Wairarapa Midweek Wed 19 June

Mindy’s hikoi for trans youth

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

Mindy Parry enjoys video games [“except Grand Theft Auto”] and Dungeons and Dragons, loves Steampunk, but doesn’t have the funds to attend cosplay events, watches “wholesome” reality competition shows, and is becoming more accomplished at roller derby, her sport of choice.

“I’m allergic to any sport with balls,” the Carterton teen quipped. “Although I am getting really into yo-yo-ing. It’s becoming a real thing.”

A “fairly normal” young adult – who just happens to have sought assistance from the health system to live as her authentic self.

Mindy, now 17, came out as transgender at age eight. With the support of her whānau, she was able to socially and, eventually, medically transition to live as the gender she identifies as.

Now, the former Mākoura College student is passionate about supporting her fellow Rainbow rangatahi on their

journey — and breaking down misconceptions that often surround trans youth.

Last week, accompanied by mum Kylie, Mindy embarked on a hikoi throughout the region: Walking from Carterton to Wellington to raise funds for transgender support service Gender Minorities Aotearoa [GMA]

This was the family’s third

with the public “all about being and parenting a young trans person”.

There, mother and daughter answered questions about the common challenges faced by trans youth and their

I think it’s important that the public can see that trans folks are just regular people. Nerdy teen girls like me are the ones next to you in the bathroom stall.

sponsored walk for GMA — with their previous “coast to coast” trek, from Castlepoint to Waikanae, raising close to $2000 for the charity.

On their most recent walk, Mindy and Kylie made stops Masterton District, Upper Hutt, Wellington Central and Johnsonville Libraries, for discussions and Q&A sessions

families: Such as changing gender markers on identity documents, navigating the school system, and gender affirming health care for young people.

The latter is particularly controversial — and Mindy and Kylie are keen to dispel

surround trans Mindy [left] and Kylie Parry on their “coast to coast” charity walk in 2021.

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A standard nerdy teen girl’s life

Continued from page 1

the myth that hormonal treatments for trans tamariki and rangatahi are easily accessible in New Zealand.

Having had a “successful transition experience” and a loving family, Mindy felt she was in “a privileged position” to advocate for others, by challenging misinformation and demystifying the trans experience.

“I wanted to use that privilege to raise awareness of what young trans people go through,” she said.

“Plus, as a trans person, I think I live a pretty normal life. I have posters from Fall Out [the gaming series] on my wall, I love watching The Great Pottery Throwdown, I’m good at cleaning the kitchen, and I love hanging out with my partner.

“I think it’s important that the public can see that trans folks are just regular people. Nerdy teen girls like me are the ones next to you in the bathroom stall.

“We’re nothing to be scared of.”

Growing up in Dannevirke, and later Wellington, Mindy said she had “always been kinda femme”, even as a small child. Her parents were supportive of her wearing typically more feminine clothes – and

she could “do up with gears” to look like the costumes she’d seen at the Steampunk Museum in Oamaru.

questions from adults, and pelted with rocks by peers.

She then decided she’d like to keep the dress as it was – and to wear it to school.

“I called the school and was like, ‘Yeah, that kid who usually arrives wearing track pants is going to rock up wearing a really nice frock tomorrow. Just a heads up,’” Kylie said.

“Mindy then told us she wanted us to call her ‘she’. We had to do a bit of Googling after that. We knew about trans people coming out as adults – but we had no idea trans kids were a thing.”

Things became “more intense” when Mindy hit puberty at age 10, and her family investigated the possibility of puberty blockers – medication to prevent development of biological secondary sex characteristics.

For Mindy’s family, time was of the essence as, for many trans youth, natal puberty can trigger intense feelings of dysphoria and can be highly traumatic. There was, however, a long process ahead before any prescriptions were filled: Including referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services,

we were worried. We wanted her to be okay, and we had no idea how the world was going to treat her.

“Her father and I often said, ‘any time you feel uncomfortable and want to back out, just let us know.’

“Eventually, she was like, ‘stop. I’m good.’”

A teen Mindy later began to pursue feminising hormone therapy – which she said was “even harder”.

The process included three-monthly appointments with an endocrinologist, more physical exams [“to check I wasn’t actually intersex,” Mindy said], IQ tests, and six months of intensive psychiatric

referred to the adult endocrinology clinic at Wellington Hospital, and was eventually prescribed low-dose estrogen patches to stimulate female puberty.

Now on an increased dose of estrogen, and feeling like her outside appearance more closely matches her identity, she hasn’t looked back.

“It’s going lovely – no complaints here.”

Mindy said she is often asked if, to complete her medical transition, she’s considered “bottom surgery”. Gender affirming surgery is not available in New Zealand to anyone under 18 –and, due to specialist shortages, difficult to access in the public

raised close to $1500 for GMA — which they hope will allow it to continue its work helping trans Kiwis access healthcare, housing and legal support.

When Mindy and Kylie caught up with Midweek, they had come from their visit to Masterton District Library, which they agreed was a positive experience.

“There was one man who had some concerns, but the questions he asked were totally reasonable,” Mindy said.

“He asked if we were informed of any medical risks [of transitioning], and if there were systems in place to ensure children’s safety. We told him about the process we went through, and he seemed really receptive.”

Kylie said the experience mirrors, on the whole, the support she and Mindy have received from the Wairarapa community.

“In Carterton, people mostly care whether or not you’re a decent person. They care whether or not you show up to school fundraisers, or are nice to people at the supermarket checkout. People here have been genuinely very supportive.”

Mindy agreed –describing her secondary school years at Mākoura College as “the standard teenage girl experience”.

“It was pretty amicable. There were mean people,

ABOVE: Mindy laces her boots ahead of her most recent walk. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

LEFT: Mindy takes a break during her 2021 hikoi.

New life for ‘no-man’s land’

Student journalist MADELEINE POWERS

meets a local man with a vision – now in the process of transforming Masterton’s “Chernobyl”.

Under the gaze of the Tararua Range, a bulldozer rumbles backwards and forwards in a cloud of dust, rearranging the remnants of a toxic past.

It’s the site of Masterton’s former gasworks on Bentley St – and, after decades of being left in the too-hard basket, it’s now getting a makeover.

Watching from under a grizzled leather stetson is new landowner Joe Hart. He lives nearby, and bought the property from Masterton District Council in May 2023.

A year later, on a bright sunny morning, he is finally seeing his plans come to life.

“I had a vision for it,” he said.

The site turned into a wasteland after the Bentley Street Gasworks closed in the 1970s – and obtained a reputation as the town’s “Chernobyl”, due to large concentrations of contaminants in the soil.

For decades, the council did not have the funds to remediate the site.

Now, Hart plans to give the site the restoration it deserves – by way of new housing and business

developments, soil regeneration, and native planting.

Hart bought the entire 2.35 hectare site, but has since sold part of the land, where the gasworks buildings were, to Quality Demolition and Contracting Limited. The company will eventually open a business, Bentley’s Bargains, selling recycled building materials.

On the rest of the site, Hart has plans for a subdivision with seven house sites, as well as a church, carpark, and reserve accessible to the community.

“It’s a great area to buy property – good real estate,” Hart, a member of the Brethren Church, said.

He had even looked into creating a footpath accessing the railway line, but said he gave up after finding the process “frustratingly slow”.

For Hart, buying the land was “the cheap part” – and he has since “saved no expense” getting the best in the industry involved for the site remediation, and buying natives for restoration planting.

As well as engaging an expert in soil remediation,

the contaminated soil area with tarmac or concrete. This seals the contaminants in the soil, preventing them from being a risk to human health.

The part of the property Hart owns and is remediating also had contamination – but this dated back 1970s when the council used the site to store telegraph poles and arsenictreated timber. Arsenic contamination levels at the site, Keet said, are comparatively low.

Hart organised meetings with Wairarapa iwi leaders, and obtained their blessing for restoring the whenua.

Hart emphasises the importance of healing the land, and has paid “thousands” for locally grown shrubs and seedlings to be used in the restoration of the stream and surrounding reserve area.

Particular attention has been paid to the trees, with mature tōtara being moved and replanted rather than removed.

The cost was the soil remediation itself, with Hart engaging Dr Ben Keet, a specialist in in-situ soil remediation techniques, with over 40 years’ experience.

In-situ remediation involves a method of breaking down and purifying hazardous

substances present in soil using biological mechanisms, without removing the soil from the original site.

Keet has seen the process of soil remediation in New Zealand improve significantly since the 1990s, when it meant “removing everything to landfill”.

“Now, it is about moving the least amount of soil possible.”

This was possible at the Bentley St site because of the size of property, which allows for different zones to be mapped.

Commercial zonings allow for higher levels of contamination, whereas residential zoning, for housing purposes, requires lower levels.

With this in mind, Keet and Hart were able to come up with a design

for the area which meant only small amounts of soil needed to be removed.

Before finalising the design, extensive soil testing was done across the site to establish current levels and spread of contamination, allowing Keet to map the different zones.

The stream that runs through the property was also tested at several points to determine if there was contamination of the ground water.

Keet said there are different approaches to dealing with coil contaminants in industrial areas. For example, the new owners of the actual gasworks site, Quality Demolition and Contracting, are dealing with the contamination by “capping” – the practice of covering

After the soil is moved from the site, grass seed is being sown on the remaining areas.

Of the approach taken here, Keet said, “It’s perfect. It gets things done.”

With the remediation work complete, Hart is waiting on one final visit from the council to test the site, and issue the certificate of remediation to make it official. Road construction is due to start in late spring, following by house builds.

Hart said it was “a great relief” to finally achieve his vision, and he’s been fortunate to have “had the weather on [his] side.”

The remediation has got the tick of approval from neighbours – who were pleased to see grass growing again on what was once “no-man’s land”.

A birds-eye view of the old gas works site – once known as Masterton’s “Chernobyl”.

Soil scientist Ben Keet [left] and gasworks site landowner Joe Hart. PHOTO/JAMES HOLLINGS

Fun, confidence and STEM jobs

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

The organisers of New Zealand’s premier underwater robotics competition, kicking off in Masterton this weekend, hope to show young people that “fun” science and technology projects can one day lead to a career.

This Saturday, Trust House Recreation Centre will host the Wairarapa regional round of the annual NZAquaBots tournament: Where close to 100 tamariki, along with their handcrafted, remote-controlled robots, will face off underwater for a spot in the national finals.

The event is organised by nationwide charity Ministry of Inspiration [MOI], which provides low-cost STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] education experiences to schools around New Zealand.

Twenty-four teams from nine schools are

taking part in this year’s Wairarapa contest: Where they will manoeuvre their robots – created with support and materials from MOI – through a series of exacting submarine tasks, putting their newfound design abilities, and problem-solving and communication skills to the test.

The top three teams in each category –Primary, Intermediate and Secondary – will quality for the national competition, held in Auckland later this year.

Event organiser Jessica Cathro said MOI is on the hunt for local judges for the Masterton event – preferably those who work or have an interest in STEM fields. For example, she said, people who work in mechanics or fabrication, IT and coding, trades, or “enjoy building motorbikes at home”.

Cathro said it was important for young people to connect with those in the STEM industry, so they can see the opportunities available

beyond the classroom.

“We want to show the kids that, yes, what we’re doing with AquaBots is fun — but people also paid from this stuff,” Cathro said.

“There are a lot of different skills you can pick up in underwater robotics, which are applicable across several industries. For example, the kids make an electronic controller for their robot, and there’s a lot of soldering and wiring involved — as you’d see an electrician use. The robots are made from PVC piping, which is used a lot in plumbing.

“For the kids designing a more complex robot, there’s a bit of programming and coding involved. They’re learning about all the different forces acting on their robot in the water — the same applied by aero engineers.

“So, if the children can get to meet people in the industry, they may be more inspired to stick with it at school.”

Taking part in this

year’s competition are Douglas Park, Masterton Intermediate, South End, St Patrick’s, Tinui and Whareama Schools, Tararua College, and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa.

Each team can build either a “standard robot” using a kit from MOI, or design a new robot from scratch – and need to add an attachment which will allow it to move and retrieve objects underwater.

The teams will complete several asks in the water – including guiding their robot through an obstacle course of hoops, using it to lift and tilt a large structure, and collecting “swimming toys” from the bottom of the pool.

There will also be three

tasks “on land”: A quiz testing the children’s scientific knowledge of flood mitigation, a presentation on the scientific learnings gathered while creating their robots, and a poster about its individual features.

“They’re learning skills that are useful in any industry — communication, speaking confidently, presenting ideas clearly,” Cathro, who worked with each of the schools as they prepared for the competition, said.

“During the underwater tasks, they’re gaining soft skills, such as teamwork, compromise, negotiation, and learning to manage failure. Sometimes, the robots can fail in the worst way possible!

“A lot of the kids

that gravitate towards AquaBots can be a bit socially awkward. So this can help them gain more confidence.”

All MOI’s training in schools is free, and competition entry fees are capped at $20 [free for teams designing a new robot].

“We wanted to make it accessible. We didn’t want it to be something only rich schools can take part in.”

• For those wanting to judge the AquaBots competition, email jessica@ ministryofinspiration. org. MOI is also looking for people, from age 13 who can swim confidently, to help set up the underwater tasks.

Taking part in the NZAquaBots challenge can teach young people skills applicable across many industries. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

LETTERS

Come back down to earth, Graeme...

Does Graeme Burnard [Midweek, June 5] have some sort of humiliation kink that forces him to write some of the worst takes I’ve ever seen in New Zealand media?

Two points in response to his column about customer service.

First, the gradual erosion of labour protections, and profit maximisation above all have eroded any broad enthusiasm for customer facing roles. Can you blame them? Most of the people Graeme mentioned work for minimum wage. In 2022, Wellington rents hit 97 per cent of a minimum wage worker’s take home pay. A recent study also found that verbal and physical attacks on retail workers

have increased 88 per cent since the pandemic. There’s no career benefits to providing good service anymore – a sentiment only increasing with the onslaught of layoffs and the return of 90-day trials.

Second, the writing smacks of entitlement.

It’s always pretty easy to spot when people have never worked in customer service, especially in the last three decades. The usual giveaway is the casual arrogance of “the customer is always right” mentality. Does Graeme think he’s God because he went shopping?

You’re not infallible, Graeme – you’re at the supermarket. I pity the minimum wage workers who have to deal with you.

Becca Le Fevre Carterton

Of service and sausage rolls

Great editorial from Erin Kavanagh-Hall – a nicelyput response to Graeme Burnard’s column about customer service.

I also often thank those that have offered me good service, whether it be in our great hospital or a café. Recently, we shouted ourselves a hot chocolate at a café, saw that they had large sausage rolls, and cheekily asked if they could cut one in half for us. Not only did they oblige, but it come out with relish and a small side of salad. No extra charge.

