Wairarapa Midweek Wed 20th March

wrapped up

me to tears.”

When Featherston resident Jill Sexton walked into the Fab Feathy office about 18 months ago, looking for help to establish a community garden on a “spare patch of land” next to her church, it was the start of something special.

The garden is one of Hana Makin’s highlights from her time as a community facilitator at Fab Feathy –Featherston’s community-led development organisation – which wrapped up in February.

And while many would be sad to lose their job, that’s not the case for Makin, because in the world of community-led development [CLD], “it’s the whole point – to do yourself out of a job”.

“The garden was something I’d thought about and talked about at [St Andrew’s] parish council meetings – just the possibilities that were there,” Sexton said.

As well as finding funding, Fab Feathy supported Sexton and her fellow enthusiasts by researching community garden success stories, and harnessing wider community support so they could get the garden up and running and run it themselves.

Fab Feathy was established in 2018 after securing Community-Led Development Programme [CLDP] funding from the Department of Internal Affairs [DIA].

“The whole point of CLD is that the community are the ‘doers’ of it, it’s not being done to them,” Makin explained. “And the community made the decision to go for the funding.”

Makin, who joined Fab Feathy in 2021, described it as functioning as the

“The highlight for me was seeing it coming to fruition when we started planting things,” Sexton said. “I’m no gardener at all – but to see it actually happening brought

Another successful project.

Lucy

A St Andrew’s church community garden working bee.

opening

Wheelie

An intrepid Greytown man is, this week, embarking on his third endurance bike ride for charity, this time the “physically arduous” Kōpiko – a 960km trek across the widest part of Te Ika-a-Māui, Aotearoa’s North Island – with two brave friends.

Leadership coach David Savage, graphic artist Geoff Francis, and photographer Chris Dickinson [who is travelling from his home in Singapore to take part], are undertaking the “huge challenge” to raise funds and awareness for Wairarapa food rescue agency WaiWaste.

“So much food is dumped, and so many people are experiencing food poverty,” Savage, affectionately known as Sav, said.

“We thought bikepacking for WaiWaste would help shine a light on what this epic charity does for our community. We’ve initially set a target to raise $1000, but we want to blow that right out of the water.”

Bikepacking is a blend of all-terrain cycling and

backpacking, and according to Sav, there’s quite an art to travelling light.

“Chris is quite an experienced expedition kind of guy, but this is the first time he’s ever bikepacked. And we are really going to laugh at him because he’s brought way too much stuff!”

Sav is no stranger to fundraising – or punishing bike rides.

Last year, Sav tackled the Sounds to Sounds trail, a 16-day, 1600km route from Marlborough Sounds to Milford Sounds, to raise money for flood-hit food rescue hubs in Gisborne

and Hawkes Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle.

But his love of long bike rides started in 2021, when with pedalling pals Mike Smith and Pete Sutherland, he bikepacked the 3000km Tour Aotearoa trail, from Cape Reinga to Bluff, to fundraise for a charity close to his heart – the Neurological Foundation.

“I have a condition called Multi-Focal Motor Neuropathy,” Sav explained. “It slowly wastes muscle in various parts of the body, and there’s no cure yet.”

“It’s really quite rare –I’m one of about 50 New

Zealanders who have it. I get regular three weekly infusions of white blood cells which slows the progress.

“Bike packing is a way of using my body now while I can, given it may not work as it should in the future.”

The Kōpiko adventure will bring Sav’s total kilometres travelled on trails to over 5500km, clocking up over 40 days in the saddle [not including “the months of training”] – and “fingers crossed”, raising more than $16,000 for good causes.

While not as long as the last two rides, the Kōpiko is

“not for slouches”, Sav said.

“It involves 13,000 metres of climbing – that’s nearly one and a half Mount Everests – and it’s fairly remote and mainly off-road.

“I’m quite good at crashing and not breaking any bones, so I’m hoping I can use that special skill this time around,” he said.

Not content with cycling the formal Kōpiko route from the East Cape in Gisborne to the West Cape in Taranaki, Sav’s trail trio are “adding on a couple of days”, starting their feat as soon as they get off the plane at Gisborne Airport.

“The courier company wanted over $1000 to get us and our bikes to the beginning of the route. We thought we’d save that money and get to the official start under our own steam,” Sav said.

Riding the Kōpiko is expected to take Sav, Francis and Dickinson about 11 days.

• To find out more about David Savage’s adventure, and make a donation, visit https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/ riding-kopiko-for-foodrescue, where you can find a link to a live map of the team’s progress.

Last week, Masterton welcomed 18 new Kiwi citizens – who had come from all around the world to make Wairarapa home.

On Thursday, Masterton District Council held a citizenship ceremony at Te Rangimarie Marae, welcoming newcomers from the UK, Germany, Fiji, Samoa, India, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

As people arrived, they

went through a process to be introduced as citizens of Masterton, starting off with a mihi Whakatau from Rangitāne o Wairarapa cultural advisor Mike Kawana. After that, people had a chance to meet Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell and Deputy Mayor Bex Johnson.

Caffell told Midweek meeting the new citizens was the favourite of his civic duties.

“These citizenship ceremonies are something really special. So special, in fact, that

when people ask me what my favourite part is of being Mayor, I always say these events are way above anything else,” he said.

“It is a real privilege and honour to preside over a ceremony which sees so many good people formally recognised as citizens of our wonderful country.”

Caffell delivered a speech to the new residents in which he expressed his delight to welcome them into the Wairarapa community.

“It would be completely

remiss of me not to congratulate those of you becoming New Zealand citizens today on choosing this special part of paradise for your

citizenship ceremony,” he said. His speech was followed by the swearingin oaths and affirmations, and the presentation of citizenship certificates.

The day finished with a video from the Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, a listen to the New Zealand National Anthem, and an invitation to an afternoon tea.

LEFT: And they’re o ! [From left] Geo , Sav and Chris.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Eighteen new Masterton residents were sworn in as New Zealand citizens at Te Rangimarie Marae last week.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

ABOVE: The Kopiko route is about 960km long and “physically arduous”.

PHOTO/WWW.NZCYCLETRAIL.COM

Murder – the soul of wit

Erin Kavanagh-Hall erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

What happens when you put a sarcastic Spanish hotelier and his quick-witted assistant, an insufferable British “grand dame”, a retired prima ballerina [so she says...], an eccentric crystal gazer, a cacophonic American couple, “the most boring man on the continent”, and an uproarious Kiwi with a penchant for violence together in a five-star European resort?

Mayhem and murder. Naturally.

Masterton Theatre Company has opened its 2024 season with The Hardcase Hotel – a comedic murder mystery by New Zealand playwright Devon Williamson.

Directed by Maria Hinton, the seasoned cast of local actors [plus a couple of upand-coming talents] transport the audience to the Italian countryside, circa 1936 – where the Hardcase Hotel plays host to a motley crew of weird, wacky and obnoxiously wealthy guests. All of whom, due to various indiscretions, have been banned from all other fivestar establishments in Europe.

When the hotel is cut off by a flash flood, and a guest is found stabbed with a fish fork, it’s up to manager Juan Carlos [James Trotman] and housekeeper Aileen [Carol Buck] to solve the mystery. With distractions aplenty from the aforementioned residents.

With an abundance of acting talent in our region, it’s always a delight to attend a community theatre production in Wairarapa. And The Hardcase Hotel was no different. To get the gripes out of the way early – I’ve seen a few Devon Williamson plays, and they’re ... not my favourite. I find Williamson’s scripts are a little meandering. The pacing tends to drag, the dialouge – though very funny – can be overly loquacious, and I personally find the concepts [like Hardcase’s decor] a little tired. Nonetheless, the cast did a stellar job with the material, and kept the laughs coming from start to finish.

and body language kept drawing the eye even when relegated to the background.

What Williamson does do well is creating strong, well-rounded characters, and the actors did a masterful job bringing them to life. The glue holding the operation together was newcomer Trotman as Juan Carlos: The magnetic and debonair hotel manager, who runs on pure snark. As leading man, Trotman left the audience feeling safe in his hands with his razor-sharp humour and impeccable comic timing, solid Spanish accent [not an easy one to pull off ], and affable charisma – without resorting to caricature.

A highlight was Trotman’s repartee with Buck as the equallyfacetious Aileen, who perfectly matched her co-star with barb after witty barb. A quality I always appreciate in an actor is the ability to pull focus – and Buck’s exasperated expressions

The supporting cast were also strong: Marilyn Bouzaid as the elegant and mysterious Valerine du Pont, Marianne Griffiths-Jones as the delightfully haughty Lady Doncaster-Smyth, and Michael Eckford, who positively stole the show as Albert – a doddery windbag, to put it kindly.

Two of the biggest scene-stealers were veteran actors John Mabey and Linda Voice as Walt and Barb Buckley – an affluent couple representing the worst of American stereotypes. Mabey skillfully chewed the scenery as a business exec best described as a hellish cross between Donald Trump and Foghorn Leghorn, while Voice clearly relished her role as his long-suffering “Wife Number 3” – a little dimwitted, but with plenty of heart and adorable Dolly-esque mannerisms.

For me, the star of the show was Rita Ann Penhale-Cashmore as Madam Gazda: An elderly countess with an eye for the “spirit

world” and appetite for the gentlemen folk. With her gravitas, sultry demeanour and deadpan delivery, the selfproclaimed clairvoyant had the audience eating out of her hand.

Unfortunately, one of the cast, Julie Foley, was unwell on opening night, leaving director Maria Hinton to step into her role. While Hinton having to sight-read did take us out of the fantasy at first, it was

hardly noticeable as the show went on. The cast coped admirably with the change, and Hinton did a great job as Shirley, a graceless “Kiwi sheila” and accomplished Pūkeko hunter, who has “never killed anyone she didn’t mean to”.

Apart from the casting switcheroo, some slipping accents, and a slightly sluggish first half [the second half picked up well], the cast and crew did a brilliant

Bravery and pride

I would like to acknowledge your excellent editorial [Midweek, March 6] supporting our rainbow community. Thank you.

The more people who see us know that the LGBTQ+ community is no threat. And the more queer people that see me, with rainbow stripes on my car and a pride flag on my home, will know that they are not alone. That’s why I am out and vocal. It helps give other queer people some bravery and community.

I stood outside the

Masterton District Library when the last drag queen storytime event was on [back in November] to help interested parents and kids find the door –and counter the rhetoric of the few protesters that were there. It was a little contribution, but I think people felt safer by me being there.

Keep spreading the word, as I do, that queer people are part of the fabric of the whole society, as we should be. Nothing more, nothing less.

Randall Cobb Masterton

job. Another thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre. Who kicks the bucket? Is Shirley really the killer? Does Juan Carlos have enough coffee to help him solve the crime? Pop along to Harlequin Theatre and find out.

• The Hardcase Hotel runs until Saturday, March 23. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.iticket.co.nz.

James Trotman held the show together as snarky Spanish hotelier Juan Carlos.

The Hardcaste Hotel cast [clockwise from left: James Trotman, Michael Eckford, Julie Foley, Marianne Gri ths-Jones, and Rita Ann Penhale-Cashmore] in rehearsal. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

The community powers change

Continued from page 1

community’s “cheerleader” and facilitator.

“Fab Feathy wasn’t meant to be doing the doing. It was there to support the people, the community, to do the doing.”

And Makin believed it was the community’s track record of “doing things for itself” that helped secure the CLDP funding.

“I think that seems to have always been the way in Featherston,” she said.

The projects, initiatives and activities that Fab Feathy helped “cheerlead” in its six-year tenure were guided by the town’s community plan, developed during a couple of years of “intensive work” preceding the funding.

The plan included goals like creating a vibrant Main St, ensuring Featherston’s young people have opportunities to share and develop their skills and talents, and revitalising the town’s

heritage buildings.

Together with the five principles for CLD developed by the community support agency Inspiring Communities – which include building respectful relationships and building capacity – the plan helped guide Fab Feathy’s energies and resources.

“It was a great framework to have from the get-go,” Makin said. “Because there are curveballs. My office door was always open, and you’d have no idea who was going to walk in or what they were going to say.

“You can do as much planning as you like, but sometimes, somebody’s going to have this incredible idea that takes you off in a different direction. But as long as we could bring it back to the CLD principles, and the community plan, we could pitch in and support it.

“It was always about the people of Featherston.”

One of the “ultimate curveballs” was covid-19, which completely halted “business as usual”, Makin said.

Fab Feathy, guided and supported by its volunteer steering group, partnered closely with Jo Baldwin from the Featherston Community Centre [where its office was based] and other community movers and shakers to help coordinate the community’s response to the pandemic, called Kia Atawhai.

