Wairarapa Midweek Wed 16th February by Wairarapa Times-Age

Wairarapa’s locally owned community newspaper

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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Lessons from the wild forest Erin Kavanagh-Hall

erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

For Deb Butterfield, a dream come true would be seeing a food forest planted on every street in Wairarapa. Deb and husband Ray are the driving forces behind Tinui Food Forest: a sprawling, untamed, yet harmonious garden space, yielding fruit, vegetables and edible plants as far as the eye can see. Late last year, the Butterfields opened their food forest, a project over two decades in the making, to the public: running guided tours of the “wild and wonderful” four-acre forest area, smaller kitchen garden, and organic farm. On the tours, visitors can sample Tinui Food Forest’s vast array of produce – heritage apples, elderberries and red currants straight off the vine, Barcelona hazelnuts, and medicinal lemon balm, to name a mere handful – while learning about the principles of food forests and their environmental benefits. Plus, they can meet a few

of the animal inhabitants: a herd of alpacas, goats, kune kune pigs, chooks and ducks, and family of talkative guinea fowl. Food forests, otherwise known as forest gardens, imitate the biodiversity of a natural forest. They contain a variety of plant species, which grow together to form a self-sustaining eco-system: nurturing the soil, attracting beneﬁcial insects, and requiring little human intervention. The Butterﬁelds began planting the food forest on their 30-acre property on Manawa Road – once stock grazing land – in 2001, starting with a small number of fruit trees sourced from the Koanga Institute in Wairoa. Twenty years later, the Tinui Food Forest is one of the largest and most established forest gardens in New Zealand. Deb hoped the forest tours would introduce more people to the concept – and, hopefully, inspire others to “be kinder to the environment” by setting up something similar in their

own space. “It’s easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed by the scale of the environmental problems we face – and that’s why I grow the food forest,” she said. “Humans have done so much damage to the natural world – not just by using pesticides and destroying habitats, but by controlling nature according to our own warped standards. And that’s not healthy. “The food forest is my attempt to do right by our environment and I want to show others they can do the same, even on a small scale.” Deb and Ray, with their four now grown children, relocated to Tinui from the Kapiti Coast, after seeing the Manawa Road property advertised online. Deb was inspired to start her own food forest after reading books by UK horticulturalists Robert Hart and Patrick Whiteﬁeld. Though awareness of food forests has certainly grown more recently, the concept Continued on page 3

Deb Butterfield in the kitchen garden section of the Tinui Food Forest – one of the largest food forests in the country. PHOTOS/ERIN KAVANAGH-HALL

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2 Wairarapa Midweek Local News Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Newsweek

History

Arts

Setting sail

Life well lived

Wairarapa archivist Mark Pacey’s history of local shipwrecks has docked on local bookstores. Full story P8.

Photographer Ron Redfern, whose career spans almost eight decades, is exhibiting his limited-edition collection in Masterton. Full story P4.

Our people

Elephant in the room

John McCosh has added a life-sized elephant’s head to his museum collection. Full story P6.

Opinion

Do better

We have a right to protest – but not while actively harming others. Editorial P12.

Carterton

Every coffee counts

Carterton’s hospitality sector is in need of community support while in the Red traffic light setting. Full story P10.

Inside

Interact

Local News 1-8

Lifestyle 16-25

Events 30-31

Carterton 10

Rural 26

Classifieds 32-33

Opinion 12-13

Puzzles 27

Sport 33-34

Extra 14

Business 28-29

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Local News Wairarapa Midweek

Warm welcome to principal Paula Erin Kavanagh-Hall

erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

For Paula Weston, there’s no greater privilege, as a school principal, than supporting her pupils through the best and the worst of times. As the new principal at Greytown School, she looks forward to navigating life’s ups and downs alongside its “very special” student body. Weston comes to Greytown School from the Hutt Valley – where she spent the last two decades working as a teacher and principal at various primary schools. She and husband Errol moved to Carterton in 2020, and both commuted to Lower Hutt for work. Feeling a need to contribute to her adopted community, Weston applied for the role at Greytown School at the end of last year. It’s been a challenging start to the year throughout the country, as schools adjust to health and safety measurements to prevent

New Greytown School principal Paula Weston with pupils (clockwise from left) Violet McGhie, Spencer Mudgway, Winnie Wilson and Amaia Phillips. PHOTO/ERIN KAVANAGH-HALL

the spread of covid. For Weston, however, the omicron variant has not dampened the enthusiasm

of getting to know her new workplace – and familiarising herself with Greytown School’s forward-

thinking curriculum and upcoming building projects. Most importantly, she looks forward to making new connections with her 345 pupils and “hardworking, dedicated staff”. “Already, it’s clear this is a very special school community,” she said. “Education is a people business, and the relationships you form are so important. “You’re in a position of privilege, as you’re present for the kids during the best and worst times in their lives. “It means a lot that kids can come into my office and share all the amazing things going on – and the not so amazing”. Weston, born and raised in Lower Hutt, has been teaching since her early 20s – inspired by having several extended family members in the profession. She studied at the former Wellington College of Education and, on graduating, taught at

