepted the challenge of dressing to the theme of Voyagers. After the long pandemic voyage the world has shared together since then, this year it was decided that beauty and pleasure out of adversity would inform this year’s vision, so naming the theme La Belle. While encouraged, guests do not have to stick to the theme, but on Saturday, June 17 there was no shortage of beautiful costumes on display during the sold-out event.

All of this year’s attendees enjoyed a night of showing off their creativity, mahi, and in many cases exceptional skill as they packed out a beautifully decorated Anzac Hall. Exquisitely colourful saris draped from the main hall where the dancefloor heaved to the entertainment provided by local punk folk favourites The Penny Stinkers, and a high energy belter of a set by the swing and jazz sensation

The Possum Boots Quintet, complete with an 1896 sousaphone. Surrounded by floral columns, a bedecked Viking tent, and enchanting decor that transformed the hall into a blend of different eras, many time travellers will tell you that every year the food is one of their highlights. This year was no different, with a five-course buffet fit for royalty recreating sumptuous fare from a Victorian menu.

Not only was Anzac Hall humming to the atmosphere of guests dining, dancing, or getting their drinks at the steampunk-themed tap room and cocktail bar, but a whole different atmosphere was being created when you moved into Kiwi Hall. If you wanted to try to take a break in the makeshift ‘speakeasy’, there were mocktails on offer amid prohibition paraphernalia. Guests were also able to procure their own authentic plate photography portrait to capture how incredible they looked during a night they will hopefully never forget.

So much fun was had that no single photo could do this night justice. Photo credit: multiple ball goers cell phones.

Volume 28 | Issue 6 | July 2023

Facebook: facebook.com/FeatherstonPhoenix

Web: issuu.com/FeatherstonPhoenix

The Featherston Phoenix is published 11 times a year on the 1st of each month (except January) and is distributed free to residents and businesses in the wider Featherston area. The Phoenix is a not-for-profit community enterprise operating with the support of the Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust. Submissions are welcome and may be edited for space and/or clarity.

Deadline for next issue: 5pm, Tuesday 18 July 2023

Editor:

Joanna Baldwin (editor@phoenixnews.nz)

Advertising & Layout Coordinator: Kristi Chalmers (advertise@phoenixnews.nz)

Environment:

Emily Greenberg (toemilygberg@gmail.com)

Sports:

Ritchie Wards (ritchie.wards@gmail.com)

Advertising sales: Nicky Wright (sales@phoenixnews.nz, 027 499 0081)

Proofreader: Lee Priday

Printing: Printcraft

Distribution: Chris Konig, Alistair Reid, Raewyn Russo, Gordon Wyeth

From the Mayor

Martin Connelly

I have just returned from watching a Rugby League game at the Sports Hub. This was a big day for our Rugby League club, which hosted the Wellington Rugby League Master games here in Featherston. There were teams from all over the Wellington Region. In the evening there will be celebrations, a Hangi and a Prize Giving. Well done to the club for its excellent organisation, and well done to everyone, especially those with Gold Cards, who has turned up to have some fun and stretch their legs! There is no age barrier to having a good time.

By the time this edition of the Phoenix comes out, the Council will have set its rates for the year. I regret to report that the rates have been set at a higher rate that I would like. There are two reasons for this happening:

1. The clearly expressed views of people who responded to our recent consultation and said the Council needed to spend more on Water Infrastructure than we, the Council, had proposed doing.

2. The state of our Wastewater plants.

We have had problems with the Featherston Wastewater plant for some time, and I suspect most people reading this will know about those problems. But more recently problems have emerged with the plants in Greytown and Martinborough. The Martinborough plant has reached capacity, no more connections are allowed to be joined to it. It requires cleaning (or ‘desludging’) and it has an abatement notice. This is a legal instruction requiring us to operate the plant in accordance with its resource consent. If we ignore the abatement notice, we may find ourselves receiving a hefty fine.

Desludging should occur round about every ten years, but we understand that the Martinborough pond has never been cleaned. Thus, the need to make progress quickly.

In normal times we never worry too much about what goes down the toilet, we just assume that someone else is taking care of it. A recent forum in Greytown reminded people that in times of emergency, however, we need to be able to take care of our own waste. In particular, following a major earthquake we all need to be prepared to manage our own poos and wees for at least a month.

Our local Emergency Management Office has more to say on this topic here

www.wremo.nz/get-ready/home-ready/emergency-toilets/ Many people advocate the use of the “two bucket’ system in these types of emergency. That is one of the options described on this web site.

The logo on the Featherston Rugby League Club’s jersey. It depicts a special dog, the kurī (or Polynesian dog) that Kupe brought with him on his journey to New Zealand. Why not learn more about Kupe and his kurī and their interesting connection to Featherston.

Featherston Community Board update

Warren Maxwell

Tēnā rā koutou good people of Featherston. Firstly I am so very grateful for being elected onto this passionate, forward-thinking whanau, arā, the Featherston Community Board. I am in constant awe of both the broad scope of lived expertise, and earnest fervour for Featherston that this group has. Our animated meetings segue between both current issues and visionary aspirations, but always with the constructive intent on ‘doey’ and not just ‘hui’.

Like all of you, we all want Featherston to thrive. I always leave our FCB meetings feeling even more fired up after sharing ideas and aroha for Featherston. Where other towns or regions may already have a particular aesthetic, I believe Featherston is a partially sketched masterpiece - bursting in anticipation, waiting for us, as a community, to create our own Featherston vibe. Our rich Māori history, Heritage & Fell museum, military history and Booktown festival have all already laid some great foundations to build upon. But there is so much more potential for generations to come.

We have had some good engagement with community members coming along to our FCB forums (non-minuted) to share ideas and thoughts; better street signage to make Featherston safer for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders; development of Bucks Road camp ground; concerns around water fluoridation; the possibility of tarsealing Underhill Rd due to higher useage from cyclists and motorists - all great contributions to uplift Featherston. As we know, initiatives take time and money and in these very frugal times, we need to be extra sensitive around where those limited rates based funds get spent. Tightening belts and going back to basics might be the collective mantra for now. On that note I am pleasantly surprised at how excited I get driving past all of the infrastructure work being done on the Donald St waste water pump and pipes. Yaaaa-Bloody-Hoooo!!!!! ... who would’ve thought that fixing waste water pipes could have such an emotional response!

We would like to encourage any Featherston community groups to come along to our FCB forums to connect and see how we might support in any way. FCB are also very keen to gauge interest from any youth who might be interested in contributing perpsectives into our town’s development. Please email me if you are keen to discuss what is involved warren.maxwell@swdc.govt.nz

Recent community grants have been awarded to establishing a community garden, Wairarapa Winter Jackets, South Wairarapa Pipe Band and also our 2023 Featherston Matariki festivities coming up in July. Matariki was a great success last year and FCB are super excited to support this important kaupapa again. A very special event will be happening this year with Papawai Haukainga, in partnership with Five Town Trails Trust erecting a five metre ‘pou’ in Clifford Square, celebrating Nukupewapewa who was a very influential rangatira here in the early 1800’s. Funding was secured through Eastern Central Communities Trust. This special event will be held at dawn, Friday July 14 and everyone is welcome. Saturday July 15 will see the return of our Featherston community hangi at ANZAC Hall which FCB have sponsored.

As we all know, councils all over NZ are finding themselves between a rock and a hard place; for multitudes of complex reasons, including post-global pandemic economics, historic negligence and climate change. There are no hidden agendas - only massive challenges. Maybe an opportune time for us all to ‘think outside the box’ and engage in more sustainable initiatives like community gardens, environmental and circular economies with our mokopuna (grandchildren) in mind.

The Featherston Community Board is proud to support the Phoenix with this full page sponsorship.

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui. Mānawatia Matariki!

Fab Feathy

Hana Makin

It’s Plastic Free July! A great time to revisit theme #13

One of the key themes in the Our Future Featherston Community Plan is waste not want not. There was some blue sky thinking back in 2017, wanting Featherston to become ‘the upcycling/recycling/recovery centre of the Wairarapa’. Fast forward to Plastic Free July 2023, how are we going? Well there are heaps of organisations and businesses here in Featherston who make it easy for you to choose to refuse single use plastics, and responsibly dispose of used plastics and waste. The Baker: Save $1 off a coffee by bringing your own resusable cup, or 50c by using one of their mugs and refusing a disposable cup.

Ā Mua resource centre and Featherston Op Shop: Why purchase brand new when you can save money and resources by purchasing items from these fabulous places?! Ā Mua is also a drop off recycling point for soft plastics, milk bottle lids and batteries AND has a tool library!

The Featherston Toy Library: borrow toys and cut down on clutter in your house, save money and reduce waste!

Boomerang bags: these are community-sewn reusable bags made from donated fabrics that can be picked up at Supervalue if you’ve forgotten your bag! Don’t forget to drop empty ones back off there once you’ve used it – they are boomerang bags after all!

Divine River: this local charity has been busy upcycling donat ed towels and fabrics into free eco period pads to distribute to schools and the wider community. They also host educational workshops for school students.

