Wairarapa Midweek Wed 28th Feb

Erin

Currently hanging in the children’s section at Masterton District Library is a series of eye-catching, pop art-style portraits – recognisable for their striking flat colour stories, graphic lines, and soothing fuchsia backgrounds.

Behind the bright hues and animated faces are stories of anxiety, loneliness, and extreme upheaval ... as well as survival and hope.

The artworks are part of the travelling exhibition

“The Blue Stories Project”, brought to Masterton in a collaboration between the library, “Blue Stories” creator Karolina Gorton,

and perinatal support organisation The Ruth Project Wairarapa [TRPW].

The exhibition, which opened on Monday, is the handiwork of Nelson-based artist and mother Gorton, created initially in 2022 as a poster campaign to “shine a light” on perinatal depression. It has since been displayed in venues

From out of the blue …

nationwide, aiming to normalise perinatal mental distress, experienced globally by around 20 per cent of new mothers, and 1 in 10 new fathers, and often, Gorton said, “[carrying] with it a stigma that is unhelpful and unjustified.”

“The Blue Stories Project” features images of and stories from parents

throughout Aotearoa New Zealand – sharing their experiences of post-partum depression and anxiety, as well as child loss, infertility, pregnancy complications and birth trauma.

When contributing their tales, parents were asked to share the one thing that

Continued on page 6

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

LEFT: Wairarapa father Luke Tiller features in the “Blue Stories” exhibition – sharing his experience of post-natal depression. CENTRE: Hutt-based Mum Jay shared her story of post-partum depression after a traumatic birth experience. RIGHT: Kate, founder of My Birth Story and Birth Trauma Aotearoa.

Success grows for shot in dark

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

On a weekday, the Lochloosa Farm Store and Scullery is a small, unassuming building, set back a few metres from the edge of White Rock Rd, about 8km south of Martinborough. It’s about the size of a shipping container, perhaps.

But, come the weekend, when the Matchett family throws open the wooden double doors of the shiny corrugated metal store just before 8.30am, it quickly bustles with locals and visitors stocking up on homegrown veggies, homemade bread and pastries, and handcrafted pottery.

latest stage in a project that started, literally, in the dark.

million years. Ever.”

Lochloosa’s popularity has grown rapidly since Jenna and Mark Matchett first opened its doors for a soft launch in January, thanks mainly to “nothing but word of mouth and Instagram”, Mark said.

“I dare say 90 per cent of our business has been local, Wairarapa support,” Jenna, also manager of the Masterton Food Bank, said. “Wairarapa is just one big community, and I’m constantly surprised by how great this region is.”

The Wairarapa TimesAge will be a five-day-aweek paper starting early next month.

The tiny store’s growing reach is the

Becoming a Tuesdayto-Saturday newspaper is a significant step for the locally-owned paper as it seeks to maintain a cornerstone in the

“We bought it in the dark,” Jenna said. “We drove down from Dannevirke, and we went to the neighbours and said, ‘don’t shoot us, we’re not poachers’,” Jenna said.

“We drove our little hatchback in here and drove up onto one of the little mounds so the headlights lit up the trees and we went for a walk,” Mark explained.

The contours, trees, lake and “interest” of this former council stock-holding paddock swiftly weaved its way firmly into the Matchetts’ hearts.

Jenna and Mark agree: “We will never sell this place. Not in a

Wairarapa community.

The change follows similar moves made by other provincial newspapers around New Zealand, most recently

It’s a feeling of connection and connectedness they hope “comes across in our store”, Jenna said, and is aligned with her life-long love of nourishing friends and family.

“I’ve always loved feeding people, in any capacity, whether it’s inviting people over for dinner, or having an ‘open door’ dinner table, or my work at the food bank, or growing produce.

“It’s tying a passion of mine into another passion – and hopefully that’s reflected in our store.

“Everything we do is literally with love.” This includes ensuring Lochloosa

the Gisborne Herald. Publisher Andrew Denholm said, “We are focused on securing a future for the paper, our advertisers, readers and also for those who work so hard every day to tie it all together.”

Tuesday’s edition

surplus is directed to Martinborough’s food bank, where Jenna also works 10 hours a week.

“I am a huge believer that you shouldn’t have to be wealthy to afford good food.”

Jenna and Mark designed the garden and store, which is set within a 10-acre lot, “with the environment in mind”.

A lot of their produce is grown in wicking garden beds, a “selfwatering” system which “wicks” – draws up water – from a reservoir below and delivers to the plants as they need it.

“It’s a small-scale concept applied at a big scale,” Jenna explained. “The water is absorbed by the plants from

of the Times-Age will include extra coverage of sports, news and weekend events.

News director Roger Parker said, “Whether it is council or crime, iconic events or the impact of the weather, we will be there to report it, and all

below before it can evaporate. You’re not watering from the top; you are watering from the bottom.”

Planning and managing the garden “to tease produce out over the growing season” and avoid gluts and scarcity is “tricky”, Mark said, and Jenna has returned to college to study horticulture “to solidify the learning and hang-out with likeminded people.”

“There are definitely benefits to continual learning,” Jenna said.

The future looks busy and productive for the Matchett family, which includes daughters Poppy and Molly and two puppies, Moose and Puck.

And for those who are looking for a hot beverage to go with their homemade custard square [“made with real custard”], you are in luck.

A coffee machine has been installed, and Mark is getting trained by Jenna, who has barista experience.

“We’ve decided we have to add coffee to our offering, because that’s what everyone’s been saying, ‘you have to do coffee’,” Mark said.

• Lochloosa is at 627a White Rock Road, Martinborough and open Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

with a local flavour. “ Times-Age publications, Wairarapa Midweek, Wairarapa Property, and New Zealand Memories will continue as usual.

The change comes into effect on Tuesday, March 5.

1ST

2ND

Fascinated

Sta Reporter

Lochloosa is on White Rock Road, about 8km south of Martinborough.

Fresh, homegrown produce is sold at Lochloosa. PHOTOS/LUCY COOPER

Mark and Jenna Matchett.

Lifestyle

A pandemic and activists’ fight for rights

Social researcher and author ANGELA YEOMAN looks back at a unique set of circumstances that led to a major improvement in our country’s human rights: A pandemic, a community of activists ready to fight for their rights, a society able to listen, and an MP [now Wairarapa local] ready to change the law.

In July 1984, Fran Wilde met with the gay community in Wellington. She was MP for Wellington Central, and the agenda for the meeting was homosexual law reform. Wilde was working towards delivering on a commitment she’d made when she was elected to Parliament – to sponsor a bill decriminalising homosexuality.

Wilde was first voted into Parliament in 1981. This was followed by her re-election in 1984, 1987, and again in 1990. Previously, she’d been a reporter but had always been interested in politics, joining the Labour Party in the late 1970s. Wilde’s horror at how Prime Minister Robert Muldoon was “driving the economy into the ground and driving the country into a banana republic,” propelled her into political activism.

On 8 March 1985, Wilde introduced a private member’s bill designed to decriminalise consensual adult male sex and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Sixteen months later, in July 1986, the Homosexual Law Reform Bill passed by 49 to 44 votes and

was signed into law, but without the human rights provisions – these were voted down in the House. The Homosexual Law Reform Act came into effect on 8 August 1986.

We talked with Dame Fran Wilde, on the porch of her sunny Greytown home, about her role in homosexual law reform. We also spoke with Bill Logan, a member of the grass roots gay taskforce that lobbied MPs and helped shape the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. And Geoff*, from Wairarapa, talked to us about how his life changed after the passing of the bill.

In the early 1980s, New Zealand’s human rights and crime laws lagged behind other developed countries Our human rights laws in the early 1980s did not prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in employment, accommodation, or the supply of goods and services. The Crimes Act at the time made criminals out of adult men who engaged in consensual sex. More than 1,000 New Zealand men had been convicted and shamed under that Act.

By comparison, individual states in America had been decriminalising same-sex sexual activity since 1961, beginning with Illinois.

In 1967, England’s laws were amended to decriminalise homosexual activities between consenting males aged over 21 [subsequently reduced to age 16], so long as only two people were present, and they were not in the merchant navy.

