Wairarapa Midweek Wed 12th July

On stage with Dame Miranda

A Greytown teenager has spent a week of the school holidays immersed in screen acting classes under the tutelage of New Zealand acting guru Dame Miranda Harcourt.

Embracing sciences

A Wairarapa STEM programme, designed to empower rangatahi Māori to embrace the scientific world and “dream big”, kicks off next week for its second year.

The Puāwai Pūrau Academy was founded last year to support young Māori to succeed in STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] subjects at secondary school – and inspire them to consider further STEM study and careers in scientific fields.

At Puāwai Pūrau, ākonga Māori [Māori students] studying NCEA Level 1 science and maths received weekly one-onone tutoring from local secondary school teachers as they prepared for assessments and exams.

They also connected with Wairarapa Māori who have succeeded in STEM fields, and toured the science departments at Victoria and Massey Universities – which helped introduce tertiary study as “a real option”.

After a successful pilot, the academy, supported by REAP Wairarapa and Māori health mentorship organisation Kia Ora Hauora, will start its first

tutoring sessions for 2023 next Thursday – this time, open to all ākonga Māori taking STEM subjects at the senior level [Years 11 to 13].

Puāwai Pūrau was founded by Masterton local Waireka Collings, a communications advisor at NZQA and māmā of five, to help bridge the gap in STEM achievement between Māori and Pakeha students in Wairarapa.

Collings said, at present, Māori students are discouraged from pursuing STEM subjects beyond Year 11 – so those studying at higher levels can feel and under-represented in the classroom.

“This year, we wanted to reach and support as many ākonga as possible,” she said.

“Being Māori and a senior student in STEM can be a difficult and lonely experience. So, it’s important for them to know people are here for them on this journey. They can meet other students who have chosen the same pathway – and they can see their teachers are willing to contribute to their lives beyond school.

“We want our students to feel supported, connected and empowered to dream big – and to know what they can contribute to the world.

And that they do not have to do it alone.”

Last year, eight teachers from four secondary schools contributed to the programme as tutors – five of whom will stay on for 2023.

The 2022 academy, Collings said, included a mix of “homework sessions”, visits to Fab Lab Masterton, and guest presentations from Wairarapa locals in STEM-related fields, such as physiotherapy and environmental science. A highlight for the ākonga was their visit to the Victoria and Massey campuses – which included a tour of the engineering departments and a demonstration of the scientific formula behind music production.

The students got to experiment with the equipment and create their own song – now “the official academy anthem”.

“It helped them put science in more context. Science is not just something they learn in school – but something that enhances our creativity and informs all the things we enjoy on a daily basis,” Collings said.

“When you’re from a small town, it’s easy to build up university as something really massive and far away. But going to

Vic and Massey showed the students it wasn’t as intimidating as what they thought, and it was a real option for them.”

This year’s academy would include sessions on tikanga and te reo Māori – to help the ākonga “connect with who they are, their whakapapa, and the mana whenua of Wairarapa”. These will be delivered by Makoura College teacher and kapa haka leader Shari KawanaTaylor.

“When ākonga Māori know who they are, where they come from, and feel a sense of pride in their identity, they are more likely to try new things and be resilient,” Collings said.

Last year, the academy, supported by Kia Ora Hauora, was able to secure an internship at Wairarapa Hospital for one of its students, Memphis Millward – an aspiring neurosurgeon. Collings hoped to help organise similar opportunities for this year’s cohort.

• The first session for the Puāwai Pūrau Academy will be held on Thursday, 20 July from 4pm to 6pm at Hau Kainga, 15 Queen St, Masterton. For more information, email puawaistemacademy@ gmail.com

Alex Walsh [17], a student at Wairarapa College, was selected by Dame Miranda for drama workshops at Rātā Studios, based in the performing arts centre at Scots College in Wellington.

Alex, who has Down Syndrome, was challenged to learn 20-minute monologues to deliver onstage and in front of the camera, with acting professionals and fellow drama students watching.

“I was worried that would be too much for him,” mother Heather Walsh said.

“But the motivation of being onstage with the cameras on him meant Alex independently read and committed his monologue to memory.”

Alex was one of the first young people with Down Syndrome to

complete the Professional-Level Teen Acting course, which ran for five full days. He was partnered with a drama aide, and all participants left with a showreel for future auditions.

Dame Miranda was “the most inclusive person I have struck in 17 years of attending events and courses with Alex”, Heather said.

“The other students were eager to work with Alex and were inspired by Miranda’s enthusiasm. She has a close friend in Sydney who has a child with Down Syndrome – she is such a treasure to have here in New Zealand.”

Alex regularly attends the Silver Noodle Soup Theatre Company and Wellington Integrated Dance. He caught Dame Miranda’s eye during a performance at the Disabled Artists’ Festival of Theatre and, more recently, a group performance at the CubaDupa Festival.

Rātā Studios offers children and adults courses in drama, music, visual art and creative technologies, enhanced by “strong relationships” within the industry. Graduates have been cast in TV shows and films, appeared on the professional stage, and been accepted into Toi Whakaari — NZ Drama School.

Alex is a student at Solway Dance in Masterton, under the guidance of Lisa O’Connor, “who has been a significant influence in developing his dance and performance skills”, Heather said.

Actor and acting coach, Dame Miranda Harcourt, with Greytown teen Alex Walsh during their week of drama workshops in Wellington.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

ON

Students and supporters from last year’s cohort at the Puawai Purau Academy on their tour of Victoria and Massey Universities. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Thank you for the Friday fun

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

One of Wairarapa’s most popular entertainment sessions for preschoolers has finished on a high note, after 20 years of fun and joy.

For two decades, the Kids’ Song and Story group at Epiphany Church in Masterton was run by stalwart church women on Friday mornings and became a weekly highlight for many.

Held in the church hall, recent sessions were attended by about 20 children and caregivers, for a half-hour programme of songs with actions and movement, fingerplay, nursery rhymes and a story, followed by morning tea, all for a voluntary donation.

The final session was

held on June 30, after the team decided it was time to wind down, Kids’ Song and Story leader Pam Thomas said.

“Our long-time volunteers were getting older, mainly in their 80s and some of us decided it was time to retire. Kids’ Song and Story is part of the Epiphany Church outreach programme and team leaders are expected to be Epiphany parishioners.

“We are ever hopeful that a group of parishioners may introduce a programme for pre-schoolers in the future.”

Thomas said caregivers seemed to love the “old school” style offered by the group, as “they’re things they remember from when they were children at kindergarten”.

One item that endured

Boots and beauty for the food bank

Lucy Cooper news@age.co.nz

Dust off your best frocks, polish your gumboots, and get out your camera: the Glamour and Gumboots foodbank fundraiser is back.

The photography competition was organised in Wairarapa last year to raise funds for the region’s four food banks. This year,

it aims to be bigger and better, Charlotte Harding, co-founder of the event, said.

“We achieved $250 for each of the four foodbanks last year, which we were really chuffed about. But the goal is $1000 for each food bank this year.”

The idea for Glamour and Gumboots, inspired by an exhibition at Wellington’s Dowse Art

over 20 years was the pink donation box, which had been repaired many times.

In 2002, Epiphany Church member Anne Owen was asked by Reverend Sue Beauclerc to set up a preschooler group. Grants of $250 from Masterton Trust Lands Trust and $700 from the Wellington Diocese Social Service and

Museum, was developed by Harding and photographer Nicole Halliday, of Fire Inside Photography.

“It sort of stemmed from random conversations about we need to bring more glamour into everyday life,” Harding said.

“You should feel more gorgeous more of the time.”

The rules of entry into this year’s competition are simple: “Don whatever you think is glamorous, don your gumboots, and get into a situation of your choosing that you think totally embraces glamour

Community Development Board were received.

The first session of Kids’ Song and Story took place in February 2003, with 12 children attending. Along with Owen, the group was run by Monica Cross, Jeannie Stewart, Barbara Bellamy, Elaine Wong and Margaret Barber.

“Numbers increased as news of the group spread,” Wong said.

and gumboots.”

Last year’s images included people modelling with their cattle, posing on the riverside fishing, and glamorous gardening.

“One gentleman even got quite racy in Thunderpants,” Harding said.

The cost to enter is a suggested koha of $5.

Carterton resident Kylie Mole and 26 “sexy señoritas in gummies” have already submitted their image to the competition, along with a $400 donation.

Not only is the

“It was pleasing to see some dads coming with children. From small beginnings, to about 40 children in the early years, the numbers in recent years have been up to the 20s.”

Birthdays were celebrated by giving the child a crown made by volunteer Pat Everitt. When a new baby was born, a team member would take the family knitted booties, a teddy bear for the preschooler and some baking.

In recent years, the core organising group included founding member Wong, with Thomas – a retired

experience fun, Mole said, it can also be a confidence boost for entrants.

“It was completely out of the comfort zone of many of the women, but they put their fears aside – not only for this fabulous charity but also for their personal growth.”

Masterton Foodbank will receive a portion of the funds raised from this year’s competition.

Manager Jenna Matchett has seen the demand for the service increase and expects that to continue as the cost of living crisis lingers.

kindergarten teacher who joined the team about 12 years ago – Norma Pauling, Dawn Murray, Margaret Mclean-Craig, Mary Sanson, Moerea Stevens, Priya Parbhu, and Carly Llewellyn. Emma Mead and Rosie Thomson helped when needed.

The women leaders each brought experience from many fields of work and home life to share with the caregivers in a happy setting.

Thomas said that rather than being saddened by the group winding up, it was time to celebrate 20 years of success.

The cost to run foodbanks is also increasing, she said.

The impact of the money raised from Glamour and Gumboots will be huge, Matchett said.

“One thousand dollars is enough to cover half of a week’s grocery bill for our foodbank, so it will make a real difference.”

• Entries close on July 31. Images should be sent to glamourandgumboots @gmail.com, and koha/donations made to https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/glamourand-gumboots-2023

Twenty-six “sexy señoritas in gummies” pose for this year’s Glamour and Gumboots fundraiser competition.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The preschooler group at Epiphany Church in Masterton has run its ÿ nal colourful session – for now.

Kids’ Song and Dance leader Pam Thomas reads a story to a captivated audience.

Bursts of colour for Room 17

Continued from page 1

to remain on the ward for whānau to use.

The medical-surgical ward’s single rooms are usually reserved for patients who are critically unwell or, in many cases, close to death. McManaway said she was inspired to kick start the refurbishments after visiting close family on the ward – and finding the rooms were “dull, lifeless and a little depressing” and not conducive to recovery or a peaceful “passing over”.

Aware that the hospital had neither the time nor the resources for aesthetic amendments, McManaway decided to remedy the situation – and “started making a lot of phone calls” to her fellow local entrepreneurs. Most of whom, she said, were only too happy to give their time, resources and appliances towards their local hospital.