The SWDC Transfer Centre: accepts recycling (soft plastics, metal, glass, plastic, paper/carboard/tins).

Read more about this on the Fab Feathy website and Facebook page, we’ll be sharing Plastic Free July tips all month long!

Featherston Community Patrol (FNCP) – a member of CPNZ (Community Patrol New Zealand)

Tana Klaricich

CPNZ Vision – “A New Zealand where everyone feels safe.” CPNZ Mission – “In partnership with others, we prevent crime and reduce harm through the active presence of trained patrollers.”

Featherston has had its very own community patrol for many years now, in fact one of our current patrollers, Alan Brooks (Brooksy), goes right back to the founding of Featherston night patrol in 1990. Our team of volunteers patrol the rural environs and fair streets of Featherston, from Tauherenikau to Otauira Reserve, Bucks Road to Lake Domain, and everywhere in between. Members of our group come from all walks of life –retirees and real estate, business and builders, café owners and contractors, fire fighters and principals, stay-at-home mums and Wellington city workers.

Over the years, our trained patrollers have been the eyes and ears for the police by being an active and obvious presence within our town, along with just generally keeping an eye out there while our townsfolk are tucked up in the warmth of their beds. We have helped travellers who have broken down, gotten lost or had flat tyres. We have checked up on campers on colds night, supported emergency services, looked in on our three schools to make sure all is well, lent a helping hand with parking for Anzac Day, yelled sternly at taggers caught in the act, informed businesses of open windows or left-on lights, and swung past addresses where a request for a welfare check has been made. Only a few weeks ago, our patrol was able to provide registration details and a concise report, with evidential photos, to both the police and council when a ‘donut-ing’ carload from Kapiti got stuck on the soft ground beside the tennis courts. Karma’s a jolly thing, huh?

Our FNCP operates purely through donations and relies on the goodwill of those we are out patrolling for the Featherston community. We are always in need of new patrollers and are actively working to grow our numbers so we can provide even more patrol cover across each week. We thought if you knew why we do what we do, then it might spark an interest in you. If you would like to know more, email the Featherston Community Patrol (FNCP) at: featherston@cpnz.org.nz

Here are some insights from a few of our current community patrollers…

Garry Thomas: I first joined community patrol when the town was having trouble with a group of young people causing havoc and mayhem with everyone and everything. We revived the patrol and I have continued to do so because we need more eyes around the district. Been doing it for almost 18 years now.

Vicky Alexander: When you move to a new town, where you know few of your neighbours, one of the best ways to find out about, and become a part of your community, is to join the local community patrol. There you will find yourself welcomed into a group who have a common interest - the wellbeing of the town you have chosen as your new home. It’s as simple as having a driver’s licence, a police check, and an open book test, and then you are kitted up and ready to see your town when most are tucked up inside. You and your fellow patroller pick the hours you want to patrol, the patrol unit provides the car, and for two hours a month, more if you are happy to do so, you drive off into the night. Of course, you don’t have to patrol at night - you may choose to do a daytime patrol, or walking patrols around town, to show face. We have some marvellous businesses in our community who wholeheartedly support us, as well as many locals who recognise that our presence can be a

deterrent to undesirable behaviour. Patrollers (we always patrol in pairs) don’t get out of the car - they just act as eyes and ears for the police, and report to them accordingly. You see some interesting places, and some different aspects of your town, all of which have me loving my new community. Join us - I doubt you’ll regret it.

Tana Klaricich: As principal of South Featherston School, I’ve had an association with Featherston for more than seven years, but I wasn’t living locally until recently. A year ago, I bought a property just outside of town and started looking at ways I could get more involved in the community and ‘give back’ in some way. After a chance conversation with a current patroller, I saw community patrolling as a great way to do some real good! I love driving and I’m also a total night-owl, so why not spend two or three of my nights per month combining the two? There are also some really great people who are part of FNCP, and a patrol is never dull!

Jack & Silvia: Small towns rely on wrap-around community support, so joining community patrol was an active way to help keep our town safe when we first moved here. It soon became ‘date night’ for us!

Ajay Bhati: I was tired of seeing so many break-ins etc and people always moaning about it on social media and not doing anything, I thought instead of moaning why don’t I do something about it and in the process encourage others too. Community patrol was in some way an answer to prevent all of that, so I joined. I also like the flexibility that it gives me, especially having a young kid at home. I don’t want to over-commit and lose out on the precious time with my girls.

Patsy Wooles: I support initiatives that keep Pae tū Mōkai a safe place for us all. Community patrol is a continuing presence in our area that is helping to keep crime at a very low rate. We can all be proud of that. Being on patrol for a couple of hours in a car together, is a good way to get to know other patrollers!

Jen Bhati: I joined the community patrol to help support our community. All too often we find it easy to sit back and moan there isn’t enough police. So, this is a small way we can help bridge the gap and give the extra sets of eyes to keep our community a safe space for all!

Mike Van Woerkom: I joined the (then) Featherston Night Patrol as a way of giving something back to the community that means so much to me. If my small contribution can make a difference, then mission accomplished!

Some of the current Community Patrol team.

Photo credit Stella Bhati

Community Centre

Joanna Baldwin

We are always amazed at the amount going on in our wee town. New things on offer all the time!

Wairarapa Warm Winter Jackets

The rack is still in reception and are getting new stock all the time. If you or anyone in your whānau need a jacket, please pop-in and grab one (or more). They are free.

BCITO Apprentices

Local building apprentices are being supported at the Centre each week to complete their ‘book work’. 5-7pm each Tuesday apprentices are invited to pop in and have a relaxed, quiet space to upload their work, ask any questions and support each other. Refreshments provided. This is a joint project with BCITO and REAP Wairarapa.

Contact daryl.withey@bcito.org.nz or drop in.

Wāhine Singers

Did you know singing is great for your mental health?

After a long period on hold the Wāhine Singers have returned! Tuesday nights in the Kauri room, Peter even moved the piano back into its spot.

Mental Health Support and Addictions Services

Qualified support workers and practitioners are providing care from the Centre daily. If you are not sure who to turn to pop in for a confidential chat and we will find someone who suits your needs.

IRD

The third Thursday of each month we have Charles available for assistance.

Charles can help with so much - Working for Families, Child Support, Student Loans, Personal tax, Business tax, Allowances and much more. Make sure you are getting you entitlements. This is by appointment through Centre Office but appointments can be made on the day. If he is not with someone you may get an appointment on the spot.

Building Financial Capabilities (BFC)

Helping people and whānau to improve their financial wellbeing.

BFC takes a strengths-based approach to empower people to get control of their money, set goals and achieve long-term, sustainable change.

Ask the Centre office for a referral.

Volunteer and supporter shout out!

Thanks to these wonderful people for their help in June:

*Jo M (as always), total rockstar at caring for our plants, tidying and helping whenever needed

*Featherston Owls for their on-going and much appreciated fundraising for the Centre

*Shane for fixing the pantry door (please remember to latch it shut when finished)

*Hana, Tiff & Paul for helping Peter while Jo was away

*Soup makers – supporting the Centre and Foodbank

*Jo M’s friend for all of the awesome kitchen equipment

Did you know?

There are many channels of support available in the South Wairarapa, a lot of them are free.

If you are not sure where to go for assistance, please pop into the Centre and speak to our South Wairarapa Support Hub.

Ngā mihi

Jo and Peter

Glamour & Gumboots

Charlotte Harding

There has been plenty of reason to be wearing gumboots lately, but how about adding some glamour and entering this year’s Glamour & Gumboots competition!?!

Charlotte Harding and Nicola Haliday came up with the idea for some winter fun that did well last year and launched the first glamour & Gumboots competition.

It was a slow start but once it gained traction the entries flooded in. Not only were people getting creative but they were also making a koha for the region’s four foodbank. at the end of the competition Featherston, Martinborough, Carterton & Masterton each received a payment of $250.

This year the competition is back and the goal is to raise $1000 for each food bank, so we need you!

The competition opens on 1 July for the month closing at 7.30 pm on 31 July. Entering is a two-step process. Email us your pic and make a koha (suggested $5) to the Give-a-Little page. With permission, we post all the pictures on our Facebook page.

There are multiple categories individuals, kids, and groups, the people’s choice and Spirit awards and we hope to see some family entries this year too.

A little incentive are some great prizes including Toast tickets, a B&B voucher for Copthorne Solway, Schoc chocolate shoe, massage vouchers and more!

Follow us on Facebook at glamourandgumbootswairarapa or email glamourandgumbootswairarapa@gmail.com

UP THE ROAD

2022 Glamour and Gumboots entrants.

Featherston op shop

Chanelle McClelland

This month’s “Why I volunteer…” series is written by the lovely Rachel Hope. If you’ve been past the Op shop in the last year, you would have noticed our amazing window displays. They are done by our wonderful Rachel! She has an amazing eye for detail and the creative spirit that brings it all together. She is also the incredible lady who makes our beautiful “Hope Angels” that always go quickly. We appreciate all her hard work, especially the Booktown windows!

Featherstons Own Charitable Trust aka the best op shop … ever!

Rachel Hope

My fellow volunteers are going to tell you more about the op shop and why they work there. I wanted to tell you why I stayit’s because we have an amazing manager.