Avalon Intermediate in Lower Hutt. Eventually, she moved into leadership roles — including deputy principal at St Joseph’s School in Upper Hutt, principal at Maoribank School and, most recently, principal at Dyer Street School in Epuni. Weston said she loved working in the community that raised her – and talks fondly of greeting some of her former pupils as they accompanied their children for their first day at school. She is passionate about leadership in education, and its role in creating empowered and inclusive learning environments. An effective leader, she says, is one who is genuine and transparent. “Authenticity is important. The person you present on the first day needs to be the same as on the 100th day. “You need to be clear in your messaging and have open communication with the whole school community. “As principal, I aim to be

present physically: meeting the kids at the gate in the mornings and spending quality time in the staff room. I don’t want to be sequestered in my office, doing principal things!” Weston said she was drawn to Greytown School for its innovative approach to education: using structured literacy, digital learning strategies, and play-based learning for junior pupils “Being outdoors is a big part of the culture as well – it’s not all pens and paper. The kids are adventurous, brave, and love trying new things.” Weston said a major focus for 2022 will be the school’s upcoming renovations, which will, to prepare for a growing roll, include two new classroom blocks. In the meantime, her focus is getting to know her “amazing” pupils. “The kids are friendly, chatty and articulate, and open to new people and experiences. They’ve all been so welcoming.”

Restorative space for all living creatures Continued from page 1 goes back to the ancient world — with 2000-yearold forest gardens discovered throughout Africa and Asia. Food forests comprise about seven layers: a canopy layer made from tall, nitrogen-fixing fruit trees, a lower layer of dwarf fruit trees, a shrub layer of berries, an herbaceous level of companion plants, a ground cover of edible plants, a layer of root crops, and a vertical layer of climbers and vines. Intertwined, the plants produce a vibrant, productive, and mutually supportive growth system. For example, the nitrogen-fixing trees add valuable soil nutrients and provide shelter, the shrub layer attracts beneficial insects for pollination and pest prevention, and the

ground cover acts as living mulch. “We don’t intervene – the plants work it out for themselves,” Deb said. “We don’t use sprays or inputs. We don’t do weeding, because we don’t have weeds – we have wild plants! “We get plants moving in like chicory, wild carrot, wild parsnip and gypsophila, which can either be edible or medicinal.” She said an important part of the food forest is providing a healthy and restorative habitat for wildlife. “Humans are pretty rubbish at sharing – we think the land is ours to own. But food forests make space for all human and non-human inhabitants “For example, we don’t put up netting to keep the birds away. Birds take fruit

Left: One of the many varieties of heritage fruit trees in the food forest. Right: The seven layers of a food forest. PHOTOS/ERIN KAVANAGH-HALL

from the highest point of the tree, and then disperse seeds, which keeps the ecosystem going. “We’ve planted shrubs like comfrey which other species can eat or live in, and can also improve the soil.” Deb and Ray’s efforts have certainly paid off – with the mature Tinui Food Forest now home to countless fruit and

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nut trees – apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, walnuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts —, several varieties of berries, herbs such as fennel, sage, lemon balm, and mint, Jerusalem artichokes, a colourful array of vegetables, and even medicinal hops. The forest area also contains furniture fashioned from tree branches and living roots,

a living maze of willow trees, and a frog pond made from an old spa pool. As Deb simply put it: “You name it, we’ve got it!” “Ray and I do all the harvesting ourselves. Every night, I’ll forage in the kitchen garden for our dinner.” The two-acre kitchen garden is planted using food forest principles, but utilises some traditional

techniques, such as planting in rows, archways for climbing plants, and seaweed-based fertilisers. “People look at the wild forest and think ‘I couldn’t possibly do that.’ “But you can have a little veggie garden that uses food forest concepts – but still looks neat and tidy.” As well as running the tours, Deb is setting up a commercial kitchen and a store for the forest produce: preserves, syrups, cordials, healing balms and goats milk soaps and candles. She also hopes to run forest-based art workshops. “It’s beautiful place just to spend time in. There’s something in human DNA that needs to be near a forest.” • For more information, go to tinuifoodforest. co.nz.

4 Wairarapa Midweek Local News Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Local News Wairarapa Midweek

STICKMAN’S WEEKLY SPECIALS

Photos capture a long life well lived I’m very proud of the photos – I hope people who come to the exhibition will feel the same.

Erin Kavanagh-Hall

erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

A photographer whose career behind the lens has spanned close to eight decades has opened a retroactive exhibition of his work in Masterton – an event he has dubbed his “90th birthday swansong”. Ron Redfern, known by his peers as “the patriarch of commercial photography” in New Zealand, is displaying a limited-edition collection of black and white landscape photographs – some dating back as far as the 1950s – hosted by ConArt Gallery & Studios. The exhibition, which opened last Friday, features striking images taken as Redfern travelled up and down the country for various work assignments. While on the road, camera in tow, Redfern stopped to capture everything from beech forests, to imposing mountain peaks, to abandoned goldmines, to a plane flying into Wellington during thick fog (“I think he managed to land it!” he quipped). The nonagenarian, who celebrated his milestone birthday on Tuesday, has had an illustrious career in commercial and advertising photography: which has included working alongside the All Blacks, taking photos for Resene which are still used today, and his photos featured in a bestselling cookbook. He continued his career well into his eighties, only retiring after a series of heart attacks. Redfern thought he had put that part of his life to rest – until last

MASTERTON

Ron Redfern, a photographer for close to 80 years, is exhibiting his limited-works at ConArt in Masterton. PHOTO/ERIN KAVANAGH-HALL

year when, after his wife’s death, he found his old landscape photos stored in a box. With encouragement from family, he decided it was time to showcase his work – evidence not only of his skill as a photographer, but of a life well-lived. “Travelling around the country, taking photos of interesting things and beautiful landscapes – I’d say that’s a pretty good way to spend your life,” he said.