“Wairarapa Hospital is the heartbeat of our community. We all rely on it in some way; we’ve all got a connection to it,”

McManaway said. “The staff are tremendous, and the hospital itself is awesome – but they’re absolutely stretched to capacity. So we chose, as businesses, to be part of the solution – and help them create a more soothing healing or passing environment on the ward.

“A lot of people end up passing away in hospital – so you may as well make it a beautiful, comforting and peaceful space.”

The first phase of renovations was wrapped up in Room 17 last Friday afternoon: The walls were repainted “in a lovely soothing colour” by Bestblokes Painters, using medical grade paint donated by Resene, and a television and music system, courtesy of Newbolds Masterton, was installed.

Decor, including new blinds, cushions and rugs, wall canvases, and silk floral arrangements, were supplied by The Whole Nine Yards, The Sanctuary, Maisons Eketahuna, Pete Nikoliason, and La

Fleur Florist. Take Note Carterton and Paper Plus provided reading materials and an “affirmations calendar” to help comfort anxious and grieving family members.

McManaway said the hospital staff have been “hugely supportive and receptive” of the project – but could only allow a 48-hour window for her team to complete the renovations.

“They’re just so busy. We had to move as quickly as possible. It was a bit of a juggle, but we got there!”

LYF4U has set up a Givealittle page to raise the almost $5000 needed

for the six La-Z-Boys, which Bryan’s Furniture has agreed to sell at cost. Items for the care cupboard – donated by Mitre 10 Masterton –are also arriving from businesses and the wider community – including toiletries, sanitary products, dry shampoos, fragrances and massage lotions.

“It’s so important for family to be able to offer touch and physical contact to someone who is passing away. Massage can be a big part of that,” McManaway said.

“Also, it can be so hectic for family members when someone is gravely ill – when

you’re rushing into hospital to be with them, you’re not going to have time to grab everything you need for a shower. And, before you know it, you’ve not cleaned your teeth in three days.

“You don’t always know what you’re going to need in those kind of situations. So, having self-care products on hand will mean it’s one less thing for families to worry about.”

McManaway said she feels “proud and humbled” by the response to the project so far.

“It’s been just wonderful. Wairarapa really shows its true

colours at times like this,” she said.

“It’s been a lot of work – but it’s been joyous work. We hope that you and your loved ones don’t need to use Room 17 – but, if you do, know that it’s been created with a lot of love and blessings from the Wairarapa community.”

• For more information about LYF4U’s hospital renovation project, or to make a donation, contact Maree McManaway at maree@lyf4u. co.nz. To donate towards the La-Z-Boy chairs, go to https:// givealittle.co.nz/ cause/lyf4u-hospital

Maree McManway [left] and Kudzie Hove, charge nurse manager for the medical-surgical ward, with some of the decor donated by local businesses for Room 17.

PHOTO/GEORGE SYMES

Trustees dig deep for Wairarapa College farm

Wairarapa College students and teachers

swapped their school books for shovels – joining with trustees and staff of Masterton Trust Lands Trust to plant close to 1000 trees on the school farm late last month.

The trust initiated the planting day, held on June 30, as part of its longterm partnership with Wairarapa College and its agricultural education programme. The trust leases 13 hectares of land to the college, where it runs a working sheep and beef farm and horticultural block, maintained by its Agricultural and Horticultural Science department and students.

Each year, the trust contributes money to the school farm for ongoing maintenance. This year, funding went towards

gardening improvements by Gian Singh of Singh Landscaping in Lansdowne, and a design by landscape architect Rachel Callaghan for a native shelter belt, an orchard and a nut grove.

“The trust’s connection

with the farm dates back to the 1950s – it’s quite unique, Andrew Croskery, Masterton Trust Lands Trust general manager, said.

“We’re committed to nurturing the farm’s development and there’s

Wairarapa College agriculture students plant native trees for a shelter belt on the school farm – assisted by Masterton

no better way to do that than to start planting for the future, now.”

“It’s also a great opportunity to connect our farm students with the trustees,” Dan Grace, WaiCol head of agriculture, added.

READER PHOTOS MIDWEEK PHOTOS

Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.

Grace said the school farm currently offers 12 agriculture and horticulture courses over five year levels to 350 students. Young people learn everyday farm skills, such as fencing, building, managing livestock [including shearing], along with growing, harvesting and selling crops.

Students also learn about genetics and have successfully selected characteristics from four varieties of sheep –Romney, Texel, Suffolk and Dorset Down – to produce Wairarapa College Farm’s unique breed, the Kaimac.

Premium oil sourced from the horticulture block’s 175 olive trees is marketed and sold locally each year. As a teacher, Grace is passionate about the educational

opportunities the college farm provides to students of all backgrounds in an urban setting.

“Our role is about growing future farmers in Wairarapa. Through hands-on learning, the college farm promotes agricultural industries and farming as a viable career path,” he said.

Masterton’s Akura Plant Nursery supported last month’s planting day by donating about 900 locally grown native trees. College neighbour Millennium Reserve also gifted propagated natives grown onsite. Millenium Reserve is another green space supported by the trust –where a community-led restoration project on the corner of Pownall and Hillcrest Streets was seeded almost 30 years ago.

Trust Lands Trust.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Reader Karen sent in this beautiful and moody photo of the clouds above Morrison Bush, near Greytown. PHOTO/KAREN HAVICAN

Reader Pamela took this stunning shot at sunrise at Percy’s Reserve on Te Ore Ore Rd.

PHOTO/PAMELA FEIERTAG

When Skippy bounced into town

for a piece she was working on for the Wairarapa Times-Age. Skippy, however, proved to be quite tight-lipped during their chat.

In 1968, television viewers first met Skippy, an eastern grey kangaroo who, with human companions Sonny and Mark Hammond, had adventures at the Waratah National Park in Sydney. Each week, the boys and Skippy had a variety of escapades, from tackling thieves and poachers to helping lost and injured people and animals. Skippy was often the hero, jumping off to relay messages of help or rescuing infant children from flood waters. She could operate radios and untie ropes and understood human talk very well.

The show ran for three seasons and a total of 91 episodes. By the early 1970s, everyone knew the young bush kangaroo and her catchy theme song.

When, in 1973, word got out that Skippy was coming to Masterton as part of a New Zealand tour, there was great enthusiasm amongst the young. What the Wairarapa children didn’t realise perhaps, is that there wasn’t just one Skippy. The kangaroo

coming to Masterton was just one of a team that was used to film the television show. Up to 15 kangaroos were involved in each episode.

A bonus for the Skippy fans was that she was bringing her young joey along with her. Ever the devout mother, Skippy had been named as the 1972 “Mother of the Year” in an Australian magazine, so there was no way she was going to visit her New Zealand friends without him. The name of the joey? Joey, of course. Skippy and Joey arrived

in Masterton on May 8, 1973, and was the star attraction at a series of events at the Town Hall. Also on the bill were Crunch the Clown and Ernest Brisbane the ventriloquist.

Putting in three separate shows, the kangaroos were joined by their trainer, Australian Park Ranger Phil Bower. Part of Skippy’s routine included handing Phil a dollar to pay for her favourite treat, black jellybeans.

Journalist Rosemary Brader was able to secure an interview with Skippy

“This celebrity was one of those ‘no comment’ people – wouldn’t say a word. She wouldn’t even say who the father was”.

The interview concluded, much to the relief of Brader who found the experience difficult.

“I was exhausted by the end of the interview. Mainly because I’m not used to the hopping.”

Local children were able to go up and meet Skippy and Joey, not just from their seats but up on stage with her. This opportunity was seized upon by many. Two-and-a-half-yearold Michele Williamson and nine-year-old Jackie Northcott, both from Masterton [pictured] were among those lucky enough to share the stage with the ‘roos.

After their three shows, Skippy, Joey, and Phil continued on their New Zealand adventure, stopping off in Dannevirke for the night before continuing on to Hastings much to the delight of their fans, children and adults alike.

It’s not often that children meet their television heroes. In 1973, Masterton kids got to meet an international celebrity of the furry kind. MARK PACEY of the Wairarapa Archive recalls the visit of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.

Masterton locals Michele and Jackie get up close and personal with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and son Joey.

Skippy, Joey and trainer Phil Bower meet some Masterton fans.

PHOTO/WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

GardenYarn with GardenBarn

in the garden Spend the

ROSES THAT ARE THAT LITTLE BIT MORE SPECIAL

Kordes roses come from Germany, dating back to around 1887, in a small town plant nursery, then to a place in 1918, the same place is still in operation today. The Kordes rose breeding programme is still of the largest. Every rose plant selected from many seedlings have to go through a trial lasting 7 years before going on the market to the public!

The top goals for the plants include:

 Winter hardiness

 Quick repeat blooms

 Fragrance

 Self-cleaning

TIME TO PLANT VEGETABLES

ICAN BROAD BEAN MR GREEN SEED

These proliÿ c producers of good tasting beans will keep you fed over many months, and are one of the few vege seeds that will germinate in winter. Sow in July in temperate regions, and from August in cold regions.˛ They remain green with cooking. Mr Green Seed will reach 1.2m on maturity in 90 - 120 days. The best variety available - compare the results with others and experience for yourself.

 Good height

 Fullness of plant

 Rain resistance

So, if you want a rose that is set to perform in your garden GET IN QUICK because we have a LIMITED NUMBER of these beauties

ICAN BEETROOT RED LIGHTNING

Sweet and tender. A strong, vigorous, early maturing, upright grower, producing uniform size deep red globe-shaped roots. The best variety available - compare the results with others and experience for yourself.

ICAN CARROT EUROPA

Strong, vigorous germination and rapid growth. Long straight carrot with good disease resistance and tolerance to “bolting”. This is the best home garden carrot yet developedcompare the results with others and experience for yourself.

GARDEN DELIGHT

NEW SEASON DECIDUOUS TREES ARE BEGINNING TO ARRIVE

Get in quick for ÿ rst pick - some have limited numbers

CRIMSON BOUQUET

Bright red rose with brilliant clusters of lightly scented ˜ owers.

800mm Standard & Bush. The name says it all! This showstopper displays warm tropical toned clusters of orange blended with yellow.

WE HAVE SEED SPUDS FOR EARLY POTATOES

Home grown potatoes are not only delicious, they’re very cheap to grow and easy. Potatoes can be grown in the ground, or even in potato tubs, ideal if you’re short on space or not in a permanent location.

SHOW BUNNY

800mm Standard & Bush. Dazzling clusters of petite snow-white blooms completely smother this compact growing easy-care plant. Lovely for growing in a pot.

FAIRYTALE MAGIC

800mm Standard. Blooms of soft blush pink with hints of apricot and a lovely fragrance.

Prosperplast Potato Planter make growing in containers nice and simple.