The shop is staffed by a band of local volunteers, but I also suspect we are quite a handful! Most of us are over fifty (if not sixty) and we all have strong opinions and bring lots of different life skills. Nelly has a way of connecting with each of us individually and she manages to bring out the best in all of us. She should probably be asked to be part of the UN but I’m thrilled she took the management role at the op shop instead.

The store is constantly reinventing itself - stock moves quickly and it’s because our prices are competitive. We now have monthly meetings where we can all make suggestions for upcoming windows and discuss any ideas for the shop. We all feel heard, and we all feel that our opinions matter.

I find myself popping into the store on my days off, mainly so I can just hang with the other volunteers. Each of them is unique and they are all extraordinary in one way or another.

So come and join us - it really is a joy to open the bags and boxes that are donated. There is always a treasure to be found and watching objects or clothes find their next homes is such a privilege.

Community funding success for organisations across Wairarapa

WBS Charitable Trust

Wairarapa is special place. We know this but were reminded again by the healthy number of applications received in the latest WBS community funding round, which closed on 30 April 2023. We are now humbled to be able to recognise the range of wonderful initiatives and sheer hard work being carried out in all corners of our communities, each improving and enhancing the lives of so many.

We were delighted to grant funds to so many community organisations in this latest funding round, fulfilling the WBS purpose, ‘Helping our community prosper’. These funds went out to a diverse range of applicants: to organisations and people dedicated to their fields of sports, arts, community support, education and environment. WBS is very proud to continue supporting this important work.

Many folk from the Featherston area will benefit from funds allocated across the wide range of applications. A couple of the successful applicants specifically from the Featherston region include:

Pae Tū Mōkai O Tauira – for installing irrigation in the seedling house and a frost protection mechanism.

Tuhirangi Junior Rugby Club – for purchasing additional training gear.

Like you, we’re local. It’s the wonderful people of Wairarapa — the parents who coach, the volunteers who support, the people who keep on giving —that make our region such a great place to live. And that’s why our profits at WBS don’t go offshore but get invested back into our local communities.

Through the WBS Charitable Trust, we can make a big difference to these communities by supporting all sorts of groups and initiatives with grants and benefits.

Our next community funding round is open for the month of October this year. For more information on funding criteria and how to apply, visit www.wbs.net.nz/funding/

Tuhirangi JAB.

Rachel with manager Chanelle and fellow volunteer Katrina.

Embracing self-acceptance: a path to stronger communities and personal well-being

Sara Cory Isbister

In a world that often imposes unrealistic standards, self-acceptance is crucial for personal well-being and fostering stronger, supportive communities. By prioritising self-care, we can cultivate a ripple effect that benefits people of all ages, nurturing healthier relationships within families, friendships, and local communities. One of the biggest challenges we face is the shame and self-rejection that holds us back from seeking support. The fear of judgment makes it difficult to connect with others. However, by embracing self-acceptance, we can break free from these barriers and open ourselves to new possibilities. It starts with honouring our bodies and recognising their unique needs. Our bodies deserve love and care. By listening to what they tell us through movement, rest, and nourishment, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves.

Self-acceptance goes beyond personal growth; it creates a ripple effect that benefits families, friends, and communities. When we embrace and support our own needs, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where everyone feels accepted and valued. By being kinder to ourselves, we cultivate more energy to move out of survival mode, no longer running on an empty tank, and enabling us to fulfil our energy needs. This fulfilment allows us to offer more compassion, create more meaningful connections, and foster a sense of belonging and togetherness within our relationships.

Community-based classes and activities are great resources that can help us cultivate self-acceptance and foster a sense of belonging. For example, mindful forms of movement like yoga, Feldenkrais and dance classes provide a space where individuals can explore their bodies, minds, and emotions without judgment. These practices encourage self-compassion and self-awareness, helping participants develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of themselves.

Community art workshops also play a significant role in cultivating self-acceptance. These workshops provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, or photography. Through the process of creating art, participants learn to appreciate their own unique perspectives and talents, fostering a sense of self-acceptance.

Furthermore, support groups and counselling services offered within local communities can provide valuable resources for individuals seeking self-support. These groups create a supportive network where individuals can share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, knowing that they are not alone in their journey. By connecting with others who have similar experiences, individuals can find solace, understanding, and encouragement on their path towards self-acceptance. Whether through yoga, dance, art workshops, or support groups, these community spaces allow us to explore and embrace our true selves. By actively engaging in these activities, we contribute to the development of stronger and more supportive communities, where self-acceptance is celebrated, and individuals are embraced for who they truly are.

Sara with a client in her studio.

Our

Work is well underway to upgrade one of Featherston’s wastewater pump stations that will add extra capacity and resilience to the network.

The work is taking place along Revans Street (State Highway 53), where it intersects with Waite and Donald Streets. It is expected to wrap up in September

This project will allow wastewater to be pumped more efficiently away from the eastern side of Featherston, where there have been wastewater overflows in the past

It includes an upgrade of the ageing pump station and a renewal of the “rising main”, that connects the pump station to the wastewater gravity-controlled mains An underground storage tank will provide much greater resilience in the event of a major event such as an earthquake or power outage

Wellington Water is in charge of the project and says the upgrade will have no direct impact on the drinking water network or the treatment plant

If you are a dog owner, by now you should have received a form for next year ’ s dog registrations, either by email or post.

If you haven’t received your form or you are a new dog owner, please call us to find out about registering your dog(s) this year.

Payments can be made via our Martinborough Council offices, Greytown and Featherston libraries or online via our website Please pay by July 31 or a penalty applies

Consultation is now open for our Local Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy and Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy reviews Consultation closes on 10 July 2023 We are also seeking feedback on a draft speed management plan and speed review Consultation closes on 23 July at 5pm For details on all these matters, please see our website page under "consultations" at

swdc.govt.nz

Contact

06

swdc.govt.nz/get-it-sorted

govt nz swdc.govt.nz

Our libraries

Make some noise (musically!)

5 July, 10.30am | Anzac Hall, Featherston

Wondering what to do with the kids in the July school holidays? Crowdfavourite children’s entertainer Chris Lam Sam is back again after his packed-out show earlier this year This time he’ll be performing with the Wellington Carnival Street Band at Featherston’s Anzac Hall on Wednesday 5 July at 10.30 am. Get ready to sing, dance and laugh along with the band. Better still, bring along a percussion instrument – think pots and wooden spoons, baby rattles, even car/house keys – so everyone can be part of the show! Free return transportation to Anzac Hall will be available on the day For event details including the bus timetable please go to

wls.org.nz/whats-on

7 July, 10 30am | Featherston Library

Award-winning children’s writer Moira Wairama will appear on 7 July in Featherston Library (10.30 am) and Greytown Library (2.30 pm). Join her as she presents a selection of bilingual stories incorporating music and movement to bring Maori legends to life Entry is free and all are welcome

Late night revelry at Greytown Library

21 July, 5pm | Greytown Library

There’s SNOW much happening at the Greytown Festival of Christmas this month! With family-friendly activities and events taking place just about every day, mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on Greytown Library’s late-night opening on Friday 21 July

Join us from 5pm for an evening of festive fun including workshops on comic-making (for those aged 12 and over) and fountain pens (everything you need to know about choosing and using these beautiful writing instruments) There’ll also be holiday storytelling, games, scavenger hunts and loads more

And while you ’ re there check out the library’s collection of materials to warm and brighten the winter season. Explore holiday decorations and recipes, craft projects for the whole family, not to mention DVDs and books perfect for cosying up with.

School Holiday Boredom Buster

Check out our library holiday programme – it's chockful of fun activities, challenges and reading recommendations to engage young bodies and minds Pop into the library to pick up your booklet/s today!

Celebrate Matariki with Moira Wairama

A plastic pollution story

Reiner Schoenbrunn

The Tauherenikau River flooded in August 2021 and silage cover and baling wrap was eroded from a private dumpsite and washed down the river and much of it into Moana Wairarapa. This was featured by reporter P Fuller in Stuff on 2 Feb 2022 and possibly Facebook. The newspaper article featured, showed that GWRC had tried to do a river cleanup but discontinued it for health and safety reasons.

Roger Wale, a local, also removed plastic but had no support from agencies, having to pay for disposal himself and gave up. About 250kg of material was left to rot all over our precious lake reserve. Hanging in trees, tangled around driftwood, buried in sand.

I discovered the plastic in the wetlands and on shore of Moana in December 2022 and emailed Adrienne Staples in January 2023. We met at Town & Country and discussed it. None of the agencies (GWRC SWDC DoC Iwi) all responsible for Moana, could do anything to help. Lots of emails and meetings but no action.

I got frustrated with that and started removing plastic myself. All summer, every free day, bag by bag. Thanks to Roger Wale and Rodney Liast for helping when they could. No help from any agency, except free collection from my house by Earthcare and City Care paid by SWDC. There’s more to collect right now but wintery conditions have prevented me from doing so.

NZ signed the Ramsar Convention in December 1976 and Moana Wairarapa is one of 17 wetlands in Aotearoa listed which need caring for. But are we really doing that?