Together, they strengthened the relationship with the region’s food banks and helped ensure people isolating at home received food and supplies.

As the lockdown levels eased, Fab Feathy worked with others to help people reconnect by supporting initiatives like First Fridays – a community party held on the first Friday of every month through summer – and Dogs in Togs at the local pool.

“People had got very

isolated, very lonely during covid. So we looked for ways to give people low-risk opportunities to connect with people again and have fun together,” Makin said.

Community initiatives supported by Fab Feathy in its six years include a community potluck dinner and Day of the Dead festival in 2018, funding a youth programme for the 2019

Featherston Booktown, a new community website and providing multiyear support to bike track developments, the Wairarapa Moana Trail, and Feed and Fund nights. Makin is in no doubt as to the power of community-led development to help communities thrive and flourish, and to “amplify the amazing work that is already happening”.

“When something is community-led, it is so much more likely to be successful,” she said. “If someone who doesn’t know the community tries to push through what they think needs to happen to Featherston, people don’t take to it.

“Ideas from the community, done by the community, are so much more likely to be successful and sustainable. Initiatives will keep going because there are people that care, and there are people looking after them.

“Communities are powerful drivers for change.”

ABOVE: The Featherston bike track.

LEFT: Community garden coming together.

Featherston’s Anzac Hall will be filled with the sound of many voices this week when specialist early choral group, The Tudor Consort, brings their musical commemoration of Holy Week to the Wairarapa region.

The concert, Alone to Sacrifice, is a “wideranging and hard-hitting programme”, the choir’s musical director, Michael Stewart, said – and incorporates pieces from the English Tudor period through to the last decade.

“It is acapella choral music, so entirely voices alone,” Stewart explained.

“The general theme of the concert is ‘alone to sacrifice’, so it uses a lot of the wonderful music written for the church. But it partners up with some really hard-hitting poetry from our era about issues like political disappearances from Chile.”

Putting the programme together has been “a lot of fun”, Stewart said, “and quite creative.”

“I wanted to base the project around a large work called Cantos Sagrados [Sacred Songs] by Sir James MacMillan, and I found some rather anguished pieces by Thomas Wilkes and Thomas Tomkins – two English renaissance composers – that shared that kind of passion.”

But, Stewart promised, “It’s not all doom and gloom”.

“There’s a particularly lovely piece by Hubert Parry called Lord Let Me Know Mine End, which has got some lovely, lovely moments, and is a change of scene. It’s more

Edwardian England – and a really lush, romantic sound.”

For Stewart, who has been with the choir since 2007, it is the “purity of the human voice singing together in harmony” that is especially powerful.

“That alone does something – and the way these great composers can manipulate harmony and use dissonance can really speak to the listener.”

While, during his tenure as choir director, Stewart has introduced more modern music to the repertoire, early choral music is “still our bread and butter”.

Concertgoers can expect “just beauty, really”, Stewart said. “The music is otherworldly. It’s not often people get to hear early renaissance music performed live, so it is something very different. “I hope the local community will come out and support it.”

• The Tudor Consort concert is at Anzac Hall on Saturday, March 23 at 4.30pm. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30, and children under 12 go free. Visit https:// events.humanitix.com/ featherston-alone-tosacrifice to purchase.

Molewood Orchard in Greytown opened for its 2024 Pick Your Own [PYO] season earlier this month.

The family-run orchard opened to the public for the first time last year, with its PYO apples season “greeted with huge enthusiasm” from visitors throughout Wairarapa and beyond, co-owner Wendell Cooke said.

This season, the orchard opened its pear block to pickers: With fruit lovers able to choose from the Buerre Bosc, Packham’s, Taylor’s Gold and Doyenne du Comice varieties.

Wendell Cooke said the

Up the apples and pears in Greytown

orchard will be opening its new picnic area, Molewood Meadows, to the public – intended as a hang-out spot for customers and a space for community events.

Cooke said the first couple of PYO sessions for this year have been well-attended. “One family even brought a trolley and the kids had a great time riding along with the apples”.

Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole St, Greytown, is open for PYO apples and pears 9am-4pm each Saturday and Sunday until the end of King’s Birthday Weekend.

The Tudor Consort will perform at Featherston’s Anzac Hall on March 23 at 4.30pm. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Bound for Brancepeth: a governess’ journey

As 21-year-old Elizabeth Okey arrived in Wellington Harbour in winter 1903, she took notes on her first impressions of the country she would live in for the rest of her life. Elizabeth had left her job as a teaching assistant in Southampton, England, to emigrate to New Zealand and would eventually become a governess at Brancepeth, the large sheep station at Wainuioru, east of Masterton.

Elizabeth’s grandson, Wellington author Tom McGrath, last year launched his book Wartime Secrets from the Family Home. It focuses on his family’s experiences in both World Wars, using letters, diaries and photos discovered by chance as he cleared out the old family home in Wellington five years ago.

The book touches on Elizabeth’s arrival in New Zealand and her work in Wairarapa.

“Elizabeth had

previous work experience as a teaching assistant at Malvern House Preparatory School in Southampton and was an accomplished pianist,” McGrath told Midweek

Before emigrating to New Zealand, Elizabeth had become engaged to the headmaster of Malvern House, Frank McGrath.

A booklet called “Malvern House Notes”, dated October 1903, carried some writing by Elizabeth after her ship arrived in Wellington from Sydney.

“…our first view of New Zealand was the rocky and precipitous coast on either side of Cook Strait, and that evening we reached Wellington in the North Island,” she wrote.

“Next morning a good view was to be had, and we saw the town and beyond it. Houses dotted here and there upon the mountain sides. It is always windy in Wellington and besides we arrived there in mid-winter. We visited the chief sights and the Houses of Parliament,

which we saw the ring of snowclad mountains.”

“Elizabeth was well educated,” Tom said.

“She went to Canterbury initially but found it too cold and moved back north to get the job at Brancepeth.”

Brancepeth in the early 1900s was one of the largest sheep stations in New Zealand. It employed around 300 people, and had a library with a librarian.

Frank followed

Elizabeth to New Zealand

in 1905 to become a teacher at Whanganui Collegiate and resume contact with his fiancée.

“My grandmother continued working in Wairarapa until she and Frank got married in 1907,” McGrath said. “It was the arrangement in those days for governesses to resign when they married.”

Elizabeth spent the rest of her life in Whanganui, was a music teacher for some years, and raised three children. Frank became a captain in the New Zealand military forces during World War I and, deemed to old to

serve on the front line, took charge of training cadets at Whanganui Collegiate.

Elizabeth and Frank’s son Hugh [Tom’s father] served five years with the New Zealand army in North Africa and Italy during World War II.

“Hugh wrote over 200 letters to my grandparents during the war and also took dozens of photos. They were all stored away for years so it’s been possible to write a book about family experiences in both World Wars, with unique eyewitness commentary.

“My father had very

good handwriting and even though the letters would have been written in tents or in trucks, it is very clear and easy to read.” McGrath himself has been a polytechnic lecturer, factory inspector, union organiser and contributing author to books on employment relations and human resources management.

• Tom McGrath’s book is available through the Wairarapa Library Service, or can be purchased through www. writeshillpress.co.nz

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Malvern House, Frank

ABOVE: The Brancepeth Homestead at Wainuioru. PHOTO/FILE LEFT: Elizabeth Okey.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

March Lawn Care

Autumn is here, and this is the best time to sow a brand new lawn or give an existing lawn some TLC to get it into top shape. Sowing in autumn gives your lawn a chance to harden o and establish before winter, the soil is still warm, and the weeds haven’t taken hold (like they can do in spring).

SOWING THE SEED

Sow on a ne day, preferably when rain showers are forecast.

For even distribution measure the area to be done and divide it into two lots. Scatter half in a north-south direction, the other half at right angles, in an east-west direction.

Autumn is the best time of the year to sow & repair lawns, and it is worthwhile putting in the e ort to get it right rst time.

PREPARE THE GROUND

Doing this before sowing the seed can make the world of di erence. If necessary, spray the existing area with Grosafe Knockdown—it may take up to two weeks for the old grass and weeds to die completely. If you can, waiting another two weeks to allow any weed seeds to germinate and then spraying again will give you a nice clean slate. The ground will then need to be dug/ cultivated, and for best results add a 2530mm layer of Tui Lawn Preparation Mix to the area. This will provide lawn seed with a base of essential nutrients and fertiliser. Create a level and compact area for your lawn by raking, rolling and lling in where needed. Give the ground a thorough water before sowing.

Quality matters when it comes to sowing lawn seed (any seed in fact), so you can be sure it will be free of weeds; have a higher, and faster, germination rate with good moisture content. We recommend either Tui or Burnet’s seed for best results. Tui Lawn Force Superstrike Seed features a unique treatment which encourages fast germination (you should see results in as little as 7 days) but is then slow growing for less mowing. This treatment also protects the

Care needs to be taken when feeding new lawns, and until recently there hasn’t been a lot of choice for lawn fertilisers for new lawns. Tui Lawn Force ‘New Lawns’ has:

 Convenient slow release fertiliser prills for up to ten weeks feeding

 The correct blend of nutrients required to

IRRIGATION

The right amount of water is crucial to the success of a new lawn. Over-watering can lead to a disease called damping o . Damping o is a problem where several di erent fungus cause emerging grass shoots to collapse; turn thread like and wilt; turn a green/gray/brown colour and roots will not establish.

seed from common fungal diseases during establishment, reduces bird theft and includes an additive to minimise dust. 750g covers 30m2. Some di erent types include:

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WHAT SEED SHOULD YOU SOW?

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We highly recommend using a top quality lawn preparation mix for sowing new, or repairing existing lawns.

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It also contains slow release lawn fertiliser; promotes fast germination of lawn seed and sustained growth to encourage a lush lawn.

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GRAB A BARGAIN

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REDUCED TO CLEAR SPOT down the path towards the back shed.

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A quality lush green lawn will not only make your garden look so much better, it could also increase the value of your property.

Carterton

A Carterton couple taking care of the region’s number ones and twos at events, weddings and gatherings with their innovative and eco-friendly take on the portaloo is embarking on a tree giveaway to celebrate their fifth anniversary of being in business.

Rachael and Matt Dell of Little Green Dunny started their range of portable, composting toilets in 2019 as a more sustainable –and pleasant – alternative to the traditional chemical portaloo.

Their first little green dunny – which was wheelchair accessible –debuted at Wings Over Wairarapa.

Today, the couple have seven little green dunnies available for long or shortterm rental, and also build and deliver dunnies for purchase [flat pack for outof-region].

Over the past five years, Matt [known as the “muscle” of the operation] has “tweaked” the design, and “each one gets better and better” – but the core principles have remained the same.

“We’ve developed a design that is as simple as it can be. There’s nothing to break or fail. There are

no moving parts, so it’s simple to maintain.”

“We wanted it to be simple because these toilets go out to events, and it will be the toilet to use, so you don’t want it to be complicated,” Rachael [affectionately referred to as the “hustle” of the business] said. “You just want to go.”

The couple admits the portable eco-loo idea would have struggled 15 years ago – but attitudes have shifted in recent years as people have become more environmentally aware of issues like water usage and climate change.

“It can be up to six litres every time you flush a conventional toilet. The compost loo doesn’t use water, so people living in dry conditions or not on reticulated water really like our dunnies,” Rachael said.

At the beginning of every hire or purchase, the Dells provide a guide to servicing the loos, “and the ins and outs of how it works”, Rachael said.

As well as not being a smelly experience for the user, like a traditional chemical portaloo, little green dunnies just keep on serving the public need, explained Matt.

“Because we supply as many bins as people need [for their event], once it’s full, it’s not like they have

to stop using it. They just swap the bin out and put another one in,” he said.

“The endless capacity of our loos is a bit of a point of difference.”

The tree giveaway is Matt’s idea and a way for the dunny duo to “give back, in a small way, through trees”, Rachael said.

“For every week we’ve been in business – which adds up to 260 weeks – we will donate a tree.”

Community groups and planting groups are especially welcome, the couple said, as they fit well with the profile of some of their clientele.

“Quite a few of our hires have been for planting days, and there are bound to be other groups out there doing good works,” Rachael said.

“We just want to make it easy for people and let them know that if you have a community focus and a place for a tree to go, then get in touch.”

If your group or initiative fits the bill, contact Rachael Dell at Little Green Dunny at rachael@ littlegreendunny. co.nz

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

Rachael and Matt with one of their Little Green Dunnys.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Helping our community prosper

We support our community by offering competitive loan and investment rates. We also do this by distributing our profits back into the community through grants from the WBS Charitable Trust.