“When I found the photographs, I hadn’t looked at them in years. But I thought to myself, ‘what’s the use of taking photos just to keep them in a box?’ Photographs are made to be seen. “I’m very proud of the photos – I hope people who come to the exhibition will feel the same.” Redfern, who grew up in Lower Hutt, took his first photos at age 14, having borrowed a friend’s Kodak Box

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Brownie camera while on a tramping trip. He got his first photography job at 15, working part-time at Elite Studios in Lower Hutt. “I would stand in the street and take photos of people as they walked towards me,” he said. “I’d give them my card, and they’d come into the studio and buy the photo. “It was all black and white back then – colour film hadn’t been invented.” The young Redfern continued with photography while working at a car factory, capturing weddings, parties, balls and the Trentham Races on weekends. Eventually, his skills landed him a job at the former Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), where, three weeks after starting work, he was commissioned to film a colour movie of a thermal research project at White Island. “That was a pretty steep learning curve. It was a harsh environment – I was following nine men as there were testing the temperatures of the steam holes, and you couldn’t breathe in the steam. “We were living pretty rough – in sleeping bags on the sand near the beach, no tents. Some nights, it poured down. “Although I’ve been tramping most of my life,

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so I got used to it fairly quickly.” The DSIR then sent Redfern to Christchurch on the Lyttleton overnight ferry to discover why one of its circuit breakers was malfunctioning – using a high speed 16mm movie camera to identify faults. After four years with DSIR, Redfern worked with photographer Gordon H Burt at his studio, where he was the first in Wellington to process colour negative film and print in colour. He then decided it was time to “go out on [his] own” and bought a studio on Lambton Quay for the “very reasonable price” of five hundred pounds. At his new abode, renamed Redfern Studios, his career

“really started to fly”: with contracts with big-ticket advertising clients such as Resene, the New Zealand Airways Commission, Mobil, and the British High Commission. “I was doing some architectural photography, and I took a photo of the British ambassador’s residence. I got a lovely letter from his wife, thanking me.” One of his all-time favourite clients was the All Blacks, for whom he took formal group shots throughout the 1960s. “I did that for about five or six years. They were a fun group to work with.” His career also took him on tours of Fiji, Tonga and New Calendonia, which

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Right: Ron Redfern with his proud family grandchildren Josh (left) and Lara Redfern Olsen, daughter Justine RedfernOlsen, and son-in-law Andrew Olsen. PHOTO/ERIN KAVANAGHHALL

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Above: Redfern captures Palliser Bay in black and white. PHOTO/RON REDFERN

lead to his photos being published in a cookbook called Taste of the Tropics, featuring signature Pasifika recipes. The book, renamed Taste of the Pacific, has been reprinted 10 times. Redfern went on to tutor photography at the then Wellington Polytechnic, serve as president of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, and adjudicate at numerous competitions and exhibitions. He continued his career on moving to Masterton in 2009, when he was commissioned for real estate photography by Property Brokers. At the ConArt exhibition, the Wairarapa public will get to see a different side of Redfern: an expansive journey from north to south, via his images of volcanic plains near Mount Ngauruhoe, sea grass and rock formations at Cape Palliser, waterfalls at Milford Sound, and abandoned stone cottages in

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Central Otago. Amongst the landscapes is a haunting image of a Holocaust survivor, whom Redfern met in Wellington and agreed to be photographed. “He had been a prisoner at the Dachau concentration camp. He was missing a couple of fingers on his right hand – presumably as a punishment, though he didn’t want to talk about it much. “His eyes tell the story – they look dead and sad.” More prosaic but of no less importance are images of long-deserted goldfields in the central South Island – where

Redfern found a shed full of 19th century mining equipment. “It was fascinating. We found some of the old steam-powered machines with the great long belts that they used back in the day. “I think any subject can take a great photograph. It’s all about the lighting.” Redfern’s proud family hopes to help him put together an exhibition of his colour photographs next year. • Redfern’s exhibition will be display at ConArt until Friday February 25. ConArt is open between 12pm and 3pm.

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6 Wairarapa Midweek Local News Wednesday, February 16, 2022

There’s an elephant in the room Grace Prior

grace.prior@age.co.nz

Nestled by the Ruamahanga River in Kahutara hides quite a large gem that may not be as well-known to Wairarapa locals. The elephant in the room in an elephant. Wairarapa’s Crocodile Dundee, John McCosh, has made a life-sized model elephant head. McCosh said the elephant had never been seen by the public, with its completion only a month ago. He said the head took him six months to complete – his longest project of all. “I got the idea for it when I was stuck in South Africa during lockdown and saw a real life one. I said, ‘I can do that’ and they said I couldn’t, so I did.” Making a model was much harder for McCosh than his normal taxidermy projects because there wasn’t the skin to work with. He said it had been a challenge, but he was proud of the elephant he had created. McCosh said he wouldn’t taxidermy a real elephant because the skin was too heavy. “You have to tan the skin

John McCosh has made a life-size elephant model to accompany his taxidermy collection.

when it’s wet and it’s really heavy when it’s wet. Big animals are fairly heavy.” The weight of the model elephant was enough for McCosh’s wife who said it was “horrendous” trying to mount the elephant on the wall. McCosh said the elephant head wasn’t the only exciting thing to

happen to his museum recently – a Tasmanian tiger skin that had been sitting in his collection for about 27 years had sold a museum in Canberra, Australia for over $200,000. He said the skin had been gifted to him and was noticed by some Victoria University students for

how well preserved it was. The next thing he knew, a whole exhibit had been built to house the skin back in Australia. McCosh said he hoped to go and visit for the exhibit’s opening, but it had been pushed back by covid travel restrictions. He said the skin had been in New Zealand for