Morton Smith-Dawe seed potatoes have a good range and their website has some great to follow planting advice.

PIECE OF CAKE

FLASHBACK

Bush $44.90. Rich cerise burgundy blooms with deep yellow reverse petals

Bush Rose. Generously sized nostalgic shaped ˜ owers of vanilla cream edged with pink. A favourite for picking with large delicately fragrant blooms produced on long stems.

Asparagus is only available to buy once a year, and now is the time, so don’t miss out!

wairarapa

Garden Fiesta

A festival of all things gardening

Sat 19 Aug

8.30am – 3pm Clareville

ShowGrounds, Carterton

Pyrus, Ornamental Pear KEA Malus, Crabapple JACK HUMM

Prunus , Flowering Cherry SHIMIDSU SAKURA

Prunus Campanulata

Flowering Cherry SUPERBA

Tilia Broadleaved Lime PLATYPHYLLOS

Magnolia BABY BIRD

Magnolia SENTRY

Magnolia SUMMER MAGIC

Acers, Maples MIXED VARIETIES WITH MORE TO COME

Songs of land and sea

A husband-and-wife musical duo will treat an audience to bilingual waiata on Matariki, this Friday at Carterton Events Centre.

Aro is made up of Charles Looker [Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ati Awa] and Emily Looker. The couple shares a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and highlight cultural identity.

Aro’s collection of new songs celebrates stories of natural heritage in Aotearoa, including award-nominated waiata about native birdlife and songs inspired by marine life. Their Carterton

performance will include “elements of folk, soul, haka, and a touch of jazz, to bring audiences of all ages together to celebrate the natural world that surrounds us”, they said.

The couple said they were best described as “multigenre”, offering storytelling pop, RnB, electronica and jazz, while fusing vocals, tāonga puoro [traditional Māori instruments] and chants.

“We write waiata which thematically explore ideas of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga – looking after ourselves, each other and our environment. We

Rewards, choices, ideas for parenting

perform songs in a mix of te reo Māori and English, blending the two worlds of Charles and Emily in song.”

Emily has more than 10 years’ experience in the music industry, as a musician and manager. She has been writing music and playing shows under her maiden name, Emily Rice, with bands and as a solo artist since 2011, with tours in New Zealand and Germany.

Charles, a qualified teacher of te reo Māori, has been writing and performing since 2012. He is also a member of House of Misfits, a collaborative gospel group.

As Aro, the Lookers have completed three nationwide tours, playing at festivals including Wellington Gardens Magic, Flava Urban Beats, Cuba Dupa and TSB Festival of Lights.

The duo has been nominated for an APRA AMCOS Te Korokoro Tūī award for their single ‘Kia Mau’, released last year.

Aro’s Carterton performance will be the second in Carterton Events Centre’s new Te Mahau Gigs programme – a series of concerts held in the centre’s Te Mahau foyer for bands and musicians wanting a smaller, more intimate setting for live performances.

The first in the series was Jenny Mitchell’s The Bush and the Birds tour, on June 23 with a sold-out foyer space of 80 seats.

• Tickets for Aro’s Carterton performance on Friday, July 14 at 7.30pm may be purchased online at www. cartertonec.co.nz

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

An upcoming parenting programme aims to help Wairarapa whānau develop positive relationships in a “fun, practical and warmhearted” environment.

Parenting Today, delivered by the Wairarapa Safer Community Trust and supported by Carterton District Council, will be held in Carterton over eight weeks, starting on August 3.

Course facilitator Sam Williams, a long-time parenting educator, said Parenting Today targets parents of children aged three to 12 years old – and focuses on “providing practical tips and strategies” for managing parenting challenges and building healthy family relationships.

The course will cover topics such as raising cooperative children, coping with challenging behaviours, setting boundaries and consequences, rewarding positive actions, and building self-esteem.

Williams described the programme as “a positive and warm-hearted approach to parenting”, which also provides a safe space for parents to “talk and be heard”.

“This is an opportunity to have a local group programme that discusses all the challenges we face as parents and caregivers,” she said.

“Participants will have a chance to discuss whānau issues, support each other, and receive resources to support their learning.

“I find a lot of parents know what they’re not allowed to do when raising kids – but not about the positive solutions available to them. I’m here to help them develop the practical and manageable tools that work for their family.”

Williams, an early childhood and primary school teacher by trade, has worked in parent

education since 1988 – developing her first programmes, targeted at isolated rural families, while living in Ruatoria on the East Coast.

Before relocating to Carterton, she developed and coordinated parenting courses in the Tararua region, including in Dannevirke through Tararua REAP and in Pahiatua through its Community Centre.

She is experienced in working with parents of neurodivergent children and has delivered wellknown programmes such as Incredible Years and Triple P.

As an educator, Williams is passionate about empowering parents to work with their individual strengths and capabilities.

“I don’t want to come in as a parenting guru that will tell them exactly what to do. Parents are the experts on their children – so the course is about respecting their choices and realising the skills they bring to the table.”

• Parenting Today will begin on Thursday, August 3, and run for eight sessions from 9.30am to 11.30am at Carterton District Council. To secure a place, please text Sam Williams on 021 509 626.

Parenting educator Sam Williams will be facilitating the Parenting Today programme in Carterton next month.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Musical duo Aro will perform waiata in te reo Māori and English at a concert in Carterton on Matariki.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Councillor K˜reroSteve Cretney

I’ve read several posts and comments on social media recently, questioning the increased costs for dumping rubbish at Carterton’s Transfer Station.

While I can certainly understand the angst, remember rising charges at the Transfer Station are due to the Government increasing the waste disposal levy.

Council had little choice but to pass those increases onto residents using the Transfer Station, or face having to include the increased levy in rates.

Waste collected in Carterton transported over to the Bonny Glen land ll site in Rangitikei by road. Midwest Disposals operate the land ll and charge Councils for the privilege of o -loading and handling waste.

Consultation on speed review closes 23 July

Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils want to hear from you on our interim Speed Management Plan. The Plan proposes lower speed limits around schools and marae, and a speed limit review on some of our high-priority roads - roads identi ed from historic safety concerns by residents. We’re working with Waka Kotahi on safe and appropriate speed limits outside all schools and marae by the end of 2027.

Why is the review needed? Our plans align with the Government’s Road to Zero strategy, with the goal of a 40% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Our Speed Management Plan sets out our approach for managing speed and safety for the roading network and engineering improvements. The Councils are sharing the review as they share a road maintenance contract. Speed limits around urban schools are in most cases dropping to 30km/hr and,

for rural schools, to 60km/ hr, either permanently or variably. Variable speed limits mean that reduced speeds will apply during school hours. We also want to hear if you think any other roads – including gravel roads –should be included. We plan to have the new reduced speed restrictions on schools and marae in place by mid2024.

How can I have my say?

Our consultation period closes at 5pm, Sunday 23 July. You can get a submission form from your local library or council o ce, or submit online at cdc.govt. nz/haveyoursay or swdc. govt.nz/consultation. If you want to make a submission for both districts, you must ll out two separate forms.

Where can I ÿ nd out more? Visit cdc.govt.nz/ haveyoursay or swdc.govt. nz/consultation, or contact Carterton District Council at info@cdc.govt.nz or 06 379 4030, or South Wairarapa District Council at enquiries@ swdc.govt.nz or 06 306 9611.

Obviously, they have faced the very same increases in operating costs, driven by the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Waste management can be complex, but we all must take a greater responsibility for the waste we produce and lessen impact on the environment. When we buy products, we should consider recycling or upcycling options. If not, we should accept there will be a charge for dumping to land ll.

All Councils need to establish robust waste management and minimisation systems and processes so people can manage their waste e ectively.

The draft Wellington Region Waste Management & Minimisation Plan 2023-2029 will provide our councils with a

clear path forward. It will strike a balance between ambition and action with targets our communities can achieve.

All Councils recognise mana whenua have unique perspectives, mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge), and tikanga (customs) that we can learn from. In Te Ao Māori, sustainability and a circular, closed-loop system underpin traditional waste management practices. All resources return to Papatūānuku (the earth) without causing harm to the land, waterways, or oceans.

The key is transitioning from a take-make-waste economy to a circular one, where waste and pollution are designed out; resources are highly valued and used for as long as possible, and recovering and regenerating

Latest Council updates

 Council fees and charges changed on 1 July 2023. These included updates to our pricing at the Transfer Station and rubbish bins. You can nd out our full range of prices at cdc.govt.nz/fees.

 Our 2023 Community Grants are now open for applications. Apply online at cartertondc. smartygrants.com.au/ CommGrants2023-2024 or contact Sandra Burles sandra@cdc.govt.nz.

products and materials at the end of their lifecycle.

Construction and demolition waste is a major contributor to land ll. Winstone Wallboards and Expol already provide opportunities for recycling of their products, but sadly, it is not available throughout New Zealand. I’m sure both companies expect to increase recycling opportunities throughout NZ, which will substantially cut down on polystyrene and gib board o cuts ending up in land ll. It is our responsibility to improve the environment for future generations.

Please think about waste management before expecting someone else to deal with it for you.

Matariki planting at Ng˙ T˙whai Reserve

Community members are invited to a planting event at Ngā Tāwhai Reserve on Ngatawhai Road, Te Wharau at 10am on Friday 14 July [Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki].

A free bus service is available, leaving Carterton Events Centre at 8.30am. Spaces are limited and private transport is not permitted for this event, so please visit www.surveylegend. com/s/51jp to register.

Okahu

Okahu is the name of a village that was positioned opposite the Te Wharau Road as it ascends to Kourarau. Okahu is a compound word that means of Kahu, the Australasian hawk. From that height you can get a bird’s eye view of the valley. It was the village of the famous chief Raekaumoana. Another view people had from Okahu, looking east, is of Matariki. Take time to have your Kahu experience by getting to a good lookout point like Okahu.

As of tomorrow, I am 34 weeks pregnant.

We’re on the home stretch. Though, it’s less of a leisurely stroll and more of an Olympic bobsled, with worryingly loose blades, about to hurtle off the track. If you recognise the reference, congratulations, you’re a 90s kid.

Due to some health issues, bubs will be arriving slightly earlier than planned. Most people know I do my best work at the last minute. However, it seems I am not as adept at “nesting” as editing a newspaper. So, wish us luck as we Cool Runnings our way towards the finish line — preferably with no broken bones.

As I wrote in my editorial at the 20-week mark, hapūtanga [pregnancy] has been an exercise in rolling with the punches. There have been many learnings along the way.

For starters… impending parenthood is fraught with anxiety. There are a lot of unknowns — the human brain doesn’t like that. On bad days, it feels like traversing a field of buried landmines. Never-ending sleep deprivation, colic,

tongue ties, the possibility of being “The Worst Mum Ever”…what’s going to explode first?