I made mention on a social media page about it. Along comes Graeme –he posts about a negative experience at the same café.

It just goes to show that if you want to only acknowledge the not so good things, they tend to follow you around.

It’s not hard and often very rewarding to thank people. But, I have to say that if I’m treated poorly [by a business], I will let them know.

In fairness to Graeme, he has to make his columns interesting – and what better way to prove it’s working than to have people like us responding to his often controversial views?

Richard Dahlberg Masterton [abridged]

An entirely different meaning I note in the Midweek editorial of May 22, the editor favours the original African American

community definition of “woke”: “To be awake and alert to social injustice and systemic inequality.” She adds the extrapolation that it is, therefore, a good thing for Wairarapa people and Midweek to be woke. With respect, she is falling into the [woke] trap of assuming the woke have a monopoly on being “awake and alert” to the issues referred to. I would suggest they don’t. And, in terms of present day usage in New Zealand, the term “woke” has quite a different meaning from the one the editor favours.

I would apply “woke” to people who espouse popular or “politically correct” left wing views, with little or no thought as to the substance or logic behind them. These people appear

to be motivated by the desire to be seen to be kind, compassionate, tolerant, and progressive. In short, they are “virtue signallers”. Such virtues are, of course, admirable when quietly given effect to in everyday life. But a problem arises when the people concerned are simply trumpeting their self-annointed “virtues” to enhance their social standing or, worse, as a political banner. Wokeism is a form of mental laziness. I view wokeism as the enemy of rational discourse, hence a plague on participatory democracy.

Bill Armstrong Greytown [abridged]

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

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Carterton

Pizza, footie, chess – and connection

A new social gathering in Carterton is helping people venture outside, make connections, and overcome isolation – one home-made dinner, casual ball game, and friendly intergenerational chat at a time.

Local couple Jayne and Rick Bryant have set up a weekly “cooking/social group”, based at Carterton Event Centre’s Rangatahi Hub, open to people of all ages living with neurodiverse conditions or struggling with anxiety.

Over the last few weeks, attendees, of various skill levels, have tried their hand at enchiladas, pizza from scratch, and M&M cookies. Those not in the mood for meal preparation are welcome “just to hang out” – and do some crafting, “kick a ball around”, catch up over a hot drink, or simply curl up with a book or a game.

Since starting in April, Jayne said, the group has attracted a range of members: From shy primary schoolers discovering they are a dab hand in the kitchen, to older people in need of some extra company.

Jayne and Rick, whose 15-year-son attends the Whare Āwhina

Supported Learning Centre at Wairarapa College, were inspired to set up the group after connecting with families whose neurodivergent children were becoming increasingly isolated. People with neurodiverse conditions, such as autism or ADHD, can find socialising difficult, and are more easily overstimulated by the sights and sounds of the outside world. At times, these challenges lead them to avoid social events and busy public places.

Also, with many activities and programmes for youth based in Masterton, and young people struggling to access transport, Jayne felt compelled to start a supportive group of her own in southern Wairarapa.

“I found there was nothing in our area available during the day. So there weren’t a lot of options, for example, for kids who are homeschooled, or who have finished college,” she said.

“Anxiety can be a real

barrier. For some people, even taking the bus can be exhausting. I’ve met families whose kids are struggling to even leave the house, and feeling like they don’t have much of a purpose.

“So, we wanted to create something that’s closer to home, where people can have a change of scenery, learn some life skills, and meet others who understand and empathise.”

Jayne said she originally decided on a cooking group to give young people “a bit of structure”. But other activities are available to help attendees feel at home – such as colouring-in books and pens, games of chess, and fun sporting matches, led by football-mad Rick.

“Those of us in the kitchen sometimes have to dodge a flying ball,” Jayne laughed.

“People are also welcome to bring their own [activities] from home, and just sit in the corner. Sometimes, it helps to get out and be around people, even if you’re doing your own thing.”

Attendees who do enjoy cooking, however, are proud of their progress. For other group members, a simple conversation does wonders for their wellbeing.

“We have an older lady who is a pretty experienced cook, but loves chatting with young people. We have the kids’ parents come in, and catch up with a cup of tea or coffee.

“Parents of neurodiverse kids can often end up isolated themselves, so it’s great for them to have the company.

“Everyone gets something different out of it – and, well, we all love to eat!”

Jayne said she and Rick are self-funding the group, but have received donations of ingredients from New World Carterton and Breadcraft. Eventually, they hope to apply for funding to run more groups during the week – and for the members to take the lead on which activities they pursue.

“If they want to go bowling one week, we can do that. We’d love to facilitate the things they’re passionate about.”

• The cooking/social group is held every Monday from 10ammidday. If you’d like to attend, feel free to “just show up”.

“We have one guy that hasn’t done much cooking before this, but he’s really good with his hands. He’s got amazing attention to detail – he makes sure to use every little crumb,” Jayne said.

Liam Westhead focuses on perfecting his enchiladas. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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Knitting retreat is high in fibre

and squish it,” Ryan said.

It will be “knit one, purl one” – and more besides –at the three-day Wai Knit knitting and crochet retreat at Solway Primary School this weekend.

“The focus of the weekend is sharing, socialising and cameraderie,” Sandy Ryan, one of the event’s organisers, told Midweek

The retreat starts this Friday at 4pm, with three yarn retailers – Greytown’s Good Wool Hunting, The Stitch Inn from Kuripuni, and Rose Spud Yarns –promoting their products.

“It’s really good of the traders to give up the time to come, so we’re encouraging anybody just to pop in if they want to look at some yarn, feel it

The Saturday session kicks off at 9am, with a keynote address from James Herbison, a Carterton-based “high fibre” yarn enthusiast and founder of The Joy of Yarn online store. This will be followed by a day of classes and demonstrations.

“We are offering demonstrations on dyeing with natural ingredients with [local spinner and dyer] Rosemarie Penno, and two classes – basic sock knitting and how to create your own patchwork using fabric, knitting or crochet,” Ryan said. Ryan can attest to the success of the sock workshop, having taken part last year.

“I’d never knitted socks, and I’ve since knitted six pairs as prezzies. In fact, I’ve got one pair on the

needles now – because [tutor] Christine Hawker empowers you to have a go.

“That’s really the theme of the weekend – come along, and we’ll encourage and support you.”

On the Sunday, the retreat goes on the road, with a bus trip to Stewart Texels. There, attendees will get to see processes such as crutching – cutting away dirty, wet wool from around the sheep’s tail – and “hear about the wool industry and the sustainable benefits of natural fibres”.

“We are all really passionate about natural fibres,” Ryan said. Grants and support from Creative New Zealand and Masterton District Council mean the retreat is “low cost and accessible”, Ryan said, with registration for the whole weekend costing

$30 per person.

“Because of that support, we’ve been able to sponsor three people to attend for free. We know that some of our knitters really struggle – particularly some of our older knitters who live on their own.

“Knitting is not an inexpensive hobby.”

Ryan was pleased that “interest in the retreat has been high so far”.

“We have over 40 people registered for the event: Half coming from Masterton, 20 per cent from other parts of Wairarapa, and the balance from further afield. Which means we are bringing visitors to our town.”

• To find out more information and register for the retreat, visit Wai Knit Retreat on Facebook.

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

READER PHOTO

Those who knit together, stay together. [From left] Wai Knit knitters Sandy Ryan, Vicky Fletcher, Toni Workman, Donna Laing, Christine Hawker, and Rosemarie Penno. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Reader and Carterton local EJ sent in this stunning photo, called “Goodbye, Blue Sky”, taken from her bedroom window. “If you turn it upside down,” she says, “It looks like a rough ocean.” Once again, Wairarapa has the most beautiful skies.

PHOTO/EMMA-JANE COLLINS

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

segment.

Matt “The Trooper” Mason,

Carterton local, chef, and paradarts champion

As a youngster, I was a big fan of …

Basketball and the Boston Celtics.

Three words that best describe me are …

Determined, hardworking, and humble.

Whenever I need to relax, I always…

Play darts with a few beers.

Somewhere in the world I’d love to visit is …

Vietnam – to experience the food and the culture.

A TV show I regularly catch up with is…

Alone [on TVNZ].

Club Carterton is an awesome place to work because …

Of the fun-loving kitchen team and wonderful members.

The family member I admire most is…

My grandfather. I was raised

CONTACT US

by my grandparents, and my grandfather was an inspiration growing up, as he was hard working and had a very positive, cheery manner. He passed away when I was only 15.

A household chore I actually enjoy doing is …

Mowing the lawns.

Playing paradarts has given me …

A whole new group of friends nationwide. And the opportunity to travel overseas to represent my country. I am currently raising money to travel to The Netherlands for the World Paradarts Cup, and have a fundraising page at: givealittle. co.nz/cause/support-matt.

If I had any words of advice for aspiring para-athletes, they would be … Never give up.

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.

• To take part in this feature, simply pack a copy of the Wairarapa Midweek next time you’re heading on holiday. Find a distinctively local background for your photo, and send it to us at midweek@age.co.nz. Hard copies of photos can be delivered to the Wairarapa Times-Age, PO Box 445, Masterton 5810.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa friends and retired midwives Pat Collins [left], Bronwen Eve, Carole Wheeler, and Marilyn Smethurst took a copy of Midweek on their trip to Asia. There, they embarked on a tour of Northern Thailand via Tuktuk [a three-wheeled taxi], and had “an amazing time”.

travels, ladies!

Extra

The beauty of Pearson’s watercolours

Becky Bateman

Carterton-based watercolour artist Jacky Pearson is relieved that, after nearly two years of work, her exhibition is nearly ready. Entitled “Going with the Flow”, this exhibition of new works showcases a wide variety of subject matter: From portraits of artisans at their work, to Wellington city scenes, to the clouds, sea and hills of the Wairarapa landscape.

“My style is direct realism,” Pearson said. “I like with working with how the light concentrates on the subject. I paint outside as much as I can, and I will use this as a draft in my studio to reimagine the painting.”

Pearson has moved out of her comfort zone for this exhibition, and has included, for the first time, some large portraits. There are two artisan portraits in the lineup – a Greek potter and a local shoe mender from Wairarapa.

“The portraits in this show are ubiquitous. They are of everyday

people concentrating on their skill. I enjoyed showing them doing their everyday regular tasks,” she said.

She is particularly happy with the portrait “The Shoe Mender”.

“I had some shoes that needed mending,”

she explained. “Early one morning, I went to the shoe menders in Masterton. The sunlight was pouring in on the shoe mender’s face and hands. It was incredible.

“I thought it would make a great painting, but I was too nervous to

ask. So I left.”

Pearson went home, still thinking about the experience. The next day, she plucked up the courage and returned, asking the shoe mender if she could paint him –and he agreed. The result is an insight into his daily life that most of us wouldn’t see.

Pearson, however, is best known for her landscapes: The instantly recognisable Wairarapa lighthouses and atmospheric cityscapes. She points out the painting “Rush Hour” as one of her favourites.

“I love Wellington architecture, the pillars and the building shapes,” she said. “The light is so atmospheric, especially in the early evening during the winter.”

“Rush Hour” is a painting of a busy afternoon, with people hurrying through the Wellington rain to get to the railway station for their evening commute.

“I enjoy watching people!” Pearson said. “These people are moving towards the station after work, going home. At this moment in time,

there is a beautiful mix of manmade beauty and harmony with nature. The rain, the Pohutukawa trees, the Ghandi statue, and the illumination of the building.”

Pearson is excited for the show and hopes that people see watercolours in a different way.

“I want to showcase watercolours in their diversity. Each painting has a different approach to it. Look closely and you’ll find 24 carat gold flecks in the painting ‘Rangitiki’.

“The paper I have used is 100 per cent cotton, and greatly affects the outcome of a painting and how I have used the paint. Watercolour can be an incredibly powerful medium to create with.”

• Pearson is presenting an artist talk about “Going With The Flow” on Saturday, 22 June, at 3pm, followed by a celebration opening at 4pm. All are welcome. Please RSVP to info@ aratoi.co.nz for catering purposes. The exhibition runs until August 18.

The Greytown Music Group is delighted to present another slightly unusual concert: Featuring Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster Andrew Beer and principal harpist Ingrid Bauer.

Beer and Bauer are both keen chamber musicians as well as orchestral players – and discussions about playing some duo repertoire together eventually culminated in their first duo concert in December 2022.

Beer will be familiar to local audiences, having

played in Greytown previously as part of the Levansa Trio, and with pianist Sarah Watkins. He says he “likes to mix things up on the duo front”, so we now welcome him back to Greytown with his violin and harp duo.

At this weekend’s concert, the varied programme of Romantic and 20th century works will be bookended by two significant original pieces for violin and harp, by Thomas Rajna and Camille Saint-Saens.

Rajna was born in

Hungary, and studied and made his name in London as a composer and pianist. His “Suite for Violin and Harp”was composed for the 7th World Harp Congress, held in Prague in 1999. French composer Saint-Saens’ “Fantaisie” is a virtuoso piece for both players. The use of harp, rather than the more typical piano, lends a special delicate sonority to the music.

The programme also includes “Caprice” for violin by Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Grammatte,

“Impromptu” for harp by Gabriel Pierne, Kenneth Young’s “Three Folk Songs”, Astor Piazzolla’s “Histoire du Tango”, and Claude Debussy’s “Plus que Lante” – otherwise known as the “more than slow waltz”.

Transporting their instrument is a constant

challenge for harpists. “It’s always nicer to have your own instrument where possible, especially for a fairly virtuoso programme like this,” Bauer said. Fortunately, she has some spare days either side of this concert, so she is able to drive down to Greytown and back with her harp.

• Andrew Beer and Ingrid Bauer will play at4pm on Saturday, June 22, at 57 Wood St, Greytown. Admission is $30, $10 for children. Contact Ed and Juliet Cooke for bookings – call 06 304 9497 or email efjacooke@ gmail.com.

Jacky Pearson, “The Shoe Mender”, 2024, watercolour on 100 per cent cotton rag. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Harpist Ingrid Bauer and pianist Andrew Beer. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Young: Three Folk Songs

Piazzolla: Histoire Du Tango

Debussy: La Plus Que Lente Camille Saint-Saëns: Fantaisie.

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

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

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

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

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

Elder Abuse is a global issue

There is not a country in the world where this does not happen. A lot of the time it is hidden by the abuser or even by the person being abused because of the shame and embarrassment that the abused person feels.

There are seven types of abuse:

1. Physical abuse happens when someone causes bodily harm by hitting, pushing, or slapping. This may also include restraining an older adult against his/her will, such as locking them in a room or tying them to furniture.

2. Psychological abuse, can include a caregiver saying hurtful words, yelling, threatening, or repeatedly ignoring the older adult. Keeping that person from seeing close friends and relatives is another form of emotional abuse.