Plastic on the edge of Wairarapa Moana

Some of the removed rubbish

The lazy gardener - blasted rats!

Julia Nerys Parry

I am more than usually appreciative of Marvellous Mike lately. Not only did he write a short story thus titled (when he was twelve), he has dedicated himself with a will to attempting to rat-proof my chicken run. We devised a method of dropping poison bricks down their holes and jamming in a fist-sized bolus of chicken wire then tamping it all down with soil. The rats can’t gnaw through the wire and the chickens don’t like scratching at dirt that has nasty wire in it. The size of the dead rats we found would make you shudder. I rather suspect it was the rats that stole my stash of Jerusalem artichokes. I leave them in their own larder of soil (as I do with potatoes) but the enormous quantity depicted in last month’s column has vanished. I only got about three meals out of them.

The garden has gone still and almost dormant. In its own way it is beautiful. I’m mindful of Christina Rossetti’s beautiful poem: In the bleak mid-winter/Frosty wind made moan/Earth stood hard as iron/Water like a stone (and the beautiful Gustav Holst hymn of the same name). We haven’t had moaning wind so much, but the air is stone cold and there have been frosts. What is revealed at this time of the year is the natural structure of the garden. You see the way tree limbs have arrayed themselves;

you see the stubborn hardiness of perennials; you see the stark glory of seed heads wreathed with frost. Some mornings have been awfully cold. What follows, though, are glorious sunshiny days and clear cerulean skies.

So, garden tasks: are your leaves raked and gifted to your compost or layered over garlic beds? Have your roses stopped flowering, so as to give you permission to cut them back? Are you keeping your bird baths free of ice? You’ll have noticed that finches descend on gardens that allow seed heads to form. I delight watching these beauties while I drink my morning coffee. They flit and dart all around the garden at dawn. Sadly, the light has been too poor to take any decent photos of them, but those of you who are up before the dawn will know of which I write. But now is the time to fill your bird feeders to tide over your birds.

Climate Change Mitigation

Robyn Ramsden

Small things you can do to make a start on reducing your personal emissions profile.

Meatless meals

Try meatless meals, ya know ‘vegetarian’, and not just breakfast. I recommend finding a non-meat meal option. Don’t just drop meat out of the meal. You can find meals that just don’t use meat. Most medieval meals are vegetarian or vegan. Meat was for festival days (think King’s Birthday and religious holidays). If spicy is your thing, many dishes from India are vegetarian or vegan.

Ruminant animals produce methane when they digest food, a lot of methane. Methane is 80 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Do you need need to drive your car?

Really? Are you going somewhere in Featherston? Then walk or cycle. Heading into the city? Take the train. Off to Masterton? Try the bus. But if you need your car because of a disability or what you are carrying, then take the car. Just know

that road transport vehicle emissions are contributing 16.5 % of carbon dioxide emissions every year. You can drop your vehicle emissions to almost zero by swapping to an EV. You will be able to check out different EVs at the Wai Wheels fundraiser later this year.

Compost or worm farm

Waste is 4.2% of our emissions profile. Think anything that goes out in the council rubbish bags, is picked up from the redlidded wheelie bins or that you drop off at the transfer station. Food waste in the rubbish is a huge problem and contributes to methane emissions. You could build a compost or set up a worm farm, or raise chickens.

What is your emissions profile? The SWDC Climate Change webpage lists a few emissions calculators, but the best one I’ve found is on the Toitu Envirocare website www.toitu.co.nz/home. You can calculate your household or just your travel.

To check out my sources and get more information go to https://conglomeratecontemplation.wordpress.com/

Young Kiwi Pianist to Wow Wairarapa Audience

Mary Gow

Mulled Wine Concerts Presents BENJAMIN CARTER

A genuine Kiwi home-grown talent, Ben Carter hails from Lower Hutt and comes from a very musical family – both his parents play in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra! Perhaps inevitably, Ben has grown up with music and has developed his own special talent, which will be on display at the ANZAC Hall in Featherston on Friday 21 July when Mary Gow’s Mulled Wine Concerts organisation will put on a concert for him. Wairarapa audiences will get a chance to see a stunning young musician at the very start of what promises to be a stellar career. To make the concert even more exciting, audiences will hear concert-level performances on two instruments - piano and cello - as Ben presents masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Prokofiev and Scriabin.

Ben has played piano, cello and his surprise instrument, the ukelele from a young age. Ben is a first-year student at Victoria

University School of Music where he is concentrating on studying piano under the guidance of Professor Jian Liu. He has been successful in competitions at the regional and national level –last year he won the National Performing Arts Award, this time playing the cello. He will shortly be off to Zhuhai, China as the New Zealand entry for the 50th International Mozart Competition for young musicians.

Although young, Ben does not lack performing experience – he has appeared as a soloist with the NZSO at their 75th anniversary celebrations, and with musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He was Principal Cellist of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra in 2021 and Principal Cellist of the NZ Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra 2001-2002. A versatile musician such as Benjamin Carter does not come along very often and Mulled Wine Concerts is proud to present a performance that will be sure to be well attended and talked about for a very long time.

Mulled Wine Concerts in Featherston

BENJAMIN CARTER - Pianist and Cellist

Friday July 21 at 7.30 pm

Scallyrag! Local Border Morris

Dancing side seeks Wairarapa dancers and musicians

Alison Clements

What is Border Morris, you might ask? There are several English folk dance traditions. Everyone recognises the white-clad hanky-waving Cotswold Morris dance.

Border Morris by contrast is a tradition from the Welsh borders. Performers usually wear rags, face paint, feathers in their hats and dance with sticks. It’s a stompy, explosive, gothic kind of dance: imagine a barn dance or ceilidh but with added sticks and noise. Rough and ready, less elegance, more a mêlée!

A new mixed-gender side, Scallyrag Border Morris, started in Greytown in January. We practice weekly on Tuesday evenings, 7-8 pm at Kuranui College. We are always delighted to hear from people keen to dance or play in the band or a mixture of both.

On the dancing side, this isn’t a dainty kind of dancing. Stomping and noise is good, we’re not ballerinas. If you can keep time, have a reasonable level of fitness, and can be noisy and energetic, you can do it.

On the band side, traditionally an instrument with bellows (melodeon, accordion, concertina) leads the band, and beyond that anything goes: fiddle, guitar, percussion, recorder, trombone, spoons etc. If you can play it, we’ll dance to it. Expertise isn’t as important as keenness.

So if you think you might like dancing to/playing traditional English folk tunes, or you want to release your inner grrrr!, or you have a burning need to exorcise your frustrations by hitting your friends with sticks, then we would love to hear from you. Contact scallyragmorris@gmail.com or 021 111 1894 to find out more.

School holiday activity at Fareham Creative Space.

Pūrakau and waiata; Fri 14 July 3pm; In conjunction with Featherston Matariki group - Fareham Creative Space hosts a session of storytelling with local actor Ricky Day and waiata accompanied by ukulele for the whole whānau to enjoy Lantern walk - 5pm From Fareham Creative Space, Fareham to Clifford Square at 5pm

Make your own lantern for the lantern walk - Wednesday 5 and 12 July 10am Made from tissue paper and bamboo Light the lantern with a teelight to show the way M

Two Day Creative Glass Workshop 22/23 July 10am to 4pm $130.00

HEATHER’S GLASS CREATIONS Introduction to Microwave

Kiln Glass Art Workshop

Heather is from the Hawkes Bay and well known at local Fairs and Markets selling her glass creations She has developed her art of cutting glass from recycled bottles and repurposed glassware, crafting glass creations for jewellery and garden ornaments

In her two-day workshop you will learn - Safe practices for workshop - How to use a microwave kiln - How to cut glass and deconstruct a bottle - Create a bottle charmMake a pendant piece – and make your own creations registrations@farehamcreativespace nz

registrations@farehamcreativespace nz

www farehamcreativespace nz

Connect with us on 80 Underhill Road, Featherston

What we offer:

Open Studio Tuesday and Friday 10am to 3.pm

Drop-in art sessions Bring your own projects or learn from our Tutors A range of crafts and materials on offer Koha

Workshops

Sat 8 July – Felted Scarf with Diane Coe 10am – 4pm $60pp Learn how to make your own felted scarf by matting together layers of wool roving

Sat 15 July - Sewing Workshop with Anne Benson 10am - 1pm $20

Basic sewing techniques - Make a sampler book E g different seams, button holes, inserting a zip, pleating, mitred corners etc

Sat 22 July – Intro to Sashiko – with Anne Benson 10am- 1pm $40pp Part of our 'Japanese Craft Series' learn the basics of Japanese Shashiko embroidery

Plus The Art of visible Mending with Anne Benson –1 30pm – 4 30pm $40pp Visible mending embodies the values of slow fashion Inspired by the Japanese ($75 for both workshops)

Sat 29 July - Cyanotype Workshop with Justine Kingdon – 10am to 1pm $50pp Using flowers and leaves and stencils, create small artworks to treasure

Continual Hobby and Art Groups –

Intermediate Crochet with Taralee – Sunday 10am -1pm, fortnightly 2,16 July $20pp. Step up from beginners, meet as a group, crochet and chat.