Invest with WBS and you’re supporting a vibrant and thriving Wairarapa

Each year the Trust holds two grant funding rounds, with the next running for the month of April. An application form will be live at the following address during this time: wbs.net.nz/funding/

See below the smiling faces of some of October’s grant recipients. These are the true faces of WBS.

Environment and sustainability: Waiwaste

‘As a non-profit food rescue organisation, funding is essential to keep us running. Food waste has a huge environmental impact and the funding we receive enable us to do our part in ensuring a healthy future for our planet while also fulfilling the increased needs of our community.’

VICTORIA ROSS, MANAGER

Education: Tinui Playgroup

‘Thank you so much to the WBS Charitable Trust for their generous grant program and for including us last year. In a year where our wee community has been digging deep to recover from the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, the support is hugely appreciated.’

LAURA JOHNSTON, COMMITTEE MEMBER

Get in touch now to discuss your lending or investing needs

Arts and culture: Wairarapa Youth Orchestra

‘We’re very grateful to the WBS Charitable Trust for their generous grant, which we’ll use to book a great venue for our major concert of the year.’

RACHEL

MILLAR, COMMITTEE MEMBER

Community: Wairarapa Ki Te Upoko –Māori Wardens

Sports and recreation:

Galaxy Cheer All Stars

‘A huge thank you to WBS Charitable Trust for supporting us to get competition team uniforms. The girls are going to shine!’

JILL CARLYON, CLUB ADMINISTRATOR

‘Thanks to the WBS Charitable Trust for helping us purchase a van. This van will now be our comms emergency van and will benefit the region in many ways.’

SEAN TRUEMAN, AREA OPERATIONS MANAGER

Arts and culture: Phoenix News

‘ We’re grateful for the support of the WBS Charitable Trust, ensuring that we can dedicate quality time to sharing news from our youth’s viewpoint, lifting them up and encourage them to speak out.’

JOANNE BALDWIN, MANAGING EDITOR

(06) 370 0070

wbs@wbs.net.nz

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Community: Wairarapa Centre Community Trust

‘Thanks to the WBS Charitable Trust for supporting our community garden, which provides space for community groups to grow vegetables, for people to learn how to grow fruit and vegetables, and for people to grow into gardeners.’

BEVERLEY JACK, CENTRE MANAGER

Standing up for Lily in age-old debate

Another day, another woman shares the realities of modern life, another social media firestorm. The 21st century writers’ room needs some new material.

Last week, British singer Lily Allen broke the internet after disclosing, via a podcast, her struggle to maintain a pop music career after having her two daughters.

“I love them and they complete me, but in terms of pop stardom, totally ruined it,” Allen said. “It really annoys me when people say you can have it all because, quite frankly, you can’t.”

Amateur pundits took to X [the “artist” formerly known as Twitter] to air their displeasure. Some called Allen “selfish” for speaking out. “Damn that’s cold,” scolded others. “That sounds like such an excuse — lots of other women manage it!” scoffed a few more.

Several others, however, jumped to Allen’s defence. Said one user: “People hate when women tell the truth. It’s extremely hard to have a career and children. She’s letting young women know what she probably wished someone told her.”

Young(ish), scrappy & hungry

Erin Kavanagh-Hall

Allen’s interview has reignited the age-old debate – can motherhood and a fulfilling, well-paid career go hand in hand? And if a Grammy Awardwinning artist supposedly can’t swing it, what hope is there for the rest of us?

If recent statistics are anything to go by, I’d wager many working māmā in Aotearoa might be a little short on hope.

A 2022 report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment found New Zealand mothers experience, on average, a 4.4 per cent decrease in hourly wages upon returning to work – a phenomenon known as the “motherhood penalty”. Māmā who return to work after 12 months or more experience an 8.3 per cent wage decrease. Mothers in lower-paid employment are less likely to return to work full stop.

[No, there’s no comparable “fatherhood penalty”.]

If Kiwi women are to return to work, their reduced wages are gobbled up by childcare – which, according to OECD data, is the least affordable in the developed world. Research commissioned by Manatū Wāhine – Ministry for Women found māmā are increasingly abandoning the workforce, as they cannot afford childcare – and are forgoing an estimated $116 million in wages each year.

Plus, as 2021 research from Victoria University and AUT found, women are still shouldering the lion’s share of parenting: Which, in our judgementheavy digital world, involves not only the bulk of the domestic labour, but organising the kids’ myriad extracurricular activities, actively supervising their education, and making

sure they’re eating all their organic vegetables. On top of paid work. As the researchers shared with Stuff, their participants were feeling as if they were “failing at both work and home and constantly exhausted”.

Yup — it’s hard to have a career and children. And that’s without the travel demands, Paparazzi dodging, and body image maintenance in Lily Allen’s schedule.

As a working mother, I’m Team Lily on this one. And I find it hugely frustrating to see we are still, as a society, debating whether a woman can successfully juggle work and family — without said debate leading to any substantive change. I would ask those sounding off online: Do you think smashing your computer keys is helping here, or is there another solution? Are you voting for the parties most likely to remove structural barriers — like increasing parental leave, raising childcare subsidies, challenging the

gender pay gap? Business owners: What strategies do you have to support mums in the office? Friends and neighbours: Any chance of helping with the school run? Dads: Maybe unload the dishwasher for once?

Or…is it easier just to blame women for their “failings” and rant on the internet?

I’ll end with a quote from British journalist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett:

“To ask if women can have it all is a vacuous, superficial distraction. Many women are already ‘doing it all’, and they need help.” It’s 2024, folks — step away from Twitter, and step up for our māmā.

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz.

Extra

ARATOI

Unusual piece has hair-itage

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History holds over 3000 objects in its collection.

Last year, Aratoi staff were asked to choose objects to showcase in a special exhibition called “Choice: Staff Picks from The Collection”. One of the creepiest objects in the museum can be found in this exhibition.

You may have walked past without even noticing it. Located on the bright orange vestibule wall, in a plain wooden frame, is a wreath.

However, look closer and you’ll notice it is made of hair.

The label on the back of this framed wreath reads: “This collection of hair was obtained from members of the Wilton family and

arranged by Mary Wilton [née Bird], wife of Thomas, who was son of Robert Wilton, previously from Montacute, England. Some horsehair was used.”

Shudder

The Victorian fascination with the macabre has its roots in the 40 years of public mourning undertaken by Queen Victoria after the death of her husband. After Prince Albert’s demise, she wore black for the rest of her life, and death became an everyday part of 19th-century life.

Mementos mori [reminders of the inevitability of death] were carefully woven from the hair of the deceased. These objects were then turned into items of jewellery, or added to family or

CONSERVATION KŌ RERO

Pupils try hand at ecological building

This month, young people from five schools gathered to explore ideas around ecological building, a theme area in the Enviroschools programme.

Ecological building enables us to live more sustainably and encourages a close relationship with nature. Working with the Wairarapa Earth School, based at South End School, made this workshop a great success – as all the Earth School projects are examples of ecological building. The young people quickly picked up the concepts, and were inspired to go away and apply them to projects in their schools.

“Ecological building

is building while being conscious of the environment,” a South End School pupil said. The young people noticed how some buildings encourage community, and others expressed our culture and what was important to us. Putting in order life cycle cards of different materials, they discussed the long- and short-term effects of the building materials we choose to use. Another group learned how important insulation and orientation was, saving money and creating healthy homes.

The second part of the workshop involved drawing up a project using some of the ecological building concepts they had learned about. The projects included a pizza oven, an outdoor kitchen,

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Update your dog account online via the Council website (www.mstn.govt.nz) to ensure you receive your dog registration in June.

Would you like your registration emailed? Send your details to animalservices@mstn.govt.nz or phone 06 370 6300.

community hair wreaths.

Aratoi director Sarah McClintock delighted in choosing this piece for the exhibition.

“Hair is intimate. It grows from us and, for many, it is closely tied with identity,” she said. “We use our hair to indicate our sexual and social alignments: Undercuts, afros, mohawks, mullets and moustaches each act as signifiers to the world our culture, heritage, and

personality.”

McClintock previously worked with artist Cat Auburn on the awardwinning exhibition “The Horses Stayed Behind” in 2015/2016 at the Suter Art Gallery in Nelson, in which Victorian hair wreath techniques were used to memorialise the 10,000 horses that left Aotearoa during World War I.

“As part of the project, I learnt how to make basic rosettes and even made

a human hair wreath using hair from myself, my mother and my sisters as a gift for my father,” McClintock said.

“The hair was intricate, and it was slippery work as the hair refused to cooperate. Horsehair is infinitely easier to manipulate,” she laughed.

“Some of the hair was from haircuts we had as children. Also a haircut of my mother’s that I very vividly remember from the early 1990s. She had her very long hair cut and received the shoulder length perm many women donned 30-40 years ago.”

McClintock’s sense of nostalgia inspired her to choose this piece to add to the Staff Picks exhibition.

“It should be benign, but hair is loaded with meaning – some of it sad, unsettling, or absurd.”

• “Staff Picks from the Collection” is showing until May 5.

and a quiet place, good for reading in, where nature could thrive.

“Ecological building is using your surroundings to build beautiful things,” a Fernridge School pupil said.

The highlight of the workshop was stomping and dancing in clay, sand, straw and water to create cob, a natural building material that has been used in many homes around Wairarapa. The young people developed

structures from the cob, testing out its qualities and their theories of design.

Knowing we are part of nature and working with nature, rather than trying to dominate it, is going to lead to better outcomes for conservation and the sustainability of our world. Creating opportunities for our young people to be learning in the natural environment, learning about the qualities and cycles of the natural environment, and then

taking action in their schools and homes, is important for their wellness.

It is an age-appropriate response to the climate crisis and shown to encourage hopeful thinking.

• The Wairarapa Midweek has partnered with conservation groups to put a spotlight on conservation efforts locally.

Wreath, Mary Wilton [1837-1895], human hair, horse hair, beads, metal, wood, glass, 1880s. Gift of an anonymous donor.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Gill Stewart Enviroschools Community Facilitator

Wairarapa primary school pupils learnt how to make a natural building material called cob.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

‘A very special time’

With Easter just around the corner, ANGELA YEOMAN sat down with a group of Hadlow School pupils, who, together with their Chaplain, shared their insights on the meaning behind the holiday –as well as their thoughts on prayer, God, and chocolate eggs.

Reverend Mannie Marara, the chaplain at Hadlow Preparatory School said, “Easter is a hard topic to teach because someone dies, but the focus is on that person coming back to life. Christianity as a religion only exists because of the Easter story.”

Midweek sat down with students from Hadlow, one of the

insights.

The pupils reflect a range of ethnicities and come from different towns across Wairarapa. Rev Mannie was born in Zimbabwe, worked in the UK for a time, and then came to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife.

“Easter is a special time,” Lucy [Year 5] said. “Jesus, who is really God, came to

God came down to show people what is right. He sacrificed his only son, who was crucified on the cross, to save people from their bad

He thought a

while and then said, “We don’t have punishments like the cross in New Zealand today. But we do have taxes.”

“People were sinning and doing bad things,”

Aisling [Year 7] added. “We are so grateful to Jesus for dying on the cross for us.” She said she envisages God as a flame of light who “hears us”.

Isaac [Year 8] said he envisages God as a pair of hands, for many reasons: “God’s hands created the world. When we pray, we put our hands together. We also

stretch out our arms and our hands to help people in need.”

Aisling and Isaac both talked about being close to God and the use of prayer.

“I pray if I’m worried or if someone else needs help,” Aisling said.

“We can be closer to God, because now we don’t need a priest to mediate between us and God,” Isaac says. “We can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus.”

All the pupils talk about how Easter is also a special family time.

Lucy and Coby both said that Easter is also a time to remember any family members who have died. Han talked excitedly about how Easter is a time when he gets to see family from all over New Zealand and even from Malaysia. Over Easter, Isaac enjoys reading the Bible and doing devotions with his Grandma.

The giving and receiving of chocolate eggs at Easter also came up.

“Eggs have an ancient meaning,” Rev Mannie said. “They were given and received long before chocolate became

popular.”

“They represent new life and the miracle of Jesus,” Coby said. “He rose again and gave us all new life.”

“And the hollow chocolate eggs represent the empty tomb once Jesus rose,” Lucy added.

Isaac volunteered that, “God gave us the ability to have our sins forgiven, which is sweet like chocolate.”

Rev Mannie spoke about the emphasis in Christianity on free will.

“We are promised grace when we make mistakes – and Easter is the biggest reminder of that grace – but we must ask for it. There is the need for action on our part.”

He said concept of service was important: “If we serve, we remind people they are all worthy.”

Rev Mannie encourages all the students at Hadlow to reflect Christian values through their lived experience and how they treat others. “We are all important and we are all loved. Jesus stressed that point the night before he died. We respect everyone and all other religions.”

