Wairarapa Midweek Wed 27 March

The Carterton community celebrated its library service’s 150th year this month, culminating in a ceremony at Carterton Events Centre –complete with a miniature library in cake form.

The milestone makes the Carterton branch of the Wairarapa Library Service [WLS] something of a “grande dame” – it is one of New Zealand’s oldest public library services and is housed in the longest-serving purposebuilt library building in Aotearoa.

The Carterton library was established by 400 residents – including the town’s “founding father”, Charles Rooking Carter – in 1874, and moved into its current building in 1881.

“What began as a library started by a local community with 200 books in 1874 has blossomed into a shared service spanning four towns,” a Carterton District Council [CDC] spokesperson said.

“Today, the WLS has 10,000 members, 70,000 print items and a further 80,000 digital items.”

And while all that library goodness is free of charge to its users today, it wasn’t always the case.

Continued on page 4

An annual subscription was payable until 1963 and, in the 1870s, cost 10 shillings, as

Carterton branch librarian Andrea Darbyshire and colleagues.

PHOTO/REAGAN GUNDERSEN

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

Wiggly Ziggy on the StoryWalk®

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

A “magical book” illustrated by a South Wairarapa artist that encourages neurodivergent children to embrace “the joy of our differences” is the latest to be showcased on the Wairarapa Library Service [WLS] StoryWalk® in Martinborough this month.

Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind, by Australian author Bree O’Malley, features the work of artist Becs Reilly, owner of Martinborough art space Ventana.

The WLS StoryWalk® is a guided walk that combines the love of reading with the great outdoors with the pages of a featured book displayed on weatherproof boards stationed along the treelined lime path that curves around Considine Park.

The launch of Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind onto the WLS StoryWalk® has been timed to coincide with Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to boost

neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces worldwide.

Ziggy, the book’s rainbow-haired hero, is inspired by writer O’Malley’s son, Madden, Reilly explained. “He [and his parents] have had a tricky time and they understand the

challenges of raising a neurodivergent child. Madden has a wiggly mind and they have learnt that this is the joy, the joy of embracing all your wiggles as your strengths,” she said.

As well as being Reilly’s first book illustration project, developing the character of Ziggy has been a learning experience

in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

“I’ve been arting and crafting since I was a kid, but I had told myself, ‘I don’t do characters’. Then when Bree asked me to come up with a character, I started doodling, and this rainbow hair appeared on the page.

“And once I had drawn

this first little picture of Ziggy, I sent it to her, and I was like, ‘How do you feel about this little character having rainbow hair?’ She said, ‘That’s it. I love him. That’s exactly who we need’.”

Madden inspires every drawing, Reilly said.

“So for every page of her book, Bree told me a story about her son, and why she wrote that, and then I could picture him,” she said.

When she first read Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind to her 18-month-old daughter, Maeve, Reilly cried.

“This book is like a little introduction for the really early years, to help children celebrate how unique they are, and helping them understand themselves and others, that we are all different and that is what’s good.

“When I read it to my daughter, I thought, ‘wow, this is the message that I want for you.’”

WLS librarian Sylvia Arnold described Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind as “just a magical story”.

“I think it helps people understand others in a really lovely way. It’s really positive, colourful, energetic and understanding.”

Another important feature of the book is that it uses a font designed to help people with dyslexia, Arnold explained.

“That includes things like having a lot of white space around the words, displaying letters that are easy to distinguish, and ensuring there isn’t a lot of clutter around the words.”

In addition to hosting Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind on the WLS StoryWalk®, WLS has a lot of physical and digital resources for parents and children “to learn about neurodiversity in a positive way”, Arnold said.

• Ziggy and His Wiggly Mind will be on display on the Wairarapa Library Service StoryWalk® until April 19. For more information, visit www. wls.org.nz/storywalk and www.facebook. com/wigglyminds

A local horror writer has turned a friend’s visit to Wairarapa for a wedding into an opportunity for “an evening of dark tales and chilling stories” in Featherston this weekend.

Denver Grenell and Northland-based writer Michael Boutour will host “Spilling Blood” at Common Ground on Saturday – which promises to be the ideal night out for anyone “who likes a good spooky story”, Grenell told Midweek

“Michael said he was coming down for a

wedding [this weekend] and asked if I wanted to catch up for a beer,” Grenell, who is also Featherston Booktown’s marketing coordinator, explained.

“I said, ‘Why don’t we go one better and do an event?’.”

Grenell fell in love with the horror genre in 1988 when he was 11 years old, becoming a selfconfessed “horror nerd”.

“I was into science fiction and fantasy, but then I sort of pushed beyond that and discovered Stephen King and Clive Barker.”

His interest waned over the years – but a move to rural Featherston with his young family about 10 years ago prompted

Fans in for bloody treat

the search for a cheap, accessible hobby.

“I’d wanted to try writing again, and I’ve got a computer – so I can do that for free.”

His early attempts at screenplays were not successful, in fact, “they were terrible”, he said.

Undeterred, Grenell shifted his attention to short-form horror fiction and he started to hit his stride. His entries to short story and flash fiction [stories of about 1000 words] competitions started to get accepted and published in anthologies.

“It really kick-started me getting back into writing in a proper way and I kind of went from there.”

Grenell has published three books of horror fiction since 2021. His 2022 survivor horror novel, Red Ruin, which he co-wrote with dark fiction writer, Ian J Middleton, was a finalist for best novel at the Australian Shadows Awards.

Boutour has been

published since 2005, and has received several awards for what Grenell describes as “go for the throat” dark fiction.

Grenell said the event will combine his brand of “spooky campfire tales” with Boutour’s “hard realism mixed with horror” and will appeal to anyone “who

likes the darker side of storytelling”.

• Spilling Blood will be hosted at Common Ground, 50 Fitzherbert St, Featherston, on Saturday, March 30, from 8pm-9.30pm. Tickets cost $10 and can be bought on the door.

[From left] Becs Reilly, Charlotte Harding and Sylvia Arnold.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

FROM LEFT: Denver Grenell and Michael Boutour.

Works from Denver Grenell.

Continued from page 1

well as an entry fee of two shillings and sixpence.

Andrea Darbyshire, Carterton branch librarian, imagined Charles Rooking Carter would probably be a bit surprised by the unrestricted access as well as “how noisy it can get sometimes”.

“But I hope he would be heartened by it and delighted by the fact that now access for people is free.”

As part of the celebrations, WLS librarian Madeleine Slavick and members of the Carterton District Historical Society [CDHS] curated a public exhibition in the foyer of the Carterton Events Centre.

It provides a comprehensive chronology of the development of Carterton’s library service and its building, complete with historic photographs, maps and plans.

“It was a big job and took a lot of time to pull together”, Pene Will, CDHS president, said, “But it was very enjoyable.”

Slavick, Will and fellow history buffs “hunted” for material for the exhibition from a range of sources, including the internet, CDHS’s own files and archives, and the library service.

The exhibition documents dozens of names, facts and snippets of news associated with the library service’s long history – such as the names of the town’s first female librarians [Miss Campin and Elizabeth Roydhouse], the date the library became “debt free” [February 1875], and the opening of Carterton Toy Library in 1989 by then mayor

Barry Keys. For Will, the project tapped into her long relationship with the town, its library service, and the people who ran it.

“I grew up in Carterton and I used to come to this old library as a child and Nancy [Blackman, who joined the library service in 1963] used to find books for me. So I have a personal connection to it.” The commemoration of the library service provides “a touchstone to the past”, Will said. “And it’s so nice to see so many people who obviously still value this place and who use it.”

Organising the exhibition gave Will the opportunity to see how welcoming, safe and warm the library space was for so many people in the community.

“It was really interesting to see the range of people that came through the door. The care the librarians put into making people feel welcome is lovely,” she said.

This sense of inclusivity and welcome is something Darbyshire is committed to maintaining as the Carterton branch of WLS heads into its next sesquicentenary [which is fancy for 150 years].

also want to be inclusive to everyone. Something I’m very passionate about is that we are open to everybody.

“It’s one of the few places in society where you can go, where you don’t have to be a member, and sit in a warm building. You can spend all day there, and you don’t have to spend a penny.”

And with the library service’s continued focus on helping educate and share knowledge, Darbyshire is confident it will continue to be a valuable hub for the

community. “Education is still our driving motivator,” she said.

“Some people who don’t use libraries think they are just leisure pursuit. But if you come in, you’ll see libraries provide so much teaching.

“It’s not just people coming in to get the latest thrillers or romances. It’s children coming in to get books to help them learn to read. It’s people coming in for computer education. We also have groups like Divine River [a personal wellbeing charity] coming in to do

workshops. And Digital Seniors [providing tech support to older people] come in and deliver workshops. The Justices of the Peace come in every week. And Community Law.”

A library is “so much more than a building,” Darbyshire said. “It’s a service to the community. This was the case back in 1874 and continues today in 2024.”

Attendees at the celebration enjoyed a morning tea, with the library cake – made by local resident, Meredith White – a particular stand out.

Maria Thompson, Pene Will and Vivienne Hawken from the Carterton District Historical Society. PHOTOS/LUCY COOPER

One of the display panels that form part of the exhibition.

The Mayor Ron Mark makes an impassioned speech.

ABOVE: Carterton Library Hour, 1975. RIGHT: The library in 1906. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Is it ever okay to lie to your friends?

Is it morally permissible to convert to a religion to get married if you don’t actually want to follow that religion?

Three Kuranui College students were posed these and other gnarly questions recently at the final of the Ethics Olympiad, a global competition which encourages “respectful and productive discussion around ethical issues”.