Intro to Painting Series with Joanne Ridley McBeth - Sunday twice a month 1pm to 5pm $50pp - next series of six starts 9 July

Life Drawing Class with Joanne Ridley McBeth – Last Sunday of the Month. $40pp

Pottery Workshops

Pottery Open sessions Tuesday & Friday- 1pm to 3pm We now offer space for amateur potters to come to the studio to pot with own clay Clay is available to purchase, plus cost of firing and glazing

Please note that there is no tutor at these sessions and standard requirements of experience and code of conduct are to be met Koha

Pottery Basic - Beginner four-week workshop which covers hand building, coil, slab - $80pp block –Saturday 1,8,15,22 July 11am to 1pm with Joanne Ridley-McBeth –Next workshop starting Wednesday 9 August with Diane Coe Induction Course – Saturday 22, 28 July, 5,12,19,26 Aug 2pm-5pm with Joanne Ridley-McBeth and Marshall Owen $120pp

Fareham Creative Space Pottery Membership

Membership which offers studio time, reduced courses, use of equipment and companionship of fellow potters

Complete an induction course and apply for membership, $100 per annum Conditions apply

Holiday Programme

Purakau and waiata Fri 14 3pm and Lantern walk 5pm Make your own lantern Wed 5,12 July 1pm

Matariki Harakeke Whetu with Edith Thursday 6,13 July 10 30am

Family fun Handprint keepsake Mon 3 July 1pm $25 pf

Community Centre Activities & Education JULY

Many rōpū, clubs, committees, boards, private gatherings and whānau meetings are held at your Community Centre. To book your space contact Jo or Peter.

7 Celebrate Matariki

10.30am

14

What’s on in Featherston in Ju ly 202

6 Rubbish day (yellow bag and wheelie bin). Foodbank open , 69 Boundary Rd, 1.302.30pm (every Tuesday and Thursday)

5 Make Some Noise, ANZAC Hall 10.30am W LS online book club , discussing We Spread by Iain Reid, 78pm. For info, v isit wls.org.nz .

What’s Up Down South , hosted by Marina Lira, Arrow FM 92.7, 7 pm .

13

Matariki Matariki Festival , all weekend ( see page 25 for event info ).

Rubbish day (yellow bag and green/maroon crate with glass bottles/jars).

RSA members’ happy hour , Waimarie, 57 Fox St, 57pm .

21 Story time , Chicken & Frog Bookstore, 3 Clifford Square, 1010.30am (every Friday).

Ben Carter Concert , 7.30pm ANZAC Hall (see page 14 for event info).

28

RSA members’ happy hour , Waimarie, 57 Fox St, 57pm .

4 Fareham Creative Space open studio , Fareham House, 80 Underhill Rd, 10am3pm, koha (every Friday )

20

Rubbish day (yellow bag and wheelie bin with ♳♴♷ plastics/tins/paper/card).

Advertisement deadline for August Phoenix , 5pm.

27

Rubbish day (yellow bag and green/maroon crate with glass bottles/jars). Monthly knit night , Brac & Bow, 22 Revans St, 7pm.

3

Rubbish day (yellow bag and wheelie bin).

Build with Bricks Club , Featherston Library, 70 Fitzherbert St, 3.304.30pm, ages 612 (every Thursday).

12

Featherston Community Board meeting , Community Centre, 14 Wakefield St, 7pm.

19

26

Art Group , Assembly of God Church, 22 Birdwood St, 10am1pm (every Wednesday).

2

Ā Mua resource centre open , 69 Boundary Rd, 10am12 noon (every Monday and Wednesday)

3 events to annelise@outlook .co .nz by 18 Ju ly .

11

Fareham Creative Space open studio , Fareham House, 80 Underhill Rd, 10am3pm, koha (every Tuesday).

for August Phoenix , 5pm.

25

Foodbank open , 69 Boundary Rd, 1.302.30pm (every Tuesday and Thursday) .

Ā Mua resource centre open , 69 Boundary Rd, 10am12 noon (every Monday and Wednesday) .

1 August

August Phoenix published.

This calendar was correct at the time of publication . Please s end details of August 202

Mua resource centre open , 69 Boundary Rd, 10am2pm (every Saturday) .

15

Matariki Festival , all weekend (see page 25 for event info).

Toy Library open , 14 Wakefield St, 10am12 noon (every Saturday).

Featherston Weekly Market , 33 Fitzherbert St, from 8am (every Saturday).

with Moira Wairama, Featherston Library

Community Centre - Services & Support

* Services marked are brought to our community with the support of Jen Bhati Property

Volunteer Noticeboard

Phoenix Puzzle Master

Are you great at creating small puzzles? The Phoenix is looking for puzzles to include in our newsletter. Contact Jo: editor@phoenixnews.nz

Food and Kai Security

Are you an ideas person? Do you have experience in a large kitchen environment?

A keen fruit preserver, biscuit maker, quick cheap meal extraordinaire?

Our Community Kitchen is getting close and we would love to hear from people who are keen to be involved in the planning of kitchen courses, workshops or could supervise the safe production of community kai.

Please email jo@fcc.nz

Digital Seniors Coaches

Join a friendly team of Coaches who meet and help people over 65 years old with technology support. Tasks and responsibilities include:

• Support and empower Seniors with tech

• Attend the Hub to be present to offer support Email: contact@digitalseniors.co.nz

Op-shop Helpers

The Featherston Op-Shop is looking for proactive, friendly, and trustworthy volunteers. Contact Chanelle: featherstonsopshop@gmail.com

Community Patrol

Volunteers needed for community patrol in both Martinborough and Featherston neighbourhoods Martinborough email: martinborough@cpnz.org.nz Featherston email: featherston@cpnz.org.nz or private message on Facebook

Wisdom & Wellbeing

We are looking for an organiser for our group. If you can spare a half day once per week, February to December we would love to hear from you. If you are responsible, interested and caring, please contact Indigo via info@fcc.nz

Many of these volunteer opportunities can be found on Be Collective - a digital platform matching volunteers with opportunities. Find more details at nz.becollective.com (search for opportunites within 25km of Featherston).

Piano Trio ConcertRakuto Kurano, Gabriel Baird and Boudewijn Keenan

Juliet Cooke

The Greytown Music Group is pleased to be supporting young and innovative Rakuto Kurano, a versatile performer and composer. As a multi award-winning violinist, pianist, conductor and composer, Rakuto has completed numerous concert tours around New Zealand, and currently averages 60 concerts each year! He has played twice previously in Greytown, and for this Greytown Concert on 30 July his fellow musicians will be Gabriel Baird on piano and Boudewijn Keenan on cello.

The programme features Piano Trio No1 by Anton Arensky (Russian, 1861-1905), Piano Trio by Guy Ropartz (French, 1864-1955), “Fantail in Tokyo” by Rakuto, and a new composition by Gabriel Baird.

Gabriel is a pianist, bassoonist and composer. He frequently performs with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and is an accompanist and musical director for local choirs and ensembles. He has been described as “having a unique sense of creativity” and “an inspiring young musician”. He played in Greytown in 2021 in a concert with Professor Mark Menzies.

Boudewijn is a second-year music student at Otago University. For a cellist of his age, he has had extensive orchestral experience with Dunedin Youth Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra and now Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of Rakuto’s Magic Carpet String Quartet that toured the South Island last year and is delighted to be part of this new series of trio concerts. Rakuto made his debut as a composer in 2016 with his composition “Angelic Glow” selected as a winning work in the NZ Harp Duo composition competition. In 2019 his “Fantail in Tokyo” was selected as a winning work in the NZ Trio competition, and it was performed by the NZ Trio in Auckland. In 2021 he was commissioned by the Baroque Music and Educational Trust of NZ to compose a Concerto Grosso, a neo-Baroque style work for three soloists, string ensemble and harpsichord, for a national tour. The work was met by a standing ovation at every concert!

Piano Trio Concert - Rakuto Kurano, Gabriel Baird and Boudewijn Keenan: 4pm Sunday 30 July at 57 Wood St, Greytown. Admission $30 adults, children $10. For bookings, contact Ed and Juliet Cooke on efjacooke@gmail.com or Ph 06 304 9497.

To find out more about joining Neighbourhood Support contact Ava Sanganoo nsswcoordinator@gmail.com

#ReachOut #HelpOut

The Wairarapa Youth Orchestra

Roger Fraser

In 2022 the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra was established by Caitlin Morris and Andrew Atkins, as an educational orchestra targeting music learning and development for primary and secondary school students in the Wairarapa.

The orchestra provides free music learning embodying teamwork, perseverance, and determination to achieve a common goal. Youth are encouraged to develop their musical skills by working with others of similar ages and competencies, forming bonds of friendship and a greater sense of achievement and relevance in their music making.

We strive to give all children equal and fair opportunities in our education of orchestral music and concert opportunities throughout the year. We have an open enrolment value, in which we accept all students of primary and secondary school age, no matter their ethnicity, ability level or background. We advertise our programme in all local schools, and parents or students contact us via email, Facebook or just come along to one of our rehearsals to enrol.