3. Financial abuse happens when money or belongings are stolen from an older adult. Using a person’s credit cards and bank accounts without their permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or title to a house without permission.

4. Sexual abuse involves a caregiver forcing an older adult to watch or non-consensual sexual acts.

5. Institutional abuse happens with a policy or an accepted practice within an institute degrades a person’s rights, causes harm or distress. Could include in exible routines, withholding or inappropriate rationing of incontinence products

6. Neglect occurs when the caregiver does not try to respond to the older adult’s needs. This may include physical, emotional, and social needs, or withholding food, medications, or access to health care. Abandonment is leaving an older adult who needs help alone without planning for his or her care.

7. Cultural and Spiritual abuse occurs when a person is not allowed to use their own language or their right to freedom of religion and beliefs, includes the foods that they eat.

A total of 72 students from seven schools in teams of four battled it out with one on top.

Double wins for Hadlow bookworms

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

Lighthouse Church was “buzzing” with youthful knowledge last week –but only school emerged victorious to claim “bragging rights”.

Seven schools took part in last Thursday’s Masterton Book Quiz, with pupils from Years 5 to 8 tested on their knowledge of New Zealand children’s and young adult literature.

Eighteen teams – 72 pupils in total – from Solway College, St Matthew’s Collegiate, Hadlow Preparatory School, Tinui School, Masterton Intermediate School, and Ōpaki School took part, with Hadlow’s teams finishing in first place in both the Year 5-6 and Year 7-8 categories.

The event was organised on behalf of the nationwide Ministry of Education-funded collective Whakaoriori Kāhui Ako, a collaboration between Masterton early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary teachers and leaders.

Whakaoriori Kāhui Ako lead Jane Milne said there was a “real buzz” in the air during the competition, with pupils so “excited” they opted to set up as early at 8am.

Milne, who is also Hadlow’s associate principal, said the quiz was based on six books authored by Kiwis, encouraging children to read New Zealand literature over the term.

“We tried to find ones we had connections to, like Whale Pot Bay by Des Hunt, which has a

Wairarapa setting,” she said.

“The kids might not have read these books if we hadn’t put them in front of them, but you can see how much they have enjoyed reading them.”

Milne said Des Hunt, an award-winning young adult fiction writer, and James Russell, a bestselling children’s author, recorded video messages to use in the competition.

After previously attending other book literature quizzes, Milne said she thought it was “a pity that New Zealand books weren’t celebrated more”.

“That was part of the reason that we chose New Zealand books,” she said.

Team Hadlow D [Years 7-8] pupil Aisling Marara said the quiz was “loads of fun”, and especially enjoyed competing against

other Masterton Schools.

“I don’t think I would have read many of the books, and also it brings awareness that there are quite a few New Zealand authors,” she said.

Teammate Isaac McNeill said, “I just really enjoyed being able to participate –it’s an experience we are not going to be able to do again.”

Team Hadlow B pupil [Years 5-6] Annabel Mckenzie said she enjoyed competing with her team, and the questions were “challenging” but “fun”. Both winning teams were awarded a trophy and books penned by New Zealand authors, donated by Sally Kean Books in Wellington. The competition was sponsored by Sally Kean Books, Masterton South Rotary Club, and Lighthouse Church.

Hadlow D won the year 7-8 category.

The year 5-6 category was won by Hadlow B.

ADULT CLASSES Learn something new!

Gladstone Upholstery Weekend

Join us in Gladstone for a great weekend!

End of an era for Trade Aid

It’s difficult to get four generations together at the best of times – so, at the Masterton Trade Aid store last week, it was an opportunity too good to go unnoticed.

Helen Bailey was a founding volunteer at Trade Aid, and was, along with daughter Sarah Bailey, granddaughter Ashleigh, and great-granddaughter Ada, at the store enjoying some closing down bargains.

After 37 years, the Masterton branch of Trade Aid is closing on June 22, along with most other stores throughout the country. The charity will continue selling the crafts and coffee it’s well-known for online.

The Masterton store was the 22nd branch to be set up as part of Trade Aid’s retail arm, opening in November 1986 at the Centrepoint Mall. It has had several homes on Queen St over the years, and has been based at number 98 since 2022.

Store manager Di Batchelor said many people did not realise that

Trade Aid was actually a New Zealand company, which began 50 years ago to help workers around the globe overcome trade barriers.

Batchelor said working at Trade Aid has been a fulfilling experience, “because it’s such a good cause”.

“It tangibly helps collectives of farmers and artists make a decent living. The other thing many shoppers don’t realise is that all of our retail assistants are volunteers.

“We want to thank our Wairarapa customers for their loyal support, and encourage them to keep using Trade Aid in its new form.”

Each Trade Aid store was governed locally by a board of trustees, which bought stock from the group’s headquarters in Christchurch. Since opening, the organisation has supported thousands of creatives and food

producers in 25 countries.

Tim Bannatyne, who chairs the Masterton store’s board of trustees, said the Trade Aid movement had helped many people improve their own wellbeing though the principles of fair trade.

He said this had included championing the move against modern slavery.

“Sadly, our old approach to helping fair trade is no longer viable, and the retail shops are on the path of closing down.”

Bannatyne said the store had “not only been part of our community for years, but a flag bearer for its values”.

He wanted to thank the “numerous volunteers” who had contributed their time and energy over the decades, and the shoppers who had supported Masterton Trade Aid with their purchases.

“Fair trade is still with us. We look forward to our next phase.”

Upgrades in time for holidays

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] has closed the Greytown Playground on Kuratawhiti St over the next few weeks to conduct maintenance ready for the start of the school holidays on July 6.

An SWDC spokesperson said this will include “the removal of a number of aged assets.”

At the same time, “upgrades will be made to the swings, flying fox, younger children’s play module, and fort.” Another rocker will also be added.

“Work started on

June 12, and we are aiming for it to take three weeks. This will be weather dependent,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said safety was not a concern – rather, the equipment is at its end of life and in need of “replacement or modernisation.”

#45902

Join our course to learn the essential skills of deconstruction, webbing, padding, and reupholstery for a small project. Whether you’re looking to acquire a new skill or simply want to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life, this course is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience.

Supplies are available for purchase from the tutors, making it easy for you to get started.

Enrol now to begin your journey into furniture restoration! Where: Gladstone School, 1471 Te Whiti Road, Gladstone Dates: 27th July & 28th July 2024 (Saturday & Sunday)

Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Tutors: Kath Wilkie & Judy Jeffrey Cost: $260

Night Class Upholstery

Very popular evening course held over 8 weeks

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Join our popular evening course to learn the essential skills of deconstruction, webbing, padding, and reupholstery for a small project. Whether you’re looking to acquire a new skill or simply want to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life, this course is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience.

Supplies are available for purchase from the tutors, making it easy for you to get started.

Enrol now to begin your journey into furniture restoration!

Where: The Spot, 365 Queen Street, Masterton Dates: 31st July - 18th September (8 Weeks)

Time: Wednesday Evenings 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Tutors: Kath Wilkie & Judy Jeffrey

Fly Tying

Enhance your fishing with a new skill

Cost: $260

#46372

Love fly-fishing? Learn how to tie fishing flies and nymphs used for trout fishing. Each week our skilled tutors will give a demonstration on ‘how to’ and then participants will use the new techniques to tie their own nymphs, wet flies and dry flies.

The fee includes a starter kit of vice, basic tools and supplies valued at $70.00 that you get to keep.

Where: REAP House, 340 Queen Street, Masterton

Dates:30th July - 3rd September 2024

Time: Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Tutors: John Pansters Cost: $180

DRIVERS LICENCE

Learner Licence - Evening Course #44060

Are you over 18? Do you need your licence or driving without one? Then this course is for you. The course is aimed at adults and those not at school. Come along and be supported to learn the Road Code ready to sit the test at the AA. The course fee includes the cost of sitting the test.

Where: REAP House, 340 Queen Street, Masterton

Dates: Monday 1st July, Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th. Sit the test during the day on Friday 5th July at the AA in Masterton.

Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Tutor: Rachael Mackenzie

Cost: $125 includes cost of sitting the test

Enrolment essential if you wish to attend, so ENROL NOW

Email reception@reapwairarpa.nz

Phone (06) 377 1379 0800 WAIREAP

www.reapwairarapa.nz/courses or pop into REAP House, 340 Queen Street, Masterton.

Note: You are not enrolled until your fee is paid

Four generations: Helen Bailey, founding volunteer at Trade Aid Masterton, with her daughter, granddaughter and greatgranddaughter, was browsing the store before it closes this weekend. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

HE TĀKAI KŌRERO MAI I WHAKAORIORI

MASTERTON MONTHLY WRAP

Message from the Mayor

Positive progress signalled for key Masterton infrastructure

Next week Masterton District Council will move forward with plans to invest in a new Town Hall and upgraded library as part the 2024-34 LongTerm Plan (LTP).

The Council is due to approve the final LTP on 26 June after meeting for more than six hours to consider how to respond to the almost 850 submissions received in our LTP consultation.

It’s fair to say debate was robust and councillors quite rightly had a keen eye for the financial impact of decisions on ratepayers, but the majority wanted to make progress on some key projects.

That means moving ahead with plans for the Town Hall and the library, while also continuing to invest in roads and water infrastructure.

Councillors voted to demolish the Town Hall and Municipal Buildings, including the façade, and build a new Town Hall on the current site, with a total budget of no more than $25 million.

While the majority of submissions were against retaining the façade, we are well aware of how some people in the community feel about it, as Deputy Mayor Bex Johnson said at the meeting.

We’ll be looking to ensure designs incorporate elements of the old Town Hall in the new multi-use facility, including reusing any salvageable materials.

We’re also planning to upgrade and expand the library at a cost of $10.75m and consider in future a further extension to include the Archive.

It was also agreed to expand our Waiata House o ce to accommodate Civil Defence, customer services, a Council Chamber, public meeting rooms, and a lab for use by environmental services sta – at a cost of $8.7m.

Of course, the bulk of Council expenditure in the next 10 years will be spent on road and water infrastructure – our ‘business as usual’.

That includes nearly $400m on roading, $7.4m on footpaths, $135m on water supply, $123m on wastewater, and $28m on stormwater.

Further decisions from LTP deliberations

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

In other decisions to be confirmed when the Council meets on 26 June, councillors decided to progress the preferred option to complete essential work to improve water and roading infrastructure in the Town Centre, with no other improvements to Queen Street.

Changes to services

The following decisions were made on funding of services:

y Reduce Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy (WEDS) funding by 20 per cent compared to 2023/24 - $80,000 compared to $100,000, saving $20,000.

y Cease funding for regional Walking and Cycling facilitation ($35,000 per year).

y Continue funding for regional Positive Ageing facilitation ($40,500 per year).

y Seek further external funding for Welcoming Communities facilitation beyond 2025 when current funding expires.

y Increase the Community-Led Climate Initiatives Fund to $100,000, from $50,000, rather than funding climate activation facilitation beyond April 2026 when external funding ceases.

I want to say again how much councillors and Council sta have appreciated the e ort made by the people of our District to have their say on the LTP.

This is by far the most responses we have had for a consultation of this nature – and they were definitely taken into account during decision-making.

Changes to Council funding and funding requests

The alternative option in the LTP was agreed, to maintain existing funding arrangements, with $85,000 through annual general contestable applications, and $316,300 available through the Long-Term Plan submissions process.

The detailed breakdown of expenditure on roading and water infrastructure over the next 10 years is:

Planned expenditure on roading and water infrastructure for the next 10 years is:

y Roading - $159.9m capital budget and $235.2m operating budget

y Footpaths - $7.4m operating budget

y Water Supply – $51.2m capital budget and $83.6m operating budget

y Wastewater – $30.9m capital budget and $92.0m operating budget

y Stormwater – $12.2m capital budget and $16.2m operating budget

Don’t let dog rego fees creep up and bite you

Dog Registrations are due on 30 June. Pay your registration in full by 30 June and your dog will go into the draw to win one of three prize packs full of goodies for them and their families.

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.

PIPIRI 2024 JUNE 2024

Follow the stars for Matariki

Matariki calendar available now

A total of 11 grants have been provided by Masterton District Council to groups and individuals holding community events for Matariki.

Grants up to $500 were available to help organisers where events were free and open to the public, and aligned to one of the Matariki stars.

All events are able to be included on a calendar of events that will be promoted on the Council website and appears in this edition of Midweek.

Council Manager - Community Corin Haines said the response to the grants process showed the growing interest Matariki.

There are a range of ways to pay, including online and weekly payments. For more information visit: www.mstn.govt.nz and win!

Independent wastewater report welcomed

Masterton District Council welcomes the independent report into work carried out to address wastewater overflows in Cockburn Street and is already carrying out investigations to find long-term solutions.

The report, completed by GHD, recommends making the Cockburn Street area (including Taranaki Street, Patea Place, Okato Place and Kuripuni Street) a pilot study for identifying the source of water entering the wastewater system and leading to overflow issues at times of heavy rainfall.

The Council has accepted the recommendations and established a dedicated project team with work already underway.

The Council’s General Manager – Infrastructure and Assets, Maseina Koneferenisi, said the installation of 21 non-return valves and 13 tanks on properties had been e ective but was only the start of work.

“As identified in the report, this was intended as a short-term solution, and we have begun the recommended pilot study to identify the source of water entering the wastewater system.

“We will also be looking at what regulatory, planning, and engineering solutions may be appropriate as we consider the wider issue of how we manage stormwater and the state of our wastewater network district-wide.

“I would like to thank the residents of Cockburn Street for their cooperation with assisting Council with the collection of data required to inform this work. We will continue to be in regular contact with property owners as investigation work continues.”

The GHD report is available on the Masterton District Council website.

“It is a special part of the calendar and the grants are a way of supporting activities that encourage the public to learn more about the meaning of Matariki,” he said.

Council Meetings

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

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

Opportunity for Public Comment

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

What’s On

Monday 24 June

Follow the Stars Matariki events begin - see full page calendar in this paper

Wednesday 26 June

9:30am Council meeting to adopt the Long-Term Plan

Friday 28 June - Matariki holiday observed

Sunday 30 June

Dog registration payments due

Sunday 7 July

10am Wagging Trails Launch at Henley Lake (see www.mstn.govt.nz for details)

Wednesday 10 July

10am Awards and Grants Committee meeting

Sunday 14 July

Follow the Stars Matariki events end - see full page calendar in this paper

Lifestyle

Audacious goals for nature

With a bit of luck, Aotearoa New Zealand might soon have not one, but two “big, bold and audacious” aspirational targets in the climate and environmental areas.

One is Predator Free 2050 [PF2050]. And the other, although still to be signed off, is Recloaking Papatūānuku, a project proposed by Pure Advantage. This group of leading philanthropists and businesspeople launched the idea at last year’s Global Climate Conference in Dubai, with the present and previous Climate Change Ministers, Simon Watts and James Shaw, both there to listen.

Most will now be aware of the PF2050 plan to eliminate five key predators from right across the motu. That’s possums, rats, and the three mustelids [weasels, stoats and ferrets].

Recloaking Papatūānuku’s plan is to reforest 2.1 million hectares of marginal public and private land by 2030 –just a few years away. At a cost of $10 billion, its

proponents argue that it not only would have enormous climate and biodiversity outcomes, but has a good business case and makes sense for NZ Inc.

To use a line from our eminent yachtsman, Sir Peter Blake, it would “make the boat go faster”, constituting a saving for our economy. How so?

Well, New Zealand signed up to a legally binding international treaty at the Paris Climate Conference – and we’ll need to cough up if we don’t meet our Nationally Determined Contribution: The amount we have pledged to lower

our emissions by 2030. We’re going to fall short of that target, which The Treasury says will make us liable for up to $23 billion to be paid offshore.

However, planting these native forests would save us having to pay for some 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. So, an investment of $10 billion to save $23 billion – and a bring about heap of co-benefits in terms of jobs, biodiversity, landscapes and warm fuzzies.

These are both schemes at the national level, but each is an opportunity here in Wairarapa.

With PF2050, we have

many great predator control projects well underway. There has also been much research undertaken nationally.

Just recently, Forest & Bird, Sustainable Wairarapa, and Pūkaha to Kawakawa hosted a two-day workshop, where Manaaki Whenua shared research findings into more effective predator control, so we can have “More Birds in the Bush.”

In Recloaking Papatūānuku, we have at the national level a “Large Landscape” approach to biodiversity restoration – and, in Wairarapa, we have Pūkaha to

Kawakawa, a subregional Large Landscape initiative. Very similar kaupapa. And the national scheme will need to come down to the local level for implementation. The potential for meaningful partnership seems obvious. But, of course, they’ve first got to get the money! Hopefully, those big businesspeople in Pure Advantage can swing it!

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

Chris Peterson Forest & Bird Wairarapa

Aotearoa now has two aspirational targets to restore numbers of “birds in the bush”. PHOTO/FILE

Matariki – the past, the present, and the future

Matariki is a celebration to mark the mid-winter rising of the cluster of stars heralding the Māori New Year in Aotearoa.

It is not only a day of celebration and a statutory holiday (on Friday 28 June this year) but also a period of weeks or even months of significance.

Traditionally, Matariki has been a time to acknowledge those who have passed and to release their spirits to become stars. It’s also a time to reflect, to be thankful to the gods for

the harvest, to feast, to share the bounty of the harvest with family (whānau) and friends, and to think about the future while celebrating the Māori New Year (te Mātahi au te Tau).

The word Matariki is an abbreviation of ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea (the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea) and refers to the cluster of stars known in some European traditions as the Pleiades.

The Pleiades cluster took its name from pleiad, the ancient Greek word for sail, because its appearance in the morning

northern sky heralded the beginning of sailing season.

The Pleiades cluster is made up of the ancient Greek god Atlas, his wife Pleione, and their seven daughters: Alcyone, Maia, Electra, Taygeta, Merope, Asterope and Celaeno.

Almost every culture has a name and a story about this cluster of stars. Māori legend has it that Tāwhirimātea (the god of the wind) was so angry when his siblings separated their parents, Ranginui the sky father and Papatūānuku the earth mother, that he tore out his own eyes and threw them into the

heavens, forming the Matariki cluster. The first sightings of Matariki are traditionally greeted with expressions of grief for those who had died since its last appearance.

Once the time of grief is over, the emphasis of Matariki shifts to celebration. Because Matariki takes place at the end of harvesting, there is an abundant supply of food for feasting. People rejoice, sing, and dance to celebrate the change of season and the potential for new beginnings. It is also a time of planning for the year ahead.

Matariki celebrations throughout the rohe of Kahungunu are planned until13 July. Wairarapa, for example, celebrates with a Tīrama Matariki Light Glow event on 12 and 13 July to be held at Masterton’s QEII Park from 6 to 8 pm. Entry is free. The Light Glow will include light displays, kai, entertainment, and remembrance.

MATARIKI HERI KAI - THE FEAST OF MATARIKI

Matariki at Stonehenge Aotearoa

“For more than 6,000 years throughout the northern hemisphere, the dawn rising of the star cluster, often known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, has been a significant and celebrated event. It heralded the spring equinox and the beginning of the seasons,” Richard Hall says.

Kay Leather adds that this tradition “was carried into the Pacific, with Māori celebrating the star cluster as Matariki.”

Englishman Richard and Kiwi-born Kay met while working at Carter Observatory, got together around 2000, and opened Stonehenge Aotearoa to the public in 2005. Even before South Wairarapa and Carterton skies were designated a Dark Sky Reserve, the couple spent time educating locals and tourists alike about the special nature of our local skies.

Richard was brought up “in a little Norman village in England that has since been swallowed up by London.” He made New Zealand his home about 50

years ago and started working for the Carter Observatory in the 1980s. His love of astronomy began as a boy with binoculars, and he soon became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Kay was a teacher at Karori West Normal school. She took some courses at the Carter observatory then applied to become an education officer.

Kay and Richard’s joint love of the stars, along with their understanding of the role that stars have played in human civilisation, are unmistakable.

“Stonehenge Aotearoa is a way of revealing ancient traditions and the origins of civilisation,” Kay explains.

Stone circles were built by hunter-gathers from different tribes. “They were meeting places for tribes that survived

using the sun, moon, and stars to guide their nomadic journeys. Different stones were placed by, and represented, each tribe. The stone circles gave rise to the first permanent settlements as well as agriculture. They marked the celestial bodies that told them when to plant, when to harvest, and when to sail. The stars would tell them when the rains were likely to come and when animals would appear.”

Pleiades and Matariki are also highly related to survival in relation to the abundance of food. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Matariki takes place at the end of harvesting with (usually) an abundant supply of food for feasting. Matariki has conventionally also been a time for planning of the planting for the year ahead. If the stars are clear and bright, it signals

a favourable and productive season ahead, and so planting can begin in September. If the stars appear hazy and closely bunched together, a cold winter is in store and so

planting could be put off until October.

Matariki is important to Richard and Kay, and Stonehenge Aotearoa is their special place

that can put people “in touch with history.”

“A tour at Stonehenge is an opportunity for people to experience what their ancestors

experienced,” Kay says. We can learn about cycles of nature, movements of celestial bodies and archeoastronomy, how our ancestors understood the phenomenon in the

sky, and how they used this phenomenon and what role the sky played in their cultures.

Close to Carterton, Stonehenge Aotearoa is built to the same scale as its famous Northern Hemisphere namesake at Salisbury Plain in England. Here, visitors can grab a map and take a self-guided walk around the stones or book in for a daytime or evening tour to hear how our earliest ancestors made sense of the sky.

Here are some of the experiences coming up at Stonehenge Aotearoa, and you can find out more at

www. stonehenge-aotearoa.

nz/#intro:

Celebrate Winter Solstice 22 June 4pm.

Celebrate Matariki 28 June 4pm.

Celebrate Spring Equinox 22 September 5pm.

Legends of Matariki 2 November 7pm.

The Star of Bethlehem and the Summer Solstice 21 December 7.30pm

Other guided and self-guided tours are also available.

The Matariki star cluster sits at the tip of the tail of Taurus in the sky.

a favourable and productive season ahead, and so planting can begin in September. If the stars appear hazy and closely bunched together, a cold winter is in store and so

planting could be put off until October.

Matariki is important to Richard and Kay, and Stonehenge Aotearoa is their special place

that can put people “in touch with history.”

“A tour at Stonehenge is an opportunity for people to experience what their ancestors

experienced,” Kay says. We can learn about cycles of nature, movements of celestial bodies and archeoastronomy, how our ancestors understood the phenomenon in the

sky, and how they used this phenomenon and what role the sky played in their cultures.

Close to Carterton, Stonehenge Aotearoa is built to the same scale as its famous Northern Hemisphere namesake at Salisbury Plain in England. Here, visitors can grab a map and take a self-guided walk around the stones or book in for a daytime or evening tour to hear how our earliest ancestors made sense of the sky.

Here are some of the experiences coming up at Stonehenge Aotearoa, and you can find out more at

www. stonehenge-aotearoa.

nz/#intro:

Celebrate Winter Solstice 22 June 4pm.

Celebrate Matariki 28 June 4pm.

Celebrate Spring Equinox 22 September 5pm.

Legends of Matariki 2 November 7pm.

The Star of Bethlehem and the Summer Solstice 21 December 7.30pm

Other guided and self-guided tours are also available.

The Matariki star cluster sits at the tip of the tail of Taurus in the sky.

TE ARA O NGĀ WHETŪ O MATARIKI

FOLLOW THE STARS OF MATARIKI - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Check out the fantastic range of community events planned to celebrate Matariki from Wednesday 26 June to Sunday 14 July. For more information search for “Matariki” on our website: www.mstn.govt.nz

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

Ngā Kaumātua, Ngā Taonga

In this Age Concern event, kuia, koroua and whanau can gather together and enjoy activities including Rongoa and weaving, line dancing, Kapa haka and a nourishing kai. Maximum 100 people.

When 10am - 1pm Wednesday 26 June

Where Red Star Sports Hall, 10 Herbert Street, Masterton

Bookings Required. Book at health@acww.nz

Matariki

Kaumātua Luncheon

Eastside Community Group is celebrating Matariki with lunch and entertainment for the Kaumātua of Eastside.

Maximum 20 people.

When 12 noon - 2:30pm Wednesday 26 June

Where Ko Te Aroha, 33-35 Johnstone Street, Masterton

Bookings Book at williams.lb44@gmail.com

Matariki

THURSDAY 27 JUNE - SUNDAY 14 JULY

What’s your wai/why?

Mauri Ora Wairarapa as part of the Taiao project have collated a number of photographs submitted by whanau and kaimahi depicting how water is part of their mental health. Entry to view this photography exhibition is free.

When Thursday 27 June - Sunday 14 July

Where Te Hauora, 101 Chapel Street, Masterton Bookings Not required Pōhutukawa, Waitī and Waitā

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Matariki planting day

Fernridge School invites you to join them in planting and a light kai at the school. For more information contact the School Office on 06 378 6535

When 9:30 - 11:30am Thursday 27 June

Where Fernridge School, 264 Upper Plain Road, Masterton Bookings Not required Tupu-ā-nuku and Tupu-ā-rangi

Matariki in the Square

Come and join the fun at Matariki In The Square! Grab some kai from the Thursday night Food Trucks, and enjoy some Matariki entertainment.

When 4:30 - 6:30pm Thursday 27 June

Where Masterton Town Square, Chapel Street, Masterton Bookings Not required Matariki

Matariki at the Library

Enjoy crafts, star cookie decoration and hot chocolate, moko stencil, and hopefully (yet to be confirmed) waiata and a harakeke weaving.

When 5 - 7pm Thursday 27 June

Where Masterton Library 54 Queen Street

Bookings Not required

Matariki

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

Matariki dawn celebration

Masterton Intermediate School invites you to their dawn ceremony explaining each star of Matariki, watch as messages are sent skywards, waiata and native planting.

When 6 - 9am Friday 28 June

Where Masterton Intermediate School, 38 Intermediate Street, Masterton Bookings Not required Hiwa-i-te-rangi

Riversdale beach Matariki and kite flying

The Riversdale Beach Community Association will host a free family event on the beach to fly kites and share food.

When 2pm Friday 28 June

Where Riversdale Beach, Karakia Reserve entrance

Bookings Not required

Waitā

MONDAY 1 JULY

Light up the night

FAB LAB is hosting a free workshop to make your own light up necklace.

When 5 - 7pm Monday 1 July

Where FA B LAB, 44 Queen Street

Bookings Not required

Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi

SATURDAY 6 JULY

Mānawatia a Matariki ki Pūkaha

Pūkaha invite you to the opening of a new arts studio (Whare toi), followed by breakfast, Matariki celebrations, entertainment (kapa haka), presentations and kai.

When 5am - 5pm Saturday 6 July

Where Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, SH 2

Bookings Not required

Matariki

Matariki ki Tūmapūhia Marae 2024

Free whānau event highlighting ‘Ngā whetu Matariki’ and observing and practising Tikanga Māori (Māori customs).

When 5am - 3pm Sunday 7 July

Where Tūmapūhia Marae, 2614 Homewood Road

Bookings Not required for event, for free limited bus transport contact: info@tumapuhiahapu.co.nz

All nine stars

Yoga in the gallery

Nourish, relax and restore at this yoga session with Marg Patete.

When 11am - 12:15pm Sunday 7 July

Where Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, 12 Bruce Street Masterton. Bookings Required, email margpatete@gmail.com Matariki

MONDAY 8 JULY

Matariki @ the OCG

A Matariki family celebration at Oxford Street Community Gardens including a range of Matariki activities for all ages.

When 10am - 12 noon Monday 8 July

Where Oxford Street Comunity Gardens, Oxford St

Bookings Not required

Tupu-ā-nuku and Ururangi

SUNDAY 14 JULY

Matariki concert

This special 45-minute concert features the glittering flute and harp duo of Michelle Velvin and Bridget Douglas. 120 people maximum

When 12:15 - 1pm Sunday 14 July

Where Aratoi, 12 Bruce Street

Bookings Not required

Waitā

Kaitiakitanga and Kai – Awatotara

Community Planting Day

The Awatotara Trust invites you to help plant the Awatotara site, take home a tree, share soup, a sausage sizzle and enjoy the sense of community.

When 10am - 1pm Sunday 14 July

Where Moss Hall, 1 Mahunga Drive

Bookings Not required

Matariki and Waitī

Pūkaha and Rangitāne o Wairarapa

“Matariki is a special time for Pūkaha and Rangitāne o Wairarapa.

Coinciding with Matariki in 2023, Pūkaha and Rangitāne jointly opened Pūkaha’s Te Whare Wananga Taiao o Manukura: a wananga (education centre), marae, and wharenui.

Matariki in 2024 “marks the anniversary of the opening of Te Whare Wananga Taiao o Manukura,” says Matt Davis, Pūkaha’s Marketing Manager.

Tini whetū ki te rangi, ko Rangitāne nui ki te whenua.

Like the many stars in the sky, so are the people of great Rangitāne upon the land.

Tiraumaera Te Tau, of Rangitāne o Wairarapa and a Pūkaha visitor host, says “Rangitāne affiliates with the stars. Our mātauranga intrinsically links us to nature. Connectedness to wildlife and nature during Matariki is all about restoring and revitalising our wellbeing

by releasing loved ones who have passed on, by feeding our people with the food we’ve harvested and gathered, and by preparing for the seasons ahead.”

On the 28 June, the formal celebration of Matariki this year, visitors are encouraged to sign up for Pūkaha’s Te Hikoi Rongoā, a guided 1.5-hour tour delving into the wisdom of Māori wellness. Local rongoā Māori practitioner, Tracey Kereopa, leads tours of the healing properties of our endemic plants in the stunning Pūkaha forest.

On 6 July, closer to the end of the Matariki period, Pūkaha and Rangitāne will celebrate both the two-year anniversary of signing their partnership agreement as well as the opening of a new arts studio (whare toi).

This partnership agreement has been a long time in the making.

Pūkaha, an environmental

and cultural taonga, is the last significant remnant of what was once a great ngahere (forest) known to local Māori as Te Tapere nui o Whātonga. The 2016 treaty settlement claim with Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua included the return of Pūkaha to the Rangitāne people. This led to the partnership that exists today between Rangitāne and Pūkaha.

In the new whare toi, the tukutuku panels for the wharenui will be woven from harakeke. Workshops and commissions will be available from the whare toi over time.

Celebrations on 6 July will begin with a 5.30am blessing and opening of the whare toi, followed by korero and entertainment throughout the day. This is a free event, open to the public.

An evening charity dinner will also be held, by invite only.

Lifestyle

Would you do it differently?

Comment – Pick ‘n Mix

Graeme Burnard

There is a wonderful Tibetan saying: “The secret to living well and longer is eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure”. Just sitting and pondering the wiseness of those words gives me a strong sense of wellbeing. Even achieving one of those would make such an improvement to your life –but imagine if we could do all four with success. The first two would be a real challenge. But laughter is already a huge part of my relationship with my wife, and a day doesn’t pass that we don’t laugh with or at each other. And love without measure? Well, I try. But if you want to see the purest example of love without measure, go no further than a baby or a dog. Their love is unconditional. If I had my time again, there are certainly things I would change. Do I have regrets about some of the decisions I have made? Sure do. Things I have done that I wish I hadn’t, and things I haven’t done that I wish

I had. It’s maybe not too late if I wanted to change the latter, but can I be bothered?

I took a funeral service for a woman a few months ago, and spent some time with her the week before she died. “I have absolutely no regrets” she told me. How wonderful to be able to say that. She told me she was not sad that she was dying, because she’d had such a wonderful life. I was very moved by her attitude and demeanour as her life slowly ended

One thing I wish I had done was learn another language, and become bilingual. Years ago, I was sitting in the front seat of a tour bus travelling around Europe. I was sitting next to our German tour leader who was having a fling with our Italian driver. Something had obviously gone wrong, and this particular morning they were having a right old ding dong, in German. I felt very uncomfortable sitting in the middle of it, so I quietly leaned over and said to the tour leader,

“you know I speak fluent German?” They both looked very worried. Until I said, “well, actually, I don’t. But I might have. And you need to be a little more discreet.”

When I got back to the UK, I decided to take Correspondence German. All I can remember is “Guten tag, es geht weiter?” – “Good day, what’s going on”? Very useful in rural Wairarapa. I am currently away on an annual retreat with a group of friends, staying at a beautiful Air BnB in Waikanae. We all met more than 40 years ago, working for Air New Zealand. We talk daily via social media, but meet up once a year, travelling from all over the lower North Island for a few days

of food, drink and laughter in abundance.

My friends all read my fortnightly column and, this week, I told them they were going to help me write it. I asked them to tell me of anything they would change if they had their time again.

Well, sitting around the table, I was surprised by the response I got. I said earlier that there are a number of things I myself would change, and I expected a great long list from my buddies. However, without exception, all would make very little changes if they had their time over again. A couple of career decisions that might not have happened second time around, and a missed opportunity for sports at

national level seemed to be the main things. But overall, everyone was happy with their lot. I have been pondering why I seem to have a bigger list. But, as I think about it deeper, the things I would change are actually not that important. Yes, I sometimes regret leaving Air New Zealand because it was a great place to work – but the wonderful things that I have experienced would not have happened had I stayed. The major one – meeting my wife 26 years ago. There are a couple of things I deeply regret and wish hadn’t happened. But I count my blessings for where I am and who I am with. I am a very lucky man, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Council News June

New recreation track opens on Underhill Road

Walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages can now enjoy a safe new 2.2 kilometre stretch of recreation trail on Underhill Road in Featherston.

The new path was finished on 31 May after two months of grading and widening work by Pope & Gray. It was funded entirely by central government.

The new path brings added safety and enjoyment to this stretch of Underhill Road because it is clearly designated as a recreation trail. It also connects Underhill Road to the

Tauwharenīkau bridge which has the longest suspended deck in New Zealand and was constructed over the river.

The ultimate plan is to connect this trail to a longer network between the Wairarapa’s five towns, with approximately 89.5 kilometres of purpose built cycleways and additional experience loops of another 103.5 kilometres.

SWDC is appreciative of central government funding this new 2.2 kilometre trail.

Celebrating South Wairarapa‘s unsung heroes

South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) is celebrating the hidden gems and unsung heroes in the community this month as part of Volunteering New Zealand’s Big Shout Out to volunteers nationwide.

This is the first year that SWDC has formally marked the crucial role volunteers play in the community but it won’t be the last.

“Our district is too big and our ratepayer base too small for us to

Mid winter yule

Warm up this winter at Greytown Festival of Christmas from Saturday 29 June to Saturday 27 July. Matariki stargazing sessions, night markets, a gin garden bar, the Great Gingerbread hunt and a Christmas dinner every Saturday night are among the many drawcards to all ages. Highlights include an Agatha Christie play by Greytown Little Theatre, heritage crafts and cow milking at Cobblestones Country Fair. Children are also well catered for with the Meet the Penguins event, among many more activities.

Find out more and book online at www.greytownvillage.com

get everything done, unless we have volunteers. These people bring great value to the community and we want to give them something back with a morning tea this month,” says Mayor Martin Connelly.

“There are many more volunteers in our community than those we can celebrate officially this year. We plan to build on this event by showing our gratitude to more volunteers in future years,” says Mayor Connelly.

The Big Shout Out is a New Zealand spin on the Big Help Out, which was part of King Charles’ coronation in the United Kingdom at which he invited people to volunteer due to a decline in volunteers post covid. New Zealand has not experienced a decline over the same period. This country currently has over a million volunteers nationwide.

“We plan to celebrate that,” says Mayor Connelly.

Budget friendly disaster plans

How does your emergency preparation bag, box or cupboard look? If your answer is anything like many, the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) is here to help with a month of budget friendly advice.

The organisation’s role is to keep people safe in emergencies by getting prepared. This means forging closer connections with neighbours, being familiar with the MetService to receive alerts about potential weather events and knowing where your nearest Community Emergency Hub is situated.

Doggie do

Calling all dog owners to please use dog bags when visiting public parks and spaces. South Wairarapa parks contractors have reported an increase of poo in parks, especially on lawns and berms. All dog parks are supplied with dog bags and the council urges dog owners to use them and BYO bags when walking dogs.

Other budget friendly advice includes cleaning and reusing bottles and containers to store emergency water; reusing clothes and other items to be part of a DIY Grab Bag; making your home quake safe by moving heavy and fragile items lower down; learning how to turn off electricity and gas and removing debris from gutters and drains when severe weather is forecast.

Visit www.wremo.nz for more handy tips.

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Meeting agendas are available for inspection at least two days before the meeting at the district libraries, council offices and at www.swdc.govt.nz

Public participation is welcome. If you wish to speak during the public participation session at any meeting, please phone 06 306 9611 at least one day before the meeting or email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz

Meetings will be livestreamed on YouTube, where possible. Please note that all meeting cancellations, changes to scheduled start times and/ or venues and open workshops will be notified online at: www.swdc.govt.nz/meetings/

June meetings

Council – Adoption of the Enhanced Annual Plan

Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 9am

July meetings

Strategy Working Committee

Wednesday 3 July 2024 at 9am

Council

Wednesday 10 July 2024 at 9am

Martinborough Community Board

Thursday 11 July 2024 at 7pm

Community Wellbeing Fund

Subcommittee

Wednesday 24 July 2024 at 7pm

Māori Standing Committee

Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 6pm

Strategy Working Committee

Wednesday 31 July 2024 at 9am

MEETINGS LOCATION

All of the above meetings will be held in the Supper Room at the Waihinga Centre on Texas Street in Martinborough.

Janice Smith CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

open

If you have an exciting idea to bring to fruition but need funds, the SWDC has grants to give out with the next round to be distributed by Martinborough Community Board to sporting and community groups. Organisations and individuals can apply, with applications closing on 1 July.

To find out if you qualify for this or another grant, visit Community (Hapori) Grants and Funding online at swdc.govt.nz/community/grants/

Lifestyle

Region on the silver screen

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

The “pure Wairarapa” cast and crew of a short film exploring the topic of financial scams hit the red carpet last week.

Scammed, written and directed by Gladstonebased filmmaker Juanita Deely, had its New Zealand premiere at Regent 3 Cinemas in Masterton on June 11.

The piece, a comedy about a modern-day swindle set in a retirement village, was filmed over the summer in locations across Wairarapa, including the Harlequin Theatre foyer in Masterton. It was made with funding from Masterton Trust Lands Trust and Carterton District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme.

“I didn’t know this film would be such a big journey,” Deely, whose other credits include the 2021 Wairarapa-made film Milk, said.

“It’s taken thousands of hours, an ensemble cast of 20 actors, four locations, eight sets, and over one hundred costume changes.

“It is a miracle of collaboration.”

Speaking in front of an audience of over 60 people, Deely paid special tribute to Scammed cinematographer

Terry Wreford-Hann from Greytown, who shot the film entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro Max in three days.

“Every frame tells a story,” she said. “In this day and age, so many movies that directors have made are shown on TV screens, computers, and little phones. But nothing compares to one of Terry’s close-ups on the big screen.”

“The technology these days is unbelievably amazing,” Wreford-Hann said. “The simple cell

phone has come so far that it can deliver cinema quality.”

Nevertheless, he admitted to some nerves before the screening.

“I was nervous to see the quality of cell phone footage blown up for that sort of size – because that is a very big screen,” he said. “But it looked sharp as a tack, and the colour was good.”

There were also some nerves ahead of the screening among some of the locally-sourced

cast who came to see the premiere.

“I’m going to try and think, ‘that’s not me up there, that’s my character’,” Marilyn Bouzaid, who played Beatrice, the victim of the titular scam, said.

“I’m a little bit excited,”

actor Corinne Graham said. “But I think I’m going to be very embarrassed when I actually see it on screen.”

“This film was so worth being a part of,” Auriga Martin, one of the film’s

producers, said.

“It is the positive antidote that we need in this day and age. And it perfectly reflects what community and connection bring when people work together to make a greater mission come alive.”

Charlotte Harding, described by Martin as the film’s “producer, line producer, caterer, coordinator and fund manager”, agreed.

“It takes a village to make a film. Actually, it takes a region.”

Scammed – made in and by Wairarapa – premiered at Regent 3 Cinemas.

PHOTO/LUCY COOPER

Work on Featherston trail now complete

After two months of work, a new government-funded cycle trail along Underhill Rd in Featherston has been completed.

The purpose-built trail is 2.2 km long and was funded via the covid-19 Infrastructure Investment Fund, administered by Kanoa.

The new trail, which was completed at the end of May, has smooth grading along its gravel pathway, and connects Underhill Rd to a new bridge over

FOR

the Tauwharenīkau River, which has the longest suspended deck in New Zealand.

South Wairarapa District Council community operations manager James O’Connor said the council was appreciative of the central government funding, “which brings safety and enjoyment to the growing number of trail users in our district”.

Work on the new trail was done by Pope & Gray.

“We’re grateful

for the expertise of local contractors and volunteers to bring this trail to life,” O’Connor said.

The long-term plan is to connect the trail to an extensive network of approximately 89.5km of purpose-built trails and additional experience loops of another 103.5km. These will extend throughout the Wairarapa region, connecting the five main towns, and will include “diverse, interesting side tracks”.

ROAD TRIP THIS

The new cycle trail connects Underhill Rd with the Tauwharenīkau Bridge. PHOTO/FILE

IThe Evolution of Selina Sutherland Hospital:

colourful history to exciting future plans

n 1865 a feisty Scottish nurse, Selina Sutherland, came to New Zealand to live with her sister Margaret Grant on a farm in Gladstone, Wairarapa. She became the driving force behind the establishment of the original Masterton Hospital in 1879, raising the funds needed by persuading landowners and townspeople to subscribe. She was famous for her daring nursing exploits, including riding through storms and swollen rivers to nurse typhoid patients. It is tting that the current private hospital is named a er her, and many doctors and nurses at Selina Sutherland Hospital have contributed over the past 28 years to continue her mission to provide quality healthcare locally in the Wairarapa.

Geographically isolated, the Wairarapa has always struggled to attract and retain medical personnel. It took initiative to provide the people of the Wairarapa with access to private healthcare. Glenwood

Private Maternity and Surgical Hospital opened in 1910, founded by doctors Norman Prior, James Cowie and Percy Cook. Later, Dick Skelley and Graham Cowie plied their surgical skills and were both active on the Wairarapa Hospital Board. Around 35 years ago, they passed the baton to now-retired Anaesthetist Rob Dimock, General Surgeon and former Wairarapa DHB Board Member Rob Irwin (also retired), and local medical legend Dr Owen Prior (son of Norman Prior, dec 2023).

Supported by Board members Heaton Haglund (Pharmacist, dec 2016) and Ken Wilton, (Sellar and Sellar Accountant and Justice of the Peace, dec 2019 )- they did a wide range of surgery, including Ear Nose and roat, gynaecological procedures and even larger operations like bowel surgery. eir skills ensured that many patients and their families did not have the inconvenience and expense of travelling out of the Wairarapa for surgery. Eventually cost and compliance issues meant the surgical facility at Glenwood Hospital would close in 1995. Patients seeking private specialist treatment had to venture outside the district. Rob Irwin travelled back and forth to Boulcott Hospital in Wellington to care for his private patients. Not wanting to leave them following surgery on a Friday, he spent many weekends away from his family, to make sure his patients were well on the road to recovery.

In 1990 Jim Bolger’s National Party appointed a young and dynamic Simon Upton as health minister. He encouraged public/private initiatives that improved local access to healthcare. Masterton Hospital Board members, including CEO Jon Peters and Owen Prior joined medical doctors– Rob Dimock, Jon Cleary and Peter

Vanniasingham in visiting Wairau Hospital in Blenheim. ey observed Wairau’s public/ private partnership with the Churchill Trust, and the Wairarapa Crown Health Enterprise approved their subsequent feasibility study to establish the Selina Sutherland Trust and hospital. ey collected money from their fellow doctors for start-up costs and hired Lesley O’Hara, the charge-nurse of Masterton Hospital’s Ward 1, as their hospital and nursing manager. is was a role she excelled at for twenty years, before retiring.

“We started out in Ward 1 in 1996, then moved to ward 5 in the old children’s hospital once it was refurbished,” says Lesley.

“We had to educate the public about how it worked with the public hospital. We don’t own anything, we lease the premises and operating eatre time, and apart from some administration sta that we employ, the nurses that work at Selina are employed by the public hospital (now Te Whatu Ora).”

Selina Sutherland Charitable Trust Chair Rob Dimock adds “We always worked in collaboration with the public hospital, donating equipment like $700,000 worth of orthopaedic drills, providing monitors,

ECG and bladder scanner machines and sponsoring nurses to go on educational courses.”

e public/private cooperation was both nancial and practical - Lesley O’Hara worked alongside DHB colleagues on growing compliance regulations and quality assurance requirements; Selina Sutherland Hospital provided the DHB with a loan to extend the ‘new’ 2006 hospital ward and consulting rooms that they lease from seven to ten beds. Selina Sutherland Hospital has supported the public hospital with expertise with di cult operations, provided over ow beds when the public hospital needed them, helped tackle the growing operating waiting lists when contracted to do so, and allowed the public hospital to take over Selina Sutherland during the Covid lockdowns, to ensure capacity for Covid patients. On average, though small, Selina Sutherland Hospital - o ering orthopaedic, ophthalmology and gynaecological services - performs about ve to seven hundred operations per year.

e doctors who rst invested were paid out in full in the early 2000’s and thanks to their generosity and e orts, Selina Sutherland Hospital was thriving. Many will be familiar with clinicians – to name but a few - such as Pete and Chris Smith, Tim Matthews, Keith Maslin, Je Harrild, Peter Bruwer. Grant Russell, Tim Love, Kris Nair, Alan Shirley, Guy Hingston, Jeremy Earle, Ian Denholm and Konrad Schwanecke – some of whom lived here, while others were visiting specialists. All made a contribution, and have served this community well.

Rob Dimock has voluntarily given his time and e ort over 35 years to ensure a robust health service in the Wairarapa. He acknowledges that our growing population

is stretching both public and private health services, and it’s time for growth and change. “ e Wairarapa is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Since Covid, many have grown tired of urban areas and want rural peace and quality of life. e expanding retirement industry of the Wairarapa will create employment and a need for infrastructure. e impact of this growing population creates demand for increased healthcare capacity.”

Once again, a group of committed local clinicians are boldly entering a new era of healthcare, leading the building of a new independent private hospital on land they have purchased in Te Ore Ore Road. Aiming at opening in 2027, it will have two Operating eatres, an endoscopy suite and an MRI scanner, a rst in the Wairarapa. is new well-equipped hospital will enhance the public system by freeing up the ward currently leased by Selina Sutherland Hospital, and making extra eatre time available in the public hospital. It will also attract a wider range of specialists, nurses, and other hospital sta , keen to make the Wairarapa their home. Working in tandem with their public hospital colleagues and local general practitioners, a new generation of healthcare workers will take up the challenge, and future-proof the availability and longevity of quality local health services.

In the next advertorial in our series on the ‘Evolution of Selina Sutherland Hospital,’ we will share current surgical services o ered at Selina, and introduce some of the dedicated people who work there.

Rob Dimock, Rob Irwin, Lesley Denholm and Chris Smith with some sta of Selina Sutherland Hospital

Glenwood Hospital

Rob Irwin, Lesley Denholm and Rob Dimock with a portrait of Selina Sutherland.

Lifestyle

Three easy steps for a much

Tim Nelson Midweek Musings

Making the world just slightly better is something we can all do. There’s a simple process anyone can follow:

1. Think of someone that needs help, or an issue that needs to be resolved.

2. Think about how you could help the person, or help to address the issue.

3. Do the thing that’s required to help. Here’s an example of how this could be applied:

1. An issue that needs to be addressed is people struggling with household budgets.

2. A way in which you could help is by donating to the local food bank.

3. Next time you go shopping, buy one extra item of food – and put it in the donation box that you’ll find at the supermarket. This is just one small thing – but, alongside others who do something similar, you’ll be

providing a meal a person or family might not otherwise have.

The satisfaction of getting things done Just recently, I was lying on the couch at home aimlessly scrolling on social media –and getting no real satisfaction out of doing so. I was also repeatedly checking emails, even though no new messages were appearing. I had been doing this since returning from a trip to town a couple of hours before. I had this feeling of mind numbness. I got up and decided to set my stopwatch for one hour, to see how much I could do in that time. I then set about getting stuff done.

Sixty minutes later, I had a feeling of real satisfaction after having done as much as I could. I then cooked dinner for my housemate and cleaned up the kitchen, taking another 45 minutes.

There is no comparison between the two time periods. Getting stuff done, for me, is so rewarding. Yes, it’s fine to take the time to chill out every once in a while. But we only have so much time – and I believe making the most of it, even doing mundane but important tasks, leads to a far more enriching life. Streaks

I have decided to start another streak today. It will be to recommence using Duolingo to carry on with learning the French language. I have completed the initial Duolingo French course, but it has since been upgraded and is far more complex, with a wide range of extra activities. There’s no specific reason why French is the language I’ll focus on – other than I like the sound of it when it’s spoken, and I’ve visited France a couple of times. Plus, there are French speaking countries relatively close to New Zealand where, perhaps, I’ll be able to order a cup of coffee in the language. I have just read about streaks in Matt

Heath’s book A Life Less Punishing. He shared about being on a 248day yoga streak at the time of writing. This has given him considerable satisfaction and, of course, he feels healthier. In the same week I read this, my friend Steve showed me his Duolingo progress on his phone – he was on a 1,998day German streak on Duolingo. While most of us are likely to have achieved, 1998-day streaks of mindlessly browsing on social media, Steve has used his mobile phone to learn a new language. My advice is to start small. This will help to build the momentum. I’ll be doing just one Duolingo lesson a day, which will take no more than five minutes. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Do that thing I have a friend who is about to have a significant life change. It will mean leaving a comfortable position, where she is very much liked and respected, to do something that has a degree of risk involved.

But it’s also something she has wanted to do for some time – and if she doesn’t do it relatively soon, the opportunity will pass her by. I have a huge amount of admiration for this person. Yes, there’s a chance that things won’t work out exactly as planned. But there’s a much better chance that it will, and she will have a life-changing and memorable experience. Life is about getting out of our comfort zones if we want to make the most of it. Do the unexpected, the exciting, the things that others aren’t prepared to. Even if the worst happens, you’ll have an interesting story to tell. If the outcome is what you hoped for, then you’ll be living your life to the fullest.

A small pleasure

Earlier this month, I had an early morning drive home from Masterton. The trip takes about 30

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

better world

30 minutes, which usually passes quickly enough – I’ll often listen to a podcast to keep me entertained. For this trip, I decided to buy a takeaway coffee to drink on the way. I bought an extra large flat white from a café, chose a podcast, then headed home.

It’s amazing how small pleasures can bring so much joy. I enjoyed the 30 minute journey immensely, listening to content I enjoy with my favorite drink.

Life can be overly complicated, but its pleasures can be the most simple of things.

It’s not personal Last week, I was involved in a meeting that required several decisions to be made. Over the course of the day, I was on the wrong side of votes –something I found extremely disappointing, as I felt the positions I had taken were based on common sense, logic

and empathy.

During the day, there were many breaks, including a longer one for lunch. I had lunch with the people who had opposing perspectives to mine, which I enjoyed, despite being involved in robust debate beforehand and afterwards.

What this tells me is that we can still get along well with those we strongly disagree with. Perhaps they see the positions they have taken to be the logical ones, even though I do still struggle to see how.

I’ve since been using a plastic bag whenever I’ve been away, which I have found to be pretty inadequate.

Last weekend, I finally bought a new bag. I used it when I visited my sister, getting a surprising amount of joy whenever I needed it.

How many easy fixes do we have in our lives that we do nothing about – when all that’s required is a few dollars, and a small amount of time? It would be worth taking the time to do a stocktake on this idea, and then set about doing what’s required to make our lives that little bit easier and more satisfying.

Throughout history, there have been conflicts that have spiraled out of control, when a little understanding and tolerance could have avoided catastrophe. If we managed to not take things so personally, perhaps the world would be a more accepting and happier place.

Solving small problems

For months, I haven’t had a toilet bag, after leaving my old one in a hotel in Christchurch.

• 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.

WAIRARAPA STAY IN GOOD HEALTH

Keeping well with Wallis C hiropractic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding boost for new station

Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

Wellington Free Ambulance [WFA] has received a $400,000 grant from the Eastern and Central Community Trust [ECCT], which has “sealed the deal” on the first phase of fundraising for the new Wairarapa Ambulance Station build in Masterton.

The new station on the corner of Russell and Queen Streets will be a new home for the ambulance service while also being a hub for disaster response, aided by its IL4-rated design,

meaning it can withstand a one-in-500-year earthquake.

The donation [the largest single grant ever given by ECCT] now takes the total secured fund for the station build to $7,846,000, which exceeds WFA’s original goal of $7,500,000.

WFA general manager of fundraising and communications Claire Carruthers said: “From the very first meeting, ECCT were 100 per cent on board with the need for and importance of the Wairarapa Ambulance Station.

“They shared the vision of the

considerable community benefits of the station in terms of emergency ambulance response, emergency preparedness, and capability for everyone in Wairarapa.

“We can’t thank them enough for this generosity.”

ECCT Mastertonbased trustee John Bunny said considering the service and support for the community that is driven from an ambulance station, there is “no question that this project fits our vision of creating sustainable and equitable communities.”

He said ECCT was

proud to support WFA in ensuring it can be there for anyone across the region.

The big donation comes from ECCT’s Community Assets and Facilities Fund, which is designed to support capital projects and facilities that “help create vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities”.

Construction of the station itself began in December 2023, with groundwork now complete, foundations laid, and structural elements well underway.

The station faced some delays related to

site preparation and additional planning requirements due to the specialised nature of the IL4 construction.

WFA said works are now “progressing smoothly” towards a March 2025 opening.

The facility will house all local crews and emergency ambulances, the patient transfer service, rescue squad, and the Lloyd Morrison Foundation Heartbeat Training Centre, allowing people to be trained in CPR and how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator.

“This grant and all donations and support

received from the community to date have funded the direct costs of building the station,” Carruthers said.

The station still needs about $605,000 to complete the second phase, including the internal fitout, resourcing, and equipment needs. This will include a new fully equipped ambulance dedicated to Wairarapa.

• Anyone wanting to donate or find out more information can visit www. buildwairarapa station.org.nz.

Left to right: Wairarapa Station community ambassador Bob Francis, WFA fundraising and communications general manager Claire Carruthers, ECCT trustee John Bunny, WFA

chief executive Dave Robinson, and Wairarapa WFA shift manager and paramedic Jonathan Rees.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Freddie

Photography community mourns one of the greats

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

Tributes are pouring in for photographer Ron Redfern, who has left behind an 80-yearlong legacy of artistic “mastery”.

The Masterton local, who died on May 28, aged 92, was recognised as one of New Zealand’s greats for his awardwinning repertoire and pioneering work in commercial film and digital fields.

The New Zealand Journal of Photography wrote, “If you know Ron’s work, you will see strong elements of pictorialism, a strong sense of composition, and mastery over black and white.”

Born and raised in Lower Hutt, Redfern first picked up a Kodak Box Brownie camera at age 14, and developed his skills on a Leica with two 500-watt floodlights at Elite Studios one year later.

“I would stand in the street and take photos of people as they walked towards me,” he had said in a previous interview.

“I’d give them my card, and they’d come into the studio and buy the photo.”

Daughter Darlya Redfern said he became a member of the Wellington Camera Club in his 20s, where he learned about composition and credited

it with his passion for and success in landscape photography.

In the early 1950s, Redfern worked as chief photographer at the former Department of Scientific and Industrial Research [DSIR], where, after three weeks, he was commissioned to film a colour movie at Whakaari/White Island.

Four years later, Redfern left DSIR and worked as a studio manager at Gorden H Burt’s studio, which was

established in the 1920s. He was the first photographer in Wellington to process colour negatives and print in colour.

Throughout the 1960s, after opening Redfern Studios on Lampton Quay, highlights included capturing the All Blacks, big ticket advertising clients like the British High Commission and New Zealand Airways Commission, and taking award-winning photos for Resene, which are still

used today.

“Ron enjoyed a wide and varied customer base, often travelling on assignments around New Zealand and the Pacific, capturing some pivotal moments in history,” Darlya said.

“He had amazing stories and photographed all sorts of New Zealand sports stars, including Sir Richard Hadley and Grant Fox.

“He was even asked by invitation to capture Prince Charles when he came to New Zealand in 1994.”

He led Spectrum Studios, a collaboration with top photographers Ans Westra, Peter Bush, Brian Brake, and Ronald Woolf.

He continued his career into his eighties, tutoring at Wellington Polytechnic [now Massey University Wellington] and serving as president for the internationally renowned New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography [NZIPP], organising numerous competitions and exhibitions. He also received the NZIPP’s accolade of Master of Photography for his craft.

He finished his working life in Masterton, where he was commissioned by Property Brokers to photograph real estate.

“In Wairarapa he would see a place to photograph, write down the time, and come back [with his camera] when the lighting conditions

were perfect,” Darlya said.

“He didn’t do things by halves.”

Photographer, mentee, and friend Martin Stewart said while on a college photography club visit to Redfern Studios, he was “absolutely blown away”.

“There were beautiful, low light, misty landscapes, stunning commercial images from the oil industry, and some trendy photos of fashion models,” Stewart said.

“I was so inspired I went back to Redfern Studios and asked ‘Mr Redfern’ if I could work after school for him. He agreed, and that was lifechanging.

“His inspiration and tuition have changed my life, and I have had a successful 45-year career in photography, thanks to him in no small part.”

Professional photographer Nick Servian, who knew Redfern for 47 years, recalled him as an excellent photographer and businessman, and “very welcoming” as a person.

Photographer Simon Woolf said Redfern’s photography and campaigns were “instantly recognisable”.

“Ron was a full package person and a wonderful person in so many ways,” he said.

“Our craft and industry are mourning his loss big time.”

Archive job now a thing of the past

Freddie

Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

Masterton District Council [MDC] has gone ahead with a restructure to the Wairarapa Archive and Masterton District Library, resulting in three redundancies and two new roles across the facilities.

Three roles were disestablished as part of the process: Library assistant manager, archive assistant manager, and children and youth services librarian.

Corin Haines, MDC’s

general manager of communities, said two new roles were created as a result, and an invitation to apply was extended to the three people who had their roles cut.

“A new content and access manager role will be responsible for the technical and back-ofhouse functions of both the archive and library,” he said.

“A new community services manager will also be responsible for delivering customer service at the archive and library.

“The restructuring is focused on the library

and archive functions only.”

Haines stated this decision was made to create a more “serviceoriented model,” which he believed would “strengthen the alignment of the library and archive activities” and, in turn, “provide their agreed-upon level of service”.

These new roles have now been filled, and the change process completed, but it is unclear if the new employees were external applicants, other internal applicants, or any of the three people

whose roles were disestablished.

A member of the community, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Wairarapa Times-Age the former archive assistant manager had “decades of experience”, and that this job loss would have a “terrible effect” on Wairarapa Archive.

The Times-Age asked MDC who the former archive assistant manager was, how long they served, and when they had finished in the role.

MDC declined to answer this question,

stating, “Details of any employee roles impacted significantly by an organisational change process are confidential, and subject to the normal privacy related to employment matters.”

Haines wanted to reassure the community that the library will retain “three experienced specialist archive staff ”, who will be on hand to help anyone using their services.

The restructure was not related to the plans for the library and archive as set out in MDC’s Long-Term Plan.

Master photographer Ron Redfern, who died late last month, age 92. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

One of Redfern’s colour photographs, titled “Wilton Storm”. PHOTO/RON REDFERN

Three jobs were recently disestablished at the Masterton District

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

A nationwide shift to the agriculture sector’s climate change and methane policies could yield positive results in Wairarapa, according to farming stakeholders. However, some remain unconvinced.

Last week, the government announced it has taken agriculture out of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme [NZ ETS], disestablished climate change partnership He Waka Eke Noa, and will institute a Pastoral Sector Group.

Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick said it was “great news” for both Wairarapa and the agricultural sector – allowing farms to stay open, while still meeting climate change obligations.

Wade-Brown said failing to respond to climate change and lower emissions would see Wairarapa farmers subject to weather extremes and natural disasters.

“Farmers on the ground are among those hit the first and worst by climate change: From increasingly unpredictable seasonality, to the

like Wairarapa,” he said.

“However, [the UK and EU] are discerning markets, and they will only buy from countries that are living up to their commitment to reduce emissions.”

However, organisations’ emissions associated with non-farm activities will continue under the NZ ETS.

The disbanding of He Waka Eke Noa was “a new beginning”, McClay said.

He added that the government will engage directly with levy bodies and organisations representing the pastoral sector.

Federated Farmers

Wairarapa president David Hayes said that modelling around He Waka Eke Noa proposals revealed 20 per cent of the nation’s sheep and beef farmers, and five per cent of dairy farmers “could have gone bust”.

“This would have been a huge blow to Wairarapa and the local economy,” he said.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said $400 million in research and development within the farming sector would also be invested over the next four years.

“An additional $50.5 million will be invested over the next five years in projects to find solutions to reduce the sector’s emissions,” he said.

Rural Winds of change up ahead

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said, “It doesn’t make sense to send jobs and production overseas, while less carbonefficient countries produce the food the world needs. That is why we are focused on finding practical tools and technology for our farmers to reduce their emissions in a way that won’t reduce production or exports.”

“These projects include the development of a methane vaccine, a project to breed lower emitting cattle, and accelerating the work on methane and nitrous oxide inhibitors.”

Later this month, McClay said, legislation will be introduced amending the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to remove agriculture, animal processors, and fertiliser companies from the NZ ETS before January 1, 2025.

The start of calving is looming, and in some earlier calving herds there’s those calves that always seem to arrive before you’re ready for them! For those cows inside their last month before calving, their current body condition will be their calving condition. Now is a good time to target any later calving cows that are lighter for any condition score increases as the time available to achieve this condition is rapidly decreasing. Now’s a good time to dust off the Spring Rotation Planners and run some different scenarios to identify where the sensitive factors may exist. The Spring Rotation Planner allocates a set area per day [or per week] from when the cows calve to balance date, starting on a slow rotation and speeding up to a quicker rotation in the spring. It’s most effective when actual pasture cover is monitored against target and the rotation sped up or slowed down to bring the average pasture cover back on target.

Refer to this link for further information and to develop your own Spring Rotation Planner Spring Rotation Planner Tool –DairyNZ | DairyNZ

Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick [left] and Labour List MP Kieran McAnulty. PHOTOS/FILE

Be Warm this Winter with a Daikin Heatpump

Jumbo crossword

1 Meat seller (7) 4 Entirely without money (5-5) 9 Arrest authorisation (7) 13 Fat (4) 14 Of the same opinion (6)

15 Beat (6)

16 Superior skill (7)

19 Putting together from parts (10)

20 Start off (8) 21 Lace mat (5)

24 Image-capturer (6)

25 Char (6)

27 Political party’s policy declaration (9)

32 Capsize (8)

33 Mislead (6)

34 Scotsman’s pouch (7)

38 Serenely joyful (8)

39 South American river (6)

40 Exposed (4)

41 Unexpected drawbacks (5)

42 Stiff (5)

52

(8)

62 Vast crowds (6)

63 Cumbersome (8)

66 Play writer (9)

68 Meadows (6)

69 Allocate (6)

73 Untidy (5)

74 Declining in vigour (8)

76 Lyricist (10)

81 Skating area (3,4)

82 Gaming house (6)

83 Smoothed (6)

84 Multiplied (4)

85 Be subjected to (7)

86 Huge (10)

87 Defraud (7) DOWN

1 Light wood (5)

2 Tedious (8)

3 Get one’s goat (6)

4 Beelzebub (5)

5 Likelihood (4)

6 Jewish vernacular (7)

7 Palm fibre for weaving, tying (6)

8 Army colour (5)

10 Unit of area (4)

11 Dinghy (7)

12 Cuddle closely (6)

17 Made do (10)

18 Narrow band (5)

22 Send out by radio (8)

23 Sneaks a look (5)

24 Iron lever (7)

26 Hint (4)

28 Human-like robot (7)

29 Emotional shock (6)

30 Column support (6)

31 Bargain (6)

33 Twelve (5)

35 Contacts by telephone (5)

36 Monarch (4)

37 Close (4)

43 Revenue (6)

44 Drive forward (5)

46 Ooze (4)

47 Alternatives (7)

48 Within (6)

49 Goes sour (5)

50 Waxed lyrical (8)

51 Body organ (6)

52 A sad spirit (anag)(10)

53 Inadvertent mistake (4)

54 Squeeze harder (7)

59 Conditions (5)

60 Had debts (4)

64 Fence steps (5)

65 Strewn with dropped rubbish (8)

67 Book (7)

68 Ship’s warning device (7)

70 Signal light (6)

71 Measuring duration of (6)

72 Way out (6)

75 Tropical fruit (5)

77 Water body (5)

78 Long narrow hilltop (5)

79 Cosy (4)

80 Cart du jour (4)

Sudoku

Fill

ACROSS: 1 Psalm, 4 Woollens, 9 Famine, 14 Atlas, 15 Slippery customer, 17 Steam, 18 Sue, 19 Thinned, 20 Telepathy, 21 Clutch, 24 Projector, 25 Martyr, 26 Pursue, 29 Scholastic, 31 Nor, 32 Relate, 33 Errs, 35 See, 37 Bare, 39 Enclosure, 40 Publicise, 41 Laces, 42 Befriend, 47 Cemetery, 51 Using, 55 Manhattan, 56 Aluminium, 58 Ewer, 59 Cod, 60 Suit, 61 Cliché, 62 Gas, 63 Decoration, 66 Cygnet, 67 Bright, 69 Adaptable, 72 Seldom, 73 Mad Hatter, 75 Almonds, 77 Vat, 80 Harsh, 81 Give a dog a bad name, 82 Natty, 83 Shadow, 84 Cleverer, 85 Feint. DOWN: 2 Sulphuric, 3 Lupin, 5 Onyx, 6 Loudest, 7 Entrepreneur, 8 Samba, 9 Further, 10 Mask, 11 Needle, 12 Slash, 13 Essence, 14 Amateur, 16 Eye for an eye, 22 Septic, 23 Cyclops, 24 Pioneer, 25 Morsel, 27 Survive, 28 Stable, 30 Coop, 32 Retch, 34 Seedy, 36 Kite, 38 Age, 42 Bombs, 43 Funding, 44 Ivan, 45 Nettle, 46 Mince, 48 Memorabilia, 49 Trestle, 50 Rue, 51 Unicorn, 52 Gadget, 53 Substantiate, 54 Kind, 57 Incite, 64 Ombudsman, 65 Wealthy, 66 Craving, 68 Glasgow, 70 Awesome, 71 Fourth, 72 State, 74 Havoc, 76 Ounce, 78 Shed, 79 Rate. 5x5

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

people who mean business

“New machinery, quality used gear, excellent deals, and great service – that’s what Power Farming Wairarapa is all about,” says Sales Manager Aaron George.

Power Farming has the parts, technology, and trained technicians to keep your farm machinery rolling.

“You can rely on us to have the gear you need to keep your business growing. And our servicing capability is

outstanding,” Aaron says. “We know how to keep your gear working for you.”

Regular servicing ensures that the technicians at Power Farming get to know you and the requirements of your machines.

“We have the farming knowhow, IT expertise, and hands-on experience with farming gear.”

For all your farm machinery needs, contact Power Farming Wairarapa

If you have the urge to restore and frame old photos, drop in and talk to Pete Nikolaison’s crea�ve team at 117 Perry Street in Masterton.

These experienced framers can help you display all the things

that are important to you: photos, posters, artwork, jewellery, Māori cloaks, tapestries, and more.

Bespoke frames can be made to order, drawing from the shop’s wide and high-quality stock of mouldings.

The team also makes up frames for you to browse and purchase off the shelf. They’re value for money.

Alterna�vely, photos can be printed onto canvas and stretched.

Aaron George

Pete Nikolaison Photography and Picture Framing

Events

THURSDAY JUNE 20

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

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

Antonia Blincoe [021] 105-7649.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne [06] 379-5564 or email carterton.hist.soc@gmail.com

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

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

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Martinborough: 9.30-11.30am, Heartland Services, 29 Jellicoe St; Featherston: 1.30-3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Fareham Creative Space: Fri/Tues, open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@ farehamcreativespace.nz

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

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

Housie: Carrington Bowling & Croquet Club, Carterton, [behind clock tower]. Be there by 12.30pm. Jeanne Emery [06] 379 5444. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB, Perry St. 9.30am-12.30pm.

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

Masterton Petanque Club: Club Day 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane [06] 377-3064 or [027] 4559 733. Masterton Toy Library: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. Narcotics Anonymous: 7.30-8.30pm at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton. Parkinson’s Exercise Class: 1.30pm at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, Dixon St. Call Roslyn [027] 264-8623.

Patient Activity Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call [06] 378-8888.

Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 5.30pm-7pm. All gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601. Red Star Table Tennis Club: 5-7pm at Red Star Sports Association, 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Ruamahanga Club: Cards, 500, 1-4pm at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton. Social Learners Bridge: 1pm3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Barbara [06] 304-9208.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Thursday Morning Bikers: Meet at fountain, Queen Elizabeth Park entrance, 9.30am. Contact David [021] 246-0295.

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

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

Wairarapa Quilters: Meeting in Idea Rooms, 46 Bentley St, Masterton, 7pm. Erica [027] 343 3897.

Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, intermediate, 1-2.30pm. Call [06] 377-5518 or [06] 377-1135.

FRIDAY JUNE 21

Aratoi: Jane Sinclair: Quiet Observations to June 16; In Recognition to July 28.

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

Carterton Senior Citizens: 1pm4pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, at Club Carterton, 35 Broadway.

Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959. Dance Fit: At Carrington Park, Carterton, 6pm-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643.

French Conversation: U3A-affiliated group, Education Centre, Dixon St, Masterton, 11am-1pm. Converse in French or improve speaking in French. Brett [027] 363-4039 or Robyn [021] 169-9415.

Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketāhuna Library 1.30-4.30pm.

Masterton Bowling Club: Funzie Friday, 12pm for 12.30pm start. Call [06] 377-4664 after 4pm.

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

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

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

Road Cycling Martinborough: Year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837. Spontaneous Dance: Kiwi Hall, Featherston, 6.30-8pm. Call Pavla Miller [022] 075-3867.

Sunset Cinema: Carterton Events Centre, Rangatahi Hub. Doors open 7pm, movie starts 7.30pm. Info at sunsetcinemacarterton.com

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

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

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Quit Clinic at Whaiora 9am-noon. Support across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246.

Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY JUNE 22

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

Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687.

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

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

Featherston Weekly Market: 8am2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Justice of the Peace: Masterton Library, 10am-noon. Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, under the grandstand, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton. Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call John [021] 314-2485.

Martinborough Museum: Open Sat/ Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated.

Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Organised doubles from 12.30 pm, 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Sue McRae [027] 449-0601.

Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. 8am start, Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun.co.nz/ greytownwoodsidetrail Tinui Craft Corner and Museum: Open Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Call Lesley Hodgins [06] 372-6433.

Toy Library: Masterton: 10am12pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon.

Wairarapa Cancer Society

Supportive Care Services: Support after a cancer diagnosis. Call [06] 378-8039.

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

SUNDAY JUNE 23

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm. Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687. Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm. Indoor Bowls: Club Carterton, Broadway. 2pm. Rex Kenny [06] 379 7303 or Kyra Garrity [027] 6333 569. Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: Masterton Croquet Club, 1-5pm. Call Vince Cholewa [027] 344-1073 or visit http://mastertonmarauders. blogspot.co.nz

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 12.30pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Petanque Club: Club Day 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane [06] 377-3064 or [027] 4559 733. Masterton Tennis Centre: Social doubles from 10am at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Blackboard draw. Narcotics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call 0800 628 632.

Pickleball: Makoura College Gym, Masterton 5pm-6.30pm. Gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601. Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837. Rotary Sunday Market: 7-11.30am, Essex St car park. Contact thehodsons@xtra.co.nz

South Wairarapa Pipe Band: Practice at St John’s church hall, Featherston, 4-6pm. To confirm time please call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182. Wairarapa Bonsai Club: Monthly meeting and AGM at 1.30pm in the staff room at rear of Garden Barn, Masterton. For further information, please contact Bob Macfarlane 377 1808, or 0273347730, or waibonsai@ gmail.com

Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome. Wairarapa Word: Presentation and workshop with young adult fiction author Katherine J. Adams, Carterton Community Courthouse. Postponed from last week. Workshop 1.30pm, book talk 4pm. For workshop reservations, email events.waiword@ gmail.com.

MONDAY JUNE 24

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

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

CCS Disability Action Wairarapa Office: 36 Bannister St, Masterton, 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. Call [06] 378-2426 or 0800 227-2255. Citizens Advice Bureau: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call [06] 377-0078 or 0800 367-222.

Creative Hands Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. East Indoor Bowling Club: 7pm. Call Julie [06] 377-5497 or George [06] 378-9266.

Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249. Free Community Fit Club: Mon/ Tues/Fri, 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. Call Di [027] 498-7261. GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. Sharon [021] 033-0550. Hospice Wairarapa Support Services: For anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888. Housie: 7pm, Club Carterton, Broadway. Call [06] 379-8069. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm. Keep Fit!: 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Line Dancing: 10.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Literacy Aotearoa: Free computing and digital device classes for adults. Call [06] 377-4214. Mah-jong: 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Pat Hamilton [06] 308-9729.

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

Masterton Food Bank: 9 Church St, Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm. Call [06] 370-8034.

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

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 6pm8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837.

Senior Citizens Club: Cards 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Val [06] 308-9293. Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, Featherston: 9.30am, A/G Church. Masterton: 1.30pm, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton.

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY JUNE 25

Caregivers Programme: For those caring for unwell loved ones, Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Kirsten [06] 399-1050.

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

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment.

Vivienne [06] 379-5564.

Central Indoor Bowls Club: 7.30pm, Hogg Crescent hall. Call Mathew or Graeme [06] 378-7554.

Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2pm-2.45pm, St John’s Hall, Greytown. Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm-9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975.

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

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

Carterton: 9.30-11.30am, Carterton Library; Greytown: 1.30-3pm, Greytown Library.

Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club: During school terms. Classes are weight and skill dependent; Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.30-6.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.15-7.30pm. Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 10am. Featherston Wahine Singers: 7-8.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Susan [021] 246-4884. Free Literacy and Numeracy Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa, 340 Queen St, Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994.

GirlGuiding: Masterton Pippins [5-7 years] 3.45-5pm. Call Chrissy Warnock 372-7646. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 11am-1pm. Knit and Natter: 3pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, Perry St; 7pm, Te Awhina Cameron Community House, 2 Stuart Cres, Masterton. Mah-jong: Carterton Memorial Club, Broadway, 1pm. Call Faye [021] 1606637.

Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne [06] 378-2338 or David [021] 116-5505.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward [06] 377-4401.

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

Masterton Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire [06] 377-0342.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am12pm, 365 Queen St, Masterton [021]0716634.

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

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

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

South Wairarapa Badminton Club: Featherston Sports Stadium, Underhill Rd, 7pm-9pm. Rackets available. South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff [06] 304-9748.

Wairarapa Heart Help Group: 1.303pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Modern Jive: Carterton School hall, 7.15-7.30pm Intermediate workshop; 8-8.45pm Beginners class. Lance [021] 134-5661.

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

Wairarapa Toastmasters: Meet fortnightly, Salvation Army Hall, 210 High St, Carterton, 7.30pm. Call Wayne [027] 335-5825.

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

WEDNESDAY JUNE 26

AA Meeting: At 7.30pm, Epiphany church hall, High St, Solway, Masterton. Artspace: 10am-2pm. AOG Church, Birdwood St, Featherston. Call Stella [022] 014 2403. Athletics Wairarapa: Club night, 5.45-7pm, Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton. Cards: “500”, 1.15pm-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara 379-6582 or Val [06] 379-8329. Carterton Cycle Group: From Belvedere Rd [weather permitting]. Call Irene [027] 634-9167 or Lesley [021] 299-6389. Dance Fitness: 9.30am-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers at Fareham House Hall, Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830. Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Masterton: 10am-noon, Masterton Library. Free Classes: Literacy, language, numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa [06] 377-4214. GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 5.30-7pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Heart of Arts Wairarapa: A community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB, Perry St, noon-2pm. Kiddie Gym: For under-5s, 9.30-11am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Judy or Joan [06] 379-8325.

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

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

Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 12.30pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Men’s Group: Support and friendship, Salvation Army Village, Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton, 7-9pm. Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10am, at the South

Wairarapa Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick [06] 379-5376. Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 9.30am-11am. Gear provided. Sue [027] 449 0601. Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: Sports, food, and leadership, Carterton Events Centre. Text “R2R” to [027] 742-2264.

Recreational Walking Group: 9.30am, Essex St car park. Call Ann Jackson [06] 372-5758, or Ann Duckett [06] 378-8285.

Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837. Scrabble Club: 1-4pm in Masterton. For venue details, call Sue McRae [027] 449-0601. Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556. Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10amnoon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith [06] 370-1604]. South Wairarapa Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. Taoist Tai Chi: From 5.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 185 High St, Carterton. Contact www.taoisttaichi.

org Te Runga Scouts: Cubs, 6pm-7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton. The Dance Shed: 450a Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.30-8.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/ Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 3199814. Wairarapa Rockers: Rock’n’roll. Couple inquiries to [027] 333-1793. Wairarapa Services Club: Rummikub, 1pm at the club, Essex St, Masterton. Wairarapa Singers: Choral singing. Call Graeme Burnard [027] 270-5666. Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 10am The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish [021] 292 8010. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, improvers 5-6.30pm. Call 377-5518 or 377-1135.

Wisdom and Well-being: Featherston Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm. Call Pauline [021] 102 8857. • To have an event listed please email event@age.co.nz by noon Thursday prior

Discover the ultimate retirement destination:

Greytown Orchards Retirement Village – where town meets the country.

Imagine waking up in a beautifully designed two or three-bedroom villa, surrounded by the tranquillity of the countryside, yet conveniently located in the heart of Greytown. Our well-priced villas offer you all the comfort and space you deserve in your retirement.

Set amongst orchard trees, and spacious grounds, our village occupies a muchloved former plum orchard, creating a truly special and unique setting.

Come and experience Greytown Orchards for yourself at our Open Days on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June from 10am – 2pm.

Now is the perfect time to secure your ideal retirement lifestyle with only 3 twobedroom villas left in stage one. We look forward to welcoming you.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled open day, you can contact Dixon on 0508 843 672 to arrange a time that works for you.

Gardening & Landscaping

Paul August Landscape Design

Landscape Consultation & Design Service 027 446 8256

august.landscape@orcon.net.nz www.augustlandscapes.co.nz

Public Notices

Kohunui Marae and Parikarangaranga Pa Site Trustee AGM

Saturday 13th July 2024 at 11am At Kohunui Marae

Agenda:

Karakia, Mihi, Maumahara, Apologies Minutes of AGM 2023

Marae Trustee Chair Report Marae Trustee s Reports Financial Report Election of Trustees General Business Charter Update Native Plant Nursery Report Zoom available for those who register by 10/07/24 with violete70@yahoo.com Shared Lunch to follow

Any enquiries to kohunuitari@gmail com

A Firmin Chairperson

Community Funding 2024

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

The round is open to all local community groups, incorporated societies and registered charities who currently operate within the geographical boundaries being the Greytown District Electoral Ward

There is $22,000 available for distribution Grant applications close 5pm on Monday 15 July 2024

For more information and to apply visit our website www.greytownlandstrust.org nz

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

During the course of the day, you will be in constant engagement with students, teachers, parents, and external agencies/providers. Therefore, a professional, personable manner and a focus on customer service is essential in this role

Tasks associated with this position may include (but are not limited to):

Accounts management (payable and receivable) Experience with Xero is an advantage.

Social media posts, including generating content This would involve being active around the school, capturing the many day-to-day events

School marketing and communication, including newsletters and updating the school website

Working closely with organisations allied to the school

Managing school archives.

If you are proactive, solutions f ocused and enjoy working in a small but busy team environment, we would love to hear from you

The successful applicant will be subject to police vetting before starting the position

Permanent position. College term time only Hours are negotiable

To apply please email your CV and cover letter to: Martin O'Grady Principal Rathkeale College principalspa@rathkeale.school nz Application s clo se 5p m, Monda y 2 4 June 2024

To

NOTICE TO CLOSE ROADS TO VEHICULAR

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 Ngā Wai Heke Rangatira Event, will close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder.

Roads to be closed:

• Pā Road, Greytown – at the beginning of Pā Road/Tilsons Road

Period of closure:

• Saturday 29 June 2024, 8.00AM – 3.00PM.

Stefan Corbett Group Manager Partnerships & Operations

MEETING SCHEDULE.

Council meetings July 2024

Wednesday 31 July

Council meeting

1:00 pm

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

Attendance at meetings:

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

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

www.cdc.govt.nz

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

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 Greytown Festival of Christmas 2024 will close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder.

Proposed Road Closure Dates:

• Saturday 29 June & Saturday 27 July

• Postponement dates Sunday 30 June and Sunday 28 July

Road Closures

• Main Street (SH2) between Jellicoe Street and Hastwell Street from 2pm – 9pm

• McMaster Street, from Main Street to East Street from 1pm – 9pm

Detour 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

Postponementdates:Sunday29JuneandSunday28July

Stefan Corbett

Group Manager Partnerships & Operations

Sports Notices

PAST PLAYERS DAY

Gladstone Rugby Club welcomes all Past Players, sponsors and supporters to Past Players Day on Saturday 22nd June.

JAB will be playing followed by Reserves versus Pioneer at 1pm Starts at 12 noon with a BBQ and refreshments

Masterton R ed Star Rugby Club

Saturday 22 June

Club & Sponsors Day

The Committee would like to see you all at our annual Old Timers & Sponsors Day

The day will look like -

• 9 30am - U8s vs Marist

• 10.30am - U11s vs Pioneer

• 11.30am - U13s vs Martinborough

• 12.45pm - Lite Lunch at Herbert St Clubrooms (Past Players & Sponsors)

• 2.35pm - RAMS Prems vs Eketahuna

• 4.00pm - Clubrooms Open

We thank you again for supporting Masterton Red Star Rugby

Facade demolition needs consent

The Masterton District Council [MDC] will need permission to demolish Masterton’s town hall facade, due to its heritage status.

The facade, which is on the chopping block in the proposed Long-Term Plan [LTP], is listed in the schedule of Heritage Buildings and Items in the Wairarapa Combined District Plan.

The current town hall in Masterton was deemed earthquakeprone in 2016.

Last week, the council moved to demolish the town hall and municipal buildings, and build a new facility on the current site.

However, MDC will need a resource consent to demolish the town hall facade, should its LTP be adopted on June 26.

The demolition is considered a “discretionary activity” requiring resource consent.

In the Wairarapa

Combined District Plan, demolition or relocation of scheduled historic heritage buildings is discouraged, “unless it can be demonstrated that there are no reasonable alternatives”.

Consideration is given to a number of factors including the effects on historic heritage values; the importance attributed to the heritage item by the wider community; cost of maintenance or repair; and appearance of any replacement building in relation to heritage values.

A council spokesperson said work was underway to appoint a consultant planner to assess and lodge a resource consent application on behalf of the council.

A heritage architect would be engaged to prepare a report regarding the heritage value of the building “to demonstrate whether there are appropriate heritage values to consider”.

“The processing of this application will be undertaken

by an independent consultant, who will also make a recommendation to the council on whether this is publicly notified,” the spokesperson said.

If the application requires public notification, submissions would be heard by an independent commissioner.

The resource consent would also be assessed by an independent commissioner.

At LTP deliberations earlier this month, Deputy Mayor Bex Johnson moved to demolish the town hall and municipal buildings.

She proposed building a new town hall on the current site, including a multi-purpose space for performances or functions, as outlined in the preferred option.

The municipal building facade would not be retained.

A maximum of $25 million [including contingency] was budgeted to be included in years 1 to 4 of the LTP.

The facade is technically on the municipal building,

but is commonly referred to as the town hall facade. It was previously given a stay of execution in 2020, when the former council voted 6-5 to retain it.

However, Johnson said that retaining the facade introduces a lot of risks and complexity to the project. Further investigation would be required to establish the scope of works required to retain the facade, adding to the project costs.

Councillors Johnson, Craig Bowyer, Stella Lennox, David Holmes, Marama Tuuta, and Mayor Gary Caffell supported the motion.

Voting against were councillors Tim Nelson, Tom Hullena, and Brent Goodwin.

According to the council’s “Registered Heritage Items List”, the first town hall was on Lincoln Rd but it burnt down in the early 1880s.

In the mid to late 1890s, the Masterton Trust Lands Trust built a new town hall on Lincoln Rd.

“The site now

occupied by the District Buildings had been donated to the Borough by the Trust Lands Trust for a library, and a two-storied building, incorporating both the library and the municipal offices was built on the site,” the Registered Heritage Items list states.

“This building was moved further south on the site and the replacement Municipal Buildings, incorporating the Town Hall, was opened in 1916.

“Damaged in the earthquake of 1942, the building was strengthened and clad in concrete over brickwork.

“The roof of the auditorium was raised in 1947. All roof embellishment was removed. A further extension was carried out in the 1970s.

“Internally, the principal hall is a fine space, if of unusual proportion. The building has some historic and townscape value because of its status.” – NZLDR

LDR is local body journalism cofunded by RNZ and NZ On Air

is now at Evans of Masterton

Your happy place for all things sewing, knitting, quilting, curtaining and more

Under Justine Johnson’s new ownership, Evans of Masterton is reinventing itself as the one-stop sewing needs shop.

“We have fantastic ranges of fabrics, wool, sewing machines, haberdashery, and curtaining accessories,” Justine says. “And I have a great team of highly experienced staff - all of whom are brilliant.”

Suzanne is an expert in curtains and a great crocheter. Julie can help with all things ‘crafty’, and there is nothing Raewyn does not know about fabrics, dress making, quilting, and wool.

Justine has lived in Wairarapa for over 25 years, after settling down with a local lad. They have six children, all of whom have attended the Geraldine Inder Dance School. This means Justine has spent a decade sewing dance costumes and buying fabrics from Evans.

“It is my happy place,” she says. The opportunity to own Evans of Masterton came along at the right

time. Having flexibility in her day is a blessing, and she loves what her store offers.

Curtains and blinds are a big part of Evans’ offerings, including a free consultation with a free measure and quote. The range of curtain fabrics is diverse, and Resene fabrics come with free curtain making. “We also offer blinds, venetians, and shutters.”

The diverse range of fabrics includes woollens, cottons, rayons, velvets, sweat shirting, satins, linens, and many more. There’s a great array of patterns too. Quilting and patchwork fabrics are also available, and upholstery fabrics are stocked. The

shop holds a dealership for Bernina sewing machines and Justine has been trained in servicing the machines.

The diversity in wools sold at Evans is astonishing: everything from merino baby wool to chunky options and cotton for knitting and crocheting.

“Crocheting is making a comeback,” Justine says, “especially the amigurumi animals that children love. We also offer crochet, sewing, and patchwork/quilting classes.”

“Come into my happy place and browse for ideas, inspiration, and advice,” she says.

STAFF MEMBERS SUZANNE AND RAEWYN (JULIE IS ABSENT) WITH OWNER JUSTINE AT EVANS OF MASTERTON