In May 1984, New South Wales decriminalised gay sex for consenting adults over the age of 18. The time was ripe for change in New Zealand Law change was a long time coming in New Zealand. Social and political groups established by and for homosexuals had existed in New Zealand for some time and one of the earliest, the Dorian Society, presented a petition to Parliament in 1968. It was rejected.

A campaign for homosexual law reform began in earnest in the mid-1970s when MP Venn Young introduced a Crimes Amendment Bill to legalise private homosexual acts between consenting adults. It was

not passed into law.

Any law change was always going to allow MPs to vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines but, to bring about that change, the gay movement needed a parliamentary champion able to both introduce a private member’s bill and actively campaign for it. That champion was found in Fran Wilde, Labour back bencher, liberal and, at the time the bill was introduced, a party Whip. And, as a woman, she was viewed as not having a “vested interest” in reforming the law, which had never banned sex between women. It also didn’t hurt that Wilde’s electorate, Wellington Central, was arguably the most active in homosexual law reform. The district was fired up and ready to go.

In her speech seeking leave to introduce the Homosexual Law Reform Bill into the House, Wilde put it on record that “people have steadily moved from a knee-jerk, hysterical opposition to a position of more informed and considered acknowledgment that there is no evidence in favour of the punitive criminal code that

deals with the issue of consenting adult sexual activity. There was majority support for homosexual law reform even five years ago in a Heylen poll of 2000 people.”

In September 1985, another Heylen poll found that more than 62 per cent of people were happy to support homosexual law reform. Pandemic pain and panic

Around the same time, a pandemic was spreading across the globe. Gay men were disproportionately affected in countries like New Zealand, lending even more weight here to the idea of law reform.

The first case of AIDS in New Zealand was diagnosed in 1983 according to a New Zealand Medical Association Journal article. In 1984, HIV was identified as the underlying cause of AIDS. Testing for HIV became available in 1985, and antiretroviral treatment from the mid1990s.

UN records show that, since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, about 86 million people have been diagnosed with HIV and over 40 million

have died from AIDS: 630,000 in 2022 alone.

Approximately 39 million people are living with it today.

Back in 1985, when New Zealand began to monitor HIV, 60 men were identified as HIV positive.

Between 1985 and 2022, more than 5500 people in New Zealand [mostly men] were notified as having HIV, with about a quarter diagnosed from 1985 to 1999.

By comparison, 1145 men and fewer than 200 women have been

diagnosed as having AIDS since 1985, with more than half of these during the early period 1985 to 1999. About 50 AIDS-related deaths per year are recorded in those early years, according to the New Zealand government’s HIV action plan, released in 2022.

“AIDS was allconsuming in the 1980s,” Bill Logan says. “My friends and colleagues were dying. At the time the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was introduced, some MPs

believed a law change would increase the numbers of people with AIDS, but we knew it would have the opposite effect.

“If gay sex was no longer a crime, then gay men could safely talk to their health advisers about AIDS and HIV. They could be educated about HIV prevention. Fran understood this, as well as the underlying complexity of AIDS epidemiology.”

Michael Basset, Minister of Health and “on the liberal end of the spectrum,” sought government funding to

help set up a foundation to advise people about AIDS, “but he was less informed about the epidemic than Fran,” Logan says.

A young doctor by the name of Michael Baker worked in Bassett’s office at this time. He was “quick to learn” about HIV and how the gay community would have to play a pivotal role in checking its spread. This experience put him on track to become an erudite epidemiologist –one we got to know during the covid-19 pandemic.

Wilde told the House: “If we are effectively to

combat the spread of AIDS in New Zealand, we must remove the criminal label from the prime target group and ensure that those people feel secure enough to participate in a public education programme.”

Part II next week

Next week, the second part of this series covers the role of public education in progressing homosexual law reform, how Wilde busted the myths presented in the House by opponents of reform, and how changes to law changed lives. * Name has been changed.

Lifestyle

LEFT: Disruption at an anti-homosexual law reform rally, 1985. PHOTO/DAVID HINDLEY

ABOVE: Bill Logan, Dame Fran Wilde and Alison Laurie at 25th anniversary of homosexual law reform, 2011.

PHOTO/GARETH WATKINS

helped them through the tough times: From receiving professional help, to chatting with friends over coffee, to trying pottery, to the power of positive selftalk.

The Wellington leg of the exhibition, organised with support from TRPW and Hutt-based organised Greenstone Doors, was first displayed at Johnsonville Library early last year, and will be showing in Masterton until March 22.

TRPW co-founder Abby Hollingsworth, whose story features in the exhibition, was hopeful “Blue Stories” would bring encouragement to new parents and remind them that there is, in fact, life after perinatal mental ill health.

being celebrated and uplifted all over the country. Knowing that, you can’t help but feel encouraged.” The “Blue Stories” exhibition incorporates parents of various walks of life, including those who, like Hollingsworth, were inspired by their experience to work for or start their own charitable organisations supporting new parents on their journey.

“Karolina hoped that parents who were struggling would see the artworks, read the stories, and think, ‘wow – this person got through it and came out the other side. And so can I.’

“I’m grateful that my own story can provide inspiration and motivation. If one new parent can see it, and feel like it’s possible to survive, then my story of pain and hardship hasn’t gone to waste.

“We hope people can see that these mums and dads, after going through some of the worst times in their life, are now

Hollingsworth, who struggled with severe post-partum depression after her youngest was born, founded TRPW in 2019 — which now provides in-home practical care, food deliveries, and connection via peer support groups for whanau experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.

say things out loud.”

Several fathers have also shared their stories, including Wairarapa youth worker Luke Tiller, who experienced a bout of depression after leaving work to become a stay-at-homeparent.

For Hollingsworth, it was connection that most helped with her recovery — being able to share honest thoughts and feelings with genuine and nonjudgmental friends and supporters.

Displayed alongside the “Blue Stories” portraits at the library are art boards created by students of Puawānanga Wairarapa Young Parents – the region’s teen parent unit – which capture their own journeys navigating new motherhood and mental health.

“It’s beautiful artwork,” Hollingsworth said.

“We’re hopeful the students feel encouraged to be included and having their work on show for the community.

“I found real healing when I found people who were able just to listen and understand, without needing to fix anything or give advice.

“I was able to process what I was going through, and figure out that the intrusive thoughts I was experiencing weren’t actually a helpful or reasonable way of thinking. It made a real difference being able to

Teenagers in our society still get a lot of criticism when they become parents. Why not lift them up instead?”

Hollingsworth hoped the exhibition would also encourage people to look out for the new parents in their life –and give them “some tips on what to do” to help lighten the load.

• More information about the Blue Stories exhibition is available on the Ruth Project Wairarapa Facebook page. To find out more about the Blue Stories Project, go to bluestoriesproject. com

Abby Hollingsworth, founder of The Ruth Project Wairarapa, with her “Blue Stories” portrait.

PHOTO/AMY JORDAN

What a character

A monthly column by Wairarapa Library Service where people in our community are interviewed about their love of books. This week, MADELEINE SLAVICK , assistant librarian, adult programmes, talks with Nancy Blackman.

I visit Nancy Blackman on a Thursday morning. Out her window, green and birdsong.

We have a cup of tea and talk for an hour – about knitting [“I am making a white matinee coat for a great grandchild”], about books [“I like a good story”] and about her connection with the Carterton Library which celebrates its 150th birthday next month [“I worked there for 23-and-ahalf years”].

Nancy started in the children’s section in 1969.

At the time, the library was an independent building: The kids’ books were located to the left of the main entrance.

“Children were issued pink library cards, and adults had white ones. My card number was 1236.

“After working in the children’s section, I graduated to mending and covering books, and then to issuing adult books and helping with other library tasks.

“The librarian, Miss Valerie Foss, lived at the back – her sister lived there, too. A reading room was at the side, where we had four newspapers available – The Evening Post, The Dominion, The Press and Otago Daily Times. It was very popular.”