I was afraid to share my anxiety with anyone. This was our longed-for “miracle” baby — why the cold feet? Turns out, however, that fear is a pretty universal experience. And the more I opened up to trusted people, the less numerous and volatile the landmines seemed.

I’ve learned social media can be a godsend…and also a frenemy. Social media swings between two extremes: A highlight reel of our most joyous moments, or an echo chamber of unfiltered trauma. For parents, that can be a Pinterest board of designer nurseries and perfectly-groomed, angelic children…or tear-stained TikTok reels to raise awareness of breastfeeding struggles and sleep

regression. As a jumpy mum-to-be, these extremes can create unrealistic expectations… or lead to me internalising others’ worst case scenarios as my own. So, I try to take Rudyard Kipling’s advice: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same.” Life ebbs and flows — it’s wonderful, it’s hideous, it’s mundane. We just don’t tend to include the mundane on Facebook.

I’ve learned the medical community has no shortage of kind, warm-hearted, dedicated people, who have only my best interests at heart. This was, sadly, not my experience when I was struggling with infertility. Nor for my friends who, when dealing with the women’s health space, were repeatedly shamed, dismissed, and denied a voice.

those who mistreat our wahine to account. And we need to reward those who, amid terminally stretched resources, go over and above to provide compassionate, evidencebased care. The recent midwives’ pay rise is a good start.

Finally, I have learned I am more capable than I thought. I’m learning I’m adaptable — things I was once terrified of have become routine and commonplace. I’m getting better at filtering out that which steals my joy. I’m learning to manage my expectations and not sweat the small stuff.

I’m learning to have confidence in myself as a future parent. I mentioned the movie Cool Runnings earlier — and there are

times when, just like Junior Bevill, it pays to look in the mirror and tell yourself you see “pride, power, and a bad-ass mother who don’t take no crap off nobody.” I hope, one day, I can help my child do the same.

Parenting will undoubtedly throw up days where we easily cruise towards the gold…and days we crash the bobsled and limp towards the finish. Chances are, we’ll survive. Either way, I’ll be coming back to work with some entertaining editorial ideas. In a few short weeks, I’ll be meeting my son. For now, at least, the bobsled is still upright and on track.

...Mark Pacey, Wairarapa archivist, historian and author

As a child, I spent a lot of time…

At the beach and river, looking for washed-up treasures.

My friends and loved ones always say I am…

Unique for my tastes in music, food and hobbies.

The famous New Zealander [living or dead]

I’d like to have a meal with is…

[Marine archaeologist]

Kelly Tarlton.

The most delicious ice cream flavour is… Hokey Pokey.

I would love more time to…

Write more books!

My favourite local shop is… Krishna’s Food N Spice in Masterton.

The family member is most admire is…

My wonderful and

CONTACT US

inspirational Mum. A song I know all the words to is…

‘The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,’ by Cyndi Lauper.

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.

CUTIES OF THE WEEK

Wairarapa needs… A shipwreck museum.

The best accompaniment for a cup of coffee or tea is… Gingernuts.

Bed is our happy place!

Reader Lisa, from Martinborough, sent in this cute pic of her Huntaway Oban and pet sheep Raggy – casually hanging out in one of the spare rooms. Who says pets don’t belong on the furniture?! PHOTO/SUPPLIED

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity.

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How does an artist tell the story of water and time?

In Time Beds, Aucklandbased artist Rebecca Steedman presents a series of ceramic vessels related to Wairarapa waterways – with a focus on the fossilised formations at Castlepoint as well as key moments within the journey of the Ruamahanga River towards Lake Onoke and oceanic seabeds at Cape Palliser.

In these works, she reflects on excavations, archaeological digs, and the history etched within our waterways. Embedded in these sculptures are the stories of the ancient past that can be found in the limestone cliffs that line our east coast and the rocks that have been shaped by our rivers for

millions of years. She also examines shifting landscapes and aquatic futures as sea levels rise, landscapes shift, and as geological formations and seabeds are unearthed.

Accompanying the exhibition is a large video and soundscape that tumbles the viewer through Wairarapa rivers and oceans. Filmed with a go-pro that was flung into these waters, the immersive visuals are joined by the sound of water gurgling and rushing through the gallery, making it feel like you are one of the ceramics sculptures underneath the water being tossed about by its tides and rapids.

The sculptures are presented on wooden tables covered with

The sweetest ring of success

Wairarapa’s Clareville Bakery has been gonged as the country’s best producer of doughnuts and custard squares.

The bakery rose to the top in both the ‘Decked Out Doughnut’ and ‘Custard Square off ’ categories in a Baking New Zealand competition run at last month’s Auckland Fine Food New Zealand exhibition.

Clareville Bakery, an old church renovated into a cafe, opened in

August 2013 and has since won several awards for its outstanding pies, sourdough, grain bread, Christmas mince tarts, and many more delicacies.

With 24 years of experience in the baking game, owner Mike Kloeg certainly knows that the proof is in the pudding.

“What was really pleasing about this competition was that pretty much everyone in the team had their hand in creating both products,” Kloeg said.

“In the past, it has been left to the

dark sand and river stones, reinforcing their connection to the waterways that inspired their creation.

Placed and spaced haphazardly through the space the result is a presentation that feels

organic, like a braided river that has carved its own path. The clay vessels are monochromatic but have shine and textures that reflect the diverse range of rocks and minerals that form our local geology.

Waters explored in vessels Extra

The exhibition is one that invites you to contemplate the fascinating history, geology, and beauty of our Wairarapa waterways.

Rebecca Steedman: Time Beds will be on view at Aratoi until September 17.

senior people but, in this competition in particular, the apprentices had input into the design and the different components.”

This is the first year the competition has been run and featured 10 entries in each category, with baked goodies transported to Auckland from as far away as Dunedin.

The inspiration for Clareville Bakery’s Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice Gourmet Doughnut design comes from an “American classic” that incorporates

a fusion of a “bourbon glaze, pecan brittle crunch, salted caramel, and pumpkin spice crème doughnut”, Kloeg said.

President of Baking New Zealand Bernie Sugrue said he would never have thought of putting pumpkin with a doughnut, but when he tried, it was “extremely yummy”.

“One of the bakery’s successes as well is that they physically flew the product up themselves and handdelivered it, which shows the dedication and

commitment,” Sugrue said.

Meanwhile, the winning custard square is Clareville Bakery’s “most popular seller”, which the team has been making since the bakery opened 10 years ago.

“It’s good quality handmade custard – we use local free-range eggs in that, loads of butter and cream, sandwiched between our in-housemade butter puff pastry,” Kloeg said.

“It’s about the quality ingredients and a passion for what we do well.”

DON’T LET DOG REGO FEES

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Dog registration payments must be made in full by 31 July to avoid penalties. Pay in full before 31 July and your dog will also go in the draw to win a refund of its fee.

There are a range of ways to pay. For more information visit: www.mstn.govt.nz

Rebecca Steedman, Time Beds, 2023, clay.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rebecca King rebecca.king@age.co.nz

Winners are grinners. The Clareville Bakery owner Mike Kloeg with his winning delicacies.

PHOTO/REBECCA KING

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Hall of Fame for pair

Two top Wairarapa equestrians – Catriona Williams and the late Peter Morris – have been inducted into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand [ESNZ] Hall of Fame.

At the event held in Christchurch, Williams and Morris were both recognised for their contribution and outstanding service to the development of the sport, locally and internationally.

The three other equestrians inducted alongside Williams and Morris were Merran Hain, John Cottle and Alan Hampton.

“Williams and Morris are leading examples and have given a lot to the sport in different ways,” ESNZ chief executive Julian Bowden said.

“People came from all over the country too; sport touches all parts of New Zealand.”

At the awards, Williams was described as an “outstanding woman who has never ceased to push boundaries, both within equestrian sports and in her dedication to the research into helping spinal cord injury sufferers to walk again”.

“Catriona’s work has been recognised with some of New Zealand’s greatest honours: the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award, the NZ Women of Influence Award, and she was a finalist in the KiwiBank New Zealander of the Year.”

Williams expressed immense gratitude and

“It was an enjoyable night, we all enjoyed ourselves, and I think it’s a great example of getting among people who are determined and resilient.”

Meanwhile, Morris’s daughter Bridget Parker was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of his family.

Morris was remembered as a “truly remarkable man in every meaning of the word and one of our most respected technical officials across all equestrian disciplines in New Zealand, officiating at the highest level for over 40 years”.

“Sadly, as you know, Peter Morris left us just over

three years ago,” the tribute said.

“However, we congratulate him posthumously and welcome him as the first of our inductees to the ESNZ Hall of Fame.”

Parker said: “Dad would have been incredibly honoured to be inducted into the ESNZ hall of fame and to be alongside so many truly wonderful and talented people, many of whom he has known forever.

“It was gorgeous to be there with his grandchildren Samantha and Ben, watching on with pride.

“I actually think a lifetime of dedication to equestrian was an easy

Rebecca King rebecca.king@age.co.nz

Catriona Williams was one of ÿ ve top equestrians inducted into the ESNZ Hall of Fame. PHOTO/FILE

The late Peter Morris, posthumously inducted into the ESNZ Hall of Fame.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Creative design can have fatal results

that he used a dummy.

Graeme Burnard

Stockton Rush, the inventor and pilot of the ill-fated Titan Submarine has been added to the list of people who have been killed by their own inventions.

It seems this vehicle should never have been operating. In 2019, Rush took a friend who owns a deep-sea exploration company, on a test dive after which his friend expressed serious concern about its construction and urged Rush to not be impatient.

Take your time to sort out the defects, he was warned. However, he emailed his friend back telling him to keep his opinions to himself. Bad mistake.

I cannot understand why anyone would want to go to the sea floor in a machine that you could not stand up in, with no windows except a front porthole the size of a washing machine window. And pay $US250,000. Let’s hope that is the end of it and the Titanic will now be left in peace.

In a bizarre coincidence, the designer of the Titanic,

Thomas Andrews, is also on the list of people killed by their inventions.

He was on board the ship for its maiden voyage. He declared the ship unsinkable because it had 16 watertight compartments. When the ship hit the iceberg, five of the 16 compartments were damaged, two more than the ship could afford to lose. And the number of lifeboats had been reduced to allow better views and less clutter on the decks.

So, the designer of the ship and the designer of the vehicle exploring the ship both died in the same spot of the Atlantic Ocean, years apart.

And in another bizarre twist, the greatgrandparents of Stockton Rush’s wife, two of the wealthiest passengers on board the Titanic, also lost their lives.

William Bullock was a newspaper editor who revolutionised the rotary printing press. His invention allowed rolls of paper miles long to flow through a printing press, allowing factories to print from 8000 to 10,000

sheets of paper an hour.