PHOTO/GRACE PRIOR

nearly 80 years and it was one of the best-preserved specimens of the iconic wolf-like animal. Now, Australian scientists hope to bring the animal back to life by inserting its DNA into the cells of a related living species, most likely the smaller Tasmanian devil. The Tasmanian tiger has

been extinct since around 1936 and a database list only 78 remaining skins worldwide. The love of taxidermy came to McCosh many years ago when he first preserved a pigeon. “I had a whole lot of racing pigeons and my favourite one died, so I decided to try to taxidermy it.” After a few more attempts, McCosh got a helping hand from esteemed taxidermist Harold Frazer who was living down the road at the time. He then learnt the tricks of the trade from Frazer who had worked for Wellington Zoo. Frazer had preserved a bear skin, which was a “huge prestige for him”. McCosh said he then went on to take on taxidermy jobs for Wellington Zoo, which included a large male lion. He said his collection began from the zoo, and now had grown to hundreds of animals – including 500 birds. McCosh said his collection was a great way of displaying nature and the “beautiful animals it holds”. The museum is open by appointment only.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Local News Wairarapa Midweek

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8 Wairarapa Midweek Local News Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Local history book sets sail As Mark Pacey puts it: “It’s been a long journey… but the vessel has finally docked”. Late last year, the Wairarapa archivist, historian and author completed his latest book: The Lost Wrecks of Wairarapa, a history of the region’s shipping disasters. The book is now available to purchase, with copies hitting the shelves at Paper Plus Masterton and Masterton District

It’s been a long journey… but the vessel has finally docked. Library last week. It will shortly be available at other Wairarapa bookstores. The Lost Wrecks of Wairarapa, published by Pacey’s own company Gosson Publishing, arose from a series of articles he researched and wrote for the Wairarapa

Times-Age during the 2020 lockdown. Pacey, now a regular contributor to the Times-Age, decided to publish the collection after receiving many enthusiastic requests for “whole book” from readers. The book contains stories of 78 local shipwrecks, spanning a period of 160 years and stretching from Akitio in the north to Palliser Bay in the south. Pacey has written five

books on local history, including histories of Masterton breweries and chemists in Wairarapa. • The Lost Wrecks of Wairarapa retails at $45 each. • It can also be purchased online at www.gosson.co.nz.

Mark Pacey with copies of The Lost Wrecks of Wairarapa – now available to purchase. PHOTO/ADAM SIMPSON

Wrong water loss data alarms Featherston EMILY IRELAND

emily.ireland@age.co.nz

Wellington Water “inadvertently” provided incorrect water loss information for Featherston, showing an

overall loss in the network of about 80 per cent in October last year. The numbers alarmed South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] and residents — but they have been confirmed as inaccurate. The water loss was more likely close to 60 per cent. After subsequent repairs, the water loss now

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sits at about 40 per cent. An SWDC spokesperson said Wellington Water’s incorrect figure resulted from “a technical issue in October which affected how leakage data was gathered and analysed”. “In fact, the percentage of water lost that month in Featherston was likely to be about 60 per cent, a similar level to November’s,” the SDWC spokesperson said.

“Although water loss in Featherston is still high, it dropped significantly further to 40 per cent in January 2022, following the repair of a 100mm water main and a leaking connection on Boundary Rd. “Wellington Water apologised for any confusion and alarm the figure may have caused. While a 40 per cent

leakage rate in Featherston is substantial, the council notes the repairs show how a number of small leaks can have a significant impact on a network of Featherston’s size.” Wellington Water and SWDC were committed to more investigative work to improve the district’s water network. Wellington Water was also recently authorised to

begin a short-term repair to the damaged Tauherenikau River pipeline, which supplies Featherston’s drinking water. This would help buy time while a longer-term solution was devised. It was expected that a more permanent fix could require consents, meaning it could take 18 months to two years.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Wairarapa Midweek

GARDEN

YARN

with

FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH

FLAXES & GRASSES If you’re going to be developing a new garden, or updating an existing one and want a simple way to fill some space, you should consider planting some grasses and flaxes. These types of plants are a go-to for many landscaping situations in NZ for numerous reasons.

A few examples of what you could add to your garden, but there is far more to choose from in-store FLAXES:

These fibrous plants have always been important, they’ve been used for medicine, shelter, catching and storing food, weaving and now they are a popular choice for home gardeners around the world.

We grow a huge amount of ornamental plants on site, lucky we have so much space! Our home grown plants are a great size for a great price. Some of the reasons they are so popular for planting in NZ home gardens is because they are: NZ NATIVES: Not all grasses & flaxes we sell are native to NZ, but many are, and most are evergreens. HARDY & LOW MAINTENANCE: There are so many to choose from and many can survive in a wide range of conditions, pick wisely and you should have no troubles at all growing a thriving garden with ease. ATTRACTIVE: There are a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours & textures to choose from, and they complement lots of other types of trees and shrubs and their foliage dancing around in the wind adds another interesting element.

Contrasting colours and textures add interest to gardens

VERTSATILE: There would almost be a grass or flax suitable for every landscaping situation you could need in a home garden including borders, hedges, screens, as a specimen, in a pot and a selection look fabulous planted in bulk areas. AFFORDABLE: Many of the flaxes and grasses we sell here at GardenBarn have been grown on sit by our expert growers. Not only does this mean you are going to get top quality plants suited to our climate, it also means you get them a great price.

ENTICING TO WILDLIFE: One of the great things about planting natives is that they can attract native birds and bugs. If you plant a wide range, including some grasses & flaxes, you could potentially supply year round food for our special creatures.