Nancy was born in 1931 and has always loved books. “I started out liking to read westerns, then crime, and now novels. I prefer British authors to American ones, and I don’t read biographies.”

As a child in Ponatahi, Nancy and her five siblings would receive a book as a Christmas gift every year. As a teen, she’d often visit the library. When it came time to find her first job, she worked for the Wairarapa Electric Power Board, riding her bicycle into town and back. When she married, Nancy and her family lived on High St North, near the dairy – it would be her home for 68

years, and within walking distance of her job at the library.

These days, library books are delivered to Nancy every three weeks. The Wairarapa Library Service programme Homelink provides about 25 people with this free amenity.

“Satisfying.” When I ask Nancy to describe her years at the library, she replies, “Very satisfying.”

February 12-19 was

Love Your Library Week. When I ask the four current branch librarians – Andrea Darbyshire, Penny Griffin, Kathy Lenihan, and Ali

Te Pohe – for a few words that speak of their love of libraries, they reply: “Community, discovery, friendliness, free, literary adventures, community enjoyment and support, literacy, lifelong learning, a welcoming space!”

• ‘What a Character’ is Wairarapa Library Service’s monthly column in the Midweek. Nancy Blackman was in conversation with Madeleine Slavick, Assistant Librarian, Adult Programmes. Email madeleine@ wls.org.nz

Bannister said the WI often fundraises for community organisations by doing the catering for local events. This month, WI members catered a two-course bu et meal for the Carterton Scottish Dance Club – and “unanimously agreed to donate $500” to WFA’s new station.

“We all felt that this was a bene cial cause deserving of our support, as it stays in our community and covers the whole of Wairarapa.”

As at December last year, WFA had raised close to $6 million of the $7 million needed for the station build. It is expected that the station will open towards the end of this year.

Cheryl Watson, Wairarapa community liaison for Wellington Free Ambulance [WFA], received a donation from Wainuioru Women’s Institute [WI] president Suzanne Bannister towards the new WFA station build in Masterton.

Local art lovers vote for bird’s fleeting visit

Sarah Luttrell clearly has a knack for winning the votes of Kiwi art lovers, after receiving a third people’s choice award for her painting.

Aratoi announced last week that Luttrell’s painting, A Fleeting Visit, won the most votes for the People’s Choice Award, during the recent New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Wairarapa Art Review.

The finely detailed painting of a miromiro [North Island tomtit] on a black background was painted by Luttrell in about three months, in the spare bedroom of her Masterton home.

The former Wairarapa College student and experienced manufacturing jeweller said it was “quite a shock” to win the award.

“I paint when I can, when our son is at school,” Luttrell said. “I’m quite a slow painter, so not terribly productive. I use watercolours and also open acrylic, which is slow drying and gives me time to work with the paint.”

Luttrell thanked photographer Glenys

Robertson for allowing her to use her images of birds as reference photographs.

Luttrell has won two other people’s choice awards, both at national art events in Taranaki -- “so this one makes it a hat-trick”.

Growing up on a family farm at Western Lake, Luttrell was first inspired to paint by her artist grandmother, but gave it up for about 20 years while she travelled and ran her own jeweller’s business in Martinborough. Now once again immersed in the fine art world, she has begun to paint local landscapes using gold leaf and has joined the artisans’ collective at Te Hupenui Greytown Gallery

of Contemporary and Fine Art.

“Artists can be very critical of our own work and it’s hard to put ourselves out there. With a collective, it’s lovely to be alongside like-minded people.”

Luttrell’s painting and other category winners from the art review will be displayed at Carterton Events Centre until March 8.

Aratoi director Sarah McClintock said: “The Frank Minehan People’s Choice Award was a hotly contended competition. Hundreds of votes were counted and we are delighted that Sarah Luttrell won, her piece is stunning.”

Sporting legend shares his

This month, a small group of Wairarapa people living with Parkinson’s gathered in Carterton to listen to and be motivated by a Kiwi sporting legend.

The event, held at the Carterton Community Courthouse, was one of a series organised by Parkinson’s Wairarapa called “Living Positively with Parkinson’s” –empowering people with the neurological condition to live life to the fullest.

The members were inspired by the February guest speaker, Billy Graham, former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion, and world class international speaker, fitness advisor, and founder of the Naenae Boxing Academy.

Graham has spent a lifetime involved in sport and physical fitness, and puts his winning philosophy into practice every day of his life – and delights in sharing his zest for

living with others. From humble beginnings in Lower Hutt, Graham has faced life head-on with enthusiasm, and this was evident during the event. His warm and passionate presentation inspired the group to challenge their outlook and increase their potential.

The afternoon ended with “a good chin-wag over refreshments”, as members “reminisced over [their] past youth.”

Parkinson’s Wairarapa plans to present several “Living Positively with Parkinson’s” events during the year. Some will be specific to Parkinson’s, while others more focused on living

well and community connection.

Parkinson’s Wairarapa provides support to people living with Parkinson’s and their whānau, as well as informing and educating the community about the condition. More information can be found on the Parkinson’s Wairarapa Facebook page, or you can contact the Action Group on 027-264-8623, or via email at wai. parkinsons@gmail.com.

• If you would like to be included on the invite list for the Living Positively with Parkinson’s events, please get in touch.

Boxing champion and motivational speaker Billy Graham was the guest speaker at this month’s Living Positively with Parkinson’s event, organised by Parkinson’s Wairarapa.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Roslyn Lafrentz news@age.co.nz

Artist Sarah Luttrell with A Fleeting Visit (Tomtit/Miromiro) 2023, acrylic on canvas.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Grow

Remove strawberry runners and transplant into Tui Strawberry Mix to be planted in winter

Take cuttings from perennials and shrubs, using rooting hormone and good mix

Sow ican Chef’s Best beetroot, carrot, leek, parsnip and pea seeds

Get your spring owering bulbs now while we have lots to choose from

Sow sweet peas for winter owering and plant with a sprinkling of lime

Feed

Citrus and fruit trees with ican Fruit Food

Camellias, Azaleas and Rhodos with an acid food, or ican Slow Food

Feed trees, shrubs and everything else, including pots with ican Slow Food

Fertilise established lawns to help maintain colour and help it recover from summer

SHOP & WIN

Replenish your pots

Let your creative juices ow and create a work of art with owering baskets and pots. All you need is a basket or pot, some quality potting mix and your choice of owering seedlings, it’s as simple as that!

with us. We have missed publishing a few weeks of our winners.

Prune & Trim

Trim excess leaves from grapes, pumpkins, melons etc to help the skins ripen in the sun

Stop dead heading roses now so hips can develop winter colour

Cut summer fruiting raspberry canes down to the base

Trim and feed hedges to encourage colourful new growth before winter

Prune stonefruit (peaches, plums, apricots) to remove dead and diseased wood and to help shape

Deadhead dahlias and trim evergreen shrubs such as geraniums

Prepare

When summer crops have come to an end, clear and tidy the area

If you’re growing winter crops in the same area you will need to replenish the soil with nutrients and minerals, using compost, garden lime etc

If you’re not planning on using the area for winter crops sow green crops

Get the ground and pots ready for spring bulb planting by digging in bulb mix and food

Protect

Control white butter y with Derris Dust and Mavrik and cover brassicas with bug netting

Prepare cold tender plants for frosts by applying Wally’s Vaporgard

Treat lawns to prevent grass grub, crickets & cluster ies

Apply Sulphate of Potash to roses to help harden new wood before winter

Rose Care

Stop dead heading now so hips can develop for winter colour. Hips are the fruit, or seed pods, of roses, and will only form on plants that haven’t been pruned too early, or if some blooms are left to mature. Hips can be made into tea, jams or jellies and have many natural bene ts.

Feed roses with Sulphate of Potash to help harden up new wood before winter.

Continue regular sprays to control pests and diseases, Combat 3-in-1 is one recommendation.

Regular applications of Wairarapa’s own seaweed tonic, Seamite, increases overall plant health.

Add a layer of Daltons Mulch and Grow which will help keep moisture in and keep weeds away.