Lifestyle

Clockwise from left: Han, Isaac, Aisling, Coby and Lucy.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lifestyle

Make your unpleasant jobs

Midweek Musings

Tim Nelson

We all have things in our lives that we just don’t want to do.

In many cases, these tasks or activities are simply unavoidable. We feel that dread as the task gets closer, then dislike doing it as it happens, with only a sense of relief once it has been completed – but tinged with the knowledge it will happen again.

If the task really is unavoidable, there is something we can do to make it more palatable – link it to something you actually enjoy doing. For example, a long commute could become a time to listen to your favorite podcast while drinking a coffee from a drive-through café. Or exercise could be done on a treadmill while watching a TV show you enjoy. Link the unpleasant task to an enjoyable activity that can be done at the same time, and the task itself won’t seem as impossible.

Feedback

I ran into a parent from

my school. She shared some absolutely lovely feedback on the teachers of her two children. It was so heartwarming and pleasing to hear. I already know how good these teachers are, but this doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy hearing it from others.

So often, good things happen to us, or those we care about, because of what others do. We always appreciate it, but very rarely give feedback to those who earn it, even though it’s such an easy thing to do.

Take a moment to reflect on positive feedback you have both given and received. If it has led to a feeling of positivity within yourself, then surely this is a signal that we should be giving out more of the good stuff ourselves.

It’s never too late when you start slowly Podcaster Rich Roll has been an athlete and health and fitness advocate for almost 40 years. This has

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mostly been in endurance sports, such as swimming and multi-sports events. However, at 57 years of age, he has seen the benefits of weight training and has started to focus on this form of exercise.

Whereas others may feel that weight training is for younger people, Roll has found it to be the opposite. Starting from lifting very light weights, often with nothing on the bar, he has progressed to a point in which he is the strongest he has ever been

– more so than when he was a potential Olympic swimmer over 30 years ago.

I loved hearing the pride and enthusiasm in Roll’s voice as he discussed the progress he has made at an age where most would think it’s too late to even consider weight training. There are two great lessons we can learn from Roll’s weight training progress. One, the evidence that it’s never too late to start, and two,

the small steps he has used to make the progress he has achieved.

Two reminders, on the same day, to take small steps

Sometimes ideas come to us from all manner of sources. We might mentally store them away for future reference but, more often than not, we forget them. However, when the same idea from more than one source hits us on the same day, I think it’s worth sharing, even if it’s one that has

PHOTOS/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

more appealing

been shared many times before.

This morning when reading Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act, I came across the idea of taking small steps to break out of a creative rut. This immediately resonated with me, partly because “small steps” is part of the title of my book – but more because I believe absolutely in the idea of taking small steps to get started on anything. That momentum, no matter how small, can be the impetus to keep going.

Shortly after reading Rubin’s book, I was driving to the gym listening to a podcast discussion between Rich Roll and author Cal Newport. In the discussion, they talked about how author Ryan Holiday will break big projects down into small chunks, making the project so much more manageable. Taking one chunk at a time gradually completes the project – again, because momentum through small steps has led to completion of what may once have seemed like an unmanageable task.

Stick to your systems

Sometimes in life, we have times that are especially challenging. These challenges could almost come out of the blue, or they could be a slow burn, something that gradually creeps up without us knowing – until it becomes a lot bigger than we’d like it to be, making it very hard to confront and address.

I have recently been through a period of my own significant challenge. It certainly wasn’t easy, but I feel like I have come out the other side. It’s hard to say for sure – but I believe that it was a case of sticking to my systems and routines, the very same that I apply during the good times. This has helped me feel more on top of things and in control of my life in the most positive way.

For me, my daily systems include: Meditation, reading positive content, writing these posts, exercise, and eating a healthy diet.

Often, I didn’t feel like doing these five things – but

on most days I did them even when, for example, exercising was the last thing I felt like doing. It’s easy to do the right thing during the good times. However, it is during our most challenging times that the benefits truly come through and we reap the most reward.

• Tim Nelson is principal of Lakeview School and author of the book Small Steps for a Happy and Purposeful Life. He endeavours to learn something new every day by reading books, listening to podcasts, and engaging with a wide range of other content.

Lifestyle

The Solomon Islands heads to the polls in April 2024.

This island nation, strategically located along the Pacific shipping lanes and amid rich fishing grounds, is linked closely to New Zealand’s own history. The coming elections may mark a turning point in our Pacific neighbour’s own security arrangements.

personnel” access to the country. As well – if consent is forthcoming – the deal allows China to “make ship visits” and deploy forces “to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects”.

Next month’s election will be the first since the country switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. Then, in April 2022, the nation signed a security deal with Beijing that potentially gives Chinese “armed police” and “military

To some observers, this reads like a potential blank cheque for a longer-term Chinese military and naval presence in the South West Pacific.

The Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has been head of government four times – but never for consecutive terms. He is now bolstered by Chinese financial support and he faces

a weak and divided opposition. Yet, the outcome of Prime Ministerial elections in the Solomon Islands is always difficult to predict, and the April election may also be hard to forecast.

This month, the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs will be hosting Professor Jon Fraenkel, who will address the situation in The Solomon Islands.

Fraenkel is a Professor of Comparative Politics in the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations at Victoria University

of Wellington. He was formerly a senior research fellow at the Australian National University and the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

 The background to the 2024 election in The Solomon Islands.

Currently, he is the Pacific correspondent for The Economist newspaper, and has published extensively on the politics of various Pacific nations, including Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Kiribati, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. He led an independent review team that produced a 2014 report on the Regional Assistance Mission of the Solomon Islands. Fraenkel’s talk will cover:

 The earlier unrest that plagued the country from 19982003.

 The Australian and New Zealand-led Regional Assistance Mission that occurred over 2003-17. He will also explain the electoral mechanics and the potential for postelection disturbances next month or after.

• The event will be held at Rosewood, 417 Queen St, Masterton, on Thursday, 21 March, at 7.30pm. There is a $5 door fee for visitors. Tea and coffee will be served.

Waterfront houses in a village in Marovo Lagoon of the Solomon Islands.

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Space engineer Dr Betina Pavri will visit Masterton this Friday to talk about the Mars Curiosity Rover mission.

Pavri formerly worked on the Curiosity Mission at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion laboratory. She said, “I’ll present an overview of Curiosity’s science goals, how its landing site was selected, the rover and its science instruments, and challenges in development and operations”.

The mission was in development for nearly a decade before the launch in 2011.

“The journey to Mars took eight months, arriving at Gale Crater in August 2012. Thousands of scientists and engineers from many nations worked together to design a rover

to answer a fundamental question: Was Mars ever compatible with the development of Earth-like life?”

Pavri will describe some of the most important scientific findings from the Curiosity mission so far and give a summary of her work on the now multidisciplinary PaihauRobinson Research Institute.

Pavri is a senior principal engineer at the Institute which is at Victoria University of Wellington, Te Herenga Waka. She supports the development of superconducting magnet technologies for space applications.

Previously, she worked as a senior operations and systems engineer at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

as part of the development and operations team for the Mars Science Laboratory Rover, the Dawn Mission to asteroids Vesta and Ceres, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter among others. She holds degrees in physics, engineering/applied science and planetary geology.

Pavri will deliver her talk to a meeting of Science Wairarapa at 7.30pm on Friday, March 22, at the Education Centre, 22 Dixon St, Masterton. All are welcome. A door charge of $5 will apply.

• Science Wairarapa is supported by Wairarapa REAP.

Mars Curiosity Rover. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Citizens Advice Bureau is turning

CAB has become an essential community service, somewhere people can go to learn about their rights and obligations, resolve issues and disputes, to get the best outcomes and it is a free service. Client privacy and confidentiality is assured.

WaiCAB is linked into the CABNZ 0800 service with Clients calling in from anywhere in NZ, accounting for 40% of clients we assisted in 2023-2024. Wairarapa based enquires made up 60% of the 1,892 client services we delivered in the last year. Our trained volunteer

interviewers research options specific to each client‘s situation. They then explain the information and options to the client in a way that helps them to understand and work out what they want to do next. We always work to empower the client to make their own decisions.

Nationally our service has over 2,600 trained volunteers in over 80 CAB offices throughout New Zealand. Our volunteers are supported by a comprehensive knowledgebase and regular professional development opportunities, supported

by resources, processes, information and advice provided by CABNZ National Office staff.

From an early beginning with 2 volunteers based in Centre Point in 1974, WaiCAB evolved

through the years, in 1998 it celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the Frank Cody lounge and

moved to its present base in Masonic United Lodge Rooms, 43 Perry Street. WaiCAB is now

Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa

WaiCAB help people with advice on a huge range of topics. In the past year there were

1,892 total client services provided

a fully Incorporated (in 1985) not for pro t organisation, locally based, with over 30 trained volunteers providing an essential service, 5 days a week.

If the role as a trained CAB volunteer sounds like you, call into our Perry Street o ce and pick

425 CLIENT INTERVIEWS

up an information pack. Full training is provided under the guidance of an assigned mentor. The key question we always ask clients, is, “How can we help?”

In celebrating WaiCAB’s 50 years of service to our Wairarapa community we need to acknowledge

REFERENCES

plus an additional 185 JP Clinics. The total time spent on in-depth interviews was 353 hours.

and celebrate all the many other Wairarapa community based social service organisations and shareholders with whom we liaise and refer clients to, who provide valued support and services for the many disenfranchised families and individuals needing their assistance.

COMMUNITY LAW CENTRE (TE KAI WHARE TURE O

WAIRARAPA) INC.

Helping the people of the Wairarapa access free legal advice, assistance, information, and education.

We operate the following Outreach Clincs:

1ST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

PAHIATUA: 10am-noon Heartlands Office

EKETAHUNA: 1-3pm Public Library

1ST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 11am-3pm

CARTERTON: Carterton Events Centre

2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 11am-3pm

FEATHERSTON: Community Centre

3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 10am-3pm

PAHIATUA: Heartlands Office

4TH WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

MARTINBOROUGH: 10-12pm Waihinga Centre

GREYTOWN: 1-3pm Public Library

Acknowledging and congratulating Wai CAB on turning 50

MASTERTON OFFICE

MONDAY to FRIDAY – 9 am to 4 pm

1st Floor, Wairarapa Sports House, Cnr Chapel & Jackson Streets, Masterton Ph: 0800 924 252 / 06 377 4134 | Email: info@wairarapaclc.org.nz

Many of these Wairarapa organisations go unannounced or acknowledged yet provide the very fabric that holds our Wairarapa community together, volunteering their time and expertise, exercising great compassion and support.

TOP 10 AREAS OF 1892

SERVICES 2023-2024 YEAR

CARTERTON: THE CENTRE OF WAIRARAPA’S ELECTRICAL WORLD

Situated in the centre of Wairarapa, the arms of Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances reach out as far as the district allows: Eketahuna, Pirinoa, Riversdale, and more.

Locally and lovingly owned and staffed, Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances is one of those shops that offers more than you might think.

“We invite you in so you can nd out what we can do for you,” says Michelle Wallace, co-owner of the store with husband and electrician, Grant, since 2017. “The oor space of the shop might not be as big or as ashy as some other stores, but we stock or can order in just about any appliance under the sun. And because we have nationwide purchasing partnerships in place, we can often buy our appliances cheaper; with cost savings handed on to the customer.”

One of the outstanding qualities of this mum-and-dad store is its customer service. Michelle and Grant’s seven staff are chosen for their technical skills but also their dedication to good customer service.

“Every one of us will give you an honest opinion about the servicing of your appliances and the options for buying new. Staff are not paid on commission, so we will always make recommendations you can rely on,” says Michelle.

“If something is not viable or costeffective to repair, we’ll say so,” says Sean Cushing, whose working life both in the UK and then NZ has revolved around servicing and reconditioning appliances whether they’re coffee machines, commercial catering equipment, small appliances and lamps, or whiteware. Repairs are his thing. These days, he is mainly found in the workshop although he’s also backup for the team in the case of emergency jobs.

A man of many parts, Bill de Boer trained in refrigeration and electrical back in the day, then went on to own his own appliance

servicing company. With a nearly 20-year interval involved in business management, and the subsequent development with his wife of a six-acre Martinborough farm producing commercial owers, citrus, and pigs, Bill has a whole knapsack of skills.

“Working for Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances is great,” he says. “I’m on the road servicing appliances, I get to meet lots of interesting and lovely people, and I’m kept up-to-speed with all the latest technology.”

Having worked in a few tech servicing teams, Bill rates Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances as “one of the best, with an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Owners Grant and Michelle, who live in Masterton, have long been part of the local community.