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There are two main species of flaxes. Phormium tenax, otherwise known as Harakeke, is used in Maori weaving and is the one to plant if you have wet ground. It grows to around 3m but the flower spikes can get up to 5m high, perfect for attracting birds and for soaking up excess moisture.

Phormium cookianum Green Dwarf $13.99. For top quality plants at great prices look for our home grown range

PLANTING TIPS:  Plant in full sun for healthy compact growth and fabulous colour  Make sure they have some air flow to avoid pests such as mealy bug and scale  Feed in spring with a slow release fertiliser  Keep tidy by cutting old foliage cleanly from the base. If you have coloured varieties remove plain green growth so it doesn’t take over  Keep plants fresh by lifting and dividing every few years.

Phormium cookianum, the ‘mountain flax’, is smaller growing with long twisted seed capsules. These are the most tolerant of dry, windy spots, perfect for coastal plantings. Phormium Apricot Queen, Purpurea, Yellow Wave. The contrasting colours of flaxes adds interest to gardens & pots

GRASSES:

These are another versatile addition for NZ home gardens. Grasses are very hardy, thrive in a wide range of conditions—when they’re blowing in the wind they look even better! There are many different types of grasses, but two of the main ones are Lomandra and Carex. CAREX There are around a thousand different kinds of Carex—70 of those native to NZ. These are perfect for growing in exposed spots and while most prefer either fun or semi-shade it’s likely you’ll find something to suit wet or shady areas too. Choose the right plant for the right spot and you’ll have no trouble maintaining them.

Carex Mixed Varieties $9.99.

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10 Wairarapa Midweek Carterton Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Every coffee counts in Red Erin Kavanagh-Hall

Carterton

erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

With covid restrictions seemingly in place for the long haul, “every coffee counts” for Carterton’s hospitality sector. Last week, Carterton mayor Greg Lang took to social media to encourage the community to, where possible, support the town’s cafés and eateries – many of which have reported a sharp downturn since New Zealand moved to the Red setting of the Covid Protection Framework. On his public Facebook page, Lang wrote: “Our cafés need you. Out on the street today, checking in with our café owners and all have commented that patronage is way down. If [you’re] able, please get out there and support them safely under the red light settings, they would be stoked!” Several people commented affirming their support, sharing photos of their coffee and cake orders from their favourite Carterton haunts. Under the Red setting, hospitality venues which follow vaccine pass requirements can seat up to 100 people, with some restrictions in place. Since the move to Red on January 23, Eftpos data has recorded a steep drop in café and restaurant

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

transactions nationwide. Lang said Carterton’s vibrant café sector has been hit hard by large events being cancelled, meaning fewer people are visiting and spending money the town. Some eateries have had to make signiﬁcant adjustments to their operations – and are calling for patience and empathy. Lang encouraged customers to keep making their regular espresso orders, while keeping safety top of mind. “Our local cafes are very much the essence of our town. Local businesses are key to the health of a community,” he said. “The traﬃc light system was set to support our economy and allow people to so safely.

“If you can, pop into your favourite café, order a coffee and a scone, and give the staff a pat on the back.” Since the 2020 lockdown, Lang said the Carterton community has given “outstanding” support to local businesses. However, he acknowledged the current downturn is not helped by the rising costs of living and “covid fatigue”. “People don’t have the same ability for discretionary spending – which affects local businesses. “And, after two years of covid, people are tired. “People are generally supportive of what we need to do to keep covid at bay – such as contact tracing and wearing masks. But it’s wearing thin.

“I’m conﬁdent we’ll get through it – right now, we just have to adjust to these new ways of living.” Crystal Thompson, owner of Wild Oats on High Street North, said she and her staﬀ are “very thankful” for their loyal regulars – but agreed covid restrictions are taking a toll. “Even though it is the right thing to do, things like having to wear a mask can take the joy out of going to a cafe,” she said. “It does put a strain on you after a while – so I understand why people are staying home. “Also, people are worried a café they went to might be a location of interest, which means they’ll have to isolate.” She said the uncertainty

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of covid has forced cafes to “scale back” on supplies. “That might mean we’ll have a smaller range on our menu, or something that you’re used to ordering won’t be available. “People do sometimes get upset, and make comments like ‘what kind of service is this?’ “It’s not easy – we’re doing what we can to stay open.” Also rolling with the punches is Finom Kitchen: which has moved to a mostly takeaway only service, and split its staff across two shifts to keep “bubbles” small. Customers can sit at the café’s outdoor tables, provided they show their vaccine passes. Owners Sarah Webster and Kirsten Berry provided the following statement to Midweek. “The impact has been emotional as well as financial as we are all struggling to keep up with the continuous changes needed to keep staff, customers and our business safe. “Being a part of the hospitality trade right now can feel like an emotional roller coaster. “We are so grateful to our regulars who have kept coming in for their daily refuel. Every coffee counts at the moment!”