Laura Campbell, Claire Jacobson and Kate Harvey’s journey through the moral maze began last November when their team, Kuranui Red, won silver at the finals of the North Island Middle Schools Ethics competition, earning them a place in the international tournament.

Kuranui Red was one of 48 school teams from around the world [and one of only three non-private schools taking part] competing

to earn points based on the strength of their arguments and ability to “think on their feet” in response to questions from a moderator.

“At the start, everyone reads through a case together, and then the moderator will pose a question,” Eleanor Leadbeater, the college’s international dean and Kuranui Red’s coach, said.

“It’s on the flip of a coin as to whether you’re the team to start the discussion. And then you just go for it, talking about the question.”

The Kuranui team trained for the tournament – conducted on Zoom – during lunchtimes at school to develop their confidence and mental agility, Leadbeater explained.

“They’ve made such improvement since we first started training,” she said.

“In the competition, the students can’t have any notes, so while they can have everything prepared in their heads, they don’t walk into the competition with their arguments ready to go. They’ve got to be

comfortable with kind of making things up on the spot.”

“I’m not going to lie, I was very nervous,” Laura [15] said. “But the adjudicators are quite good at sensing whether you are nervy and do icebreakers.

“And once you are into it, and you’ve got your teammates there, and you gain a sense of how respectful the other team are being, it puts you in a nice place.”

Unlike debating, the aim of the competition is less on arriving at a clear winner and

more about achieving a “philosophical” discussion, Laura said.

“So you are adding on to the original idea and being able to state new points, as well as being able to agree [with your opponents].”

“The adjudicators are very keen on seeing our conversation bloom and grow.”

While Laura, Claire and Kate didn’t walk away with any silverware from the final this year, the judges – which include prominent ethics professors and PhD students – recognised

Kuranui Red for being “really good at taking on feedback and for providing useful points for the other team to bounce off of in terms of the questions that they offered”, Leadbetter said.

“I am very chuffed. I’m very proud of them. It’s not an easy competition, and they were incredibly nervous before we started. But I think they handled themselves really well.

“It’s just lovely to see them doing things like this outside of what we just do in the classroom.”

[From left] Claire Jacobson, Laura Campbell and Kate Harvey with their silver medals from the North Island heats. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Kate Harvey, Laura Campbell and Claire Jacobson.

Lucy Cooper

lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

A space for grieving whānau

A new Wairarapa support group aims to foster connection and empathy through a shared journey of baby loss.

Registrations have opened for the region’s first baby loss support group, hosted by Masterton-based whānau support service Hōkai Tahi, beginning early next month.

The support group, held at Hōkai Tahi’s Hessey St premises, will follow a six-week programme tailored to parents’ needs, and cover a range of topics. These will include grief and identity, the physical and mental side effects of grieving, incorporating memories into daily life, expression through art, navigating relationships, and handling comments from others.

Hōkai Tahi service manager Rebecca Vergunst said the group

was open to any parents grieving the loss of the baby – whether they had experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death [within the first 28 days of life], or loss of a child in infancy.

“We recognise that everyone’s journey is different, and welcome anyone who is grieving, no matter the reason their baby died, their age, or gestation,” Vergunst said.

“There is no right way to grieve – we invite you to come as you are into a space of empathy, acceptance, and aroha.”

Baby loss, while less common than in previous generations, affects hundreds of New Zealand families each year. The most recent data from the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee recorded 310 stillbirths and 153 neonatal deaths

in 2020. It is estimated that between 13,000 and 15,000 New Zealand women experience miscarriage every year.

Vergunst said there were several baby loss support groups, in a range of formats, around New Zealand, but this is the first of its kind in Wairarapa. Hōkai Tahi took “inspiration and advice” from other groups and experts, including perinatal and infant loss educator Vicki Culling, in setting up its support group.

The group will be facilitated by Hōkai Tahi support coordinators

Debbie Aporo and Lorraine Goulton.

Aporo is a registered counsellor, currently working in the health and addictions space at Pathways Wairarapa, and Goulton is in her third year of a Bachelor of Counselling.

Both women aim to

provide an inclusive and safe space for parents to share the lives of the babies “that did not get to see the world”.

Vergunst said each cohort will be capped at 10 participants to allow time for discussion and sharing. She added that the Hōkai Tahi space is fully accessible and offers breakout areas for participants needing time away from the group.

Hōkai Tahi plans to run the group several times a year. Registrations for the baby loss support group are open until March 29. The first session will be held on Monday, April 8, from 7pm-9pm.

• For more information, and to register, visit www.hokaitahi.nz/ supportgroup

Vet scholarship honours a rare local treasure

Sabine O’Neill-Stevens, a Veterinary Science student at Massey University, was named the rst recipient of the Manukura Memorial Veterinary Scholarship –named in memory of a Wairarapa taonga.

The scholarship is a collaborative e ort between Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Massey’s Wildbase Hospital, and Featherston locals Lesley Christian and David Cleal – established to commemorate the legacy of Manukura, the rare white kiwi.

A regular visitor to Wildbase Hospital, Manukura hatched at Pūkaha in 2011 and died in 2020, “instilling a passion for conservation in those who knew her”, a Massey University spokesperson said.

The scholarship will be presented each year to a third or fourth year Veterinary Science student, who has a demonstrated interested in native wildlife medicine and conservation.

Sabine O’Neill-Stevens [left] receives a certi cate from scholarship sponsor Lesley Christian.

In February 2020, I spent two weeks in the occupied West Bank and two weeks in Israel. People sometimes ask me how things were when I was there. What did I see and experience? What did I make of the situation?

Carterton writer ANDREW WRIGHT shares some observations from his visit to Israel and Palestine – and insights about the decades-long con ict within.

to the settlements with 24/7 protection from the Israeli armed forces, and checkpoints everywhere.

The trip gave me a good opportunity to observe everyday living conditions for myself. I was shocked by what I saw. I witnessed, on a daily basis, from Israel, a regime of violence, humiliation and persecution of the Palestinian people.

I visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, in Jerusalem on two occasions and took a photo of the Hall of Names. Yad Vashem uses these words to describe the hall: “No cemeteries, no headstones, no traces were left to mark the loss of the six million Holocaust victims. The Hall of Names at Yad Vashem is the Jewish people’s memorial to each Jew murdered in the Holocaust – a place where they are commemorated for generations to come.” The Israeli government claims that, “the Jewish people have maintained ties to their historic homeland for more than 3,700 years, with a national language and a distinct civilisation.”

It saddened me to see that Israel has become an apartheid state with “separation walls”: An increasing number of walled off Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which – unlike the Palestinian cities – have unlimited water and electricity, a high standard of housing, and good access to services, such as health care. There are designated roads

I also visited the Aida Refugee Camp

in Bethlehem, where I took a photo of a mural that shows the names of some of the 400 villages that were ethnically cleansed by Zionist forces in 1948. At the time, over 700,000 Palestinians were swept into refugee camps. These Palestinians, now several million of them, claim they have a right to return. This claim is backed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194. It is my view that these two photos explain the crux of the problem. I don’t pretend to have a solution but Israel seems intent on selfdestruction. I have no doubt that Israel, like East Germany and South Africa, will collapse under the weight of having corrupt politicians running a walled-off and barbed wire state. It will not work.

A mural at the Aida Refugee Camp – to which many thousands of Palestinians were banished in 1948.

The Hall of Names at the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem.

Fruit Trees summer prune

nish fruiting.

PRUNE NOW TO

silvering of the leaves,

could lead to death of the branch. Because the spores of the disease are not around at this time of the year there is less chance of spreading the disease.

Help the tree heal while it is in active growth.

Shape the tree. Summer pruning inhibits growth so it’s the best time to maintain the shape and to control the height & width.

Remove diseased, dead & deformed branches (DDD’s)

Allow light into the tree – fruit grows where the light is.

Allow more air to circulate to prevent pests & diseases.

The best time to plant tubers is now, before the ground gets too cold. This allows the plant to establish roots before winter then start growing in spring.

Strawberry

Strawberry plants are arriving early April, prepare the gardens for them now and place an order with us so you don’t miss out.

Sow seeds

ONIONS growing veggies

Start onions in trays because they take a long time to reach harvestaround 6-8 months. The seedlings can then be planted out after around 4 months, when they have around 6 true leaves, and they can compete against weeds better.

If you’re going to give growing veggies a go by seed we recommend our exclusive ican Chef’s Best range for best results. Some things to be sown now include Trafalgar Parsnips, Europa Carrots and Mr Green Seed Broad Beans.

GOT NOSEY NEIGHBOURS?

Spoil their fun and block their view instantly with our large grades of natives. Starting from $50 and ranging through to $180, we have some grades standing already over 2m tall!

Dogs in togs

Dogs of all shapes, sizes and swimming abilities converged on Carterton outdoor pools last week to enjoy the water before the close-down for winter.

All three of the pools were available for the 20 or so hounds, across two sessions, to show o their doggy paddle, belly op, and ying leap. A few humans also took the plunge.

PHOTOS/ LUCY COOPER AND REAGAN GUNDERSEN

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Deputy Prime Minister and “phoenix from the ashes” Winston Peters. A dubious interview with Indian media, an illreceived State of the Nation address, and a telling off by PM Christopher Luxon.

Chumbawamba’s 90s pub anthem “Tupthumping” over the loudspeakers. The one with the chorus of, “I get knocked down/ but I get up again/you are never gonna keep me down.”

Can’t a divisive self-proclaimed populist catch a break? Apparently not – he’s now fallen afoul of a UK punk band and, potentially, their lawyers.