One day, while installing a printing press, his leg got caught. The press crushed his foot resulting in gangrene and he died days later. It is rumoured that Bullock kicked the machine while trying to install it and got his leg and foot caught and some believe that is why to this day, we sometimes resort to kicking a machine to get it started.

In 1837 Robert Cocking, very proud of the parachute he had designed, decided to debut his invention to the public at Vauxhall Gardens in London.

He went up in a hot air balloon and jumped out with the parachute attached ... and promptly fell hundreds of feet to

his death. Before his body was recovered people had removed his watch, his snuffbox and his glass eye.

His parachute design is long forgotten but he has the dubious honour of being the first recorded parachute death.

Come 1912, some people were still convinced they had the best parachute design. None more so than Franz Reichelt.

The Aero-Club de France held a competition for the best parachute design. Despite continually being told his design was flawed, Reichelt pressed on with it and he petitioned the Government to allow him to test it by jumping off the top of the Eiffel Tower.

He was finally granted permission on condition

On February 4, 1912 [two months before the Titanic’s fate, by the way], crowds, including press and cameras, gathered to watch the demonstration.

At the very last minute, he announced he would be replacing the dummy with himself. He strapped on the 20lb contraption and leapt of the tower. With the added weight and the height, he hit the ground at high speed, dying immediately and leaving a huge hole.

Marie Curie didn’t invent radium or polonium, but she discovered them with her husband and was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

She went on to win another for isolating radium and to this day remains the only person to win the award in two scientific categories. However, her work with radioactive material proved fatal and she died of aplastic pernicious anaemia 31 years after winning the Nobel Prize. Without these people and countless others with their creative minds, their courage and their determination we would still be living in caves. I salute all inventors who have given us what we have today.

Titanic shipwreck lying on the ocean floor. The image showcases the immense scale of the shipwreck, with its fragmented structure extending across the seabed.

Grand plans for seedlings

Katie Abbott

of ‘the cut’ where the lake meets the sea,” said Lenting.

Katie

Abbott,

Wairarapa

Pūkaha to Kawakawa Alliance

Jane Lenting from the South Wairarapa Biodiversity Group [SWBG] understands the importance of small things.

The tiny stems of the native pīngao sand sedge plant which are sprouting on her potting bench are one example.

The short traplines administered by Predator Free Martinborough and SWBG are another: with only six traps in each line, it takes each volunteer less than an hour to check “their” one and so the traplines are regularly maintained.

And the small strip alongside Ōkorewa lagoon at Lake Onoke/Lake Ferry, which the SWBG has restored and maintained, is flourishing because the group accepted the physical and functional constraints of the area and worked within those, rather than undertaking a large-scale planting project.

“The water levels at Ōkorewa lagoon are subject to the opening or closing

Difficulties

“There’s only a narrow strip where we can plant: above that it’s too dry and below that it’s too wet. But the plants we’ve put in there are doing really well.

“We start them off with markers and plant protectors, do plant release and normally do a couple of planting days each year. People really enjoy that, and it’s manageable – we can look after it well.”

The pīngao seedlings are also part of the vision for this area, with a three-year plan to establish Pīngao plants in a section of the dune area between the lagoon and the sea. The seeds were collected from Whangaimoana in 2022 and those that survive can be planted out after 18 months.

“They’ve been really hard to propagate,” Lenting said “and in that first year we didn’t have a great strike rate with the seeds.

“Some got a fungal disease, some just didn’t come up at all and others didn’t thrive. The seeds want to be out on the beach with sand moving around

them – and that’s a hard environment to replicate in a shade house.”

The group had a second seed-collection day in January 2023 and think they’ll have 150 seedlings from this to plant out next year.

“It’s a great coastal restoration plant as it binds and even creates sand dunes,” said Lenting.

“The cultural importance of the pīngao to Māori –especially as a weaving material, the way it creates a great habitat for skinks, and the predominance of marram grass in many coastal areas, are other

reasons why the SWBG are keen to re-establish this “wonderful little plant”.

The Pīngao Trial Project is sponsored by the Wellington Zoo Trust, and has the objective of improving habitat for native species.

Improving habitat for native species is also a focus for the other projects that the group works on regularly.

These include planting and maintaining a natives area on a section of public land adjacent to the Martinborough Golf Course, and running a series of traplines on the

village edge.

The mustelid traps are focused in areas where kārearea/NZ falcons are known to be nesting. From 2014 to 2017, Lenting led a project which had 10 kārearea “hack released” into Martinborough vineyards and so she has a vested interest in these nesting pairs.

As funding comes through from various supporters such as Greater Wellington Regional Council, the group purchases traps, sets up a trapline, then finds a volunteer to maintain it.

The idea is to eventually have traplines along the whole of the escarpment edge near Martinborough.

The SWBG might take small steps at a time, but it’s clear they’re in it for the long journey, and that there’s nothing small at all about their commitment or aspirations.

ENTER NOW! Open to all brides who were married in Wairarapa between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, or who have lived, are living, or whose spouses have lived or are living in Wairarapa.

ENTRIES CLOSE 31 JULY 2023 AT 5PM. Entry forms available from Wairarapa Bride of the Year on facebook or by emailing waiboty@gmail.com

BRIDE OF THE YEAR IS BEING HELD ON SATURDAY 26 AUGUST AT 7PM AT THE CARTERTON EVENTS CENTRE.

A SWBG planting day in progress.

PHOTOS/REBECCA JAMIESON

Pīngao seedlings.

PHOTO: BELINDA PRATT

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Reasons to be hopeful

Tim Nelson Midweek Musings

I have just reread the last chapter of The School of Life book Reasons to be Hopeful

The chapter covers the way in which people often feel down because they believe they know everything that is to come, whether it be in their personal lives or in the wider world. However, things are likely not to be exactly as planned.

I had no idea that I would be spending three months living overseas on a sabbatical, yet this is exactly what I have just been very fortunate to do. Looking ahead I could fall into the trap of thinking there won’t be another period like this, but who really knows, there may very well be many equally enjoyable experiences in the years to come, whether they be at home or abroad.

I just need to be on the lookout for them and prepared to take opportunities.

The truth is, none of us really know what’s to come, positive or negative. We just need to be ready to ride out the challenging times, knowing they will pass, and to enjoy the good times. What is causing the problem?

On the Real Science of Sport Podcast, the host shared an extremely important perspective on how to deal with problems, this being we need to understand what’s causing them.

As obvious as this may seem, it also seems to be something that is often overlooked. Rather than looking at causes, people will instead apply strategies that won’t have any real impact.

An example of this is a person who is living an unhealthy lifestyle, based mainly on the food they are eating, but choosing the strategy of exercising to change and modifying

nothing else.

Anyone who reads these posts will know I am a huge advocate for exercise; there are numerous ways in which it improves our lives. However, in the case of the person with the unhealthy diet, a much better approach to becoming healthier will be to change their diet. Yes, adding exercise will be beneficial, but the primary cause for being unhealthy in this case is diet.

The first step to overcoming any problem should always be to identify what’s causing it.

Where are you?

Wherever we are right now is essentially because of what we have done before. To some reading this comment there will be a strong feeling of disagreement; to this I write that in very exceptional circumstances there are things happening that are incredibly unfair that no one deserves that would be so very hard to overcome.

However, in a vast majority of cases, if we are truly honest with ourselves, we will see our past actions, thoughts and beliefs are what have taken us to the

point where we are right now, both in a negative and a positive sense. If things could entirely be the result of external circumstances, then everyone from a similar situation would be in the same place. Looking at and applying what we observe from negative and positive role models will have a strong influence on where we end up.

Yes, life can be incredibly unfair, but, ultimately, if we sit around blaming others and taking no action to move forward in a positive direction, things will either

stay as they are or will get worse. Do what you can

A piece of writing always worth referring back to was in the very first edition of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

It’s about a person who approaches a young girl on the beach who is throwing, one by one, a type of sea creature that is among thousands of its type washed up and are dying on the beach.

The man asks the girl what difference she can possibly make when there are just so many that need

to be saved. To this she responds by picking up one more from the multitude and saying something along this lines of “I can’t save them all, but I can save this one”.

I love this story. Too often we choose to do nothing because there just seems to be too much to do, and our efforts will make no real difference in the great scheme of things.

A better way to look at an issue is to imagine you are the one being helped in a situation in which there are so many who are in the same predicament as you. How would you feel? How grateful would you be?

We should always look at the huge issues from a local or much smaller perspective; we really can’t save the world, but we can always make a big and positive difference to just one person, animal, or part of the environment. If others chose to follow your example, momentum will grow and there will be positive change on a much larger scale.

Get reading Research shared in the Daily Telegraph highlights the advantages of reading, especially among children. The first paragraph I read states: “Reading for pleasure was found to increase the size of children’s brains, improve cognitive ability, support good mental health and also lead to better grades.”

The great thing about reading is that it is accessible to pretty much anyone. Some might initially struggle, whereas others will learn with apparent ease. Regardless, all will benefit.

For me, I’m a very slow reader and always have been. However, this doesn’t diminish my enjoyment of reading in any way.

One aspect of the article that will be off putting for many is that it highlights the optimal amount of reading is 12 hours a week. My view is that this is not a starting point, rather, it’s a goal to gradually work towards, perhaps starting by a parent reading to a child for just five minutes a night. The benefits of doing so will have a hugely positive lifelong impact on any child.

Use what you have

I met a photography teacher who shared some interesting information about the students he teaches. The teacher thought the students would want to learn about the intricacies of things like SLR cameras, but it turned out they were far more interested in learning about how to take better photos with their smartphones. The position of the students is understandable; their smartphones are the cameras they always have with them and will be what they use to take a vast majority of their photos. The teacher chose to

adapt his programme, and in doing so found out a lot about the capacity of smartphone cameras he wasn’t previously aware of, with one example being you can use a smartphone camera as an SLR camera.

Sometimes we need to adapt to fit the situation we are in. Doing so will make us aware of the way in which our prior knowledge can support the situation, essentially building on what has already been to meet the demands and expectations of today.

Be good at what you do

Over the course of my career I have had many jobs. Before becoming a teacher I was an apprentice printer, an apprentice photolithographer, a government clerk, a banker, I worked in a video store, I was a security guard at the American embassy in London, and I worked in a music store. One of those jobs, in particular, led to a turning point for me, this being when I worked in a bank. For the three jobs I had before I started working as a banker, and for a large part of the time I was working at the bank, I was very lazy and put very little effort into what I did, always doing just enough to get by.

One day I realised how unsatisfying what I was doing for work was. I never received any positive recognition because I didn’t deserve to and others

who started after me were promoted above me.

At this time I made a conscious decision to start working a lot harder, to be the best I could be at whatever I was doing; this was while I was working at the ANZ Bank and coincided with a move to another branch.