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Wairarapa Midweek

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12 Wairarapa Midweek Opinion Wednesday, February 16, 2022 EDITORIAL

Opinion

Do better, Aotearoa As I’m writing this, the antivaccine mandate convoy protest in Wellington is stretching into its third day. Multiple arrests. Business closures. Mass disruptions to daily commutes and essential services. Apparently, someone left ... a brown deposit on the steps of Parliament. Arguments have, naturally, broken out online. In which I myself have been accused of belittling those with different viewpoints. Honestly? This has gone way beyond difference of opinion. Covid is divisive. And we can’t deny lives have been impacted by the vaccine mandates. As much as the vaccine is a political hot potato, some hesitancy is less partisan: motivated by health concerns and (especially for indigenous communities) distrust of the medical system. For these people, loss of livelihood will be hugely difficult. MLK said it himself: “riots are the language of the unheard.” The convoy feels unheard. The famous quote applies: “I disapprove of what you say,

Peace of Mind

Erin Kavanagh-Hall but will defend to the death your right to say it.” What is indefensible, however, is some of the behaviour we’ve seen unfold in Wellington. For a movement driven by “human rights”, the convoy has had no qualms impinging on basic freedoms: from accessing public transport to safely walking to the supermarket. Protesters have thrown rocks through car windows, blockaded the streets, hurled profanities at children getting off buses, spat on café staff, and lobbed eggs at a teenager for not removing her mask. Some have been calling for “executions’” of politicians and journalists. While holding signs that say “Love Cures All”. That’s horrifying, actually. We have watched as the world’s media, on whom functional democracies depend, has been targeted and de-legitimatised by

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.

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

demagogues and wannabe dictators. In the US, journalists have been physically attacked by Far Right groups and brutalised during Black Lives Matter protests. And now it seems a good few of our countrymen are happy to waltz up to our Parliament and threaten us with kangaroo courts and the noose. I was naive to think we were better than that. You have the right to protest. But you don’t get to actively harm others. Or clog the streets so ambulances can’t get through. Or play French Revolution and threaten elected officials with beheading. There are “different views” – and there’s acts of terrorism. Stand up for your rights – your tipuna fought for that. But a friendly reminder: your rights do not supersede those of your fellow citizens. Pretty simple. For all our sakes: do better.

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

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Opinion Wairarapa Midweek

STREET TALK

My mum made the best… Emma Ayling Macaroni and cheese. Nae Kawana Babies! Peter Rayner Spaghetti-based pizzas. Don’t agree with Bill English on much, but that’s how we made homemade pizzas then.

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Margaret McNaughton Clootie dumplings (a Scottish Christmas dessert). Richard Alan Dahlberg Home for all of us. None better. Pip Clement Soup in the winter. Going to miss that, now she has passed away.

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CONTACT US 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.

Opinion

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14 Wairarapa Midweek Extra Wednesday, February 16, 2022 ARATOI VOICES

Extra

Art works to Martinborough Aratoi is Wairarapa’s Museum of Art and History and as such endeavours to represent artists in the region and provide accessible experiences for the whole Wairarapa community. That is why Aratoi is bringing the prizewinning works from the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Wairarapa Art Review to Martinborough’s Schmid Gallery for a month from February 18th. The gallery, in the Station House building in Kitchener Street, displays the work of New Zealand artists and jewellers, especially from Wairarapa. On a recent visit to the gallery, I was intrigued by Howie Griffin’s tableau Treaty of Waitangi, a unique depiction of the signing, and by Rebekah Farr’s tiny graphite and wax landscapes. Sandra Schmid, who owns the gallery, is herself an artist, creating

Sandra Schmid at her gallery workbench.

distinctive jewellery at a bench tucked unobtrusively into one corner of the gallery. She has won many awards for her jewellery and has been exhibited widely in many countries including Italy, China, Melbourne and throughout New Zealand.

Sandra works on commission as well, designing and making bespoke pieces, including wedding rings. To make the rings quite special, she often casts them in soil from the places the couples come from. The seven works from Aratoi are diverse. Jason

Burns, the Rosewood Premier Award winner, makes a bold statement with his large painting Submarine Head, as does Hélène Carroll in her Where Do We Come From which won the Rigg Zschokke Highly Commended prize. The Pete Nikolaison

Connelly throws his hat in the ring EMILY IRELAND

emily.ireland@age.co.nz

Greytown’s Martin Connelly has announced his intention to contend the mayoralty of South Wairarapa at this year’s local body elections. Appalled by the council’s “budget blowouts and fractious relationships”, his goal is to restore public trust in the council. To restore trust, “we need change, and that change starts at the top,” he said. Connelly grew up on a Canterbury high-country sheep station but now lived in Greytown. Before moving into senior public sector roles, he began his working career as a teacher.

With expertise in policy development and fiscal management, he wanted to focus on “leading the council back to the heart of its role: serving its community effectively”. “I want South Wairarapa to be a region where people want to come to work and live,” he said. “The best way to do that is to start by looking after those who are already here while carefully planning for what our communities will need in the future.” In his public statement, he listed his accomplishments as representing New Zealand at the OECD, receiving the Prime Minister’s Prize for Public Policy in 1998, and holding the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel. He was currently the president of the South Wairarapa Bridge Club, was a keen photographer, and enjoyed spending

time with his family and grandchildren. He said there were many opportunities to strengthen and grow South Wairarapa and said the community had “great ideas about what is needed, and where”. “It’s the mayor’s job to listen to the people and make these things happen, not to get bogged down in pet projects and petty quarrels.” Rates increases were a key issue for Connelly. “The increase of 30 per cent – double what was indicated in the Long-Term Plan – has put intolerable pressure on many of South Wairarapa’s residents, especially those on low and fixed incomes. “We risk becoming a region where many people are forced to decide between paying their rates or their power bill. “Rates increased by double what was promised

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Photography winner, Lisa Nelson, has captured the beauty of Hyacinths in her photograph and with her linocut Urban View Reduction, Jo Lysaght deservedly won the ConArt Emerging Artist award. Three quite different works make up the last three of the group. Harry Watson, winner of the Jane Hyder Portrait Award, uses video as the medium in his Portrait of the Artist as a Grumpy Fuck, while Leah Creaven’s Rapa Rising is a rug tufted piece which won the Gwen Saunders Exciting Use of Colour Award. The Hillview Property 3D Award was won by Carolina VargasGonzalez with Break the Chain, a grouping of various ceramic vessels and a chain, which together convey a powerful message. The prizewinning works will be hung on rotation over the month and will be for sale at the gallery, if not already sold during their time at Aratoi.

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Martin Connelly of Greytown has confirmed his intention to stand for Mayor of South Wairarapa District Council. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

in the Long-Term Plan, but our communities have little to show for it other than financial stress and three very costly barbecues at our public swimming pools.” His immediate three priorities would be “undoing the 30 per cent rates rise, putting an end

to excessive spending, and making sure the council consults communities before doing things that affect or annoy them”. He said democratic representation and local engagement would improve when the council worked effectively with the three community boards and the Maori Standing Committee. “The communities of South Wairarapa shouldn’t have to tolerate broken promises, bullying, and blatant disregard from the very people elected to represent them. Connelly was the first person to publicly announce his intentions to contend a mayoralty in Wairarapa. Candidate nominations would open on July 15. Voting would open on September 16 and close on October 8. Final results would be announced on October 14.

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16 Wairarapa Midweek Lifestyle Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Lifestyle Wairarapa Midweek

STAY IN GOOD HEALTH

Ombudsman investigates civic process

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An artist’s impression of the proposed Masterton civic facility. IMAGE/SUPPLIED

EMILY IRELAND

emily.ireland@age.co.nz

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referendum to be held on the matter and some have laid complaints to the Office of the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman over the process. Dr Amanda Lynn, who laid her complaint to the Ombudsman in June, has confirmed she received written confirmation of a formal investigation on November 24. She is now discussing the release of information with the Office of the Ombudsman in the name of transparency. “This is an issue of significant public interest and from review of council meetings I do not believe councillors were aware

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standard of inclusion.” Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson conﬁrmed yesterday she had apologised to councillors for not keeping them in the loop. “Councillors were made aware that a complaint had been raised and an investigation was underway in August 2021 but had not been made aware that this investigation had been formalised in November 2021,” she said. “An apology was given to councillors and they will be advised of any further progress.” It is understood councillors found out about the formal

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of the investigation,” she said. “It is in their interests, and the wider public interest, that they are in full possession of the facts in order that they may fulﬁl their duty of care in an open and transparent environment. “I am now raising awareness within the limits of my rights. “We should support a fair and methodical investigation. “No matter the outcome of the investigation, the fact that it is occurring signals a need to improve the way that the council relates to the community, which is deserving of and has the right to the highest

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Term Plan consultation was criticised by elected members and residents who called it “extremely frustrating” and “ridiculously hard” to navigate. Residents also felt that details were scant on key civic facility aspects such as its location. In June, councillors voted to progress the civic facility project with some external funding as part of the long-term plan by a slim majority [6-5]. The preferred site, at the northern end of town, is yet to be purchased, but two oﬀers from the council have been rejected. To top it oﬀ, Masterton residents called for a

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The Chief Ombudsman is formally investigating Masterton District Council’s civic centre process, it has been revealed. But elected members were not told a complaint to the watchdog had escalated to this stage, despite the council being notiﬁed in November. Masterton’s mayor has now apologised to councillors for not relaying

the information. The $30 million civic facility project has been surrounded by heightened controversy over the past year. Council chief executive Kath Ross resigned in August after she was caught tearing down the poster for a protest where more than 1000 people took a stand against the proposed civic centre. The deputy mayor was also stood down from his position as chair of the civic facility committee after he labelled some project detractors as a group of “grumpy, old, white men”. The survey platform used for last year’s Long-

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investigation this week. Dr Lynn said the letter she had received in November, written on behalf of the Chief Ombudsman, focused on three areas of concern regarding Masterton District Council’s community consultation and administrative process for the proposed $30m civic facility. Dr Lynn, who is the principal analyst at consultancy firm Mandolin Associates, said it was her opinion that the council’s consultation process was “flawed and that insufficient due diligence has been undertaken to support the most positive outcome for the people of Masterton—and the wider Wairarapa community”. At the time of consultation, there was little clarity over what was proposed, whether the Masterton Trust Lands Trust could or should release the land council had eyed up for the facility, the true cost of the build and financing, and the real impacts on the economy, Dr Lynn said. Mandolin Associates formalised a complaint to Masterton District Council on June 1, 2021. “We received no effective response at that time, and therefore formalised a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman on June 17, 2021. “Following initial assessment, the Chief

Ombudsman has elected to move to formal investigation, and this has been very active since that time. “This is not a process I have taken lightly, and I believe that a facility is needed. “However, it is vital that the history, current culture, and legacy of this place is that of the people and not of the elite. “Consultation, processes, and due diligence must be robust and I support the Masterton Action Group and the Residents Association in their call to the Office of the Auditor-General for support.” She was “comforted” by the Chief Ombudsman’s participation in “supporting the Masterton people and their council to uphold the highest standards of consultation and process in relation to such a significant financial, economic and cultural investment”. A spokesperson for the Ombudsman said that they were unable to provide any further comment as the Chief Ombudsman was required by law to conduct his enquiries in private and in confidence. The Ombudsman helps New Zealanders deal with public sector agencies. They handle complaints, undertake investigations and inspections, and encourage good administration.

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18 Wairarapa Midweek Lifestyle Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Lifestyle Wairarapa Midweek

MASTERTON MONTHLY WRAP

FEBRUARY 2022

HE TĀKAI KŌRERO MAI I WHAKAORIORI MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

HUI-TANGURU 2022

WELCOME FOR FIRST REFUGEE FAMILIES

A belated happy New Year to everyone for my first column in 2022.

Covid-19 played its part in delaying the families’ arrival in Masterton and it is continuing to make its presence felt.

It got off to a very happy start for me as I was delighted to be part of a Councilhosted welcome for the first two refugee families to arrive in Masterton, in January, as part of the Refugee Quota Programme.

I am very excited that our new skatepark will be fully open in the coming days – with contractors packing over the next week, weather permitting, after being delayed by rain in the final stages.

I believe these families from Pakistan, and others that will arrive through the year, will add something special to our community, which can only benefit from the increased diversity in our cultures.

The skatepark is already looking great and I think it will become a real attraction for our town.

It was a lovely informal meeting, with representatives from the Council, Red Cross, iwi, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community to which the familes belong.

Covid-19 restrictions mean we will have to delay a full formal opening of this fantastic space, but rest assured we will mark the completion of this project and it will be fully open for action.

I think the photograph we have included tells with story, with two youngsters studying a map of the Wairarapa.

And that is not the end of developments on the site, with the Youth Hub coming in the first half of the year.

Prior to Christmas, the Council announced key appointments for the Civic Facility project and I am confident there will be progress in finalising a site in the coming months, which will enable us to share more about what is planned. Finally, I appreciate the frustrations caused by Covid-19 measures but I would urge everyone to continue to be kind as we follow the likely spread of the Omicron variant.

The first refugee families to arrive in Masterton since it became New Zealand’s newest refugee settlement town have been welcomed at Masterton District Council. The two families of five, from Pakistan, were welcomed by Mayor Lyn Patterson and the co-chairs of the Council’s Refugee Resettlement Steering Group Cr Sandy Ryan and Ahmadiyya Muslim Imam Mustenser Qamar, along with representatives from Red Cross, iwi, and members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The families are Ahmadiyya Muslims, a minority sect from Pakistan. The Ahmadiyya, or Ahmadi, are not officially recognised as Muslim in Pakistan and often suffer discrimination and persecution, including acts of violence. The Mayor said it was great to have the families finally arrive. “There were delays due to COVID-19 but we are very happy to welcome them now,” she said. “Diversity adds value to our community by sharing different cultures and ways of thinking. That will benefit everyone in our community.” Cr Ryan said the response from the community had been very supportive. “We have had a large number of people volunteering to support the families, and a lot of donations of household goods to help them set up homes here,” she said. The families have settled in rental accommodation sourced from the private market by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

SKATEPARK CLOSE TO FULL OPERATION

POOL INSPECTIONS UNDERWAY Masterton District Council has begun inspecting private swimming pools, as required by law, to ensure access is restricted, to keep children safe.

Under the Building Act, any pool with a maximum depth of more than 400mm – including temporary inflatable pools – must be surrounded by a barrier at least 1.2m in height, with a self-closing gate. Section 165D of the Act requires councils to inspect pools every three years to ensure they meet requirements.

Warranted Council staff are entitled to enter properties to inspect pools, with inspections carrying a fee of $160. The elected members of the Council agreed the fee last year as part of Long-Term Plan deliberations, deciding that inspection work should not be covered by the general rate, but targeted to those owning pools. There are an estimated 2000 residential pools in the Masterton District. Details on requirements are available on the Masterton District Council’s website – search ‘swimming pools’ – along with a guide to acceptable solutions for restricting access to pools published by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. There are several ways in which pool fencing commonly fails Building Act requirements: y The gate does not close automatically. y The fence has deteriorated, with gaps allowing access or climbing. y Vegetation near the fence, inside or outside, provides assistance to climbing.

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

y Temporary pools purchased without consideration of fencing requirements.

WWW.MSTN.GOVT.NZ @MastertonDC

Masterton’s magnificent new skatepark is days away from being fully open, with contractors Hunter Civil planning to depart next week, weather permitting. The first half of the revamped skatepark was opened for use before Christmas and has proved a hit with skaters and scooter users of all ages. The fence around the southern section will shortly be removed following completion of the second stage, along with a pump track, an additional feature.

Covid-19 restrictions mean a formal opening of the revamped park, funded with $1.3 million through the Government’s shovel-ready Covid-19 recovery scheme, won’t happen immediately but expect big things when restrictions ease, hopefully later in the year. The park will be a magnet for skaters around the country and real care has been taken to ensure the quality of the job. This included bringing coping material from the United States for the edges of the bowls which makes the park suitable for national competitions – not the case with all other rebuilt skateparks around the country.

CHANGES TO BUILDING AND PLANNING SERVICES

WHAT’S ON

With the current COVID-19 Red Light Setting, we have changed the way we see our customers at the main Council office at 161 Queen Street. We are temporarily unable to offer our 11am-2pm drop-in service for meetings with building and planning staff. We are now conducting Building and Planning meetings by phone, or using email. Socially distanced face-to-face meetings can be arranged, but will be by appointment - please call 06 370 6300, or email: buildingadmin@mstn.govt.nz For Planning enquiries, email: planningadmin@mstn.govt.nz or contact 06 370 6300. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Due to the current COVID traffic light setting, Council and committee meetings will proceed via Zoom and will be livestreamed. See our Facebook page or website for details: www.mstn.govt.nz Wednesday 16 February (Today) Kiwi Room, Waiata House, 27 Lincoln Road 2pm Audit and Risk Committee meeting Wednesday 23 February 3pm Council meeting