To recap: Peters kicked off his State of the Nation speech by blasting

Catchy. The news made it to the Lancashire rockers –whom Peters had not asked permission for use of their song. The musos were none too pleased, and fired off a cease and desist warning. They were even less impressed with the content of Peters’ speech, with guitarist Boff Whalley telling The Guardian,

“The song was written for and about ordinary people and their resilience, not about rich politicians ... spouting misguided racist ideologies.”

Peters, predictably, claimed he would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for the meddling liberal media, and made references to “one hit wonders” on Twitter.

To a music lover, it’s a bit hilarious. I was 12 back when “Tubthumping” came out, and I have fond memories of friends and I “moshing” along when it was played at school dances. Quite the renegades.

I’m guessing, therefore, New Zealand First is going for the millennial vote?

Chumbawamba is a pretty off-kilter choice for Peters’ usual demographic — given the band’s back catalogue of songs about workers’ rights, feminism and gay liberation.

Peters is one of a long list of parliamentarians – of all stripes – to weasel a popular song, unlicensed for their use, into campaign theatrics. What’s baffling is when conservative politicians – you know, the guys and dolls all about “law and order”, big business, employers’ rights, and social circumspection

– crusading with music that doesn’t exactly line up with their values.

In the US, for example, Vice Presidential candidate and “anti-feminist feminist” Sarah Palin got on the wrong side of 80s rockers Heart for using their decisively feminist, anti-corporate banger “Barracuda” in a campaign. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conspiracy-touting congresswoman, got into a stoush with rapper Dr Dre for making a video using his multi-platinum hit “Still D.R.E”. Which is ... hardly an endorsement for traditionalist America. Wisconsin Governor and proud corporatist Scott Walker earned the ire of the pro-union Dropkick Murphys for scoring his White House bid with “Shipping Up To Boston”.

Remember when the National Party had to hand over $600,000 to Eminem [enough said] for using a “soundalike” of “Lose Yourself” in a campaign ad? Oh, and we can’t forget our favourite “businessman” Donald Trump who has rallied along to everything from The Smiths, to Tom Petty, to Neil Young ... to “Do You Hear The People Sing?” from Les Misérables. The musical about students uprising

against wealth inequality. Don’t think Victor Hugo saw that coming. You could make an argument for laziness. As Chumbawamba’s Boff Whalley put it, “These people don’t research anything about what [a band] stood for ... they just think oh, that’s a chorus I can use. The lowest common denominator.”

Unless, of course, it’s an attempt to get the unwashed masses on side. Catch the eye and ear of the hoi polloi with an uproarious, stick-it-to-theman chorale – because politicians are just like you, after all. Over here, folks – we have tax cuts! Gotta admire the chutzpah, I guess?

Time will tell if Peters and Chumbawamba put their beef to rest, and if New Zealand First actually bothers to do its music history. But, a quick message for the coalition government. If you’re planning on cutting supports for disabled Kiwis, repealing fair pay agreements, and literally taking food out of our children’s mouths ... maybe give the working class hero anthems a miss? I don’t think you need a copyright lawyer to tell you it ain’t a good look.

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The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand

PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

FIVE MINUTES WITH ...

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

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

How long will it take you?

Longer than Frodo and Sam’s walk from The Shire to Mt Maunganui with their bling ring. They should have used bikes with gears.

Do you need skills to do a ride like this?

Yes, we train hard to fall o correctly. It’s all in the scream. We’re really good screaming and falling, fully synchronised.

Who is on the team?

the Prime Minister is going build roads everywhere. He likes bitumen on his pancakes, not syrup.

Is it dangerous?

Very. We’ll be travelling through remote jungle with bears and asps, especially on the Timber Trail. Of the three of us, 25 per cent will probably sustain a serious injury.

Who are you raising money for?

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

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

So you’re riding the Kōpiko, a remote bikepacking route across the widest point of the North Island. How far is it exactly?

It’s a very long way. It’s like travelling from Carterton to Featherston and ducking into Greytown for a quick pain-au-chocolat eight thousand times, give or take

CONTACT US

a few inches.

Are there many hills?

Yes. New Zealand has the most hills per capita in the world. That’s like three hills per sheep. All up, we’ll have ridden up Everest about 200 times. Everest isn’t actually in New Zealand – people think it is, but that’s just clever marketing.

Geo Francis – he’s good at drawing, can’t stop him doodling when he’s not riding. Chris Dickson is also coming, he’s an old mate of mine ying in from Singapore for the ride. I can’t remember what he looks like – but he was a bit of looker in his day. Then me, Sav – David Savage. Just an above-ordinary guy with a surname that re ects my gang a liations.

How much of the route is o road?

About 60 per cent is gravel and that’s like riding through thick syrup on a cold day. But that will all change, as

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.

Waiwaste. They rescue food, sort it for quality and then get it to people who need it.

Can people donate?

Yes and they should, too – we’re in the midst of a climate crisis and cost of living crisis. As Bob Geldof wisely said, give us your fruitful money [givealittle. co.nz/cause/riding-kopikofor-food-rescue].

Can people track your ride?

Yes. After you’ve donated, you can click on the link near the donate button to nd us on the map.

A vision in red! Reader Courtney, from Nireaha, sent in this fabulous photo of daughter Bayleigh-Rae [6], all dressed up for Little Heart Day at Fernridge School.

Courtney says Bayleigh, in Year 2 at Fernridge, is “a colourful kid, who is always singing and dancing”. And clearly has a great sense of style!

Fernridge held its Little Heart Day on March 15 to raise funds for Heart Kids NZ.

MOUNT

PHOTO/COURTNEY

Extra

ARATOI VOICES

A captivating process

Becky Bateman

Currently in the Social History Gallery, “Splendid Scenic Gems” is a collection of James Bragge photographs. The title was taken from an article about the photographer in The Evening Argus newspaper from 1876.

James Bragge [18331908] was one of the few photographers of the time to concentrate on landscape rather than portraiture, and soon became known for his photographs of Wellington and Wairarapa.

The pinnacle of his career came when he embarked on trips into Wairarapa in 1876. Using a smaller format camera than usual, he photographed roads, bridges, townships and settler homes. These photographs are a valuable record of the opening up of the Wairarapa region through the development of road and rail transport, and the clearing of the land.

LOVE GRACE

“Mr Bragge, photographer, of Lambton Quay, has just published a series of exquisite views of the splendid scenery of the road over the Rimutaka and the Wairarapa district. These pictures have been taken with a delicacy and sharpness which we have never seen excelled in photographs of scenery.

In every instance the point of view has been selected with admirable judgement and the result is a splendid selection of scenic gems” [The Evening Argus, April 27, 1876].

In connection with the exhibition “Splendid Scenic Gems”, Aratoi has invited Adrian Cook from Tintype Central Portrait Studio in Te Aroha down for the weekend.

Cook is an awardwinning portrait and documentary photographer and has worked for major advertising agencies and magazines worldwide. He will bring Tintype Central to Aratoi on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday,

April 7, booking portrait sessions throughout the weekend, and discussing the photography process in a public talk on Saturday morning.

Cook specialises in the wet plate collodion process, a 19th-century method of development that predates film photography. Each image is hand-crafted, producing an original direct-positive image on a sheet of glass or aluminium.

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850s, the photographic plates are individually coated and sensitised in the darkroom, before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried, they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

Cook’s mobile darkroom is a 1950s Bondwood caravan that has been specifically designed for shooting wet plate portraits and landscapes on location.

Full response to local appeal

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

The Love Grace appeal for Wairarapa has finished for 2024 – and the response was “overwhelming”. The campaign, run

agents Channyn Titter and Carolyn Collier organised this year’s Wairarapa appeal – and were blown away by the response from the community.

“We were genuinely amazed by the turnout. We ended up receiving a total

“Participating in a tintype session and seeing the alchemic process as images appear on the plate is captivating,” Cook said. “It’s an experience that few people now have the opportunity to witness.”

At the end of the session, you will leave with a unique and original handmade portrait and a

complimentary digital file of your image.

• For more infomation about Adrian Cook’s workshops and public talk at Aratoi, or to book a portrait session, head to the Tintype Central website: https://tintypecentral. com/events

We

•Medical

•Companionship

•Grocery

•Family

•Take

•Scenic

Total

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personal connection to the Love Grace appeal, as she had been a victim of domestic violence.

“This means a lot to me. It was quite emotional seeing the turnout,” she said.

The campaign organiser

Available 7 days a week - Pre-booking essential, especially for weekends.

Local Love Grace appeal organiser Channyn Titter was

An example of wet plate portrait photography.

PHOTO/ADRIAN COOK, TINTYPE CENTRAL

Driving Miss Daisy is NZ's number 1 friendly and reliable companion driving service.

What’s on at...

END OF TERM Boredom Buster!

FEATURED: PRIMA FACIE:

Friday 24 April from 7:30pm

Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer at the top of her game and loving it: defending, cross-examining, and playing the rules of the law to win. But when the tables turn she finds herself at the mercy of the very system that she has dedicated her life to. Shadows of doubt are illuminated, making us question, who is our legal system serving?

Turning our courts of law into a different kind of stage, this sharp, witty and gripping one-woman show written by Suzie Miller has sold out throughout Australia, the West End, and broke Box Office records on Broadway. This phenomenal production starring Mel Dodge (Miss Brontë) and directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Rants in the Dark) continues an urgent conversation for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Land of the long, long drive - Friday 12 April 3:30pm

A tale for Kiwi kids, featuring iconic NZ creatures, landscapes and fresh waiata by NZ singer-songwriter Benny Tipene. Winner of the 3–8-year-old section of Playmarket’s Plays for the Young Competition, Land of the Long Long Drive brings you a laugh out loud, inspiring adventure of three unlikely heroes.