Almost immediately I started enjoying my job more, getting satisfaction out of doing tasks better, and also enjoying the positive recognition I started to receive.

This has continued to this very day and has been the case for every position I have held, from working in a video store in London during my OE, to working as the principal of Lakeview School.

Being the best I can be was a deliberate decision I made. No one forced me to do so. If I was able to do it as a very lazy and ineffective banker all those years ago, then anyone reading this post is able to do so as well from this point on.

• 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.

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Book, Music and Lyrics By JIM JACOBS and WARREN CASEY

Logo created and designed by Maggie Taft and Harry Bogosian BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiNTM THEATRICAL www.origintheatrical.com.au

A little over a month ago, the team at Streamline Espresso shared a link to Stuff’s Love Your Local Awards on their Facebook page and asked Wairarapa: “Do we deserve your vote?”

It turns out the staff of the silver bullet coffee caravan did indeed deserve locals’ votes and they’ve been announced as the winner of the Wellington regional prize for front-of-house service.

Business owner Jean Jenkinson said she and the team are stoked with the win, but she was also quick to add that it reflects the family-like relationship they have with their customers.

“The past few years have been really trying for everybody,” said Jenkinson.

“We pretty much treat everyone like they are friends, and we get to know all their names and have a joke around with them.”

A couple of their regulars have also got good at “giving it back”, Jenkinson said.

Streamline Espresso has been operating for over five years in the Epiphany

Church carpark in Solway, Masterton.

The team comprises Jenkinson and her daughter Tianna Jenkinson, along with long-time staff member –and “part of the furniture” – Jenna O’Donnell.

Jenkinson said that for them, the business is about setting people up for the day “with a coffee and a smile”.

“If someone comes in and they don’t look happy,

we’ve got to make sure they smile before they leave, you know – like, that’s the goal.”

This dynamic is apparent even in the 20 minutes the Times-Age interview takes place, with one customer quick to offer up congratulations on the award.

Normally two people will work for the busy morning shift, and Jenkinson guessed they pour a couple of hundred

coffees every morning.

“Jen and I’ve been doing it together for so many years, there’s almost this waltz between us,” said Jenkinson.

“There isn’t a lot of space in there, there’s no way you could have two people in there that didn’t get on.”

Also chuffed with the win is Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell, who said he’d heard from “the man on the street” that it is a

special place.

“It’s great for a small business, it just shows how you how much they are appreciated by the people.”

Although Caffell hadn’t yet visited, he has given his assurance he is planning to head there at some point and offer up congratulations.

Silver bullet coffee cart wins Lifestyle

“Not being a coffee drinker myself I haven’t tried it, but they’ll be on the list now for sure.”

The team behind Streamline Espresso won the public vote for front-of-house service in Stuff’s Love Your Local awards. PHOTOS/BELLA CLEARY

Bella Cleary bella.cleary@age.co.nz

Hungry for extra slice of funding

The Government has announced a further funding boost of $6 million for food banks, but it’s unclear if Wairarapa will see any of it.

The funding is in response to the cost of living crisis, and priority will be given to those food banks operating in “high demand regions such as Auckland, Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay”.

Masterton Food Bank manager Jenna Matchett is concerned by this announcement, having been fielding increased demand all year.

“Wairarapa has been left out of that round of funding, and I don’t understand why,” Matchett said.

“It’s a bit of a kick.”

If regions impacted by cyclone damage are to be prioritised, Matchett said she finds it hard to believe the $6 million will stretch far enough to support other areas.

“It’s a vicious cycle, and when we’re getting left out of things like the $6 million – it’s a bitter pill.”

While Wairarapa wasn’t as badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and extreme flooding as Gisborne or Hawke’s Bay, Matchett said there is still a significant need for support here.

“Our area isn’t getting the recognition it needs for the support that it needs. What about the parts of Wairarapa that were hit really hard by the cyclone?” Matchett asked.

“Tīnui, Castlepoint, and Riversdale – they actually suffered quite badly out there, and I know our

food bank, and so many other agencies, have been supporting so many people out there.”

The Times-Age reported in April that more than nine per cent of Wairarapa’s residents were relying on food banks for support at the time.

Matchett said there’s additional concern about increased demand due to the fuel subsidy being lifted, which she predicts will have a “massive impact”.

“The flow-on effect of something like that on food banks is massive because it increases

everything,” Matchett said.

“Not just the price of food, but getting stuff from A to B. Every household is affected by that.”

Wairarapa’s land area compared with a comparatively small population means travel costs are huge, which means Matchett is expecting more people needing food bank support.

“Whenever anything like this happens, there’s a lag of a week or two, then we get smashed.”

Wairarapa MP Kieran McAnulty said the petrol excise cuts were always

temporary and had already been extended several times.

“We have seen over $1.4 billion invested to support families when petrol prices spiked, and we have now put in place other supports like free and halfprice public transport,”

McAnulty said.

“It should also be remembered that petrol excise revenue helps pay for our roads, so a restoration of that funding will provide significant benefits to the community.”

McAnulty said demand for food

support, particularly in communities impacted by the extreme weather events, remains higher than it was prior to covid-19.

“This boost in funding

for community food banks aims to help them continue their work during this period of high demand.”

All Ministry of Social Development contracted food providers will be able

to apply for funding from the $6 million, McAnulty said.

“I understand MSD has organised a forum with providers in regions including Wairarapa to discuss the funding and process.”

However, neither Matchett nor Martinborough Food Bank volunteer May Croft had any knowledge of such forums being scheduled.

Croft said while she understands there is an extremely high need in

cyclone-affected areas, it doesn’t cancel out the need in Wairarapa.

“It’s really the six million dollar extra boost to food banks in the cycloneaffected places,” Croft said.

Like Matchett, Croft is seeing increasingly high numbers of people still needing support and said it isn’t just beneficiaries who are turning up.

“We think that people not being able to buy food, it’s not going away,” Croft said.

“Today, a lot of the

people coming to the food bank, they cook and they work, and still can’t make ends meet.”

Croft acknowledged such funding decisions are tough, but also said she is hoping for a clearer indication of where Wairarapa food banks stand.

“It’s often smoke and mirrors,” said Croft.

“They’re vague in how they explain things so you’re desperately trying to work out what it is.”

P:

Masterton Food Bank manager Jenna Matchett. PHOTOS/BELLA CLEARY

Masterton Food Bank is hoping for more funding.

The food bank is helping families every week.

PHOTO/FILE

Bella Cleary bella.cleary@age.co.nz

Council News July

Matariki Celebrations in South Wairarapa

Matariki is the Māori New Year, a time to review the old year, think of loved ones past and present, and set goals for the year to come. It’s a time of celebration, timed with the ascension of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) and since last year it has been a public holiday. This year Matariki is on 14 July, and there will be a number of communityled events around the district.

These include:

• A stargazing walk in Martinborough on 14 July

• Midwinter Festival activities in Greytown

• Activities organised by Featherston’s Pae tū Mōkai o Tauira group

Dog regos

The end of July is when all dogs must be registered and licenced. Look out for registration forms in your inbox or letter box. Registration forms can also be found on Council’s website or collected from the Martinborough office. You can return your form and pay your registration fee at Greytown or Featherston libraries or at our Martinborough office. Remember, dog regos are due by 31 July 2023.

Libraries

Over 247,000 print items and 27,439 ebooks, emagazines and audio books were issued and returned between 1 July 2022 ad 31 May 2023. And more than 800 new members signed up over the same period. This thirst for reading is wonderful news, but for our service, it comes at a time when resources are thin. Because of a lack of capacity among existing staff, the Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough libraries are changing their hours. This schedule will be reviewed before the end of July and any changes published on our websites. See the wls.org.nz website or our own swdc.govt.nz for more.

• The unveiling of a pou in Featherston’s Clifford Square on 14 July by the Greytown Trails Trust to point to the start of the Five Towns Trails Network section between Featherston and Greytown.

Enjoy your Matariki!

Schools and Council team up

Council is proud to be teaming up with local schools to get some pretty amazing mahi done.

Kuranui College school has leased a parcel of Council land nearby to run a Wānanga Farming Class. Students have already made great strides, redoing the boundary fencing and getting rid of broom in preparation for grazing. Plans are also in place to improve the soil for better growth and experimenting with different crops and grasses.

Meanwhile, in Featherston, St Teresa’s School has been busy at Donald’s Creek, improving the habitat along the banks. This is a student-led, multi-year project aimed at restoration, returning native fish species and encouraging community connection to the waterway. Students visit the stream several times each year to monitor the stream’s health and undertake science activities. We are proud

Annual Plan

The 2023/24 Annual Plan and budget were adopted by the Council on 28 June 2023. The total rates increase of 19.8%, or $4.21million, is essential to deliver the priorities for 2023/24, including urgently needed improvements to our infrastructure. Reducing budgets will always have an impact on the services we provide for our community. Like every household, Council has to budget for increased costs outside our control like interest and insurance.

We are mindful of the pressure this increase places on families and

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Meeting agendas are available for inspection at least two days before the meeting at the district libraries, Council offices and at swdc.govt.nz. Public participation is welcome. If you wish to speak during the public participation session at any of the below meetings, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, please phone 06 306 9611 or email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz

Masks are available for those in attendance. If you have cold and flu symptoms, please stay at home. The meetings will be livestreamed on YouTube Channel, where possible.

JULY MEETINGS & FORUMS

MĀORI STANDING COMMITTEE

Tuesday, 18 July at 6pm. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

HEARINGS COMMITTEE SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL PARK WATER BORE

Wednesday 19 July at 12.30pm. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

HEARINGS COMMITTEE

Wednesday 19 July at 9am. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

INFRASTRUCTURE & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, 25 July at 10am. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

GREYTOWN COMMUNITY BOARD

Wednesday, 26 July at 7pm. WBS Room, Greytown Town Centre.

MARTINBOROUGH COMMUNITY BOARD

Thursday, 27 July at 7pm. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

AUGUST MEETINGS & FORUMS

to support this work with general oversight and maintenance, planting assistance and helping our rangatahi establish a strong connection to the area and lake.

businesses, and encourage anyone that is concerned about their ability to make payments to contact Council at the earliest by calling 06 306 9611. In 2024, the Council will be releasing a refreshed Long-term Plan. We will be starting community engagement later this year, before embarking on a formal consultation process in the new year. That will be the chance to tell us about the future community you want. We need to hear from more of you, so why not subscribe to Council’s website to hear of updates on how you can be part of this process? Visit our website home page to ‘Subscribe to Meetings & News Notifications’.