Our students are from the age of 5-17 ages of age, with a current role of 50 students (and growing). We have an extremely diverse group, with students of Māori, Asian, Indian, African, and European ethnicities. We have a strong value in our orchestra that we do not in any way discriminate against specific ethnicities, all are welcome.

Our students love meeting each other, and the older teenag-

ers also become mentors building a relationship with younger members, helping them in rehearsals and concerts. Our arrangements are specifically catered to all our ability levels so students can feel confident in their music making and ensemble sound. We are lucky enough to have seven specialist instrumental tutors, who tutor our youth in rehearsals, concerts, and now our scholarship programme. Through our concerts, workshops, and events throughout the year, we aim to introduce as many students as possible to orchestral instrument learning and have a strong focus on giving back to our community.

For more information, contact Caitlin Morris on either wairarapayouthorchestra@gmail.com or phone: 022 642 5244.

Featherston Booktown Trust

Denver Grenell

Kia ora booklovers. We hope you are all keeping snug and warm in these cold months and have a pile of good books to keep you company.

This month we are travelling up the road to Greytown for an event as part of the Greytown Festival of Christmas 2023 to welcome back a previous Featherston Booktown festival guest. Following her popular appearance at Featherston Booktown in 2021, Helen Lehndorf returns to the South Wairarapa to discuss her new book, a Forager’s Life, in conversation with Featherston Booktown’s operations manager and keen forager, Mary Biggs.

Not all that long ago, a foraging life in nature was how everyone put food on their table. Now, as the connection between what we eat and how we feel grows more and more obvious, there’s renewed interest in locally grown and natural foods. Part memoir, part guidebook, and with a sprinkling of recipes, a Forager’s Life teaches us that foraging isn’t an activity reserved for long weekend retreats and Instagram influencers. Through spaces both urban and wild, Helen weaves an intimate story of the immutable connection between nature, our own mental health, and the wellbeing of our family and whanau.

A Forager’s Life: Helen Lehndorf in conversation with Mary Biggs takes place on Tuesday 25 July 2023, 6:00pm–7:00pm at Greytown Town Hall, 89 Main St, Greytown in association with Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. Tickets are $21.50 each and available from Eventfinda.

Emily

Maori

Some of the Youth Orchestra students.

Martinborough Music Festival

Brendan Smyth

Tickets for this years are fast selling out—and public sales are only just underway!

Chamber music fans are in for a treat in September, with ten international stars playing works including favourites by Mozart, Schuman, Rachmaninov and Elgar along with exciting new compositions by acclaimed New Zealand composers Salina Fisher and Anthony Ritchie, professor of composition at Otago University.

Ritchie has written a composition for Todd Gibson-Cornish, a young virtuoso oboist, with whom he has had a long association, says festival co-artistic director Donald Armstrong, associate concertmaster with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO).

“Anthony has known Todd since he was very young, and also his father Nick Cornish, principal oboe with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra,” says Donald. “Anthony is delighted to write a new piece for Todd, who is now such a superstar.” Co-artistic director Wilma Smith, former concertmaster of both the NZSO and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, is excited about playing the new work. “I’m so looking forward to playing with Todd, one of New Zealand’s absolute stars and Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassoonist. And he’s going to feature in some of the most exciting music of the festival, including this premiere performance.”

Featuring in the four concerts of the festival (22-24 September) are international and New Zealand stars UK-based violinist Benjamin Baker, NZSO principal oboist Robert Orr, pianist Laurence Matheson, violists Wenhong Luo and Amanda Verner, and cellists Ashley Brown (of NZTrio) and festival favourite Mattias Balzat.

Anthony Ritchie’s Quintet for Bassoon & String Quartet will be performed at the festival’s final concert on Sunday 24 September. A link to ticket sales and further information about the concerts and soloists is available at the festival website: martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz

Encounter China during Matariki

Wairarapa Word

Nau mai, Haere mai! Learn about our links with China and our sister city. Be part of an afternoon during Matariki to reflect on our past relationships, where we stand now, and how we might create the future together.

Did you know that Wairarapa has had artist and teacher exchanges with Changchun? That artist Sam Ludden has a tuna-based sculpture in the city’s 90-hectare, world-class sculpture park? Have you sat in the authentic Chinese pavilion in Kuripuni?

Everyone is welcome at Aratoi on Saturday 22 July, 1.30-3.30.

Enjoy an introduction to the recent book, Encountering China –New Zealanders and the People’s Republic, which has 50 very different pieces of writing, by Hone Tūwhare, Nina Mingya Powles, Alison Wong, Murray Edmond, Meng Foon, Pauline Keating and many others.

“Individually these memoirs are absorbing and enjoyable. Collectively the book gives a picture of the breadth and depth of the relationship that is often overlooked.” — Capital Magazine

“Given present geopolitical realities,” writes the book’s co-editor Duncan Campbell, “we were from the start of the process intent that the book would serve to mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between NZ and PRC, rather than, necessarily, celebrating the occasion.

“Some we approached for possible contributions were anxious that the book might turn out to be (or be seen to be) ‘anti-China’; others were concerned that given the grave human rights issues presently in China, the book might be understood to be supportive of the Party-state. A rock and a hard place. Both the reviews of the book I have seen and informal conversations with a range of readers suggests that we got the balance largely right.”

Here’s the programme: China scholar Duncan Campbell, who went to school in Wairarapa, will be in conversation with New Zealand China Friendship Society president Chris Lipscombe. Masterton councillors Tim Nelson and Stella Lennox will speak on the Ngā Piringa Tāone Sister City Programme. Sam Ludden will present an illustrated talk on how his two trips to China have enriched his life. Film and theatre producer Paul Sayers, who lived in Changchun for 13 years and has links with Changchun Film Studio & Jilin Opera Company, will lead the discussion.

Free entry. Koha is welcome. Presented by Wairarapa Word, NZ China Friendship Society, Wairarapa Library Service and Almo’s Books, in association with Masterton District Council, Carterton Creative Communities and Aratoi.

Encountering China - and other related books - will be available for purchase & signing.

Chinese tea will be served.

For more information: events.waiword@gmail.com / On Facebook: WairarapaWord

Fell Museum - The Brake Van

Romain Busby

I love the little glass panes in the doors of Brake Van F210, very reminiscent of cottage doors! The van is the last one left in New Zealand and Featherston is extremely lucky to have it along with H199 in the centre of town. Vital for the operation of the Fell line there were at times 5 or more brake vans in each train. The number depended on if it was a passenger or freight train and the weight.

After life on the Fell line, it served at Rewanui near Greymouth at the Coal mine that had a line with a centre rail, for another 11 years. It was sold privately and then donated to MoTat where it sat from 1969 to 1995 when it arrived in Featherston. The van was leased from MoTaT in Auckland and one of the conditions of the lease was that it was restored to its original condition when it worked the Incline, and that took another 2 years.

Inside the van you can see the large wheels that were turned by the guards to enable the brakes to grip the centre rail to slow the train on descent of the Incline. The brake blocks normally only lasted one trip, so it was a constant job to replace them by the engineers down at Cross Creek. When you are in the Museum spot the blocks and see how they have been abraded by wear. It would be interesting to know if the old blocks were recycled back into new replacement brake blocks. That’s perhaps an issue for next month’s Phoenix!

When the outcome matters, you want the WCM Legal team on your side.

MICHAEL BALE KIRSTEN TOWNSLEY SUSIE BARNES

[GRAB YOUR READER’S ATTENTION WITH A GREAT QUOTE FROM THE DOCUMENT OR USE

Heritage Museum

Romain Busby

Someone who has been involved with the Heritage Museum has just published a delightful book, “A Life Well Lived”, and although I haven’t read all of it yet, it appears Pat Flynn (QSM) is a remarkable woman!

From her involvement as Mayoress to serving on various Committees, teaching at most of the local schools, a small-bore rifle shooter to boot, she is a legend! She has seen the Heritage grow and is realistic enough to know that it needs to concentrate on what Featherston is known for. That is the World War 1 Training Camp and the Internment Camp during World War 2. Both entities served and employed locals and the businesses that provided goods and services during those times. While we no longer have jewellers or drapery stores in town, we do have a wonderful Museum (or two) that serve not only us but the visitors to town.

Pats book is a delight of a time in New Zealand history that reflects everyday life for someone born in 1924. The added attraction for Pat is that her father Francis Twiss trained at the Featherston Camp. Almost a full circle for Pat. If you would like a copy of the book, please contact Pat directly.

ACE PANEL & PAINT WAIRARAPA

If you have a ding – give us a ring

We at Ace Panel & Paint Wairarapa Ltd are able to offer you a complete paint and panel repair service for all of your car repairs.

• 24-hour 7-day-a-week towing service

• Courtesy vehicles

• Free pick-up and delivery from Featherston

Ring us first and we will assist you with your insurance claim. Aligned repairer for all major insurance companies including Vero, Lumley, FMG, AMI, NZI, AA & State Insurance

Kim Lace

1 Nelsons Road, Martinborough

kim@acepandp.co.nz

Telephone 06 306 9622

Pae tū Mōkai Matariki

Tanja Schubert-McArthur

Matariki is a time to reflect on the year that was, remember the ones who have passed, huddle together, feast, celebrate, make plans and wishes for the year ahead. The Matariki planning committee has been busy and promises that the 2023 programme has something for everybody! Best of all - it’s FREE!