Grant was born and bred in Wairarapa and played rugby for the local Marist Club. He earned his electrician stripes back in the 90s.

Today, he coordinates the electrical team, Ants, Josh, and Marty, but is still on the tools himself covering commercial and residential new builds, extensions, renovations, and rewires.

Marty lives in Carterton and has been in the district most of his life.

With almost 40 years in the trade, he knows his stuff about electrical wiring jobs and whiteware servicing.

“I get so much satisfaction getting out and about and sorting out people’s electrical problems.”

Antz, who whakapapas to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Porou, has lived in Wairarapa most of his life. In his third year of an electrician apprenticeship, with just under a year of that time with Grant and Michelle, he’s enjoying both the renovations and the new builds.

Josh has been with Grant as an apprentice electrician since December, when he and his wife moved back to her home district.

“Shifting from industrial electrical work to residential has been really interesting,” he says. “I’m enjoying picking up new skills and broadening my expertise.”

Michelle, with her background in business administration and accounts, manages the day-to-day running of the business. Trish Terris and Natasha Locke complete the store’s tight knit team.

Trish focuses on service bookings, shop sales and creditors, with years of of ce management in hospitality and in her own storage company under her belt. Her husband Alex,

famous for his prowess in martial arts, established the karate club at Carterton School. The couple has become part of the fabric of Carterton.

Natasha is the of ce/service manager. “I organise the guys,” she laughs. She coordinates the service runs and liaises with customers.

“We go above and beyond, we go the extra mile, to ensure customers are satis ed.” She also deals with debtor accounts and other of ce management duties.

“At Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances we offer most brands of electrical appliances, we service everything we sell, and our friendly staff will deliver and install your appliances,” says Michelle.

“Because we are locally owned and operated, we care about you and what you need.

“And because we have quali ed electricians on our staff, we can do everything from repairing a light switch to replacing an entire switchboard and old electrical wiring. Come and see us for everything from your replacement light bulb to your brand-new fridge freezer, available with friendly personalised service added in.”

Here’s the team … Sean, Josh, Trish, Natasha, Michelle with Rocco, Grant, Ants, Marty and Bill.

Archive races to preserve film

Emily Ireland emily.ireland@age.co.nz

Wairarapa Archive staff are in a race against time, as they work to preserve deteriorating nitrate negatives in their collection.

In November last year, archive staff discovered a collection of large format panoramic nitrate film negatives were in an advanced state of deterioration, according to a Masterton District Council report.

Since then, staff have been identifying, separating, and storing affected items in cool storage.

Staff have identified where the bulk of potential items are and will continue the process of

rehousing these, a council spokesperson said.

Through rehousing the nitrate film to cold storage with temperature and humidity control, any further deterioration should be minimal.

The negatives were invented late in the 1800s as an alternative to glass photographic plates and were used widely until the 1950s or later.

“They produce wonderfully high-definition images, but the make-up of the negatives makes them susceptible to degradation – a process that can see images literally drip away,” a council spokesperson said.

“And as they degrade, the negatives can become caustic to the touch, and flammable.

“There’s a reason the Kodak replacement is called ‘safety film’.”

The issue was first

identified at the archive when a collection of material, deposited in 1998, was found to be dripping when investigated in November.

That prompted staff to search records for entries that may indicate nitrate film was present.

“Archive assistant manager Liz Conway has a spreadsheet with around 1500 records on it – one references 34 boxes of records, another 66 negatives, and another just one.

“When found, staff don personal protection equipment and move it to a dedicated refrigerator where it is most safely stored before images can be digitised.”

The Wairarapa Archive is administered by Masterton District Council.

– NZLDR Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Alternatives to Pine on your farm

FREE FIELD DAY

at our free field day.

Learn about the benefits of planting alternative species. NZ Farm Forestry members will share their experiences of what grows well and where, success and failure, costs and returns.

Date: Thursday 28 March

Time: 1-4pm

Location: near Masterton

Enrol on our website (www.nzffa.org.nz/events/) or scan this QR code if you want to attend the field day.

It will take you to more information and the registration form. Everyone is welcome.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

Our purpose: is for older people / kaumātua to live a valued life in an inclusive society.

Our Vision: To be recognised as a leading contributor to the wellbeing of older persons / kaumātua in our Wairarapa community.

Our Mission: Helping, connecting and empowering older persons in Wairarapa.

Our Values: The work of Age Concern Wairarapa is based on these values, with special reference to older people, koroua and kuia - Being responsive, Respecting all, Caring, Being committed to wellbeing.

Our Guiding Principles: are that our services are accessible, appropriate and affordable, inclusive, culturally appropriate and equally available to all.

The demands of caring for an older person may mean the carer has multiple responsibilities, sometimes required to manage two households.

It is not uncommon for a carer if they had full time employment, to reduce hours which can cause financial pressures.

As time goes on the amount of care increases, and the carer will be required to give up paid work.

This can lead to a sense of loss, further financial consequences and a loss of freedom, especially to pursue their own interests.

Due to a reduction in income, this will lead to a lower socioeconomic base which means as the carer ages there is a lower asset base to support them in their twilight years.

Many reasons can lead to the carer of an older person feeling under pressure, tired and stressed.

If we are unable to recognise stress then it will have an impact on our health (physical and mental), relationships within the family or we may start to isolate ourselves from friends.

Some signs of stress are: Anxiety, depression, irritability, feeling tired and run down.

Overreacting to minor nuisances, new or worsening health problems, feeling increasingly resentful, drinking, smoking, eating more or less, neglecting responsibilities, cutting back on leisure activities.

Its ok to ask for HELP for both for the carer and the older person.

HE TĀKAI KŌRERO MAI I WHAKAORIORI MASTERTON MONTHLY WRAP

Have your say on Council plans

Big plans are ahead for Masterton’s Town Hall, library, town centre and Masterton District Council wants your views.

The Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-34 Consultation Document is being finalised with public submissions open from Friday 5 April.

All councils in the country refresh their Long-Term Plans and consult their communities every three years, setting out what they have planned for the following 10 years.

Elected members have agreed that the three big decisions relate to the future of the Town Hall and Library, and progress of town centre improvements.

The new long-term plan will be called Tō Wāhi, Tō Mahere – Your Place, Your Plan, and outlines the Council’s priorities and spending proposals to support our community, and growth in our District. Council plans are required to be updated every three years because a lot can change in that time.

The proposed new plan has a strong focus on essential infrastructure – roads, water, and waste networks – but will also propose new options for the town hall, found earthquake-prone in 2016, Masterton District Library and the Wairarapa Archive, and improving water and roading infrastructure in Queen Street.

Pool inspections continue

To keep up-to-date and report issues, download Antenno from your Apple App Store or Google Play store.

These projects featured in the 2021-31 LongTerm Plan but increasing costs have prompted the elected members to seek a steer from the community about what direction to take.

When it goes to consultation in April, the plan will include three options for the future of the town hall, and three options for the library and archive, with two options for work in the town centre.

You can also have your say on proposals relating to how the Council funds community groups and organisations, and changes to services to achieve cost savings.

The Council proposes to spend more than $353 million in capital expenditure in the next 10 years, including nearly $160 million on roads, $51 million on water supply, $30 million on wastewater, and $12 million on stormwater.

More than $90 million is planned for community facilities and activites, which includes the Town Hall and library/archive projects.

But what do you think? It is essential that the community makes it views known on what direction the Council should be taking.

Have your say from Friday 5 April to Monday 6 May.

from Friday 5 April to Monday 6 May

Gambling consultation

Consultation on the Wairarapa

Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy Review closes at 4.30pm on Friday 22 March.

See the Council website for details.

The Building Act (2004) requires any pool that can be filled with a minimum of 400mm of water – including temporary pools – to have a secure barrier preventing access to children under five years old.

Masterton District Council is carrying out pool inspections to ensure barriers meet the legal requirements. What you need to know about council swimming pool inspections: Section 162D of the Building Act (2004) requires swimming pools to be inspected every three years by either the Council or an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) to ensure compliance.

Warranted Council O cers can enter properties to inspect pools under Section 222 of Building Act (2004). This inspection carries a fee of $165.

The elected members of the Council have agreed that the cost of pool barrier inspections should be targeted to those who own pools, not general ratepayers.

Common ways in which pool barriers fail to meet requirements:

y The gate does not self-close or latch.

y The barrier has deteriorated and is no longer suitable.

y Objects are placed against the barrier, such as seats, planter boxes – i.e. anything that can be considered an aid to climb a fence.

y Temporary pools are purchased without consideration of fencing requirements.

For detailed information, see the Swimming Pool Fencing Guidelines on the Council website: www.mstn.govt.nz

Warranted Council O cers are lawfully able to inspect pools without an appointment, however if you would like to book a specific day/time for your pool inspection or have any further queries, please phone 06 370 6300 or email: pools@mstn.govt.nz

y

y

y

POUTŪ-TE-RANGI 2024 MARCH 2024

Time for dogs to dive

It’s

Dogs in Togs returns to the the Lido pool at the Trust House Recreation Centre on Friday 6 April (after end of the season for people).

As usual, we are staggering events to give dogs of all kinds a chance to perform at their best.

Timings are as follows:

y Small dogs - 10-10.45am

y Under 15kg - 11-11.45am

y Mixed - 12-1pm

There will be toys for the dogs to play with, and a ramp for getting your dog in and out of the pool will be in place.

All dogs must be registered and have tags. Owners are welcome to swim with their dogs – they are responsible for their dog’s behaviour, and must clean up after their dogs.

SPCA and Companion dogs will be in attendance.

The fee of $5 fee per dog will be donated between SPCA and Companion Animals.

An

Council

y Thursday 21 March 5-6pm

y Tuesday 26 March 3-4pm

Council Meetings

The meetings of the Council and its committees for the coming month are listed below.

Unless specified, all meetings will be held in the Kiwi Room at Waiata House, 27 Lincoln Road, Masterton. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings. The meetings will also be accessible to the public via the livestream on the Masterton District Council YouTube channel. Agendas will be available on the Council website (www. mstn.govt.nz) and copies will be available for inspection at the main Council o ce, 161 Queen Street, and at the Library, 54 Queen Street, two working days prior to the meeting.

Opportunity for Public Comment

At the beginning of some meetings, a period is available for those who wish to speak or comment on any matter relevant to the meeting in question. Requests to speak at a meeting should be made to Harriet Kennedy, Governance Team Leader, phone 370 6300 or email mdc@mstn.govt.nz at least one clear day before the meeting.

What’s On

Friday 22 March

4:30pm Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy Review Consultation closes

Friday 29 March - Good Friday

Monday 1 April - Easter Monday

Wednesday 3 April 3pm Council Meeting

Friday 5 April

9am Long-Term Plan 2024-34 Consultation opens

Saturday 6 April

10am Dogs in Togs - small dogs

11am Dogs in Togs - medium dogs

12noon Dogs in Togs - large dogs

Monday 8 April

12 noon Applications for 2024 Community Climate Fund close

Monday 15 April

10am HE ARINGS: Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy Review Hurunui o Rangi Room, Carterton District Council, 28 Holloway Street, Carterton

Wednesday 17 April

3pm Infrastructure and Services Committee meeting

Wednesday 24 April

Senior Regional Games

Thursday 25 April - Anzac Day

STAY IN GOOD HEALTH

WAIRARAPA

Keeping well with Wallis C hiropractic

Dr Melanie Wallis has 20 years under her belt as a chiropractor in Masterton. She also has eight years of study and three quali cations in physiology, anatomy, and chiropractic, along with her decades of experience. Her focus is on assisting you to achieve the best possible outcome in your health goal.

“I work with patients from the cradle to the grave,” Melanie says, “including babies, people with ACC injuries, sportspeople, older people, and pregnant women.” With pregnant women, Melanie helps ensure the baby is positioned well and the pelvis is ready to go.

Stress management is also important to Wallis Chiropractic. “More people are anxious right now,” says Melanie. “When we are under stress, we produce cortisol. In small doses, this is good for us. Too much cortisol, however, can make muscles sore and a ect our nervous system.” She works

in a holistic way across the chemical, physical and emotional aspects of our wellness.

Not only does chiropractic address pain but patients often report also feeling more energised, sleeping better, and having increased concentration.

Crucial to Melanie’s work is getting to know us and our lives. She shares a rapport and a history with us that enables her to read our body language and recognise when she hasn’t got to the bottom of what’s going on. Cultural sensitivities are important, and Melanie always talks through what she intends to do before she touches someone. She wants you to be an active participant in your health.

Melanie Wallis is well connected with complementary health professionals including GPs, massage practitioners, radiology rms for x-rays, and TBI physiotherapy which is situated in the same building as Wallis Chiropractic in Masterton’s Park Street Health Centre.