Lola’s Grave MIstake - Saturday 13 April 8:00pm

Astrobiology Dome - Mon 15 - Wed 17 April 10am - 2pm

The Pantoloons - Sherlock Holmes - Sunday 21 April 1:00pm

Sherlock Holmes is the perfect event to entertain you, the kids and the grandkids in the first school holidays of the year! Join Holmes, Watson and The Pantoloons as they bring another great performance to the stage in this mystery packed pantomime!

Explore the cosmos during the first week of the school holidays with the Astrobiology Dome – ‘The Mars Blueberry,’ New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind portable planetarium. For just $5.50 (including booking fee), journey into space, planets, the origin of life, and prospects beyond Earth.

Starring the glamorous boylesque crooner, cunning conjurer and professional show-off Mr Lola Illusion, Lola’s Grave Mistake is a macabre show of woe that is dead funny. Trapped in the purgatory of a broken heart, Lola entertains with a hilarious cabaret that sends him on an adventure to heaven and hell.

PHOTOS/HELEN

A quality local response to customer demand

Just off Bidwills Cutting Road at the south end of Greytown, easily accessed behind Five Rivers Medical Centre, you can find the new base of South Wairarapa Veterinary Services (SWVets) for providing veterinary services to South Wairarapa.

“We opened the doors of our new, purpose-built veterinary clinic to clients on Monday 18 March,” says Katie Grant, one of SWVets’ directors as well as an equine vet and the company’s marketing manager.

“We needed to develop a new facility to provide the quality of services our client base expects.” Aidan Smith said. Aidan is a director and farm vet. “Our population is growing, and we got to a point where we needed new facilities in the southern end of our practice area.”

Katie and Aidan are two of the five local vets who jointly own SWVets. They’re joined by farm vet Adrian Evans, companion animal vet Richard Kirton, and farm vet Jen Patrick. Their business has a staff of 64 all up, including 21 vets, and has been around since the 1980s.

The business has branches in Masterton, Carterton and now, Greytown. The new clinic

consolidates the presence of the practice in South Wairarapa by amalgamating two smaller, older clinics formerly based in Featherston and Martinborough. The new

clinic will provide a full range of services for

“The

SWVets’ shareholders (from left) Adrian, Katie, Aidan, and Richard outside the new Greytown premises. Jen Patrick is absent.

GREYTOWN CLINIC

the years,” says Adrian, “headed by vets Ali Holmes and Roger Gillet. But the businesses were initially established in years gone by when a ‘James Herriot’ model of vet care was expected.”

James Herriot was the pen name of Alf White, an English vet born around the time of WWI, who went on to write the book series All Creatures Great and Small.

“Back in the day, customers would seek out a vet when

something was wrong with an animal, and they’d ask to have it fixed. Today, animal care is much more directed towards prevention, education, and planning. We’re also far more high-tech with x-ray, ultrasound, and in house labs.”

A one-stop shop with a more preventative approach is a good service model. It’s also good for farmers, lifestylers, pet owners, and their animals.

“It’s what customers expect.” Trust is built between the vet service and the animal owners, and fewer animal ill-health problems can be expected over time as a result. In the case of farmers, that trusting relationship can be handed down through generations.

One of the advantages of the new Greytown clinic is its capacity to deliver an entire wrap-around staff of vets, nurses, surgeons, and support staff to provide consistently high levels of service and available appointments. Online booking is available, made easy through a Mobile App.

The new Greytown veterinary clinic is only nine minutes by car from Featherston and 14 minutes from Martinborough: it’s accessible and provides easy parking. Designed and built from the ground up, the premises emulate all the parts of the other clinics that work while also introducing advancements wherever possible.

“The build only took nine months,” Aidan says. “Enormous thanks must be given to Rigg Zschokke for the quality and speed of the construction. The Rigg Zschokke team made it easy to manage the project. We’re excited to be in the new premises, and we’re here for the long-term.”

Come and wander around the new, fit-for-purpose, SWVets’ clinic at 5 Arbor Place, Greytown, during the Public Open Day (complete with $50 and $25 SWVets’ vouchers to spend in store, free sausage sizzle, coffee, ice-cream, Zappo balloon twisting and more) on Friday 5 April: 4pm to 6.30pm.

 Emergency after-hours:

SW Vets provides an emergency service to clients 24/7, with emergencies seen at the Carterton clinic. A triage system is offered for people ringing with concerns that are not urgent or do not require emergency care. For those that require emergency treatment, you will be placed in contact with our on-call vet. For all afterhours emergencies or urgent calls, please call 06 379 6767.

 Online Bookings: Visit the website to book online with the user-friendly instructions to set up and use the SWVets mobile booking service.

Bookings are then easily made

at any time of the day or night. These bookings go directly into the SWVets diary, so there’s no waiting for confirmation of times. Book appointments for Greytown online now: www.swvets.co.nz.

 Shop Online: SWVets has an online shop on both its website and the mobile app. You can purchase any of your dog food, cat food, flea and worm treatments, or any other over-the-counter products. These items will be directly delivered to your home.

 Mobile App: Visit the website and click the Download App button to get started, enabling access to both the hassle-free appointment booking screen and to the online shop for pet food and pet essentials.

Comprehensive farm and lifestyle block vet services

Among the highly experienced farm animal vets with SWVets are shareholders Adrian Evans, Jen Patrick, and Aidan Smith.

The motivation underpinning all their services is to establish long-term trusted relationships with both commercial farmers and the owners of lifestyle blocks.

“The whole team works together so we have a wraparound experienced service model for our clients,”

Adrian says.

Adrian Evans has been with SWVets since 2006, so he’s closing in on 20 years of commitment to the health of Wairarapa’s farm animals.

“When I was at Massey University, we were trained in the (then quite novel)

preventative health approach, and my colleagues and I practice this every day,” he says.

Preventative, proactive approaches save farmers both hard-earned money and hassle.

Just one example is the 8000 per annum fewer courses of antibiotics the vet clinic sells these days for mastitis. This is due to advances in dry cow

therapy and modern mastitis management, including the use of inert teat sealants. Teatseal is a non-antibiotic paste, a barrier that prevents bacteria from wicking up into udders during the dry period and just after calving. The product is later stripped out by the calves to reach the colostrum they need. And because it’s inert, no antibiotics are introduced into

the milk.

“We can treat up to 40 heifers an hour using our custommade trailer and with a team of six of us,” Adrian says. “Through preventative programmes and planning, alongside modern innovations, we can help remove some of the stresses that keep farmers awake at night.”

Ministry of Primary Industries’ statistics reveal that, between 2017 and 2023, such approaches reduced sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in New Zealand by 42 percent. Adrian describes this as “phenomenal.”

Born in the Hawkes Bay, Aidan’s professional career has seen him practice in Gisborne, the Manawatu, Northland, and the UK, before landing at the South Wairarapa Veterinary Services in 2011.

Aidan has a background in mixed practice, today his clinical work is farm based, balanced with his managing director role.

“My area of special interest is sheep and beef farming systems. I lead our sheep, beef, and deer services,” he says. “I’m part of the farm team, so my work still covers our dairy and small farm clients as well.”

LEFT: Adrian Evans at work. RIGHT: Aidan Smith out on a farm.

GREYTOWN CLINIC

Companion animal care

Richard Kirton is part of a team of nine companion animal vets that span SWVets’ three clinics.

With 22 years of a range of vet services under his belt, he focuses on companion animals today, and has noticed changes in companion animal practice.

“Over the last 10 years, Wairarapa has become more urbanised, with many people moving here from Wellington or Auckland for a better lifestyle or to retire. These factors have aligned with a higher emotional attachment to pets. Covid lockdowns also saw an upturn in the numbers of people taking on a pet. Companion animals have increasingly become family members,” he says.

As the role that companion animals play in people’s lives becomes progressively more important, the level of care that vets are asked to provide has also gone up.

“People want their sick pets to be treated immediately and to a high quality. At South Wairarapa Veterinary Services, we’ve developed a great team able to meet these expectations.”

The team comprises vets, nurses, anaesthetists, and other staff dedicated to caring for companion animals. It is massively supported by the diagnostic equipment the vet clinic owns in-house.

“We provide top notch patient care and monitoring.”

SWVets offer puppy schools from both the Masterton and the Greytown Clinics. Pip Dellabarca will run her puppy school from the Masterton Clinic and Nicky Rutherford from the Greytown Clinic.

On the farm dog side of the business, Richard says, “we are seeing the value of a good dog increase significantly. Farmers

patients

are putting a lot of care into their dogs and replacing them is hard. It’s really important we get them back to full capacity as quickly as possible.”

Born and bred in Wairarapa, Richard became a vet at Massey University before working overseas and then down south. He came full circle when landing back in Wairarapa in 2008, and his children were born here.

SWVets is in-step with the almost universal drive to cherish the environment and minimise negative impacts on the climate.

“Our staff is made up of young, thoughtful, and climate conscious people who care about how their lives and work impact on the world around them,” says Adrian.

“Our sustainability strategy is two-pronged: to reduce our carbon footprint from vehicle emissions and reduce and recycle our waste streams.”

Waste streams such as plastics, packaging and syringes are either recycled or the use of

such products is minimised wherever possible. The farm vets travel huge distances and so most of the business’s emissions come from their fleet. As such, they’re consciously being more efficient with journeys in a vehicle. And the last three vehicles purchased have been PHEVs.