Plan what autumn trees, shrubs and hedges you would like to plant, and get the ground ready

Exciting new arrivals

Come and see us for advice on starting a winter cleanup spray programme for fruit trees

Spray lawns in March, and again in October, to combat Onehunga (prickle) weed

Autumn is natures natural planting time so it’s a great time to plan your autumn and winter garden now

Keep an eye out for wasp nests

Wairarapa delivers ‘wealth of talent’ for local film project

The “ambitious three-day shoot” of a local short film described by its director as a “pure Wairarapa” project has wrapped and is now on to its next production phase.

Gladstone-based filmmaker Juanita Deely was “amazed” she was able to cast her film, Scammed, about a modern-day swindle set in a retirement village, with all-Wairarapa actors.

“When I first started the project, I didn’t realise I would be able to get it all cast from Wairarapa. But I easily have because we have a wealth of talent here in this region,” she said.

“And the camera just loves so many of the actors who are now in the movie.”

The ensemble cast of 20 actors was “a joy to work with”, Deely said.

“I was thrilled to be working with them, and I can’t tell you how great they were.”

The crew – also locally sourced – made a significant contribution to the project.

Greytown-based photographer Terry

LETTERS

Whinging with your deceased loved one?

I know Graeme Burnard is running out of ways to complain about things, but his most recent attempt [Midweek, February 14] was a shocker.

If I had the privilege of spending time with a close family member who had passed on, the idea that I would spend all of it whinging is just incredible. Imagine being given a gift like that, and using it to moan about how things had changed not precisely to someone’s liking.

Crikey.

It’s a trite creative exercise, but one that reveals far more about Graeme than I think he intended.

As my much-missed grandfather, someone I’d love to have another day with, used to say, “for some people, if they had nothing to complain about, they’d have nothing at all”.

Nat Wilson Carterton

Wreford-Hann lent his “fantastic eye” to the film as the cameraman, and his partner, Esther Bunning, joined the team as production designer quite late in the project.

“It would have been even better to have her involved in the production earlier because, by the time she joined, many of the sets were already in place. She enhanced everything she touched,” Deely said.

“From makeup to hair, the sets, the locations, the camera angle – her style and her design eye are superior.”

Scammed received funding from Masterton Trust Lands Trust and Carterton Creative Communities – and, throughout the shoot, local suppliers helped maintain the energy levels of the cast and crew with afternoon teas and lunches.

Deely and WrefordHann are currently working on the rough cut of the film.

“This is basically where you go through the footage, and you end up with a whole heap of it on the cutting room floor, with only the gems left,”

Deely explained.

True to her desired “pure Wairarapa” approach, Deely is seeking more local expertise for some key parts of the movie’s production.

These include an experienced colour grader [who uses digital tools to enhance a film’s appearance] and somebody to convert the film to the appropriate format for cinematic release in New Zealand and overseas.

“They might be hard to find in Wairarapa, but I’m putting the feelers out.”

If you had the chance to spend time with a deceased loved one, what would you talk about?

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CONTACT US

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity.

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

Opinion

Rebuilding the village

On our front page, we feature “The Blue Stories Project” – a nationwide art exhibition capturing the reality of perinatal mental distress for New Zealand whānau. And celebrating the possibility of recovery.

Artist Karolina Gorton’s portraits are stunning. And it was wonderful to catch up with Abby Hollingsworth, founder of The Ruth Project Wairarapa [TRPW] –whose story we published in Midweek in 2021 – and see her organisation still flourishing in our community.

As a new mum, the topic of perinatal mental distress is close to my heart. For me personally, there have certainly been days and weeks where my mental health was circling the drain. Exacerbated by feeding issues, my ADHD, and loneliness. That last one still feels difficult to say out loud.

I was warned new parenthood can be isolating. With our families on the other side of the Remutaka Hill, my husband and I knew we’d sometimes have muster up some real fortitude. And,

Erin Kavanagh-Hall

hey, I was lucky – hubby worked part-time.

Even so, loneliness crashed the party – and it was suffocating. I had gone from a busy newsroom, in near constant connection with others, to [when my husband had work] just me and my son –whom I adore, but isn’t exactly an accomplished conversationalist. I craved company – but felt too exhausted to form a sentence. Leaving the house felt like an impossible undertaking, so home became my sanctuary – and an Alcatraz.

I’m not alone in this waka. Recent UK research, featuring more than 500 women, found that “feeling lonely contributed to depression around the first few months with a new baby”. Another UK survey found 90 per cent of respondents experienced loneliness as

new parents. As an article in The Guardian stated:

“The process of becoming a mother involves huge hormonal changes and a major shift in identity, as well as the uprooting of our usual support structures and routines.” Parenting is all-consuming: All our energy is sunk into keeping this little person, assembled inside of us like a LEGO skyscraper, alive. Keeping said skyscraper from toppling can, eventually, eclipse everything else.

Also, for many of my generation, the “village” has almost disappeared. I had a chat with TRPW’S Abby about what has led to the demise of our communal parenting culture, and had some theories.

For example, multigenerational households, where family members shared the care of young children, have faded from Western society.

We’re more transient: It’s common for our millennial cohort to move away from home and settle in new towns, away from whānau. Financial concerns and the cost of living crisis can keep us confined to our homes. In some places, funding cuts mean fewer affordable support services for mums. Social networking has replaced much of our reallife interaction. A recipe for loneliness.

As a millennial Mum living away from her home town, I can confirm that it’s tough. But the fog lifted. I frantically messaged friends, asking for someone just to come and sit with me and bubs for 20 minutes. They arrived, no questions asked – and stayed for longer. I arranged regular hang-outs with my fellow mums. I braved fears of judgement as a formula feeding mama, and attended wonderful

local playgroups. My parents braved the petrol prices, and came to visit once a week.

Things got better when I reached out. But not everyone feels able to do so. So, Wairarapa, do us a solid: Check in on the new parents in your life. Invite them for a walk. Bring over a latté. Keep them company while they fold the washing. Offer a video chat while they’re on the feeding marathon. Anything to remind them you’re still there – because we need it. I’ll end with a thank you to everyone who has kept me afloat on this journey. From the strangers who checked on me as I melted down in busy cafés, to my weekly mamas’ circles, to the friends who refused to let me fall through the cracks. You’re part of Finn’s village – and I owe you the world. Nga mihi kia koutou.

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must rst be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satis ed with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz.

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MIDWEEK PHOTOS

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

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

CONTACT US

My favourite thing to do in my spare

anything on my to-do list!

I first became photography...

photographic print in vinegar. I’ve learnt a lot since then, thank goodness.

Wairarapa is...

A food bowl – we’re spoilt for choice. Wine, olives, and cheese –all my favourite food groups.

My friends and family would describe me as... Perhaps slightly odd and eccentric – in a good way, hopefully! And most definitely introverted.

The best piece of advice I have ever received is... To not take myself too seriously.

If I could work on any creative project, it would be...

After Scammed, it would be my freshwater/native and endemic fish project

and poster Waiti – watch this space!

One of my favourite films is...

Star Trek and anything sci-fi. It’s great to imagine what could be out there.

I’d love more time to... Work on Waiti. Can you tell I’m passionate about fish? And educating people about our shy, mostly nocturnal, native fish – our precious taonga.

My favourite comfort food is...

Can it be a drink? A nice drop of shiraz – my favourite way to finish the day.

The season I enjoy most is.... Autumn. What’s not to love about the colours? Just magic.

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

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.

Terry Wreford-Hann, the creator of that iconic poster in our sh’n’chip shops. PHOTO/ESTHER BUNNING

Extra

ARATOI VOICES

Next stage in taonga’s ‘long journey’

On Monday, January 29 seven very special taonga [treasures] were welcomed into Aratoi. The two patu [clubs], three mere pounamu [greenstone weapons], kahu huruhuru [feather cloaks] and korowai [tasseled cloaks] have been held in trust by WCM Legal and its preceding partners for over 100 years. In consultation with Wairarapa iwi the decision was made to hand the physical care of the taonga to Aratoi.

Diane Rewi, who has been closely involved in the process of bringing the taonga into Aratoi’s care, said it had been “a long journey”.