Friday 14 July:

The official public holiday so come on down to Clifford Square for the Toro Atu - Dawn Karakia at 6am. The Papawai mana whenua, in partnership with Five Trails Trust and SWDC will be erecting a pou in Clifford Square in celebration of influential Wairarapa rangatira - Nukupewapewa. All are welcome and there will be a BBQ brekkie after.

Join the community garden working bee at 10am behind St Andrew’s Church on Fitzherbert Street. Our newest community group warmly invites you to bring your spades and garden gloves to help prepare beds to grow kūmara and enjoy a morning tea. Learn about kūmara planting from Diane Buckley. Diane has been part of a long standing kūmara growing project here in the Wairarapa and has built up a wealth of knowledge over the years. Then put on your apron and bring your potato peeler to the ANZAC Hall to help prepare the hangi from 12pm.

Tamariki of all ages can do the Star Hunt between 10am and 3pm! It’s a star treasure hunt through town - find the clues and then hang your star in the big oak tree by the museum, making a wish to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.

Fareham House hosts a session of pūrākau and waiata - storytelling with local actor Ricky Day and singing accompanied by ukulele for the whole whānau to enjoy. After a cup of tea and a snack, join the lantern walk at 5pm from Fareham House to Clifford Square - you can bring your own lantern or make one during one of the workshops in the school holidays (see Fareham Creative programme for details and to register). Wrap up warm and bring the family for Mini Fell train night-rides around Clifford Square through phosphorous glow-in-the-dark art works!

Storytelling and waiata for the whole whānau at Fareham House in 2022, before the lantern walk

haven’t got enough, join the Kiriata-ā-Noho. Instead of a drive-in movie, bring a bean bag and a blanket and watch a 45 minute compilation of historic footage from 1901 all the way to the present, a snapshot of our nation in film, from Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision.

Sunday 16 July:

Head to Featherston Cemetery at 10am. As part of Matariki, we remember our loved ones who have passed this year. Moe mai rā.

What better way to finish a celebration than with music! Come to Featherston Vinyl Club at Waimārie from 3pm for a boogie to finish our Matariki celebrations!

Saturday 15 July:

If you have a school child in year 1-3, register for the amazing 1 hour session Matariki: Bringing our stars to life. Running at 10am and 11am this programme introduces tamariki with their caregiver to how Matariki connects us to people, to whānau and to the rhythms and seasons of the natural world. At 12pm you want to be at St Teresa’s School to see the lifting of the hangi and then enjoy a taster at the community hangi at the ANZAC Hall. There will be enough to feed the community young and old! Bring a plate, knife and fork to help our taiao and enjoy the yummy kai! Warren Maxwell will bring his guitar, and the tamariki and rangatahi will become the teachers for some kapa haka action songs. Waiata Mai! Be prepared to get up and sing and dance together from 2pm. If you still

Monday 17 July:

Our year 4-8 students from the three local schools will be treated to an awesome trip to the ANZAC Hall for the Matariki: Bringing our stars to life sessions run by Auckland-based Tereora Crane and local Tanja Schubert-McArthur using a mixture of storytelling and interactive learning. A special thanks to the National Library for bringing the kaupapa of new beginnings, new connections and new understandings in Aotearoa to Pae tū Mōkai Featherston. Manawatia a Matariki - Celebrate Matariki!

Tamariki performing at ANZAC Hall in 2022

Mau Mahara - Remembering at the Cemetery in 2022

Ricky Day with a captive audience in 2022

Featherston Beautification Group

Julia

Reed

This month we have been busy battling weeds and the weather in the various gardens we look after.

The metal birds have rusted into a lovely colour and are more visible in the coal bucket.

We planted more camellias in Cherry Tree Park, added more stones to the edge to keep the soil and mulch from falling onto the grassed area.

We have been turning the cabbage tree leaves at the Fell engine into fire starters. The cabbage tree leaves are not a favourite for composting but do burn well when dry. So, bundling a few together and tying them back onto themselves make a good fire starter for this winter.

We would like to thank everyone who donates their time and energy into the gardening efforts of our group. The people who support us with plant purchases and those who donate plants and items for our nursery sales. All our fundraising is returned to Featherston beautification efforts.

Our community picking garden is available to our community, with a herb space included. Our Library fridge has some interesting books and gardening magazines which are free or sit and read them there. We are fundraising for a picnic table so we can sit and read, bring a takeout coffee and enjoy.

We have introduced a worm farm, for worm wee and casting once they get busy. Which plants love.

We also have been donated a little plastic greenhouse to start some of our seedlings off. Thank you to our generous donor.

South Wairarapa Rotary’s change of president - the Big Help Out

Sylvia

Smith

By the time you are reading this, South Wairarapa Rotary will have farewelled its president for the 2022/23 year and welcomed in a new president for the 2023/24 year. This an annual event and provides an opportunity for each new president to introduce new strategies and ideas.

Tamara Allerhand from Featherston is our outgoing president. Tamara has been an energetic, committed and thoughtful leader and has provided wise counsel to our members. The club wishes to thank her for her wisdom, leadership and guidance throughout her tenure.

Our incoming president Glenn Todd is from Greytown and has been a Rotarian for over two years. Glenn spent over 20 years in the IT sector but decided to become semi-retired so he could focus on volunteering and shortterm engagements. Glenn is an excellent communicator and has strong leadership skills. We look forward to working with Glenn this coming Rotary year

Our members really enjoyed the changeover ceremony which took place in the last week of June, when we formally farewelled Tamara and welcomed Glenn, at the Greytown Working Men’s Club.

The end of June is also the end of the financial year for both the Rotary Club and the Rotary Martinborough Fair Charitable Trust. It has been a busy year for the four committees who are responsible for distributing the proceeds from the annual Martinborough Fairs.

We are extremely proud of the work that these committees have done this year and as the Rotary year draws to a close, we can confirm that over $70,000 of grants and donations have been allocated within the community.

On 1 July our committees will be allocated their funds for the 2023/24 year. If you belong to a community organisation or know of one that is seeking funds for a special or one-off project, please go to our websiteswrotary.org.nz - click funding and grants and fill out the funding form. This can be completed and submitted online or downloaded and sent to South Wairarapa Rotary Club, PO Box 45, Greytown. One of our committees will then contact you.

Weeding one of the many gardens around town.

Tauherenikau Friendship Club

Gay

Butler

Travelling in times of covid

Sue Teodoro is a seasoned traveller who did not let covid deter her from embarking on overseas travel as soon as the New Zealand borders opened up. Speaking at the recent Tauherenikau Friendship Club monthly meeting, she related her experiences travelling through Europe in those early days of living with covid.

The first thing that alerted her that travelling had changed post-covid was the scene at Wellington airport. At that stage few planes were flying in and out of New Zealand so that the usually bustling airport was virtually empty of people and mask wearing was the norm. However, when she arrived in Europe, she found that people did not seem to socially distance and that masks were few and far between. The first country she visited was Spain, to walk the Camino Santiago. Here Sue found the trail congested with crowds of walkers – so many people had decided that they too needed to get travelling again as soon as they could and would not allow covid to hold them back.

Sue did behave sensibly, for example, wearing masks in planes, and she pointed out that she had family in Europe who would be able to help her should she fall ill. All the same, she stressed that it was quite possible then to travel overseas and that we should not let covid rule our travel plans.

Do feel free to join the club if you are of retirement age. Visitors are welcome. Meetings are at 10am the first Friday of the month at the South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club. However, the August meeting will be a week later than usual, on August 11, when Marlene Ditchfield, who has written several books and articles about historical places and events, will talk about historic Wairarapa buildings.

Featherston Dog Park group

Romain Busby

It takes a group to keep things moving and if one or two leave that group it loses a lot of strength. We have had that happen to the Dog Park group with Jack, Sharleen and Jude stepping down recently. Heather and I remain and hopefully we will be joined by some ‘newbies’ to keep the ball rolling into the future. Big thanks to Jack, Sharleen and Jude for their efforts over the past few years, it was certainly appreciated. Thanks to the person/s who dropped some stones at the gate entrance to help absorb some of the mud there. At the present time SWDC is being approached to see if there may be a more permanent solution. In the meantime, please exercise some caution when going in or out. You don’t want to roll your ankle as that can be painful! Winter has settled in with the cold, short days, rain, dampness and that doggy smell in the car! I really miss that smell and may have to reintroduce it back to my car in the future. Dogs bring joy to the heart and although costly, it’s well worth it. Value your pooch and derive great happiness from them. They ask very little from you really, but give so much.

Owls of Featherston Women Institute

Barbara

Love

All members were able to attend our last business meeting so we were able to extend a warm welcome to Lin, who hopefully will decide to join us.

A very interesting meeting having received an invite from the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra to their up and coming concert. A small group played for us last Christmas and we enjoyed it very much. They now have 50 students which is absolutely marvellous. We wish to support and encourage these students if we can.

Our Lotto which supports the community centre is thriving, should you wish to contribute please get in touch with us and go on the waiting list.

Wairarapa Women’s Institute mid-year luncheon is on 21 July, usually held in Masterton. Nice to go and meet other institute members. A competition is to be held at the 2024 National AGM and on the schedule is to make a Child’s Quiet book, one of our members is making one and brought it along to show us. The book is to use different fabrics, decoration, notions and yarns. Very clever.

At our recent potluck dinner held in a member’s home, a real treat thank you, and our guest speaker was very interesting; so if you would like to join us do contact either Corrie on 3086574 or Lyn on 0274347360.

Ren enjoying the dog park.

Photo by Melissa Stockley.

College sport

Kuranui College

Winter sport is now underway and we have seen positive growth. We are excited to see so much whanau support, and our rangatahi making Wairarapa representative teams in netball, hockey and basketball. Our 1st XV rugby team went through round one unbeaten while our girls have been enjoying taking part in the Wairarapa bush development opportunities. Our 1st XI boys and girls football teams are enjoying playing in the Wellington competition. Teams are busy preparing for tournament week where we will have an equestrian team competing for the first time.

Riley Galbreath took 3rd place in the Wairarapa secondary school champs.

We have five E-Sports teams entered in fortnite and rocket league with at least one team looking like they will head to nationals in Christchurch later in the year. On the note of nationals, we have had two chess players Sam Gawith and Eoin Ryan qualify for nationals in October while our smallbore rifle shooters Alesha Alexander, Courney Parlett and Aria Whiteman will compete in nationals in September.

In the staff v students challenges the staff have taken a 2-0 lead securing victory in basketball and volleyball with petanque next up.

Upper Hutt exchange saw our 1st XI boys hockey team and 1st XV rugby team take wins while the 1st XI girls football and doubles badminton drew. The junior girls netball team was pipped in the final minutes 19-21. Overall Upper Hutt took the win.

Term one finished with some outstanding performances including Tristan Wagner leading the way at the North Island athletics champs with a 1st in javelin and 3rd in long jump. Our swimmers led by Alex Wos and Logan Black enjoyed the return of the Wairarapa secondary school sports. Alex then went on to the Wellington regionals with a small Kuranui team where he recorded a number of personal best performances.

The school holidays proved busy with Capella Martin and Noah Douglas competing in the North Island secondary school champs in Rotorua with Capella finishing 2nd in the Under 15 enduro and downhill girls. We also had our hockey teams participating in the Wairarapa College preseason tournament and our boys playing Heretaunga and Rathkeale.

Off the back of a successful day at the St Matthews equestrian day Grace Doyle recently competed in the Nga Tawa Diocesan school equestrian competition. A team is now preparing to attend tournament week.

Bowling news

Rose Clement

As we have come to the end of 2022/23 season a lot has been happening. The men’s fours came through, winning Wairarapa Champ of Champs Fours. They are heading off to Auckland from 20-23 July to play in the BNZ National Champ of Champs Fours. The team is Peter Ireland, Stuart Campbell, Steve Willis and Les O’Donovan.

We have Steve Willis and Dale Rowe playing in the BNZ Singles at Hastings on 30 June to 2 July – we all wish them the best as this is an achievement to reach this position. On Saturday 17 June the Featherston Bowling Club held a “potluck” tea for the players, which was enjoyable. Allan Brooks had been down to light the fire which made the room very cosy. The evening went well, with the men organising what they’re going to do when they get to Auckland.

AGM 16 July 2pm at clubrooms, all welcome.

The Tararua sports exchange and school colour run is set to round out a busy term.

Students are looking great in the new sports hoodies and thanks to Property Brokers all our student coaches and umpires will be getting one for free.

National Volunteer Week was a great opportunity to THANK our many great volunteers that contribute to our sports program, coaching, managing, driving, umpiring and so much more.

Les O’Donovan, Steve Willis, Dale Rowe, Mr Rabbit, Gumpy Campbell.

Chloe North in girls football match at the Upper Hutt exchange.

Eloise up on defence against Upper Hutt in netball.

Zach fending off a tackle during the rugby match vs Upper Hutt.

Amateur Wrestling Club

Edwin Read

The club is very appreciative of all the support over recent months with both the trail bike ride and golf day very well sup ported. Our first local tournament of the year was held in midMay and ran like a well-oiled machine. Our first-time wrestlers had a great experience and are continuing to build into the Tawa and Waikanae tournaments in June and July.

The competition team started their national tournaments with the North Island Champs held in Katikati on 25 June.

A shout out to the volunteers and businesses that supported the club at the recent fundraisers - if you get a chance, we rec ommend supporting them back - Davis Sawmill, Lake Ferry Hotel, Sargent Motorcycles, Scotty’s Meats, Stash, Dave’s Windscreens, Gazley Motors and Martinborough Transport.

Checkout Facebook and Instagram for more info on the club and to see regular snapshots of the action!

League masters come to Featherston

Ritchie Wards

On 17 June over 100 senior rugby league players and several hundred of their supporters flooded into Featherston for the wider Wellington Region Rugby League Masters games.

Although the weather was grey an awesome day was had by all. Featherston played hard and almost came away with a win. This was a true community event and a chance to showcase our town to the wider region.

The goal of Masters rugby league is to promote league for the over 35’s who no longer take part in serious competition. In Featherston we have players up to 75 years old taking part. We play in the spirit of having fun, promoting goodwill and sportsmanship. These games get people off the couch and get men to talk to other men, while reliving old glories and bringing people back to football clubs who have a wealth of experience and knowledge to pass on.

Our mayor spent the day with us and noted “Sport is truly alive in Featherston. It was such a pleasure to be around so many passionate people. Well done to all the volunteers at the SportsHub for pulling this together.”

Est. 2020

Your only locally owned and operated funeral home, by South Waira r apa lo c al resident s who are passionate about s erving our c ommunity

# S U P PORTLOCA L 06 377 0231

Some of the players who enjoyed the day.

Sports Directory

Here is an overview of what is available in Featherston. Note: Some sports only run during school term time.

Badminton

When: Tuesdays, 7pm Where: Sports Stadium Rock up and join us!

Basketball – Youth (9-15yrs)

When: Fridays, 4.30pm

Where: Sports Stadium Fstnsportshub19@gmail.com

Floorball - Feathercats

Social for age 16+, equipment provided, no pressure, no experience required.

When: Thursdays 7pm

Where: Sports Stadium, Underhill Rd feathercatsfloorball@gmail. com

Football – Women’s Feathy Fantails

Social, no pressure, no commitment, no experience needed.

When: Saturdays Fortnightly, 2pm

Where: Card Reserve Rock up and join us!

Football – Men’s Featherston United Football Club fufc2014@gmail.com

Football (Soccer) – Junior

When: Training Tuesday, Thursday or Sundays

Where: Randolph Park and Sports Stadium

Games: Toddlers kicks Sundays, all other leagues Saturday mornings

featherstonjuniorfootball@ gmail.com sporty.co.nz/featherstonjuniorfc

Gymnastics – Youth

When: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon featherstongymnasticsclub@ gmail.com

Hockey – Youth

When: Thursdays, 3.30pm

Where: Turf courts, Underhill Rd

Hockey – Senior

When: Tuesdays, 6.30pm or Thursdays, 7.30pm

Where: Turf courts, Underhill Rd

Karate – Okinawan Goju

Ryu Karate-Do

When: Wednesdays, 6pm

Where: Featherston School Hall iogkfnz@gmail.com

Netball - Youth Training: Mondays @ 3.30pm

Where: St Teresa’s kura if fine, Sports Stadium if wet Games: Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning, Wairarapa region

featherstonnetballclub2014@ gmail.com

Netball - Senior Training: Mondays @ 7.00pm

Where: Sports Stadium

Games: Saturdays, Wairarapa region

featherstonnetballclub2014@ gmail.com

Muay Thai – SMAC Featherston

Where: 52 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston smacfeatherston@gmail.com

The Phoenix news is not responsible for requesting, monitoring or updating this information. Please email any changes to editor@phoenixnews.nz

Rugby League - Featherston

Kuri Masters

When: Training Tuesdays, 5.30pm

Where: Card Reserve

Games: Saturdays Fortnightly, in the Wellington region. featherstonrugbyleague@ gmail.com

Rugby - Youth

When: Training Thursdays, 4pm

Where: Card Reserve

Games: RIPPA & U11’s Fridays or Saturdays in the Wairarapa region. Featherstonrugby@gmail.com

Tennis - Social

When: Mondays and Thursdays, 6pm - weather permitting

Where: Turf courts, Underhill Rd

Wrestling When: Wednesdays, 5.30pm

Where: 52 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston featherstonamateurwrestling@gmail.com

Sports currently on off season Cricket – FeatherstonCC@ gmail.com

Athletics – Athleticsfeatherston@gmail.com

Swimming – swimfeatherston@gmail.com

Futsul

Bowling Touch Rugby

Have we missed your sports club or do you need details updated? Please email editor@phoenixnews.nz