As part of the emissions reduction programme, the SWVets practice organises local tree plantings and the entire team takes part. Planting days involve the team coming together with suppliers, business partners, and the community. “It’s huge.”

Richard Kirton with one of his

GREYTOWN CLINIC

Sweet partnership: SWVets & Life Flight Trust

SWVets is a strong supporter of the charity Life Flight Trust. A recent event including Life Flight (held at the new Greytown SWVets’ premises) was attended by partnership manager Grant Elliott and crewman Scott Palmer.

“SWVets has become part of the Life Flight family,” Grant says. “We have a loyal base of supporters, and they help us save people’s lives. In 2023, we saved 1,470 people. Of those, 202 were Wairarapa locals including 21 babies or young children.”

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of businesses such as SWVets, Life Flight purchased an additional plane, saving an additional 20 percent of lives in 2023 compared with 2022.

Grant brings to his role for Life Flight an illustrious career as a cricketer. Scott, who lives on a Carterton lifestyle block and volunteers at Carterton’s Fire and Emergency, is a crewman on its helicopter.

“Some of the most memorable jobs I’ve attended have been challenging either because of the weather or because a patient is hard to get to,” Scott says.

“The more money raised, the more lives can be saved,” Katie Grant says. “Wairarapa would

be stuck without Life Flight. To help us support Life Flight, you can order cupcakes by using the QR code here or by going to www.swvets.co.nz/fundraiser. 100 percent of the profits go directly to Life Flight.”

Order by Sunday 7 April for midweek collection from any SWVets’ clinic. If you are unable to collect, Katie and her team can deliver to your workplace or home. Mixed boxes of six cupcakes (three each of vanilla and chocolate) cost $16. Buy two

boxes at the discounted price of $30. Gluten free options are also available at the same price.

This is business banking for better

Our Sustainable Business Loan helps Kiwi businesses make a positive impact

Partnering with the community for a free fun day on 5 April

Continuing the theme of partnership, SWVets is holding an open day at its new Greytown clinic on Friday 5 April between 4pm and 6.30pm.

All are welcome to visit the new premises and partake (free) at a sausage sizzle of Greytown Butchery’s finest. Greytown’s The Offering will open its coffee and ice cream cart, free, to all attendees. Greytown magician Zappo will bring his magic to twisting balloons for the children with a SWVets theme.

Boxes of cupcakes will be on sale, to raise additional funds for Life Flight. One box for $16, two for $30.

The fun day includes a generous number of free giveaways including 50 x $50 SWVets vouchers and 100 x $25 SWVets vouchers. These will need to be spent on the day. A variety of other gifts will also be on offer, and it is likely that everyone who attends will receive something.

SWVets’ Greytown team with Life Flight Trust Scott Palmer (far right) and Grant Elliott (fourth from right)

Start small and pedal to a win

Midweek Musings

Tim Nelson

I recently attended the Big Bike Film Night, a compilation of short films to celebrate riding bikes. One of the short films was about cycling in the South Island town of Alexandra – which really does seem to be a bike lover’s dream place to visit or live.

The thing about Alexandra is that it

wasn’t always a cycling town. A big part of the destination is the tracks that have been developed for mountain biking across the area. These weren’t initially developed as part of some master plan –rather, they began as the work of two men who started the trails from

scratch, often doing the work at night, without permission, so they wouldn’t get caught.

From this small beginning, a wonderful network of trails has been created, bringing so much to the area,

Continued on page 24

Introducing Beaver Tree Service – proud to serve our local community!

Recently Nick, Owner/Operator of TreeCraft, completed his ecology degree and is now ready to carry over his values of tree care and preservation into a wider environmental context. Nick searched carefully for a buyer of his business, he wanted someone with the same values, passion and commitment to look after his valued clients going forward, and, as of the 29th of February 2024, TreeCraft has become Beaver Tree Service.

Beaver Tree Service prides itself on being a local business employing local people, supporting local businesses and communities. We are passionate about trees, their well-being and health, and we love helping you, our valued clients, get the best out of your trees and outdoor spaces at home. We also frequently work with institutions like schools, rest homes and churches providing a free 360 health and safety walk through to ensure there are no risks to anyone using their grounds. We are really excited to be able to continue to provide the excellent service and outstanding tree work you have come to expect. We want to thank Nick for not only placing his faith in Beaver Tree Service, but for all the hard work he has done for the community over the last decade. He will be missed in the arboriculture society, and we wish him well in his new career.

Beaver Tree Service have a great team ready to answer any questions you may have. We not only pride ourselves on our outstanding tree work but also on our commitment to provide exceptional customer service, our communication is second to none. No job is too big or too small for Beaver Tree Service, and there are no silly questions! If you have any concerns about your trees, please give us a call. We also offer tree maintenance, including pruning and trimming, keeping your trees healthy and looking great.

We are proud to continue the legacy that Nick started, and we hope to not only live up to all his clients’ expectations but exceed them!

Give Beaver Tree Service a call today.

Lifestyle

Continued from page 23

including tourists, businesses, athletes, and events. All because of a couple of guys had a bit of a plan, then put in the hard work and vision to see their plan come to fruition.

Do one thing and do it well

I just heard Liam Dann, business editor at the New Zealand Herald, being interviewed about his new book, BBQ Economics, which covers the basics of economics for those with little understanding of the topic.

A question was asked about what could be done to address issues with the New Zealand economy. I really liked Dann’s answer: To choose just one significant strategy and do it well and thoroughly. This will mean that it will be easy to measure the impact, as there is just one thing to assess – as opposed to trying to work out which

of a large number of strategies is effective.

Community

Recently, Lakeview School hosted a food fair. Although it’s a fundraiser, a very good one for our school, I see a more important goal –bringing our community together. The whole evening was about catching up with others, sharing food, laughing, talking, and seeing former students, all in a fabulous atmosphere of fun and positivity.

There are many who say that communities are breaking down, and that there is divisiveness in societies everywhere. However, from what I saw, the Lakeview community is stronger than it has ever been, with people from diverse backgrounds getting on so well together, all uniting for a common cause – to support our incredible school. It really does make me incredibly proud to be a part of such a wonderful

community. Be inspired rather than competitive I recently read about how two of the greatest groups in history, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, were inspired by each other. Both bands loved the work of the other, and looked at what the other had done to help with their own works. There was no sense of competition between the two, just a willingness and desire to learn from each other with their own creative processes. Doing this led to The Beach Boys creating the album God Only Knows, and The Beatles creating Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Perhaps we could learn from this in our own lives: Looking to be inspired by who we would normally see as competition, hopefully in order to benefit others in our community. For example, two [or more]

best education for the students they have –rather than doing so to encourage those from other catchments to attend their schools.

When we look beyond ourselves we have the collective opportunity to deliberately inspire others, leading to a wider community of positivity and excellence. Think of life as a movie during the tough times

This idea is shared by Rick Rubin in his fabulous book The Creative Act. It’s about what to do when times are tough, something that invariably happens to everyone.

Look at your life as a movie that you’re watching, with you as the central character.

Think about the character not as your personal experience, but

experience it can be hard to get out of the feeling of negativity or funk. However, if you’re looking at ways to help “the character in the film”, then it may be easier. What should the character do to help themselves?

This outside perspective can help us to see our own situation differently, which can then lead to us identifying the strategies to help us overcome the difficulties we are facing.

• 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.

A monthly column by Wairarapa Library Service where people in our community are interviewed about their love of books. This week, MADELEINE SLAVICK joins Aratoi’s Sarah McClintock on a Monday morning at Featherston Library.

Aratoi Wairarapa

Museum of Art and History has installed a pop-up museum here and director McClintock delivers a fascinating talk – to younger and older people – that starts with a beautiful wooden writing box [c.1955] on display, and leads to Napoleon, time travel, and olive leaves.

“Objects in the museum context tell so many stories,” McClintock says. “If we don’t know the stories behind the object, it’s just a thing.”

This writing box was owned and used by Reverend Denzil Brown [1925-2019], son of Ella Edith Laura Brown [née Ibbetson] and Ebenezer

James Brown, manager of Wairarapa Age and later Wairarapa Times-Age Ella’s great-grandfather, Denzil Ibbetson, commissary officer and artist, supervised Napoleon Bonaparte’s

household during his last exile and made several drawings and paintings of Napoleon.

“Working at a museum is like time travel,” McClintock says. “We learn about the past, present and the future.”

I smile when she tells me her preferred genres are science fiction and fantasy. She has just read The Murderbot Diaries But back to the writing box. Used in the 19th and 20th centuries, these boxes would carry items like ink, quills, papers and blotters for writing “on the go” – not unlike using a laptop today.

Rev Brown also kept memorabilia inside, including two olive leaves from Gallipoli, where his Uncle Alf served.

Rev Brown studied in Wellington and Scotland, was ordained in Taumarunui, and served as a minister in Karori, Dunedin, Ohio, Auckland

What a character

and California. Active in social and labour issues, he held roles at regional and national levels of the church. Definitely someone on the go. McClintock herself has worked in Wellington [Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga], Whanganui [Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui], and Nelson [The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatu]. Since becoming director

of Aratoi in 2022, a major project has been preparing to put much of the museum collection online – yet another way to tell stories.

As McClintock says, “A museum is not a place where things go to die –it’s where they live again.”

The pop-up museum is also on the go. It runs at Featherston Library during the International Organisation of Book Towns’ global conference in March through to the Featherston Booktown

Karukatea Festival in May.

Next stops – each with different objects on display – are Greytown Library during its wintry festivities, Carterton District Library in daffodil season, and Martinborough Library during both Martinborough Fairs in 2025.