COUNCIL

Wednesday 2 August at 10am. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, 9 August at 10am. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

ASSURANCE & RISK COMMITTEE

Wednesday, 9 August at 2:45pm. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

FEATHERSTON COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING

Wednesday 9 August at 7pm. Featherston Community Centre, Wakefield St, Featherston

CLIMATE CHANGE & ENIVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Wednesday, 23 August at 10am. Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas St, Martinborough

Paul Gardner

INTERIM CHIEF

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mike Butterick with Kuranui College students Sam Gawith, Wade Woodcock, Emilio Rogers, & Logan Black

St Teresa’s School students (Liz Lark)

GREYTOWN SURROUNDS &

GREYTOWN’S VERY OWN HEAT SHOP AND HIRE SHOP

You can’t miss Greytown’s very own Heat Shop and Hire Shop, co-located on the corner of State Highway 2 and Bidwills Cutting Road. The premises boasts an inviting façade in a distinctive orange colouring.

If you’ve only driven past to date, now is the time to come in and take a look at what’s on o˜ er.

“We have a great range of wood burners including Metro, Firenzo, and Woodsman,” says Joanie Meyrick, manager of Greytown’s Heat Shop. “But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll install your wood burner, including if you purchased it elsewhere. And because we deal directly with the council for consenting requirements,

the whole process is stress-free for you.”

The awesome crew at the Heat Shop also maintains wood burners and provides replacement parts such as glass doors, ° ues, cowls, ba˛ es, bricks, air tubes and hearths. “We can rebuild a ÿ replace,” Joan says. “You can book a chimney sweep through us, as well as a ÿ replace inspection and report.”

That’s handy if you’re buying or selling a house. “Shop at the Heat Shop in Greytown. It’s hassle free.”

For ease, Greytown’s Hire Shop is right there next to the Heat Shop and can help you with just about anything.

“If you’ve got home or garden projects planned, if you want to turn your home

into your castle, come and talk to us at the Hire Shop,” says Je˜ Clark, manager of Greytown’s Hire Shop.

“If you’re shifting furniture or garden waste, you can hire the right trailer for the job from us. We’ve got tools ranging from shovels to excavators. You can hire a pump if you’ve been ° ooded, and we have a huge battery range of tools for both smaller and larger properties.”

One of the advantages of hiring something is that you can “try before you buy,” says Je˜ . Whether you’re a lifestyler or a tradie, the Hire Shop has something for everyone.

Joanie and Je˜ are very inviting. “Pop in and have a browse.”

Greytown’s Heat Shop and Hire

use of NZ wool

WoolWorks New Zealand has announced it is forming a new division to develop opportunities and grow the market value for wool.

As well as being New Zealand’s sole provider of wool scouring services, WoolWorks is the world’s largest wool scourer.

The company runs two 24/7 wool scouring plants – in Clive and at Washdyke near Timaru.

Its third plant in Awatoto – a coastal suburb near Napier – was severely damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year and is inoperable.

WoolWorks chairman Rob Hewett said the Awatoto plant had two metres of water surge through it during the flooding.

The company aims to have the Awatoto plant up and running by the end of this year and is in the process of sourcing replacement materials and equipment from overseas.

“From our three wool scourers, our total kilograms of wool that we will scour this year will be down on what we would normally do but – by and large – there is enough wool being scoured today

to meet all our customer’s requirements,” Hewett said.

The new division, WoolWorks Ventures, aims to create opportunities through innovation and supply chain efficiencies to drive revenue back inside the farm gate, he said.

“The problem we have at the moment is the high volumes of poor quality wool,” said Palle Petersen, general manager of PGG Wrightson’s wool export arm, Bloch and Behrens.

“So if the new WoolWorks initiative involves finding a local use for that type of wool –perhaps house insulation – and if they can influence

the government to start using wool insulation in all government buildings and state housing, then that would be a great way to hopefully lift the price of those poorer type and to increase awareness of the benefits of wool.”

Options for a sustainable Rural

WoolWorks announcement comes after its decision to decarbonise its Timaru facility earlier this year, replacing coal with electricity to power the site.

The company said $9.5

million was invested to replace the coal-fired boiler with an electric boiler, and understands the plant is the only second early-stage textile processor in the world to be decarbonised. WoolWorks’ drive for sustainability is illustrated by its wool scouring process, which utilises continuously reused and recycled water with reduced power consumption.

“Our mission is to

elevate New Zealand wool as a natural, sustainable, and ethical fibre of value to consumers who seek products with these attributes,” Hewett said.

“As a global leader in early-stage wool processing, WoolWorks agrees that this situation must be addressed. These changes are about doing what we can to help lift returns for farmers.

“We can see several significant growth opportunities to enhance

aspects of the value chain from the farm through to the end manufacturers and their customers.”

In tandem with the announcement about its new division, WoolWorks’ long-term chief executive Nigel Hales has been elevated to the new role of company president.

Meanwhile, chief operating officer Tony Cunningham will take on the role of chief executive of WoolWorks operations, while Rosstan Mazey has been promoted to lead the

newly-created WoolWorks Ventures division. Moving forward, WoolWorks intends to continue to expand and improve its core activities.

“With a global move to natural and sustainable fibres through new and innovative products, models, and changes in regulations, including ecostandards, New Zealand strong wool is set to find a more meaningful place in a rapidly evolving and changing marketplace for interior textiles and

emerging opportunities,” Hewett said.

“Much work is going on in the background to ensure that this happens, and the structural changes that we are making at WoolWorks are all about realising these opportunities.”

Hewett described WoolWorks as a business tied to the fortunes of strong wool farmers during a time when there is significant land pressure for forestry in certain parts of the country.

DairyNZ Update

Walk the farm, con rm the current cover and calculate the de cit. Develop a plan to ll this de cit for the next 2w.

• Share your plan; seek advice.

Monitor your actual pasture cover weekly and adjust your plan weekly or fortnightly.

There are a number of options to get back on track and ensure animal welfare is not compromised.

Make sure you:

• Don’t speed up the rotation

Prioritise intake to the most vulnerable stock: colostrums, milkers, springers then dry cows.

• Feed supplements to build cover. Use nitrogen and/or gibberellic acid.

Minimise pugging damage to protect future re-growth.

“There’s an overlay of that it’s been uneconomic to grow strong wool in recent years, it’s become a byproduct of farming, and the main output of sheep production is sheep meat now.”

Hewett said farmers relying on sheep meat as their strong suit could end “really ugly” as New Zealand has already seen a downturn in red meat exports this year.

According to an analysis by the Meat

Industry Association, New Zealand’s red meat exports dropped by almost a fifth in February due to global economic stresses.

In February this year, NZ exported red meat products worth $885 million, an 18 per cent decline compared with the same time last year.

“We want farmers to make money,” Hewett said, “because if they don’t make money out of wool, they won’t grow it, and we won’t have a business.”

WoolWorks, the world’s largest wool scourer, will form a new division.

Rebecca King rebecca.king@age.co..nz

WoolWorks will make structural changes to realise future growth opportunities. PHOTO/FILE

WoolWorks chairman Rob Hewett. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

people who mean business

MATTLAINGCUSTOM TILING

YOUR TILING AND PAVING SPECIALIST

Matt Laing is ready to spruce up your home. He has 20 years’ experience of indoor tiling and outdoor paving in Wairarapa, building on tiling skills originally perfected in London’s tube stations.

Recent indoor tiling projects include kitchens and bathrooms. When the weather allows, he works on fireplaces and outdoor paving.

Matt can meet your every tiling need from porcelain or glass to ceramic, stone, and mosaic. He can suggest design and layout options and is a Certified Waterproof Membrane Applicator which comes with a ten-year guarantee. Underfloor and ceiling insulation is another string to Matt’s bow.

WHERE ALL YOUR TREE ISSUES ARE LOOKED AFTER

Qualified arborists Nic Durkin and William Bird of WaiARB are available for all arborist work in Wairarapa. After all the freaky weather we’ve been experiencing they may be just the men you need! Whether it’s tidying up battered and broken trees, or specialised maintenance, such as pruning and reduction, the WaiARB team can help. They will help you with the complicated tree removals, such as trees over houses, or on difficult-to-access sites.

They can also advise on all types of arborist work including how to maintain prized trees when they are a feature of a property. Nic and William will also mill special timber trees such as oaks and macrocarpa and customers can either keep the wood or sell to WaiARB. And, if that’s not all – they will also chip the wood for mulch which customers can either keep, or WaiARB will take away.

Call Nic Durkin 027 463 7144 www.waiarb.co.nz

06 929 8955

E: rayandloriswhitcombe@gmail.com

‘PEOPLE

HEATING

• Chimney sweeping & Inspections

• Fire installations

Keeping your home and family safe.

0800 244 663 (CHIMNEY) peter@woodburners.co.nz | www.woodburners.co.nz

INSECTS

Get Sniper Interior/Exterior barrier spray – it works!

Get a free bag of Dr Bugs popcorn with every order.

Available online at www.ecomist.co.nz

ROOF PAINTING

Be Warm this Winter with a Daikin

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Pilot, 4 Traction, 9 Lining, 14 Evoke, 15 As red as a beetroot, 17 Moans, 18 Get, 19 Freedom, 20 Courteous, 21 Octane, 24 Off-centre, 25 Feeler, 26 Weapon, 29 Femininity, 31 Eat, 32 Silver, 33 Undo, 35 Inn, 37 Silo, 39 Limericks, 40 Scapegoat, 41 Haunt, 42 Autocrat, 47 Opponent, 51 Mural, 55 Peninsula, 56 Unpopular, 58 Well, 59 SOS, 60 Evil, 61 Detach, 62 Tic, 63 Recompense, 66 Canine, 67 Tissue, 69 Ambulance, 72 Grubby, 73 Candidate, 75 Healthy, 77 Tar, 80 Raise, 81 Put up the shutters, 82 Unity, 83 Deaden, 84 Ring road, 85 Fever.

DOWN: 2 Insurance, 3 Obese, 5 Reap, 6 Cheroot, 7 Interference, 8 Noose, 9 Lettuce, 10 Name, 11 Nuance, 12 Dodge, 13 Western, 14 Escaped, 16 Adolf Hitler, 22 Helium, 23 Cellist, 24 Orinoco, 25 Fetish, 27 Pinhole, 28 Decamp, 30 Yarn, 32 Snout, 34 Octet, 36 Veto, 38 IOU, 42 Apple, 43 Tension, 44 Cone, 45 Abused, 46 Brash, 48 Portmanteau, 49 Nowhere, 50 Nil, 51 Malaria, 52 Lustre, 53 Spick and span, 54 Spar, 57 Locale, 64 Surcharge, 65 Inquiry, 66 Centaur, 68 Sharpen, 70 Butcher, 71 Oblige, 72 Grain, 74 Deter, 76 Lithe, 78 Bend, 79 Asia. 5x5

I

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

ROBERT MILNE

Trades

Gardening Landscaping

Paul August Landscape Design

Landscape Consultation & Design Service 027 446 8256 august.landscape@orcon.net.nz www.augustlandscapes.co.nz

Public Notices

OFFICIAL NOTICE.

CARTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ROADS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traf c Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the Carterton District Council proposes to close Puketiro Road for the purpose of a Gravel Hill Climb for the period indicated hereunder:

Period of Closure:

Sunday 20th August 2023 7.00am – 6.00pm

Roads affected: Puketiro 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 traf c in an emergency. Any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge his/her objection and grounds thereof, in writing before 2nd August 2023 at the of ce of the Carterton District Council, Holloway Street, Carterton.

Johannes Ferreira

Infrastructure

Manager

www.cdc.govt.nz

28

SOUTH WAIRARAPA DISTRICT COUNCIL

NOTICE TO CLOSE ROADS TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure)

Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the South Wairarapa District Council, for the purpose of the Festival of Christmas, will close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder.

The Festival of Christmas (FOC) is a winter festival that provides a largely free programme for the whole month of July in Greytown. The 2023 festival has a focus on lighting, snow machines, events, activities and free entertainment for residents and visitors to enjoy. The closure is for the Grand Finale when we anticipate significant crowds.

During the period of closure, vehicles will need to take these alternative routes:

• Southbound on Main Street (SH2) – Left onto Jellicoe Street – right onto East Street – right onto Church Street – rejoin SH2

• Northbound on Main Street (SH2) – Left onto Hastwell Street – right onto West Street – right onto Kuratawhiti Street – rejoin SH2.

Road to be closed:

• Main Street (SH2) between Jellicoe Street and Hastwell Street

Period of closure:

• Saturday 29 July from 4pm-9pm

PostponementdateisSunday30July Stefan Corbett

Group Manager Partnerships

& Operations

Public Notices

ommunit Funding 023

Funding applications are being sought for community activities or projects that deliver a community-wide benefit to the Greytown district in the areas of y environmental well-

The round is open to all local community groups, incorporated societies and registered charities who currently operate within the p the Greytown District Electoral Ward There is $15,000 available for distribution

Grant applications close midnight on Friday 14 July 2023.

For further information and the www.greytowntrustlands org nz

Or contact the Trust Manager, Helga Perry on 06 304 9071 or email admin@greytowntrustlands org.nz

IFESTY ER

Seeking a general hand for a lifestyle block in the Wairarapa Region, close to Riversdale Beach to carry out ground and maintenance operations

The role includes general land type work, performing maintenance and all round upkeep of the land and property Two or three days per week.

Competitive rates and conditions available.

Applications to Grace at grace.n.clark@outlook com

Experience Dairy Far Worker Required

A Fixed Term Contract for 4 months is offered on a 540 cow dairy farm j ust 8km south of Masterton

Duties include calving, milking, feeding out, mating, irrigation, effluent, animal health The successful applicant will have the capability to perform the above duties without supervision when required. An ability to function in a team environment and communicate is essential Hourly rate at $30 -$35. Accommodation may be available if needed

For further information please phone Jim on 021 308 760 or email CV and cover letter, along with reference names to james mancer@taratahi ac nz

Firewood

Employment Predator Free Masterton

Community Engagement Coordinator, Masterton Masterton District Council has partnered with WaiP2K, to establish Predator Free Mast erton. A community project to get individuals and groups involved with tracking and trapping predators in the Masterton urban area with the aim of enhancing native biodiversity and restoring the natural environment.

WaiP2K is seeking a self -motivated, organised, people person with admin support and event management experience You will be working as part of a small team Predator control knowledge is not essential, but a passion and proven ability to empower and engage people is!

This role is 12 hours per week, fixed -term contract for 12 months (with the pos sibility of an extension for another 12 months) Working hours are flexible with some expectation of work outside of normal office hours (e g weeknights and weekends)

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

Applications close at 5 pm, Tuesday 8th August 2023.

Applications must be emailed to kiaora@waip2k org.nz and include a cover letter and your CV See our website https://www.waip2k.org.nz/jobs for the full job description

Old foes set up final

Find what you are looking for

Defending champions Carterton will play old foes Greytown in the Chris ‘Moose’ Kapene Memorial Cup ÿ nal after two contrasting encounters. CHRIS COGDALE [in Carterton] and ROGER PARKER [in Greytown] review Saturday’s semiÿ nals action.

RUGBY

Carterton 45 Pioneer 3 Carterton withstood a strong first half from Pioneer before pulling away for a commanding seven try to none victory in the mud at Carterton.

Most of the early pressure came from the visitors, who, with the aid of a stiff northerly wind, kept Carterton camped deep in the own half. It was only good defence that kept Pioneer out, a point not lost on victorious captain Daryl Pickering.

“Pioneer had a pretty strong wind in that first half and kept us down in that corner, but we worked hard on our ‘D’ in the last few weeks, and I guess that showed today. We were willing to give them the ball and back our defence,” Pickering said.

When Carterton did eventually break out, they made it pay with the opening try from a 5m lineout to hooker Terongo Tekii, who was playing his 50th game in the maroon and black.

Reece Calkin closed the gap to 7-3 with a penalty, only for Carterton to reply two minutes later from another 5m lineout, this time through Fijian lock Malaki Biumaiwai, who dived over for the first of his three tries.

Carterton’s dominance at set

piece and a rampaging forward pack in the open began to pay off in the second half, and Pioneer had little answer to the relentless attack.

Two further tries to the barnstorming Biumaiwai and five-pointers to charging prop Tupou Lea’aemanu, secondfive Fiula Tameilau, and fullback Ben Brooking wrapped up a convincing win in awful conditions, which made running rugby difficult, to say the least.

The big Fijian brothers Malaki and [blindside flanker] Isireli Biumaiwai were at the forefront of many of the charges, with lock Logan Wakefield and Lea’aemanu not far behind, while openside flanker Inia Katia was into everything, making tackles, forcing turnovers and creating attacks, seemingly from nothing at times.

“We worked hard up front, and our forward pack has been dominating these last two or three weeks,” Pickering said.

“Those brothers Isireli and Malakai have given us so much go forward on top of Tupou and Inia, and they’re just a handful.”

Halfback Pickering, Tameilau, centre Aseri Waqa, and fullback also stood out at times but had limited opportunities given the bog-like

conditions.

Although convincingly outplayed in the second half, Pioneer never gave in, and the likes of openside

flanker Himiona

Haira, hardworking prop Ihe Namana, No.8 Jonte Miller, centre Nikora Ewe, and first-five captain Reece Calkin turned in strong performances.

In the end, though, Pioneer paid for the lack of a solid platform at scrum time and their poor lineout execution.

Greytown 21 Marist 16

A superior scrum came to the rescue for the home team at a critical stage of an at-times pulsating semifinal in Greytown. With a handy wind at their back for the second half, Greytown were behind with 10 minutes to play after seeing what was a well-deserved halftime advantage stolen away by a rampant Marist.

After fluffing a couple of good chances to take back the lead, Greytown simplified their approach to better suit the slippery conditions and looked to their forwards to wrest back control and provide what would be the winning phase of the match. It came on the back of an impressive 40m rolling maul that parked Greytown deep in the Marist 22. Greytown thought they had been awarded a try from a series of one-off drives from several mauls, only for referee Alistair Payne to change the call on advice from the assistant referee. However, his new ruling included a yellow card for Marist prop and co-captain

Stan Wright Jr, and Greytown immediately played their trump card – a 5m scrum. A valiant Marist, who had held out numerous raids on their line in the previous 15 minutes, didn’t have one more stand left in them, and Greytown demolished their pack in the ensuing scrum, giving Payne no option but to award a penalty try. It would prove to be the winning of the game and a ticket to this Saturday’s grand final. Greytown captain Tana Issac summed up the key to finding a way back to the lead in typically uncomplicated fashion.

“We had to slow things down a bit. We were making mistakes because we were rushing and forcing the play rather than controlling it.

“Our scrum was going well, and we had plenty of go-forward, but we needed to settle and dictate the pace to get the job done. That rolling maul from a lineout set us up nicely, and the scrum did the rest.”

Greytown scored two first-half tries off the solid platform of that dominant scrum.

Centre Nick Olson weaved his way to the line on the 10-minute mark, and openside flanker Riley WaltonSexton strolled across untouched on the half hour. Marist managed just two penalties in the opening period for their efforts and faced an uphill battle into a stiff breeze for the second stanza.

They rose to the challenge right from the restart of play.

Continued on page 38

Right winger Hayden Cooper finished off a swiftly executed blindside move, calmly slotted the conversion from wide out, and suddenly it was a onepoint game. The prospect of a championship final improved further just 10 minutes later when Cooper again stepped up and slotted his third penalty for the match to give Marist their first lead of the contest.

Greytown’s Joseph Te Naihi hit the post with one penalty attempt and sliced another to the right

soon after. Greytown then tuned down a relatively straightforward shot at the posts and opted for a scrum close to the line, only to lose the ball in the tackle. Marist was starting to believe it was going to be their day.

Cue the rolling maul of the season and the penalty try.

Marist had one last crack at the Greytown line, and powerhouse prop Sam Siaosi went extremely close off a quick tap, but Greytown would not be denied their spot in the final.

As a mark of respect to

their local community, Greytown played in their Papawai heritage jersey, which was unveiled earlier this year. The navy blue jersey with gold fern recognises the connection between the Papawai community and the Greytown Rugby Club and is based on the original Papawai Rugby Club jersey.

BRIEF SCORES

Carterton 45 [Malakai Biumaiwai [3], Terongo Tekii, Fiula Tameilau, Tupou Lea’aemanu tries, Ben Brooking try, 5 cons] Pioneer 3 [Reece Calkin pen] HT 14-3

Greytown 21 [Nick Olson, Riley Walton-Sexton tries, penalty try, Joseph Te Naihi 2 cons] Marist 16 [Hayden Cooper try, con, 3 pens]. HT 14-6

HODDER-STEFFERT CUP

Martinborough added the Hodder-Steffert Cup to the trophy cabinet, next to the Lane Penn Cup, after a 4113 victory over East Coast at Trust House Memorial Park.

Martinborough scored seven tries to two to pull away for a convincing win in the final, played between the fifth and sixth teams in the premier championship.

WHATABOUTU SENIOR RESERVES

There were no surprises with the top two sides Tuhirangi and Masterton Red Star to meet in the Ryan Cup final after hardfought semifinal wins. Defending champions Tuhirangi withstood a strong Greytown challenge before winning 33-7, and Stars were pushed hard by Pioneer, eventually prevailing 27-7.

The bottom four President’s Cup final will be contested between Marist, who held off East Coast 29-15, and Martinborough, upset 17-5 winners over Gladstone.

Nick Olson is all smiles after scoring Greytown’s ÿ rst try.

PHOTO/GRAEME BOWDEN

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