“And it’s not over yet,” she said.

“In many ways, I am delighted that this significant group of taonga will now receive the care they need. But this is tinged with sadness that they have

been silent for so long and some of their whakapapa lost”. Diane was present at the handover last month along with many whānau with connections to the taonga.

Greytown local Ed Cooke was instrumental to the handover, having been connected to the taonga from 1969 when he joined the law firm which is today called WCM Legal. Ed said the firm has a long history in Wairarapa, with its beginnings in 1874.

“The firm had an extensive practice, including acting in matters dealing with Māori lands and estates,” he said.

“However, the time and circumstances in which the taonga were left are difficult to determine because no dates were recorded nor, in the case of three items, the ownership. What we do have is a small notebook, probably set up in the

We

•Medical

•Grocery

•Family

•Take

•Scenic

Total

Since late 2021, the Pūkaha Rabbit Programme has removed some 45,000 rabbits from the reserve and its surrounding buffer zone.

Rabbit Programme manager Rhys Watkins said, last year, the programme successfully undertook its first full year

Nature funding – a government initiative designed to stimulate the economy following the covid-19 pandemic. Rapidly increasing rabbit numbers in and around the Pūkaha reserve were the reason behind the programme, as the rabbits were attracting other pest species, such as mustelids and feral cats, in record numbers.

1950s, acting as a receipt for items that had been handed over and recording efforts made by a then partner, J F Thompson, to ascertain ownership.”

It was incredibly special to see Ed, and his wife Juliet, carrying the taonga into Aratoi, accompanied by current WCM Legal

Rabbit reduction boosts reserve CONSERVATION KŌ RERO

point where not a single landowner in the buffer zone is against what we are doing.

“Not only have they noticed a reduction in rabbit numbers, but they’re also noticing a change in the landscape. Where there was nothing but erosion and moss before, now there is new growth.”

Initially a team of three full-time staff,

firm, and their descendants.

“A museum is a powerful place for taonga to reside,” Aratoi director Sarah McClintock said. “At Aratoi, they will be housed in the climate-controlled collection store and where access to them for local

a safe and secure environment.

“Aratoi has a long history of care for local taonga, and we are proud to be part of this important moment. We are excited to see what stories these taonga have to tell us.”

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

Principal Michael Bale, past partners in the

Māori, whānau, the public, and researchers can be ensured in

Ed and Juliet carry Wairarapa taonga, which had been in the possession of WCM Legal for over a century, into Aratoi. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Pūkaha Rabbit Programme manager Rhys Watkins talks to

Ronnie Priest Department of Conservation

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Wine for breakfast and whacking sticks

“Mummy has to wear a shirt to cover up her milk makers.”

Imagine the poor mother hearing her four-yearold child tell a complete stranger in a supermarket that!

And the embarrassment of another mother at a supermarket putting a jar of beetroot juice in the trolley, and her tiny tot asking in the loudest voice, “are you having wine for breakfast, Mummy?”

Out of the mouths of babes! No doubt every family has hilarious stories they could share. We have to be careful what we say and do around children, don’t we? They have no filter and say it as they see it. We had to redefine being honest to our boy when he was young, after he told someone they had smelly

breath in front of us all.

Teachers will hear some humdingers in class, I’m sure, and it must be very hard to keep a straight face sometimes. Many of you will remember the American Art Linklater, who had a TV show called Kids Say the Darndest Things. When Art asked one little boy what animal he would like to be, he replied, “I would be an octopus, then I could gather up all the bullies in school and hit them with my testicles”. Moving on ... My cousin’s primary school class [50+ years ago] was asked one day by their school teacher what Daddy called Mummy at home. A very dangerous question. Up shot my cousin’s hand. “Sexy bum”! The teacher, who later related the story to my aunt

and uncle with an apology for any feedback they may get from other parents, said my cousin added, “but only when they are in the shower together”.

Now, my aunt was very beautiful. However, my uncle was the most conservative man imaginable. He was a very highly respected accountant, short back and sides, very plain but smart dresser, and an elder at his church. It is very hard to imagine he would even conjure up such a name, let alone say it in a shower in earshot of children. But, I could be quite wrong. My cousin was either telling a big porky, or dear old uncle was a wolf in sheep’s clothing! I will never know.

I was taking a seven year old to school one day and I saw my father-in-law walking up Chapel Street. “See that man over there?”, I said. “He’s 80 years old.”

My passenger looked at him for a few seconds and then replied, “Wow! And

he’s still walking?”

When we were kids, we had a wooden spoon hanging on a hook behind the kitchen door which was used when discipline was required. I must add, it was very rare that it came off the hook and I always knew we got off lightly, because the neighbour used the electric jug cord on her children. Ma used to tell the story about the time she took the three of us into town for haircuts and, on the way, she stopped at a hardware store. At the door of the shop, was a large wicker basket filled with wooden spoons. In a very loud voice, my brother shouted, “Look, mum! Whacking sticks!”

Poor Ma was so embarrassed, she bundled us kids back into the car

and we went home without the haircuts.

Just as embarrassed as my Mum were the parents of a small boy who arrived at an amusement park for a fun day out. As they walked through the entrance, and past the turban-wearing Sikh security guard, the wee darling said he “didn’t know that genies worked there”. Apparently, the guard thought it was hilarious.

But I think my all time favourite is the wee girl who witnessed the birth of her brother. As the midwife gave the newborn a smack on the bum – as I understand is customary – the new big sister said, “Smack it again, it shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place.” Bless!

Bouldering wall first seeks community feedback

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

a phase where we are gauging community interest and support,” he said.

A public survey is available on the group’s Facebook page, Featherston Bouldering Wall, and will be open for the next few months while the team is in the initial planning phase.

“Even in just the past three or four days since we launched the campaign, the support has been overwhelming,”

“This is something we feel the community would definitely use if we built

Watterson said the group has been scoping out the gymnastics hall at the Featherston Sports Stadium, and has had

some early discussions with the gymnastics club about where the wall would go.

He wants to be able to work with the club to offer the wall for kids and the wider community.

“There is potential in the distant future to mingle and merge a little bit, and possibly do some cross-training between the two groups,” he said.

After the initial planning stage, the group – which includes an architect and a builder – will move to a detailed design phase.

After a detailed design is produced, the project will be more thoroughly costed out and move into its fundraising phase.

At that stage, Watterson said, the group

will seek the support of organisations like Rotary and charitable trusts that are focused on sports and young people.

“We will also have to go to South Wairarapa District Council and get it approved with them,” he said.

Watterson estimated the cost of constructing the bouldering wall would be in the region of $20,000.

He is encouraging more people to provide feedback on the proposed project via the group’s Facebook page.

A concept design has been made for a proposed bouldering wall in Featherston.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A group of Featherson

Recover and recuperate with South Wairarapa Auto Services

John Abbott and his team from South Wairarapa Auto Services can recover your vehicle from just about anywhere in the lower North Island.

They’re on call 24/7 throughout the Wairarapa region, including for vehicle salvage work, and their recovery and transport fees are “value for money,” John says. With decades of towing experience, John knows what he’s doing.

South Wairarapa Auto Services can recover and tow motor vehicles, motorbikes, caravans, trailers, campervans, light trucks, and machinery.

Based in Featherston, the Auto Services’ team has been servicing Wairarapa since 1988. Its expansive premises has full workshop facilities, and the team provides a raft of things for free. Free tyre checks for pressure, in ation, uneven wear, tread depth, and damage. They also give free estimates for repairs.

At the workshop, there’s a Warrant of Fitness express bay for cars, motorbikes, caravans, and trailers.

This is the place where vehicle servicing and pre-purchase inspections also takes place. If they’ve towed your vehicle back to the shop, they might even be able to get it running again – as good as new.

The shop at South Wairarapa Auto Services stocks a wide range of auto parts and car accessories including

replacement car parts, car batteries, brake pads, wipers, belts, lters, tyres, engine oil, and more. And if they don’t have what you want, they’re happy to order it in.