• Feedback or suggestions? Contact Madeleine Slavick: madeleine@wls.org.nz

Aratoi director Sarah McClintock at the pop-up museum in Featherston Library.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean the travel bug goes away or that we lose our curiosity about our own back yard or even the big wide world. Nevertheless, taking a trip around the country or going overseas can seem more daunting as we age, especially if we or our partner has health issues, or if we’re on our own.

And while we want to explore beautiful locations, do a bit of hiking, and learn more about Aotearoa’s culture, we often also want to nd a great meal, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

If we’re thinking about overseas travel options, we might also wish to avoid constant unpacking and repacking, rushing for transport to take us between our destinations, and being too far away from health care.

As it turns out, all our needs and wants can be catered for, whether we’re moving around New Zealand or another country.

Cathy has done both. She happily went on a three-week bus trip with Margaret’s Golden Tours, which took her and partner Hoani around the South Island.

Tranzit Tours, based in Masterton, also provides a range of guided Tours (e.g. Ride the Rails, High Country Stations, Coromandel Getaway), as well as day tours for Tranzit members who want a day out without the stress of sorting out the details, and event-related tour options involving door to door service.

About four years ago, Hoani and Cathy went on a 15-day cruise. Hoani was able to use a wheelchair and received preferential treatment. The chair was rolled away from the dining table and then rolled back when he needed it, ramps were available between decks with one sta member in front and one behind the chair, and they were given a larger cabin for reasons of manoeuvrability.

Hoani was also able to stay on board quite happily, with plenty to occupy him, if Cathy wanted

to get o at a stopover and explore. And medical help was near to hand if anything was required.

About a year after Hoani’s death, Cathy went with her wider whānau on another cruise, to celebrate a family member turning 80. They rst ew to Brisbane and took a 10-day cruise up the coast as far as Cairns, stopping on the way at coastal resort towns such as Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland.

“I like that you can simply get on the boat and unpack only once but arrive at a di erent location every day or two. You can make friends over lunch and engage or not as you wish. You’re sent a daily planner of activities on your phone, and you can get involved in as many or as few activities as you like.”

Would she do a cruise on her own?

“Yes,” although then there’s the issue of weighing up whether to pay for a twin room all for yourself or sharing with a stranger. That’s a tough one.

Looking for Retirement Options?

Wairarapa Village is a relaxing village retreat set in over three hectares of beautifully landscapedgrounds, featuring hundreds of roses, beautiful walkways and a stream that runs through the village gardens. Wairarapa Village is ideally located within walking distance of supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical centres. It’s just a 400-metre stroll away from the centre of Masterton. Wairarapa Village has a variety of facilities and social activities on o er with a dedicated social coordinator running a programme of events o ering something for everyone.

Wairarapa Village o ers a full continuum of care with a large range of independent living one and two bedroom villas, one bedroom serviced apartments, along with rest home and hospital care options.

If you are looking to make the move, don’t delay, we currently have a smaller stand alone two bed villa and serviced apartments available.

Viewings available, please call Katie on 06 370 2026 or email katier@waiv.co.nz

Lyndale care is a warm, friendly, homely place

Lyndale care is a family

When beloved pets leave us Lifestyle

Comment – Pick ‘n Mix

Graeme Burnard

“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.”

Oh, how I love that quote. The unconditional love of a dog is something everyone should experience. The comfort and joy their companionship gives is worth more than all the tea in China.

Our neighbour’s little dog was lying at my feet as I wrote this. The dearest wee creature you could imagine. She looks like a mini Basil Brush. But she is very old – her muzzle is white and she can no longer jump into the car.

Despite that, she still walks from her house through the vineyard to our house, sometimes twice a day. She went missing last week, totally out of character. We feared the worst – but, Hallelujah, after 24 hours she was found, shut in the staff lunch room, none the worse

for wear. But I have never seen a bowl of water demolished so quickly.

I have recently found my biological paternal family. I was warned, “you have to be potty about animals to belong to this family”. I am happy to say it has been a very easy fit, because potty about animals I is! I have a new brother who lives on an island in Queensland, and he hand-feeds wild kookaburras, parrots and magpies from his deck.

Looking at this wee dog and wondering how much longer she has [she is 14], I am reminded of the last pet we lost. Brother Henry, a very smoochy black and white cat. He was called Brother Henry because he spent a lot of time in the grounds of the Mormon Church on Opaki Rd when we lived next door. Henry was 18 years old when

he died.

The morning before we left for the vet, I was on the computer and Henry was lying on the floor beside me, purring away, having a wash after a big breakfast. “This can’t be right”, I kept telling myself. “Look at him.” What was temporarily hidden was the heart problem, the arthritis, the thyroid issues and the dementia. A visit to the vet four weeks prior had given us a warning that this was on the cards.

Henry was very quiet in the car on the way

to the vet. He normally makes a hell of a noise and I did wonder [and hope] if he had got wind of what was up and carked it on the way. But no such luck.

compassion.

Within minutes of being there, he was heavily sedated and I had 15 minutes with him before the vet administered the final dose. Henry never knew a thing, and it was all over in 11 seconds. And I cannot praise the vet and the receptionist highly enough. Henry and I were treated with dignity, respect and

Only a short time before we lost Henry, we had said goodbye to Lucy, a Lab/Aussie Terrier cross who was one week short of her 21st birthday. She even had her photo in the paper for her 20th. I still have her ashes.

Three months earlier our Lab/Corgi cross [hard to imagine, I know], Daisy, had died aged 18. We now have a super cat called Lard Arse.

and I were treated with pet, is that their lives are

“The only fault of a pet, is that their lives are too short.”

F�L� O� F�A�O�R

A milestone and a whirlwind of activity

Last week, The Dickensian quietly celebrated an anniversary milestone. The Bookshop has been in business for ve years, with the Tea Rooms serving cream teas and cakes for over a year. Dave and Patsy thank all their regular customers.

“Your support is really appreciated, especially in these challenging times.”

Life at The Dickensian Bookshop and Tea Rooms is a constant whirlwind of activity with Patsy baking furiously on Friday and Saturday evenings to provide cakes and patisserie for the weekend and Dave constantly processing and adding new books to the bookshelves.

Dave says, “it never ceases to amaze me that Patsy freshly bakes all her delectable goodies on the premises. From scones to cheesecakes, Victoria sponges to chocolate eclairs, and lemon possets to Scottish shortbread – she does it all, and the menu

regularly changes.”

As a bookseller, Dave says he is constantly learning.

“I thought I had a decent knowledge of New Zealand poets, but this week I unpacked four books by Wellingtonian Geo Cochrane who produced provocative poetry with great use of language. Sadly, he passed away in 2022. And recently I acquired a full set of books by Anthony Powell, a once wellknown writer from the 1960’s but now largely unknown. His Dance to the Music of Time series now sits on our shelves

awaiting discovery.”

Dave and Patsy agree that it’s great being part of the Book Town community and celebrating the world of literature. Last week sees the arrival of delegates from the International Organisation of Book Towns. And the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival is coming up. Mark your diaries for 10 to 12 May. Tickets are on sale now.

“Get in quick to book your favourite events,” Dave says. “Patsy and I hope you have a very Happy Easter.”

Dave holding on to his best assets, his wife and his books!

Students

a taste of a ‘day in the field’

Close to 100 Wairarapa high school students spent last week down on the farm exploring career options in the primary industries, as the rural sector continues to struggle with staff shortages.

In its third year, the ‘Day in the Field’ event involved 90 local year 10 students from eight schools – along with 12 teachers – being given an insight into rural sector work.

Fernhill family farm co-owner Jason Christensen said he was motivated to host the event for the third time to encourage new recruits to meet needs in the industry.

“Everybody in the agriculture sector is struggling for employees, especially dairy, sheep and beef,” he said.

It was a hands-on experience, noted Wairarapa farm mentor BJ Campbell, “seeing

what it is really like, rather than just being in the classroom learning about it”.

“Our hope is that being out on farm will spark something in them and inspire them to consider a future in farming.”

Rural Education Activities Programme [REAP] Wairarapa

school’s liaison Trudy Sears said participating students either take subjects in agriculture or want to learn about career options in Wairarapa, noting that, “Farming encompasses a wide range of fascinating roles beyond just tending to crops or animals”.

Rural professionals were on hand to explain

the ins and outs of jobs related to transport, dairy farming, dogs, fertiliser, veterinary services, banking, stock agents, and native tree planting.

Each professional explained the pathway to enter each career – including the best subjects to take – and various open job

positions with an afterschool bridge.

And they appeared to have an appreciative audience – “I loved the fact that people took time out of their busy day to teach us about different types of agricultural industries,” Wairarapa College student Peyton Grant said.

Event organiser Dave Sinton said the event aimed to increase the awareness of careers that “result from farming”.

“Its purpose is not only to inspire and educate Wairarapa young people about

Whaiora

Whaiora Healthy Homes Initiative are working in partnership with Powerco to o er a free Energy E ciency workshop in Masterton for 50 whare/homes.

Come along and gain knowledge about how to operate your home more e ciently to create a warmer, drier, healthier whare and help to save on power.

Please register your name and phone number

– 027 444 1291 or Email – michelle@whaiora.org.nz

Venue: Masterton YMCA Conference Room

Date & time: Tuesday 9 April, 9.30am-12.30pm

Venue: MastertonYMCA

Date

Venue: Featherston School Hall

Date & time: Tuesday 23 April, 10am-12pm

Students taking notes while making the most of available seating. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

the industry but also to inform careers teachers and teachers of agricultural subjects too,” he said.