Adding to her repertoire, Melanie is also known to adjust the spine of small animals such as piglets, cats, and dogs to help improve their health. As one of six chiropractors in her family, Melanie comes from solid chiropractic stock. “Family gatherings can be quite entertaining,” she says with a grin.

5 Park Street, Masterton

P 06 377 3117

E backonyourfeetnz@gmail.com

STAY IN GOOD HEALTH

Interested in advertising?

Email ads@age.co.nz

New place to go for Rewanui Park visitors

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

A new shelter for visitors has been constructed at the Rewanui Forest Park car park on Rewanui Lane, thanks to a $20,000 grant from Trust House.

The shelter, which measures 4.2 by 6m and was a project initiated by Masterton-based charity the Montfort Trimble Foundation [MTF], was

unveiled last Sunday during the Rewanui Park open day.

MTF chair Robin Dunlop said the group has been wanting to build the structure for some time but, “unfortunately, we previously didn’t have the necessary funds until Trust House gave us the grant”.

“This is great for the community and offers visitors a dry space if the weather picks up.”

Support to build the structure also came from Mitre 10 Masterton, which provided materials at a reduced cost. Higgins levelled the site free of charge, and Duane Poulsen from Polford Contracting, who built the shelter alongside MTF board members.

Dunlop said that there will be some future additions, including a concrete floor, seating and tables.

The Montfort Trimble Foundation and supporting organisations were seen at the opening of the new Rewanui Forest Park shelter last Sunday.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Freedom campers face ban

Freedom campers will now be banned from sections of the South Wairarapa coast under new rules.

South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] has adopted a bylaw that will prohibit freedom camping along some stretches of coastline and in central town locations, and restrict it in other places.

New Zealand’s freedom camping laws currently allow camping on all council land unless specifically prohibited.

SWDC’s bylaw gives council officers the power to enforce regulations through infringements and fines.

The council has also received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for the development and implementation of a Freedom Camping Ambassador Programme. This will enable community members to support the council’s monitoring and enforcement strategy.

At SWDC’s Strategy

Working Committee last week, staff said the bylaw will help address the problems caused by freedom camping in a “local and appropriate way” and would be enforced in a “reactive way” if complaints are received about campers.

SWDC did not previously have a bylaw relating to freedom camping.

Councillor Aaron Woodcock and Māori Standing Committee

representative Violet Edwards voted against the bylaw and councillor Pip Maynard abstained.

The intent of the bylaw is to enable SWDC to regulate and enforce how and where freedom camping happens within the district.

It proposes to preserve the status quo at existing coastal camping areas, while respecting the new Freedom Camping Act and offering protection to vulnerable areas,

particularly along the coast.

Included in areas where freedom camping is prohibited are: Martinborough Square and Clifford Square reserves, a 25km section of Cape Pallier Rd up to and including the lighthouse car park, and large areas of the ToraTe Awaiti Coast.

In particular, under the bylaw, freedom camping will be prohibited on Tora Farm Settlement

Rd and road reserve, Te Awaiti Rd and road reserve, Ngapotiki Rd and road reserve, and the section of White Rock Rd and road reserve adjacent to the coast between the Opouawe River and the Whawanui River.

Freedom camping is still allowed, with restrictions, at the following coastal reserves: Te Awaiti, North Tora, South Tora, White Rock, Ngawi, Ngawi Surf Breaks, and Lake Domain.

Freedom camping restrictions would apply to South Wairarapa townships.

The land at Ocean Beach is Department of Conservation land that does not come under the definition of Local Authority Land, and is therefore out of scope of the bylaw.

For further details on the bylaw, and for maps showing prohibited and restricted areas for freedom camping, see the council’s website: swdc.govt.nz/freedomcamping.

– NZLDR

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Marlee Partridge marlee.partridge@age.co.nz

Freedom camping is now prohibited at large portions of the Tora-Te Awaiti Coast in South Wairarapa.

PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND

areas.

Continuing hot and dry conditions mean that Wairarapa’s prohibited fire season will stay in place until further notice.

During the peak of the season, there had at times been several vegetation fires a day, but Fire and Emergency [Fenz] Wairarapa assistant commander Craig Cottrill said the number of callouts “certainly has slowed down”.

He noted that conditions are slowly changing with relative humidity overnight, but indices that help determine fire risk are still high, especially in Wairarapa’s coastal

The reduced number of fires in recent weeks shows “that message we’ve been putting out there is having an impact”, Cottrill said.

He believes people have “obviously become aware of the higher fire danger and have been modifying their behaviour”.

One of the key messages Fenz had been reiterating is to do any activities that may cause a spark – such as mowing grass – in the morning when conditions will be cooler and slightly damp.

Fenz community risk manager Phil Soal said the organisation is reviewing the fire season and fire risk levels on a weekly basis, and that the

region will move to a restricted fire season “as soon as we can”.

Indices are still at “the threshold where we can’t drop it to a restricted season at present”, Soal said.

Although some other regions are set to change their fire season levels, Soal said this does “not at all” indicate an imminent change for Wairarapa’s level.

For now, Wairarapa remains in a prohibited fire season.

A prohibited fire season means no openair fires are allowed, and all existing permits have been revoked.

• For further info, and tips on how to stay “fire safe”, go to www. checkitsalright.nz

A

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

CHURCH SERVICES GUIDE 2024

EASTER WORSHIP

Reflections on the meaning of Easter from our pulpits and our pews

There is no getting around the fact that Easter is pivotal to the Christian faith.

This was confirmed to the Wairarapa Times-Age by Pastor Pete Hampson and layperson Debbie Hunt from the Masterton Community Church, Pastor Arnoud Vergunst and layperson Johan van Rijn from the Reformed Congregation of Carterton, and Reverend Hennie Nothnagel from St Mark’s Anglican Church also in Carterton.

Debbie says that “everything starts and ends with Easter. Without Easter, Christianity wouldn’t exist. It is the foundation of what we believe and how to live.”

Debbie runs the intermediate youth group (for years seven to nine) at the Masterton Community Church and has been with this church for more than four years.

When she and her family moved to Wairarapa, they wanted to be part of a church

with a congregation that represented all age groups; and one in which their son would feel he belonged. For both Debbie and Pastor Pete, Easter is “the fulfilment of the Old Testament and the promise of the New. It represents the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Many people will give up their lives for others (in war, for example) but Jesus gave up his for individuals and for millions of people at the same time, and at a point in time when people were all sinners. But whether we accept this salvation or not is our free choice.”

Masterton Community Church is one of 70 New Life churches which have the freedom to express

themselves in their own community, as appropriate. Its mission statement, Pete says, is “serve to build.” By this he means that we can each learn to be a servant just as Jesus was a servant, so that we can build families and communities that feel joy and peace. “There’s something for everyone here,” Pete says. “We are an inclusive church.”

CHURCH SERVICES

Hennie, the Reverend at St Mark’s Anglican Church, says that Easter is the best time of the year.

“It really starts on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent,” he says, “which is 40 days prior to Easter itself. Lent is a time to prepare for what Christ will go through at Easter, and to reflect on whether there is anything in our life we need to change.”

For him, Easter is about new beginnings. “Down through the Old Testament and the New,” he says, “new beginnings seem to occur on the same day of the year, only decades and centuries apart, such as when the Israelities left Egypt and the day Jesus was resurrected.”

Hennie moved from South Africa to New Zealand in 2005 with his wife. They’ve been in Wairarapa for five years, but Hennie has only recently come to St Mark’s. He also runs the coffee cart set up outside St Mark’s Church, called The Holy Grounds. It specialises in Common Good Coffee with the slogan “drink gooder, feel gooder, and do gooder”.

From

the Reformed Congregation of Carterton,

Johan says that Easter can be a special time with family and a time of great hope.

“Easter is linked to Christmas,” he says, “in that Jesus was born into this world of suffering and hurt and was born for a reason. That reason was to give us life and hope

and joy. He gave his life willingly when he could have escaped. He wants to save the world and heal us and give us new life and a new start.”

Johan has lived in New Zealand for 18 years, coming from the Netherlands originally. He was brought up in the church, but says it wasn’t until 2006 that he began to know Jesus Christ in his heart not just his mind. It was at this point that he vowed to make a new start and improve his life.

“I was missing something. Jesus invites people to come to him and he has already made the payment for our sins.”

Jesus is, according to Christianity, both human and God. Thinking about who or what Jesus really was or is, Pastor Arnoud from the Reformed Congregation of Carterton says that “Jesus Christ was a real man with one difference – he was sinless, while we are not. His

body was affected by the sin of others and limited by his humanity while he lived, but he remained sinless. He was also united with God.”

The Reformed Congregation of Carterton is primarily composed of descendants of Dutch immigrants. Pastor Arnoud from the Church, like Johan, was born in the Netherlands. He moved to America at age 21, and then moved to New Zealand in 2000. At some point he was called back to the US for a few years but returned in 2020.

Pastor Pete says that “Jesus put aside his ‘godness’ to experience humanity with all its pain and sorrow so that he could walk the same path as us and relate to us.” “He could have called on his deity at any time to avoid the human experience,” Debbie adds, “but he chose not to.” Hennie also points out that Jesus said he was a “God of grace and mercy.”

GOOD

THURSDAY 28 MARCH

GOOD FRIDAY 29 MARCH 1.00PM

Friday Service, beginning at St Davids Union Church, 164 High Street South

SATURDAY 30 MARCH

7.00PM Great Vigil of Easter

EASTER SUNDAY 31 MARCH

9.30AM Easter Family Eucharist

Parish of the Epiphany

MASTERTON

MAUNDY THURSDAY 28 MARCH

7.00PM Maundy Thursday Service

GOOD FRIDAY 29 MARCH

2.00PM Good Friday Re ection

EASTER SUNDAY 31 MARCH

9.00AM Easter Celebration

G UIDE 2024 GUIDE

One of the key messages of Easter is that of hope for a new beginning.

“Easter is an incredibly sacred celebration,” Debbie says. “The resurrection on the Easter Sunday brings new life.”

Easter is also time to re ect, according to Pastor Pete.

“In a symbolic sense, Easter happens every day in my life. The Easter event took away horrible stu in life and through Jesus’s resurrection I’ve got hope and a future.”

“Our hope lies in Christ’s resurrection,” says Pastor Arnoud. “He died for his church and so paid for their sins and transgressions. When he was on the cross, Jesus Christ said words which can be translated as “it is done” or “paid in full.”

Jesus came as a messenger and then became the message.

Pastor Arnoud goes on to say: “the resurrection is all about hope and the power of new life. We can have a personal relationship with Jesus and get to know him through the scripture and the Holy Spirit.”

The resurrection makes Christianity unique. “No other spiritual leader makes the claim that its leader has been resurrected and is alive.”

Johan says, “Jesus Christ o ers us a new heaven and a new earth. People who trust in Jesus will be part of that: all our tears will be wiped from our faces and all our bodies will be re-created. This will happen when Jesus comes back, but no one knows when that will happen.”

EASTER WORSHIP

“The resurrection is not the last step of his work,” the Pastor says. “Our saviour is committed to nishing the work he started.”

All those who spoke to the Wairarapa Times-Age believe in the authenticity of the Bible as an inspired but also historical and accurate scripture. Pastor Arnoud and Rev Hennie both also mentioned the work of

Lee Strobel, an American investigative journalist and self-proclaimed atheist who set out to disprove the existence of God after his wife became Christian. His book The Case for Christ ends up proving the very things he had set out to disprove.

All the representatives of the three churches spoken to –both those from the pulpits and those in the pews – said

that “Jesus shows us the way. We belong, are worthy and are lovable. And so is everyone. Come to Him just as you are.”

Elsewhere in this Wairarpa Midweek you can also nd views about Easter from a handful of students from Hadlow’s Preparatory School.

Palm Sunday

23rd March

• Saturday Vigil 5pm St Patrick’s, Mstn

24th March

• Sunday 8.30am St Patrick’s, Mstn

• Sunday 10.30am St Teresa of Avila, Fstn

27th March Chrism Mass – 7.30pm

• St Teresa Pro-Cathedral, Karori

28th March – Holy Thursday

• St Teresa of Avila Church, Fstn 7.00pm Mass

• St Patrick’s Church, Mstn 7.00pm Word & Communion

Holy Week of Easter for the Catholic Parish of Wairarapa

29th March – Good Friday

• St Teresa of Avila Church, Fstn 3.00pm Service

• St Patrick’s Church, Mstn - 3.00pm Service

30th March – Easter Sunday

• St Patrick’s Church, Mstn 7.30pm Vigil Mass

31st March – Easter Sunday

• St Patrick’s Church, Mstn 8.30am Easter Mass

• St Teresa of Avila Church, Fstn 10.30am Easter Mass

Jumbo crossword

1

4

11

14

15

16

19

20

21

26

27

31

34

38

39

40

41

42

45

50

54

55

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61

62

66

67

72

74

79

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81 Perhaps (5)

82 Raises (5)

83 Reach the lowest level (5,3,6)

84 Brief (5)

DOWN

2 Go to bed (6)

3 Male relative (5)

5 Affected manners (4)

6 Live together (7)

7 Foist upon (6)

8 Seabird (4)

9 Control the rate of (8)

10 Gregarious (6)

11 Captaincy (10)

12 Corrosive liquid (4)

13 Knotted (7)

17 Synthetic fibre (5)

18 Smitten (10)

22 Spite (5)

23 Throw overboard (8)

25 Audit (7)

26 Enchant (7)

28 Breakfast fare (6)

29 No bail (anag) (6)

30 Treeless Arctic plain (6)

33 Oust (5)

35 About (5)

36 Religious representation (4)

37 Revered mentor (4)

42 Male duck (5)

43 Rider’s supports (8)

44 Language (6)

45 Accounts minder (10)

46 Had debts (4)

47 Increases twofold (7)

48 Rectangular (6)

49 Small cuts (5)

51 Submissive (4)

52 I comply (anag)(7)

53 Set into surface (6)

58 Cobblers (10)

59 Camera adjustment (5)

63 Handle (8)

64 Bind (5)

65 Funny (7)

68 Yellow-flowering pasture plant (7)

69 Escalate (4,2)

70 Exchanged (6)

71 Subs payer (6)

75 Run aground (5)

76 Outdoor sport (4)

77 Curved support (4)

78 Cry of pain (4)

Sudoku

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Antwerp, 4 Sweetheart, 9 Prodigy, 13 Page, 14 Jaguar, 15 Imbibe, 16 Episode, 19 Effortless, 20 Specimen, 21 Brief, 24 Fiancé, 25 Flimsy, 27 Spinnaker, 32 Offender, 33 School, 34 Beeswax, 38 Smoulder, 39 Glider, 40 Edge, 41 Plead, 42 Agony, 45 The Water-Babies, 52 Bogie, 55 Calms, 56 Acts, 57 Iguana, 58 Prolific, 61 Celsius, 62 Grille, 63 Reclines, 66 Incapable, 68 Images, 69 Adjust, 73 Chord, 74 Overtake, 76 Assessment, 81 Obtains, 82 Spinet, 83 Island, 84 Tarn, 85 Layered, 86 Adaptation, 87 Dilemma.

DOWN: 1 Apple, 2 Tug-of-war, 3 Pearls, 4 Sours, 5 Ears, 6 Thirsty, 7 Emblem, 8 Rabbi, 10 Ripe, 11 Deserve, 12 Gadget, 17 Gracefully, 18 Feint, 22 Umbrella, 23 Wafer, 24 Fuchsia, 26 Lids, 28 Proverb, 29 Reject, 30 Cherub, 31 Safari, 33 Sedge, 35 Salvo, 36 Solo, 37 Ogre, 43 Grader, 44 Names, 46 Hack, 47 Wastrel, 48 Trifle, 49 Rouge, 50 Abnormal, 51 Sordid, 52 Balderdash, 53 Gift, 54 Excerpt, 59 Cuban, 60 Acre, 64 Salve, 65 Lukewarm, 67 Narrate, 68 Inertia, 70 Phobia, 71 Catnap, 72 Penned, 75 Rapid, 77 Salon, 78 Tinea, 79 Once, 80 Fiji.

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

“Nudies”

Wairere Rams marketing manager Pierre Syben said the company sold 91 out of 95 pure Nudies, and 12 out of 23 Brazilian hoggets, which were disadvantaged slightly due to their age.

When Wairere first introduced Nudies on the market last year, three

is that there would be a mix of buyer types – those who would buy purebred Nudies and take all the wool off as fast as they could, and those who might buy a Streaker to only go part way and just take the belly wool and crutch wool off,” Syben said.

Wairere hosted a crowd of close to one hundred people.

are back on the golden years,” he said.

“We don’t have any control or any influence on what we get paid. The only thing we do have an influence on is our running costs.”

That said, breeding sheep is not a cheap business, as Wairere has invested overall about $1.5 million dollars to produce the Nudie sheep.

Syben said the team gave the breed a provocative name on purpose, “so people don’t forget it”.

one per cent inflation. How are we expecting our produce to sell to them at our inflated prices? It’s just not going to happen.”

Daniell said economic mismanagement on a macro scale, increased debt, and the government borrowing $75 million a day to “prop it up” was “ridiculous”.

“But you never saw this before the election. That was the main thing that should have been talked about,” he said.

DairyNZ Update

Are you a dairy farmer that employs or manages people?

Finding and keeping people to work in dairy is a challenge.

And that challenge is only going to increase as our population ages and people have more choices.

Third-generation farmer and Wairere principal Derek Daniell said hairless sheep are quite a significant trend in the wool industry.

“They’ve been trying to hide it. It’s very bad.”

Daniell believes the demand for nude sheep will increase if wool prices remain low in the long term.

Join us at our Lower North Island People Expo symposium for the opportunity to hear from thought leaders on what’s needed to help tackle the big issues in employing and keeping people on dairy farms. You’ll gain insights from experts, have the opportunity to connect with other farmers facing the same challenges, and come away armed with inspiration and practical tips to put in action for your farm team.

The Lower North Island event will be held 26th March at the Pahiatua Bush MultiSport Park.

The event is free to attend, but registration is essential!

Lunch is provided.

the future.”

Syben noted that Nudies appeal to farmers because their lack of wool helps to reduce their costs, and estimated that a farm with about 3500

“Wool has been costing more than farmers have been receiving for probably at least seven years.”

standard breed ewes would have a negative expenditure of $50,000 from shearing costs – with wool earnings factored in.

“The sheep industry is under pressure. Returns

This year, 90 percent of sheep farmers will likely make a financial loss due to fastreducing prices and fast-increasing cost plus interest, Daniell said.

“Sheep farming out there is in a big dark hole.

“This is just one way that we hope we can do something for the sheep industry – take out cost, that’s the big thing.

“China’s had minus

The Wairere Ram station runs on medium to steep hill country near Masterton and produces mainly Romney rams, while also offering composites, terminal sires, facial eczema tolerant sheep, and fine wooled “smart sheep”.

In April 2022, Wairere implanted 458 hair sheep embryos from the UK into recipient ewes and artificially inseminated 637 Wairere ewes with hair sheep semen from hair sheep flocks.

Visit People Expo – DairyNZ | DairyNZ for more info or to register.

For resources on how to recruit quality staff, be a better manager, work within the law and grow your people, visit People – DairyNZ | DairyNZ

The artificially inseminated ewes were a mix of facial eczema tolerant, Texel and Romney, and Bare Point Romneys.

A composite with bare points and tail will minimise the need

for dagging and reduce shearing to once per year, which results in less wool and less than half the costs.

Only a small number of New Zealand farmers breed hairless sheep.

Daniell, left, responded to hardship in the sheep industry with Nudies.

Wairarapa Midweek Community Events

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

The University of the 3rd AGE

[U3A]: South Wairarapa Current Affairs group meet in the Events Hall of the Roseneath Lifecare and Village, Carterton 9.30-11am. Call convener Paul Mallinson [021] 109-4652.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7.30-8.30pm. Call 0800 229 6757.

Belly Dance for Beginners: Kiwi Hall, Featherston, 6.30-7.30pm. Call

Antonia Blincoe [021] 105-7649.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027]

406-672.

Carterton Community Choir: 7.159pm, St David’s Presbyterian Church Youth Wing, 164 High St South. Call [0278] 205-801.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne 379-5564 or email carterton.hist.soc@gmail.

com

Carterton Scout Group: At Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Scouts [11-14 years] 6.30-8.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395.

Events

Danzability Class: 11am-noon, at Studio 73, Greytown. Contact physio. rachel.horwell@gmail.com or [022] 077-2654.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Martinborough: 9.30-11.30am, St Andrew’s Church; Featherston: 1.303.30pm, Featherston Community Centre.

Fareham Creative Space: Also Fri/ Tues, open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@farehamcreativespace.

nz Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 6.30pm. Food Market: Food trucks, 4.30-7pm outside the Masterton Town Hall, rain or shine.

GirlGuidingNZ: Carterton Pippins, 5-7 years, 4.15-5.30pm. Carterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 6-7.30pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm. KeepFit!: 10.30am, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

Masterton Petanque Club: 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-1pm, 365 Queen St.

Narcotics Anonymous: 7.308.30pm, at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton.

Parkinson’s Exercise Class: 1.30pm, at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, Dixon St. Call Roslyn [027] 264-8623.

Patient Activity Programme: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call 378-8888.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 5-7pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Ruamahanga Club: Cards, 500, 1-4pm, at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton. Social Learners Bridge: 1-3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Barbara [06] 304-9208.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

Thursday Morning Bikers: Meet at the fountain at the Queen Elizabeth Park entrance, 9.30am. Contact David [021] 246-0295.

Wairarapa Fern and Thistle Pipe Band: Weekly practice, Masterton Brass Bandrooms, Park Ave, Masterton. Email fernandthistle21@ gmail.com

Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon, at the Masterton Aerodrome. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, intermediate, 1-2.30pm. Call 377-5518 or 377-1135.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

South Wairarapa Rebus Club: 10am at the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club. Excursions held on any fifth Friday in a month. Call John Reeve 379-9379.

Aratoi: Lester Blair: Twenty-Four Churches to Apr 16; James Bragge: Splendid Scenic Gems to May 5; Choice: Staff picks from the collection to May 5; Lisa Chandler: Landscapes of Loss to May 19; King Street Artworks to May 26.

Carterton Craft Market: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun: 10am-3pm, 25 High St North, Carterton. Call Desley [027] 787-8558.

Justice of the Peace: Featherston

Carterton Senior Citizens: 12.303.30pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, at the old courthouse next to the library.

Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959.

Dance Fit: At Carrington Park, Carterton, at 6-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643.

French Conversation: U3A-affiliated group meets at the Education Centre, Dixon St, Masterton, 11am-1pm. For people wanting to converse in French or improve speaking in French. Contact Brett [027] 363-4039 or Robyn [021] 169-9415.

Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Contact email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz

Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketahuna Library 1.30-4.30pm.

Masterton Bowling Club: Funzie Friday, 12.30pm for 1pm start. Call 377-4664 after 4pm.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

Masterton Masters Swimming

Club: Club night 5.30-6.30pm, Trust House Recreation Centre back pool. Call Stu [027] 295-4189 or Lucy [021] 0204-4144.

Needlework & Craft Drop-in: 10am-noon, Featherston Community Centre. Call May [06] 308-6912 or Virginia [06] 308-8392.

Wairarapa Kids Choir: For children aged seven years up, 3.50-4.50pm, during school terms, Courthouse, Holloway St, Carterton. Call Jill [027] 347-5891.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Quit Clinic at Whaiora 9am-noon. Support across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246. Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Wairarapa Embroiderers Guild: At the Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Email Wairarapaembroiderers@gmail.com

Featherston Town Market: Organised by the Featherston Menzshed, at the town square [59 Fitzherbert St], Featherston.

Library 11am-1pm.

Martinborough Book and Brica-Brac Sale: First Church, Weld St, 1.30-5pm. Donations welcome.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Cobblestones Early Settlers

Village: Open 10am-4pm seven days.

Crop Up Greytown: Fresh produce, seafood and kitchen creations from Greytown and South Wairarapa, from 9am, at Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St. Check Facebook.

Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind the Featherston Library and Information Centre. Sat/Sun 10am2pm, other times by arrangement. Call Elsa [021] 263-9403.

Featherston Weekly Market: 8am2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Justice of the Peace: Service centre available at Masterton Library, 10am-noon.

Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, under the grandstand, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton.

Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call John [021] 314-2485.

Martinborough Museum: Open Sat/Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated. Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers 378-7109.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Organised doubles from 12.30 pm at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Contact Sue McRae [027] 449-0601. Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. 8am start, at the Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun. co.nz/greytownwoodsidetrail

Tinui Craft Corner and Museum: Open Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Call Lesley Hodgins [06] 372-6433. Toy Library: Masterton: 10am1pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon. Wairarapa Cancer Society Supportive Care Services: For anyone needing support after a cancer diagnosis. Call (06) 378-8039.

Wairarapa Farmers’ Market: 9am1pm, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton. Women’s Self Defence: With Dion, 9am, band rotunda, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call [020] 4124-4098.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm.

Wairarapa Bonsai Club: Workshop from 9.30am, monthly meeting 12 noon. BYO lunch. For venue contact Bob Macfarlane [06] 377 1808 or 027 334 7730 or waibonsai@gmail.com

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, bowls roll up at 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Petanque Club: Club day 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Social doubles from 9am at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Blackboard draw.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-1pm, 365 Queen St.

Narcotics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call 0800 628 632.

Rotary Sunday Market: 7-11.30am, Essex St car park. Contact thehodsons@xtra.co.nz

South Wairarapa Pipe Band: Practice at St John’s church hall, Featherston, 4-6pm. To confirm time please call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182.

Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

Art for Everyone: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call Sandie [021] 157-4909.

Carterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 8pm, Salvation Army Community Rooms, 210 High St. Call Bob [021] 042-2947 or Martin [06] 372-7764.

Carterton Community Toy Library: Events Centre, Holloway St, Mon-Sat during CDC Library hours.

Carterton Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm, at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. Call Elaine 377-0322. Carterton Food Bank: 10-11am Mon-Fri at Haumanu House. Call 379-4092.

Carterton Scout Group: At Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Keas [5-8 years] 4.30-5.30pm; Cubs [8-11] 6-7.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395.

CCS Disability Action Wairarapa

Office: 36 Bannister St, Masterton, 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. Call 378-2426 or 0800 227-2255.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Mon-Fri

9am-4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call 377-0078 or 0800 367-222.

Creative Hands Programme: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Call Kirsten 399-1050.

East Indoor Bowling Club: 7pm. Call Julie 377-5497 or George 378-9266.

Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249.

Free Community Fit Club: Mon/ Tues/Fri, 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. Call Di [027] 498-7261.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Hospice Wairarapa Support

Services: For anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888. Housie: 7pm, Club Carterton, Broadway. Call 379-8069.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm.

Keep Fit!: 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

Line Dancing: 10.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

Literacy Aotearoa: Free computing and digital device classes for adults. Call 377-4214.

Mah-jong: 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Pat Hamilton [06] 308-9729.

Masterton District Brass Band: Rehearsals at 7pm, in the Band Room, Park Ave, Masterton. Call [022] 574-0742.

Masterton Food Bank: 9 Church St, Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm. Call 370-8034.

Play Gym: St James Church Hall 116 High St, Masterton, 9.30-11am, for 0-3-year-olds.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 6-8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Senior Citizens Club: Cards 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Val [06] 308-9293.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, Featherston: 9.30am, A/G Church. Masterton: 1.30pm, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Beginners Linedance Class: 6-7pm. Linedance Intermediate Class: 7.30-8.30pm. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Troubadour Music Group: 6-8pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton. Contact Stefan [027] 226-6019.

Wairarapa Futsal: 6pm Clareville Showgrounds. Call Robyn [027] 235-8673.

Wairarapa Services Club: Cards, 500, 1.30pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Call a Quit Coach based at Whaiora 0800 494 246.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

The Book Lovers Corner: 3.304.30pm on Arrow FM {92.7FM] and available online, https://www. arrowfm.co.nz/programmes/ show/94/the-book-lovers-corner-/ Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Call Kirsten 399-1050.

Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm -9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne 379-5564. Central Indoor Bowls Club: 7.30pm, Hogg Crescent hall. Call Mathew or Graeme 378-7554.

Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2-2.45pm, at St John’s Hall, Greytown.

Dance Fitness: 6.30-7.30pm, at Fareham House Hall Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice.

Carterton: 9.30-11.30am, Carterton Library; Greytown: 1.30-3.30pm, Greytown Library.

Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club: During school terms. Classes are weight and skill dependent; Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.30-6.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.157.30pm.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 10am.

Featherston Wahine Singers:

7-8.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Susan [021] 246-4884.

Free Literacy and Numeracy

Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa, 340 Queen St, Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994.

GirlGuiding: Masterton Pippins [5-7 years] 3.45-5pm. Call Chrissy Warnock

372-7646.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 11am-1pm.

Knit and Natter: 3pm, Wairarapa

Community Centre, Perry St; 7pm, Te Awhina Cameron Community House, 2 Stuart Cres, Masterton. Mah-jong: Carterton RSA, 1pm. Call Margaret 379-8681.

Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne 378-2338 or David [021] 116-5505.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf

Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

Masterton Judo Club: Tues/Thurs, youth class 5-6pm, adults 7-8.30pm, Nga Totara Dojo, 205 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton. Contact Simon [021] 248-6111.

Masterton Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire 377-0342.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-1pm, at rear of Masterton YMCA, 162 Dixon St, Masterton.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 9amnoon at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Scallyrag Border Morris Dancing: 7-8 pm at the Auditorium, Kuranui College, Greytown. Contact Alison [021] 111-1894.

Social Bridge: At South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club, 1.30-3.30pm. Call Lesley [021] 299-6389.

South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff 304-9748.

Wairarapa Modern Jive: Carterton School hall, 7.15-7.30pm

Intermediate workshop; 8-8.45pm Beginners class. Contact Lance [021] 134-5661.

Wairarapa Services Club: Cards, Euchre, 1pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Woops A Daisies: Leisure Marching Team practice 4-5pm, at the Trust House Rec Centre Stadium. Call Cheryl [06] 370-1922 or [027] 697-6974.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

AA Meeting: At 7.30pm, Epiphany church hall, High St, Solway, Masterton. Call [027] 557-7928. Athletics Wairarapa: Club night, 5.45-7pm, Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton.

Cards: “500”, 1.15-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara 379-6582 or Val 379-8329.

Carterton Cycle Group: From Belvedere Rd [weather permitting]. Call Irene [027] 634-9167 or Lesley [021] 299-6389.

Dance Fitness: 9.30-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers at Fareham House Hall Featherston.

Call Justine [0204] 105-2830. Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice.

Masterton: 10am-noon, Masterton

Library. Free Classes: Literacy, language, numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa 377-4214. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon.

Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 5.30-7pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Healing Rooms: Confidential prayer for healing or any situation, 2-4pm, at St Matthews Church Hall, Church St, Masterton. Call [027] 245-2819.

Heart of Arts Wairarapa: A community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm.

Juesday Art: 10am-12.30pm, AOG Church, Birdwood St, Featherston. Call Julia [06] 308-8109.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB noon-2pm.

Kiddie Gym: For under-5s, 9.3011am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Judy or Joan 379-8325.

Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Elissa [0274] 706-528.

Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call Doug [027] 444-7331.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers 3787109.

Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10am, at the South Wairarapa Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick 379-5376.

Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: Sports, food, and leadership, Carterton Events Centre. Text “R2R” to [027] 742-2264.

Recreational Walking Group: 9.30am, Essex St car park. Call Ann Jackson, 372-5758, or Ann Duckett, 378-8285.

Scrabble Club: 1-4pm in Masterton. For venue details, call Sue McRae [027] 449-0601.

Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556.

South Wairarapa Caregivers

Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten 399-1050.

Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10am-noon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith 370-1604].

Taoist Tai Chi: From 5.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 185 High St, Carterton. Contact www.taoisttaichi.

org Te Runga Scouts: Cubs, 6-7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton.

The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.308.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Wairarapa Rockers: Rock’n’roll. Couple inquiries to [027] 333-1793.

Wairarapa Services Club: Rummikub, 1pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Singers: Choral singing. Call Graeme Burnard [027] 270-5666.

Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 10am

Events

Entertainment Bridge is a fun card game that keeps your brain active Come along to our 10 introductory lessons starting on Monday 8th April 6:30pm at Masterton Bridge Club, 112 Villa St, Masterton

E-mail mastertonbridgeclub@xtra.co.nz or contact Cheryl 0275 498 61 7

06

Public Notices

OFFICIAL NOTICE.

CARTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

*Household items *Clothes *Books, Mags & CDs *Home baking

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ROADS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations

1965, notice is hereby given that the Carterton District Council proposes to close part of Tea Creek Road for the purpose of a speed event: Tea Creek Gravel Hillclimb for the period indicated hereunder:

Period of Closure:

Sunday 12th May 2024 7.00am – 7.00pm

Roads affected:

Tea Creek Road – 2kms from the intersection of Tea Creek Road with Maungatarere Road to the end of Tea Creek Road

The closed section will be adequately and properly signposted, at the beginning of the closed road, being manned with radio communication to allow the passage of through traffic in an emergency.

Any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge his/her objection and grounds thereof, in writing before 3rd April 2024 at the office of the Carterton District Council, Holloway Street, Carterton.

Johannes Ferreira Infrastructure Manager

www.cdc.govt.nz

28 Holloway St, Carterton. info@cdc.govt.nz

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Meeting agendas are available for inspection at least two days before the meeting at the district libraries, Council offices and at www.swdc.govt.nz. Please check our website for any changes to the schedule.

Public participation is welcome. If you wish to speak during the public participation session at any of the below meetings, please phone 06 306 9611 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting or email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz.

The meetings and will be livestreamed on YouTube Channel, where possible.

Please keep an eye on our website for upcoming open workshops notifications.

MARCH MEETINGS

COUNCIL

Adoption of Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25 Consultation Document

Wednesday, 27 March at 9.00am

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

APRIL MEETINGS

STRATEGY WORKING COMMITTEE

Featherston Masterplan Hearing and Deliberations

Wednesday, 3 April at 9.00am

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

MARTINBOROUGH COMMUNITY BOARD

Thursday 4 April at 7.00pm

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

STRATEGY WORKING COMMITTEE

Wednesday, 10 April at 9.00am

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

COUNCIL

Wednesday, 17 April at 9.00am

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

ASSURANCE, RISK AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Community and Youth Grants 2023/24 - Allocation of Remaining Funds

Wednesday, 24 April at 9.00am

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

MĀORI STANDING COMMITTEE

Wednesday, 30 April at 6.00pm

Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough

Janice Smith

Public Notices

OFFICIAL NOTICE.

CARTERTON

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ROADS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the Carterton District Council proposes to close Various Roads for the purpose of a ANZAC parade for the period indicated hereunder:

Period of Closure:

Tuesday 25th April 10.45am – 12.45am

Roads affected:

State Highway 2 from Holloway Street to Park Road

Intersection of Broadway and State Highway 2 closed –at Broadway/SH2

Holloway Street from State Highway 2 to 77 Holloway Street

Intersection of Holloway Street and Nelson Street closed –Nelson/Holloway Street

Memorial Square Road from State Highway 2 to Park Road

The closed section will be adequately and properly signposted, at the beginning of the closed road, being manned with radio communication to allow the passage of through traffic in an emergency.

Any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge his/her objection and grounds thereof, in writing before 3rd April 2024 at the office of the Carterton District Council, Holloway Street, Carterton. Johannes Ferreira

www.cdc.govt.nz

28 Holloway St, Carterton. info@cdc.govt.nz

Public Notices

MEETING SCHEDULE.

CARTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Council Meetings – April 2024

Wednesday 3 April

Rural Travel Fund Grant Allocation Meeting 3.00 pm

Wednesday 10 April

Policy and Projects Committee 9.00 am

Ruamāhanga Roads Workshop 1.00 pm

QV presentation on valuation changes (public-excluded) 3:00 pm

Wednesday 24 April

Representation Review Workshop 9:00 am

Meeting location: Meetings are at the Carterton Events Centre.

Agendas: Meeting agendas are available for public inspection three days prior to the meeting at the Carterton Library and on the Council’s website.

Attendance at meetings:

• You can attend the public section of Council and most committee meetings in person. Meetings are also uploaded to YouTube within 48 hours of the meeting.

• Members of the public who wish to participate in a public forum must register their intention with the Democratic Services Officer on 06 379 4030, or by email to demservices@cdc.govt. nz at least one full day before the meeting date.

www.cdc.govt.nz

28 Holloway St, Carterton. info@cdc.govt.nz

Employment INSURANCE BROKER SUPPORT NEEDED

Provincial Insurance is a locally owned and operated insurance broker with offices in Masterton and Palmerston North. We have been operating since 1993 servicing clients across the lower North Island with all their insurance needs.

We are looking for a f ull-time Insurance

Broker Support to join our growing team

Key responsibilities:

Building and maintaining relationships with underwriters and industry partners

New business and renewal quoting

Processing of renewals, new business, alterations and cancellations

Setting up new policies, finance agreements and sending out proposals

General office administration

Key requirements for a successful applicant: Enjoy working in a relaxed yet dedicated environment with some fun banter and a great sense of humour

Excellent communication skills

Ability to build and maintain professional working relationships

Be a team player

High level of computer skills including Outlook, Word, Excel & data entry

Experience working in the Fire & General Insurance or Financial industry is preferable but not essential

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