South Wairarapa Auto Services also o ers a 10 percent discount on warrants of tness to Super Gold Cardholders. Call or pop into the o ce today.

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Looking after ourselves

Getting older can be accompanied by re ection.

Most of us have spent a lifetime caring for children, partners, colleagues, friends, wider whānau, and aging parents. We’ve worked hard to earn enough money to keep everything going, and we’ve given time and money to good causes. But have we done enough to care for ourselves?

Even in the context of reduced income, decreased energy, and changing bodies, maybe now is the time to give ourselves what we need so that we can ourish in our remaining decades, rather than simply survive.

Here are just a few ideas for ourishing.

The bene ts of gardening aka ‘green care’.

The US National Library of Medicine analysed research into the causal link between gardening and health outcomes. It found that bene ts can be substantial. The studies all compared health outcomes in ‘treatment’ groups (people who gardened) with ‘control’ groups (non-gardeners or before people started to garden). The studies were from all over the world and contained 76 comparisons between control and treatment groups. Key quanti ed ndings included reductions in depression, anxiety, dementia, and body mass index, as well as increases in life satisfaction, self-esteem, quality of life, and sense of community. Even short ‘doses’ of gardening had an impact. And socio-

economic di erences had no impact on the ndings.

The website Psychology Today includes this list of bene ts from gardening: practicing acceptance (because most of our su ering comes from trying to control things that we can’t); moving beyond perfectionism; developing

a growth mindset; connecting with others; connecting to our world; bathing in green; being present; and getting some physical exercise.

Being outdoors while gardening also exposes the body to sunlight – a great way to get enough vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium (which is good for bones and our immune system), the lowering of blood pressure, and lowering the risk of getting some cancers.

Getting our creative juices owing.

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health analysed research on the links between participating in creative arts and health outcomes.

Many of the evaluations studied were randomised trials involving control groups. Impressive results were discovered. Arts programmes can save money in health and social care through strengthened prevention, reduced demand for medication and clinicians’ time, shortened hospital stays, reduced sickness-related absences from work, and delayed need for residential care.

On average, for every $1 (or pound, or other currency) invested by a local or central government in arts programmes, there was a return of at least $4.

The UK’s ‘Arts on Prescription’ project has

shown a 37 percent reduction in GP consultation rates and a 27 percent reduction in hospital admissions. As well, a social return on investment of between £4 and £11 was calculated for every £1 invested in the programme.

If you’re looking for places to go and be creative, check out what’s on o er at:

• Masterton’s King Street Artworks.

• Featherston’s Fareham Creative Space.

• Sense8, owned by Emma J Coddington Brown, o ering art workshops in Greytown.

Moving our bodies.

As moving our bodies gets harder, the more we need to keep them moving.

Sport NZ has found that recreational physical activity of any type generates signi cant value for society across multiple wellbeing domains and

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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.

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YEARS Golden

outcomes. A recent study estimated that for every $1 spent there was a social return of $2.12 across several domains of wellbeing relating to health, subjective wellbeing, safety, and more.

And ACC’s ‘Live Longer’ studies show that regular activity as an older person that involves balance and strength can reduce the potential of falls by 29 percent.

Wairarapa o ers a wide range of physical opportunities for older people of all abilities including dancing, stretching, pilates, strength and balance, keep t classes, swimming, aqua aerobics, cycling, walking, yoga, tai chi, and more.

Many options are free or subsidised (eg, with the Super Gold Card). Search for ‘Wairarapa exercise for older people’ and see what comes up. Moving our bodies outside could also provide a boost of vitamin D.

And check out Age Concern’s new, free app called ‘LifeCurve’, that can help us age better.

Go to www.ageconcernwai.org.nz.

The companionship of pets.

Pets can be costly to maintain with food and vet’s bills, but studies from around the world show a link between the bond between people and their pets and health bene ts, including:

• Decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.

• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, better cognitive function in older adults, and more opportunities to socialise.

Masterton’s SPCA Animal Welfare Centre o ers dogs, cats, and rabbits for adoption. Browse the photos on the SPCA website and fall in love.

Cyclone costs are sinking in

Emily Ireland emily.ireland@age.co.nz

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark says the cost of repairing infrastructure following severe weather events is “untenable” for small councils, and the impact is “likely to be felt for decades to come”.

As a result, Mark says, councils will need central government support to ensure the resilience of local infrastructure and people.

The mayor’s comments come after a visit to Carterton on February 19 from Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, who was keen to discuss Wairarapa’s recovery efforts in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other North Island weather events [NIWE].

The minister met with Wairarapa’s three mayors, iwi, the Wairarapa Recovery Office, Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick, Federated Farmers, Fenz, Rural Support Trust, and advocates of affected residents.

Patterson had an open discussion with Wairarapa residents and spoke about the opportunities available to rural communities through the Regional Infrastructure Fund for water storage, irrigation, and flood protection.

“Local knowledge is extremely important, and what I’m hearing is that the enormity of what’s still left to do for farmers regarding the clean-up from Cyclone Gabrielle, and the financial shortfalls, are really starting to sink in,” Patterson said.

“I’m a sheep and beef farmer myself, so I understand the frustrations farmers are feeling.”

Patterson welcomed ongoing, frank discussions about the challenges faced by the rural sector, saying “our door is always open”.

Mark said the visit was a

great opportunity to “voice our region’s concerns to ensure we’re not left behind”.

“It was fantastic for Wairarapa to have a minister from central government come to our region and speak directly with our communities to understand their needs,” he said.

“There’s a lot of support we’re going to need – now and in the future – to ensure the resilience of both our infrastructure and our people.

“The costs around repairing our

unrepaired fencing, silt build-up reducing water storage, unusable rural tracks, insurance coverage falling short of covering damages, and the longterm impacts on roading.

Residents also expressed general concerns around ongoing fire risks for farming properties, flood protection, an increase in land used for forestry, and a lack of rural cellphone coverage.

Wairarapa Recovery Programme manager Simon Taylor said that while Wairarapa was not hit as hard by NIWE as

The costs around repairing our infrastructure, particularly for our roading, are untenable for small populations such as ours, and are likely to be felt for decades to come.

– Carterton Mayor Ron Mark

infrastructure, particularly for our roading, are untenable for small populations such as ours, and are likely to be felt for decades to come.”

Among the concerns discussed were the financial pressures on farming communities, mental health impacts, accessibility to water,

other parts of the country, the region suffered some serious impacts in remote areas, with some residents still displaced, and whole communities remaining semi-isolated.

“We’re working together on behalf of the Wairarapa region to expand our recovery capability and ongoing resilience, while

continuing to support those adversely impacted by last year’s events,” Taylor said.

“Part of the recovery process is understanding and helping to mitigate some of the wider impacts on our communities and local economy.

“Today’s visit was a great opportunity for the Minister to talk directly to those affected along with those supporting them.”

– NZLDR

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

For

DairyNZ Update

Californian thistle is one of the most common thistle species in NZ, which isn’t ideal when it’s so difficult to control! Plants form in patches connected by a creeping root system, but these connections rot away in time.

Every winter, foliage dies off, but the creeping root system remains alive underground. New plants re-establish from these roots in spring.

In pasture, the most effective way of controlling Californian thistle is to apply glyphosate using a rotary weed wiper. It is best applied in late summer/early autumn when most sugar movement is down to the root system, preparing for winter. Note: plants need to be actively growing.

Constant mowing can also kill Californian thistles. Constant removal of the foliage eventually depletes the root reserves. Ideally time mowing for when it has just reached the flower bud stage, but flower buds have not opened. Mowing in the rain can improve control by 30% compared to during dry weather. Applying MCPB rather than mowing can also be effective, but all this does is removes the foliage as would occur with mowing. So, it also needs to be done continually.

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson with Wairarapa leaders.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Cherish our children every day. Celebrate them on 3 March 2024

Children’s Day (Te rā o ngā Tamariki) is celebrated in New Zealand on the rst Sunday of March each year. The theme this year is Children are our Greatest Gift. Te rā o ngā Tamariki is a National Day of Awareness that comes alive with activities and events designed to bring families together.

The brainchild of the rst Commissioner of Children, Aotearoa’s Children’s Day was established to:

 Heighten awareness of the importance and needs of children.

 Promote support for children and their development.

 Promote community celebrations and participation.

Reaching Out

If you are a parent who is struggling and nding life tough, there is no shame in reaching out. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can help you access the services you need.

Call the CAB Wairarapa (based in Masterton) on 06 377 0078.

Local event

Tararua is putting on a free event for families on Children’s Day. Check out the sausage sizzle, ice cream cart, mini hot rod car rides, face painting, play area, bouncy castles, and displays from the NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ. There will be entertainment, sports skills on display, and an obstacle course.

You’re encouraged to dress up as a character and bring your own drink bottle for freshwater re lls. The event will be held at Bush Multi Sports Park, Pahiatua between 10am and 2pm.

Children’s Day helps to raise awareness about the importance of positive families. Safe, loving, supportive whānau (family) and communities, help tamariki (children) to grow and ourish.

The day also spotlights the critical role of kōrero (talking) and aroha (love). Talking with tamariki and really listening to what they say makes them feel heard and builds their con dence. And you can never spoil a child with too much aroha. Showing warmth and a ection builds trust and positive self-esteem.

Talking and laughing together can come naturally while enjoying a game of minigolf or a visit to a bird sanctuary, or while playing beach cricket, walking a bush track, or making art together. Check out Wairarapa’s parks, playgrounds, and recreation centres too.

Fun ideas for children and whānau on Children’s Day

Children’s Day organisers have suggested some fun activities to celebrate the Day.

 Create a wish list with your children of everything they would ever want to have, do, see, and be. Imagine there are no restrictions and that absolutely anything is possible. You may be surprised by what they come up with.

 Make up a family-challenge bingo, where everyone works as a team to complete a task on a card. Once the task is complete you can celebrate with an ice-cream or special meal. Tasks could include things like:

• Doing something nice for a family member.

• Trying at least one activity you have never tried before.

• Building a newspaper tower which is taller than you.

• Beating mum or dad at a game of chess.

 Go on a bush walk or comb the beach for natural treasures you can use to make gifts or hand puppets. Not only will you spend time ‘pushing play’ and getting some fresh air, but you’ll also get to spend some time being creative when you get home.

Jumbo crossword

fighting (6)

71 Very intelligent (9)

76 Menace (6)

77 Large and grand tomb (9)

79 Reckless inconsiderate motorist (4,3)

81 Tree (3)

84 Musty (5)

85 Fantasist (10)

86 Wet (5)

87 Decelerates (5)

88 Small visible part of something known to be much greater (3,2,3,7)

89 Temporary repair (5)

DOWN

2 Deadly (6)

3 Consumers (5)

5 Well-ventilated (4)

6 Of the Orient (7)

7 Amble (6)

8 Hospital pictures (1-4)

9 Coarse sacking fabric (7)

10 Consumes (4)

11 Play text (6)

51 Saying little (8)

55 Battle (5)

58 Menial cur (anag)(9)

59 On land (6)

60 Quantities (7)

61 Friend (3)

63 Wheel shaft (4)

64 Sculpted likeness (6)

65 Hotel (3)

66 Maternity (10)

68 Conclusion (6)

69 Instrument used in

12 Tangles (5)

13 Bewilder (7)

14 Habitual users (7)

18 Let down (10)

23 Let in (5)

24 Whistle, boo (7)

26 Feeling (7)

27 Residential areas (7)

29 Reindeer (7)

30 Skin disorder (6)

31 Studies assiduously (5)

32 Shock (6)

34 Take notice of (4)

36 Go furtively (5)

38 Inexperienced (5)

40 Siamese (4)

45 Craze (5)

46 Took a chance (7)

47 Cereal heads (4)

48 Stir up (6)

49 Open-mouthed (5)

50 I a Latin (anag)(7)

52 Entrant (10)

53 Anneal (7)

54 Distribute sparingly (6)

55 Praise to excess (7)

56 Intone (5)

57 Cheerless (4)

62 Play for time (5)

67 Strip (7)

68 Diplomatic building (7)

70 Round of applause (7)

72 Edible leafstalk (7)

73 African country (6)

74 Ecclesiastic (6)

75 French brandy (6)

76 Toss (5)

78 Fashion (5)

80 Play (5)

82 Vote against (4)

83 Alcoholic drink (4)

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Reach, 4 Left in the lurch, 11 Lotus, 14 Heart, 15 Rabbit’s foot, 16 Truncate, 19 Stadium, 20 Scuff, 21 Technique, 24 Semicolon, 26 Cheese, 27 Useful, 31 Tempo, 32 Sanction, 34 Opposition, 38 Steeple, 39 Cuckoo, 40 Wrecks, 41 Wife, 42 Eyesore, 45 Blancmange, 50 Totally, 54 Rude, 55 Spleen, 56 Exodus, 57 Ocarina, 60 Henceforth, 61 Nebulous, 62 Malta, 65 Creche, 66 Cleave, 67 Eternally, 72 Underside, 73 Bandy, 74 Viaduct, 79 Tenacity, 80 Intentional, 81 Minus, 82 Regal, 83 Characteristic, 84 Slays.

DOWN: 2 Events, 3 Cared, 5 Exam, 6 Tobacco, 7 Notify, 8 Haft, 9 Loosened, 10 Hermit, 11 Linguistic, 12 Teak, 13 Special, 17 Tulip, 18 Chesspiece, 22 Vocal, 23 Official, 25 Express, 26 Conform, 28 Gently, 29 Sicken, 30 Locket, 33 Cruel, 35 Needy, 36 Blur, 37 Twin, 42 Earth, 43 Endanger, 44 Employ, 45 Breathless, 46 Acne, 47 Cleanse, 48 Amoeba, 49 Gruel, 51 Once, 52 Airmail, 53 Length, 58 Mechanical, 59 Burro, 63 Bandanna, 64 Cabin, 65 Counter, 68 Tedious, 69 Hectic, 70 Matter, 71 Occupy, 75 Drill, 76 Snug, 77 Went, 78 Bali.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Al-Anon Family Groups: Help and hope for family and friends of alcoholics. See al-anon.org.nz for more information.

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: 1.30-3.30pm, 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.

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-1pm, 365 Queen St. Narcotics Anonymous: 7.30-8.30pm, at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton.

Parkinson’s Exercise Class: 1.30pm, at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, Dixon St. Call Roslyn [027] 264-8623.

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

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 the 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: 9am-noon, 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 1

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

Carterton Senior Citizens: 12.30-3.30pm, 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. 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. Support across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246. Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

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:

8am-2pm, 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, 10.30am-2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated.

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

Masterton Tennis Centre: Organised doubles from 12.30 pm at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Contact 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: 10am-1pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon.

Wairarapa Cancer Society Supportive Care Services: For anyone needing support after a cancer diagnosis. Call (06) 378-8039.

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

Wairarapa Farmers’ Market: 9am-1pm, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton.

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Women’s Self Defence: With Dion, 9am, band rotunda, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call [020] 4124-4098.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm. Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm.

Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: At the 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 at 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 10 am at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Blackboard draw.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-1pm, 365 Queen St.

Narcotics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call 0800 628 632.

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. Call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 4

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 378-2426 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 399-1050.

East Indoor Bowling Club: 7pm. Call Julie 377-5497 or George 378-9266.

Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249.

Free Community Fit Club: Mon/Tues/Fri, 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. Call Di [027] 498-7261.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. 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 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 377-4214.

Mah-jong: 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Pat Hamilton [06] 308-9729.

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

Masterton Food Bank: 9 Church St, Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm. Call 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. Contact 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, MARCH 5

Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Call Kirsten 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 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] 6.15-7.30pm.

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

Featherston Wahine Singers: 7-8.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Susan [021] 246-4884.

Free Literacy and Numeracy

Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa, 340 Queen St, Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994.

GirlGuiding: Masterton Pippins [5-7 years] 3.45-5pm. Call Chrissy Warnock 372-7646.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 11am-1pm.

Knit and Natter: 3pm, Wairarapa

Community Centre, Perry St; 7pm, Te

Awhina Cameron Community House, 2 Stuart Cres, Masterton. Mah-jong: Carterton RSA, 1pm. Call Margaret 379-8681.

Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne 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 377-0342.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am1pm, at rear of Masterton YMCA, 162 Dixon St, Masterton.

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 at the Auditorium, Kuranui College, Greytown. Contact Alison [021] 111-1894.

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

South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff 304-9748.

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, 1-3.30pm.

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.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

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 379-6582 or Val 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 [0204] 105-2830.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Masterton: 10am-noon, Masterton Library.

Free Classes: Literacy, language, numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa 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.

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: A community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm. 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, 9.30-11am, 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.

Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10am, at the South Wairarapa

Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick 379-5376.

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

Recreational Walking Group: 9.30am, Essex St car park. Call Ann Jackson, 372-5758, or Ann Duckett, 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 370-1604].

South Wairarapa Caregivers

Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten 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: 7.30-8.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Wairarapa Heart Help Group: 1.30- 3pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton. 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 378-8775 or Josie 378-6531.

Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, improvers 5-6.30pm. Call 377-5518 or 377-1135.

Wisdom and Well-being: Featherston Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm. Call Pauline [021] 102 8857.

* To have an event listed please email event@age.co.nz by noon Thursday prior

Events

Employment Teacher Aide

1. Ongoing Resource Scheme (ORS) funded Teacher Aide. Fixed Term (14 hours/week)

commencing 1 March 2024 - 20 December 2024.

Primary Objective:

- To support a student in class to achieve their learning goals.

2. Teacher Aide. Fixed Term (14 hours/week)

1 March 2024 - 20 December 2024.

Primary Objective:

- To support curriculum delivery and to contribute to the Teaching Team and wider life of the school

For more information including a Job Description and Application Form please contact Simon Couling principal@tinui.school.nz

Employment

Kaiwhakahaere - Administrator

If you are wanting a change to y our work -life balance and are looking for an opportunity to work with a talented team who are committed to an innovative inter-generational Māori agribusiness, we would love to hear from you

We have a place for a flexible team member to provide quality and efficient services through a range of administrative roles, based at our Masterton office

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation represents shareholders and descendants of the original owners of Wairarapa Moana; and are recognised for:

• their excellence in farming practices, and sustainable management of the whenua.

• supporting the development of future leaders; and whānau in their education, culture, heritage and identity as descendants of Wairarapa Moana tīpuna. Remuneration is positioned to suit the skill set and experience of the applicant.

Applications close 4.00pm Thursday 14 March 2024 but we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the closing date.

If this position interests you, send your cover letter and CV to info@wairarapamoana.org.nz or phone 0800 662 624 for a positio n description

 Class 1 & 2 Licence

 P Endorsement



1-2 years’ experience in the passenger service industry as a driver or a supervisor

 Excellent customer service and operational skills.

 Ability to adapt to a changing and fluid work environment

 Communication skills – both verbal and written

 Ability to build and develop key relationships

 Problem solving and ability to think on feet

 Remains calm under pressure.

 Positive attitude, intuitive and attention the detail.

community then we want to hear from you!

Our recruitment process includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and Police Vetting/Ministry of Justice

Check.

Apply here online or send your CV & send cover letter to letter

tony.irving@gobus.co.n z

SPLIT

Red Star outshone at Sky Stadium

CRICKET

Chris Cogdale chris.cogdale@age.co.nz

“It’s a good wake-up call.”

That was the reaction from captain Jeremy Anderson as Burger Kings Red Star were on the wrong end of a sevenwicket thumping from Kapiti Old Boys in their Coastal Challenge match at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Saturday.

After winning the toss and batting, Red Star could only muster 119, with the main contribution coming

from number three Trey Bidois, who continued his good form, scoring 44, while Anderson was the next best with 17. Although disappointed with the overall batting effort, Anderson credited Kapiti for good bowling rather than bad batting, saying that four of the top six wickets fell to good balls on a pitch that didn’t play as they thought it would.

“It was pretty sticky, and a few would keep low and then a few would pop up, but we didn’t score enough runs and didn’t adjust to the wicket as

Blues batters blitz Wainui

SOFTBALL

Chris Cogdale chris.cogdale@age.co.nz

A batting blitz in the first innings propelled Giants Blue to a commanding 13–3 win over Wainui Brotherhood in the Hutt Valley Premier Reserve-Premier Two Championship on Saturday.

Greg Paku and Jason Herangi got the scoreboard ticking over for the Blues at Wise Park, Wainuiomata, with runs in the first turn at bat.

But it was the second inning that set the tone with nine runs scored, with solid contributions from the whole batting lineup.

The home side responded with three runs in the third inning, only for the Blues to bring home another two runs to seal the victory and another two points

we should have. That was probably the main gist of it,” Anderson said.

“We went out there and looked at it, and we thought there’s no way we’re doing anything other than batting first. It was hard, and it looked good.”

Red Star had early hope of defending their meagre total, taking the first three Kapiti wickets with only one run on the board. But that was as good as it got, as Tristan Cloete [57no] and Taine Halbert [49no] batted with control, bringing up the winning runs in the

25th over.

Cloete’s unbeaten half-century completed a good double for the all-rounder, who had knocked off the top of Red Star batting lineup bowling openers Robbie Anderson and Quinn Childs, and finishing with 2–3 off six overs.

The loss ended Red Star’s unbeaten run in the Coastal Challenge and dropped them to second behind Whanganui United – with Anderson saying it is probably the wake-up call that is needed.

“I’ve said it all along –

there are no easy beats in this competition, so you’ve got to be on your game every week.”

The loss sees Red Star slip to second equal along with Kapiti Old Boys and Whanganui Marist. But they are still in line for a home semifinal if they win their final two games against Weraroa and Paraparaumu.

As for playing on Sky Stadium, Anderson said he enjoyed the experience, and the plan is to try and do something similar with Kapiti Old Boys each year, possibly at the

Basin Reserve, where the clubs could have spectators and put on full lunches.

BRIEF SCORES

Red Star 119 [Trey Bidois 44; Michael Newell 3–29, Martin Harrison 3–12, Tristan Cloete 2–3, Carter Andrews 2–27] lost to Kapiti Old Boys 123–3 [ Cloete 57no, Taine Halbert 49no; George Deans 2–33] by seven wickets.

PROVISIONAL POINTS Whanganui United 13; Red Star, Kapiti Old Boys, Whanganui Marist 11; Levin Old Boys 7; Weraroa, Paraparaumu 6.

to retain their lead in the combined championship.

Batters to stand out were Devon Cocks and Chris Cox, who both batted 1000, closely followed by Sean Robinson.

The game was also the first time this season that Kortez Paku was on the mound, taking seven strikeouts and being named player of the day.

In stark contrast, Giants Red turned on arguably their worst performance of the season, going down 10–7 to Dodgers Black in their Hutt Valley Premier Three clash at Fraser Park.

The Reds started positively, scoring two runs in their first turn at bat. But that was as good as it got, with Dodgers consistently scoring runs throughout the innings and building a three-run lead, which they held to the end.

The Reds were missing three of their power hitters, Gordon Wilmshurst and Terry and Willie Waitere, for the game, but team member Chris Feary felt that was no excuse, and the team “just didn’t gel”.

“It was probably one of the worst games we’ve played in quite a while,” Feary said.

“Dodgers batted well and started dropping bunts and slowly added up runs and got ahead of us, and at our last turn

at bat, we couldn’t peg it back.”

Feary was impressed with the effort of Rob Barnes, who he said had “a hell of a game” after moving from centrefield to short stop, making some crucial catches and

stops. The Reds have been joined by Dodgers Black at the head of the table, with one round to play before the semifinals.

The Blues and Reds both have this weekend off with byes.

Devon Cocks, shown here batting against Marist, batted 1000 in Giants Blue’s win over Wainui.

PHOTO/GRAEME BOWDEN

Trey Bidois top-scored for Red Star in the heavy loss to Kapiti Old Boys.

PHOTO/FILE