There certainly appear to be plenty of jobs available.

For example,

a 2022 DairyNZ survey indicated that dairy farmers were short-staffed by an average of 1.2 people, and mid-last year Dairy NZ spokesperson Jane Muir said the sector remained

“concerned” that New Zealand was “still short”, even though staff shortages had improved in the meantime, estimating that the industry was underhanded by

2500 workers.

The eight schools involved were Tararua College, Kuranui College, Wairarapa College, Mākoura College, Chanel College, St Matthew’s Collegiate, Rathkeale

College, and Ponatahi School. The companies supporting the event included Fernhill Christensen Farming Ltd, Fonterra Transport, Martinborough Transport, Beef and Lamb NZ, Bengston Contracting, John Griffith and Co Ltd Stock Agents, Rabobank, Greater Wellington Regional Council, South Wairarapa Vets, and Ravensdown.

Couple pick up sheep and beef award

Kate Judson

A husband and wife farming team were announced as the winners of the Keinzley AgVet Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Farm Business of the Year 2024 award this month.

Sheep and beef farmers Simon and Katie Falloon’s Waipuke Farm is found on Waitawhiti Rd in Tiraumea.

The award judges said they were collectively “impressed” with the “strong husband and wife team” whose business made a significant contribution to the sheep and beef industry.

They commended the couple’s pathway to ownership, which progressed from shepherding to farm

management and leasing, and into ownership through an equity partnership.

The judges noted that both their relationship-building and performance had supported the ownership process, making them sought-after employees.

The team’s outstanding

physical production put their financial performance comfortably in the top 25 per cent of BakerAg Financial Analysis Benchmarking.

The Falloon’s “management ability built up through their journey is very intuitive and done with a great understanding of the

land and the livestock,” the judges said. “This is a fantastic achievement and an exceptional story for the industry.”

There will be a public field day held at Waipuke Farm on April 10.

The awards were held at Masterton’s Le Gra Vineyard.

DairyNZ Update

At this time of the year, many farmers really start considering what’s more important: maximising this season’s production or protecting next years? With dry conditions, supplements running low and an autumn flush potentially around the corner, decisions around drying off or milking on can become quite challenging. Here are some tools that might help you make these decisions:

The Milk on Dry off tool: Designed to help test scenarios and make informed decisions around the cost of continuing to milk all or part of the herd into late lactation under a feed shortage situation. Tools - Milk On Dry Off | DairyNZ

The Supplementary Feed Price Calculator allows you to determine how much you can pay for supplementary feed, based on milk price and milk company, post-grazing residuals, supplement composition and your profit requirements from using a supplement. Supplement Price Calculator – DairyNZ | DairyNZ

The Dry-off Date to Reach BCS at Calving tool estimates the latest date to dry off cows to ensure they meet MCS targets at calving. Dry off date to reach BCS targets at calving | DairyNZ

From left to right Phil Keinzley, Andy Clarke, Katie and Simon Falloon, Niki Keinzley and Brian Campbell.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

kate.judson@age.co.nz

ABOVE: 90 students attended the open day event. RIGHT: A student being shown the milking machine ropes.

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Contact Richard Barlow for a free quote: propertywash@hotmail.co.nz or 027 304 9653. Visit: www.propertywashwairarapa.co.nz

Look after your ears at Ears To You

Looking after your ears regularly is beneficial to your wellbeing, and makes the most of your natural hearing. With clinics around the Wairarapa, Liz is trying her best to make this service accessible to all. Whether it’s your baby that needs checking or your grandparent – we are here to help.

Clinics:

Masterton – Mon and Wed

Carterton – 1st Tuesday

Greytown – 2nd Tuesday

Featherston – 4th Tuesday

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Jumbo crossword

ACROSS

1 Form (5)

4 Just beaten (6,2,3,4)

14 Twelve dozen (5)

15 Wee (5)

16 Secret plot (10)

17 Dutch cheese (5)

19 Hair cream (3)

20 Title (7)

21 Mice in cat (anag)(9)

22 Gives up (6)

25 Accumulated learning (9)

27 Zoo employee (6)

28 Bee bunches (6)

33 Television, radio advertisement (10)

35 Luminous electrical discharge (3)

36 Drew forth (6)

37 Footfall (4)

39 Young goat (3)

41 Undress (7)

42 Plaster wall coating (6)

43 Animal snare (9)

44 Nourishes (5)

45 Of minimum size (8)

50 Representing (2)

51 Criminal (8)

55 Wanderer (5)

58 Put into a new order (9)

59 Not clear (6)

60 Childbirth assistant (7)

61 Black sealant (3)

63 Court order (4)

64 Steady in position or balance (6)

65 Paddle (3)

66 Scared (10)

68 Slum (6)

69 Shipping boxes (6)

71 Secretly sheltered (9)

76 Spider’s trap (6)

77 Asylum (9)

79 Untighten (7)

81 Cereal crop (3)

84 Mistake (5)

85 Devised, thought up (10)

86 Cat type (5)

87 Relieves (5)

88 Remote inaccessible place (3,4,2,6)

89 Soft hat (5)

DOWN

2 Play by Shakespeare (6)

3 Went ashen (5)

5 Household appliance (4)

6 Forcing (7)

7 Nonsense (6)

8 Jewelled headdress (5)

9 Erratic, out of control (7)

10 Porcine creatures (4)

11 Artist’s workshop (6)

12 Forceps (5)

13 Futile (7)

14 Scaffold (7)

18 Responsible to or for (10)

23 Ledger entry (5)

24 Turns over a new leaf (7)

26 Run lame (anag)(7)

27 Match start (4-3)

29 Ended working days (7)

30 Platform (6)

31 Spear (5)

32 Brush-off (6)

34 Auction items (4)

36 Borders (5)

38 Scholarly article (5)

40 Wine and dine (4)

45 Scatter (5)

46 Greed (7)

47 Attract (4)

48 Musical composition (6)

49 Hit (5)

50 Having a characteristic smell (7)

52 Yours ____ (10)

53 Not in any place (7)

54 French tower builder (6)

55 Very young baby (7)

56 Sword (5)

57 Chasm (4)

62 Arms, legs (5)

67 Bat less (anag)(7)

68 Reticent (7)

70 Street movement (7)

72 A dry ale (anag)(7)

73 Quest (6)

74 Residential district (6)

75 Small stone (6)

76 Discontinue (5)

78 Collector’s item (5)

80 Mania (5)

82 Sea creature (4)

83 Eager (4)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Fraud, 4 Marching orders, 11 Least, 14 Stick, 15 Archipelago, 16 Occasion, 19 Freeway, 20 Abyss, 21 Elongated, 24 Pirouette, 26 Betray, 27 Ascend, 31 Guess, 32 Coleslaw, 34 Futuristic, 38 Essence, 39 Sprint, 40 Untidy, 41 Tsar, 42 Distant, 45 Bloodhound, 50 Ammonia, 54 Aria, 55 Intone, 56 Unlock, 57 Recycle, 60 Earthquake, 61 Long shot, 62 Split, 65 Copper, 66 Decoys, 67 Acoustics, 72 Saltpetre, 73 Drawn, 74 Marbles, 79 Close-ups, 80 Incredulous, 81 Maybe, 82 Lifts, 83 Plumb the depths, 84 Short.

DOWN: 2 Retire, 3 Uncle, 5 Airs, 6 Cohabit, 7 Impose, 8 Gull, 9 Regulate, 10 Social, 11 Leadership, 12 Acid, 13 Tangled, 17 Rayon, 18 Infatuated, 22 Venom, 23 Jettison, 25 Inspect, 26 Bewitch, 28 Muesli, 29 Albino, 30 Tundra, 33 Expel, 35 Circa, 36 Icon, 37 Guru, 42 Drake, 43 Stirrups, 44 Tongue, 45 Bookkeeper, 46 Owed, 47 Doubles, 48 Oblong, 49 Nicks, 51 Meek, 52 Olympic, 53 Inlaid, 58 Shoemakers, 59 Focus, 63 Doorknob, 64 Strap, 65 Comical, 68 Cowslip, 69 Step up, 70 Traded, 71 Member, 75 Beach, 76 Golf, 77 Arch, 78 Ouch.

Previous crossword solution 5x5

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

THURSDAY MARCH 28

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 Community Choir: 7.159pm, St David’s Presbyterian Church Youth Wing, 164 High St South. Call [0278] 205-801.

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

com

Carterton Scout Group: At 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, St Andrew’s Church; Featherston: 1.303.30pm, Featherston Community Centre.

Fareham Creative Space: Also 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.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm; Greytown Library 11am-1pm; Martinborough Library 11am-1pm.

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

Masterton Petanque Club: 2pm in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. [021] 0716634.

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: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call 378-8888.

Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St 5.30pm-7pm. Gear provided. All welcome. 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 377-4066.

Ruamahanga Club: Cards, 500, 1-4pm, at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton.

Social Learners Bridge: 1-3.30pm, 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 the fountain at 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.

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

FRIDAY MARCH 29

Aratoi: Lester Blair: Twenty-Four Churches to Apr 16; James Bragge: Splendid Scenic Gems to May 5; Choice: Staff picks from the collection to May 5; Lisa Chandler: Landscapes of Loss to May 19; King Street Artworks to May 26.

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

Carterton Senior Citizens: 12.303.30pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, at the old courthouse next to the library.

Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959.

Dance Fit: At Carrington Park, Carterton, at 6-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643.

