Extra

SEPTEMBER UPDATE

By the time you read this, we will be entering the voting period for this year’s local body elections. Already there have been several lively ‘meet the candidates’ meetings and I know interest is high. Like all of you, I look forward to the results after polls close at noon, 8 October. Recently the Council has been involved in a couple of consultations of high interest. Last week Wellington Water held a drop-in session in Featherston to discuss its new proposal for the Featherston wastewater treatment plant. The Council has commissioned Wellington Water to develop a solution which protects our waterways, caters for the town’s growth and is affordable for current and future ratepayers. The consent proposal has been a long time in the making, as opinions have differed about the method and timing of moving away from discharge to water and how that discharge quality can be improved. Wellington Water will work with the Council and mana whenua ahead of applying for consent with Greater Wellington Regional Council next January. I encourage Featherston residents to read more about the proposal, which is a vital piece of the jigsaw we are putting together to address Featherston’s water issues, at www.wellingtonwater.co.nz/fwp/ Still in Featherston, initial consultation on the Featherston Masterplan has wrapped up, having gained some very interesting insights from residents. These have been collated in a report to the Council on September 21. The Masterplan is focussed largely, but not exclusively, on how best to densify housing in Featherston and rejuvenate the town centre. The feedback we gathered will be instrumental in drafting the plan. Ngā mihi Harry Wilson CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Survival Kit Heroes

A local initiative to get flu and Covid-19 help to the most vulnerable in South Wairarapa is gathering momentum. The kits are the brainchild of two local women, Sandy Ngamoki and Teresa Dawson, who saw the need and wanted to make a difference. After approaching various parties starting with the local GPs, they established that there were indeed many people in the community who did not have the means or access to simple aids to help with the pandemic and flu season. They are still waiting for most of the funding but already with the help of donations from Te Whatu Ora (formerly DHB Wairarapa), and their own resources, they have managed to get out about 195 packs for distribution to Kuranui College, Martinborough and Pae tū Mokai Medical Centres. The kits contain tissues, RAT tests, a thermometer, lozenges, chest rub and masks. Ibuprofen and Panadol are available on request to their local GPs/ Medical Centres, and whānau may also borrow pulse oximeters from the Medical Centres. Sandy says they were driven by what they have seen around them, particularly local whānau who often live remotely or are disadvantaged in terms of money or health. “The aim is to provide these survival kits free of charge,” she said. As summer approaches and case numbers fall, she and Teresa are hoping to “go back into retirement”. “Once we get through the cold period, people’s health should be on the up. “But at the moment, we’re feeling that the schools really need the support because of their populations and given the volume of absenteeism of staff and children. “With our next distribution, we’re going to target Martinborough and Te Kura o Paetūmokai (Featherston School). “It is hoped that Paetūmokai will distribute some kits to St Teresa’s and South Featherston Schools. We will also send more to Martinborough Medical Centre and Kuranui College as we are able. We also hope to be able to distribute kits to the elderly and church congregations in our communities.” Hau Ariki Marae, where the pair are based, received wellness packs from Whaiora. These have been shared between Featherston and Martinborough Foodbanks. If you would like to help Sandy and Teresa’s survival kit project, koha are being received through REAP (please contact Sandy for the account number at Sandy. Ngamoki@gmail.com). You will need to put in the following details: the recipient (SWCCESK), the payer (your name), the amount of the donation. These details help REAP track incoming and outgoing transactions. South Wairarapa District Council supports this worthy project.

Young people, be heard!

The three Wairarapa Councils are working together to review the district’s Rangatahi (Youth) Strategy to support youth voice in local government. We want rangatahi to be at the heart of the process and have been seeking their views through feedback sessions across the Wairarapa. Their ideas are being sought until the end of September and these go through to a Rangatahi Strategy focus group that is still being formed. If you are between the age of 12-24 and would like to be part of the focus group or give your thoughts, head to https://mstn.govt.nz/ rangatahi-youth-strategy/

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 of the below meetings, please phone 06 306 9611 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting or email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz. Masks are no longer required but if you have cold and flu symptoms, please stay at home. The meetings will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel, where possible.

OCTOBER MEETINGS

COUNCIL Wednesday, 26 October at 10.00am Supper Room, Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough Harry Wilson CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Votes wanted

Martinborough Memories

Martinborough School is marking a very auspicious milestone this month. On September 16-17, the school celebrated its 150th anniversary. Former students came from far and wide for the events, which included a community market and reunion afternoon tea. Mayor Alex Beijen presented the school with a totara tree for the school grounds. Congratulations!

Don’t forget to vote! Local body elections occur every three years. If you’re enrolled, you should have received your voting forms in the mail. If you’re not on the roll but you are a resident or ratepayer in our district, you can still enrol at www. vote.nz and contact the Council for a special voting paper. Make sure your vote is in the post by October 4 to meet the deadline. If you miss it, votes will also be received at our libraries or the Council offices until noon October 8.

WE ARE NOW ON INSTAGRAM! Follow us @swdc