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Makeover for Little Jewels

This year the Friends of Aratoi’s main fundraiser, Little Jewels, had a major revamp.

Over 130 little unsigned works of art from both internationally renowned and emerging Wairarapa artists who generously donate their time and talent to every biennial Little Jewels event. Thanks once again to the hardworking Friends of Aratoi committee and the Aratoi staff who put the event together.

The differences? This year expenses associated with the sale of the pieces were covered by sponsorship from Dursley Garden, so all profit went to Aratoi’s acquisition funds. Instead of an opening where works were for sale at a mere $150 each, this time there was a one-hour silent auction with bids starting at $150 and rising in $25 increments.

Bidding was slow at first, no doubt as it took time to view all the art, but then it was manic, with prospective buyers keeping a watch to see who was adding their name to the paper beside their coveted work and rushing to outbid them.

Peter Debney put his rugby referee’s whistle to use, signalling that the end was near, and waved a yellow card. Then at five minutes the whistle went again, and a pink card appeared until finally a red card and a blast from the whistle signified that the bidding was over.

Chair of the Friends committee Sandra Debney was elated by the event. “It was such fun on such a lovely warm summer night. The food and wine were stunning and the standard of the art works was amazing. The bidding was frantic, with some pieces going for five or six hundred dollars which reflects their value

All expenses associated with the sale of the pieces were covered by sponsorship from Dursley Garden, so all profit went to Aratoi’s acquisition funds. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

more accurately and acknowledges the artists’ talents more fairly. I am so grateful to our artists for their support of Aratoi.”

Dursley Garden’s Little Jewels is showing at Aratoi until December 4. Dursley Garden is a country garden on the Te Ore OreBideford Road, originally designed and planted by Alfred Buxton in the early 20th century.

WAIRARAPA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Wairarapa JPs tick accreditation and diversity

Corinna Carew,

JP Eketahuna

Wairarapa Justice of the Peace District is the first in New Zealand to achieve 100 per cent accreditation of its 77 Justices of the Peace [JPs].

To be accredited JPs must sit an online test about their roles and duties and attend at least two training sessions a year.

District chairwoman Colleen Douglas said: “Three years ago we had about 40 per cent of our members accredited and we felt strongly that it was important that all our members were proficient and confident in carrying out their duties. I am so proud of the commitment of our members to achieving accreditation.

“It is especially important with technological developments and some organisations are requiring that only accredited JPs may sign their documents.

“A JP is expected to maintain accreditation every two years and we hold training sessions regularly to cover any changes in what is expected.”

The Wairarapa district spreads from Featherston to Eketāhuna.

Douglas said: “As well as geographical spread we are wanting JPs to reflect the diversity of the Wairarapa community. Wairarapa iwi have identified four prospective Maori JPs and they are currently in the process of being approved and trained. We have been seeking younger people for succession planning and a gender balance.”

There is a list of JPs in the Yellow Pages and online at justiceofthepeace. org.nz

JPs can undertake the

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

following roles: • Witness signatures on documents • Certify copies of documents [including email attachments and phone messages] • Take oaths, declarations, affidavits or affirmations • Confirm identity

The service is free.

In order to be more accessible JPs are available at the following service desks:

Masterton CAB on Mon 9.30am-12.30pm, Tues 11am-1pm, Wed noon-2pm, Thurs 9.30am12.30pm; Masterton Courthouse Friday 11am1pm; Masterton Library Saturday 10am-noon.

Carterton Library Fridays noon-2pm.

Greytown Library the last Thursday of the month 11am-1pm.

Eketāhuna Library Fridays 1.30-4.30pm or on request at the library.

Featherston and Martinborough libraries will have a service desk shortly.

FILL YOUR CONTAINERS AT BIN INN & SAVE 5%

Save money, cut down on rubbish, shopping made easy

Buy as little or as much as you need. Bring your own containers to fi ll in store. Running short of time? Drop them off and we will do it for you.

OPENING HOURS

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-5pm Tuesday 8am- 7.30pm, Friday 8am-4pm P 06 379 8799

E appointments@truedentistry.co.nz 1A Seddon Street, Carterton