French Conversation: U3A-affiliated group meets at the Education Centre, Dixon St, Masterton, 11am-1pm. For people wanting to converse in French

or improve speaking in French. Contact Brett [027] 363-4039 or Robyn [021] 169-9415. Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Contact email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketahuna Library 1.30-4.30pm.

Masterton Bowling Club: Funzie Friday, 12.30pm for 1pm start. Call 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:

10am-noon, Featherston Community Centre. Call May [06] 308-6912 or Virginia [06] 308-8392.

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. Wairarapa-wide. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246. Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY MARCH 30

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

Cobblestones Early Settlers Village: Open 10am-4pm seven days. Crop Up Greytown: Fresh produce, seafood and kitchen creations from Greytown and South Wairarapa, from 9am, at Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St. Check Facebook.

Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind the 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: Service centre available at 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 12.30pm, 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Sue McRae [027] 449-0601.

Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. 8am start at the 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. [021] 0716634. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10amnoon.

Wairarapa Cancer Society

Supportive Care Services: For anyone needing 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 MARCH 31

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm. 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, bowls roll up 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Petanque Club: Club day 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Social doubles from 9am 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. All welcome. Contact Sue: 027 449 0601.

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 Country Music Club: Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton at 1pm. Call Pam [06] 377-5141.

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

MONDAY APRIL 1

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

Carterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 8pm, Salvation Army Community Rooms, 210 High St. Call Bob [021] 042-2947 or Martin [06] 372-7764.

Carterton Community Toy Library: Events Centre, Holloway St, Mon-Sat during CDC Library hours.

Carterton Food Bank: 10-11am Mon-Fri at Haumanu House. Call 379-4092.

Carterton Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm, at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. Call Elaine 377-0322.

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] 3782426 or 0800 227-2255.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call 377-0078 or 0800 367-222.

Creative Hands Programme: At 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] 4987261.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. Call 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 Branch of the Labour

Party: 6.30pm in Carterton or Masterton. Txt Helen [027] 497-4902 to check venue.

Masterton District Brass Band: Rehearsals at 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: 6-8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

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. Beginners Linedance Class: 6-7pm. Linedance Intermediate Class: 7.30-8.30pm. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

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

Wairarapa Futsal: 6pm Clareville Showgrounds. Call 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 APRIL 2

Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St,

Masterton. Call 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. Call Vivienne 379-5564.

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

Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2-2.45pm, at 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: 1.30-3.30pm, 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] 6.157.30pm.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 10am.

Featherston Toy Library: Featherston Community Centre, 9-11am.

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 [06] 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 RSA, 1pm. Call

Margaret [06] 379-8681.

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 377-4401.

Masterton Judo Club: Tues/Thurs, youth class 5-6pm, adults 7-8.30pm, Nga Totara Dojo, 205 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton. Contact 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 Toastmasters: Meet fortnightly, Salvation Army Hall, 210 High St, Carterton, 7.30pm. Call Wayne [027] 335-5825.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-12pm, 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: 7-8 pm, 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 Workingmen’s

Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff [06] 304-9748.

Takahe Probus Club: Meet 10amnoon, at Masterton Club, Chapel St. Call Richard Jackson [027] 811-006 or Pam Hill [027] 370-5012.

Wairarapa Embroiderers

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

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

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

Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 7pm in The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish 378-8775 or Josie 378-6531.

Woops A Daisies: Leisure Marching Team practice 4-5pm, at the Trust House Rec Centre Stadium. Call Cheryl [06] 370-1922 or [027] 6976974.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 3

AA Meeting: At 7.30pm, Epiphany church hall, High St, Solway, Masterton. Call [027] 557-7928. Athletics Wairarapa: Club night, 5.45-7pm, Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton. Cards: “500”, 1.15-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara [06] 3796582 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: 9.30-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers at Fareham House Hall, Featherston. Call Justine [020] 4105-2830.

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 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.

Greytown Miniature Makers: 10am-2pm to make small thing in scale. All skill levels. Call Kaylene [06] 304-8532.

Healing Rooms: Confidential prayer for healing or any situation, 2-4pm, at St Matthews Church Hall, Church St, Masterton. Call [027] 245-2819.

Heart of Arts Wairarapa: Community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm.

Housie: 7pm at the Martinborough Bowling Club, Regent St. Juesday Art: 10am-12.30pm, AOG Church, Birdwood St, Featherston. Call Julia [06] 308-8109.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB noon-2pm.

Kiddie Gym: For under-5s, 9.3011am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Judy or Joan 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 378-7109.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Maungaraki Probus: Masterton Club, Essex St, Masterton 10am. Call Judith Thomsen 377-1750 or [021] 295-2434.

Men’s Group: Meet for 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 379-5376.

Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 9.30am-11am. Gear provided. All welcome. Sue: [027] 449 0601.

Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: Sports, food, leadership, Carterton Events Centre. Text “R2R” to [027] 742-2264.

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

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: 10am-noon, 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, 6-7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton.

The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.308.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Toi Wairarapa Heart of Arts: Carterton. 10 Minute Bites, 12.10pm, BYO sandwich.

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 in The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish [06] 378-8775 or Josie [06] 378-6531.

Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, improvers 5-6.30pm. Call [06] 377-5518 or [06] 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

Events

If you need help with your rental property, call us today! We have preapproved tenants waiting for a home.

MASTERTON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD

Public Notices

Gardening & Landscaping

Paul August Landscape Design

Landscape Consultation & Design Service 027 446 8256

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

For Sale

Opening Hours:

Tues, Wed, Thurs 7:30 - 5pm

For all your iron and roo ng needs call

Employment Facilities and Commercial Manager

We are looking fo r a positive community member to become part of our small team You will be responsible for managing our community facility, sponsorship income and relationships, and venue hire.

Permanent Part Time 20hrs /week

Applications close 10th April 2024

For a Job description or to apply, contact netballwairarapaboard123@gmail com

Community Events

Employment

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES NIGHT SHIFT SUPERVISOR

We are now operating a second shift and have a vacancy for this position

Hours Monday to Thursday 4.30pm to 3 00am, four days per week.

A person with experience in factory production and supervising staff with be well remunerated

OFFICE JUNIOR

34 Dale eld Road, Carterton Email: admin@CtnCF.co.nz

Firewood

FIREWOODSUPPLIES.CO.NZ 06 306 9110

GUM 4m3 $720, 2m3 $420

DOUGLAS-FIR 4m3 $710, 2m3 $410

MACROCARPA 4m3 $710, 2m3 $410

SPLIT PINE 4m3 $600, 2m3 $350

BAGGED KINDLING $17each

COMBO’S (2M3 X 2= 4M3)

GUM & D/FIR $740 GUM & MAC $740

GUM & S/PINE $680 D/FIR & MAC $730

D/FIR & S/PINE $670 MAC & S/PINE $670

Delivery & GST included, Winz Approved

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 tree felling, will close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder.

The proposed road closure is for the felling of 38 trees on the property of Martinborough School. The dates of the closure are during the term one school holidays.

Roads to be closed:

• Roberts Street, Martinborough

Period of closure:

• 15/04/2024 to 26/04/2024 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Stefan Corbett Group Manager Partnerships & Operations

WAICARE DAY ACTIVITY

Community Activities for the Elderly WE ARE MOVING PREMISES

From 26 March 2024 we will be relocating to the Marist Club Rooms building at 161 Dixon Street, Masterton opposite Russell Street (follow the driveway to the right, past the Sir Brian Lochore Stadium to the standalone building at the end of the driveway)

For further information phone: Debra Hall - 027 315 7773 or Melissa Hunt - 027 696 8989

A new position to assist administration staff in many areas of sales, purchasing, production recording and accounts Good computer skills required and a willingness to learn new skills giving excellent opportunities for advancement Office hours 8am to 5pm

MANUFACTURERS

We have vacancies for manufacturers on day and night shifts

Need to be strong to lift product into mixers and have ability with numbers to calculate recipes.

Hours 7am to 4.30pm four days an d Friday 7am to 11am OR 4.30pm to 3.00am four days per week. Some overtime is also available. Apply by email stating which job you are interested in to: employment@hmstn.co.nz with details of job experience and references to arrange for an appointment for an interview.

Countdown is on for 2024 Wairarapa Balloon Festival

The much-loved Wairarapa Balloon Festival kicks off this Thursday for five days of sky-high entertainment over the extended Easter break.

Organisers are thrilled to be welcoming balloonists from around New Zealand back into the fold this year, with 13 balloons descending on Wairarapa.

Spectators will be treated to morning lift offs from Carterton and Masterton. They will take place from Carterton on Thursday and Saturday morning and Masterton on Friday and Sunday morning. There is also a “Meet the Pilots” on Saturday afternoon from 4pm at Carrington Park.

Easter Monday will see balloons taking off from locations across Carterton and Masterton, creating a scattering of balloons across the skies above.

People are encouraged to come down to the locations where the balloons take off from

6.30am each morning, to see the impressive displays up close.

“We’re excited to be bringing some free entertainment to the region again this year, and we’re hoping for light winds and clear skies,” Shaun McGillicuddy, Wairarapa Balloon Festival communications manager said.

“We plan to take-off from Carrington Park and Wairarapa College, but the ascensions are very weather dependant. We will have updates on take-off locations and flight directions through our Facebook page at 8pm the night before, and on More FM Wairarapa 89.5 FM.

“We’d love to see people coming along to the launch sites. It’s a real thrill seeing the burners light up and the hot air filling the balloons up, and it’s the perfect spot to see all the action.”

The Festival’s famous Night Glow spectacular is taking a break this year, and will return in 2025.

head to www.nzballoons. co.nz/

The Wairarapa Balloon Festival kicks o on March 28.

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED